"Plus, saving on gas money didn't hurt either...though I do miss the convenience of hopping in my car whenever."
True, public transit savings can add up, but have you factored in the value of your time? For me, flexibility and efficiency outweigh the gas savings—especially when juggling multiple property visits.
"Plus, saving on gas money didn't hurt either...though I do miss the convenience of hopping in my car whenever."
Yeah, I totally get that. When I refinanced my place, I briefly thought about ditching my car to save some extra cash, but honestly, the convenience factor was just too big for me. Especially since I tend to run around checking out different properties or making quick trips to the hardware store (which always seem to happen at the worst possible times, lol).
But I do admire anyone who can make public transit work smoothly. I tried it for a month once, and while the savings were noticeable, the time spent waiting around or adjusting my schedule was a bit much. Maybe I'm just impatient, haha.
I guess it really comes down to what your daily routine looks like. If your commute is pretty straightforward and predictable, public transit can be a lifesaver. But if you're like me and your day is a bit more chaotic, having your own wheels can feel like a necessity.
Still, props to you for making it work and saving money in the process. Every little bit counts, especially when you're settling into a new home. And hey, maybe you'll find a good balance eventually—like using transit most days but keeping a car around for those spontaneous errands or weekend adventures. Who knows, right?
I hear you on the convenience factor—it's a tough one to give up. I've been debating this myself lately because my car payments are no joke, and I'm all about finding ways to boost my credit score by trimming expenses. But honestly, every time I think about relying solely on public transit, I remember that one time I waited 45 minutes in the rain because the bus was late...yeah, no thanks.
A few things I've considered:
- Maybe downsizing to a cheaper, more fuel-efficient car instead of ditching wheels altogether.
- Trying out rideshare or carpooling for errands or weekend trips—has anyone had luck with that?
- Checking if my area has decent bike lanes (though I'm not exactly Lance Armstrong over here, lol).
Curious how rural loan perks played into your decision—did the savings from that make it easier to justify giving up your car? Either way, sounds like you're making it work pretty well so far.
I totally get the hesitation about public transit—been there, done that, got soaked too many times. Downsizing your car could be a solid compromise, especially if you snag something reliable and affordable. Rural loan perks can definitely free up some cash flow, making it easier to justify keeping a modest car around. Curious though, have you looked into hybrid or electric options? Might be worth crunching the numbers on fuel savings vs upfront costs...
I hear you on the hybrid/electric suggestion, but honestly, the upfront costs still make me pause. A buddy of mine jumped on the hybrid train last year, thinking he'd save a ton on gas. And yeah, his monthly fuel bill dropped noticeably, but the initial price tag was steep enough that he's still waiting to break even. Not saying it's a bad idea—just that the math isn't always as clear-cut as it seems.
Downsizing, though, that's something I can vouch for. Went from a big SUV to a compact sedan a couple years back, and the savings on gas and maintenance were immediate and noticeable. Plus, parking got way easier, haha. Rural loan perks definitely sweeten the deal, giving you some breathing room to make choices that fit your lifestyle without feeling squeezed. Sounds like you're already on a solid track—trust your gut and crunch those numbers carefully.
