Ever Increasing Gas Prices!! Are you effected?

[AMBERNICHOLE]

Wow  I never thought I would say this but Yes the gas prices have affected everyone in some way or form. The gas prices here today are $ 3.87 a gallon What the HECK!! It's cheaper at arco then Costco. I mean its crazy. I now try to not run around frivolously and try to group what I'm doing while I'm out and about to keep cost down then just going at a leisurely pace. Don't get me wrong of course we still drive but its not the same. We are even budgeting ourselves since not only the gas prices but everything are higher priced. From Groceries to eating out to You name it everything is higher priced. Why the heck is it that we are in a recession. I mean we make damn good money and we have to watch what we do right now just to make sure that things are put away and we are safe for awhile. Not to mention the cost with family things are adding up especially since we are expecting a new little girl in July that too will eat cost. Gees I'm thinking we will have to move to another country if this doesn't let up I mean the dollar is worthless compared to the Euro etc. Man oh man are times getting tough. Just wanted to see what you ladies think of the recession and the gas prices. Why doesnt the government let the refineries open and do their job why arent we using our own resources to move forward in this measure did you know that the us is the last to conform to new areas on this matter?

[mamaof2boys0607]

May. 8, 2008 at 4:36 PM I hear you. It's really sad. We were planning on getting a rent-to-own home but can't now since we've been using our savings since our landlord had to hike up our rent more $100 more a month to cover utilities. It's really sad because once our money is gone, it's gone...we have to dip into our money from other bills to pay the extra gas bill. I have no idea what to do...

Some money saving tips...

I stopped buying any processed foods. Since I have a freezer I buy store brand ($1.30 a box and makes about 30 waffles) waffle mixes make them for the month, freeze 'em...pop 'em in the toaster when the kids are hungry.

I don't use paper towels anymore. I use all dish clothes for cleaning, washing dishes...you name it. I've always sewed my own baby wipes. Babies don't need wiped when they go pee anyways...so just poopies or a quick wipe if they're been in it a long time. I'm also going to switch to cloth dipes to save money.

We are using coupons constantly. My mother in law and I take turns doing eachothers laundry to save on water/energy.

There are tons more...but maybe it'll help you?

[ArrowheadDisney]

May. 8, 2008 at 8:12 PM

I am so glad you made this post. Yes, this is really affecting us. Gas is $4.09 here and my husband and I drive over 200 miles a week...each!  What used to be an outrageous 50 bucks to fill a tank, is now a horrendous 75 bucks (at least). With 3 cars and a motorcycle to fill up, it really adds up!   Then there is the matter of groceries. We only have 2 grocery stores up here. One is like a Gelsons....expensive...and the other a Staters. It's supposed to be the low food priced leader, but b/c we live up here, everything is about 20% more. I try to stock up and buy stuff when i'm down the hill, but with the price of everything skyrocking, i'm contemplating on growing my own veggie garden.

 I don't know. I thought about getting a part time job to help with some of the expenses, but with the recession, nobody is hiring!  

My husband and I were just talking about leaving California. Everything is so expensive here, and it's so crowded. Does anyone remember the 5 and 10 fwy only having traffic before 9am and at 5pm? Now it's crowded ALL THE TIME!!!  Geeze, do I even want to start on the crime rate in Cali? It's only going to get worse. We all have to do what we can to save and cut down on expenses. Rumor has it that the summer time, gas prices, utilities, groceries, etc will go up even higher.

[AMBERNICHOLE]

May. 8, 2008 at 9:06 PM Tell me about it. I usually shop at Albetsons but we have been going to Stater Bros more often. I dont buy generic grocceries but I try to use coupons when applicable and Costco isnt so cheap anymore nowadays. I know the traffic is horrific I used to have to use my fastrack to get to work all the time and thank god I dont have to take any toll roads and thats a huge expense taken off our budget. I would spend litally about 60 a week on tolls can you believe it. I filled up 1/2 a tank and it cost me $35.12 What $50.00 used to fill me up I drive an escalade and with 3 kids I cant imagine going to a car but I really would like a relief though.

(Original Poster)

[Luvmykiddios]

May. 13, 2008 at 1:37 AM I hear you girl it has gotten to be just crazy and I know a couple right now whom just purchased a 2 million dollar home and they as well are cutting corners where they can sounds funny but honest to God it is hitting people of all financial backgrounds unless just simply born with silver spoon in mouth.  I believe them now when they say the average income in Orange COunty is 250,ooo a year for that is what one needs to get by anymore .... Something has got to give between food and gas and utilities and insurance health,life, car etc. We are all just spoiled we all could cut back but are we willing to give up the luxury of it??? They know we wont we could but we wont. Imgine how much one would save if they cut cell phones, dsl, cable , as well. As far as grocery chains one is not cheaper than the other including Stater Bros , I have tried them all and no big savings .. Costco is always a 500 dollar bill so stay away from there however the Pizza for dinner is a bargain ..10 bucks cant beat that , a family can go there for lunch for cheap. LOL We have taken a big hit financially people just arent spending to upgrade there homes right now.. I pray it all picks up sooner than later or perhaps never. Some say the prices are here to stay  I sure hope not.