Long commutes can cost you in more ways than one. I want to help you offset the true cost of commuting.

There's an old adage from the real estate industry that says people drive to the freeway exit where they can afford a house and that's where they live. But there are two things missing from that old saw.

First, it costs you a lot to operate a car. AAA estimates the average cost of every mile you drive is right around 60 cents. When you look at it in those terms, you might be able to afford a higher mortgage or higher rent and not have that commute and the stress that accompanies it.

Second, I read in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine about a study that found the longer your commute, the greater the effect on your health. In the words of the study's authors, "[Commuting] doesn't just take hours out of your day, but could also take years off your life."

You may genuinely want to work out before or after work, but a lot of folks can't find the time. I know a guy who moved from being 50 minutes away from work to just 7 minutes away. He lost 35 pounds since making that move and looks the healthiest I've ever seen him.

Maybe it's impractical for you to move closer to work -- you've got kids in a school you love, or you're in a home you can't sell right now. But you still should try to come up with some way to get exercise in. You might try walking during lunch and having a nutrition bar instead of going out to eat.

Doing something to protect your physical health could impact your wallet at the same time!