Retire From those Traffic Woes

The cost of traffic is measured not only in ever increasing fuel cost by health cost as well.

Folsom, CA (PRWEB) August 18, 2004 -- Do you know how much gasoline is really costing you? The combination of skyrocketing gas prices and infuriating traffic jams can jeopardize your mental health, not to mention your pocketbook.

Freeways and expressways dont often live up to their names. Our ever growing, ever under construction" city streets can become virtual gas-guzzling parking lots. Compounding the headache of escalating traffic is the rising cost of gasoline, the highest it has been in years.

On May 18 of 2004, CNN reported a record average price of over two dollars a gallon across the nation, up 8 cents from just the week before and a whopping 52 cents the previous year. The highest Americans have ever paid for gas was a shocking $2.99 a gallon in March of 1981. At the rate prices are increasing, we might face that cost again.

Its a cost often not figured into our budgets-stopping for a few gallons or even a fill up doesnt seem to amount to enough cash to keep records on. But chances are, you spend more than you think. The US census Bureau 2002 Survey found that the average commute time nationwide was 24.4 minutes. The 2002 survey by the EPA found that the average passenger vehicle got about 22 to 24 miles per gallon. By these figures, an average commute can easily add up to about 2 gallons of gasoline going back and forth to work each day.

This may not sound like much, but with gas prices on the rise, you could easily be spending $6.00 a day in gas just to get to work (and thats not including tolls). This adds up to an excess of $1500 dollars a year for your work commute alone.

Interestingly enough, some experts are actually pointing at rising gas prices and the lasting negative effects of commuting as a consideration in early retirement planning. Besides the cash you can save on gas, tolls, lunch in the city, and mileage on your car, youll also save a few hours of your life by avoiding the stress of 5 oclock rush hour.

So, as you consider the benefits of retiring, do not forget that they add up where you least expect it, and keep fluctuating costs such as gasoline in mind as you work out the details. It can do you, your state of mind, and your wallet a world of good.

For more retirement information and planning resources, visit http://www.retirement-4-u.com

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