Gas prices are on the rise if you haven’t noticed. The average nationwide price of gasoline per gallon is $3.46 up from $3.21 in December according to gasbuddy.com. The price of gasoline is something that every American is struggling with. In addition, the cost of gasoline drives up the cost of food, and other goods and services. At the close of 2009 gas prices were at a national average of $1.61 a gallon.
Because of the slow progressive change of the cost of gasoline most people have not noticed the increase. Americans are struggling to keep up with their household bills. In 2009 the cost of food rose 1.8%, then 0.8 % in 2010, and 3.5% in 2011. Food costs are projected to increase 2.5% to 3.5% in 2012 according to usda.gov. The only good news is that food away from home decreased in 2011 almost 2.5%. However, most Americans do not have the additional income to eat out at restaurants and fine dining establishments.
The average American drives approximately 12,000 miles a year and the average automobile gets 17.1 miles per gallon. Therefore, with the current gas prices, the average American is spending $2428.00 per year on gasoline.
Are we willing to do what it takes to decrease our personal yearly gasoline bill? Are we ready to car-pool to work or trade in our less fuel-efficient automobile for a newer more economical model? As gas and food prices continue to rise in 2012 are we going to continue to shell out our hard-earned paychecks for the same food and gasoline we consumed last year or are we ready to implement changes in our life that can save our money so we can afford the decreasing dinner cost at our local restaurant?
Sometimes we are so busy living our lives that the obvious things like the cost at the register and the pump become another mundane process in our day. Blind to the fact of where our money is going we complain but do not act. For 2012 you can make a change or just continue to prepay and pump.
