Family budgets center on a range of items. Whether it’s a monthly housing payment, utility bills, groceries, entertainment or travel, one item at the center of family finances that often doesn’t get much attention, unless you live in a high-cost state, is the price of gas and transportation.

On average, Americans spend about 3% to 4% percent of their household budget on gas. In many states, most families own more than one car, and some households often have three to four cars when teenagers are involved.

Unlike other consumer goods, which may not be as noticeable in the short term, gas price fluctuations are noticeable to individuals because of regular trips to the gas pump; even small fluctuations can affect a family’s monthly budget.

And while most don’t notice unless there is a significant decrease, an increase is definitely felt more often than not. Families will make daily travel choices based on how affordable gas is in their area, limiting their activities to the most critical during times of high gas prices.

Fortunately, wintertime usually brings gas prices down, and this year we are heading into some of the lowest prices per gallon in years.

Gas prices are also an indicator of inflation. When the price of gas goes up, so do the costs of other items like food and consumer goods, which need to be transported across the country through our supply chain.

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