Talk Back: How you're coping with rising costs

Eating less meat, more produce (cheaper). Not visiting friends and family as much. Not taking vacations. No long distance calls. No cable TV. Turn off all lights in house. Working more hours to make up for it. Not eating out.

-- Alison, Pinellas Park

I ride my chopper to work everyday (45 mpg). I keep a set of casual work clothes at work in the warm storage room. If I get rained on the way to work I just go in and change clothes. By the next day, the wet clothes have dried (stiff but dry). I take the clothes home in my backpack to wash them over the weekend.

-- Pete, Brandon

My personal expenses have already been pared pretty tightly, and business expenses are getting tight. Small, locally-owned businesses feel the pain both ways -- less people spending money, and what gets spent is less -- so we have less to spend in the community as well.

We're a little coffee shop and each dollar counts. I don't want my employees to be even harder hit by cutting back their hours, so I get paid less, and leave my tips, etc for them.

-- JoEllen Schilke

I wish that our country would WAKE UP and start producing and living a more gas-efficient lifestyle. I always have done my best to walk or ride a bicycle when I can. I also ride mostly motorcycle for my daily commutes. My point is this... If we would NOT have forgotten the lessons from the past (the 1970's) we could have been so ahead of the MPG and fuel economy race. I think that instead of supporting the ""I need an SUV for groceries'' mentality we could have been investing in our country's future.

Here we go again -- anyone here remember even/odd days for gas rationing? Well, time to stick to the bike paths and laugh at all the vehicular monstrosities that get 7 miles per gallon.

-- Martin, Clearwater

I use my motorcycle: It has saddle bags: I have a backpack. Just don't you "car drivers" run me over! I have to cook dinner tonight!

-- Julie Stees, Seminole

Gas prices are cutting into food, entertainment and if it keeps up, Christmas is looking pretty bleak! The price of gas has taken a big bite out of any disposable money that would have been used for other purchases. Now it goes for gas and Bush's pocket!

-- William Seyfried, Palm Harbor

Coping! HA! A special shout out to all that responded by saying they have cut out going out to dinner. Thank you so much for staying home not allowing me to work, as a server I need you to go out and eat at a sit-down place. As of now, my children will have less under the tree this Christmas; we barely make our mortgage payments, and probably wll have our electrcity turned off. A for homeowners insurance, it is a total scam and it should of never of gotten to this point. I drive a cheap beat up car and would love a new one but cannot afford it. If anyone has a scooter they would like to donate to the cause I would use it in a heartbeat!

-- Mary, Seminole

I travel 120 miles per day roundtrip to work. With the gas prices so high I've resorted to riding my motorcycle to work whenever feasible. I hate riding on U.S. 19 down into Pinellas County because nobody has any respect for someone else's right of way. Idiots are always changing lanes or pulling out on me and look at me like I'm in the wrong. But I guess $7 in high test beats $15 in regular unleaded. I just hope I survive long enough for the prices to come down.

-- Dan Spell, Brooksville

Dont drive so much. It is that simple, spend more time at home with your kids and organize your travel plans. I lived in Clearwater for eight years and people will drive a mile to pick up something at the convenience store when they can walk there and at the same time get some exercise. By the way, when was the last time anyone in Pinellas County rode a bike to get somewhere.

-- Gary Pate, Highlands Ranch, CO

My homeowners insurance increase at 35% and the cost of gas this year have really impacted my extra dollars that would have gone toward clothing, shoes and extras. I feel like I really have to need something badly before I purchase it. My husband and I also skipped our vacation this year, we just didnt have the money to do it.

-- Laura McGirr, Largo

I am a 60-year-old widow, I live 30 miles from work. I am cutting back on my food, driving a lot less, going to try to car pool. I only make $9 hr., does not go very far, the prices are killing me.

-- Paula, Williston

I live near the Citrus Park Mall and work in downtown St. Pete so I have about a 30-mile one-way commute. My Buick Century gets about 24 MPG, but I now set my cruise control at 65 instead of 70 & only shop close to home, or on my way to/from work. I stopped my 401k contribution as well as my IRA contribution to increase my take-home pay until my finances improve. We set our thermostat at 77 (always have) in summer, 68 in winter.

-- Jonell Jones, Tampa

My car has a computer which tells me my instantaneous miles per gallon, my average speed, and my average mpg. I'm playing a game with myself attempting to improve the readings. I work to never to exceed 2000 rpm. I coast in neutral whenever I can. I take my foot off the gas early when anticipating a stop. I leave home before rush hour (it's a pain), and my spouse leaves early to avoid traffic. Missing rush hour saves amazing amounts of gas.

Along with the usual things I have read that other people are doing, I've made other changes as well. I don't cool the house when we're away. We turn the water heater off unless we're doing laundry, taking a shower, or running the dishwasher (which I do not run until it is stuffed). I cook with my toaster oven - it broils, toasts, and bakes nicely with the electricity of a light bulb.

I use my microwave a lot, my stove and oven almost never. I plan my meals so I will only need the toaster oven and the microwave. We had a family of five so I had to stagger or reheat meals in the microwave (still cheaper than using the stove/oven). I defrosted my huge freezer and kept it full. I turn off lights and my computer when not in use. I have a large capacity washer and dryer. It's cheaper to have 2 weeks worth of underwear and socks than it is to do whites, delicates, colors, darks, towels, sheets, and reds every week. If I use the oven or stove I cook double or triple batches of our meals. Then I can freeze and warm things in the microwave to serve again later. I read more and watch TV less. Only one TV has cable. I bank on line to save stamps and envelopes. I have automatic deposit.

-- Sandy, Land O' Lakes

1. UP 2 HOURS EARLIER TO BEGIN COMMUTE TO WORK WITH NO IDLING ON INTERSTATE
2. STOP ONE TIME A WEEK ON WAY FROM WORK TO SHOP AT SUPER CENTER - GROCERIES/SUPPLIES
3. LEAVE 2 HOURS LATER FROM WORK TO AVOID RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND IDLING ON JAMS ON ROADS
4. DON'T USE CAR ON WEEKENDS. BIKE TO DO ANY SMALL ERRANS: POST OFFC, MALL, ETC

-- JANICE M, TAMPA

Luckily I have a small 4 cylinder vehicle and live close to work, so although price of gas has increased double for me, I still only pay about $60 a month total for gas consumption. However, I find myself avoiding going to Tampa to shop, or to the beaches because of the distance. I chose to stay closer to home for entertainment and shopping. This will ultimately affect the retail industry and with Christmas coming, the situation will only get worse. My A/C is shut off during the day, and I don't eat out as much. I watch every single dollar these days.

-- Eileen Stafford, St. Petersburg

The cost of gas has given me & my husband no choice! He drives 2 hours everyday to & from his job. We can't go out to dinner anymore because there is no extra money. We stay home & watch movies we already own. We don't go places on a whim anymore. We buy only the necessary groceries and may have to sell our house due to insurance increases. When will this end?! We feel like we should be able to enjoy life in our 40's.

--Tamara Ireland, Dade city

I drive a cab, need I say more.

-- Richard Maxlow, Pinellas Park

Gosh, with these comments, one might get the impression that armageddon is near. Isn't it just aweful how we won't be able to afford second homes, SUVs, use the hot tub, maintain our obesity, etc. All this whining and belly aching is making me sick. It's no wonder that Americans so are hated abroad. We are so greedy and self-centered.

-- Robin Schumaker, Tampa

Everything has gone up, so I cut out all meals out side the home, I installed a timer on the water heater to save electricity, I canceled my cell phones, cut back on my insurance, raised my thermostat, and stopped watering the landscape. P.S. I lost my technology job in April 2003 and I am still looking. Good thing I invested in energy stocks in 2002 when no one else wanted them.

-- Greg T, Riverview

I'm not coping well these days. I'm on a fixed income. I too have cut back on numerous things. It has even become difficult to even pay out for the things that are necessary in life. I can't afford to drive the car I do have and worse, the closest bus line is 1.5 miles away from my home so I feel trapped. I think we're heading for a major depression here. It's kind of sad!

-- Connie, Oldsmar

Use longdistance on the internet - free, shut off A/C in the house during the day and just put it on till the house reaches 86 before going to bed. No longer use the jaccuzzi. Make a list before going shopping and do not go shopping when I am hungry. Shut off lights, do not use the dry option on the dishwasher. Just open it up when dishes are dry.

I cannot cut my cable TV as Bill Maher is the only thing worth watching on TV.

Mind you, I have always done these things, so I am not truly affected, except for the hot tub.

-- Anonymous, Clearwater

I quit smoking three years ago, saving $8 a day; at the same time I quit drinking, saving about $7 a day; my Social Security has gone up by about $0.25 an hour, based on a 2,000-hour year (slightly less than the $1.50 an hour Congress voted itself).

I have used this money to invest in defense industry and oil company stocks. I use all this extra money on my "masseuse'' and for contributions to George Bush's political allies. When he begins the next war with Iran or Syria my income will go up again, and I'll put my money in Halliburton. My only concern is drug costs -- with my life-span extended I will probably need them.

-- Dick Mannion, Gulfport

Times are tough, what with increases in gasoline prices, homeowners insurance, etc. due to unexpected hurricanes. So we all have to make choices and prioritize our lives.

I'm just glad that the Scriptures tell me "my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus'' (Philippians 4:19).

He didn't say he would supply all my wants -- just my needs. And he has never failed to do so. So I just keep working, keep making choices about how to spend what God provides, and keep trusting Him to continue to provide.

-- Bruce, Clearwater,

I've seen this coming for a long time so last year I got rid of my gas guzzling suv and bought a small car that gets 30 miles to the gallon. I now fill up once a month.

-- Shanna, Pinellas Park

I find myself planning my car errands carefully, trying not to go anywhere unnecessarily. I only have Medicare because additional health insurance is too expensive. Medicare at $77/mo takes a big chunk out of my small pension.

I have no insurance on my mobile home because that also is unaffordable.

-- Mariette Schryburt, St Petersburg

I drive an SUV, however, I just purchased a small Saturn to reduce my monthly gas costs. I no longer drive across the county to go to dinner, rather we dine close to home.....we will not be using our heat this winter season.....i have bought a couple of down blankets to curl up in....it's a shame when together my husband and I bring in over a 100 thousand dollars a year....and we have to think about if we want to spend the money to drive to Baywalk for dinner or just down the road to US 19. When will it stop?

-- TANYA CHAPMAN, CLEARWATER,

I'm always amazed at how quickly prices (gas, house insurance, health costs) go up when these companies find a convenient excuse to raise them, but when things settle down the prices never go back down. Gone are the days of $1.50 / gallon gas. Those prices I'm afraid will never return.

I've tried to limit my driving to work and grocery shopping. Wal-mart will match any advertised circular supermarket price. So I go to Wal-mart, coupons and supermarket circular in hand, to get the best prices at just one store.

It's appalling how much money oil and insurance companies make during a crisis!!

-- Audrey, Port Richey

Trickle-down economics does work: "Higher costs? Let's pass "em on to our customers and we'll still make record profits!"

We're a house of three USF students. There's not much for us to cut out. We've never had cable, we bike almost everywhere because we can and it's healthy for our air. However, we've had to turn off the A/C, hang dry our clothes, get our breads and vegetables from the dumpster, have potlucks w/friends and we certainly can't afford to buy beer anymore.

Hard to go anywhere for fun, it's so expensive. We go to parks, but they kick you out at sunset.

-- Charles, Tampa

One area of concern is the water/sewer service in Pinellas Park. A couple of months ago, I was hit with a $179.00 water bill. They said that I used 14,900 gallons in 29 days. That works out to over 500 gallons per day for 29 days. It is also 1,400 gallons more than my entire swimming pool contains. They said pay up or get cut off. Now I seem to have that problem this month. They said that I used over 11,000 gallons. I have to continually complain or else I get ripped off on a monthly basis.

-- Lee Swann, Pinellas Park

Gas prices are only doubled.. that is only about $1.30 more per gallon. I think we can swallow that. My income certainly isn't high, but by cutting out cable TV (is it really necessary?) Starbucks Lattes - one latte is a gallon of gas today (can't I just brew coffee at home?) and higher-priced restaurant meals ($10-15 for faster food versus $30-$50 for a restaurant), I can more than make up the difference in gas prices.

Also, do I really need to buy bottled water the way I do - $5.00 for a case? Wouldn't it make more sense to get a jug, and fill a reusable bottle?

And I set my air conditioning at 80. It only takes few days to get used to it. Now it is too cold for me to walk into a store, because I am so used to it being 80 indoors! Your body will grow accustomed to it. Just set it a degree higher every couple of days.

Since I drive an SUV, I also walk to the store a little more. With all of these things added together, I bet I am saving more money than if the gas prices were back in the $1-$1.50 range.

Eric, Palm Harbor

My wife and I are dining and ordering out less. Instead, we buy food from the grocery store that will make meals for multiple nights.

We don't drive to any of the Tampa Bay area malls, except for the one within a mile or two of our house, anymore. We've also skipped going out to the movies in favor of staying in.

Looking for a new house has been replaced with adding on.

-- Bill Grasso, St. Petersburg

We had to park our pick-up. I bought a used Toyota to get to & from work. Even with that, I run errands on the way home from work.

We are selling our rental properties as we can't afford to insure them. Pretty soon, no one will be able to even rent a house because of the high costs incurred by the landlord.

Xmas mught be a dismal affair this year. I feel bad for the kids but I don't know how we can manage.

We have gone to a cheaper cell plan, less minutes and next we will have to look at cutting out cable and the telephone landline.

-- S, St. Petersburg,

We are fortunate enough to be able to afford the higher costs. But the increased costs eat into our retirement plans, kid's education, and everything else we might choose to work toward. Capitalism is great. But when monopolies support our political leaders, and they in turn support the monopolies, it is no longer capitalism. It is abuse of authority. What do you think a president raised in the oil business is going to support? Certainly not the working man.

Keep your voices heard, and let your leaders know that they will be fired at the first opportunity.

-- John Zurek, St. Petersburg

One thing that that could help a bit, but I have noticed that the government has not offered. All Gas sales have a gas tax, the more we spend on gas the more taxes we pay....the more money the government is collecting on this tax! If the government would lower the % of taxes paid on gas, this would lower the price a bit.

-- Susan , Antioch

My friends and I booked and paid for a trip to London early this year when $ wasn't so tight. While we were there, after the hurricane -- with gas and energy prices spiking, the dollar buying fewer and fewer English pounds -- I adopted the attitude of Eat, Drink, and Be Merry. For tomorrow, who knows? I'm going back to school -- and might even get a roommate -- to make a better future for myself.

I'll be interested to see how our society reacts to this. We'll need to come up with better and more sustainable energy sources to avoid this happening again. We need better building practices for our homes - and more of an interest in buying solar cells and such- so that it doesn't take as much energy that we pay for to heat or cool them. We need better cars with better fuel economy- and more demand for them among buyers. We need ways of insulating the middle class from this obvious corporate greed that's taking away our spending power. This is something we can't depend on the government to do in our interest. We have to come up with the solutions ourselves and support alternative power sources and more efficient forms of transportation, etc. as consumers. And might I add, much of this information and technology is readily available now! Check the Mother Earth News archives if you don't believe me.

Finally, we need to think about all the costs associated with moving food from all parts of the world to our local grocery stores. I suggest that we save money and support the locals by visiting the Ybor Fresh Market every Saturday and such.

-- Gabi Lorino, Tampa,

Due to the Greed that has been so graciously bestowed on the blue collar worker, I am moving to the country to bathe in the springs and to eat lettuce and tomatoes for dinner as I expect these to be my salad days.

-- Angela, Saint Petersburg

Retired so gas is optional. No property insurance after getting priced out of the market. Am over 65 and did have BC/BS for 5yrs, got rid of that expense and went to WellCare for free. Great, so far.

Those moves gave me a "bumper'' which went to the electric company, vet bills for the dog and gas for the car which is a VW-Golf.

I may but a steak on lay-away some day but am getting over lack of it. Shop at Save-A-Lot for many sundrie items, coffee, bananas and milk.

-- CC Slater, Brooksville

If you think working two jobs and eating one meal a day instead of three squares is coping, than I am coping. It is very hard to cope when you have to choose between food and most anything else. I try not to complain about the government but when oil companies are posting their highest earnings at the sacrifice of the American public, I believe something is very wrong. I can lay you odds none of the higher ups in the oil, insurance or utility companies are wondering should they eat or pay rent.

-- Christine, Clearwater

Let's see.... The past year I have been working as a temp -- not making much money, so I have cut out a lot of things the past year, like going out with friends, going to concerts, buying clothes, cd's, etc, etc. I have finally a permanent position now making, and the price of gas goes up. So I just I won't cut anything out. Thanks George!

-- Karen Thompson, New Port Richey

Our friends think we're weird, but my wife and I do not own a dishwasher nor a dryer, although we could well afford it. We use the Florida sunshine as a dryer. And the cost? Two bucks a year for a clothes line!

Over the course of 25 years, we figure we've saved about $3,800. Sorry, Florida Power!

-- E.E. Jones, Clearwater

I commute 60 miles a day to and from work and must fill up at least once a week, my wife computes about the same. Our gas bill each month is over 400. Its still cheaper to fill my current car a MB C230 which I get about 26mpg up and down 19 then my truck which I was getting about 13mpg. I don't go out to eat for lunch anymore and we only go out to dinner once or twice a month but other then that I have not had to cut back. I still believe gas should only be around 2 bucks a gallon as the oil companies, all of them are reporting 15billion plus in revenue.

Patrick, Holiday

Attention senior citizens: You ARE NOT the only ones living on a "fixed income.' If I hear one more old person use that expression I think I'm going to scream.

-- Junior citizen on a fixed income, Spring Hill

I'm sick and tired of being hosed by the big oil companies.

Remember in January of 2004 when gas prices started going up because of a barge that sunk in the shipping channel in the Mississippi? The Saudis are at a loss to explain the jump in energy prices in the U.S.

I can explain it: GREED!!!

Our President stands by and tries to say the prices are within the inflation index. Well, I don't know about you but my wages haven't doubled in the last 2 years! What happened to the windfall profits act that Congress enacted during the last energy crisis?

-- A disgusted Republican

Jim Vroman, Englewood

I don't see anywhere near the backlash we had in the late 70's about gas prices. Car companies are still pushing the Hummers, Hemi's,etc. and The White House is (oh yeah it's Bush) nevermind. Don't blame me I voted for Kerry. Anyone notice that 2 Billion that went to Tom Delay's District earmarked for the Texas Energy Consortium in the recently passed energy bill. The TEC is a bunch of oil companies. I guess we aren't giving them enough!

-- Jim Downey, St. Pete

If you combine:

1. good budgeting
2. goal-oriented retirement savings plans
3. higher education
4. higher paying jobs
5. no credit card debt
6. "smart' purchasing (avoiding sales taxes)
7. investment diversification

there is no reason to worry about "coping,' "housing bubble,' and all the other doom-and-gloom nonsense touted by a liberal media...

-- Willie, Pinellas Park

-- Leonard Roberts, II, Tampa

The oil companies are posting record profits - $28 billion for Exxon. I am struggling to fill up my car on a weekly basis as the costs have tripled! And funny, I have not seen an increase in my pay to offset this. It basically sucks and I think it will have a huge negative impact.

-- Bill Clark, Palm Harbor

Re:

Sirs:

I'm coping fine:

1) I bike to work.

2) I use solar hot water for the hot tub and the shower.

3) I use photovoltaics for most electricity.

4) I don't use a/c in the fall (now)

5) Invest every month in energy and gold stocks and stocks that pay dividends (teco)

6) Use the Internet whenever possible to save on phone expense.

Enjoy,

-- Ralph Fisher, Lutz

Due to my short distance from work to home: invested in a scooter (40-50 mpg). Has already minimized total price paid at pump to commute to work. As long as no high wind or rain: "scooting' to work will be the way to go. Total one way trip 4.5 miles

-- Brian McHenry, Pinellas Park

Coping, not very well. If I cut back anymore, I'll be eating dog food. I am a senior, on a fixed income. What I could live on, a year ago, I can't today. Gas prices are out of control, rental properties, the same. Everything, seems out of reach, for the retiree, on a limited budget.

I remember when, Fl. was a inexpensive place to live.

gone are the days, thanks to our administration.

-- H. Berk, So. Pasadena

The insurance for our fleet of pink buses has more tha doubled-fuel has also more than doubled-property ins-power-parts-basic svcs-everything has gone crazey-then we raise the average skating price to about $5 for 4 to 5 hours of clean-safe-fun and you just work for almost nothing-then you here about the INSANE money the oil companys are making and you realize whats it all about

-- Astro Skating Centers, Tarpon Springs

I think i'm going to have to sell my house.

So much for the american dream.

Everythings going up except for my paycheck.

-- Jay Mann, St. Pete

I had great plans for this summer a business,

on my own, and helping others in thier business as well. Now I cancelled my website, am not going

to business meetings in Tampa. Furthermore

I am looking for work very close to home,

since the government is not expressing shock at

the gas situation most people are trying to figure

out if it is themselves or what.. People are moving away from success to survival mentality.

New Orleans didn't help.

-- Bob Safransky, St Petersburg

I don't drive as much. I ride my bike more to do basic errands and ride my bike to the beach. I use natural lighting instead of house lights when possible, and I only shower once a day at home and once at the college gym after working out. I've been trying to do anything to cut back on expenses.

-- Michael, St. Petersburg

I drive as small car that gets 35mpg average. It's not a big problem right now. But if gets to $5 a gallon I'll be cutting back.

-- Tim Parmentier, St. Petersburg

I'VE HAD IT WITH THE OIL COMPANIES AND THEIR PRICE HIKES. ALL THAT DOES IS GETS PEOPLE TO FIND OTHER WAYS TO LIMIT THEIR SPENDING WHICH SNOWBALLS TO BUSINESSES AND HURTS THE ALREADY SLUMPING ECONOMY. THEIR POSTING RECORD PROFITS AND RAISING PRICES EVERYTIME I TURN AROUND.THE PUBLIC PAYS THE PRICE EVERYTIME SOMETHING HAPPENS TO CUT INTO THEIR PROFITS EVEN WHEN ITS JUST SHORT TERM. IF GAS GETS ANY HIGHER I WILL BY PARK ONE OF TWO VEHICLES AND CUT THE INSURANCE RATE,TILL IT COMES BACK DOWN.OH! THERE IS THE START OF THE SNOWBALL.

-- Larry Stiffler, Saint Petersburg

It is demoralizing. I keep working harder to make more money but there is no way for the income increases to keep up with the cost of living. I am working harder, making more money but no further ahead. Something is wrong when it cost $45.00 to fill my tank a week and Exxon has reported there largest rise in earining this quarter.

-- Lynn Smith , Saint Petersburg

I have traded vehicles to a more gas efficient type. I am using coupons for my groceries and looking for the best deals. I'm not using my car air conditioning to go to and from work since it's only 5/8 mile. Turning the air up to 78, turning it off at night. Washing dishes by hand, drying clothes by the clothesline. Not eating out, not driving just for fun anymore, and redesigning my meals like in depression days. And still it's not enough.

-- Cathy Stout, New Port Richey

I drive a thirsty Land Rover with a bike rack on the back. Needless to say, I am getting much more exercise and I think commuting to work on the Pinellas Trail might be by next option.

-- Julie Perry, Tierra Verde

Rising cost have affected me in evrything I do

for one I have been doing pay day loans. I ride

the bus 2-3 days a week to work and ride my bike back. don't eat out anymore,I don't use the dryer anymore I hang my clothes and when they are dry I put them in the the dryer on fluff w/no heat

My company said we won't be getting raises anytime soon.I work out more because I don't spend money when I do.I won't drive my car as much

-- JEANETTE , St. Petersburg

I have cut back so much that it is now food that gets the ax. I budgeted $50 per week for groceries and dining out. And, by dining out I mean a fast food place not a sit down restaurant. My friends don't understand when I decline their invitations to go out to eat or meet at Skippers. I simply can't afford to do it.

-- anonymous, Tampa

It's been rough, but I'm coping by cutting down on costs by not going out as much. It's amazing to me how much money I will NOT spend if I just stay in for a night (no gas used) or even carpool with a friend to another friend's house and then just stay in there ..playing card games and watching movies.

I've also cut my grocery expenses and have even started to clip coupons again. Something I had stopped doing awhile ago, but it's a necesitty now..oh and looking at the sale papers.

If I want any new clothes...I've been hitting up the thrift shops and consignment shops more often now and trying to keep away from the mall and other places with brand name requirements.

Also - getting a second job has helped as well. I only work about 12-20 hours more a week, but I use that money for gas and going out each week..and when it's gone then the fun's done for the week!

-- Rita, Clearwater

Driving less. OJ instead of Guinness at pub. Letting hair grow. No new clothes. Discounted items only at supermarket. Fewer fancy Xmas gifts for family and friends. Cancelled season tix for Lightning. Dating less-demanding women. Not to worry: I'm coping just fine.

-- Rod, Brandon

I definitely feel the pinch! I turn my A.C. up to over 80 when I am not home for at least 9 hours/day. I am avoiding excessive driving, try to organize shopping/going out so I can make the most out of the miles I have to drive.

-- Anne, Largo

I have put my youngest in daycare and am back to work over 40 hours per week between two jobs. Next school year, I'll be back to work full-time and still have my second job. I MIGHT see my young children a couple of hours per day. My husband works about 50hrs per week.

-- Megan, St. Petersburg

I bought a bicycle - and the pump that goes with it. Then there's the backpack I picked because it's shape will accomodate a day's worth of groceries.

And when I downsized to a smaller condo (for financial reasons) I chose a location close to the bus system. And I walk. At the moment, I'm anticipating 1 tank of gas per month, but that might not be affordable my fixed income.

Pat Kavanaugh, Largo

Limited any additional driving due to the rising cost of fuel. If it's not on the way to or from work, I'm not going!

To save energy at home, set my A/C thermostat to 78 degrees when I am home, and bump it to 80 when I leave. Washing dishes by hand, rather than using diswasher. Washing all clothes in cold water setting.

-- Cheryl, Tarpon Springs

With the rising costs of insurance and gas I've had major cut backs in my life. As far as gas goes I do only necessary travel. I've set up a carpool with other parents to shuttle kids back and forth to sports. I own a home so insurance is out of control. I've actually had to cut coverage out to save money. I happen to work in the industry and it's only going to get worse. People will be priced out of their homes because of insurance.

-- Palladino, St Petersburg

Reducing cell phone plans, cutting back on cable TV services, internet services and home phone plans seems to have lessened the burden for now. But, if insurance rises again, and electric and water rates rise as expected, our family will have to get very creative.

-- Daniel Riggs, Saint Petersburg

Sliding is a better word than coping for it. I pay 250.00 monthly in gas to work and home. Electic has tripled. I have cut back on food, and all leisure activities. cannot cut back on bills because the shut you off. Now 2 full time jobs just to make ends meet.

-- Denise Blackford, New Port Richey

Not driving as much and eating out less. I have turned against the current administration and will vote againts all who supported Buch.

-- Tom Matthew, Bradenton

We dropped our health insurance at my husband's work. We don't drive anymore then we absolutely have too. We don't get to see the grandparents in St Pete as often. We stayed at home all summer except for one day trip, and that was to Wild Waters in Ocala. We don't eat out except once a week, then we go to Chick-A-Fil in Brooksville on Tuedays nights, because they have family nights, and the kids eat free.

-- Carolyn, Homosassa

Re:

We have had to cut out any eating out even fast-food which is very difficult when you have a couple of active kids, but it is the only place we have to cut a corner.

-- Jennifer, Largo

I have been employed as a home health speech therapist for the last 2 years. I drive all over Largo, St. Pete, Clearwater, and even Tampa to visit clients. I think about the rising costs of gasoline every day that I get into my car and pass a gas station. Now that there is another major hurricane in the Gulf, I am even more nervous about how that will affect me at the pump. My one saving grace is my Toyota Corolla!

-- Nicole, Largo

I am coping with rising costs by eating out less and cooking at home more. Also, I am attempting to ride my bike more instead of driving short distances.

-- Jason Hangauer, Tampa

everything is going up except my paycheck. I only get basic cable now. I try not to shop to advoid impulse buying . I can't save money, because I live paycheck to paycheck. Have considered a part time job. I have to keep my lifestye simple.

-- C. Lumpkin , St. Petersburg

gas prices have affected every aspect of our lives--we're not going out as often, we drive as little as possible, food costs are up because of trucking costs, quick trips out of the house are non-existant--they must be tied to another outting, going to movies is out because of the long drive, we don't sit in the car and wait a few minutes with the engine running (and i drive a toyota corolla!)

-- rita, odessa

A year or so ago I suspected that gas would reach $3+

a gallon. I made a promise to myself that when it did I'd purchase a bicycle and use it as often as possible. Hurricane Katrina was the excuse the oil industry needed to broach the expected $3 level.

The company that made my new bike and the retailer that I purchased it from are the beneficiaries OPEC and U.S. oil industry greed. I'm happy to proclaim my wallet and health are the better for it too. The only time my van spends time on the road is when weather or family/business commitments require I fire up the vehicle.

-- Jeffrey McKenney, St. Pete Beach

I am coping mainly at the grocery store, an area whee I feel like I am able to exercise real control. I have eliminated convenience foods and brand names. I discovered that canned food (tuna, vegetables, etc.) is much cheaper at dollar stores aven though the brands are totally unfamiliar. Weekly menus are dictated more and more by what's on sale, rather than by habit or by family favorites.

-- MJ Williamson, Tampa

I think it's time that hillsborough county begins looking at offering alternatives to having to drive. With the price of gas up and expected to go higher, I personally will have to cut out driving to work, but then how will I get there since there is no real alternative from Riverview to Tampa airport. It's time Florida look at improvements other than roads to get people where they need to go, thanks to those who voted against high speed rail and hindered the future of florida even further. Hope you can afford to gas your guzzling SUV's, if not too bad we've had the potential for many alternatives to driving but voters keep electing obstructionists... RONDA STORMS!

-- Mike, Riverview

We are watching electrical and water consumption much more than we use to. We are also driving for pleasure less. Just recently, we got our renewal for homeowner's insurance and it went up more than 50%, we are now scrutinizing that more than we use to.

I am also reconsidering how to keep my jewelry business afloat, as discretionary income is much less for most people.

All in all, a lot more penny pinching.

-- Dawn Jenkins, St. Petersburg

Re:

What I would like to have explained is the inflation rate reported at being staple and contained, running about 3%.

If I calculatte the inflation rate of basic items required for living, the rate is more like 30%

Energy is 80-100%

Housing has gone up in my area 40% in one year per my assessment

Insurance rate has been raised 32%

Medical costs have inreased 15%

Tuition costs have increased 12%

Grocery costs are up on average of 12-15%

My haircut service has been increased by 25%

My utility rate is being increased by 28%

My dentist has raised his rates onaverage 40%

My boat diver service has just increased his rate by 50%

So please explain to me how the reported inflation rate of 3% can be explained to have any meaningful purpose. These are numbers that simply are absurd and do not reflect the fact that we have run-away inflation on all basic living costs. The reported ficticious inflation rates are surely reported only so that the Social Sec. benefits are not increased to refect the true rate of inflation.

-- B. Mueller, St. Petersburg

I've had to cut back almost on everything, We haven't gone out to our traditional "Friday night dinners" in a long time and I haven't shopped in the mall since the first part of May.....and I'd be surprised if I go in one between now and Christmas. This year will more than likely be the hardest we've had, there's just not enough moey to go around, all of our bills have been behind, what we can say, we don't have a money tree in the back yard!!

-- Marianne, St. Petersburg

[Last modified September 29, 2005, 15:55:05]