Retiree takes a hike to fight rising price of gas
Wilma Lowe has never walked more in her life. But with gas prices rising, the retired widow is hoofing it these days because she lives on a fixed income.
Lowe, 70, who retired in 1999 as a district manager after more than 35 years at Aronson Furniture, estimates her monthly expenses have gone up about $700 in the past year.
(Brian Jackson/Sun-Times)
"Food has gone up, the gas bill has gone up, the light bill, cell phone bill," said Lowe, who lives in the South Shore neighborhood. "You name it."
She saves on gas by keeping her car parked most of the time -- except to go to church. "I can walk to the grocery store," she said. "I walk to get my hair done and nails done."
She also relies more on public transportation. "I ride the bus," she said. "I never rode the bus before in my life."
If she goes on vacation this year, she'll go to southwestern Michigan, where she has family. She opted not to go to her niece's wedding in Virginia last weekend to save money.
Asked what else she's doing in reaction to higher costs, in a voice of frustration she simply replied, "Crying."
How are you saving money? Write to psmith@suntimes.com or comment at suntimes.com.