It doesn’t take much for the average consumer to see their budgets quickly draining. Record-breaking gas prices are making the biggest headlines, but the cost of fuel impacts daily life in dozens of other ways.

A trip to the supermarket, discount store, or the mall ends up with either fewer bags or a larger bill. Diesel is over $4 per gallon, and the trucking companies are passing those cost to the stores, and the stores are passing the increased bills to the consumer. For example, two liter bottles of off-brand soda that were about 50-cents last year are approaching 60-cents now. The name brands that were around a buck are now well over $1.25 on average. Milk is more than $5 per gallon and even eggs are exponentially more costly than they once were. The examples go from electronics to clothing to materials for construction.

The Leader-Call wants to hear how its readers are coping with rising prices. Are you working two jobs? Are you still planning to buy that flat screen television or new vehicle? Will a compact work instead of a full-size truck? What about those family vacations this summer? Will a weekend trip to Gulf Shores or Destin work better with your budget than a cruise to the Caribbean or to Walt Disney World?

We especially want to hear from families who were comfortable, but now find themselves seeking a second or third income. We’d also like to hear from small business owners who are seeking creative ways to stay open.

The Leader-Call will feature some of the responses in upcoming issues. To comment, e-mail web@laurelleadercall.com or drop off a letter to 130 Beacon Street, Laurel, Miss., 39441.

— The Leader-Call