Personal Finance Tip #1 - Cut the Cab
Posted by Love Nickerson
The national unemployment rate is hovering around 7% (certain communities are twice that); retirement accounts lost half their value in the last calendar year; this is a confirmed recession - I have even heard Great Depression 2.0. Credit Crunch, Mortgage Meltdown, whatever you call it, there is no debating that no one can afford to waste money, right now.
One of the biggest wastes of money, when you live in a city (such as Boston) with a public transportation system, is to take cabs. Especially, when you have already paid for a monthly pass for unlimited subway and/or bus rides. Any traveling in Boston between 6am and midnight can be done (at least part way) via the T.
Granted, there are occassions when a taxi makes more sense than the public transportation option (e.g., catching a flight). But, honestly, how often is timing that strict?
Yes, having to make connections can double the travel time. The convenience of hailing a cab is not in question. Bring a book.
Don't put yourself in danger! Plan your route beforehand at www.mbta.com and you needn't find yourself in unfamiliar territory where a cab is your only option. Then, you can put that money to better use.
Posted: February 4, 2009 2:59 pm | 1 comment
Tags: money, personal finance, taxi
Comments
Good thinking, Love. Taxis cost so much money! When my boyfriend and I were going to BI everyday--just about 3 miles from our apartment-- it was costing us close to $25 a day just for taxi rides. That's crazy! But public transportation in this city isn't always the most reliable choice...
said Amanda Collins
Would you like to comment?
If you are part of the Simmons College community, sign in!