America's Money: In their own words

Debt analyst, 24, Irving, Texas

I talk to people on a daily basis who tell me how hard they are struggling to make the minimum payments on their credit cards, personal loans, mortgage loans, car payments and any other debt they come to me with.

They are struggling mainly because of the amount of money they are starting to spend on gas to get back and forth to work and food to feed their family.

I am also feeling the impact because my grocery budget went from $150 every two weeks to $200-$250, depending on what other items we may need that week.

My husband and I have no children. We are not able to do any extra activities like going to the movies or driving out to see our family because we have to conserve on our gas usage as much as possible. It saddens me because I have two nieces and three nephews who I never get to see due to the increase in gas prices. I just can't afford the drive every weekend.

NEXT: Angela Navarette: Doing just fine