By Anita Curtis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
The days of cheap energy are over.
Some say that we’ll look back fondly to the days of $4-a-gallon gasoline, and others predict oil prices advancing to $200 a barrel, meaning pump prices of $7 a gallon.
Is it any wonder that retirees now find themselves in a financial balancing act they never anticipated?
“There’s no doubt gas prices take a big bite out of the budget,” says Dan Ronan of Dallas AAA, “but there are ways older adults can save on travel costs. Consolidate errands into one trip, and carpool to special events. Be smart with your auto—keep it well maintained, change the filters, and check the tire pressure. The long leisure drives to the country on a Sunday afternoon may be a thing of the past,” he says, “unless you carpool.”
Tips from Highland Springs
Many who live at Highland Springs are finding they make fewer trips and no longer need two cars.
“I use the transportation services a lot,” says Highland Springs resident Mary LaBella. “I enjoy not having to drive in traffic and hunt for a parking place.” Highland Springs offers free shuttles to local shopping destinations and a variety of low-cost trips.
“More residents now use the complimentary campus shuttle than a year ago, and it takes them right to the door of their destination,” says George Perry, president of the Highland Springs Petroleum Club. The 42-member club meets bimonthly to listen to speakers share views, events, and news from the oil industry. “The rest of the time we discuss and challenge each other with unanswered questions,” says Perry, whose background from Mobil Oil Company gives him added insights.
Change on the horizon
In a move to reduce pollution and alleviate rising gas costs, a number of states are instigating plans to develop hydrogen highways, says Perry. This would create a chain of hydrogen-equipped filling stations along roadways that allow hydrogen-powered cars to travel, assuming there is mass production of fuel cell cars. But the jury is still out on this one, he says.