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The Biz Beat

CCCS: Grocery spending rises, gas expenses way down

11:14 am August 7, 2009, by Henry Unger

The people at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta have been crunching numbers lately on grocery and gas spending.

It seems that consumers seeking their help have seen their grocery expenses rise consistently over time. But there has been considerable relief on the gas front.

For groceries, CCCS clients spent an average of $363 in July. That’s up from $351 last July and from $311 in July, 2007.

Meanwhile on the gas front, CCCS clients spent an average of $193 in July. That’s way down from last summer when they spent $289. In fact, gas expenditures are down to about where they were in July, 2006.

One explanation is the decline in oil prices. Another is that some consumers have changed their driving habits.

What have you seen with your gas and food bills over time? To cope, have you changed any of your habits?

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6 comments Add your comment

Cynthia

August 7th, 2009
4:37 pm

Since being out of work for awhile now, I have slashed my food and gas bills. I check store ads weekly to see who has the best prices and clip coupons like mad. I take advantage of buy 1 get one free items that I really like. I combine my errands so that I am not driving all over the place. I cannot afford to be wasteful.

clyde

August 7th, 2009
5:19 pm

I cut my gas bill a long time ago and it’s still down.I just stopped driving as much.With groceries I’m not so sure.I buy large quantities when they’re on sale so I don’t check what prices actually are on a regular basis.We haven’t been out to eat in almost two years.

Sam

August 8th, 2009
10:11 am

Pickles are up 50% in the last three years.

Saver

August 8th, 2009
10:50 am

I have found that store brands are just as good and cheaper ( even if you use coupons) than the popular brands. There are some non-negotiables. I won’t compromise on my Cherios! We’re buying our fruits and vegetables from farmer’s markets and fruit/vegetable stands. Additionally, I’ve called the utility companies to inquire about money savers like bundling and flat rates throughout the year.

Britt

August 8th, 2009
6:24 pm

Shop at places like Save a lot. . . or Aldi…You can get a lot of grocery for little cost. for my hubby and I …I spend about 30-45 a week on groceries!!!

John

August 9th, 2009
1:38 pm

This article does not have all of the facts necessary to make a sound judgement on grocery expenditures. Are people spending more becase they eat out less than year ago or have prices risen year over year. I suspect that both are true yet you do not differentiate and therefore not tell the entire story.