That's right! Between the increase in property taxes, water/sewer rates, homeowners insurance, gas, food, etc. I guess the auto insurance companies want a piece of the pie. I did get a $40/mo. raise yesterday but between all the rate increases that's gone plus. I'm already eating less, driving between work/home, if not on the way it's rare that I'll go there unless it's a special occassion, no outings, no cable, satillite, internet or microwave. The beaches need to get prepared for fewer tourists since that's the #1 industry around here. Who's going to be able to afford to stay at the Hilton @ Carolina Beach with rates upwards of $200/night? I'm a low income citizen so that cuts me out of picture. This country continues to make it difficult for the low income to survive. My vacation spot is my own backyard.