Answer the question about text:

For one reason or another ( we 're blaming the economy and the price of gasoline for the higher food prices ) , my house 's joint bank account ran dangerously low in funds before the end of March and the next round of paychecks . We use this account to pool our earnings so that we can pay for food , internet and phone services . We ' ve never had trouble budgeting before , but for whatever reason the last couple months have n't quite added up .

What may be the reason for their financial issues ?
The economy had created higher prices .