MSNBC: Midwest families will pay $400 more for natural gas this winter

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

After a particularly cold month in much of the country, millions of Americans are getting their first look at sky-rocketing heating bills. They’re not as steep as the government predicted in October, but natural gas still up 3 percent on average. So far, Congress has authorized $20 million less for heating assistance than it did last year, while the forecast is for a colder winter than last.

At Don and Theresa Babbin’s house in Boston, Mass., they’re keeping the heat down — and staying in — after the gas and electric bills hit nearly $400 this month. “I don’t know how I’m going to get by. I’ll get by one way or the other, but it’s going to wipe me out,” says Don Babbin.

In the Midwest, families will pay on average almost $400 more for natural gas this winter compared to last. In the Northeast, they’ll pay nearly $300 more: And that’s just the average. For homeowners who are in particularly cold areas, or have poor insulation, the bills can be 50 percent higher.

For many families on a budget, this winter is bringing some tough checkbook prioritizing. On this, Jean Chatzky, Money Magazine Editor-at-Large has some advice: “Cut down your cell phone bills, get rid of some of those cable channels, maybe stop stopping for that everyday cappuccino, and by all means file your taxes early and grab that refund.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10654453/

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. This is a conservative prediction

I don't have natural gas, but my coworkers do. One had his monthly bill go from $68 to over $200, with no rise in usage. Another had his bill double (I think he has better insulation in his house). And this is Arkansas. We've had maybe five or ten really cold days.

I laugh at the "suggestions" for savings. The people who really suffer don't have cable TV, cell phones, and are lucky if they have Maxwell House to drink.

[benny05]

3. But the filing taxes early idea is a good one

to get the refund..

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

15. What refund?

In my lifetime of paying taxes, I think I've wound up with a refund maybe three or four times. Always have to pay in-but don't get me wrong. That means the government hasn't had their mitts on my money to spend on the war--and I file on April 14 every year.

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

4. Regarding those suggestions...

...MSNBC's Jean Chatzky wouldn't understand a member of the working class if one of them bit her on the ass. She's a finance diva for the stock market class.

[WLKjr]

17. My G/F's sister didn't use hardly ANY gas last month

They pretty much only used it to cook and switched to some electric space heaters in the bedroom and livingroom.

Her bill went from $64 to over $300

[xmas74]

2. We're already feeling it in MO.

Utilities are up, petro is up higher than last winter, groceries are up.
It hurts already. I'm afraid if we get any really cold days.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

5. Lucky for all of us, that 600 dollar tax cut is going to go a long way

towards addressing this little problem of the "lower classes".

[Burma Jones]

6. If They're Lucky........n/t

[stray cat]

7. Is this part of the strong economy we're suppose to be having?

[XanaDUer]

8. My bill tripled...

Last month my gas bill was around $30. This month over $90.

Thank god I only heat my hot water with natural gas. I have a fireplace and get my elec through a cooperative, lucky me.

I could not imagine if I had to heat my rather large apartment with natural gas.

If only Bush voters and supporters had to pay for this shit...:eyes:

I worry about the elderly, poor, etc. this winter.

Guess it's that compassionate conservatism again.

[benny05]

12. I worry about the elderly & poor

But I worry more about the working class because they don't get any subsidies. And like the rest of you, I suspect they ain't going to Starbucks or your favorite donut place either as it is.

[XanaDUer]

14. Yup. You're right.

But it looks like the heating assistance money is also being cut.

Oh well, as someone states downthread, "He keeps them terrarists away."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

18. Arkansas Western Gas

had an insert in their bill (I pay the company's utilities so I saw it) asking for donations. They also said there was a program where those who were needy could apply. They would be required to pay the basic "levelized" bill each month and were required to pay up ALL the balance in March-only good thing about this is that if they pay the levelized bill every month, they can't be shut off until they can't pay the huge bill in March--and let me tell you, there are cold days in March around here.

[XanaDUer]

20. I'll check to see if my bill has a place where I can pay

a little extra for those in need.

I've been very fortunate this year.

[benny05]

21. Actually it was put back in recently in the Budget Authorization Bill

and there will be more heating assistance than last year.

[SmokingJacket]

9. Cut back on cell phones and cappucinos??

Do these people have any clue at all?

For many people, it's Do I take my kid to the doctor when he gets the flu, or hope the chicken soup will kick in? Can I go another year with this old coat? We can skip going out to a restaurant for our anniversary. I'd like to call the electrician to fix the overhead light fixture, but maybe I can just take that lamp out of the kids' room and use that...

There is some SERIOUS juggling of resources going on this year -- it's not just cappucinos.

[XanaDUer]

10. No, they don't get it and are clueless...

The opposite number is the dirt-poor or just-hanging-on-but-barely-types who follow the financial "advice" on stations like Fox, as if they had discretionary money to invest or save.

I've always found that amazing.

[revree]

11. Gee, you mean all those Red State folks will be reamed up the

ying yang by the man they so dearly love and worship and adore?

How sad...

[benny05]

13. but he keeps the terriorists away

:sarcasm:

[B Calm]

16. and the queers can't marry!!

more sarcasm

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

19. sad thing is that many in the Red States voted for Kerry

including everyone at the company where I work. If they'd voted for Bush, I would have told them this is the benefit they won, but knowing they won't ever vote repuke, I only commiserated with them.

[OKNancy]

22. along with many good liberals, Democrats

and fine people of all persuasions

[dave29]

23. thank god they got those tax cuts

right?