With rising energy bills and food prices, the steep cost of filling your car’s gas tank, and price hikes on other consumer goods like clothing, families across the country and the commonwealth are being forced to rethink their household budgets.
With that in mind, we asked readers of The Keystone newsletter (subscribe here): What is your family doing to save money right now?
Answers have been edited for length and clarity:
“Not leaving the house unless it’s work, school, or groceries. No eating out, no extra activities. It is what it is.”
— Sarah J., Wilkes-Barre
“We are planning our trips more carefully to save on gas and also eating out less often.”
— Sandy, Athens
“Cutting way back on entertainment and leisure activities, especially heading down to Philly for sports. Between gas and tolls, parking, and eating and drinking at the games, it can easily turn into a $500 night, all-in, for a family of four.”
— Brian, Bethlehem
“I hope it’s not too sweltering of a summer because if things don’t improve, we’re going to have to cut way back on A/C usage. We got by lowering the thermostat in the winter, with layers and extra blankets. Summer heat is a different story.”
— Jennifer W., Washington
“We used to go out to dinner at a couple of local joints we love twice a week. We’ve had to cut back to twice a month. And the more people that are forced to do this, the more our local businesses suffer, and the fabric of our community we love so much begins to wither away. When will all the big business-minded politicians begin to give a damn about Main Street? THAT’S where their constituents live and work!”
— T.J., Erie
“We are retired, so we shop in the morning to catch the deals on meat and produce at Giant.”
— Lydia K., Camp Hill
“On a weekly basis, we are choosing different options for weekly meals and where we shop to pay for groceries. On a broader scale, we do not accept an invitation to go out with friends if it’s too far away or if we have driven too many miles in the days around there. That’s so we can save on gas. Additionally, we are deciding not to purchase season tickets to several of our favorite venues (i.e. local theaters) to reduce spending.”
— Duke Slifko, Greensburg
“We don’t use our dryer; we bought drying racks. We turned down the thermostat and use a portable heater in the evening while we watch TV.”
— Monica B., Pennsylvania
“We’re driving our EV everywhere we can—essentially using one car—so that our gas engine car is only used when we absolutely need to use two cars.”
— Phyllis Horst Nofziger, Lancaster County
“I definitely think about which groceries I need. Limit eating out to once a month. Lowered the thermostat even though we had a really cold winter, and wore more layers. Invested in a heated throw blanket. It seems like the money doesn’t stretch.”
— Anonymous, Monroeville
“I have cancelled all pay tv services and rely on free services and the library for what I view.”
— Andrea Cumpston, Northumberland
“I continue to shop at Aldi.”
— Dan, Erie
“Shopping at Aldi helps. Additionally, we used to go out to eat twice a week; now we are down to once a week. Cutting corners on energy and fixing things ourselves instead of hiring out projects. The two motorcycles help, too. Getting 40-50 mpg with them.”
— Gregory L. Swanson, Erie
“Not much. Thankful we lived frugally and saved for a rainy day. Sure is pouring. Looking for sunny skies.”
— Dan, Millville
“I am a 75-year-old widow and my young grandson lives with me. I am also handicapped. I hardly go anywhere anymore because of the price of gas. I limit my grocery spending to a minimum and only buy what is necessary. By the end of the month I practically have no money left. The encomy is ridiculous.”
— Cathy, Carlisle
“Not much to save after paying bills, gas, oil for heat, and groceries. No traveling this year, no summer vacation!”
— Liz, Phoenixville
