Things are so expensive!

**ubumartin** · 11-25-2007, 07:54 AM

I have cut way back on eating out. I have given up my dunkin donuts coffee. I changed the lightbulbs. I turn off lights. My heat is turned down. I try to buy what is on sale. I bring my lunch to work. I cut back on paper products. Gas is a killer. I can't imagine what shape I would be in if I wasn't making all of these little changes. I would be in big trouble. How are families supposed to make it this winter with gas, heat and food being so expensive. Thank goodness I found this site. I have made all of these changes because of what I have read here on FV.

**Cricket1** · 11-25-2007, 09:13 AM

I agree--things are so much more expensive lately. Good thing we all have each other!

**mmy2grls** · 11-25-2007, 09:25 AM

I agree also

**jamie79** · 11-25-2007, 10:07 AM

Its terrible out there and I feel its only going to get much worse before it gets better

**Marie78** · 11-25-2007, 10:15 AM

I agree with you. We rarely go out to dinner. We only see a movie in a theater once a year. We went last night to a movie, for the two of us it was $18, just for tickets (we didn't eat anything there). Then we went to Denny's afterwards for a late dinner and it cost $27 including the tip. $45 for what we thought would be an inexpensive night out because we chose a diner type setting for dinner.

We were lauging in the car on the way home, my fiance was shocked that our evening had cost so much, he even mentioned that with the cost of gas to get around our evening was probably closer to $50. That's why we rent movies through the mail and get an unlimited supply for $20 a month. It's also why we usually "browse" bookstores on the weekend and get ideas to put on hold at the library, we splurge on a cup of coffee and call it "date night" after eating dinner at home earlier in the evening. We also like to have dinner at home and then get together with friends in the evening for a "game night." It's becoming harder and harder to justify eating out or going to the movies for entertainment, when it's so very expensive.

**nodmicks** · 11-25-2007, 11:13 AM

It is more expensive! I had dh grocery shopping with me yesterday. He was astounded at the prices of what I said was now a great price.

**shoiji** · 11-25-2007, 01:36 PM

I agree completely. Even though I miss having a car at times I know I really can't afford one because of the price of gas and insurance.

This site is really helping me to figure out ways to save. I am still waiting to get the utility bill to see if my usage has dropped.

**Droppedonmyhead** · 11-25-2007, 02:31 PM

It is just getting ridiculous. I asked my daughter to pick up a gallon of milk a few days ago. Well, she should have known she was going to pay more at a convenience store, but over $6.00??? I about died when she told me how much she paid. I certainly sat her down and had a stern talk with her about going to the grocery store instead of a convenience store. She won't be doing that again!

**sdrjeolsen** · 11-25-2007, 03:24 PM

yep, I agree. Things in a lot of areas have gone up. My electric monthly service charge is set to go up 9.00/mo. starting in January. We are feeling the pinch.

Our weekly date night changed from going out to some movie that we have tivo'd and a batch of homemade popcorn. It is getting ridiculous!

**bumplett** · 11-25-2007, 03:53 PM

ever wonder how it affects those that aren't as frugal? I can't help but to wonder HOW they manage to make it?
I have a great friend that goes out ALOT, and I don't fault her that - it's their choice, but if I reach the point that I must pay for my groceries using a credit card, I'll just shrivel up and die! so - it makes me wonder, are their more people out there using credit cards for simple things and we just don't realize it??
yet - WE are the weird ones!

It's funny isn't it!

**Marie78** · 11-25-2007, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by bumplett

ever wonder how it affects those that aren't as frugal? I can't help but to wonder HOW they manage to make it?
I have a great friend that goes out ALOT, and I don't fault her that - it's their choice, but if I reach the point that I must pay for my groceries using a credit card, I'll just shrivel up and die! so - it makes me wonder, are their more people out there using credit cards for simple things and we just don't realize it??
yet - WE are the weird ones!

It's funny isn't it!

I was wondering about this after the expensive date night my fiance and I had last night. He asked how other people go out so often and can still afford to live. We both agreed it must be the use of credit cards. I have friends that just charge and do whatever they want with no care about the financial consequences, the philosophy seems to be if there is still money on the card use it, if it maxes out get a new one. I have some CC debt of my own, but I don't use them anymore and I am paying them down. I don't understand the mindset of "if I can afford to charge it then I can afford it." I don't think I want to understand it!

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-25-2007, 04:26 PM

I saw first hand that people are useing credit cards to pay for everyday expenses. I know someone who was useing them to pay the phone bill and what not, now all the cards are maxed out and she cant even pay the power bill. I refuse to help her becuase she laughted at me when I tried to warn her.

If I hadnt found the village I would be in big trouble.

**bumplett** · 11-25-2007, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

I saw first hand that people are useing credit cards to pay for everyday expenses. I know someone who was useing them to pay the phone bill and what not, now all the cards are maxed out and she cant even pay the power bill. I refuse to help her becuase she laughted at me when I tried to warn her.

If I hadnt found the village I would be in big trouble.

that's exactly what I don't want to happen to my friend - she's a great friend, but there's only so much I can say - and yet, I've "gone off the deep end" -

I'd be interested to know statistically speaking, how many people "live" off of credit cards. ???

I'm sure that there are many people that can truly afford to live the lifestyle that they do - and to those I'd say congrats - but somehow I doubt that the majority can afford what they have -

I would love for my children to know that when we've 'expired', everything we had was owned by us and not the bank, but when a simple gallon of milk costs $5, it's difficult!

my goals for '08 shall be a deep reflection of this entire thread!

**AliCat5380** · 11-25-2007, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Droppedonmyhead

It is just getting ridiculous. I asked my daughter to pick up a gallon of milk a few days ago. Well, she should have known she was going to pay more at a convenience store, but over $6.00??? I about died when she told me how much she paid. I certainly sat her down and had a stern talk with her about going to the grocery store instead of a convenience store. She won't be doing that again!

I know milk is ridiculous....theres a gas station/convience store around here (spectrums for anyone who has them around) that have 2 for $5 sales on milk gallons every few months, so needless to say we stock up then lol. the cheapest place I have found byfar to get milk is Sams club, at 3.43 a gallon vs up and over $5 and the regular stores