Midlanders share economic impact on holiday plans

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Economic worries, rising inflation and high gas prices are certain to impact some people’s holiday plans.
That is certainly the case with some Midlanders who shared their thoughts on the subject with the Daily News during Saturday’s Coco Crawl. Some had to adjust travel plans, while others are planning more carefully what they buy for gits this year.
For example, Ian and Madi McNeill had to change their usual plans to see family. Madi said they try to see both of their extended families during Christmastime every year, but will not this year due to gas prices. Her family members live in Alpena and out of state in Indiana.
They will still be visiting her family for Thanksgiving, and just Ian’s family during Christmas. Their Christmas budget is a little tighter this year with fewer presents.
Another Midland resident, Alisha Toyzan, is not changing her family’s travel plans, but is planning her gift buying with more scrutiny this year.
“Everything is more expensive right now,” Toyzan said. “Grocery bills, everything. I do not know compared to last year, but I am much more aware of the cost of things.”
Midland couple Stephanie Ashcroft and Lux Izquierdo said economic woes have not hit them too hard this year, since Izquierdo works from home and thus does not have to spend a lot on gas. They plan on traveling to see family and friends in Detroit and Cadillac during the course of the holiday season.
And in terms of giving, Ashcroft said they actually plan to be more generous than in the past with how much they contribute this holiday season.
“A lot of our friends and our family are not as well off financially as we are,” Ashcroft said. “We have been trying to contribute more food than other people, and buy a little bit nicer gifts since we are in a place that we are able to do that.”
Midland resident Pam Pfuehler said she has noticed higher food prices, but it has not affected her holiday plans because her and her husband are financially stable. However, she is concerned about others.
“It is unbelievable to both my husband and I how much things cost and how people are going to afford to be able to do what they did last year,” Pfuehler said.