Investing In Liquid Gold
Standing at the gas pump and watching the digits quickly escalate on the screen, I couldn't help but feel as if I were investing in liquid gold. As I calculated the money we were spending on gas, I realized that it was one of our largest budget categories. With the increase in prices of food and the challenges of this economy, our gas expenses seem to me at times to be overwhelming.
If I could find a way to trim these gas costs, I could beef up my emergency fund, stock up my pantry, or even better invest a bit more in the future with some long term investments. However, as I review again the fact that we are living a distance outside of the city where Husband works and our two married children (and new grandson) live, I must acknowledge that we have many miles to travel each month.
Recalling our conversations about moving closer in to the city to cut down on our gas expenses, we were finding the higher gas costs were eating up the cushion we had in our other budget categories. Our lower housing costs and better real estate taxes were quickly being offset by the higher gas costs. Yet, I remind myself that we appreciate the ambiance of our country living and know that with our conviction to remain debt free, few affordable properties would be available in the city.
Continuing to contemplate how much of my money seemed to be invested in the liquid gold of gasoline, the miles we drove began to flash through my mind. Husband's job was certainly a blessing and a definite necessity. Hours spent with our new grandson were not only a delight but an investment of our time in the next generation. Time visiting with our married children provides us with opportunities to share our hearts and sometimes even wisdom.
Our miles to church restore our souls and provide us with a setting to worship God with our friends and family. Taking meals to those sick or with new babies gives us ways to build into the lives of others. This meditation was actually therapeutic. Investing is not always something monetary. Putting time and yes even gas money into the lives of others can pay big dividends in our lives as well as the lives of those around us.
This change of perspective gives me a bit more peace of mind. Certainly I need to stay within my budget and this does mean some days I need to say 'no' to the world that calls out for my time and gas, but now the "interest" back from my investment in liquid gold is worth every penny.
If you too are dealing with your gas expenses, something I might suggest is purchasing a gas card. In our area, Wal-Mart and HEB are offering gas cards that when used give the purchaser at least $.10 off each gallon of gas. If you buy this with your PERKSTREET card (yes, this is an affiliate link), you will also make 2% back on the purchase. What a way to make some interest on your investment in liquid gold!
How do you view your gas investment?
The PerkStreet Financial? Debit MasterCard® is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to license from MasterCard International Incorporated.
related posts:
- Check Out PerkStreet Financial! Enjoying an evening visiting with New Son and Daughter, our...
- Frugal Locations It was a light bulb moment! Of course, I told...
- The Golden Rule of Frugality Choosing to reflect on my many blessings, I quickly chased...
Leave a Comment