With gas prices near a record high and the economy still insecure, a lot of people are cutting back on their personal spending. Here, based on random interviews conducted yesterday, is what some Eagle Rock residents say they are doing to try to stay within their budgets without drastically compromising their lifestyles:
BARBARA KREMINS
Nurse, Chickasaw Avenue
I’ve been cutting way back on food. I just bought some baked goods [from the ] but they're for a friend. I'm also cutting back on transportation. I try to go for fun where it’s not going to cost anything. I’m a member of Descanso Gardens, where I get in free all year—to me, that’s a bargain. I’m careful about gas. If I’m going to do errands, I try to do them in one trip.
ARMEN SOUDJIAN
Video Film editor, Vincent Avenue
Driving is a big expense for me. In the past month I’ve been mostly working from home. I’m also cutting back on eating out and mostly eat at home.
MIKE PERRY
Student preparing for a career in medical billing and coding, Eagle Rock Boulevard
I’m not eating that much fast food anymore. I go grocery shopping once a month and limit what I buy and stretch it out for the whole month. I try not to make any extra trips to save on gas—I go where I need to go, instead of where I want to go. I used to go to the movies all the time—now I watch a movie in the theater once every two months.
ABIGAIL S.
Unemployed, Colorado Boulevard
It’s gotten to the bone—I can’t cut back no more. It’s hard to stay healthy and strong and working. I’ve been cutting back on entertainment—I never have any fun. I would like to go to the beach because I have no air conditioning at home but to get there costs gas. It’s not easy.
EDWARD SHAKHGULYAN
Manager, , Eagle Rock Boulevard
You could say I’m cutting back on everything. But the truth is I have no choice to save on anything. Most of my money goes to pay the rent—20 years ago I paid $525, now I pay $1,500. Fortunately, I am able to pay for food and clothing, which is not a big deal.
IAN ANGELES
Chef and owner of restaurant, York Boulevard
I’m cutting back on a lot of things. Instead of paying $5 for coffee, I buy a Red Bull energy drink for half the price. I’m not at the beach today because going out is expensive. I still go out for leisure but don’t go snowboarding anymore. I don’t buy DVDs. But I still eat out.
