Thoughts On Finance

I don’t really understand why our government is allowing price gouging. I do understand that the cost of oil is up, but did you know that the cost of a gallon of gas in Iraq is just .39 and right now the average price in the US is about $3.50. I do understand that oil costs us more than it does in the US, but I have started thinking that the local food companies are taking advantage of the increase in trying to claim that it is costing them so much more to produce and transport products than it actually is. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe that there has been a cost increase to the companies, and I don’t mind contributing to absorbing that cost, but the prices of groceries are climbing so intensely that the sticker price on some items is up to almost double what it was just 6 months ago, and quite honestly the gas prices have not risen enough to truly warrant those types of increases on each product. I have spoken to some people about this, and many people are buying the fact that it is costing these companies so much more to produce and transport these items, but I am not biting. It seems to me that stores, food manufacturers and transport companies are using this difficult financial time to convince consumers to pay more for their items, and it is working. A friend recently told me, don’t worry the gasoline prices should come down again in the next 6 months, and my response was, do you really think that the grocery prices will? This kind of price gouging should not be tolerated, and our government had better intervene before this problem gets completely over the top.

Hey! How about those gas prices? Geez-O-Pete! There has to be a stop to those constantly rising prices before long or we won‘t be able to afford to drive to work to get the money to pay for the gas it takes to drive to work. If this has become the same nightmare for you that it has for most of us, may I suggest:

1. If there is any way you can swing it, carpool. It makes more environmental sense as well as financial sense. If there are only two people in the pool, you will at least cut your gas expenses by half. If you are lucky enough to have more than just two in the pool, then your gas savings will increase even more, of course. Check around in your office or check the newspaper. There may be an easy carpool fix with your name on it.

2. If it is not possible for you to carpool, check in to the transit systems in your area. Unless you live in a reasonably large city though, you will most likely be looking at the bus lines. Here you will find minimal cost compared to driving yourself, fighting the traffic and the cost of parking and you can catch up on your reading (or doze a while) on the trip in to the office. You may find you prefer it to driving your own car and it may become an enjoyable little modification to your previous life style.

3. If you are physically able and the distance does not prohibit it, you can clean up that bicycle or invest in an electric scooter — last resort for some, I know.

4. Another thing to remember when buying that golden gas is to pay cash or use your debit card. Every place I know accepts a debit card the same as cash. However, if you use a credit card, you will most likely have to pay a higher price than what is advertised and all that gas price shopping you have been doing will have been a wasted effort. Even a few cents makes a difference at the pump. Check it out before you pump and you won’t have to deal with that unpleasant shock after the fact.

5. Plan your trips also. Use one trip out to accomplish all of those short stops. When you leave the grocery store, stop by the dry cleaners, run into the pharmacy and pick up those rental videos in one large swoop. Saves you time as well as gas.

6. I continue to hear that not using your air conditioning in the car will give you better mileage. Well, that is just about impossible for Floridians in the summer months — unless you limit your driving to after the sun has set. Do it if you can. I absolutely cannot.

7. Check the air pressure in your tires. Whatever air pressure the manufacturer suggests is exactly what you should maintain. Check them often. Keep them in good shape. And keep your car in good running condition. Change the oil, filters and keep the fluids checked as is suggested. If your car is running more efficiently, you’ll do better in the long run also.

You probably have heard most of this before but maybe this time you are ready to pay a little more attention. It makes no sense to not take advantage of every little savings you can when we are suffering through this gas gouge. And even taking a baby step forward to improve your situation may encourage others to do the same and keep you out of the poor house. Just pick one of the above and give it a try. You’ll be glad you did.