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I haven't cut back much...I was never much of a big spender and I have just myself to worry about so not much will change. I've stopped making uneccessary trips during working hours (I work in one location and turn in paper work at another). Instead of driving to the main office to check my mailbox and pick up info (which can happen several times a week), I now do it all in one trip-at the end of the week.
We do lots of shopping on-line now. Our truck sucks gas so we do any and all errands on certain days and do it all then. We even work on-line so there is no commute. There is very little, except food maybe, that you can't get on-line. Thank goodness for the internet!!!
I spend about $100 a month more on gasoline than I did a few years ago, and as a result, my shopping for other goods has to be cut back. I have cut back on clothes shopping, travel and eating out. Where have you cut back and when gasoline goes to $5.00 will you drive less or shop less?
I basically refuse to drive anywhere now unless I have to, so ALL of my spending has been reduced. We are also in the process of selling our house, and have found a new area where shopping is within easy walking distance. I am OVER big oil stealing my money, and am figuring out every way I can to cut it out of my life. Of course, food comes on trucks that use oil, so we can't get rid of it completely, but we will do what we can.
Everything gets more expensive when fuel costs go up. Because the stores rely on the trucking industry to get their goods there. And the heating costs go up, etc. It is all relative to each other.
That and the fact that our insurance company doesn't want to pay for jack squat anymore is killing us.
We spend way more money than I like for gas, partially because we live 1 hr. from the closest decent size town (still small) and because we own a Subhurban. Can't see either changing as we have to live where my husband works so we can move closer to town, and we have 4 children so we need a larger car and a car with 4-wheel drive (live in the woods). I try to drive less but that isn't always easy.
I consolidate trips when possible. I use synthetic oil now too which has increased my vehicle's mileage slightly and check the air pressure in my tires more often, plus rotate them when needed. We also njow have a light rail not far from us that I used to save gas and wear and tear, but that is only for going downtwon. Cuts about 20 miles off roundtrip and is only 1.30 each way, plus connects to buses. I use more coupons now too, especially at places that double or triple them.
I just conserve more now not really becuase of the cost but just because we need too in this country. I won't drive to the next town to shop just for the pleasure or to go to a restaurant etc.We have cut down on our mileage about 10% from two years ago. I think that if we keep increasing the miles the average person drives we will see $4.00 gas prices sooner than we think.
We do lots of shopping on-line now. Our truck sucks gas so we do any and all errands on certain days and do it all then. We even work on-line so there is no commute. There is very little, except food maybe, that you can't get on-line. Thank goodness for the internet!!!
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