Garden and Hearth> Lifestyle>Family Simplicity

Keep It In Your Pocket
A Voluntary Choice to Give Up the Car

As many of us move into the winter months, saving money is more important than ever. Gas and oil prices remain high, which not only affects our heating and driving, but also all of our other daily expenses, the things that must be transported, such as food.

When learning to function in reduced circumstances, we must arrange our priorities. The expenses that we can cut out depend on where and how we live. For example, because I live in a small city with an adequate public transportation system and I work from home, I have been able to eliminate one of my greater expenses - a car.

Between my state's high insurance rates, the cost of gas, maintenance and the occasional general repairs, driving costs me a few thousand per year. A few thousand dollars is the difference between my little ones being in daycare with strangers while I do the 9-5 or at home with me, playing by my side as I write.

To reach most places in the city, the bus fare is a dollar. In good weather, I use the bus to grocery shop. I find having to carry what I buy, or use the nice fold up cart I bought last year, helps save money, as I buy less. For a large grocery trip, I can take a cab home from the grocery store for ten dollars. That may sound like a lot, but if I wanted to take a cab every week, it would be under $600 per year, which is a good deal compared to the expenses involved in owning and running a car.

Monetary savings are not the only thing we gain from giving up the car. We know our neighbors, we meet interesting people as we walk and bus around town. We are physically fit with little conscious effort. We see and appreciate nature, the weather, the sky, the air and so much more.

You may want to consider just how essential your car or second car is. If you work on the bus line, aside from being better for the environment, there's a good deal of money to be saved through public transportation. Many city bus systems offer discounted passes for frequent users, resulting in more savings. The twenty or thirty minute ride is a nice decompression period after work -- you can read, think or just relax instead of drive. The brisk walk from the bus stop to home is energizing and good for your heart.

Many types of employment are making the telecommute shift, allowing employees to eliminate or greatly reduce time spent in the office or commuting by working from a home office. Many employers are open to the concept of telecommuting, and are willing to work out such arrangements, which has been a great benefit for those striving to work and care for children or elderly parents. It doesn't hurt to ask.

If you can't give up your car, reduce your use by organizing your trips. This is especially important for rural or suburban dwellers that travel greater distances. It will help you to save money, with gas being so expensive these days. Carefully plan your shopping list to eliminate unnecessary trips. Don't fall prey to sales papers. The loss leaders at the grocery store across town may be cheaper, until you figure in the traveling costs. Make sure the trip is worth it.

I can't say that I regret for a moment giving up the car. We meet wonderful people in our travels and have many little adventures, none of which would occur if we were isolated in our car with door-to-door service. I'm not at all going to miss digging out of winter snow, worrying about where to park, making insurance payments, extortion at the gas pump, or how much the mechanic is going to charge me. My children are healthier and so am I. I'm positive that we've gained a great deal more than we've given up, and so can you.

~Sharon Secor