Everyday Systems

What's the best way to get yourself to 'pay at the pump' for gas so as to avoid going in to the dangerously evil snack and sweet filled convenience stores at the gas stations?...

mastermesh wrote:What's the best way to get yourself to 'pay at the pump' for gas so as to avoid going in to the dangerously evil snack and sweet filled convenience stores at the gas stations?...

Don't carry cash. Only a credit or debit card. If you must go in, focus only on the cash register.

That's one place I rarely have a problem. I don't consider most of what they sell food that I'd want to eat. On the rare occasion that I succumb to something, I'm always disappointed -- kind of the same as fast food. Yuck.

I always use my credit card at the pump so I get the points for it. I don't go in. If I go in, I buy junk. If you are and that isn't working, get a card through the gas station, even bigger savings. Use it for gas only, no exceptions. Tell yourself that you're trying to calculate how much you spend on gas. I think they give good discounts on your gas too.

Month after month, year after year of compliant N days. If it's not meal time with food on a plate, don't eat it. Not much phases me anymore on N days. If you haven't been at it for a long while, hop on the advice given.

The only reason to go inside is to pay with cash or check to take advantage of the discount if the gas station offers one. You don't save any money by buying junk food.

I broke a pretty serious diet Coke habit years ago when I saw the number of empty cups on the floor of the car. Not only was I appalled at the clutter, I felt bad at all the wasted money. The nutrition aspect didn't even enter my mind.

I am lazy, so I don't need much convincing to pay at the pump. I don't have to walk as far, don't have to wait in line, and no trips to the ATM to replace cash- my laziness is not hearing anything not to like there. If I do want to get something inside, I find myself thinking, "do I HAVE to?"