To car or not to car...

When I decided to move to Florida, I knew I was going to have a take home car for work. So I made a decision and gave up my car. I will go more in depth about my previous cars later, but right now I am focusing on me being here without a car.

My mom and I drove a U-Haul van down from Baltimore, it was at least a 16 hour drive. I have two dogs. It was certainly a tight squeeze. Brice, my 100 pound lab mix claimed the middle seat, and rested his head on my right knee. Louise, my Boston Terrier, was experiencing major anxiety and would only settle down on my lap. They fared the two day drive much better then expected. Though they enjoy car rides; 16 hours is a potential nightmare compared to what they were used to.


There have been times when I did not have a car, and I planned accordingly with my living situation. But for the most part I have been a suburban living car driving kinda girl. I would drive anywhere and everywhere. And I had the benefit of a free car and insurance that was taken care of (thanks mom and dad!).

So naturally I figured I would buy a car once I got settled down here. That is when I realized just how lucky I had been, and how darn expensive cars were! The last month has been a roller coaster of this car, no, that car. I can afford this much...insurance is how much...do i really need a car.  So i had a pow-wow with some family members and figured that the absolute minimum amount I would be spending on a car would be around $400. Which breaks down to about $13 a day for a car that at best I would be driving twice a week. A lotta cash for a little reward.

But, could I really manage without a car??? I mean I know people do it. Those darn buses always are getting in my way, people must be on them right. And taxis aren't just for people to drunk to drive home. I could be super green and ride a bike...but to where? Could I give up my freedom and independence of a car? That's what we are going to find out this year. If I spend less then $400 a month on taxi's or bus fare, then I am winning the money battle, but can I handle giving up the ease of getting in a going, for a little more planning? Check back often to find out.