Before I used half my paycheck to fill up my car, I used to take little side trips on weekends. I even stopped at an occasional yard sale. Now I avoid anything that costs money except food and Rx. Also affected by high gas prices is the money I've accumulated over the years in my savings account which will be wiped out when I pay for 2008-09 oil. What happens next year?

My husband and I each commute each day to two different cities and our monthly gas bill now tops our mortgage payment. We have looked at Go-Maine Van Pool and are on the waiting list.

I use my vehicle at work to both see and transport clients. Mileage reimbursements have not changed in more than a year despite gas price increases that are rising daily. I have had to cut back on groceries in order to afford gas, have had to pay a couple of bills barely on time and it continues to look bleak.

Now that gas is so high the cost of a trip is a factor that must be included in the decision making. Even a trip to the store...the net result is more planning and fewer impulse trips.

I commute about 88 miles round trip to work. I cannot change this distance, so instead, what I do is drive more conservatively. I allow for extra time to get to and from work. Drive the speed limits, take off slowly, and try to time red lights so I don't have to stop.

I saw a 40% increase in gas mileage just for that!