Despite a strong overall economy, consumers’ money is not going as far as it used to. With inflation still a tick above 3%, it’s been steady lately, but thanks, largely, to energy costs, it’s still higher than expected. That being said, after cutting back, many consumers tell us they’re b ack to shopping, traveling, and spending, because they have to. The latest numbers from the Commerce Department show prices and spending are still rising. Business Professor Caroline Chen says we’ve gotten used to paying more so we’re shopping through it. “I think people are in a state of tolerance at this point, because you have put off for so long buying the thing you’ve been saving for, and yes, it’s more expensive that what you hoped it would be, but then you’re tired of waiting, so you buy it at the elevated price,” she said. Scott Budman has more in the video report above. ...read more read less