Less Bucks for Bang

As the Fourth of July approaches and because of the weak economy, Sergio Martinez has a $40 budget for the purchase of fireworks at Mr. G's Firework Supercenter in Brownsville.

"I have a good job, but like they say, the more you earn, the more you spend," said Martinez, a detention officer in Brownsville. "Nowadays in many ways you're still living check by check."

Nonetheless, Mr. G's manager, Nadine Gonzalez, is positive that fireworks sales in the next couple days will increase.

"There is no doubt that people are budgeting themselves right now because of the economy, but most people will always wait until the last day to buy fireworks." Gonzalez said.

Even with his good paying job, Martinez still has to save money.

"I'm managing my money. I have bills to pay," Martinez said, as he started to grab some Black Cat fireworks and bottle rockets.

Martinez happened to be purchasing fireworks for his two sons, who are in love with fireworks.

Martinez's sons both know that their family is on a tight budget right now because of the economy and Martinez said his sons "are cool with it."

Martinez plans to surprise his two sons and hide the fireworks in his truck until Saturday.

When firework sales began on June 24, sales were pretty slow, but Gonzalez knows that on the Fourth of July more customers will come to purchase a wide variety of fireworks.

He said customers are purchasing smaller sized fireworks.

"Everyone is trying to get more fireworks for their dollar," Gonzalez said.

Groups of customers are even pitching in to purchase the $499.99 "Biggen Assortment."

The firework superstore is maintaining the same level of stock that it had in past holidays.

"There has been no difference with sales this year than last year," said Gonzalez said, adding he wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend.