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The effects of ever skyrocketing gas prices (along with crude oil increasing) have been far reaching into my pocketbook and changed the way I buy extras (fast food and dvds), groceries and to the way I fill my tank. I am not alone I am sure.
With just one income in our house (despite my looking for a job), we can't afford the extras anymore. Each time my husband gets paid, I set aside $20 for his habits but it never fails, he always spends a bit more. I don't recall the last time I bought a DVD but I remember it was Revenge of the Nerds. Its cost set me back $13 and some change but well worth it since I liked the classic comedy movie. Up until then, I hadn't spent any money on myself in nearly a year.

Since gas prices have gone up, everything else from milk to eggs to cheese to bread has gone up. I buy milk when it's on sale. One store has a great deal from time to time the Market: buy 3 half gallons for $5. One gallon at the store cost nearly $4 so taking advantage of that offer when it comes around is a smart idea. Since this year began and the prices began to rise, I haven't bought milk in gallons. A month has passed where I didn't buy a single ounce of milk. It's hard to find them on sale too. Forget Wal-mart! I walked in that store the other day, marching past the milk prices and it was $5.09 a gallon. No thank you. Their bread, which used to cost .99 cents, is now $1.07. While this may not sound like a lot to some people, when you have a family of four to feed with only one income, that price can make or break you. I use the bread store as often as I can.
Large eggs used to be 2 for $2 as well but now it's $1.45 for a dozen. It's nearly a $1 for just 6 eggs. In my house, 6 eggs don't go far. If I buy eggs now, it's because I want a good breakfast now and then or just an egg sandwich with cheese. That meal right there with all the ingredients combined has just cost me $4.50. Despite that being one of my favorite breakfast meals, I rarely treat myself to it.
Pleasures I once took advantage of: drives in the country, a drive to the Louisiana border to play Powerball or scratch-offs or even a day trip to Jackson or Hammond have become so rare that I just don't think about them anymore. I love just to go riding but I can't afford to do that, even if we had a two-income household.
Our cars never get a full tank of gas anymore unless we are going on a trip. It costs us $40 a week to put gas in each car. Since I stay at home, I don't go anywhere

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