Originally Posted by nick95673

In July 2003 I purchased a bright red F-150 to commute and cruise in($1.46). In April of 04 I traded in my beloved f-150 for a civic($1.96). I moved 14 miles closer to work in June of 06(2.80). Away from friends and family. I figured I drive to work every day and to friends and families places every few days. So it saved money, cut stress, and led to new friends. I got a new job that increased my commute by 8 miles to 11(still shorter than the old 17.2 miles) in February 2007($2.22). In April of 08($4.00) I decided it was time to commute by bike and become a single car family. In December of 2008 or March of 2009 we will move another 5 miles closer to my work and 2 miles further from my wifes work.

I am by no means poor. I am up there in income. I just cant see spending more than I need to on commuting. It sucks. I would rather live closer to work and commute during off peak hours to recreation. I always thought that commute time was like time you spend at work but don't get paid. Why people will spend an extra 2 hours a day in traffic for "quality of life in the suburbs" blows me away. That is nearly 3 working months a year spent commuting. Do you get paid for that time? No you pay more(gas, insurance...) for that time. I am not advocating moving to unsafe communities with individuals who do not share your same ideals and concerns. I am advocating doing a little math from time to time and realizing that a lower paying job around the corner will increase your spending power and quality time with loved ones. Or a more expensive house in the town your job is in will save you 500 a month in car payments, insurance, gas and repairs. Even if you keep the car for weekends. You can insure it as such and have it last longer than the 40-60 months of your loan. I just don't get it. Some people say I am to analytical but numbers don't lie.