Re: Is fuel really that expensive? or are we just cheap.
Originally posted by Cranky18:<br /> I did some research to find out how much profit the oil companies are actually making. I was suprised to find how it compares with other industries.<br /><br />
Here's another free tip that this chart illustrates really well. Again, look at the BIG picture. When gas goes up like it does, who makes the most money? NOT just the oil companies (though they certainly do make more) as everyone assumes.<br /><br />The REAL get-rich companies are the BANKS...the CREDIT CARD COMPANIES. Let's think this through in VERY basic terms. When gas is suddenly becoming less affordable, the American way says we have to to buy it anyway because it's a NEED. So what do more people do? They CHARGE IT. Now the bank makes a transaction fee on the purchase that you would have previously paid cash for. Then they send you a bill, and you STILL can't afford to pay it. So now you pay a portion and they start to make a profit on the INTEREST. Or you pay it late and the bank makes a profit on a LATE FEE.<br /><br />Guess what. Banks and credit card companies are ALSO publicly owned. Do you want to put some money in your pocket as a direct result of high GAS PRICES? Invest in a bank TODAY. Preferably, one that really focuses on providing gas rebate credit cards. 6 months from now, I promise you they will all be reporting record profits, and stock prices will jump.<br /><br />As for Limited-Time pointing out that I have the discretionary income to do these things, he's absolutely right. And that is no accident because it was all earned by hard work and careful thought. 20 to 25 years ago I took about $300 (a large percentage of my "estate"), did some thinking and research, and took a calculated risk and invested it instead of spending it or putting it in a low interest bank account. I learned from my successes and failures over the years, and am now preparing to retire very comfortably well before the age of 60. I'm looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity and building houses for the needy very soon. I've been a regular blue-collar working soul much like many here...and most of my EARNED income has come from turning wrenches on cars, handyman work, and driving trucks, at annual salaries in the sub $50K level. But my NON-earned income, because of a $300 start many years ago, far surpasses that now.<br /><br />And in todays' world with the internet at our fingertips, doing what I did before the internet existed is downright easy. But you gotta THINK, and of course DO IT. Unless you're born into a wealthy family, you don't become rich by accident, you become rich by using your head.<br /><br />I realize I've gone WAY off the topic of this thread here so I'll stop my preaching. But I'm frankly just hoping to provide a service to maybe a few young people who are starting out in the working world who may read this and have a better life, simply because they see the truly big picture that's available to EVERYONE willing to that put some effort and thought into their future, and learning how the WHOLE world goes round. OR for that matter, the 50 year old who thinks it's too late because he's becoming obsolete in the workforce....you have a brian and access to the internet, too. Use it to your benefit and make up for lost time. But only if you want to, of course. But if you're satisifed with your life the way it is then congratulations, you have truly achieved success and you should be very proud.<br /><br />If we take the time spent complaining about the problems of the world, and apply it toward either solving the problems or finding opportunities within the "problems," life will be good, I promise!<br /><br />Peace out!
