Going to DEFCON 3
Let me refresh your memory on DEFCON.
What is this crazy talk? Is the Posey family building bomb shelters in the basement, and hoarding canned food and jugs of water? Well sure, but isn’t everyone doing that? No? Ok, so maybe I embellish a little…
We are going to financial DEFCON 3. Why? Let’s face it. The cost of fuel is extravagantly high, and there is no reason to believe it’s going down anytime soon. In fact, most people are expecting gas to reach at least $5/gallon before the end of the summer. This means that if I drive only 12k miles per year, I have to buy 600 gallons of gas, which is $3k at $5/gallon… and if Heidi drives the same amount, we’ll just double that figure… $6k in gas. Who can afford that?? Of course you also have to take into consideration all the other prices that are affected by rising fuel costs (food, travel to name a couple), and what about the general uncertainty in the real estate and stock markets?
So what are we doing about it, and why are we telling you? Well, let me start with the latter question. We’re telling you because we hang out with many of you, and this will cut our ability to go out as often as we have been… We’re telling you because we need your understanding AND support, and if we inspire you to do the same, then great! What are we going to do about it? 2 words will describe it best… live simply. Here’s our strategy:
- We’ll be going from 3 vehicles, down to 2, one of those being a scooter for me, and the other a fuel efficient vehicle for Heidi (Civic, Altima, Scion, Prius…. you get the drift). Since I drive more frequently, a scooter will allow me to get close to 80mpg (almost 4x the gas mileage I currently get!). And whatever vehicle we get for Heidi will easily get 5-10mpg better than what she’s currently driving. This will drop our fuel costs, and insurance costs quite a bit.
- We’ll be doing a lot less compulsive shopping.
- We’re going to make fewer trips to the grocery store, and shop for meals that are healthy, and cheap (getting large bags of unbleached rice instead of boxes of minute rice, meals with pasta, potatoes, and other items we can buy in large quantities for el-cheapo).
- We’re going to save a little, and invest a little
4 Comments
I know its been FOREVER since he posted! Welcome back to the blogosphere love. And yes, its time to live the life of the frugal. 
I’m okay with the fuel efficient car, but, I am not too sure about the scooter. Can’t use it in inclement weather.. They are hard to see when someone pulls out in traffic.. Not safe in undesireable neighborhoods.. Have no protection in case of an accident.. Are they really worth the risks???
Yup…it’s time to life frugally…need to start shopping at CVS! Heidi, let me know if you want to learn…it’s easy, and I don’t pay for diapers!
Briana
who is this Kyle guy? Wait, didn’t he used to post before? Hmmmm well, welcome back Kyle.
p.s. does this mean Mr. T’s is out?