Thanks to shale gas development, Americans have more money in their pockets. In fact, according to a study by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Center for Manufacturing Research and IHS Economics, shale gas put an extra $1,337 back in the pockets of the average American family in 2015.

While the savings come gradually throughout the year, it adds up.

I started thinking about those cost savings and what I might do with the cash I’m not sending to my local utility.

Here are a few of my ideas:

• Add $111 per month to my son’s college savings plan or my 401(k)
• Use as a down payment on a summer vacation
• Replace our mattress
• Fix the main seal leak on my 2003 Honda Pilot
• Replace the sofa that my dogs have ruined

Domestically-produced natural gas really has transformed the U.S. economy, made U.S. companies more competitive, created jobs and put money back in the pockets of working Americans.

What would you do with an extra $1,337 in your wallet?

 

Sara Delgado, a communications specialist and 20-year Williams employee, wrote this post. This is part of an occasional series called #Natgas Mom.