Soaring gas prices affect Airmen's budgets

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  An Airman stops at the shoppette to gas up his truck. Tech. Sgt. Jemal Jones, 20th Security Forces Squadron K-9 section kennel master, watches as the meter rolls past $40. A few moments later, it passes $60. Finally, the sergeant hears the snap from the handle; letting him know his tank is full. He sighs as he pulls out $90 for the cashier.

Does this sound familiar?

"The gas prices are hurting everyone, but there are ways to relieve some of that burden," said Nicole Sullivan, 20th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center personnel financial counselor.

Airmen can do things to cut back their gas usage such as bringing a bag lunch to work or eating at the dining facility to minimize trips, walking or riding a bike to work or carpooling, she said.

"Another way to use less gas is to live close to where you work," Mrs. Sullivan said. "It can produce a lot of savings."

If an Airman drives a car that gets 20 miles per gallon and lives 3 miles from work, he drives approximately 130 miles per month. At $4 per gallon for gas, he spends $26 per month to get to work and back.

If an Airman drives the same car and lives 30 miles away, he drives approximately 1,275 miles per month. At $4 per gallon for gas, he spends $255 per month, which is a difference of $229 per month.

Another way to save on gas is to drive a more economical car, Mrs. Sullivan said.

"If we compare two Airmen, one driving a large SUV and the other driving an economical car, the gas savings and car payment savings is astronomical."

A large SUV costs approximately $30,000 brand new, which without figuring interest is $500 per month for a 5-year loan. An economical car costs approximately $19,000 brand new, which is about $317 per month without figuring interest.

If both Airmen live 10 miles from work, the Airman with an SUV that gets approximately 18 MPG spends $95 per month for gas to get to and from work. The Airman with the car that gets approximately 27 MPG spends $64 per month for gas to get to work and back. The Airman with the car saves about $214 more a month. The difference only increases when other day-to-day driving is factored in. Insurance is usually higher for the SUV as well, but this is a variable and the price depends on the individual and car insurance company, Mrs. Sullivan said.

Airmen can improve their car's gas mileage by performing proper service on the vehicle, said Master Sgt. Kevin Melton, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle fleet manager. Ensure the tire pressure meets the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which is labeled on the inside of the driver's door. Make sure the air filter is clean and all fluids are at proper levels.

"Another tip to improve MPG is to lower your acceleration rate and drive the speed limit," Sergeant Melton said.

If an Airman can't cut back their gas usage, they can do things to save money such as using coupons, looking for sales or comparing prices on the Web, Mrs. Sullivan said.

"My family and I had to cut back on entertainment to make up for the soaring gas prices," Sergeant Jones said. "We don't go out to dinner as much and we had to decrease how often we go to the movie theater."

"The gas prices are an incredible inconvenience because now I have to adjust my monthly income to accommodate for fuel, which has become a bill. Before, it was more of a 'pocket money' expense," said Airman 1st Class Blake Durr, 20th Comptroller Squadron finance customer service technician. "I use about $150 per month for gas and that's harsh on my income."