I sold my Ford truck back in March 2009 and haven’t regretted it once. Today, my girlfriend shares her car with me, yet even now I limit long trips. After a year without a car, I can say it was one of the best decisions.
Automotive transportation has been a huge development the last 100 years. Through new technological development, cars have become more efficient and extremely useful. However, the reliance on such an object has changed the culture of most of mankind. There are great benefits like product distribution, travel, and relocation. With that has also come major climate change, pollution, the growth of fast food, and the decline of the local business. I am torn on arguments either for or against cars. I know the benefits, but realize the downfall on mankind for this development.
What would I do now if I had to spend $15,000 on something other than retirement accounts or a home? I definitely would not spend it on a car. I look back at the way I saw cars when I was 18 and 19 and I am thankful I did not take the leap into buying a brand new vehicle. The opportunities I afforded myself by not having major car debt improved my life dramatically. Would a car be nice and/or necessary at times? Yes, it would. There are many things though that would be great to have that I am willing to sacrifice as well.
What would be the worst thing to happen to you if you simplified your mode of transportation? How would your life change? What would it be like not to have a car and to take the bus? All of these are questions answered in Tammy Strobel’s new eBook Simply Car-Free: How to Pedal Toward Financial Freedom and a Healthier Life. I thoroughly enjoyed getting insight into an almost completely car free life. I believe this is a great asset for those who are 1) trying to reduce your carbon footprint, 2) be healthier, 3) be financially stable, and 4) enjoy your local business and leisure. You may not want to completely cut out driving in your life, but this may help your life in more ways than you originally thought.
To find out more about Simply Car-Free and get a copy, click the picture above or right here.
David Damron
The Minimalist Path
*Yes, there are affiliate links here. Think of it as your way of paying for some Ramen for my girlfriend and me.
Click here to get a copy of PROJECT M-31: Simply Your Life in 31 Days
