It's the cost of life's necessities, not the niceties, that are climbing so high and so fast. 30 percent to 50 percent: Expected increase in heating bills
50 percent: Monthly Medicare (Part B) premiums up, 2000 to 2007
14.4 percent: Transportation (fuel) prices up, July 2007 to July 2008
6 percent: Food prices up, July 2007 to July 2008