One in Five Americans Must Borrow to Heat Homes This Winter

[mawilson 2,133]

Elderly and retired folk shouldn't have to pay income taxes ( State, Fed or FICA) from the monthly checks they get. That would help offset some of the cost for heating.

What about from their tax-deferred savings - 401(k)s and IRAs?

[Ban Hammer 13,678]

Where's that global warming you keep promising us, Steven?

[Kevin and 10]

Elderly and retired folk shouldn't have to pay income taxes ( State, Fed or FICA) from the monthly checks they get. That would help offset some of the cost for heating.

What about from their tax-deferred savings - 401(k)s and IRAs?

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I don't think they should have to suffer because of the current problems with oil prices, which directly bounces off US international politics.

Elderly people on fixed incomes should get a break on fuel costs. Grannies freezing in their houses in January shouldn't be allowed anymore than kids going to school hungry (which doesn't happen because of the 'free lunch' program - where is Carol'sMarc?)

I agree with you .... and still hate your guttttts

[Emancipation 2]

I know for us our heat is included in our rent but it doesn't give us license to turn up the thermostat. We keep it cool in our apartment ALL the time cause we can't afford for our rent to go up any more than it is currently. $1000 a month for an apartment is "average- below average" for our area- and TOTALLY ridiculous IMO.

Even if you WERE to make 80K a year - in our example our rent ALONE would take 12.5% of our GROSS income.. we're not even talking POST taxes here, we're talking PRE tax.. Uncle Sam gets just about 30% where we live!!

In our neck of the woods, groceries, utilities EVERYTHING is more costly than many other parts of the Country. I know we pay 25$ in service fees for our Gas bill every month (hot water heat). $25 whether you use the flipping gas or not! It is enough to have us SERIOUSLY thinking about moving somewhere "cheaper" in this country.

I think the gap between those who have and those who have not is ever widening and it is becoming very very scary. The days for living on credit for the middle class is LONG since passed. Those who are stuck in it.. I really fear for them.

Edited December 20, 2007 by Emancipation

[catrocks 0]

We never turn the thermostat above 70. It's usually around 65.

We find that A/C is more expensive than heating too. Ours is not oil, it's electric, and we still can't afford for it to go up.... especially since our rent goes up in March. Bring on the EAD...

[Alt name 1]

<grins> as i work in the oil business bring it, keep that money flowing in

[lostinblue 1,989]

marry a chinese woman

[Jenn! 918]

marry a chinese woman

Do Chinese women generate heat?

[mawilson 2,133]

marry a chinese woman

Do Chinese women generate heat?

Only if they are hot