America's Money: Gas crunch hits home

Software developer, 37, Chicago, Ill.

Here's my story about how gas prices are affecting me: They're not.

I live in the city and don't own a car. A lot of people think that I must be starving to death because there's no way I could possibly be able to get groceries home without a car.

Well, I happen to count among my possessions a couple of modern suitcases with wheels. Every few days, I roll them onto the bus or train, go to the store, fill them with food, and take the bus or train home.

Okay, I lied a bit. Gas prices do affect me, because everything gets more expensive. But trying to live a car-free or car-light lifestyle is the best way I know not only to reduce my own exposure to the volatility of the price of oil, but also to reduce my effect upon it.

NEXT: Charles Hawkins: Cycling to savings