Massive recession teaches consumers how to deal with rising gas prices - Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Our disposable income is going to the oil companies," said Werner Lang, a sociology teacher who lives in Trumbull County but commutes to Edinboro University 20 miles south of Erie, Pa., for work. "I cut back on everything to make ends meet. I have to tap into my beer money. That hurts." Veronica VandenBout lives in Vermilion but drives to Sandusky every day for work. She has been thinking of retiring in a few years, but now she's planning on staying at work a little bit longer. "Higher gas prices mean less in retirement savings," VandenBout said. "Every time I fill up, I don't have those dollars to put into retirement."