I was just thinking today while taking the dogs to the vet that the amount of SUVs and large vehicles still on the road is kinda surprising, but to purchase a small car for truly good gas milage is very costly, too. I know I could drive less and will be doing that with these kind of predicted prices.

That's high. In Ohio it went up to $3.69 today. I had gone to JoAnn's and saw some bird fabric for $12.49/yd. Awful.

And yet I STILL see people leaving their BIG trucks running while they go into the post office - just saw one the other day. Gas prices are not high enough yet for some people I guess.

If food prices go up we will cut back to just essentials (not Doritos). We have so much abundance in this country there is a lot that most people could cut from their budget. Cable TV, $100 a month cell phones, etc., shopping for new clothes when you have a closet full....

When the economy is affected so much that the fat cats who own the big companies see problems with their bottom line, THEN maybe something will be done.

Gas here is already a little over $4 a gallon, up about 40 cents a gallon since the last time I filled up. I am buying everything I can at the various dollar stores and like everyone else combining stops on one trip. I am retired now but still do a bit of driving to quilting shops and events.

[QUOTE=ptquilts;4998840]And yet I STILL see people leaving their BIG trucks running while they go into the post office - just saw one the other day. Gas prices are not high enough yet for some people I guess.

If food prices go up we will cut back to just essentials (not Doritos). We have so much abundance in this country there is a lot that most people could cut from their budget. Cable TV, $100 a month cell phones, etc., shopping for new clothes when you have a closet full....

When the economy is affected so much that the fat cats who own the big companies see problems with their bottom line, THEN maybe something will be done.[/QUOTE

People will budget their money to meet their own needs. Maybe some will stop cable Tv but still go to a movie. Some will cut out going to movies. Some will keep cable or internet to stay on QB and stop eating anything but salads when eating out. It's hard to criticize when you don't know the particulars. Some may have full closets but perhaps have lost weight and nothing fits. Are you buying clothes, eating out or watching TV or just griping about those who are?

[QUOTE=TanyaL;4999533]TanyaL I may be misunderstanding but I think she was just giving an example. Yes there are many things than we can cut out including shopping for fabric, new machines, meals out, food, cable, Internet and extra cloths, not everyone has to give those things up but some may have to due to the cost of gas, If I get a minimum wage job. 7.35 per hour and have to drive 40 miles round trip or in most cases 100 miles how much will I actually have after gas and taxes?

I understand the cost of living. We live 25 miles one way from the nearest grocery. We live on a fixed income which isn't enough. We're in our 70's. however, no one should criticize someone else if you see them spending money. Perhaps they aren't having to cut expenses. The answer to the world's economic problems won't be made by everyone making their own budget bare bones. It is an international monetary problem. Resenting people driving new cars or buying new clothes does not help or change the situation.

I drive a Sivlerado Z21 to and from work everyday of the work week, 16 miles one way. My Husband rides with me, so we do carpool. We saved money and cut corners for 25 years while raising 3 kids. I refuse to do without anything I want. The high gas prices are to get people to vote for certain politicans, who will be promising everything will be roses. They also want everyone to buy the little death trap cars. I call that thinning the population. I will drive a 4 WD truck or SUV until the day I can not drive anymore. I have lots of fabrics that will out live me, so I can spend that money on gas for my truck.
Being jealous of those that can afford to buy whatever they want and enjoy is not very god like.

Gasoline is still cheaper than bottled water...........

lucky you[know it's relative] we pay approx £5.72 a gallon, lots more, it is killing along with all else increasing in price even funerals!!