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We relocated to be closer to my work about two years ago. I should post the details of that decision some time, but in the mean time I need to finish relocating. This is one of my 2008 financial goals.

I reduced my commute by 40 miles each way, but the calculation is not as simple as stating that I now save 400 miles per week. This is because my original commute was always only five days per week. I now drive back to the area where I used to live approximately three times per month for various reasons. So I have only cut about 340 miles per week from my commute.

My haircut is a great example. I regularly drive back to have my haircut by a lady who does a great job and includes a great neck massage which is always appreciated. I decided to see how much my last haircut actually cost. My results:

• Haircut with tip: $20
• Gasoline: $12.45
• Lunch: $6.50
• Total of $38.95 — nearly $40 for a $20 haircut

You can debate the merits of tipping all you want, but I always tip for a great haircut that includes a neck massage. Also, the trip took so long that I ended up needing to buy lunch which added to the cost. The $40 price tag also does not include the value of my time or car maintenance.

My next haircut is already scheduled for a few days from now and it is only 3 miles away from home rather than 45 miles.

Tips for Completing Relocating

• Calculate how much traveling to the old location is really costing you.
• Ask people in the new location for referrals for businesses.
• Pick up a copy of the local phone book as quickly as possible. It is full of advertisements and coupons.
• Be willing to let go of the old relationships. You have moved and it is time to move on.
• Check your insurance to see if a local doctor/dentist accepts your insurance. If your relocation was less than 50 miles, you may need to wait until the next insurance enrollment period to change insurance at work.

The haircut is not my only unnecessary expense left over from my move, so there are a few other things to clean up. This year I will work to finally finish completely reallocating. It should be a simple fix that will save me a few hundred dollars per year and save time.

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