Inflation. Everyone is feeling the pinch of high food and gas prices. The worry that a recession is just around the corner plays on just about everyone's mind. But believe it or not, consumers are actually in a good position because of the financial help given during the pandemic. In fact, according to Macroeconomist Julia Coronado, consumers are 70% of the economy, so even if though they are getting hit with higher gas and food prices they are in a better position to weather it than at anytime before.

In part two of everything you need to know about inflation, USA TODAY's James Brown talked with Coronado about the impact of inflation on everyday people. Coronado addresses food prices (why are chicken wings so expensive?), car prices, buying big ticket items or holding off, concerns about a recession, the US dollar's status as a reserve currency and more.

For part one click here

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To follow Julie Coronado on Twitter click here.

Episode Transcript available here

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