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Tough times call for less spending
ORnews@observer-reporter.com
It's summertime, but the livin' isn't so easy.
Rising food and gas prices are crunching family budgets, and everyday pleasures are becoming luxuries. More than ever, consumers are cutting coupons from Sunday papers, eating out less and are doubtful about taking any summer vacations.
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"We're learning a lot of self-sufficiency," said Kim Copechal of Washington.
Instead of frequenting local ice cream shops, she entices her children to make sundaes at home. And she's been using her slow cooker more for family dinners.
People just have to shop smart, advised Davina Pattison of Washington.
"Stocking up is definitely the way to go," she said.
There's a chance consumers could end up with 18 rolls of paper towels sitting in the basement, but they will last for a long time, and you'll save a few bucks, she said.
Peggy Drazich of Avella said her family makes an effort to save. They are enrolled in a family cell phone plan and have resisted using the air conditioner. And when school was in session, her kids brought lunches to school instead of buying them.
Grocery prices, though, are on the rise, too. Ephraim Leibtag, who forecasts food prices for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, predicted food prices would rise 5.5 percent by the end of 2008.
While record gas prices are helping fuel the spike in food costs, it's not the only reason for the increases.
"It's the raw ingredients that go into food processing: soybeans, corn and wheat," Leibtag said.
As a result, the price of staples such as milk, flour, eggs and bread are up.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average for a gallon of milk in May was $3.68 per gallon, more than 50 cents higher than last year's $3.13. Flour was up by 20 cents; a dozen of eggs, 40 cents, and a loaf of wheat bread, nearly 30 cents.
Economists say it's the worst inflation in nearly two decades.
Dr. John Gregor, chair of the economics and business department at Washington & Jefferson College, said the quick spike in prices during the past year was drastic and noticeable for consumers.
"That's a pretty quick time for people to adjust their spending habits," he said.
Katheryn Chillingworth of Scenery Hill tries to be thrifty every day, but she still braces herself for sticker shock.
"You have to get mentally adjusted to these prices," Chillingworth said before the Washington Community Theatre's production of "The Will Rogers Follies."
Lucky Palyas of Amity agreed.
"We watch more what we buy today than what we used to," he said.
For many, budgeting for gas is even more difficult.
"You still have to drive to work," Robert Blussick of Washington said.
Consumers are learning to conserve by consolidating trips and carpooling.
"I believe people are driving less but still spending more," Gregor said.
Embarking on a family vacation will cost hundreds of dollars just to drive to the destination.
"I'm still going on vacation to Virginia Beach and crying about it," Pattison said.
Not Hilary Burchett of Washington. She said her family is considering eliminating a vacation altogether to save.
"We're thinking about buying a pool instead," Burchett said.
To make at least a small trip, Copechal said families can save by picnicking at free venues, such as Mingo Creek County Park and Moraine State Park, instead of paying admission fees to area amusement parks. For a family of four, for example, an outing at an amusement park could cost more than $100.
Robert Scott of Taylorstown said he isn't saving money on anything. He is retired and living on Social Security and a pension.
"It takes everything to live nowadays," Scott said.
And while some are annoyed, other consumers said it's not worth complaining.
"We gave up paying attention, because you have to buy it anyway," Robert Blussick of Washington said. "You just got to do it; it's not worth griping."
There are some things people won't give up, no matter what the cost.
"Cigars, but it's a dirty habit," Scott said.
For Cindy Zubchevich of South Franklin Township and her family, it's food.
"We drive all the way to DiCarlo's in Wheeling for their pizza. We won't stop doing that," she said.
However, Jack and Shirley Mastnock, now retired, are living a little more comfortably because of an important factor: a savings account.
"We managed to make good investments," Jack Mastnock said. "The problem is with gas prices these days, people aren't going to be able to save."
