Now that local gas prices have dropped a bit, I think its time we look at the positives of paying $3.99 for regular. People cut back. And not just on gas. They found value in cutting back on retail spending, vacations and impulse buying. And that's great. I don't believe the money we make should be used to stock up on DVDs or upgrade to the latest cell phone plan. The money, if possible, should be saved and put into the "it's always something fund." That fund helps pay for the car transmission that decides to go on strike and the home oil fill-up at 3 a.m. Just because regular gas has dropped to $3.69 doesn't mean we should relax the purse strings. Keep saving as if gas was still at $3.99. Don't worry, it will rise to that mark again soon enough.
Sean Adkins: July 2008 Archives
It worked. I can't believe that it work. Earlier this year, through the York County Assessment Office, I applied for tax payer relief through the Homestead Exclusion program. Basically, the program offers a reduction in real estate taxes in the form of a lower property assessment. And, I was approved. My house is now assessed at $10,000 less than what I paid for it in 2005. This year, on my school taxes, I saved about $200. Not bad for someone who doesn't have any children and wonders why his school tax bill is so high. The assessment office usually mails out Homestead Exclusion forms to all local homeowners. Next year, fill out the form and save some cash.
Let's start off with the fact that gasoline is not inexpensive. I don't care if many local stations are posting regular gas prices at $3.89 a gallon. That price remains way, way too high. I urge drivers not to get lulled into a false sense of security by believing that gas prices will continue to drop. Keep conserving. Cut back on vacations and long car rides. Most likely you've overlooked the benefits of your backyard or local park. Should the price for a gallon of regular gas drop below $1.99, I will admit that the cost of gas is where it should be.
In terms of gasoline prices, I've found that how much you pay has a lot to do where you pump. Last week, my wife and I drove to Roanoke, Va. for a week-long vacation. On the day that we headed back to York County, I had to fill my tank. The gas station near Interstate-81 sold regular gas for $4.15 a gallon. Two miles headed in the opposite direction of I-81, gas was selling for $3.82 a gallon. It seems that gas suppliers are taking advantage of those who need fuel immediately. Have you noticed any discrepancies in price in relation to the location of particular gas station?
A barrel of oil has hit $145 and several gas stations in the area have started selling gasoline for $3.99 a gallon, again. In the last two weeks, many stations dropped there prices to around $3.95 per gallon. So, what's it going to be? Are local stations going to hold the line until the July 4 weekend is over to boost prices or am I going to see $4.05 per gallon on way to the lake tomorrow morning?
