Energy prices - electric, gas, heating oil, petrol, diesel etc are rising rates far faster than salaries etc.
I suppose I am in the lucky position that I can cut back to afford them. Clearly I am decreasing useage as much as possible - obvious ways - no more tumble drying, switching stuff off etc etc. And some more drastic ways - I cook 2 hot meals a week and that's it. Leftovers go in the microwave or are eaten cold. I quite like cold baked beans!
What struck me from the petrol price thread, is that I will be cutting local trips eg prescriptions, post office etc down to the minimum. I'd often buy stuff from local businesses (eg presents and house stuff, sometimes clothes, books and coffees) on these trips and so I won't be spending with local businesses much at all. I have always chosen to support these businesses despite the stuff costing more but now I think online will get my trade.
On a greater scale, if fuel bills are doubling - there will be cut backs in other areas. For example - do I cut the holiday budget, stop buying clothes, not go to the theatre cinema or eat out or go to hairdresser (I don't do these currently but using as an example).
Overall I am spending a lot less money on hobbies and entertainment as a much higher proportion of my income is going on fuel bills.
I was wondering whether anyone else has thought what they are going to cut out to afford fuel and how these changing spending habits will impact the wider economy.