Gas prices have hit another new high. It has been awhile since we last said to change our lives. My pocket is heavily hit by this hike so it's time to take action.
I don't drive to shop anymore. Walking and making it part of my weekly routine. Net benefit of walking to the shops is a reduction in driving, lessening impact on environment and to top them all I feel better now.
I'm amazed that a lot of my friends find it kind of weird that I do that. Okay, well not weird. I think walking short distances instead of driving will be a common practice soon.
I've also been carpooling a lot more lately. I can honestly say that I've made a conscious effort to do this. It boggles my mind when people would prefer to drive by themselves just because, for no good reason.
No more driving the car to the city when it's only me and my wife. We will take the public train instead. We are chauffeured and enjoy a bit of ample time talking. No more stressful traffic and pain of looking for a parking spot.
If I have to use the car, I will keep up with regular maintenance, my car will run more efficiently and burn less fuel. This includes regular oil changes, air filter replacement and properly inflated tires.
Avoid aggressive driving that leads to increased acceleration and braking that can use unnecessary gas use. I maintain a steady speed for as long as possible and use the cruise control over long distances.
I eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, which are expensive, sure, but you are supposed to eat those whether you're vegan, vegetarian or a carnivore, so I don't count those as extra expenses. The real comparison is between meat, and the protein substitutes I use. Most of my protein comes from tofu, although I do eat beans and soy protein such as fake ground beef or soy burgers.
As takeaway food prices have gone up to cover the gas hike, I take the time to write up a grocery list and review the local grocery stores circulars. I wake up early to prepare with enough food to make a quick lunch at work. Eat healthy and save big bucks!
Sports are a big entertainment for me. I cancelled my subscription of cable TV. Too much TV watching is not good for health. I only watch sports on free channels though.
I rarely go to the movies. I used to go out to the movies at least once a week, and sometimes more. I slowly made it every other week, and now I don't even go once a month. Now we go to the park or out to do something more fun and creative. I figure this saves me at least $15 per week, although it's probably more when all the blockbusters are out!
We used to hang out at the mall a lot. It was convenient, and had a lot of great stuff to look at, and a food court. The food court alone costs $30 for us, and if we bought stuff, that would be another $25-75.
Have you ever had a friend or co-worker come up to you and suggest a fun activity? Everyone loves going out and having a good time, but you have to make sure that it is in your best financial interest. We all need to enjoy life, but it is important to know when to decline. It can be easy to simply go out to eat or to the movies and just pay for the evening with your credit card, which if you don't pay off in full each month, means you'll be paying for that evening for a long time. I don't give into temptations anymore. Every penny counts!
Don't squander your financial future for a few guilty pleasures today if it isn't in your budget. If I know that I can't afford an activity, I will not cave in. Instead, I invite my friends over for a dinner party, game night, or some other activity where we can still enjoy time together, but without breaking my bank.
Holidays are definitely another luxury for us. We don't travel anymore. We spend more time in getting around museums and galleries in the city. Cheap entrance fees and very rewarding.
You get my point. I think it's just not worth it to use so much money to feed your car. The increase in gas prices and the general cost of living is forcing everyone, bosses and working people like us, to seek more cost-saving ways to get work done, because let's face it, the nice but insufficient 0-6% annual salary raise most employers give, isn't going to cover the staggering demands we all have to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. Happy walking.