With the price of just about everything going up....what are consumers to do to make it through these tough economic times?
There's no question times are tough. Job losses, higher grocery prices, ever-climbing gas prices and more, everything costs more than it did a year ago.
Just today, MSN reports gas prices passed $3.40 a gallon. The national average is $3.41. South Carolina is the fourth lowest in the country with $3.27 a gallon.
Again Wednesday, oil prices hit another record high of $115 dollars a barrel. It's not just gas prices, grocery prices continue to climb due to the higher cost of feed for animals and transportation costs. Retailers report a slight drop in sales from the same week last year.
News 13 asked a few people what they are doing to cope.
"Like anybody, I'm watching my pennies, trying to pick the most reasonable places to get gas, watching where i shop for groceries,” said Lynn Thornhill of Myrtle Beach. “I think we're all pretty much feeling it. I'm a marketing director for a golf course and we're kinda feeling it all across the board. Our rounds are down there. I've talked to other golf courses and their rounds are down. So, I think we're all feeling the pinch."
Josh Bremer is a college student. He says he’s limiting what he does. "Staying at home. That's pretty much about it. Save money, just stay at home. You don't have to use gas. Just not spending money when you're going out."
Some other things you can do, according to Bankrate.com are:
-Eliminate the Non-necessities. Keep track of what you spend, then see if you need everything you're purchasing, you'll be surprised.
-Safeguard Your Job. Be happy you have a job. Stay current with your field and look for ways to work above your job description.
-Don’t Add Debt. Don't open new credit cards and don't use credit unless it's an emergency. Look for ways to pay down your debt instead.
-Investigate Refinancing. Right now we continue to hear about foreclosures. If you think you're headed in that direction, get help from a credit counselor right away. They may be able to help you avoid foreclosure.
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