Getting Gas

Comment

Comment by Susan Heim on August 8, 2008 at 9:21pm

Cheryl has a great point! My card doesn't give me money back on gas, but if you have one that does, it might be cheaper than the cash price!

Comment by Cheryl Maguire on August 8, 2008 at 8:31pm

I was thinking about this and my credit card gives me 5% back for gas purchases so depending on how much more they charge and the price of gas, it might be less expensive to use your credit card. In NY they charge 5 cent more per gallon for use of your credit card and the price of gas is $4.24 with your credit card but 5% of that is 22 cents so even if you subtract 5 cents of that you still come out ahead--just something to consider!

Comment by Lauren on July 30, 2008 at 2:37pm

In Mass, some gas stations offer lower price with cash but it is posted.

I agree, it is very hard to see small children behind you in a SUV. Many cars have back up cameras with nav if you get it installed. If not, you can buy back up cameras and sensors. They sell them many places, including Wal-Mart. I love my back up camera, not only is it great for safety reasons, it makes parallel parking a cinch.

Comment by Susan Heim on July 30, 2008 at 2:00pm

I rarely see attendants available to pump in South Florida, which is surprising considering the large population of elderly people. Sometimes, you can call an attendant from one particular pump, but the rest will be self-serve. When I was in Oregon a few years ago, you had to let the attendant pump. There was no self-serve.

Cheryl's point about having back seat alarms in the car is also a good one. Unfortunately, those kinds of accidents happen often here. A four-year-old died just a few weeks ago after being accidentally left in the car (on his poor mother's wedding day!). I'd also vote for requiring special mirrors or alarms when backing up the car. It's so difficult to see if there's a child behind you, especially in an SUV or van.

Sorry, I guess I got off the topic of saving money (but saving lives is important, too!).

Comment by Liz C. on July 30, 2008 at 1:48pm

In NJ, I recently paid lower price with cash. They have a higher price if you pay by credit card. It posted though. Whenever I pass through or go to NJ, I fill up. You don't have to leave the car, there is an attendant to pump for you!

Comment by Joy on July 30, 2008 at 7:39am

My husband did not have enough cash with him and had to use a credit card. Although the lowest advertised price was $4.31, they actually charged him $4.41 just because he used a credit card. I think most gas stations around here are doing the same thing although the difference in price between cash and credit varies by the gas station.

Comment by Cheryl Maguire on July 30, 2008 at 7:33am

My mom said the same thing about a higher price if you use a credit card. I never heard of that--not sure if they are also doing that in MA.

At the place where my kids go for playgroup (it is an EI building) they have a sign that says, "Would you leave your kids in the oven? Leaving your kids in the car is the same thing" My husband said cars should have an alert (similar to when you leave your lights on) if the seat belt is bulked in the back seat--I agree--which is more important leaving your lights on or your kids in the car???

Cheryl