>Now --- for example --- how much have college costs risen?
>
>.....did it in 1968 then any kid should be able to do it in 2018 - the fact that pay is lower and expenses have skyrocketed doesn't seem to mean anything to some people I guess -- ya know NUMBERS

Agreed.
My grandson is driving my 1999 Camry that I bought for $23K. I can buy a 2018 Camry with infinitely more features for $24K.
I can buy a 49" TV for less than 1/3 the price that a similar TV cost 10 years ago.
I can buy a golf ball CHEAPER than I could buy one in 1958 and it goes a lot further (If I can figure out how to hit it)

As you correctly note, the three insane cost increases have been in education (not just college), housing and medical care.
The common thread is monopoly. These people are not subjected to the competitive pressures that other people are. They systematically resist technology that might make them more efficient.
Medical costs for teachers affect education costs.
Education costs affect housing costs. Local councils are loath to approve high density housing because it might create an influx of school age kids and skyrocket school costs.
Here in Hamilton, you can get immediate approval for a house on one acre, but it will take years and thousands in attorney fees, to get approval for higher density.
How whacky is that- a community that doesn't want kids in it?
What can we do?
The next time an MD scribbles an indecipherable Rx, refuse to take it. (I did that last week)Tell him that you want a digital prescription sent to your pharmacy or he won't get paid.
The next time an MD refers you for a test, ask him how much his cut is. If he won't answer, find another MD.