hi debbie :)  aldi is a discount grocery store that is slowly making it's way across alabama.  they keep prices down by selling mostly off-brands (which are still really good, btw-most ppl say they can't tell the difference) and some name brand special buys.  the selection is also fairly limited, so you don't have to stand in front of a shelf and decide which brand to buy, lol.  i can't get all my groceries there b/c they don't have everything i need to buy, but it's just up the block from the closest super wal-mart, so i can stop in for milk, etc. Hugs, Donya

They also keep costs down by not having baggers, you pay a qurter for your cart, then get it back when your through shopping. You take your own bags in too. I can't get everything I need there either..but I get a good bit for my buck.

Some of the teenagers around here are parking their cars and riding their bikes to school so the paper said.       My husband owns his own tractor trailer and the fuel for it is really bad.  I wish i could ride my bike to work but its to far since we live out.

My round trip is about 80 miles give or take I sold my SUV and bought a cheverolet classic 4 cylinder. wow I only go out when I have to do so. I try to consolodate everything into one trip. My groceries were outradgous this week so I am really cutting back.. No nails for me either I just love to get my toes done..No trip any time soon and I applied for a job closer to home. Thanks for this post Iris.. Take good care and I am going to get me another bike I have already decided Donna

I live about 15 miles from work and thats one way.  I haven't really done anything to cut back.  I refuse to give up my nails and my pedicures.  If I can't have the little things I enjoy, then whats the use in working?  I'm a single mom with 2 boys and I get no child support so yea its hard buying groceries, gas, paying the bills all on one pay check but I make it work somehow.  I guess it's the grace of God.  I try to get whatever I need when I'm out so I don't have to make a special trip back to the store.  My salary isn't keeping up with the inflation and its a real challenge and depressing at times for sure.  I'm just trying to tie a knot and hang on.  I don't know what else to do.  I refuse to stop living because gas has gone thru the roof.  I'll continue to buy it because I live too far out to ride a bike to get where I need to go.  I have kids that have to go places too so I try to do the best I can.  I have 2 boys so stock piling groceries is impossible.  I done tried that.  The more I buy, the  more they eat.  It's a never ending cycle.  Guess I'll be working more over time if prices keep going on.  What else can we do? 

Hey Vicki I am like you some things I just am not going to give up.I am going to keep getting my manicure and pedicure also. Going for one tomorrow. With just me and Bobby groceries is not a bigge for us. But I be dang if I am going to sit at home. I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and pay that high price for gas.  I don't care how high it gets I am going to go and see my babies.