U.S. inflation has hit highs unmatched in four decades. Gas prices have been inflated 49.6%, energy 29.3%, food by 6.3% (costing Americans an average of $24 more per month), and all items, on avenger, by 7%. There's no doubt that inflation is eroding the affordability of our everyday necessities, putting prices at their highest since 1982, as costs rise at gas pumps, grocery stores, and on virtually all consumer goods.