Wednesday, June 11, 2008

WTF Wednesday

Some simple economics:

Gas Tank: 15 gallons dry
Gas: 3.99/gallon
Cost: $60 (rounded for easy math lol)

All Interstate Mileage: 340 miles
Around town/highway/interstate: 300 miles


Activities for 2002, Gas average $1.38

Search and Rescue: Training twice a week
Relaxing at our Lake Trailer: Every Weekend
Driving to Nashville, TN/Columbus Oh to visit family a friends: quarterly

Activities for 2003, Gas average $1.60
Search and Rescue: Training twice a week
Relaxing at our Lake Trailer: Every other Weekend
Driving to Nashville, TN/Columbus Oh to visit family a friends: Semi-annually

Activities for 2004, Gas average $1.89
Search and Rescue: Training twice a week
Relaxing at our Lake Trailer: Every other Weekend
Driving to Nashville, TN/Columbus Oh to visit family a friends: yearly

Activities for 2005, Gas average $2.31
Search and Rescue: Training twice a week
Relaxing at our Lake Trailer: Every third Weekend
Driving to Nashville, TN/Columbus Oh to visit family a friends: Who?

Activities for 2006, Gas average $2.62
Search and Rescue: Training twice a week
Relaxing at our Lake Trailer: Once every 6 weeks
Driving to Nashville, TN/Columbus Oh to visit family a friends: They are still part of the Union?

Activities for 2007, Gas average $2.84
Search and Rescue: Cannot afford gas
Relaxing at our Lake Trailer: We still own it?
Driving to Nashville, TN/Columbus Oh to visit family a friends: They moved or died...dunno which

Not too mention just making ends meet for 2008, after a 6K increase in pay, I've had to disconnect the land phone after 20 years of the same number, Life insurance policy has lapsed and our lake get-away may end up being sold. Why? The price of gas is effecting the prices of everything. Just to travel back/forth to work plus odd errands around the area equals almost 1-1/2 tanks a week now. If we venture to the lake get-away, that equals 2-1/4 tank total.

Stickler for details...I always buy the same thing at the grocery store every 3rd week. You know, cereal, canned goods, chips, mostly non-perishables, etc... Last weekends venture cost me a cool $60 that only 3 months prior cost me $45 and at the beginning of 2008 cost me $30.00.

Only debt we have currently is the mortgage payment and 1 car payment. No credit cards, no outstanding medical bills, etc... basically living debt free. Every time I read an article like this my blood boils. So before the naysayers and trolls spout off about living within your means, I am well within my means for the basics of survival, asshole.

First and foremost my son's needs come first. He never does without and we have become frugal in our shopping. I'm reminded of my teenage years where I didn't own a pair of actual Levi's until I was 18. I can fully appreciate how my parents made sure we boys never went without, although it might not have been "in style". And i hope my son grows up to one day realize the sacrifices we've made.

6 comments:

Callie said...

I heart you hombre! Gas is so high I traded panties for a few gallons of it...When its a recession you can bargain right???

callie

Jessica said...

Great post! This has gone on too long something has to be done about the gas prices. I don't think politicians have the answers, either. It's up to the people to demand a change.
Your blog is great...I found you through Dawn! :)

Editor said...

I undertand, it is costing me $60 when I drive back and forth to our camp. Panties???? Have I got a trade for you1

Dazd said...

Callie - feelin the lurv...barter for gas is totally acceptable.

Jessica - Thanks for stopping by!

Rex - Not trading you for your panties...sorry. Callie might be interested though.

Dawn Drover said...

"So before the naysayers and trolls spout off about living within your means, I am well within my means for the basics of survival, asshole."

My sentiments exactly!
oh and btw... I got my first pair of actual Levi's at 16. My brother bought them for me! Not in the family budget.

Amanda said...

Your son will know. I knew about my parents and it does help shape you into who you are. Someone on the radio said "It's just a dollar more that is not a big deal."

I more dollar a gallon for say 20 gallons. 20 more dollars a week. 80 more dollars a month. A dollar makes a huge difference.