Today is World Car-Free Day, where people of the world get together to use their legs and get everywhere they can without a car. Besides the great health benefits of walking, reducing car usage can also save you money on transportation and travel costs. If you’re paying off credit card debt, that’s another great bonus!
The idea of Car-Free Day is to encourage governments to improve mass transit, while showing citizens the benefits of cycling and walking. Many of the supporters also encourage the development of close-to-home communities – jobs should be close to residencies, and shopping should be within walking distance. This would lessen the reliance that we have on cars while instilling a deeper sense of community.
Take advantage of World Car-Free Day. Instead of driving your car to work, try public transportation or riding your bike. You might find that you enjoy the financial freedom of not having a car! You would save on car payments and gas, plus reap the benefits of walking or biking. World Car-Free Day could inspire you to ditch your car and save some cash. Without car payments or a need to buy gas, you could put your savings towards debt management.
Since exercise helps keep you healthy, your healthcare costs would be lower. Walking just 30 minutes a day greatly reduces your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other extremely expensive and debilitating diseases. Your immune system will be better, and for those of you on heart medications, added exercise may be all you need to say goodbye to those expensive medications.
You’ll also get to see more of the area around your home, and maybe develop a deeper appreciation for it. When we drive, we tend to fixate on the destination and not notice what’s along the way. Maybe you’ll notice a new shop or store along the way, or find a previously unnoticed lush park.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.