No, this time I'm not talking about running economy...

The pay rate:cost of living ratio right now leaves me open-mouthed and dithering! OK, we're in a repressed economic moment, so we grip our cash with white knuckles, but hope that someone is spending money somewhere so we can all relax a bit.

But really, the current state of repression aside, WHAT IS UP with the pay rates, especially in CA? How does it compute that hourly employees make $7-$15 for doing the same kind of work I got paid $9-12 to do in 1990?!? Something has to give. Students and post-grads might only be renting single rooms, but even a decent-sized single room in San Diego rents for $600+. (In the mid-90's, I lived in UTC/La Jolla with roommates in a 3BR condo with full kitchen, patio, and garage for a grand total of $900.)

The other thing that's really buzzing in my bonnet like a bee is a syndrome of capitalism. Has anyone else trying to live and work (especially in CA) noticed that simply walking out your front door is liable to cost you $100 in a day? I mean, $60 at the gas station, a couple food items, a prescription for a family member, and you're done!

One of the biggest culprits is what author Bob Sullivan calls Gotcha Capitalism. Hidden fees everywhere! Recurring fees! Businesses that count on you to be too lazy or too tired from working to earn that $ to inspect your phone bill or your credit card statements. Highly recommended - I am like the last person on earth to become an accountant, but if you can stand it at all, skim those statements. In fact today, I caught a sizable fee from The Motley Fool for another year's suscription (which I didn't want). To their credit, their customer service rep was very polite and helpful, and immediately reversed the fee.

Another painful one is healthcare costs. This is a whole separate topic...but do you ever question that "00627A adjustment" on your Explanation of Benefits? I figure I'll call to ask about the extrra $28 the lab is charging me because Aetna "adjusted" their payment; but at the same time, is the $28 worth the hour I might spend looking up records and fighting their customer service system?

I'm convinced that many businesses prey on our ignorance. I know, who would make money if the default state were "Don't charge me until I ask you to?" Most of us do want compensation for our efforts, whether it's monetary or emotional; but things may have gone too far. I am pro-free-market-economy, but this is feeling less and less like one!