Gas prices are spiking again, which always leads to one of my favorite pastimes: people complaining about the price of gas. I am convinced that the complaining that occurs has very little to do with the actual price of gas. Here is why. Let’s say that gas prices increase $.10 per gallon. And let’s say that you have a 17 gallon tank. Then, let’s say that you fill up your tank 4 times per month. Are you still with me? I hope so. Anyway, the $.10 increase in gas prices just affected you by $6.80 per month. Why do people complain about that?

I believe that people actually sense their addiction and dependence. Clearly $6.80 isn’t going to affect the average Joe. And don’t give me the “elderly person on fixed income” excuse. I am talking about all the people that you and I interact with on a regular basis. They can afford another $6.80 per month. People actually realize that, currently, gas is our only option.

My point? Yes, I have a point. People complain about gas prices because they don’t know what to do about the problem.  $6.80 is not a big deal. All that you would have to do to absorb it into your budget is take your lunch to work one extra day. May I suggest that you take a can of beans?

Disclaimer ****I am not trying to piggy back off of Al Gore’s Nobel Peace Prize. In fact, if I won a Nobel Peace Prize, they should just get rid of the award.

Pete the Planner®

Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner® is an award-winning financial mind and a former comedian. He’s a USA TODAY columnist, author of ten books, and is the host of the popular radio show and podcast, The Pete the Planner Show. Pete is considered one of the foremost experts on financial wellness in the world, but he’s just as likely to talk your ear off about bass fishing.