TOP OF MIND
Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION How have you changed your spending habits in light of 40-year high inflation?
“My husband and I have changed many of our spending habits. We are careful with purchases, such as do we need a bigger TV? No. We limit buying major brand products, including foods and drinks, and we coordinate running errands in order to save on gas. We also walk to stores.”
— Lonnie Barraza, Albuquerque
“No camping or fishing trips for this retired couple. Eating out has been reduced by 75%. Looks like COVID all over again.”
John Phillips, Las Cruces
“That’s easy, I’m just spending more.” — Larry Hale, Albuquerque
“I am not driving my truck unless absolutely necessary. We are eating less of our choice foods and more staples like rice and beans. We are not traveling due to fuel prices. Life isn’t as joyful.”
— Rod Getting, Albuquerque
“I finally put a carpooling scheme in motion to commute to my job that’s 20 miles away. We set up a revolving line of credit - NusendaFCU - but also didn’t increase the family budget for discretional spending: the same $50 that we allocated before now simply goes to fewer nights out.”—
John Laun, Portales
“I don’t buy steak and lobster anymore, buy used clothing on Poshmark, do my own yard work on my 0.89 acres, take the bus from home to airport when I travel, only use carry-on luggage, fly Southwest, wash my own car and shop at Walmart for groceries. I’m 76.” — Evelyn King, Albuquerque
“I have not changed my spending habits and apparently many Americans haven’t either. The increase in sales of gas-guzzling RVs, the amount of people flying all over the U.S. and the world, the people I see shopping for nonessentials — things are being exaggerated.”
— Christina Gonzalez, Albuquerque
“Although I have tried to restrict our spending, we are moving from Angel Fire to Tijeras and purchases need to be made for the new house. Granted, I could put off some purchases, but I want it now. I just paid my first $100 fill-up for my truck.” — Joe Stehling, Tijeras
“Yes, I am combining my errand runs, buying store brand products and more ground beef and chicken.”
— Terry Palmer, Albuquerque
“Not really. I live a relatively simple, uncomplicated life. Other than sometimes buying backup durable goods anticipating their cost will skyrocket due to Biden’s inflation in the future. I am contemplating one of those Generac propane-powered generators anticipating ‘rolling blackouts.’”
— Chad Joseph, Albuquerque
“Less driving due to high fuel prices, spending less on meals out, sticking with my weekly savings plan, staying home more.”
— Paul Schmolke, Santa Fe
“For my recent 76th birthday we did not get the $50 ribeye at the wellregarded Nob Hill restaurant, less due to inflation, per se, than the price. Instead, a nearby well-regarded restaurant provided wonderful food, ample wine and a total bill of $120 including an ample tip.”
— Harold Morgan, Albuquerque
“The national inflation rate is not real: Groceries are up 20%, gasoline up 25%, airfares up 30%. We’re cutting back on travel and eating out. Don’t know how restaurants can survive after COVID and inflation.”
— Thomas Francl, Placitas