Rising prices may prompt shifts at McDonald's, dollar stores

CLARKONOMICS: The rise in food prices is affecting everyone from consumers to business owners. In the latest twist, McDonald's is contemplating changing the double cheeseburger to a double hamburger with a single slice of cheese because the cost of cheese has skyrocketed!

Dollar stores are feeling pinched too. The 99¢ only chain doesn't know what to do as their margins get squeezed. Will they have to become the $1.29 store or the $1.99 store?

Clark recently bought orange juice for his kids and didn't notice the container went from 64 ozs. to 56 ozs. The packaging hadn't really changed, so it was more of a hidden price increase.

Everywhere we turn -- whether we're business owners or consumers -- we all have to cut corners. Christa's favorite fish sandwich now only has a half-slice of cheese.

The takeaway is that you have to work overtime to be a better shopper in this new economic climate.