Stop High Gas Prices from Draining Your Wallet
July 18, 2007
With gas prices continuing to increase, more people are feeling the pinch. Rising fuel prices also cause the price of groceries, airline tickets and delivery services to increase. These high prices put a burden on individuals, not only at the gas pump, but also at home and at work. By keeping a few money-saving tips in mind, you can make the most of your finances.
On the Road
If you want to save money on gas, evaluate the way you drive and the way you treat your vehicle. Even slight changes can make a big difference in your fuel economy.
Drive Smart.
Your car’s gas mileage has a lot more to do with how you drive it than you may think. Driving like Speed Racer wastes gas because high speeds guzzle fuel. Also, avoiding jack-rabbit starts will keep you from burning excess fuel. Instead, accelerate slowly.
Stick to Stock Wheels.
Shiny new rims on your ride might be trendy, but bigger wheels actually increase you car’s rolling resistance. The increase will cause your car’s fuel economy to go down. If you do drive with larger tires, it’s wise to keep your stock wheels and switch out the larger rims for long distance drives.
Unload to Increase Fuel Economy.
Cleaning out your car won’t just make your car easier on the eyes, but it will also improve your car’s gas mileage. It takes extra gas to power your car when it carries unnecessary weight, such as golf clubs sitting in the trunk. Give your car a break and take out heavy items that you only use occasionally.
Fuel up in the dark.
Even the time of day that you purchase gasoline can effect your car’s fuel efficiency. During the coolest parts of the day, such as early in the morning or late at night, gas is its densest. Gas pumps charge for the volume of gas, not the density of fuel concentration. The greater the fuel density, the greater the mass of fuel that can be stored in your tank. Because you are charged for the volume, it is best to buy gas in the morning or evening.
At Work
You go to work to make money, not to spend it. But expensive lunches out, dry cleaning costs for professional clothing or commuting can take a big toll on your paycheck.
Brown Bag It.
Instead of going out for lunch, pack a lunch. If you typically spend about $10 eating out each day, bringing your lunch just two days a week would save you around $1,000 a year. Staying at the office for lunch will save you the cost of gas as well. If you eat out every day, fuel costs can really add up.
Also, healthy snacks at work will keep you from overeating at lunch. A little container of cereal or fruit at your desk helps control your appetite at lunch.
Wash and Go.
You’ll save hundreds of dollars a year if you purchase work clothing that can be washed at home instead of at the dry cleaners. While this may require more pressing on your part, it worth the effort when money’s tight. Another tip is to purchase at home dry cleaning products like Dryel. These products allow you to spot clean and freshen delicate clothing at home in your own dryer.
Share the Expense.
Just driving back and forth to your job can cost a bundle if you live more than a few miles from work or spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. Consider asking a co-worker or neighbor if they’d be interested in carpooling. Even if you only carpool a couple of days a week, you can still reduce your fuel costs by a lot.
At Home.
There are many ways to cut costs at home, probably too many to list in one place, but here are a few things to keep in mind.
Watch the Thermostat.
The summer months can bring tremendous heat and surviving without air conditioning would probably be out of the question for many people. But, by turning down the thermostat one or two degrees during the summer, you will be able to save up to 10% on your bill each month.
Flip the Light Switch.
Be sure to turn off lights when they aren’t in use. Light produces heat and makes your air conditioner work harder. By turning off the lights, you will save on your electricity bill as well as your air conditioning costs.
Use Less Water.
When brushing your teeth, or shaving, turn off the faucet to save on your water bill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, two and a half gallons of water is wasted every minute the water flows.
Wash Your Own Car.
To save money spent at the car wash, wash your car at home. Be sure to use a bucket and sponge instead of letting the water run from the hose. This will help save about 90 gallons of water for every wash.
While you probably can’t make gas prices go down, you can decrease the impact they have on your budget. By following the tips in this article you can keep more money in your pocket.
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