Ok, who's feelin' it? (Grocery Stretchy)

[LC EFA]

Texas Explorer  Donating Member  (1000+ posts)  Mon Aug-04-08 09:13 PM
Original message
Ok, who's feelin' it?
   
Who's feeling the pressure of these tough economic times? I went into shock yesterday when I went to the grocery store and saw the prices - especially potatoes. The same 10 lb bag I bought just three weeks ago is now nearly DOUBLE, from $2.79 to $4.77. And the variety next to it was $7.99!

I always saw this recession and inflation coming but I never imagined it would be this bad this fast. And word is it's only just beginning.

How are some of you getting along in these inflationary winds?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3730809

They're using "OK" instead of "so" now it seems....Small bongfire but plenty of "poor-me" hand-wringing.

Some more interesting contributons...

rug  Donating Member  (1000+ posts) Journal  Mon Aug-04-08 09:33 PM
Response to Reply #2
5. There's a Sav-a-Lot supermarket near me.
   
Discount off brands mostly. Bring your own bags.

I was looking at Spam. Next to it was generic Spam. Just before the checkout there was a battered cardboard box full of dented generic Spam for 25 cents a can.

The store has been more crowded than usual for the last three months. I know a woman who lives four blocks from there and can't afford either the cost of a car or the gas. She bikes down there every day and plans her meals solely on what's available that day. She has four small sons and gets as much each day as she can bike with.

The economy is being peeled back like a rotting onion.

"donating Member" hmmm..

oktoberain  Donating Member  (1000+ posts) Journal Mon Aug-04-08 10:38 PM
Response to Original message
18. It's horrible.
   
We needed help to pay the rent. My partner's hours were cut, and her checks have been pathetically thin. Our food stamps only go a quarter as far as they used to--now they're barely enough to make it through 2 weeks, much less a month. We're hitting food banks as often as we're allowed to, but that isn't very often these days, because donations are way down. Our electricity bill is ridiculously high, they're raising our damned rent AGAIN next month (fourth time in less than two years) and I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades. We're using cheap dollar-store laundry and dish soap that's watered-down and doesn't go very far, because it's all that we can afford. We haven't eaten fresh fruit or vegetables in a month--everything canned, and the cheapest possible brands. We're eating a LOT of tuna fish, Kraft dinner, and cold cereal with tiny amounts of milk. We feed the kidlet a little better, but he's not getting the nutritional quality that he *should* be getting, either.

Being poor is a ****ing nightmare right now. Seriously. If not for occasional help from compassionate friends, I don't know what would happen to us.

Get a J.O.B you slack asshole. Tell your partner to get a better J.O.B. Leeching looters like you ....

[Tucker]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

[franksolich]

Just out of curiosity, how large of a proportion of a monthly budget are razor blades?

Like maybe .0000017% of the budget?

I think the octopus primitive is stretching.

And being male, I of course use razor blades all the time, every day.  I can use a razor blade for three months, until it's as blunt as a hammer.  (Not as a "cost-cutting" measure; I've always been this way, using something until it's all used up.)

[LC EFA]

If they really cared about the enviroment, and wanted to cut down on costs they'd get a old style straight razor and a strop....

[jtyangel]

Ok, anyone get that last story? Two lesbians, one committing welfare fraud since it's doubtful she's reporting her 'partner's' income in order to qualify for those food stamps. Leech is right! I bet both are capable of improving their situations far beyond what they are bitching about living on now on the dime of other people who are actually...oh, WORKING and struggling in the same economy. 

[jtyangel]

Just out of curiosity, how large of a proportion of a monthly budget are razor blades?

Like maybe .0000017% of the budget?

I think the octopus primitive is stretching.

And being male, I of course use razor blades all the time, every day.  I can use a razor blade for three months, until it's as blunt as a hammer.  (Not as a "cost-cutting" measure; I've always been this way, using something until it's all used up.)

Well, I'm doubting they shave all the places I do, but a razor really only has a dual life for me so I can go through one in a week usually. Still, if one is using disposables it's maybe 2-5 bucks for a pack that will last a month, depending on how fancy you get them. Heck, they could kick in a depilatory for about 5 bucks in between shaves and that will probably last for 2 months if not more.

[thundley4]

If they really cared about the enviroment, and wanted to cut down on costs they'd get a old style straight razor and a strop....

Yep, a few well placed strokes with the straight razor would solve the dummies problems.  

[Uhhuh35]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

[LC EFA]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

The really scary part is that they quite possibly recycle their own toilet paper.

[jtyangel]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

I'll bet my bottom dollar that these geniuses who skimp on personal hygience probably smoke some outrageously price specialty cigarette or something.

[JohnnyReb]

I got a bumper sticker for'em.

"EAT MORE MUFF"

[Uhhuh35]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

I'll bet my bottom dollar that these geniuses who skimp on personal hygience probably smoke some outrageously price specialty cigarette or something.

Then when they get sick, complain about lack of health care. I always thought "health care" started with you taking care of your health.
But what do I know? 

[Willow]

Being poor is a ****ing nightmare right now.

She says that like it's her occupation!

[jtyangel]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

I'll bet my bottom dollar that these geniuses who skimp on personal hygience probably smoke some outrageously price specialty cigarette or something.

Then when they get sick, complain about lack of health care. I always thought "health care" started with you taking care of your health.
But what do I know? 

It does, but don't let a silly thing like that cloud the issue, Uh-huh. 

[jtyangel]

Being poor is a ****ing nightmare right now.

She says that like it's her occupation!

It is!

[Tucker]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

You made a bad image worse.

[Splashdown]

They live on food stamps--a gift from taxpayers--and yet have enough change in the couch to afford the internet.

I don't begrudge people who need help. But jeez, show some appreciation for people who are working hard to provide for you, at least.

[LC EFA]

They live on food stamps--a gift from taxpayers--and yet have enough change in the couch to afford the internet.

I don't begrudge people who need help. But jeez, show some appreciation for people who are working hard to provide for you, at least.

Not to mention being a "donating member" at the DU.

[Carl]

oktoberain  Donating Member  (1000+ posts) Journal Mon Aug-04-08 10:38 PM
Response to Original message
18. It's horrible.
   
We needed help to pay the rent. My partner's hours were cut, and her checks have been pathetically thin. Our food stamps only go a quarter as far as they used to--now they're barely enough to make it through 2 weeks, much less a month. We're hitting food banks as often as we're allowed to, but that isn't very often these days, because donations are way down. Our electricity bill is ridiculously high, they're raising our damned rent AGAIN next month (fourth time in less than two years) and I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades. We're using cheap dollar-store laundry and dish soap that's watered-down and doesn't go very far, because it's all that we can afford. We haven't eaten fresh fruit or vegetables in a month--everything canned, and the cheapest possible brands. We're eating a LOT of tuna fish, Kraft dinner, and cold cereal with tiny amounts of milk. We feed the kidlet a little better, but he's not getting the nutritional quality that he *should* be getting, either.

Being poor is a ******* nightmare right now. Seriously. If not for occasional help from compassionate friends, I don't know what would happen to us.

If this person had stated a couple of things and was kind of humble I would be tempted to believe it.
They hit every possible thing they could think of in their tale of woe instead.

I doubt there is one thing terribly true except for the basic fact that they are a worthless member of society.

[Toastedturningtidelegs]

Ok, anyone get that last story? Two lesbians, one committing welfare fraud since it's doubtful she's reporting her 'partner's' income in order to qualify for those food stamps. Leech is right! I bet both are capable of improving their situations far beyond what they are bitching about living on now on the dime of other people who are actually...oh, WORKING and struggling in the same economy. 

Tough to do when you have no marketable skills and your degree is more than likely in "womens studies"

[Toastedturningtidelegs]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

She must be scratching the hell out of her "Partners" face!

[debk]

oktoberain  Donating Member  (1000+ posts) Journal Mon Aug-04-08 10:38 PM
Response to Original message
18. It's horrible.
   
We needed help to pay the rent. My partner's hours were cut, and her checks have been pathetically thin. Our food stamps only go a quarter as far as they used to--now they're barely enough to make it through 2 weeks, much less a month. We're hitting food banks as often as we're allowed to, but that isn't very often these days, because donations are way down. Our electricity bill is ridiculously high, they're raising our damned rent AGAIN next month (fourth time in less than two years) and I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades. We're using cheap dollar-store laundry and dish soap that's watered-down and doesn't go very far, because it's all that we can afford. We haven't eaten fresh fruit or vegetables in a month--everything canned, and the cheapest possible brands. We're eating a LOT of tuna fish, Kraft dinner, and cold cereal with tiny amounts of milk. We feed the kidlet a little better, but he's not getting the nutritional quality that he *should* be getting, either.

Being poor is a ******* nightmare right now. Seriously. If not for occasional help from compassionate friends, I don't know what would happen to us.

If this person had stated a couple of things and was kind of humble I would be tempted to believe it.
They hit every possible thing they could think of in their tale of woe instead.

I doubt there is one thing terribly true except for the basic fact that they are a worthless member of society.

But they have money to pay for internet services....

[Rebel]

Why do all of these morons still have internet access?

[BlueStateSaint]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

She must be scratching the hell out of her "Partners" face!

Considering what the average DUmp lesbian looks like, you earned a BS for that. 

[Lauri]

I'm only washing my hair once a week, and shaving my legs twice a month, in order to save money on shampoo and razor blades.

The image I get from this.

I'll bet they save money on toilet paper by only wiping their asses once a week too. Brush their teeth once a month. Damn, these primitives are thrifty!

I'll bet my bottom dollar that these geniuses who skimp on personal hygience probably smoke some outrageously price specialty cigarette or something.

Then when they get sick, complain about lack of health care. I always thought "health care" started with you taking care of your health.
But what do I know? 

i just finished reading all the comments on an article in the SF Gate called "SF pushes legislation to promote good health" and basically, the taxes the Dummies pay in that state/city are sucking up all their funds. being 'healthy' sure seems to require a LOT of govt intervention  and taxes to make it work.