How can we pay for gasoline as the price approaches $4 per gallon? Two words "bottled water." No, don't put it in your tank. Stop drinking it.

Despite perceptions it is healthier, there is little difference between bottled water and tap water according to the World Wildlife Fund. Except the cost is up to 1000 times more than tap water. $2 a bottle equals $16 a gallon. If you drink two gallons a week, your bottled water costs the same as over 8 gallons of gas.

The plastic in the bottle is made from oil; using oil for plastic takes oil away from gasoline making the gas cost more. Bottles must be transported by truck from maker to filler, then by truck to the store, then you take it home in your car. After use, the empty bottle goes via garbage truck (fuel surcharge) to the dump and water is sprayed by another truck to keep the dust down. This continues until the bottle disintegrates - about 1000 years.

In the past year what we have done most in response to higher gas prices is complain. We expend energy on blaming others.

The heavier the vehicle, the more it will cost to move it. Look at all the SUVs, vans and trucks on our roads! Most of the world has been paying far more for gas than we do. They have smaller cars. Duh. Change driving habits; reduce weight in the trunk; drive the speed limit; shop only in your neighborhood; carpool; use gasbuddy.com.

Try common sense - it's free. Most of us don't know where our money goes. We don't know where we can cut back to come up with gas money. Listing expenses is a good starting place. So, start!

"How to Pay for Gas" first was presented on Fox 21 Morning News on May 27, 2008. MoneyCoachBill@aol.com