A week from payday, the gas tank reads 1/4

[catmandu57]

There has to be a load of people facing the same thing, this week is going to be tough, tough, tough. We do a little better than average here, we're still adjusting to the increase in fuel and food though, and an unexpected car repair bit into the budget.
Still, it was going to be tight, even without that expense, Marshmallow will probablly borrow some money from her family to get through, but it's going to start us in a hole next month.

I don't know how people living on minimum wage are going to make it, most of the people living here have to drive 15-20 miles to get to work, I imagine there will be quite a few cars sitting on the side of the road this week.

This sucks big green ones.

[lectrobyte]

1. Is carpooling or other transportation an option? Maybe I've read

too much James Kunstler stuff lately, but this car-based society does sound like a thing of the past.

[catmandu57]

3. Not for her

She does home health and has to drive to her people's houses, she does get compensated for gasoline, so that helps. Carpooling is going to gain popularity here, I can see that now.

[lectrobyte]

6. There are some simple things you can do to try get the most mpg

out of your car without spending much money. Drive easily and smoothly. Inflate the tires 5% over the manufacturers recommendations (the car manufacturer, never exceed the max number on the tire -- look for a sticker on the door jamb or check your owner's manual). Keep the car clean if practical (we just came through six months of drought, no car washing allowed), remove any excess weight, replace the engine air filter if clogged. Probably more I can't think of right now, too, the internet is your friend on stuff like this.

[wuushew]

12. Also don't forget to coast and glide if possible

I don't know what the OP drives but my gas mileage is appreciably better when I consciously keep my rpms below 3,000 and avoid downshifting.

[Clark2008]

15. Drive a manual transmission.

I know a lot of people consider it inconvenient, but they DO get better gas mileage because you can coast, downshift instead of braking and control the actions of your engine better.

Also, regular oil changes and simple maintenance is key.

[darkmaestro019]

2. We have a change-hunt. Heh.

Check pockets in laundry, coats, and the usual dumping grounds. Under keyboards. In cushions. (Don't laugh. I've found ones-twenties on lucky days and enough change for at least SOME gas to make that needle wobbie a bit more.)

Those places that auto-count it TAKE some of it. Bastards. I say stand there and count every damn bit of it out while loudly explaining WHY YOU HAD TO DO A FREAKING CHANGE HUNT.


; )

EDIT: And in the car is a good source. There's always a jillion pennies. Usually they're nice and sticky, too. Sticky ones still count as money!

[catmandu57]

5. I checked the penny can yesterday

We have a big Folgers coffee can, the old metal one that will hold boocou pennies, but there's only enough to take the cap off and get a sniff.
Since we've been using debit cards there's not that much change in the house, it's rare that we put any in the piggy banks.

[zanne]

13. We're using our "state" quarters today!

My husband had collected all fifty of them. Unfortunately, we counted up our change last night and we didn't have enough for sustenance, so we stopped being sentimental about the state quarters and threw them right in with the rest. (Now we're looking for a bank that will take the change).

[catmandu57]

16. The things we once thought were sacrosanct become

expendable. This is the time to have a little cash on hand, if you don't have a conscience you can make a killing on the misery of others.
The trouble is I'm conscience rich and dollar poor. The pawn shops are already turning picky here and not taking what some consider valuable.

[zanne]

17. "Conscience rich and dollar poor"

I've been trying to put my predicament into words for years. It's perfect.

[Toots]

4. But just remember that Exxon & BP are having their most profitable period

in history. Now doesn't that ease your pain some....What we need to fix everything is more "Tax Cuts" for the "Haves and Have Mores" Soon you will be trickled on don't worry be happy..

[catmandu57]

7. We've been trickled on for the past five years

as a matter of fact it feels like a full stream and I don't like it at all.

[madokie]

9. yes, a cold wet full stream of foul smelling piss wrapped in a flag

presented with a bible. how more fucked can it get.

[htuttle]

8. I have to make it to next week on 1/2 gallon of gas

...No problem.



Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be getting wet on the way home again, but travelling "outdoors" isn't so bad once you get used to it.

[catmandu57]

10. That's an option for me, but,

there's an awfully lot of people who can't ride scooters here, what do you do in winter?

[htuttle]

11. Freeze

Seriously, if the street is not icy, I ride. The coldest was about -3 last year, IIRC. I got a full windshield which cuts the cold wind down a lot, a decent set of raingear (which I also wear when it's very cold, since it cuts the wind), thermal motorcyle gloves and a face mask I can wear with my helmet. Inside all that, it's not too bad on the 15 minute ride to work.

On icy or slippery days (ie., when it's just snowed), I take a cab or the bus.

[MadHound]

14. I have one of those, and rode virtually all of last winter on it

When it wasn't snowing or raining. You will have to make an investment in good riding gear however. I would recommend the Victory brand(same people who make the Victory motorcycle) riding jackets. Not only are you well protected(ballistic nylon shoulder, elbow and back pads), but it is wind resistant, water resistant, and comes with a zip in quilted liner to keep you warm. You can even stash a couple of those hand warmers you get at hunting shops in the inside pocket for more warmth. It costs $263.00 for the jacket, but it is well worth it in terms of safety and protection from the elements.

Also, get a good pair of above the wrist riding gloves. I recommend the Harley Davidson leather ones with the Thinsulate lining.

Also, get a good quality helmet, with a full face shield in order to break the wind. You also would probably want to get a neck muff from a ski supply store.

Also, if you get a Bajaj, I recommend getting the optional windshield to go with it. Not only will it help break the wind, but during the warmer months it will protect you from the bugs.

But I highly recommend the Bajaj scooter. It goes up to 55-60 mph, it cranks out 100mpg. And it is an absolute blast to ride.