Dumb with Money

Because we all have been dumb with our money

Why Roth IRAs rock!

Filed under: Why We Are Dumb, Saving Money — paul at 9:55 am on Friday, October 13, 2006

One of the most beatiful things about a Roth IRA is that you can remove the contributions you make at anytime without tax penalty. True you already pay tax on that money when you contribute. But, you really can’t beat that advantage.

Also, watch out for the 2010 loophole. If you make too much to qualify for a Roth IRA, you can contribute to a traditional IRA and then in 2010 (only) you can convert it to a Roth. It’s nice because you will all have access to that money.

90% Gas - 10% Ethanol- Cheaper or is it?

Filed under: Why We Are Dumb, Saving Money — paul at 1:40 pm on Thursday, July 6, 2006

My CarO.K.  I have got to admit it.  When it comes to gas, I don’t ever think of brands, just price.  

Forever I have filled up at my local low price station.   I know for a fact that they offer only 90-10 gas-ethanol fuel.  Hence, why it’s cheaper by 4-8 cents.  Ethanol goes for a 1/3 of gas.  A couple of years back I caught a new story on this.  The outcome-  90-10 offers a better octane rating.  Yeah cleaner and cheaper.

But, I have to say that news story is total screwed up.  You would think cleaner = better gas mileage.  Normally higher octane = better mileage.  Not true in my case.  I have a MPG meter in my car.  I just calibrated it last month for a physics project for my nephew.  I was forced to fill up at name brand station.  I notice it was not 90-10, but 100% gas.   Would you know that I got 3 more MPG for the entire tank. 

Look at the math:

I paid 9 cents more per gallon and bought 12.5 gallons.  So, splurged an extra: $1.13

But, I was able to drive an extra 38 miles.

So I basically got an extra 1.79 gallons more off of this tank.  With gas at $3.11 per gallon. I got an extra $5.57 worth of bang.

So, I actually saved $4.44

It’s straight 100% gas from here on for me. Give it a try, see if it works for you.

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