I know this isn’t really a universal indicator, but for me it’s been watching the price of simple things like chips, candy, and soda ($3 for a 20 oz bottle?!?). All things that i enjoy occasionally but as the price of all these things continues to rise it becomes easier to say no. I was shocked to see the bagel place in town charging $15 for a sandwich on a bagel. Nobody seems to bat an eye though. I think I’m probably just getting gradually priced out of my town ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Of course I’m aware i don’t have to buy any of that stuff and i can cook and make food at home, and that’s what I’ve started doing. I may treat myself on occasion but i just can’t justify spending that much on stuff that didn’t used to cost half that. I’m probably just getting old and remember “back in my day” all too well, lol