Frugal Tip for the Day - Buy a Bicycle

Oil prices are on the increase; a barrel of crude oil reached the price of $120.00 earlier in the week, and predictions have the oil price set to each $150 in the near future. That means the price of gas will continue to rise and along with it the general cost of living. Transportation costs will continue to rise and with those higher costs prices will increase in the stores. You will feel the pinch, so it might be a good idea to do something about it!

1. Buy a bicycle. You will get one relatively cheaply in a garage sale. There is not much to go wrong with a bike, but check the tires, chain and be sure the wheels are not buckled. Good brakes are a must, so check them out thoroughly.

2. Use the bike for those short local trips where before you used the car. Short journeys eat gas, so your bike will save you money. Besides, the exercise will probably be good for you.

3. If you live in a small town or work locally use your bicycle to commute to work. You will be able to chain it to safe place if you have a strong chain and stout padlock.

4. Start to use public transport to go to work where possible. Use the bike to get to the bus stop or train station. Use your chain to keep it secure during the day.

5. Use the bike to shop locally. You won’t be able to buy in bulk but you’ll be surprised how many groceries fit inside a good-sized backpack!

6. Be really radical, sell the second car and use the bike instead!