SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — U.S. consumers are compensating for rising gas prices by reducing their spending (63%), combining shopping trips (78%), eating out less (52%) and staying home more often (51%), according to Nielsen Co. research. Coupon usage is also on the rise. Higher fuel prices are driving 32% of consumers to use more coupons as a way to save money, up from 25% in December. “With gas prices passing the $4 per gallon mark, consumers are altering their driving and spending habits at dramatic levels,” said Todd Hale, senior vice president, consumer and shopper insights, for Nielsen, in a statement. “While discretionary spending is likely to be a challenge for most low- and middle-income shoppers, even affluent consumers are looking for ways to make their dollars go further.”

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