Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 04 > Entry
How do you work around higher gas prices?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nationally, gas prices continued to rise, increasing 0.2 cent overnight to $3.289 a gallon, according to an AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.
The rise in fuel prices has only heightened consumer worries about inflation and consumer spending. Truckers say rising diesel prices could also affect that industry, which is used to carry most of the nation’s food and consumer and industrial goods. This could drive up costs for those products. Read the AP story about gas prices.
You can also find out about Atlanta prices here
How are you keeping gas costs lower? Are you car pooling to work or working from home more? Are you thinking of trading in that gas guzzler for a more efficient car? Or, are you consolidating errands and making fewer unnecessary trips?
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Comments
By jct
April 4, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I started taking MARTA after the gas prices initially went up after Katrina. My family and I plan our trips on the weekend. We no longer go out for that ‘one’ thing. We also stopped going to the movies because our favorite theater is more than 10 miles away from the house. We don’t particular care for the theaters closer to home.
Due to the raising food prices, I now changed the way that I cook so the any leftovers can be created into a new meal for the next day.
By Buckhead Native
April 4, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Driving only when necessary, and planning all errands in order to reduce the number of daily trips. Also, post office, bank and grocery store are all within walking distance, and not driving to these has already been in place for some time.
By Toopster
April 4, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
My husband and I commute together M-F we both work downtown so it saves on gas and parking fees, as well as allowing us to use HOV lane. On weekends, we combine trips. We are fortunate that we can do this (the carpooling) b/c we are only using one car and filling up 1x a week (at $47.00!)
By sugspc
April 4, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
My hubby and I stated car pooling. I work about 15 min away from his work. Our drive is about an hour long since we live in Hiram. This has saved us about $200.00 or more a month. Groceries we are trying to cut back on by buying meals that are cheap and easy. The crockpot is great for that.
By JJ
April 4, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
I use to run all my errands on the weekends, but now I do alot on my way home from work. And we hang out around the house on the weekends, which has its advantages. The house is extremely clean, and the yard is starting to look very nice. The dogs are getting alot more exercise too going on alot of LONG walks…..
jct we have gotten pretty creative with leftovers too….and cutting WAY back on our portions, which also helps with the old waist-line…..;)
By RJ
April 4, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Drive only out of necessity. Thank goodness more restaurants and shopping have been added to South Fulton so if we want a meal out we don’t have to drive far. No more Sunday drives looking at homes like we used to do. We rarely drive for vacation, however flight tickets are also high so we’ll be close to home this year. Also changing my grocery shopping habits. Everything has gotten to high for my teacher’s salary to handle.
By Bob
April 4, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Well, unfortunetely I don’t get to decide what gas costs, so I am doing nothing to try and lower the cost of gas.
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Who cares as long as I have a beer in my hand at 8:00 in the morning! Since I’ve increased my drinking, I really haven’t paid attention to what gas costs - it’s great to live in a total state of oblivion. I am the most relaxed person I know. Nothing bothers me any more. Y’all should try it.
By FeelinGassy
April 4, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
i finally traded in my 18mpg SUV for a nice new car that gets 28/36mpg. Marta to work will be the next step.
By Bob
April 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
I now carpool 3x / week. The carpooling allows me to use the HOV and cuts the trip from 1 hour to 40-45 minutes. I figure I save about $20 / week in gas. Also, I found out that I can now apply for a discounted commuter parking pass that will save me another $200 / year. We’ve cut out most of our dining out. I’ve now lost 40 lbs since the holidays.
By Reality
April 4, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Gas is a necessity.
Cut back or eliminate the non-necessities: multiple cell phones; 300 cable channels; $4 a cup a coffee; that SUV you drive; going out to the movies;
If you’ve done the above and you are still struggling, you have other issue to resolve.
By Nina
April 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
We switched from Miller Lite to Natural Lite. Saved us 7 bucks a case to help pay for gas.
By dave
April 4, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
By laughing at all the idiots that drive NEW SUV’s… while I zip past them in a 4 cyl. turbo audi that gets over 32 mpg. Hey soccor moms! Keep driving your kids to school in that over sized refridgerator on wheels in stead of letting your little retards take the bus! See ya a the gas pump!!!
By Jane
April 4, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Cave Was it really necessary to bash Moms? This isn’t a parenting blog.
By the way, my SUV gets about 20 miles to the gallon so I wont see you at the pump (thank goodness)!!!!!! One tank of gas gets me back and forth to work all week, my kid to school every day (Yes I drive her) and I have enough for running around on the weekends too. I fill my car up once a week, on Sunday. So there!!
By MKO
April 4, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
I commute about 120 miles round trip each day to my office, and when I’m not doing that I’m on the road meeting with clients. It killed me, but I finally traded in my convertible that I had to fill up to 4 times a week, for a new Toyota Prius that I now only fill up once a week. Old mileage - 22 to 24 MPG, New mileage - 48 to 50 mpg. That saves me about $460.00 a month in gas without changing my monthly car payment. In addition, I started Nutrisystem and stopped eating out all the time. That saved me roughly $700.00 a month in food costs. Total savings - $1,160 a month or $13,920.00 a year. Not a bad raise!
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Yea, Nina - you go girl! Remember - you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning!
By Getting HIT!
April 4, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately I can do NOTHING. I live in Douglas County and work in Alpharetta. I’m so thankful that I get to telecommute one day out of every week. But it still doesn’t prevent my having to fill up TWICE a week!
By MKO
April 4, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
I commute 120 miles round trip to my office. When I’m not in the office, I’m out on the road meeting clients. It killed me, but I finally traded in my convertible for a new 08 Toyota Prius. Used to fill up roughly 4 times week in my old car, and now I hit the pump only once a week. Old mileage - 22 to 24 MPG, New mileage - 48 to 50 MPG. That’s a savings of around $460.00 a month. Also, I started Nutrisystem and lost about 20 pounds so far, but I save over $700.00 by not eating out and buying groceries every week. Total savings -$1,160.00 monthly, or $13,920.00 a year. That’s not a bad raise, maybe I’ll take the savings and invest in oil and retire in 5 years. (lol)
By Cave
April 4, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Jane. From now on, I’ll do all my mom bashing over at the parenting blog. I just got done with my first entry. Thanks.
By MKO
April 4, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Sorry for the duplicate post, love reading everyones stuff!
By Nina
April 4, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
wink wink
By RK
April 4, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
You’d think that the increase in gas prices would increase the demand for MARTA et al to expand.
By Jen
April 4, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
MKO I am doing Nutrisystem, too! I’ve lost 15lbs so far (one month). Even though is $300/month it ends up being a savings because I’ve stopped spending so much money on booze (both at the liquor store and eating out) and other crap I used to buy.
I live 3.5 miles from work so I either walk or bike 2-3 days/wk. I fill up once every 2-3 weeks.
My house costs a lot, living in the city, but at least I’m spending my money on a house and not on gas…
By missemc2
April 4, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
I have disconnected my telephone land line in favor of the cell and cut my premium cable service to down to basic. Definitely eating out less often.
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I’m checking out for a while - just finished my first 6 pack of the morning - got to get in my car and drive to the liquor store to get some more and stock up with “Sunday beer”. Just checked my gas gauge - half full so I’m OK for a while. See y’all later.
By Foster Brooks
April 4, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Hummin Bird, only a 6-pack? Man your way behind!
By JJ
April 4, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Getting Hit Ever thought about moving to Alpharetta, closer to the job?
By Valdez
April 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Well Dave in your pathetic Audi, I drive a V10 Excursion and LOVE doing so, it gets around 9 to 10 mpg so no matter what I do I still fill up once a week at around $128.00 a pop (42 gallon tank). Just because you and everybody HAD to sell your Tahoe/Yukon Expidition doesnt give you the right to bash people who still have theirs and can afford to do so. You people buy these unsafe econo boxes and think you are saving the earth first hand, get a life and leave me and SUV alone.
By Aesop
April 4, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
To valdez; A fool and his money are soon parted.
By Valdez
April 4, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Aesop, “a fool and his money are soon parted” Nice little saying there, but trust me a fool I am not nor will I ever will be. So I feel fairly secure, thanks for the lesson though.
By Valdez
April 4, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Aesop, “a fool and his money are soon parted” Nice little saying there, but trust me a fool I am not nor will I ever be. So I feel fairly secure, thanks for the lesson though.
By Amanda
April 4, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
I purchased a town home in Tech Park in Norcross. I work in Tech Park. I haven’t driven my car in weeks, other than when it’s raining. Target, TJMaxx, Kroger, Publix, CiCi’s Pizza, and other assorted restaurants are all within walking distance. About one a month, I will “road-trip” to Perimeter Mall or Mall of Georgia.
I paid over $250,000, but I have saved a ton of money by not using the car. I used to drive 20 miles one way to work and used about $40-50 gas a week. Now every week, I put an additional $45 into my savings account.
AND I’ve lost 10 pounds since I moved in, with all the walking I do.
By Bill
April 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
WE have cut back on grocery’s. one way we do it is to have the kids at the table at different times. then we tie apiece of bacon on a string and put it in thier mouth and let them chew for a few seconds and when they try to swalow it we pull it out and do the same with the next one. saves about 700 a mounth.
By jimbo
April 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
I drive a manual car. I keep my acceleration below 3,000 RPMs at the max and an average of 2500 RPMs. I drive at or below the speed limit (in the far right lane, venters) and generally drive in a constant conservative manner. I’ve seen my mileage increase by somewhere in the neighborhood of 25%.. in a car that gets over 28mpg when I’m driving fast and aggressively.. that’s not insignificant.
By JJ
April 4, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
FosterBrooks (that name brings back some memories) He said his FIRST 6 pack……..there’s still time to catch up!!
By Solomon
April 4, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Valdez, Proverbs 26:12
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
OK, y’all, I’m back. Hope I didn’t miss much. Just unloaded a few cases into my beer fridge (minus a few cans I already drank in the car). Total mileage: 3.6 miles. Gas gauge needle in my ‘67 Chevelle didn’t even budge so there’s still plenty left for an afternoon road trip. Just popped a top again - talk to y’all soon. HB
By ITPer
April 4, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
By Vesta
April 4, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I quit my full-time job in Buckhead (I live on the south side) to work a part-time job two days a week that is just 15-20 minutes from my house. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but the pay cut hasn’t affected us. We are spending less on gas, parking and we no longer have to pay daycare for our two children. I’m thankful that it’s working out so well and I feel less stressed now that I don’t have a 1 1/2 commute one way!
By SP
April 4, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
I live in Kennesaw work in Alpharetta, so I have over an hour drive one way. I had to switch from Grey Goose to Smirnoff for the ride home. Also stopped paying for daycare - you’d be surprised how well a four year old can take care of himself.
By ron
April 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Here we have reduced our gas bill from $50 a week to $20 a week.We make essential trips only.
By KLK
April 4, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
We live in East Cobb. I work 8 miles from home and my husband has a home office. We keep to the area as much as possible to save on gas, i.e, eating out, groceries, shopping, movies. I want a new car so bad, but am keeping my 2001 Honda Accord in good shape, so the the gas bite is not so bad. I also evaluated my car insurance and trimmed what is not needed & upped deductibles. I shop the grocery store ad each week and plan meals around the sales. For clothing, I only shop sales. Full retail is not good these days, as what you want will eventually be on sale anyway pretty soon.
By ThirdWheel
April 4, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Bill you are stupid… LOL I drive a gas guzzler and can’t sell it to save my life. I work in Marietta and live on the South Side. I can’t move because I am also in school and can’t afford to do both. So I just limit my driving trips.
By JV
April 4, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
LOL dave, you remind me of an old friend of mine that use to have a stupid fast trans am!
By MADD
April 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Isn’t anyone concerned that this poster named “Hummin Bird” is out there driving after he drank 6 beers and then admits to drinking “a few cans” in the car during a 3 mile trip? My God that is irresponsible!
By Foster Brooks
April 4, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
MADD, s’OK, you’re lucky I drank all Hummin Bird’s vodka last night.
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
MADDIE, thanks for your concern - I really appreciate it. But early afternoon’s the best time to drink and drive - the kids are still in school and the cops never set up road blocks until later in the day so you don’t need to worry about me. Thanks again for being concerned. HB
By fedup231
April 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
I haven’t been affected at all. Before I got 5 dollars worth and it’s still 5 dollars. I don’t know what all the hupplah is about.
By MADD
April 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
You just don’t get - I’m concerned that you’re drinking IN THE CAR!
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Oh - don’t worry about that - I always keep an empty Wendy’s cup in the car and pour my beer into it so it looks like I’m just drinking an orange soda. HB
By NICK
April 4, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Just bought a new E550. Gets maybe 14 miles per gallon. Pimp ride. LOVE IT!
By Valdez
April 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Soloman, Why would you bring the Bible into this? I go to church and read and have read the Bible and don’t understand why you have to throw it up when we are talking about gas?? What did you not agree with my response? sorry sir its the truth. If I choose to drive a 10 mpg truck, then its my choice and you have to throw the Bible into it. ??????
By MADD
April 4, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By dave
April 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Mr. T pities Valdez
By vanessa
April 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Let see, how am I adjusting. I’m not really. I get depressed everytime I put gas in my Honda Odyssey. Since it’s almost paid for and in good shape I will be keeping it(but then the extra money will be going to gas also). I use to go to Tallahassee every weekend-which is about 60 miles. Now I just go to the library and read books on the weekend. It’s sad because of gas prices EVERYONE is suffering. The people who owns stores and car lots. If gas were cheaper then people would go out and spend money. I spend all my extra money on gas and food. I double up through grocery sale ads and cook at least 5 days per week. I only take my kids out once per week and it’s normally a pizza because it’s cheaper and we can all eat a large. Everything revolves around gas, which links it to one person-GEORGE W. BUSH.
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Hey, Foster - you owe me one for drinking my vodka last night. Meet me at the bar at 4:00 - the first round’s on you, buddy! You want me to pick you up or can you take that “MARTA et al” that RK mentioned before? HB
By Valdez
April 4, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I tell who I pity, is everbody that ran out and bought a stupid hybrid, why don’t you do a little research on the highly toxic battery that is saving you so much money! It takes more energy to make it and dispose of than you are “being green”.
By Drunker N'Humming
April 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
HB My driving and drinking buddy. You were torn up last night at the trailer park. I hope you found your clothes. Glad to see you got home ok.
*MADD Do you not have a sense of humor? Maybe you need to hook up with the resident bible thumper today, and have a few cocktails yourselves….lighten up, it’s friday, and Humming ain’t killed no one today (but the day aint over)….
GO HUMMING!!!!!! See ya at the bar tonight…….
By Foster Brooks
April 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Hey HB! I bought you a replacement bottle this morning, but I drank it at lunch. So I will have to meet you. But I’m still trying to figure out that “MARTA et al”.
By dave
April 4, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Valdez….safe? an Excursion? My Audi has a 5 star crash test rating from every angle. Keep driving that house boat on wheels and see what happens when you roll over… best place for your junk trunk is in the recycling yard….oops! i forgot…nobody that drives a junk truck like yours bothers recycling! ;-)
By MADDIE
April 4, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
MARTA - Moving Alcoholics Rapidly Towards Atlanta.
So much alcohol, so little time.
By Valdez
April 4, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Dave, Not going debate the safety of your car, 5 star it might have, but I will still prefer driving mine.
By lovelyliz
April 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
My room mate and I now work at the same facility so we split the gas.
I downsized from a Taurus to a Corolla.
Every excursion is planned and errands are combined.
By lovelyliz
April 4, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
My room mate and I now work at the same facility so we split the gas.
I downsized from a Taurus to a Corolla.
Every excursion is planned and errands are combined.
By dave
April 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Valdez, it’s so MANLY driving that pool table on wheels! Think of all the escorts you could be paying for with the money you would save by buying something, safe, economical, stylish, as well as 10 times faster than that septic tank on wheels. I bet you could afford a few hot 18 years olds every week with the money you’d save!
By Jane
April 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks for buying a foreign car there Dave.
I’ll take my Ford SUV over your little, overpriced Audi death trap any day and if I see you in traffic, I’ll be sure to run over your smug litte A$$. I’m true to my country, and buy American made vehicles. Always have, always will. And you are the idiot for spending that much money on a toy car. You must be ugly.
By GeezGuys
April 4, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should get a second opinion on how safe those SUV’s are from Destiny Limousines Inc. The owner’s widow may not agree with the safety rating on those Ford Excursions, her husband was driving the 2003 model.
However, the Toyota Corolla’s driver is still here. He can give a first hand account of the experience from his unsafe econo box vehicle.
By Cadillac Man
April 4, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Right On Jane! My ‘91 Caddy has a sticker on it “Made in Texas by Texans” and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Never owned a foreign car yet and never will.
By dave
April 4, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Funny Jane, but i live on PLANEY EARTH!!! what if your parents where living in Romania when you were born? Who cares where something is made. At least my parents taught me to BUY THE BEST not because of where it’s made. ANd guess what broom hilda? your heap of garbage could NEVER catch my car. And if it did….the one with the major damage would be YOU. See the germans and Swedes build cars with steel 5x thicker then the USA made garbage cans on wheels have. But hey…you probably voted for Bush…TWICE…why bother arguing with one like you. When your home gets foreclosed upon, and they take away that garbage heap of a SUV you drive, and you lose your job soon….i promsie i’ll WAVE at you and toss a few pennies when i see you holding a sign that says: will work for food. See I’ll be on my way to go hire a few illegal aliens who actually WORK for a living!
By dave
April 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Sorry about my typing Jane. Must be the hot little “foreign” born girlfriend of mine sitting in my lap when I was typing. I guess you hate ALL from other countries. I guess your parents were native americans right? You know…they one’s we “stole” this country from!
By Hummin Bird
April 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Dave, buddy, chill out man - Jane’s a lady. Jump on “MARTA et al” and come have a drink with Fos and me - it’ll do ya good. Time’s a wastin’ and so am I!
By kent
April 4, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
We own a paid for Ford crowne victoria and an almost paid for Ford F150 truck. I have a lot of fun scaring the crap out of illegals with my former cop car. Once the truck is paid for, we’ll save enough money to buy outright a used expedition or anything AMERICAN with a third row seat. I have 3 kids and need the room. As a sahm, I don’t have to drive very far or too often which is why I don’t mind getting an SUV. My hub is really good at saving gas by using an electric fan in his truck, and other mechanical tweaks. He uses the least amount of gas out of everyone at his office, even though he commutes as long as everyone else.
By dave
April 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I think I’ll have to stop taking Marta now that the “talibangelicals” will be able to bring their guns on board!!! c-ya!
By Critic
April 4, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Jane, I doubt your Ford is made in the USA. More likely Mexico or Canada. Don’t know for a fact, but as GM has been doing this for years now, I’d bet Ford is too. But no matter, the resale value of American automobiles sucks compared with foreign manufacturers, and as the overall reliability and quality considerations, I’m not sure having an USA built vehicle is anything to crow about.
By MKO
April 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Wow, scariness. Hey Valdez just wanted to let you know that If I could have found transportation to match the mileage I get with my Prius that was american made, trust me I would have bought it. As far as having the money to buy whatever car I want, I do. My wife and I are solidly upper middle class. We own our home in an upscale neighborhood where the starting price is minimum $500,000, we also own a shop in in Vinings that does very well. I’m not saying you can’t drive whatever car you want, I’m just saying that simply because I have money I prefer to keep as much of it as possible and not through it out the window just because I can.
By The Clean Air Campaign
April 4, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
The Clean Air Campaign has the perfect solution to get around high gas prices. Don’t drive alone! If gas is currently $3.24 a gallon, carpooling with one other person drops it to $1.62. Vanpooling cuts it to 32 cents and transit is a steal at 14 cents. If you have the luxury of teleworking, that commute won’t cost you a penny.
To get you started, Atlanta has a regional incentive program called Cash for Commuters. For trying carpooling, transit, telework, walking or biking – instead of driving alone – you’ll earn $3 a day, up to $180.
Not only that, but we’ve figured that if you carpooled just three days a week and invested the money you saved, you’d have an extra $1,500 at the end of the year (assuming a 6% return, compounded monthly). Not too bad!
Take a look at your options and learn about Cash for Commuters at http://www.CleanAirCampaign.com.
By Nonamerican
April 9, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Fact: european cars are much safer and better built than american cars. Fact: bigger cars do not necessarily mean safer cars. Fact: americans are the biggest poluters in this planet. Why dont you all learn the value of saving oil and start buying cars that dont spend so much? Do you honestly believe that a V8 or a V10 make you better people (or in some cases more manly) than the guy (or girl) driving a 4 cyl. small car? Grow up!!! We in Europe know for a long time the high cost of gas and we have learned the value of saving. It is a pride to know that in a lot of big cities in Europe bikes are more used than cars…I travel extensively to the US on business and I am astonished by the number of cars each family owns!! and don´t say it is an acquired right…crap!! your big engines are poluting the atmosphere like no other nation in the world (these are internationally accepted facts and statistics). God, you look like children who have just lost their toys.