Not owning a car will save you thousands of dollars over a few years. I know. I did without a vehicle for two years. It's a long story I won't go into, but I was having to rebuild my career, and I walked everywhere, did most of the things I would do now, and didn't have a car payment, insurances payments, gasoline bills, or maintenance costs.

If you live in a city that has good mass transit facilities, it's easier, but I don't, or didn't. We've improved some since those days. Not having the convenience of a vehicle may require some planning, and be less convenient at times, but it is definitely cheaper than owning and riving everywhere you go. Planning will include grocery shopping more frequently, and when you are on the way home after work, or on weekends, maybe. It's doable, though.

If you are not driving because you don't know how, or don't care to learn, that's another matter. Many people from New York City never learn to drive. they learn to manage the city by subway, buses and taxis. When they go to somewhere that isn't as convenient, it's difficult for them to manage without driving. I would encourage non-drivers to study for and take a driver's license exam, get licensed, and then, if you don't want the expense and responsibility of an auto, good for you; don't drive, but have the skill and license for when, or if, it ever becomes a necessity. In the meantime, save your money.

When I finally did buy a car, by the way, it was a garnet red Cadillac. That was three Cadillacs ago. I've gained fifty pounds since then, probably from not walking as much. See? Not driving can be a good thing.

Learn more about this author, Will Kester.
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