5 Ways Spending Money Makes You Fat

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While most of these folks who write these articles have good ideas for urbanites there seems to be one idea that always bugs me. I live in a small town in W. North Carolina where we are hard hit for jobs at a staggering 16% + unemployment. I drive 35-40 minutes one way thru rural communities to get to my job in a larger town and I am glad to do it. I cannot ride a bike, or take a bus as we have no bus service. I am the office manager of a small business and am the first one here and last to leave so cannot carpool. My gas bill each month is 145 to 160 per month. Most of these are in urbanites have the opportunity to change their travel method but some of us just cannot!!!

cJG of NC 8:40AM September 08, 2010

Obviously the person writing this never grew up in the country...on dirt roads! riding a bike on them is not always the most adventageous way of getting around...if we want a trip to the "Corner Store" we just get out the horses, dirt bike or mini bike, or if in the winter and we're snowed in, the snowmobile (unless it's waist deep...Again!)....or we just get out the 4-wheel drive!!! Nice try though...but we Ruralites need a bit more then muscle power for the road trips.

Deb of MI 10:41AM August 20, 2010

I totally agree about the savings in gasoline usage. maybe for those whose living far away can save the cost of gasoline by bicycling or on foot for shopping-visit the neighbors-or you can joint gasoline cost by going together with somebody around your neighborhood for work and also coming back home after work.

Gurm 11:14PM August 19, 2010

I know it's an 'accident' but $150 falling out of my pocket while walking makes the activity not so 'free'... Lesson learned for me and my son but damn, it hurts when you get that 'gutshock' feeling of realising it's gone. {and in this neighborhood, probably found by someone spending it on substances or unhealthy junkfood}

Jessi 10:27PM August 19, 2010

I do not agree to this, I could not possibly ride my bike in my in my neighborhood. There are no sidewalks anywhere also it's not safe. I live in the city and I would have to go on a lot of busy streets to get anywhere. Okay now buses, the city stopped all the buses around here so that is out of the question. I would not be able to walk anywhere because of all the hills. And it's not really safe to walk around here. And if there is a rain storm or snow storm and my gas tank is not filled, and my work is 15 miles away how am I supposed to get to work? So I have no choice but to spend money on gas.

Ashley of MO 9:15PM August 19, 2010

Paying at the pump. Not everyone lives in the city, out in the rural areas, there are no buses around, and you need a car to get around.

l. mcberry of NY 8:38PM August 19, 2010

Actually, you can save money twice while getting into shape. Cancel both the gym membership and the lawn mowing service. Then push the lawn mower yourself. It will get you into shape and save money twofold. In the winter, don't pay for your driveway to be plowed. Cancel the plow, get up earlier, and shovel your driveway. Do the sidewalks, too.

Sam of IL 4:07PM August 19, 2010

The problem with the ride the bus or your bike is that it assumes people live in a city with a bus system or one that offers a place to ride a bike. I ride my bike out of my immediate neighborhood and it's a good way to die. The roads simply aren't meant for it.

Carla of MS 3:27PM August 19, 2010

I don't think you read it Anna, It says to cancel your Gym Membership and go for a walk.

Debbie of VA 11:32AM August 19, 2010

I don't quite agree that I should ride my bike to work. I drive 35 miles to work (one way) four days out of the week and into a "not so nice" neighborhood aka "the Hood". When I was much younger, my bike was my transportation and I rode it everywhere and anywhere, plus doing pleasure rides that were miles long. I have also used the bus for many years to get to a job and a lot of walking was involved with that also.
I probably spend about $300 a month on gas, which is a lot. But I can afford it now... my last job, I walked to work in 10 min.

Sandra of CA 10:38AM August 19, 2010