Gas Saving Ideas for Right Now

Gas prices may level off but don't appear to be going down much anytime soon. Here are some thoughts to consider in reducing your costs.

1. Figure out a way to get to work more cheaply. This may mean a bus ride or a carpool. It may mean a work location closer to home. If your employer likes to send you all over town to fill vacancies, request a gas allowance. If you have a good stable job, you might consider a move closer to work.

2. Walk or ride a bicycle wherever you can to the store to the post office to the neighbors to work. No more driving to the end of the driveway to get your mail.

3. Combine trips. Stop at your favorite stores returning from work. Don't make special trips out for anything unless it's in walking distance and you walk.

4. Soccer Moms might want to look at a league closer to home.

5. Plan ahead on meals and cooking projects. If you lay out all ingredients before making a recipe, you won't find at a critical moment that you're missing something. Keep basics around such as tuna and noodles, so you always have what's needed for a quick meal. Bread freezes just fine. Cheese keeps a long time. Eggs freeze just fine if you whisk them with a little salt. Mix three whites to one yolk and store in plastic baggies.

6. Shop at odd times whenever everyone else isn't there clogging up the roads and the parking lot.

7. Avoid roads that tend to bog down. You can't afford to be stalled in traffic with the engine running. Avoid congested areas, such as the school zone when kids are being let out.

8. Take your lunch and eat it outside in warm weather sunshine whenever possible. That leaves more money for gas and makes you feel better at the same time.

9. Keep your vehicle repaired. Dirty air and oil filters cause vehicles to use more gas. A tune-up may be needed. Turn off the car at long lights. Run the air conditioner as little as possible. Properly inflated tires mean more efficient and safer vehicle operation. Driving slower down burns less gas. Sorry if it's not cool.

10. Do whatever business you can by phone or email. Phone consults work just fine.

11. Buy more online such as books, clothing, and pet care meds. There are still bargains to be found.

12. If you want to make a major purchase, check the prices online and see if you can get it delivered to the closest retail outlet. Wal-mart is very good about this. Others do likewise, or may need to.

13. Weigh out the value

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