I have been hit hard lately, as I'm sure many others have, with the realization that EVERY thing is getting more expensive due to the out-of-control fuel price increases.  And I am realizing that I need to take steps in other areas to cut the overall budget, in order to accomodate higher gas prices and other things that I cannot control.

For instance, we are giving lots of thought to the errands we need to do.  We live in a rural area, and you don't just "run out for something" on a whim.  Yes, we have convenience stores and such not too far away, but for "real" shopping, we have to travel over 20 miles.  So, you start to really think before just hopping in the van.  What are we going out for, and can it wait until the weekend when we make a combined trip for several other things? 

Utilities:  this is a big "ouch" in the pocketbook.  NH has some of the highest electric rates in the country, right up there with CA.  I have become almost O/C lately, in turning off lights in unused rooms!  My kids need to learn that it does make a difference.  I will start charging the offending child 10 cents out of his allowance for each time a light is left on when they leave their room or the bathroom!!  That'll learn 'em pretty quick!   I am starting to hang my laundry out to dry, and will only use my dryer when absolutely necessary (there are 5 of us so I do plenty of washing!).  I am also hand-washing my dishes more often, so as to run the dishwasher only once or twice a week, instead of every other day.

Entertainment:  this is another big "ouch," but only because we become accustomed to a certain lifestyle.  It is definitely something we can control!!  I've already switched my Internet from the very pricey cable company to DSL with our phone comany.  It's the best I can do and really not a bad deal, since it's bundled with our phone bill.  TV can absolutely use some tweaking.  We are not watching it much these days anyway, so it's time to downgrade our package to the bare bones.  Oddly enough, DH will be the hardest sell on this!  The kids seem to do fine, as they prefer to be outside in the summer anyway.  Me, I prefer to curl up with a good book!  We will eat out far less this summer.  It's not something we normally do on a regular basis, but there is a summer-only seafood & ice cream place we love to go to when it's open.  This year, it will be a once-in-a-while treat.  We have a vacation planned for September, so over the summer we will no do much outside our immediate area.   In that respect, it is nice living where we do, with so many hiking and outdoor opportunities!  The most-climbed mountain in the world, Mt. Monadnock, is practically in our backyard.  There is nature EVERY where around here.

I am certainly not in a panic mode. but I am seeing changes in our country that we have not seen before in my lifetime (42 years, for anyone wondering!).  But I do see changes coming.  We are so used to a certain way of life, but I don't think that's a "given" anymore.  It's jus time to be ready.  For anything.