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I haven't read this whole thread, so I apologize if someone already brought this up.
I read this article by an economist, who pointed out that the economic boom of the past 2 decades was fueled in large part by baby boomers who had to have a lot, and the best of everything. Granite counters, fireplaces, huge washer dryers, big cars, etc. I am NOT criticizing any of these purchases as I am part of that generation.
Now that we are aging, the natural instinct is to pull back on purchases and save for retirement. So, the collective instincts of millions of people are probably going to add to a downturn in the economy for years.
And, to get back to the OP, I can't help but think that this is having and will have an effect on purchases, such as hobbies, that are not mandatory. What bothers me the most is the idea that the "walmarts" of hobby stores will be all that is left.
I worry about the LSS and the online stamp companies. Some of them are thriving, but I can't help but wonder how many of them will be in business a year from now.
And, on that happy note, off to dust my stone fireplace mantle....
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Okay... this is what I can't figure out.... We are so technological. We can send the space shuttle into orbit and bring it back and reuse it, you can get a digital watch in a Happy Meal for free and in the 70' they were way over $100, Mac can make a computer that will fit in the size of a Inter Office Envelope, BUT we can't make a car that does a 100 miles a gallon or come up with some other "safe" alternative fuel???? What is up with that?
In the 70's I remember the rationing. We lived on a farm, and my Grandfather would have to get gas based on his license plate for the tractors. I think it was 60 cents a gallon at that time.
I work 32 miles from my home. I get great gas mileage on my car. I can fill up my tank and it will last a whole week with a little less then 1/4 of tank left. But, on the weekends we go no where. My husband's company pays for his gas. But who knows, that may change.
I work for a moving company, and it is terribly slow........ Normally this is the start of the busy season, and we are laying people off. Other moving companies across the country are all saying the same thing. It seems like the summer after 9/11, which was terrible. Our owner/operator drivers all want to stop, because they cannot afford to drive anymore. Diesel fuel costs are killing them.
I have plenty of stamping goodies, so don't need to buy anything.... BUT it is the want that gets you!
We have a diesel truck and diesel is at $4.49/gal. here!
I don't know that I am worried, but I am definitely cutting back. Diesel is at $4.59/gallon where I'm at - I spend about $92 to fill the tank on a regular car (not a truck) and use 1.5 tanks of gas each week because I have an outside sales job (costs me $130/week - I'm re-imbursed at .49.5/mile - it's not enough!)
It is affecting what I spend on stamps & my hobby. We also have oil heat for our home and about every 60-90 days we get a bill for $1300-$1500. Last year it was only $600-$900. That's a big difference for me - on top of all this, the company I work for has changed the payout structure for incentive/bonuses - I'm down $40-50k a year on incentive money alone.
The GOOD part that I can see coming of this - I'm not making several trips to Michaels or Joanns to use my 50% off coupon - the cost to drive out there does not make it worth it. I also am not buying SU anymore (or buying very little) - I've been a demo since 1990 - and anymore, most all of the items can be bought found used somewhere. I'm realizing I don't really need another stamp set or the latest gadget.
I don't think the fuel prices will come down, but I do think people need to re-think their use of vehicles and energy sucking habits. I wish there were a way to charge speeders more for their gas - it wastes gas - and when you are racing to be the first one to the red light, it's just stupid.
My fuel costs has been rising .06 each day for the last 3 weeks. Yes, this is affecting what I can spend on my hobby.
__________________ Elaine ~ A_Place_For_Ink / Stamp Connoissuer A Place for Ink!
I was craving lemon blueberry muffins the other day...went to the store to get a lemon $4.93 for 1 lemon! I'm really glad I happened to glance at the price I don't always do that, so instead I got lemon juice and the muffins tasted pretty good still! So weird, because limes were priced okay!
Nope, not worried at all. Let them go sky high so car companies will get serious about developing more renewable energy alternatives.
There are plenty of alternatives however the US government is run by Oil men and Oil interest lobbies. --- take them out of the equation and we might get something done.
There is still a perspective in the US that diesel is a dirty fuel however, in Europe they have been running very very green diesel buses and coaches for at least five years to my personal knowledge.
At least with diesel you get about twice as much mileage per gallon, the engines last longer, AND have less about them that can go wrong - it is not unusual for a diesel engine to run efficiently for over a million (yes that's right folks) I'll repeat it, a million miles. Does this mean that diesel is the answer? I don't know, but I think it is a step in the right direction.
It shocks me that recycling isn't mandated AND that there have been no large incentives (until now) of harnessing solar, wind etc. for the individual home owner.
There are so many problems with fuel and its "oil men". I understand that people like money, who doesn't, but when the CEO's of the oil companies are getting millions as incentive packages that upsets me. I read one time that the reason the prices went up in the summer is because that is when the oil companies preform their maintenance on pipelines. They could take the CEO's bonuses and fix them and not raise the prices any that summer. I also saw one persons theroy was that people travel more during the summer and if people decided/can't afford to go on vacation this summer that it would decrease demand and prices would stabilize. It doesn't help that the suppliers in the middle east are saying the price per barrel is to low. Sorry for the rant but it disgusts me that the rich keep getting richer off of the mid/low income suffering.
I don't want to have to give up sending out my cards, so if it comes to it, I will just stop buying stamp sets (and make do with what I and my friends have) so that we can continue to send out the cards.
My card ministry is sending cards to our church shut ins for birthdays and anniversaries, and I know this brightens their days so I don't want to cut back on the sending - will just have to cut back on the spending - and spend more wisely. Instead of buying a new stamp set in the future I will buy more cardstock.
I just wanted to mention for those who are concerned and tightening their spending - take a look at www.daveramsey.com GREAT source of info for budgeting and getting OUT of debt.
I agree we ALL have our own opinions and I'm glad this thread hasn't gotten out of hand
I'm in the consensus of those that think "universal healthcare" is BAD! I don't want my money going to pay for people who don't take the initiative to get work when they can. I TOTALLY understand that there are many that can't but in my town I see PLENTY who can and choose not to.
I also don't want the government MAKING me go to the dr. I'm healthy. I KNOW my body well enough to know when something is wrong (and I get my annual pap and mam - due to family history). I know in a few years I'll have to start going more often though. I don't need "big brother" telling me otherwise because they THINK I need to go. You know what that'll get me - overdosed on some medication because they GUESSED how much I needed or INSISTED I needed because of some WHACKED OUT scale they use that doesn't take into consideration people's sensitivity to different medicines (this EXACT thing KILLED my grandfather).
I just wanted to mention for those who are concerned and tightening their spending - take a look at www.daveramsey.com GREAT source of info for budgeting and getting OUT of debt.
I agree we ALL have our own opinions and I'm glad this thread hasn't gotten out of hand
I'm in the consensus of those that think "universal healthcare" is BAD! I don't want my money going to pay for people who don't take the initiative to get work when they can. I TOTALLY understand that there are many that can't but in my town I see PLENTY who can and choose not to.
I also don't want the government MAKING me go to the dr. I'm healthy. I KNOW my body well enough to know when something is wrong (and I get my annual pap and mam - due to family history). I know in a few years I'll have to start going more often though. I don't need "big brother" telling me otherwise because they THINK I need to go. You know what that'll get me - overdosed on some medication because they GUESSED how much I needed or INSISTED I needed because of some WHACKED OUT scale they use that doesn't take into consideration people's sensitivity to different medicines (this EXACT thing KILLED my grandfather).
I consider Universal Healthcare to be the only Christian answer to lack of healthcare - it amazes me how many self declared Christians are against it - "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, that you do unto me" Matthew 25:40...
Universal Healthcare doesn't preclude people taking care of themselves and getting off their backsides and working. And governments within Universal Healthcare models don't tell their people they have to do anything. The only model of this type of Healthcare that I am aware of is in the US already with retired service personel. That is not Universal Healthcare as I understand it.
I consider Universal Healthcare to be the only Christian answer to lack of healthcare - it amazes me how many self declared Christians are against it - "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, that you do unto me" Matthew 25:40.
God didn't give this directive to a government, so you are a bit off target here, in my opinion. This directive was given to the church. Our government isn't set up to be a religious body. The one who should be doing for 'the lease of these'... is YOU! And I mean the collective YOU, the church, I don't mean just you personally. It was also not written to the unbeliever, so that's a pretty big responsibility the church needs to pick up, and often isn't.
Our church routinely helps people, both church members and others in our community, with medical and other expenses at times when they cannot manage on their own. That's a church function. If your church isn't doing that, you should be asking why! People helping people is what it's all about. I know we've personally helped neighbors who were financially in need and we'll do so again. Are we rich? Heavens no! But the Lord provides for us daily and He provides us enough to reach out to others as well. For example, after giving money to a neighbor to help with medical bills, my husband unexpectedly got overtime at work (which almost never happens) to recover that amount. God is good!
As a Christian, government run health care has another scary component. Abortion is legal and with any type of government run system... they could force medical facilities and doctors to perform them. Then where would 'the least of these' be?
I read a quote once about some scary words, 'I've come from the government and I'm here to help.' Look at what they did, and didn't do, after Katrina and other natural disasters and ask yourself, do you really want them to run your health care as well? Have they done a great job with Social Security? How about with securiting our borders and anti-terrorism? I don't think they do a very good job with the tax system either. I don't think they are equipped or competent to handle the health care situation and I sure don't want to stake my, or anyone else's, life on it.
This doesn't relate at all to stamping and for that I apologize, but I didn't want to let this slide by without giving the other side, from another Christian's viewpoint. I hope, now that both sides have given opinion, that it can be put to rest and we can just get back to stamping! The world's problems will not be fixed on SCS... unfortunately.
__________________ Pegg Thomas Socialism is trickle up poverty.
God didn't give this directive to a government, so you are a bit off target here, in my opinion. This directive was given to the church. Our government isn't set up to be a religious body. The one who should be doing for 'the lease of these'... is YOU! And I mean the collective YOU, the church, I don't mean just you personally. It was also not written to the unbeliever, so that's a pretty big responsibility the church needs to pick up, and often isn't.
Our church routinely helps people, both church members and others in our community, with medical and other expenses at times when they cannot manage on their own. That's a church function. If your church isn't doing that, you should be asking why! People helping people is what it's all about. I know we've personally helped neighbors who were financially in need and we'll do so again. Are we rich? Heavens no! But the Lord provides for us daily and He provides us enough to reach out to others as well. For example, after giving money to a neighbor to help with medical bills, my husband unexpectedly got overtime at work (which almost never happens) to recover that amount. God is good!
As a Christian, government run health care has another scary component. Abortion is legal and with any type of government run system... they could force medical facilities and doctors to perform them. Then where would 'the least of these' be?
I read a quote once about some scary words, 'I've come from the government and I'm here to help.' Look at what they did, and didn't do, after Katrina and other natural disasters and ask yourself, do you really want them to run your health care as well? Have they done a great job with Social Security? How about with securiting our borders and anti-terrorism? I don't think they do a very good job with the tax system either. I don't think they are equipped or competent to handle the health care situation and I sure don't want to stake my, or anyone else's, life on it.
This doesn't relate at all to stamping and for that I apologize, but I didn't want to let this slide by without giving the other side, from another Christian's viewpoint. I hope, now that both sides have given opinion, that it can be put to rest and we can just get back to stamping! The world's problems will not be fixed on SCS... unfortunately.
I have to say I think it has everything to do with stamping and giving to one another....
I don't give to see what I get back, but it seems many do.
I still think the quote is absolutely relevant because the government is run by people that call themselves Christian (in the majority) and use Christian beliefs to get elected and then do nothing to change those things which they promised they would at least look at. To my personal knowledge Roe v Wade has not had a glance by the current government yet it is a constant platform by one political party that they will rescend it (that is that elective i.e. birth control abortion will be illegal not medical necessary ones - they were legal pre-Roe v Wade). The Government then goes on to make policies which look out for the people that gave them money to run, not the people that elected them. And it can't be denied that Government decisions based on Special Interest group lobbying has an overall economic impact. And therefore impact on what everyone here has to spend (National and International policies).
Most Universal Healthcare Systems are not run by the Government but are financed by the government and run by trained Health and Healthcare management personnel who will get the best for the money - its like one big universal insurance policy for the nation. We are worth it.
gas prices in RI 3.65 a gallon. I drive a Toyota so I get great milage. My job is 5 miles so that is 10 miles daily and I drive Strategically on Sat when I do my shopping. I do not think for one min things will get better.The Majority
of Our oil is from the middle east, I feel this is done purposely to under mind our economy, I read yesterday that the middle east Opec leaders were saying the price per barrel is to cheap and they are going to increase it again. Being in New England we also heat by oil. min amount to be delivered is 100 gallons which right now is 400 dollars, our tanks are 200 gallon tanks. Not to sound like a doom and gloom person . But I do not see things getting better in the future. But my hope is in Christ Jesus alone, in Him I have total peace for the future truly lays in His Hand.
If I convert litres to US gallons, we are paying in the range of $4.63 a gallon here in Canada (Manitoba). I'm sure it's even higher in the larger metro centers. Two years ago it cost $30 to fill my tank. Now it's $50+
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Originally Posted by twinwillowsfarm
People helping people is what it's all about.
You say it's a "church thing" and people helping people is what it's all about, that government shouldn't be doing this, but the church should... well, isn't our government ....
of the people
by the people
for the people???
So wouldn't it follow that people helping people is EXACTLY what our government is based on?
When did the US become so individualistic and stop caring about the greater good? If our forefathers had only thought about themselves, we'd still be flying a British union jack, have endentured servants, and only white land owners would be allowed to vote.
This was a nice healthy conversation until the scripture/church came in. I go to church and all but this wasn't necessary. This always bring in some nasty conversations.
I don't care either way but until I am the financial manager for the U.S., I'm not sure I trust the gov. with my money. I'm not even sure I'll be getting social security when I retire in 30+ years.
I consider Universal Healthcare to be the only Christian answer to lack of healthcare - it amazes me how many self declared Christians are against it - "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, that you do unto me" Matthew 25:40...
Universal Healthcare doesn't preclude people taking care of themselves and getting off their backsides and working. And governments within Universal Healthcare models don't tell their people they have to do anything. The only model of this type of Healthcare that I am aware of is in the US already with retired service personel. That is not Universal Healthcare as I understand it.
Have you ready Hillary's proposed UHC plan? It states that "children" are defined as 24 and under - that means you can be 22, with a DH of 23, with 2+ children and you are ALL considered children! It also states that EVERYONE will be required to get an annual physical - bloodwork and all.
God didn't give this directive to a government, so you are a bit off target here, in my opinion. This directive was given to the church. Our government isn't set up to be a religious body. The one who should be doing for 'the lease of these'... is YOU! And I mean the collective YOU, the church, I don't mean just you personally. It was also not written to the unbeliever, so that's a pretty big responsibility the church needs to pick up, and often isn't.
Our church routinely helps people, both church members and others in our community, with medical and other expenses at times when they cannot manage on their own. That's a church function. If your church isn't doing that, you should be asking why! People helping people is what it's all about. I know we've personally helped neighbors who were financially in need and we'll do so again. Are we rich? Heavens no! But the Lord provides for us daily and He provides us enough to reach out to others as well. For example, after giving money to a neighbor to help with medical bills, my husband unexpectedly got overtime at work (which almost never happens) to recover that amount. God is good!
As a Christian, government run health care has another scary component. Abortion is legal and with any type of government run system... they could force medical facilities and doctors to perform them. Then where would 'the least of these' be?
I read a quote once about some scary words, 'I've come from the government and I'm here to help.' Look at what they did, and didn't do, after Katrina and other natural disasters and ask yourself, do you really want them to run your health care as well? Have they done a great job with Social Security? How about with securiting our borders and anti-terrorism? I don't think they do a very good job with the tax system either. I don't think they are equipped or competent to handle the health care situation and I sure don't want to stake my, or anyone else's, life on it.
This doesn't relate at all to stamping and for that I apologize, but I didn't want to let this slide by without giving the other side, from another Christian's viewpoint. I hope, now that both sides have given opinion, that it can be put to rest and we can just get back to stamping! The world's problems will not be fixed on SCS... unfortunately.
Oh! I LOVE your analysis of the scripture! Nice job!
You say it's a "church thing" and people helping people is what it's all about, that government shouldn't be doing this, but the church should... well, isn't our government ....
of the people
by the people
for the people???
So wouldn't it follow that people helping people is EXACTLY what our government is based on?
When did the US become so individualistic and stop caring about the greater good? If our forefathers had only thought about themselves, we'd still be flying a British union jack, have endentured servants, and only white land owners would be allowed to vote.
Well said, and it needs to be repeated here.
As for HC plans for Universal Healthcare there will be amendments - Government plans and what actually gets passed into law are two completely different things - I was always taught Dream Big and then a healthy dose of economics and implementation will rein in many ideas.
I also agree with the last post about the skewing of religion in this post - So I will leave myself open for ongoing attack by just saying one of the best sermons I ever heard was on a college campus when a student asked will you be convicted of being Christian? And reminded the students that a church is anywhere where two or more are gathered in Christ's name.
My intent is only to question if people are actually living their beliefs. Many people talk the talk, however are unwilling to make slight changes to make the world and in particular the US a better place for everyone not just those who have had the fortune to have rich connections.
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Originally Posted by canben
Have you ready Hillary's proposed UHC plan? It states that "children" are defined as 24 and under - that means you can be 22, with a DH of 23, with 2+ children and you are ALL considered children! It also states that EVERYONE will be required to get an annual physical - bloodwork and all.
Well, there is a growing shift in the age of married persons, and a growing trend that someone of the age of 24 and under is still enrolled in school. I know my dh's health plan stipulates that my children are covered until the age of 18 UNLESS they are enrolled full time in college. They are then covered until they graduate....
And EVERYONE should have a yearly exam and bloodwork, no matter if the government is "mandating" it or not. It's just good old fashioned common sense.
Many TREATABLE diseases turn fatal if not caught in time. Having a yearly physical would save this country MILLIONS in health care for certain diseases as well...
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Back to the whole "church should take care of them" comment...
Our country spends BILLIONS of $$ a year on foreign aid. We take care of everyone but our own. Perhaps if the government spent that money (which we've already given them via our taxes, so there wouldn't be a tax increase) on helping our own citizenry, then the churches could take care of the rest of the world.
If you're saying the government has no responsibility to take care of it's citizens, what in God's name is it there for???
Back to the whole "church should take care of them" comment...
Our country spends BILLIONS of $$ a year on foreign aid. We take care of everyone but our own. Perhaps if the government spent that money (which we've already given them via our taxes, so there wouldn't be a tax increase) on helping our own citizenry, then the churches could take care of the rest of the world.
If you're saying the government has no responsibility to take care of it's citizens, what in God's name is it there for???
Well said! I'll secound that.
__________________ My Blog
Creating isn't a hobby, but a way of life!
I can remember gas at .19 cents a gallon so guess that makes me pretty ancient....lol...
Making extra trips for anything went out the door several years ago when I thought the price of gas was ridiculous.
Groceries are bought on the way home from work (work midnights), prescriptions picked up on the way to work. No grocery shopping on days off unless have to do at least 2 other things.
No trips to micharls, joanns, meijer, target and the like unless I go to visit my mom (she lives 90 miles away and is within 25 miles of those type of stores)
Managing to pay off the credit cards due to the cutbacks i have made in the last few years.
Continuing to stamp, etc...spending more time at home...lol...
buying the stuff I need online and buy more frquently at places that offer free shipping.
Will probably stock up on certain grocery purchases in the next few months because I want to continue to enjoy what little I do enjoy and figure the prices of groceries will of course continue to rise.
The up side of all of this is that I have been doing more with friends/family when able and find that I enjoy that much more anyhow than running out to get a new bra or an ice cream at the DQ...lol! Sometimes when we do get together, we do "community cooking", making several large meals and sharing.
This is something that my husband and I always argue about. He's military and it must be love that I'm married to him because when it comes to government and politics, we're the total opposites. So we just don't talk about it.
But, it might be because I haven't seen any really good reason, we help the outside world too much and feel like the inside is being ignored or not cared for enough. In the TIME magazine, I think a few weeks ago, it showed a chart on how many billions of dollars we've spent on the war. Then heard about adding more foreign aids in the presidential campaigns. Just made me sick.
Imagine what that money can do if it's kept in-house? Higher education, better healthcare, more put into research for better energy source. I'm using Germany again just because it's the most recent other modern country I've been to but it was so cool to see windmills all over the place. I live in MO and man, the wind is crazy here. One windmill can energize my area, about 8 homes. Why can't we try that? Yes there are tax breaks for using energy efficient stuff but not that big of an incentive considering how much it cost initially and how much the average American can afford.
Am I too selfish to not consider others outside our country and not give aid? I don't mean to cut funds all the way but to use more of the $$ in the US than try to fix the world at large. I think that's also why other countries dislike us so much because we're always in somebody's side instead of not taking any sides. Am I ignorant to say, "Let them figure out their feud. It's been going on for centuries, what can we do?" Because we're so into others' affairs, we get attacked too.
So is my husband correct to call me ignorant with the whole issue? Am I too left or right wing? I'm not even sure what is on the left or on the right. The above is just my humble opinion. Maybe I ask too much, hoping that the world will just be a peaceful place and that people should just talk it through and maybe, just maybe, everybody in the U.S. will have jobs, not worry about where their next meal will be coming from, have great healthcare, and their children will be well educated.
The real fear I have is that the government WILL get involved and try to 'fix' everything. That's a sure fire way to get everything screwed up! Like the acres and acres of farmland NOT being farmed now because our government has been paying people for years and years NOT to farm. And if they slap price controls on food who is it going to hurt? The farmer. The middle man and grocery store will still get theirs. You hurt farmers enough and they just quit producing food. That makes food more scarce. That makes food cost more. Nasty cycle in the making. And don't get me started on the price of corn and the whole ethanol futures trading issue...
Supply and demand is always changing and prices change with it. But price controls? Heaven help us!
Isn't this the truth!
The Farmers have been put out to pasture. Their not getting what they should for their time, and for the food they raise for us to eat.
My DH and I (and one of our daughters) actually went out to dinner at a local pub-type restaurant on Saturday. Other than a freebie dinner last month that my husband and I went out for, this was the first dinner out in 2 years (at least that's the closest we could figure). I was floored at the cost for just three of us eating three individual pizzas, one tap beer and one pop. The beer was $5.50, the pop was $3.00 and each pizza went up in price from $11.99, $12.99 and $13.99 EACH!!! AND I HAD TO PAY THE BILL! I could make the same "gourmet" pizzas at home for a fraction, DH rarely gets any beer and IF I buy pop, its Walmart 58 cents bottles (they've probably gone up since I last bought them a couple months ago).
I buy only what's on sale and have to tailor our meals to fit what I buy. I shop three different stores and combine as many trips as I can. I wish they'd come up with a food pill. (I'm being sarcastic here) Then all the crops can be turned into producing bio-fuels and we won't have to worry about everything from soup to nuts, milk to leather shoes, going up to unbelieveable prices.
Getting back to the OP, I have quit being an SU demo cause I'm not makin' any money at it and can't afford the minimums. Being creative just isn't in my head right now. Yes, I'm worried about everything! I've got one going into college in another year and another kid to follow two years after that and worried that their generation may be the first to actually not be able to afford to live on their own. I'd like to be able to sell our house when both are in college and move elsewhere, but will only have to hope that the economy and housing market turn around fast! I delivered phonebooks the last couple of weekends for a school fundraiser and could not believe the number of homes for sale! Talk about a buyer's market. Makes me wish I was currently renting!
...I delivered phonebooks the last couple of weekends for a school fundraiser and could not believe the number of homes for sale! Talk about a buyer's market. Makes me wish I was currently renting!
I'm currently looking for a home and there is no way I will buy right now...too many huge houses with huge and increasing bills attached to them! Yes I'm lucky, I'm living in the family homestead and covering our costs of living and saving.
I'm more than a little upset that this fuel increase and its ongoing repercussions are happening to my children. It happened to me at nearly the same age (gotta love being a child of the 70's) and I am just trying to fathom how to negotiate it and keep our heads above --- one way I know is to live within our means...beans, beans and more beans anyone? :lol:
ETA
Just wanted to add that I wonder how long small companies that depend on Mail Order can survive very long - apparently it is costing Truckers over $1000 to fill up with diesel and those costs will have to get passed along to the companies and consumers.
Oh I remember the good old days when our petrol was so CHEAP!!!!
The price of oil and petrol is almost always the lead news on the TV every evening here (I'm in Northern Ireland)
At the minute we're paying �1.14 per LITRE (so thats about $2.30/litre) - it costs me over $120 per week just to travel to work!!! Plus everything else is on the rise too - our electricity is going up by 33% shortly and even a loaf of bread is over $2! It really is quite shocking how fast the prices creep up.
On the other hand, our national lottery made a bigger profit this year than they have done for ages ... think most people are like me and do it out of desperation!!!
Oh well, I'm sure I'll get a payrise soon to match the cost of living increases (Ha Ha!!!)
I really have way more stamping stuff then I could ever use. So, I guess my biggest money savings thing would be to just buy things when I absolutely need it ~ and not when I see some new fabulous thing here on SCS & end up ordering it... although those dang Copics are calling my name & they are soooo loud!!!
I hear you!! And the darn Copics! LOL!
I,too, have way more stamps than I can use -- and WAY more paper than I will ever need. My cost cutting tip is to try to use what I have -- saves me not only supply money but gas. My trips to Michaels are way down!
I haven't read all of the posts here, but I have NO idea how universal healthcare got into a thread about gas prices! I will say that I believe universal healthcare, while it seems to be a good idea, just backs the whole system up. It brings down the quality of healthcare, and would not be worth it, imho.
As far as the gas prices, I have actually changed the way I drive. Two years ago you couldn't have slowed me down. But now I drive slightly under 60 on the highway, and I take off and stop very slow. I have a 10 gallon tank, and I get about 25 extra miles on every tank now. It really does help. My husband makes sure my spark plugs and filters are in good condition, and I also make sure the air in my tires is where it needs to be. All of these things REALLY help.
I work with a girl who drives like a bat out of hell. I've rode with before, and she drives 80, weaving in and out of traffic. Even when she's not late. She passes me on the highway on the way to work, or down the street from work, and she's always cutting people off. Not only is it dangerous and rude, she's wasting SO much gas by driving this way.
Some days the traffic is different than others, but for the most part, I have noticed that more and more people are slowing down also. I thought I'd feel like a granny when I slowed down to 60, but I'm surprised at how many people slide in behind me and 'cruise' with me! My husband and I both think driving this way has lowered our blood pressure!
As far as how high the gas prices are going, our gas budget is eating up the rest of our budget. We used to have MUCH more money left over for extras, like eating out or saving for trips. We can't even afford to drive the 8 hours to my family reunion this year. Not just because of the gas it would take to get there, but because our gas budget has eaten away at our travelling budget. The money is just not there.
we're at $4 a gallon right now in SE PA. rediculous!!! we didnt have much for extras to begin with and this inflation is killing us financially. i really am scared.
When i first started this thread- the gas was a lot cheaper! LOL
I wanted to add something i heard- and if anyone works at a Walmart or knows someone that does- please jump in if you have heard this too...
My aunt works with a lady- whose husband works at a Walmart. He told his wife they were given a list of items that will be hard to come by and will go up dramatically in price by this fall.
One was butter
another was cereal- and it was projected at 7-10.00 a box..
(I don't know what the other items on the list were- my aunt was trying to find out)
Anyway- I think this is just the beginning of things to come- not to be a doomer/gloomer- but i think gas will stay up and probably keep going up.
I think food prices will continue to rise and with the increase in world disasters- i think food shortages could become an issue.
and of course- if its a question of stamps or feeding my family- obviously the stamps are going to come in last...
__________________ nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17 ~Sara~
