Consumers are already nervous about the state of their personal finances. The spectre of rising costs can only add to that growing concern.

Joe Staton

With more than half the population now checking their account balances more often as a direct result of the downturn, and with more of us comparing prices in virtually every market, it is natural to turn budget management into a skill, an accomplishment, a badge of lifestyle success.

accomplishment skills business

The world is becoming more affluent. We are generating more and more money - so more spending will go on. In the west, we're opening our purses and moths are flying out - but we've got to remember that, in other markets, this is not an issue.

issues flying business

More and more shoppers expect that costs for goods and services will jump dramatically in the next 12 months, this rapid increase will impact our ability to shop and save, and our willingness to spend at a time when our incomes are outpaced by inflation.