The hidden toll of inflation

Welcome to The Money, where we break down financial news and provide the TL;DR version of how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you.

We all know the sticker shock that hits when you go to the supermarket and see the prices of bread and eggs have gone up again. But inflation can take an even deeper - and sometimes unexpected - toll on consumers and the broader economy.

In addition to making it harder to juggle bills, people also have less money to invest and wind up exerting more energy wrangling for raises and dealing with financial anxiety according to a new paper by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

The domino effect of all that financial duress can rattle markets, make banks less likely to lend, and hinder the ability of individuals to build personal wealth.

"These frictions….suggest that inflation imposes significant costs on society," the authors say in the paper entitled, “The Long-Run Costs of Higher inflation.”

USA TODAY's economy reporter Paul Davidson breaks down the myriad costs of spiking prices.

What would Martha do?

Just in time for the holiday season, Martha Stewart, the maven of home entertainment, is teaming up with Etsy for a special curated collection.

It will be a mix of holiday party must haves and affordable gifts that won't cost more than $50.

“I love to look for the unusual and you can find so many beautiful, unusual things on sites like Etsy,'' Stewart told USA TODAY. "That was the whole idea of Etsy in the first place ... to be a marketplace for creativity.”

Is social media still the best way to get in touch with an airline rep?

Social media has been the go-to for many travelers when they're trying to reach airline customer service. But with all the recent changes to X, formerly Twitter, and other platforms, is that still the way to go?

USA TODAY's Cruising Altitude columnist Zach Wichter says, yes, pretty much. At least for now.

But if you ask for help in such a public way, be aware, Wichter says. Fake accounts mimicking the airline may key in on your post, then reach out to try to get your information.

?? More stories you shouldn't miss ??

Yep, cruises have gotten more expensive. USA Today's Nathan Diller explains why.

A camera that changed everything: The Kodak Instamatic debuted sixty years ago, revolutionizing photography and becoming the tool to record family memories for a generation.

A possible ban on some hair products? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a proposed ruling that could prohibit some hair styling and straightening chemicals that have been linked to cancer.

Despite talk of lowering fees, ATM surcharges are soaring: If you use an “out-of-network” ATM, you'll be charged on average $4.73 in fees, according to a Bankrate study.

???Today's Menu???

The chicken sandwich war is about to get hotter.

Popeyes' is giving its popular chicken sandwich an elegant update with a new offering that adds a dollop of TRUFF’s Spicy Mayo for a limited time only.

The Spicy TRUFF Chicken Sandwich will feature a mayonnaise topping that blends red jalapeno with black winter truffle. It will cost you at least $6.

And if you just can't get enough truffles, Popeyes will also sprinkle the hot mayo on its Homestyle Mac & Cheese or Cajun Fries for an extra buck.

Want more??Sign up here?to receive USA TODAY’s The Daily Money newsletter directly in your inbox, every weekday.