ENOUGH: We’re all feeling the pinch at the pump. With gas prices creeping up, Advance America surveyed 3,002 drivers to ask, “At what price per gallon would you have to start cutting back on essentials?”

That’s a spot where many people are already, we’re guessing, with costs on virtually everything higher than ever before.

In Pennsylvania, $4.94 per gallon is the tipping point for those surveyed. That’s when drivers say they would start cutting back. More than 4 in 10 (41%) say they would cut back on eating out or takeout first, followed by travel and leisure (29%).

Notably, 13% would reduce grocery spending, while 3% would cut back on healthcare or medications — a sign that rising fuel costs can push households into uncomfortable territory.

To cope with higher gas prices, most Pennsylvanians look for small, practical changes before making drastic moves.

• 40% say they would drive less
• 19% would combine trips or plan routes more carefully
• 17% would take on extra work or side income

More disruptive options — like switching to public transport (8%), carpooling (7%), or even changing jobs to reduce commuting (5%) — are far less common, suggesting limits to how flexible people are willing to be.

Five percent say they would turn to credit or loans just to cover rising costs.

Beyond the financial impact, rising gas prices are clearly taking a psychological toll.

• 49% say they feel extremely or very stressed about fuel costs
• Another 33% feel somewhat stressed

That’s more than eight in 10 people experiencing at least some level of financial anxiety tied directly to gas prices.