Americans' Spending Squeeze

In a CNN poll, 78% of Americans saw gas going to $4-$5 gallon this year. I have to say that this is probably a reality. The thing that scares me is that gas prices fundementally affect other parts of the economy like cost of groceries or even house values. For example, if it costs companies more money to ship food, we will pay a higher price. Or if you have a house that is a farther commute to a major city, it could be less valuable as gas prices go up.

I am doing some brainstorming as to what I can do to save on gas and groceries. I mentioned in a previous post that a grocery store is having a promotion where you get a $30 gift certificate for every $300 that you spend. However, I think I may have to get drastic. I have a small car, but we know that this gas situation is going to get worse. I may put an ad on craigslist to see if I can car pool with others. I am not sure what I think about going into strangers' cars and dealing with leftover McDonald's wrappers and pet hair (gulp!), but what choices do I have if things get more expensive?