Time is money

For many of us, the impact of Hurricane Katrina is indirect. We've seen the images and heard reports of the devastation via TV, radio and newspapers.

But areas in Louisiana and Mississippi manufacture, process or distribute huge amounts of chicken, coffee, seafood and other products for the nation. We've already seen that the hurricane and flood have had an impact on prices and supplies of gasoline. You'll likely see some effects in the grocery aisles as well.

Chicken prices, or specifically the spot price of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, jumped 4.7 percent from the end of August to Sept. 14, to $1.56 per pound. The price moderated a bit this week, but prices haven't been this high since February.