Pinched at the Pump, 'World News' Viewers Share Personal Stories
Our viewers speak about how rising gas prices have changed their lives.
May 13, 2008— -- With the price of a gallon of gas jumping more than a dime in just the last week, the e-mails we've received show the pain is being felt far and wide. We located three people who posted comments on ABCNews.com and submitted e-mails.
Single mother Caroline Saunders wrote to us from New Jersey: "I now skip breakfast to save the extra $4 per day. That gives me an extra $20 added to my gas budget."
How Are You Dealing With Gas Prices? Tell ABC News
"I've cut my meals to two meals a day, that's every day. I drink free coffee at the office, but as far as breakfast, I don't eat," Saunders said.
Saunders uses the extra money saved by skipping meals and drinking free coffee to pay for the gas needed to drive her 11-year-old daughter wherever she needs to be.
"I'm hoping that it won't get much worse because I don't know what else I can do."
Nor does Sandra Harreld, who, with her husband Bob, co-owns a small trucking company outside Chicago.
"My husband drives and I keep the books plus work a full-time job," she said. "And diesel prices ... a 60 percent increase in two years."
The Harrelds spend much of their time on the road, but at a huge cost. It costs $1,600 dollars a week to fill their truck.
"Personally, it's very stressful on a daily basis," Sandra said.
She added that only the important bills are being paid right now. "Shutting down that would be a last resort, and we'd be forced into bankruptcy."
Problems Across the Country
The e-mails were sent to us from from coast to coast and across economic lines. Economists say families everywhere are now feeling the effects.
"Most people are saying, 'every time I drive past a gas station, it just makes me think about how I'm not getting ahead, I'm just not,'" said Wayne Hochwarter, a professor of management at Florida State University's College of Business.
That includes people like Sandi Bowen in Reeders, Pa., who finally found a job after seven months without one. But it came with a hitch.
"It's 140 miles round trip per day to get there. My small SUV is costing about $100 per week in gas. I can't catch up on bills because all my money is going to gas."
She told ABC News that it's great to be working again, but even the newest infusion of cash is not enough.
"I haven't been able to catch up because gas has taken all that extra cash and there is no extra cash anymore." Bowen said.
"I'll cut my cell phone, I'll cut my computer connection at home to save money until this gas crisis is over." she said. "I know all my friends live paycheck to paycheck. I live paycheck to paycheck, and every dollar counts. It's the difference between being able to afford to buy a sandwich in the cafeteria, or am I bringing soup from home. It's that close in your budget where -- can I afford to pay my phone bill, can I afford to get new tires for my car?"