Device Arena

With just a few weeks of summer vacation left and back-to-school season on the horizon, the reality of today’s gas prices has left families desperate for ways to balance their travel and shopping needs. With millions wondering how to get everything done on a shrinking gas budget, AT&T and one of today’s leading financial experts say it’s as easy as leaving the keys in the drawer and parking yourself in front of your computer.

“It almost sounds too simple,” said Jennifer Openshaw, founder of Family Financial Network and president of WeSeed, a networking site soon to launch to make the stock market simpler. “But the fact is, a high speed Internet connection gets consumers where they need to go without filling up the tank. The savings are instant, and it’s incredibly efficient for households looking to cut back on gas expenses while still getting things done.”

As the nation’s largest broadband provider, AT&T provides a high speed Internet connection to 14.7 million customers nationwide today — delivering a new mode of virtual “transportation” in millions of homes already. From back-to-school shopping to banking online, high speed Internet customers can cover a month’s worth of mileage — for less than a tank of gas with today’s affordable and competitive broadband prices — by simply going online.

“In today’s economy especially, a high speed Internet connection offers a great return and value,” said Openshaw. “Now is the time to capitalize on this kind of investment to save money; it’s a solution millions already have. Plus, back to school signals that it’s time for all of us to get back to our regular lives and jobs, and the Internet can help with that.”

To provide consumers with immediate cost-saving solutions, AT&T and Openshaw recommend the following tips to help consumers save time, money and gas:

• Do the Math. An errand run online is more money in your pocket. Before getting in the car, stop and ask yourself if you could accomplish the same task by going online. Shop smartly to reduce shipping fees.
• Research. Knowledge is power and offers another way to save on gas. For times when you do need to drive, use your high speed Internet connection to map a direct route ahead of time. Know the shortest distance and where to find the best price for what you need.
• Understand Your Investment. Making an investment is one thing, knowing how to get the greatest value out of it is another. Talk to AT&T about the capabilities offered with your high speed Internet service and ways your entire household can benefit from your high speed investment.
• Track the Savings. Marking progress is important. For 30 days, keep a running list of the errands you elected to run online rather than from the car. Calculate the miles saved and the pennies kept. Get the proof and feel good about your savings.
• It’s More Than Back to School. Remember, it’s not just about getting the kids back to school; it’s getting back to your regular life. That can mean it’s time to plan for you, your career and even for the holiday season. You can use the Internet to do all of that.

For simple ways to substitute a trip in the car with a trip online, consumers and parents alike should consider using their high speed connection to:

• Shop for back-to-school clothes and classroom needs.
• Conduct a job search online.
• Manage bank statements and other investments.
• Share summer vacation pictures with friends and family using a virtual photo album.
• Take in a summer concert with front-row seats through live webcasts.
• Watch a favorite movie by downloading it to your home computer.
• Fill a pharmacy prescription and sign up for home delivery.
• Grocery shop from your kitchen and have your purchases delivered to your front door.
• Start preparing for holiday gift buying and holiday travel logistics.

“It’s important for consumers to know their options and to understand the value of their investments — whether it be their high speed Internet service or their 401(k) portfolio,” said Openshaw. “We put our money into something to get more back, and that is absolutely the case when you view a high speed Internet as an alternative to gas prices.”

AT&T