Running on Empty

You know you are getting old when you say, "I remember when gas was 97 cents a gallon!" I'd be happy with $1.97 per gallon these days. Predictions state that within the next year we could see gas jumping as high as $4-$5 per gallon. The disturbing part of this scenario is that it just doesn't affect your gas tank, but your airline tickets, shipping costs, and anything that has to get to you via a gas-powered vehicle.

So, for those of you, like me, who let that empty light on your dashboard shine a little too bright for a little too long, here's a website that can help. Gas Buddy provides local real-time gas prices. They aggregate from over 150 sites that help consumers find the lowest prices on gas. It allows for consumers to post via their local area sites the gas prices they encounter on their drive around town - or where they bought their cheap gas today. And isn't restricted by the bias of one certain gas franchise.

I thought I'd try it out this week when my car started running on fumes. I searched under the interactive map on the home page and clicked on my city. When I found the cheapest place listed, I headed there after work. Much to my enjoyment, the gas really was that cheap. I passed other gas stations on my drive home that were as much as 25 cents more on the gallon. So, before you head out to get your gas, be sure to check with your gas buddy.