How much does it cost today? How high do you think it will go? It seems to me a big piece of cultural "small talk" is about the price of gas. My question is has it really affected anything. Are you driving less? Car pooling more? Moving closer to work? Getting a new job? I know we all like to complain but has it really affected how you live your life? Okay I don't often beg for comments but I would really like some on this. Ask your friends and family. I'm even reopening the anonymous comments just for this post.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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8 comments:
The price of gas has not yet become a major factor in my everyday life, although I gripe about it as does everybody else I know. I'm old enough to remember having to sit in long gas lines in the 1970's and hoping that there would still be gas to buy when I finally got to the pump, so the thought of shortages frightens me more than the price. That said, I can see how the high price of gas might be useful in providing me with an excuse not to participate in activities that I wish to avoid--"Honey, you know I'd love to go to that arts and crafts show, but we just can't afford to drive there", e.g.
I love the excuse part Dennis. I haven't used it yet but it's awesome.
Dennis you are a man of great wisdom. I’ll be sure to keep that excuse in my back pocket. Our lifestyle hasn’t changed much with the gas prices. We do try to limit trips whenever possible. Of course that just makes sense regardless of the price of gas. When we don’t have to drive we don’t (duh), but if we really want to go somewhere there’s nothing stopping us. I have decided that my next car will be a hybrid. But that purchase will only come after our current vehicles completely die and the tires fall off.
It has affected me but there is little I can do to change it.
I travel around the Atlanta area 5 days a week, averaging 3,780 miles per month. A fill-up is costing $55 this week and I fill-up 3 to 4 times a week.
My business is as an independent automotive mechanical breakdown inspector for extended warranty companies. The price of fuel is affecting my job not only with the price of fuel but with the amount of work I am getting. Many of the dealerships I go into are not getting the business they usually get. That directly affects my income.
I could go back to being a mechanic as I did for 20 years but the work is not enough even with taking into account the reduced mileage and gas costs.
Kelly, before the tires fall off give me a call and I can save you some money on repairs (and make a little money to boot!!)
Wow, Frank! Almost 4000 miles a week. I bet it has hit you. Thanks for sharing the story, that's the kind of stuff I want to hear.
Hey Ed, very seldom will you get a reply from me, but here it goes about fuel cost. Yes it has affected me alot. I am self employed so my fuel cost has tripled over the past 2 to 3 years. I do not run to the store for a loaf of bread, milk, coffee or something from Home Depot to repair around the house, my travel is more thoughtful with meeting customers. I have purchased a motorcycle and parked my work trailer ( tools) at a job and leave the truck at home and ride the bike as much as possible. I went to meet a customer this evening on the bike and took a chance with the weather and got soaked on the way home. Every time I get on that bike to save a few bucks on fuel I put my safety and wellbeing on the line. So yes my life style has been affected. We live on acreage and I am even considering maintaining a portion of the place and not keeping all of it cut.
It has seriously affected me. I spend five hundred a month on gas (more than my rent) for my commute to Atlanta every day. That number is only rising...and it was one of many factors that I had to consider in making a career decision. With what I make, one of three things HAD to happen: new car, new job, new living situation. There was really no alternative.
When I start a new job here in town I plan on riding my bike everywhere.
I nag more. My husband drives to the airport area, in a full size truck. We are spending in gas money a car payment/month. I hate going to the gas station. But it's part of life now. We are cutting back on eating out. We are leaving on vacation Saturday, pulling our camper (9 mpg). We are planning on one meal out. The rest we will cook. And enjoy each others company. That's free!
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