Assuming that you're paying more for energy - and who isn't - logically more of your otherwise disposable income is now going to pay for all sorts of things that cost more - gas, food, etc. There are many ways of adjusting to this. I'm curious - how have you adjusted? Where does the money come from? More debt? "Government stimulus?" Have you even adjusted at all?
Reducing consumption is one way to cope. If you have, what have you done, specifically? Trading your Chevy Suburban for a Smart ForTwo, assuming you drive the same number of miles, counts as "reducing consumption" but going from oil to wood or pellets doesn't - that's a different answer.
If your consumption has remained relatively constant how have you re-allocated your expenses to offset energy's higher cost?
For me, I've completely eliminated going to restaurants. That means no eating out - no McDonald's no Starbucks, nothing. No movies (but I do have Netflix). Haven't had TV for years but that predated energy's recent rise so it doesn't really count. Have had small fuel efficient cars for years too. Never did much frivolous driving but I'm making a concerted effort to combine necessary trips. Sold my airplane :down: but with avgas over $6.00 a gallon I wasn't flying much any more. No magazine or newspaper subscriptions - no need as long as my dialup works. I'm going to the local library more than ever, no book purchases necessary. Ammo purchases are down to about nothing due to its high cost. Already have a bunch of CFLs and dimmers on what aren't. Planted a small vegetable garden. The pellet stove will reduce my heating oil consumption. Next on the chopping block for me is my cell phone and Netflix - I lived without them for years and can do it again. After that... well I really don't know. There's not much else to cut. Maybe I'll stop cutting the grass.
Speaking of cutting my barber says his business is down - he says people simply go longer without a haircut. I suppose I'd just shave my head if necessary. Save on shampoo also.
So what have you done? What WILL you do if gas goes to $10.00 a gallon or simply unavailable at any price?
Be specific!
I'd put this in the form of a poll but the answers would be too constraining.
Reducing consumption is one way to cope. If you have, what have you done, specifically? Trading your Chevy Suburban for a Smart ForTwo, assuming you drive the same number of miles, counts as "reducing consumption" but going from oil to wood or pellets doesn't - that's a different answer.
If your consumption has remained relatively constant how have you re-allocated your expenses to offset energy's higher cost?
For me, I've completely eliminated going to restaurants. That means no eating out - no McDonald's no Starbucks, nothing. No movies (but I do have Netflix). Haven't had TV for years but that predated energy's recent rise so it doesn't really count. Have had small fuel efficient cars for years too. Never did much frivolous driving but I'm making a concerted effort to combine necessary trips. Sold my airplane :down: but with avgas over $6.00 a gallon I wasn't flying much any more. No magazine or newspaper subscriptions - no need as long as my dialup works. I'm going to the local library more than ever, no book purchases necessary. Ammo purchases are down to about nothing due to its high cost. Already have a bunch of CFLs and dimmers on what aren't. Planted a small vegetable garden. The pellet stove will reduce my heating oil consumption. Next on the chopping block for me is my cell phone and Netflix - I lived without them for years and can do it again. After that... well I really don't know. There's not much else to cut. Maybe I'll stop cutting the grass.
Speaking of cutting my barber says his business is down - he says people simply go longer without a haircut. I suppose I'd just shave my head if necessary. Save on shampoo also.
So what have you done? What WILL you do if gas goes to $10.00 a gallon or simply unavailable at any price?
Be specific!
I'd put this in the form of a poll but the answers would be too constraining.
.
