The High Cost of What?
Most of us all fall into the same demographic more or less. We are around the same age, the same race, and with few variations the same gender. While our incomes my be different I would bet that the differences in our bills help to neutralize that metric as well. So - based on this I am curious to hear what changes if any you have made given the recent turmoil in both the financial markets, price of gas, value of your home etc... It seems that everywhere I read about how people are cutting back or not traveling on and on.
I would have to say that in my world, not much has changed. I have always been a thrifty guy and will always look for the best price. If I had to pick one thing I would say that we have not cut back on how often we go to restaurants but have as of late picked lower cost restaurants and especially BYOB places. I do not know if this is economics or simply that I don't see the value in paying over $25 for a slab of salmon on rice with an $8 glass of wine.
The only other area (be it small) where I have made some changes is what I take in for my lunch. I used to always look for frozen meals that were around $2.50-$3.00. In the past month it is getting harder to find anything of quality in that price range and I am starting to rethink the whole frozen food thing. As you get closer to $4.00 - $4.50 you might as well start thinking about the sandwich from Subway again. Think I might start making my own lunch from scratch. Is this a big thing? Noooo - but it is a change. Any of you guys doing anything different?
I would have to say that in my world, not much has changed. I have always been a thrifty guy and will always look for the best price. If I had to pick one thing I would say that we have not cut back on how often we go to restaurants but have as of late picked lower cost restaurants and especially BYOB places. I do not know if this is economics or simply that I don't see the value in paying over $25 for a slab of salmon on rice with an $8 glass of wine.
The only other area (be it small) where I have made some changes is what I take in for my lunch. I used to always look for frozen meals that were around $2.50-$3.00. In the past month it is getting harder to find anything of quality in that price range and I am starting to rethink the whole frozen food thing. As you get closer to $4.00 - $4.50 you might as well start thinking about the sandwich from Subway again. Think I might start making my own lunch from scratch. Is this a big thing? Noooo - but it is a change. Any of you guys doing anything different?
posted by Tom at
10:04 AM
3 Comments:
I think the biggest thing is gas. I can't stand it. We are over in New York this week and alas, it may be our only time here this summer. Granted the boys schedule may prevent us coming back, but it used to be so easy (4 1/2 hours) to come over even for a long weekend. But knowing that it will cost $150.00 round trip just to travel puts a damper on it.
Also, just going to Portland Maine is $40-50 round trip. It was great to say, hey let's go see a SeaDogs game, the tickets are only $7.00. But now adding gas takes the "pop over" aspect out.
I even think about it when Beckett is almost asleep in the car and needs just a few more minutes to get him so I can transfer at home. But now, those extra few minutes cost $5.00.
I also have felt, even for the past few years, that going to dinner has been a splurge. I love to go out and enjoy a good meal, but just going out cause you don't feel like cooking isn't an excuse anymore. Going our for birthdays or visiting with friends is fine. Bought three pizzas tonight - $42.00! What happened to the cheap meal?
I think there are still many important things to do, especially with the kids, but some of the old, heck it's only $10.00 things are done. They add up too quick. As I may have said to some or all, I am trying not gather "stuff" and if I had thought of that 20 years ago, I wouldn't have a full attic and garage.
By
Rob, At
July 2, 2008 8:06 PM
I agree with Rob. My commute is an hour each way. The price of gas has more than tripled in the past three years. And the side effects of that include much higher grocery prices and companies (such as cable TV) charging higher rates to pass their own fuel costs on to the consumer. Obviously, I can't afford to travel the way I once did. I've noticed that I eat out much less, don't buy books, iTunes or DVDs, avoid all outdoor stores and generally lead a more Spartan, less Athenian lifestyle.
By
Doug Norris, At
July 7, 2008 8:01 AM
For me, it's not just gas. It's a perfect storm of a number of factors, not the least of which is the fact that my income has been flat for the last 4 or 5 years. And in this same time, I've added a 3rd child, property values (and hence taxes) have increased, and just about everything else is going up in price.
So what have I done? I'm now mowing my own grass...with a reel mower. I've just done an oil change on both my cars and replaced the rear brakes on one with plans for the same on the second. And I'm looking for other DIY tasks to take on. Part of these moves on my part may be in reaction to the increased costs of everything. Part of it is also my increasing desire to be green. But at the core, I think the changes I'm making are about being a damn stubborn Yankee. As much for being a cheapass as it is for wanting to do things for myself.
By
David, At
July 17, 2008 8:13 AM
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