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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
I'm tired of hearing about the economy and gas prices....yet it seems that no one is doing anything to change their spending habits or gas usage...
not talking about anyone here in particular...but what have you done with the increasing price of gas?
This morning on Fox 5, they were interviewing commuters, and one man stated "I live in Jersey City and drive into Manhattan, the gas prices are KILLING me."
I laughed...b/c Jersey City is LITERALLY 3 minutes on the PATH train into Manhattan...WHY are you driving?
Another observation...people are saying we're in a recession...and that they feel poor...everywhere I look - ipods, laptops, flat screen tvs...BEST BUY was PACKED this weekend..and people were still buying up a storm....
Have you changed your spending habits in anyway?
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Posted 4/25/08 9:40 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
DH has been riding to work instead of taking the truck. I do not run single errands through out the week now. I take one day to do everything (if I can). I also do not go out of my way for anything anymore. I will shop at the closests stores possible when I can.
We are also buying a new truck that gets better MPG.
ETA: We have changed our spending habits. We also are trying to make our house run more efficiently. DH has begun to take cold showers when he gets home to save on the heating bill. We lowered our thermostat to 68 (it was on 72 for DS), and we do not use lights until the sun goes down.
Message edited 4/25/2008 9:45:16 AM.
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:43 AM |
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beautyq115
New Year!
Member since 5/05 13729 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
DH and I have a long commute but there is no way either of us can take a train....I try and plan my errands out so it's more efficient.
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:48 AM |
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Kissy331
My two miracles!
Member since 5/06 17826 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Unfortunately for us, DH needs to have his car readily accessible when he is working so he drives to Queens & then commutes via subway around NYC. He does have to go to NJ 2 days a week & can not use Mass Transit bc he is picking bulky items up.
For me, I try to do as many errands on my way home that I can this way I don't have to use the extra gas. I am always shopping for bargains & try to consolidate as much as I can. We don't do any joy riding on the weekends anymore since DH's sports car (weekend car) eats gas.
I have been trying to curb our social spending just so that we can save some more. Sometimes it is easier said then done. I don't mind getting items at Walmart & Target (since they are cheaper) & try to make due with what I have in terms of last years clothes.
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:48 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
I'm trying to coordinate a car pool with coworkers who live relatively close to me. It's hard, though, because I have a surgery coming up soon, and some home reno, so I often have to leave work early to meet a contractor, appraiser, doctor, etc. I'm trying for at least one or two days a week. It will definitely help, at least a little.
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:51 AM |
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MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
We only have one car, so there isn't much to change there.
I do a Peapod delivery so I can really see what I'm buying, along with buying on sale and using coupons.
I don't shop really anymore.
We don't go out.
We don't go out to eat.
We haven't purchased clothing.
I'm also trying to get my credits above masters, so once that is done, my salary will increase 
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:57 AM |
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bicosi
life is a carousel
Member since 7/07 14956 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
I haven't really changed anything. But at the same time, I don't complain about it either.
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:58 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
I take the express bus and only drive my SUV on the weekends
I luckily live in Queens- and have a HUGE shopping center 2 blocks from my house- so I have been walking to the Post Office, super maket, drug store , we even walked to on monday to outback
but I have not been complaining about the price of gas- I am walking b/c it's better for the earth
Message edited 4/25/2008 10:00:37 AM.
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:59 AM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
Name:
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
I traded in my Jeep Liberty for a Mini Cooper last year 100% SOLELY because of the price of gas. DH and I also changed gyms to one closer to our house, sounds small but we go every day and it adds up!
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| Posted 4/25/08 9:59 AM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by KittyTheStray
I traded in my Jeep Liberty for a Mini Cooper last year 100% SOLELY because of the price of gas. DH and I also changed gyms to one closer to our house, sounds small but we go every day and it adds up!
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:02 AM |
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KPtoys
I'm getting old
Member since 5/05 8688 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
DH must drive to work but now he brings his employees out with him so he doesn't have to fuel another car. I just got a 20mpg car instead of a 14mpg one. I have my groceries delivered so the delivery man can get me on his rounds instead of me driving to get them. I don't leave the house unless I NEED to and even then I have a planned route to get the most out of my trip. I turn the car off while waiting in lines.
As for the economy. I have cut back on the non essential purchases and have started putting more stuff on ebay.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:09 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by KPtoys
DH must drive to work but now he brings his employees out with him so he doesn't have to fuel another car. I just got a 20mpg car instead of a 14mpg one. I have my groceries delivered so the delivery man can get me on his rounds instead of me driving to get them. I don't leave the house unless I NEED to and even then I have a planned route to get the most out of my trip. I turn the car off while waiting in lines.
As for the economy. I have cut back on the non essential purchases and have started putting more stuff on ebay.
the MDX only got 14 mpg?
I am shocked- mine gets 22mpg and they are about the same size!
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:13 AM |
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KPtoys
I'm getting old
Member since 5/05 8688 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by Beth1210
Posted by KPtoys
DH must drive to work but now he brings his employees out with him so he doesn't have to fuel another car. I just got a 20mpg car instead of a 14mpg one. I have my groceries delivered so the delivery man can get me on his rounds instead of me driving to get them. I don't leave the house unless I NEED to and even then I have a planned route to get the most out of my trip. I turn the car off while waiting in lines.
As for the economy. I have cut back on the non essential purchases and have started putting more stuff on ebay.
the MDX only got 14 mpg?
I am shocked- mine gets 22mpg and they are about the same size!
Crazy right! My average (according to the computer in the thing) said it was 14-15MPG
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:14 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
!
Crazy right! My average (according to the computer in the thing) said it was 14-15MPG
wow-
good thinking on trading that in!
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:19 AM |
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MrsBlueSash
Love my sailor
Member since 6/05 5793 total posts
Name:
Christian
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
???? Not changing spending habits? How can you miss it? The economy seems to be on the news daily and how to save more money is a big topic of conversation lately.
I don't advertise it but we have totally changed our spending to maintain as much savings as possible. I think a lot of people are like this, quietly doing more to save and starting to really examine their budgets. I read CNN.com's #1 Issue: America's money everyday. The stories on there are both inspiring and scary. All I see on the news is how the chain reaction from gas prices is people spending differently, such as eating out less, buying in bulk (like the Sam's quota on rice), driving less, etc. I think the majority of Americans are starting to spend less, whether by force of a personal economic crisis or by choice.
Message edited 4/25/2008 10:22:29 AM.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:21 AM |
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Moehick
Ready for the sun!
Member since 5/05 30339 total posts
Name:
Properly perfect™
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
I have to drive to work...no mass transit options. I don't put the AC on in the car now....a day like yesterday I normally would have
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:23 AM |
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KrisT
Two Boys for Me!!
Member since 1/07 5213 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
DH and I take public transportation to work. I also live in Queens and I walk or take the subway to the majority of my errands. DH hates to drive and avoids it at all costs! We really only drive when we have too. There are some weekends that we don't even use our car.
It's funny because were are looking to move and one of the reasons we don't want to move to the suburbs is because we don't want to have to drive everywhere!
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:25 AM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
it is not practical (time-wise or money-wise) for either myself or DH to take the train to work (i would actually have to take two buses and a train)
we tend to use my car, which gets better gas mileage, more than his.
we also try to run several errands in a day instead of one errand each day over the course of a week.
we don't buy groceries we don't need - we don't buy ANYTHING we don't need.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:29 AM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by MrsMerlot
I'm tired of hearing about the economy and gas prices....yet it seems that no one is doing anything to change their spending habits or gas usage...
not talking about anyone here in particular...but what have you done with the increasing price of gas?
This morning on Fox 5, they were interviewing commuters, and one man stated "I live in Jersey City and drive into Manhattan, the gas prices are KILLING me."
I laughed...b/c Jersey City is LITERALLY 3 minutes on the PATH train into Manhattan...WHY are you driving?
Another observation...people are saying we're in a recession...and that they feel poor...everywhere I look - ipods, laptops, flat screen tvs...BEST BUY was PACKED this weekend..and people were still buying up a storm....
Have you changed your spending habits in anyway?
To be fair-SHOULD people have to adjust their personal lifestyles(eg. flat screens, going to dinner, etc.) while the fat cats who own oil companies get richer and richer? Thsi was also my issue with the banks. Angelo Mozillo(owns Countrywide) I guarantee you did not skip trips dinners etc because his business was going down the tubes. Why should the American public have to give up luxury items for the necessities?
I think people should drive vehicles with better gas mileage because it is good for the environment.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:34 AM |
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pmpkn087
Life is good...
Member since 9/05 18504 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by MrsMerlot
Another observation...people are saying we're in a recession...and that they feel poor...everywhere I look - ipods, laptops, flat screen tvs...BEST BUY was PACKED this weekend..and people were still buying up a storm....
THIS always gets me!!!! When people say "I'm poor this week." Yeah, try really being poor. You own a home, you have all the top technology out there carrying at $200 bag on your shoulder, you are hardly poor 
Anyway, I personally have not changed too much about my spending. I don't drive enough for the gas prices to effect me too much, but the food prices are outrageous. I started bringing my lunch to work and before I go food shopping, we make a list. We ONLY buy what's on the list. That has cut down the bill drastically.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:36 AM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11487 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
We don't drive to work we take the train. On the weekends we do some driving, so we try not to do too much driving during the week. We have a supermarket next to our flat and a mall right up the block, there really isn't a need to drive really. It is also an excuse to get some extra exercise in.
Because we are outside the US, gas prices have gone up here as well. Generally they are higher. Gas here is about $5.50 to $6 a gallon. So you guys have it pretty lucky, gas has always been cheaper in the US.
ETA- I also do more clothes shopping in the US now b/c the dollar is so down and that is a good thing for me. Things are so expensive here and now that the dollar is almost equal to the Australian dollar it is worth it to shop in the US. Plus my mom is coming for a visit so I have been buying more over there and she will bring it when she comes. In a way the dollar being down is good for us. I wonder if tourism has increased b/c of this.
Message edited 4/25/2008 10:41:43 AM.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:39 AM |
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pmpkn087
Life is good...
Member since 9/05 18504 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by melijane
To be fair-SHOULD people have to adjust their personal lifestyles(eg. flat screens, going to dinner, etc.) while the fat cats who own oil companies get richer and richer? Thsi was also my issue with the banks. Angelo Mozillo(owns Countrywide) I guarantee you did not skip trips dinners etc because his business was going down the tubes. Why should the American public have to give up luxury items for the necessities?
I think people should drive vehicles with better gas mileage because it is good for the environment.
It's always the middle class who suffers. Rich people are rich and that won't change. So, they made 2 million on their investments instead of 3.  People on a low income budget don't really have to change their habits because they are already on a low budget.
It's people like my dad...small business owners who suffer the most! Every single thing goes up except for his profit. It's not as easy as saying "well, raise the prices." You can raise the prices all you want, but are people still going to pay it? No, they will go with a larger company who can afford to undersell him.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:43 AM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
We fill our car up once a month MAX. We both walk to the train, take the train to work and really only drive on weekends, so so far gas prices havent really effected us.
FOOD prices, however, have been a little bit of a shock. I've tried to be more diligent about coupons/sales (even though Ive always been) and twist around meals to accomodate cheaper ingredients.
We've also been socking alot of money into stocks that we think are becoming pretty undervalued due to recession fears 
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:43 AM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
Posted by MrsBlueSash
???? Not changing spending habits? How can you miss it? The economy seems to be on the news daily and how to save more money is a big topic of conversation lately.
I haven't really changed my spending habits, but they have never been extravagant. Mass transit has gone up, but fortunately so did my salary, and the transit check allowance, so its not too painful.
We have 1 car, with so-so mileage, that DH drives about 3 miles to work each way, so we don't use that much gas, unless we drive abour an hour to my parents house, which I'm not going to skip, because of increased gas & toll prices. It's not like we go weekly anyway.
I'm aware of what's going on with the economy, but it isn't impacting me that much right now, so I don't feel the need to panic.
ETA--Where I am concerned though is employment & housing. I wouldn't leave my fairly stable job right now & I wouldn't sell my co-op, b/c I'd loose money, but I wasn't planning either of those right now. We will probably end up in our co-op longer than expected though.
Message edited 4/25/2008 10:54:26 AM.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:50 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Gas Prices & The Economy - what's your part?
we are getting a car that is not a truck and does not take premium fuel. Very concerned for $$ and for environment.
We were going to take a small vacation now and go on a bigger vacation later this year to celebrate our 10th anniversary but now we will just go on one. That one was going to be Italy and since the dollar is so bad we are staying in the US.
We have put off some big home improvements in favor of smaller ones since we don't want to be in any other debt. This way, we can pay cash for them.
DH's job may not be here in a few months and we have downsized our thinking about spending.
We are both taking the train now and only drive on weekends. We always consolidated our errands.
We are definitely hedging against a recession.
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| Posted 4/25/08 10:57 AM |
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