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One big reason to avoid buying a car is the crippling cost that comes with it. When you buy a car, you’re not just paying for the car itself – there’s also insurance, gas, fixing stuff when it breaks, fees for registration, and the fact that cars lose value over time.
According to CNBC, about 16% of average Americans allocate most of their budget on vehicle costs and fuel, which makes owning a car the second biggest expenditure after real estate. By choosing not to buy a car, you can save a considerable amount of money that could be used for other essential expenses or invested in your future.
Cars are considered to be the biggest air quality polluters. With its massive fuel consumption and emissions of air pollution, buying a car is considered a great contribution to global warming. Opting for more sustainable modes of travel is a much greener way to get around. Not buying a car can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Getting stuck in traffic is something most city people deal with, and it can really get on your nerves, stress you out, and waste your time. Spending hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic can negatively impact your overall mental well-being and make life less enjoyable. Not buying a car can dodge the daily traffic battle and all the stress that comes with it, making your life a bit easier and more pleasant.
Cities are grappling with limited urban space and aging infrastructure. As cars continue to fill up the streets and create traffic jams, cities are pressured to build more roads and parking facilities. When you skip buying a car, you’re actually helping to build cities that are friendlier to walkers and folks who use public transport. It’s all about putting an emphasis on eco-friendly and smart ways to get around town. So, by making that choice, you’re playing your part in creating more livable and sustainable urban spaces for everyone.
Buying a car can lock you into a certain lifestyle and financial commitment. It’s a depreciating asset that requires ongoing attention and can limit your flexibility to explore different ways of getting around or adjusting to changes. Not owning a car frees you from this constraint and opens up new possibilities for how you live and move through the world.
So how can a car-less lifestyle be lived? These are five cost-effective ways of getting around places without wasting money on buying a car.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a platform that offers another travel option instead of buying a car. This option could be just as easy, better for the environment, ease traffic jams, and maybe even cost less. This platform allows you to choose the most convenient mode of travel for each journey, from public transport, active modes such as walking and cycling, ride/ car/bike-sharing, taxi, and car rental or lease.
Consider using public transportation to go to work. They’re affordable, and you can sit back, relax, or even catch up on reading while someone else does the driving.
When you’re going to work alone, try out ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, or car-sharing programs like Zipcar to get around places. You can also consider carpooling with others who share your destination or utilize car-sharing services for occasional trips. These options are cost-effective alternatives to buying a car and help reduce some of the infrastructure challenges cities face.
If you live in a city or urban area, consider cycling or walking for shorter trips. Not only are these options eco-friendly, but they also promote physical activity and can improve your overall health. It’s a win-win! You get exercise, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint while getting to explore your neighborhood up close.
While you’re at it, you can also explore opportunities of telecommuting or remote work to reduce your travel times! It eliminates long commute times to work and also leads to cost savings. Working from home contributes to possible improved work attitude and reduced environmental impact.
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