One item that used to be cheap, now cost real money

Recently, I wrote an article about how I believe rent has gotten so out of hand in New Jersey that those trying to make a living on their own simply can't. Even one roommate doesn't seem like enough to make ends meet anymore (you can read more about that in the link below).

READ MORE: Remembering how "affordable" living in NJ once was

A friend of mine saw that article and wanted to share a BuzzFeed ranking with me. It's a list of 20 things that were affordable 10 years ago that feel out of touch today.

One item in particular on that list is one I began to notice just a few years ago. And it's one I like to treat myself to at least once a week.

In my opinion, coffee is one of those items that fits this category of feeling out of touch today. Until recently, I never paused to think about the price of a standard cup of coffee.

But now, I have to think twice about it. Somewhere over the past couple of years, an average cup of coffee in some places is around $3. That, to me, is rather high.

However, it is in line with how much things in general are getting, so I totally understand the price point. And for the record, I still stop by and support my local coffee shops as they make a really good cup of coffee.

So pause and think about that for a moment. What item in your life did you used to consider affordable that seems out of touch today? For me, it's that cup of coffee, but I'm sure you can think of more.

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The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.