Are your friends, family and co-workers feeling the financial burdens you are?

[darkchocolate]

I am curious if you find the people you work with, socialize with or even go to church with are feeling the financial strain like you are?

I am amazed at the people I come in contact with at church and work who don't seem to be feeling the financial stress I am feeling. Gas is climbing constantly and doesn't look like it will stop and grocery prices keep rising. People are losing their jobs and being layed off. I have people around me who continue to go out to eat and spend money like nothing is different. I just don't understand it.

Gas is affecting everyone and so does groceries. I guess maybe they just have more money than I do.

[shoiji]

They may have more money, they also may be in some type of denial and using credit cards to pay for things. I am just glad to have found this site. It has really helped me to focus on my spending habits. It really helps to know there are like minded people out there. Plus the info is so helpful!

I remember someone telling me they were not going to buy milk anymore because of the price.

[rudypoo98]

No because they do all have more money than I do ,but I'd bet I have more in the bank than most of them.

[mombottoo]

Most of the people we know are stressed more by the current economic situation than we are. Most of them have young children at home or are elderly but didn't plan well for their retirement.

[Holly]

My DSis and BIL are way worse off than we are because they are dairy farmers.
If it wasn't for their garden they would not make it at all.

[Denvergirlie]

I havent' made any changes other than increasing my gas budget by $15 a month.

Some people just don't feel the impact of rising prices as much as others.

In fact I think we have eaten out more in the past 2 weeks than we have in the past few months.

Sure, I've noticed the prices on some things are higher, but it really doesn't effect me other than sticker shock.

[staciah]

If it was two years ago and the prices were like they are today, I would be really bad off but I made a budget two and half years ago and stuck to it. The only debit we have is our mortgage. With alot of planning I was able to pay off both our cars, credit cards, medical bills and a home improvement loan.
We have a very good savings account and alot of food in the pantry so I'm not feeling the burden. I don't go out and buy ridiculous items just because I have the money to do so , I am still frugal as ever and will continue to be.

[Jskell911]

I think I work with some people who are in serious denial! They are amazed by how I live, but mostly think it is "cute". We'll see how they think 6 months from now.

[mmy2grls]

Everyone I know is feeling it. Some are changing their ways while others are not.

[sunshine]

Yeah -- they are feeling it. . . some of my coworkers are biking to work. . .our church announced last Sunday that we are struggling financially (I guess people are taking their tithe money for bills), etc.

[brenda67]

We are doing okay...but..I worry about my Dh's job security..You never know. So I put my financial plans on hold for now (I wanted to payoff my TrailBlazer this month but I don't want to deplete our savings account of $8200 as of right yet)I'm saving as much as I can in all areas..No eating out,Not buying anything that's really not needed,driving is down to a bear minimum,hanging as much laundry on the line when it's not raining ect..

I have heard a couple of my co-workers talking about the gas prices and saying if it gets any worse they don't know what they will do..

I'm concern of what the near future has in store for us...Just yesterday on my way home from work I went to a local farmer whose wife runs a nursery(only a mile out of my way) and thats where I buy almost all of my vegetable plants for years now.. anyway I couldn't believe that instead of the usual 6 to 9pack containers that she sells were now indivisual sp? containers and twice the price..:surprise: I really just wanted to get right back in my vehicle and leave but she was standing right there... So I felt like I really was put on the spot so I hardly bought anything and it came to $11.00.... I know they need to make a profit and it's alot of hard work..but still I'm sorry to say that I won't be going to her for my veggie plants anymore.. She does have the best Sweet Corn locally... so she will make some money off me in a couple of months. I can just imagine how much our pick your own strawberries will cost this year...that's also only a couple of miles away from here.... Gee sorry for rambling on...

[TheRootedNomad]

Most of the people I know complain about gas prices but don't necessarily talk to me about thier finances. I know my family on both my side and my DH's side are feeling the pain, most of them much more so then we are. I have also heard several people that work for one of the local automotive factories complaining about thier hours being significantly cut and a few friends that are really hurting from quitting thier jobs and then not being able to replace them.

[Jill B.]

I gave a one hour presentation on frugal living at our local community college and it sold out. i had 40 people present. I think the people there are looking for answers. We may see some on here in the future since I gave everyone a list of books, websites and forums.

[Mom23boys]

There are only a few that seem to be hurting from the price increases. Most of the others have more income then we do and are not complaining as much.

[brenda67]

Could not edit...


I should of reread your post talking about other people other then myself..

I have heard my Dad and two brothers talk about the gas prices..each of them are operating engineneers in the union..they all mostly have to travel an hour and a half to two or more hours near the city 5 days a week..all are spending over $100 a week on gas...My younger brother is concerned about the cost of #2 heating fuel so he used his stimulus check to buy a woodstove and has lots of dead wood on his property.. he also decided to grow a garden this year(first time since him and his wife bought the place 5yr ago) they already have Apple,Peach and Pear Trees that all our mature..along with a couple of Mulberry trees that they can preserve their own fruit...My Dad and my other brother both own woodstoves so they are also gonna cut up any dead trees on their property..