Quick Tip: Don’t Pay At The Pump
It’s Money Skimming Month (read the intro). The Donkey shares his secrets for surviving, even thriving, despite the meager allowance approved by The Wife.
The Add To The Bill Method
This method is quite easy, and only requires you to stop being lazy and to walk inside the store. Here’s how it works: When you go to the gas station next time, don’t choose to pay at the pump. Instead, opt to pay inside. Fill up the vehicle with gas, and then go inside and grab a candy bar, sandwich, and/or soda. Bring the item(s) to the counter and add to the gas bill. You will then enjoy a full tank—both in the car and in your belly!
There was some confusion with the last tip, so let me reiterate here: You can’t go crazy and buy a bunch of stuff. The amount added should be proportional to the amount you spend on gas. I recommend adding 7-10% of your gas purchase; this should keep you under the radar. Be careful not to try this at gas stations that itemize the bill, or your wife may see the snacks you bought.
Where else might you add to the bill?
5 Responses to “Quick Tip: Don’t Pay At The Pump”
this is a beautiful idea keep em coming
By phil on Oct 16, 2007
Doesn’t skimming money really just harm the entire family? I am not understanding how this benefits anyone.
I think there is a thick wall between spender and spendee (you know what I mean) in relationships that the spender has no idea the stress the spendee goes through each time something is purchased (by themselves OR by the other party). There is always this battle of seeing monthly earnings waste away and trying to keep in mind that they will only be replenished the next month. It is a hard thing to remember and a very nervous balance to maintain. If the budget doesn’t leave much wiggle room, all of these suggestions may keep you (and your family) from much more beneficial, long term spending. The desires you have cited are really temporal in nature and can be overcome by a bit of restraint.
One must ask himself, do I want to chew a piece of gum or swirl a melting piece of chocolate in my mouth for a second or two or do I want hours of enjoyment on a game system I would love to own. Do I want to quench my thirst with a bottle of delicious rootbeer whose calories will be worthlessly spent in a few minutes or would I rather pay rent or the mortgage for this beautiful place we have to live in.
Although it seems like these things are not related, the coinage you like to save is based on the same concept, just on a different scale.
This comment is already too long…but, i will make it longer by adding…the sender needs to to understand that the spendee doesn’t like acting like the finance-nazi, but sometimes we have to in order to get our point across - money needs to be saved somwhere and it is usually saved when daily, more temporal pleasures are squelched. Please understand our plight (male or female).
By celine on Oct 16, 2007
reading this advice stresses me out
By celine on Oct 16, 2007
blah blah blah celine - I would totally rather swirl that chocolate in my mouth than spend hours wasting my brain away at some video game console. You need to rework your priorities. The Donkey is right. It is indeed these small indulgences that make life enjoyable when the realities of hideous fiscal demands are bearing down on you when you’re being controlled by a so called “finance-nazi”.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with stealing a kiss when nobody is looking. The same goes for picking and enjoying a single rose from your neighbour’s yard. Take that time to stop and enjoy a beautiful sunset instead of letting life’s small pleasures pass you by.
It is by enjoing life’s little indulgences that you’ll find that life will be both happier and longer - even if you have to sneak those indulgences in under the radar once in awhile.
By Lizard on Oct 16, 2007
You could combine this tip with a previous one… So go with a friend and fill up his car, go inside buy some extras…. a drink, some candy, a gas station wiener. Take the cash from your friend for the gas and then go home and complain that your car is sucking too much gas… Live large for the next 2 weeks.
By Karlmalone on Oct 17, 2007