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How much does it cost you in gas to get to your job? How much does it cost to get to your favorite grocery store? Or to visit mom?
I used to think in terms of Miles Per Gallon, but since I started charting my frequently visited places and related gas expense, I have been able to make better decisions about whether or not to make a trip somewhere. I am not so quick to jump behind the wheel when I know exactly how much that particular trip will cost me.
I live in a rural setting and I am able to telecommute, so my list may look much different than yours. Here is my list and what is costs me for a roundtrip:
| WHERE | MILES (RT) | GAS COST |
|---|---|---|
| The Natural Food Store | 48 | $7.81 |
| J-O-B ( telecommute ) | 0 | $0 |
| M-O-M | 1100 | $178 |
| My Mailbox | 7 | $1.14 |
I have started to go into town as seldom as possible. When I do, I combine errands, otherwise known as trip chaining. I sometimes ride my bicycle to the mailbox. If I don’t, I’ll pick up my mail on the way back to town. When visiting mom, I will either rideshare and split the cost with one other person, or take Amtrak, which is about $50 less expensive than the cost of gas in a car.
Please note that gas costs are only part of a trip expense. Once factoring in wear and tear, insurance, etc…the true cost per mile is about double.
This article is in response to Wa$ted
