What more can I say?

It seems like the hot topic right now is the price of a gallon of gasoline. I recently heard that my state has the second highest price per gallon in the country, right behind California. My brother and his family recently visited from Belgium. He told me that if it weren't for the vouchers that he receives, he would be paying upwards of $8 to $10 per gallon.

I recently found out that the commuter van fee was going to increase in September. What's the reason for the increase? You guessed it! So I decided to see if I had any other alternatives. Right now I'm paying $162 per month for my seat on the commuter van. I found out that if I take the bus, it will only cost $95. The savings is the cost of a tank of gas.

In addition to the monetary savings, commuting on the bus will be more flexible. There are three buses in the morning, one at noon and four in the evening. Compared to the van, which leaves at 6:30 am and picks up at 4:20 pm.

I've already taken some trial trips on the bus. It's a big coach bus. It's very comfortable. I'm looking forward to my new commuting arrangements. I really think it's going to work out better for me.

I want to welcome back my blogging friend iowahippiechick. She's been on a little hiatus, but she's back with two blogs now! Make sure you check them out.

Welcome back, Dawn!

Weathy_1's Five Budget Busters

Free from Broke recently asked his readers to list 5 budget busters. What a great idea. I'm sure I have more than five, but I don't want to bore you.

1. Ninja Bills. This is a term coined by racerx, which means an unexpected outlay money that you that you know you'll have to make, it sneaks up on you. For example, in January our auto insurance increased because C2 got his license. I knew it was coming, but I just didn't see it coming.

2. Speaking of C2, he and his sister are real budget busters. Recently he mentioned going to the prom and he would have to buy tickets. He asked if I would help. I told him I didn't want to go to the prom so I didn't think I needed a ticket. I did tell him I would help him pay for a tux.

3. Vacation. It's planned, and I feel confident that we'll stay on a cash basis, but...

4. Happy Hour. Its seems that happy hours are never planned and are very, very expensive especially when you consider that one glass of wine at happy hour costs as much as an entire bottle at the liquor store.

5. Cash in my pocket. For some reason if there is cash in my pocket I think I supposed to spend it just because it's there.

What about you? What are five things that bust your budget?

One of the things I like about blogging is thinking of titles to my posts. Here are some of my favorite titles.

Remember to Tithe
Hoarding
Small Thinking