Who says I’m going in a car? Maybe I am walking, cycling or using public transporation.

We also have a gas station with the lowest prices in town that also allows you between 3-5 cents more off a gallon on cash purchases. While you have to get out of your car to pay inside, the exercise won’t kill anyone. They also allow you to purchase a ‘cash card’ from them, and if you keep the amount low enough so that you are not contributing to their cash interest accumulation, the savings is impressive. This station is in my ‘circle’ of local movement – as are the low cost/sale savings stores that I utilize. Occasionally I will go to a ‘Sam’s’ wholesale store when I know I will be in that neighborhood. Sam’s has many bulk items that are not cost effective, and also carries many single items and market/food items that are priced at a much better point.

You are correct regarding the bulk sales and the ‘going out of your normal driving range’ issues. Many people don’t realize what offers ARE in their normal driving range! Learning this will help the budget go further.

1. Item gasoline

In any major city, consumers are shortchanged by the 10% ethanol additive, by 3.5%-4%, because ethanol has 2/3 the heating value of gasoline. Do the math. Have you wondered why your MPG has gone down? A smart savvy buyer will drive to the county and fill up with 100% gasoline at about a 10% less cost/gallon, plus the 3.5-4% savings, but its all in the calculation of total cost to perform such a trip.

Usually I fill up on I-95 between the major cities, where ethanol is not found and gasoline is typically cheaper

2.Different Stores – Wrong

If I can save $500-800 on a wide screen TV by going to Sams Club, Costco, compared to Circuit City I will. Besides there is an element of fun in saving money, what rock are you hiding under and spoiling everyone’s fun?

3. Buying the cheapest

You are partially right, buy the product with the best residual value, or if it is totally sunk cost, the best service life. If all else fails buy Brand, i.e. Toshiba, Sony, John Deere (but not sold-off brands names such as Westinghouse, Zenith, GE, etc)

4. Sale Items-You have it totally wrong

First of all you never buy anything unless its on-sale, period no if ands or buts, unless it absolutely necessary

5.Buying in Bulk- you are partially right, but then dead wrong

Buying in bulk for consumables is great, food tends to be a bad idea, but if its an absolute deal, you buy all you can in bulk, case in point, I once bought 25 Name Brand Power Tools 75% off and my son resold them on E-bay and paid his semester tuition

Look for my new book next year, titled “The 3 Commandments” to savings

1. Thou shall not let anyone work on thy house

2. Thou shall not anyone work on thy car

3. And thou shall never-ever pay full price

Spend less time in the office, and come out to the real world of saving money with the real people

In todays time, i think people will go with the cheaper prices to purchase things, so this boycot allows businesses to compete in a fairer market and not price gouge. It is true, or common sense, travelling further wastes more gas. I, would rather spend a couple extra dollars and help the small business man then give to the overly wealthy. Again, i appreciate your story but i think it is very much incorrect.