I enjoy the debt smart newsletter very much. I particularly like the trivia and have often thought about sending you the following, but just never get around to it. The best part is it is real! Here goes...

Out of the three gas stations in as many blocks, the middle price ranged gas station offers a punch card. For every two gallons of gas purchased, you earn one punch on the card. When you reach 100 punches, you are entitled to your choice from a variety of free goods from their store including a free large one topping pizza, taco meal deal, or $5 worth of gas. The pizza is regularly $10; the taco meal is $7, but you like the pizza because you read the DebtSmart® Newsletter.

At this particular station, the gas averages $.05 more/ gallon than the business across the street.

Also, as a Thursday only special this business offers *two* card punches for *each* gallon of gas.

Finally, this chain offers a rebate gas card that earns you 3% cash back when using your card for purchases at this particular chain. You, of course, pay off the balance in full each month so it is interest free.

QUESTION “At what point does it pay to buy gas here as opposed to the cheaper competitor, or is the lure of free pizza just that?”

I realize there are many variables to this puzzle, but that is what makes it interesting. Hope you can tailor it to fit your puzzles online as needed.

Thanks again for the newsletter!

--Submitted by DebtSmart® reader Tammi Chaney, who always buys gas on Thursday...with the gas card. ;)