It's estimated that the average American has about a three percent "cushion" in their budget for things to go wrong; which sure doesn't leave much wiggle room for real emergencies like a busted transmission or extended time off from work. From the looks on peoples faces at the gas pumps and the quiet chatter I hear as we all wait our turn to pay a kings ransom for a paupers portion of gas; I know that the increase in gas prices over the last six months is causing serious financial strain on the American consumer.

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