There’s no denying that owning a car can be a big cost. Along with the cost of the vehicle itself you have tax and insurance to pay, repairs, fuel costs and more. However, once you’ve initially got these things paid off and you’re in the swing of car ownership, it can actually work out a lot better for you financially than you might realise. Here are some of the reasons why.
Public Transport Costs
If you’re getting buses everywhere, chances are this will be cheaper overall than owning a car. However, as someone that relies on buses, you’ll know how limited they are. So when you need to get somewhere that’s not on the bus route, or outside of the hours the buses run, chances are you find yourself calling for taxis and Ubers. Have you ever added up exactly how much you’re spending here? Depending on how often you jump in a cab, on top of your bus pass you might be paying a lot more overall on transport than you think. Having a car however gives you the freedom to go wherever you like and any time of day, without it costing you any extra.
Farther Jobs
Owning a car can open doors to jobs that are a bit far from home. Maybe there’s a great job waiting for you outside the reach of buses or trains. And a better job might mean more money in your pocket. If you’ve always limited your job search to the places you can get to on buses, you might be limiting your earning capability so a car can help you to change that. Have a look online or on a car buying app and see if purchasing a car is something you can do as a way to level up your life.
Grocery Hauls
Ever tried bringing a week’s worth of groceries on the bus? Not fun, right? Maybe you’re paying for delivery fees instead, and while delivery is handy these are more costs that can add up. If you’re having to pay premium prices to have your shopping delivered at specific times as they’re the only times that you’re home, this will bump it up even further. Being able to go and choose your own shopping, search for deals and get to and from the supermarket with ease is a huge bonus to having a car.
Waiting Around
Waiting for the bus or train can eat up your time. Time is money, they say. With your own car, you’re the boss of your schedule. No more waiting games, this is potentially time you can put into something else. Whether that be a side hustle or just relaxation, anything has to be better than waiting around in the cold.
Getaways on a Budget
Having a car means you can plan spontaneous trips without relying on pricey last minute public transport deals. If you’re bored or at a loose end, you can pack up a picnic and drive to a scenic spot, even if it’s not far away its something that’s not accessible without a car. No planning things weeks in advance, booking tickets for trains, coaches or buses. That means you can cancel a trip last minute if the weather is bad, or jump in the car and hit the road if the weather is good to make the most of it just as easily. Pack a bag, hit the road, and make memories.