Feeling the pinch?

[PA44Jockey]

Am I the only poor bast*rd FO that is feeling the pinch these days? I am trying to cut where I can to offset gas prices, but I am quickly finding that I won't have a life pretty soon. As if I even have one now...

Just curious to hear how different folks are making changes.

 

[centralpilot]

Honestly, I haven't felt the need to cut spending anywhere in response to higher gas prices. I only drive to work 4 times per month and don't drive far for errands or entertainment, so the higher prices have been manageable. The only change I've made is refusing to bid for nap lines or day lines.

 

[flyboyike]

Am I the only poor bast*rd FO that is feeling the pinch these days?

No, you're definitely not the only one (especially since we work for the same airline). Truth be told, though, I've been driving pretty little since I became JFK-based, my Focus logging only 7,000 or so miles per year and even that only because my crashpad (parents' house) is in Morristown, NJ. If it weren't for that, I'd probably be down to only 3,000 miles annually. Still, paying $48 to fill up a Focus doesn't feel right.

As for having a life, I never had one, so I guess I'm not missing much there either.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

I've been leaving my underwear at home. Less weight in my overnight bag means less fuel used to get to work right???? :0

I make less one stop shopping trips and try to wait until I need to hit a few stores at once. My wife on the otherhand, drives to work 5 days per week. I've been on her to get her boss to allow the office to telecommute once a week (cut of 20% per week in driving) but they are resistent because of a fear in lack of productivity. Soon, it will be cheaper to have her quit and take the kids out of daycare, since most of her paycheck will be going to those 2 things anyway.

Basically, thanks to $4 gas, I'm on the internet and visit this place way too often. 4,000 posts here I come. :crying:

 

[wmuflyguy]

I've been leaving my underwear at home. Less weight in my overnight bag means less fuel used to get to work right???? :0

I make less one stop shopping trips and try to wait until I need to hit a few stores at once. My wife on the otherhand, drives to work 5 days per week. I've been on her to get her boss to allow the office to telecommute once a week (cut of 20% per week in driving) but they are resistent because of a fear in lack of productivity. Soon, it will be cheaper to have her quit and take the kids out of daycare, since most of her paycheck will be going to those 2 things anyway.

Basically, thanks to $4 gas, I'm on the internet and visit this place way too often. 4,000 posts here I come. :crying:

No kidding, I try to lump all errands and things into one car trip, I'm thinking o moving just to get closer to the grocery store, shops, and the gym I frequent...since they are on the opposite side of the airport. I have only driven my Jeep 10,500 miles in the 18 months I have owned it...so I don't drive a whole heck of a lot.

Heck I have even thought of transferring to JFK, because the city has a good public transit system.

2.50 a gallon gas seems pretty great right about now doesn't it?

 

[SBD]

My wife and I bought a new crossover/SUV in January. So far we've put less than 1000 miles on it. On my overnights I bring food that I can make up in the room. I always see if I can get a microwave in the room. At home I buy my beer by the cases. I have a car at JFK that hasn't left the employee lot in quite some while.

 

[mynameisjim]

Why is the cost of gas hurting everyone so much? I drive about 8,000 miles a year in a small SUV. I get about 24 miles per gallon.

When I bought it gas cost $1.50 per gallon, so it cost me about $42 per month to run it. Now at $3.50 per gallon it costs me $97 per month to run it. $55 per month is hardly going to break the bank.

 

[knewhigher]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/driveHabits.shtml

 

[DX Rick]

I call in sick every other trip. Less gas to be used.

I heard we're going to start with single engine take offs to cut back on fuel.

 

[Pilot124]

1.Set your thermostat to 64 and turn it down to 60 at night.
2. Use the phone book instead of directory assistance.
3. Use coupons at the grocery store.
4. Carpool.
5. Ask for generic prescriptions instead of brand name.
6. Do your own nails.
7. Rent out a room or garage.
8. Replace 100 watt bulbs with 60 watt.
9. Make long distance calls at night and on weekends, instead of mid-day, mid-week.
10. Throw pocket change in a jar and take it to the bank when it's full.
11. Always grocery shop with a list.
12. Buy spare parts for your car at a junkyard.
13. Go to museums on free days.
14. Quit smoking.
15. Get hand-me-down clothes and toys for your kids from family and friends.
16. Meet friends for coffee instead of dinner.
17. Request to get interest on a security deposit for your apartment.
18. Take a shorter shower.
19. Write letters instead of calling.
20. Brown bag your lunch.
21. Make your own babyfood.
22. Use public transportation.
23. Drop duplicate medical insurance.
24. Buy old furniture at yard sales and refinish it yourself.
25. Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
26. Exercise for free-walk, jog, bike, or get exercise videos from the library.
27. Form a baby-sitting cooperative with friends and neighbors.
28. Buy your clothes off season.
29. Go to a matinee instead of an evening show.
30. Share housing with a friend or family member.
31. Hang clothes out to dry.
32. Do not use your calling card.
33. Volunteer two hours a month for reduced cost food through the Share Program.
34. Change the oil in your car yourself regularly.
35. Get pre-approval from your medical insurance company before undergoing any procedures or tests.
36. But 'no frills' vitamins.
37. Take a date for a walk along the beach or in the woods.
38. Make cards and gifts for friends.
39. Shop in thrift stores.
40. Have your water company do an audit so you are not charged sewage fees for water used in your garden.
41. Refinance your mortgage.
42. Grocery shop on double coupon days.
43. Trade down your car for a less expensive, lower maintenance one.
44. Convert your cash value life insurance to term.
45. Shop around for eyeglasses.
46. Don’t be shy about pulling something you like out of the trash.
47. Recycle.
48. Move to a less expensive place to live.
49. Use low flush toilets or water saving devices in the tank.
50. Drop unneeded telephone services like call forwarding or caller ID.
51. Buy fruits and vegetables in season.
52. Avoid using your ATM card at machines that charge a fee.
53. Bicycle to work.
54. Shop around for auto insurance discounts for multiple drivers, seniors, good driving records, etc.
55. Ask your doctor for samples of prescriptions.
56. Borrow a dress for a big night out. or go to a consignment shop.
57. When you buy a home negotiate the sales price and closing costs.
58. Turn the hot water heater down and wrap it with insulation.
59. Never grocery shop hungry.
60. If you qualify, file for Earned Income Credit.
61. Shop around for prescriptions including mail order companies (Medi-Mail 800-331-1458, Action Mail Order Drugs 800-452-1976, and AARP 800-456-2277).
62. If you pay for childcare, make use of the dependent care tax credit or your employer's dependent care flexible spending account.
63. Buy, sell, and trade clothes at consignment shops.
64. Shop around for the lowest banking fees.
65. Caulk windows and doors.
66. Iron your own shirts.
67. Plan your weekly food menu before shopping.
68. Buy a good used car instead of a new model car.
69. Purchase all of your insurance from the same company to get a discount.
70. Cut your cable television down to basic.
71. Go to an optometrist for routine vision tests or to change an eyeglass prescription.
72. Buy pre-owned toys and children's books at garage sales.
73. Have potluck dinners with friends and family instead of going out.
74. Use the library for books, video tapes, and music.
75. Inspect clothing carefully before purchasing it.
76. Don't use your dishwasher dry cycle; open the door and let them air dry all night.
77. At the grocery store, comparison shop by looking at the unit price.
78. Make your own coffee.
79. Use old newspapers for cat litter.
80. Shop at discount clothing stores.
81. Skip annual full mouth x-rays unless there is a problem; the ADA recommends x-rays every 3 years.
82. Water your garden at night or early in the morning.
83. Shop around for long distance rates.
84. Hand wash instead of dry cleaning.
85. Grow your own vegetables and herbs.
86. Shop around for auto financing.
87. Donate time instead of money to religious organizations and charities.
88. If you are leaving a room for more than five minutes, turn off the light.
89. Shop at auctions or pawn shops for jewelry and antiques.
90. Keep your car properly tuned.
91. Request lower interest rates from your creditors.
92. Trade in old books, records, and CDs at book and record exchanges.
93. Pay bills the day they arrive; many credit card companies charge interest based on your average daily balance.
94. Buy software at computer fares.
95. Search the internet for freebies.
96. Compost to make your own fertilizer.
97.If your car has very little value, you probably only need liability insurance.
98. Cut the kids hair yourself.
99. Increase your insurance deductible.
100. Buy in bulk food warehouses.
101. If your income is low, contact utility companies about reduced rates.

 

[V-1]

Ahhhh, the infamous Northwest Airlines Guide to Producing Larger Management Bonuses Through Employee Pay and Benefit Cuts.

 

[DrewBlows]

Why is the cost of gas hurting everyone so much? I drive about 8,000 miles a year in a small SUV. I get about 24 miles per gallon.

When I bought it gas cost $1.50 per gallon, so it cost me about $42 per month to run it. Now at $3.50 per gallon it costs me $97 per month to run it. $55 per month is hardly going to break the bank.

Is it possible that other people have different driving habits then you?

By switching from "Stand-ups" to four day trips I drive about 13440 fewer miles per year (from 20160 to 6720). My car gets about 26 miles per gallon on my route to the airport. For me that is a savings of
$1881 per year ($3.50 gas) on my drive to the airport alone. On any FO's pay that is significant.

Eight thousand miles per year is a very small amount depending where you live.

 

[CopilotDoug]

I quit the Regionals and it was the best thing for my wallet!

 

[brokedash]

Honestly, I haven't felt the need to cut spending anywhere in response to higher gas prices. I only drive to work 4 times per month and don't drive far for errands or entertainment, so the higher prices have been manageable. The only change I've made is refusing to bid for nap lines or day lines.

Same with me. I live 15 minutes from work and have the places that are important to me between home and work. So far gas prices aren't significantly affecting me, but yeah It does suck to see 3+ dollars on the gas signs.

 

[flyslow24]

102. Stop pretending to make money at a regional airline and go fly the "big iron"

 

[Kream926]

live with your parents...hell i...i mean you're only there 3 days a week anyways

 

[knewhigher]

www.daveramsey.com I'd recommend Dave's program to anyone. You can listen to his radio program for free online. There are people in WAY worse situations than a first year regional FO that seem to be able to make it.

 

[V-1]

www.daveramsey.com I'd recommend Dave's program to anyone. You can listen to his radio program for free online. There are people in WAY worse situations than a first year regional FO that seem to be able to make it.

Of course, most of these people aren't carrying $70,000 - $120,000 in loans acquired in their pursuit of their $20,000 - $40,000 yr. career.

 

[knewhigher]

Of course, most of these people aren't carrying $70,000 - $120,000 in loans acquired in their pursuit of their $20,000 - $40,000 yr. career.

Yeah but some of those people are in horrible situations with debt similar to that. I'm not saying its easy, but it can be done.

 

[DashTrash400]

102. Stop pretending to make money at a regional airline and go fly the "big iron"

If this thread was about lifer regional CA's feeling the pinch, your advice would be relevant. We're talking about regional FOs so it's not...most don't have the experience required to get hired at the few majors/nationals still hiring.

 

[flyboyike]

When I bought it gas cost $1.50 per gallon, so it cost me about $42 per month to run it. Now at $3.50 per gallon it costs me $97 per month to run it. $55 per month is hardly going to break the bank.

$55 won't break the bank, but neither does it hurt to not spend it if you don't have to.

 

[Soverytired]

$55 won't break the bank, but neither does it hurt to not spend it if you don't have to.

That's $650 more per year. Assuming you're an FO making $21,000/yr, that's roughly 7% of your gross pay, and it's even worse than that because gas comes out of your net, not gross.

I don't see wages increasing by 7%/yr, nor do I see the trend in gas prices reversing. While this may not "break the bank", this is a serious hit on your net earnings. That's money that would be better spent on things like retirement savings.

 

[Soverytired]

Oh . . . I turn down the water heater for short trips, turn it off for long ones.

Power strips to turn of the "vampire loads" aren't bad either.

 

[Jon Rivoli]

As a regional captain I have yet to meet an FO at a Legacy that makes what I make or has any where near the quality of life.

A good savings tip if you're a home owner is to have the electric company set you up with off peak pricing. You get a new digital meter and are charged different rates for different times of the day. Around $.05/kwa off peak vs. $.11/kwa peak.

 

[Soverytired]

As a regional captain I have yet to meet an FO at a Legacy that makes what I make or has any where near the quality of life.

For a first year legacy fo, I'd agree wholeheartedly. By about year 5 though (or sooner, depending on which carrier you went to), things are pretty much equal pay and QOL wise.

And it just gets better from there.

Nothing wrong with working for a good regional though. Life is pretty good at a decent regional at 90/k per year and decent schedules. If you can't do well with that level of income, you are, as they say, "doing it wrong."

The decision to start at the absolute bottom again and climb back up for another 5 years isn't an easy one to make, especially if you're older or have a family counting on you.

 

[Smarta$$]

That's $650 more per year. Assuming you're an FO making $21,000/yr, that's roughly 7% of your gross pay, and it's even worse than that because gas comes out of your net, not gross.

I don't see wages increasing by 7%/yr, nor do I see the trend in gas prices reversing. While this may not "break the bank", this is a serious hit on your net earnings. That's money that would be better spent on things like retirement savings.

Thanks to the republican, labor hating and labor defeating efforts.

 

[Soverytired]

Thanks to the republican, labor hating and labor defeating efforts.

What efforts, exactly, are you referring to? Please be specific.

Because they shot down big labors attempt to get rid of the secret ballot for union drives?

Which pilot group, exactly, was told they were not allowed to strike? There might be one . . I'd like to know which.

I'm not happy with republicans or Bush. But don't worry; Barak is gonna destroy McCain this fall. You can't get anymore left than that dude, so all your utopian union fantasies should come true, eh?

 

[centralpilot]

Of course, most of these people aren't carrying $70,000 - $120,000 in loans acquired in their pursuit of their $20,000 - $40,000 yr. career.

That doesn't make his advice any less sound. I've heard plenty of people on his program with far worse debt problems than most pilots. Live on less than what you make, write down and follow a budget, and sacrifice now to secure your future. It ain't easy, but it works.

 

[V-1]

That doesn't make his advice any less sound. I've heard plenty of people on his program with far worse debt problems than most pilots. Live on less than what you make, write down and follow a budget, and sacrifice now to secure your future. It ain't easy, but it works.

I'm certainly not arguing that, or any of the little I understand, or care to research, about Mr. Ramsey.

Someone earning $20,000 working at McDonald's with no education very likely is, or should be, in a better financial position in the short term than a new $20,000 First Officer with $100,000 in debt.

I agree 100% with your last sentence...it's worked quite well for me.

 

[ualdriver]

What efforts, exactly, are you referring to? Please be specific.

Because they shot down big labors attempt to get rid of the secret ballot for union drives?

Which pilot group, exactly, was told they were not allowed to strike? There might be one . . I'd like to know which.

The president appoits NMB members who preside over airline labor/management relations, no? I don't think ASA got any breaks. How many years did "negotiations" drag out over there? Pinncacle? You can't be told not to strike if you're not released in the first place?