Mr. Penny Pincher

Gas prices have essentially stayed below $3 for the past few months. This has provided us with some much needed relief at the pump. As we all know, gas is one of those commodities that fluctuates from day to day or week to week. For that reason, it’s a good idea to know where to always find the best deal on a tank of gas. I’ve got you covered.

My wife and I visited Greenville recently. On the way back, we stopped to see my Mom who lives in Woodruff (Spartanburg area). Instead of taking the highway, we decided to take back roads to avoid the craziness of a Sunday drive home while also getting to enjoy a part of the state we don’t usually see.

Prior to making our trek back, we decided to stop at a Quick Trip that was right off the highway, between Greenville and Woodruff. The price of gas was $2.80 a gallon, which is cheaper than we’d seen in Greenville by $0.05. Based on this, we figured we were getting a good deal. It definitely was a good deal for that area, but I’m not sure many of us realize how much better we have it.

For those of you that have lived here awhile, what I’m about to say won’t be much of a surprise. Outside of a small-time gas station in the middle of nowhere South Carolina, Rock Hill is without a doubt the best place to buy gas. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for the prices to be so low, but I’m not sure I care. I’m just happy I get to take advantage of it.

It’s close enough that you’re not driving too far to get the gas you need, which would defeat the whole purpose. It’s also on the way to several destinations anyway, like the beach, your doctor or perhaps your favorite store.

The point is, many of us make our way down to Rock Hill regardless so you might as well fill up while you’re there. Having said that, you shouldn’t fill up just anywhere. There’s always one spot that’s either the cheapest or matches any of the other off brand gas stations you may pass along the way.

If you’re coming from Tega Cay and/or Fort Mill, I’ve found the WalMart Gas Station on Cherry Road to be the best spot in Rock Hill to buy gas. I will concede this particular gas station is pretty far down Cherry Road (it’s across the street from the Winthrop Coliseum). I also made mention of a couple of other off brand spots on the way that have similar priced gas. Why not stop there? Hear me out.

I’m not saying WalMart gas is the most high quality you can buy; however, I tend to think it’s better than the gas offered at what I would consider an economy gas station. We’re talking bargain gas here all around so the difference may be negligible, but I’d trust what WalMart is providing. As the world’s largest retailer, I tend to think the prices are so low due to their cost cutting business model rather than the product they’re providing.

On the way home from Woodruff, our back road route eventually took us through Rock Hill and past WalMart. The price for a gallon of gas: $2.51. That’s $.24 cheaper than what we paid. We put around 18 gallons in our car at the QT near Woodruff. If we had been able to wait, we could’ve saved $5.22.

When you’re attempting to save money, the little amounts never seem like a big deal. Who cares about saving $5 some would say? I hear you, but if you’re able to save $5 a week you’d have saved $20 by the end of the month and $240 by the end of the year. The little things add up, especially when it comes to the ones you need to buy versus those you want to buy.

Don’t care? Head on up to Charlotte and pay $0.50 more for the exact same thing. The Queen city would appreciate it. I’m sure they can use your money to place another jewel in their crown.

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