Saving Money
With gas prices continuing to soar, and seeing no relief in sight, it becomes quite clear that the changes must be made on OUR part if we're to survive the crisis! And if the option of buying a hybrid vehicle is out, then a little creatively along with some common "cents", just might yield some big bucks for you in the end!
There are lots of things we can do to save at the pump, and most of these changes, although seemingly small, can really add up to some pretty big dividends both to our pocketbooks AND to our environment!
Take a look at some of the ideas below and then try to think of some of your own. A little thought, pre-planning, and commitment can go a long way!
1) Make sure you keep your car in good condition. Having a car in need of repairs (especially in the engine or tires) will eat up more gas than one in proper working order. Check all of your car's fluids on a weekly basis. This includes your oil (which should be changed every 3,000 miles), water and coolant in the radiator, transmission, brake, and power-steering fluid. Also, make sure you replace your air and oil filters on a regular basis and keep your tires filled, properly aligned, and in good condition.
2) Never drive around with less than a quarter tank of gas. If you do, you'll have the sediment at the bottom of your gas tank running through your engine which not only eats up more gas, but more importantly, can cause damage to your engine.
3) Keep an extra $20.00 in your pocket in case you "get lucky" and find a gas station with great prices. If you do, then "fill 'er up!"
4) If the weather is good, and your job isn't too far away, why not ride a bicycle a few days a week? Your pocketbook will bulk up as your physique becomes slimmer and healthier!
5) Form a car pool at your job. Post a bulletin listing the employee's name, their major cross streets and schedules, and try to ride together as often as possible, alternating weeks with one another. If you drive your kids to school, or to other activities, try to work out a carpool schedule with some of the other parents as well! This is a great way to not only save some big bucks, but it will free-up some precious time for you as well. And as if that weren't enough, you and your kids will have made yourself some new friends! Talk about getting your money's worth!
6) If you have safe, reliable public transportation nearby like the bus, train, or subway, why not hop on and save yourself some dough? Let someone else do the driving for once!
7) Avoid turning on the air conditioner in your car whenever possible as this will use up much more gas. Roll down a window instead and get some fresh air circulating!
8) Plan out your "travelling" schedule at the start of each day, or even at the beginning of the week if possible. Make a list of all of the errands you need to run and "map out" where you will go first, second, etc., in order of their location to avoid running all over town and wasting not only time, but more importantly, GAS!
9) Do as much of your shopping online as possible. Not only will you save yourself lots of money on gas, but you'll spare yourself all the stress of crowds and having to fight for a parking space!
10) See if there's any work that you can do at home instead of the office. Commuting even just one day less every week would add up to a month and a half worth of gas money saved over a year's time! Think of what you could do with that!
While these tips may seem small, they really CAN add up to a significant savings if you make the effort to incorporate them into your llife. And remember......... the sooner you start, the more you'll save! Can anyone say "cha-ching"?!
