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Creatively
Frugal Ways
to Save on Gas
What creative strategies do you use to combat the high
cost of gasoline?
"We put all of our gas purchases on a
5% gas rebate credit card and that is the only expense that
is put on that Card. We also have a local grocery store chain that
offers 10 cents off per gallon, up to
30 gallons for every $50 dollars you spend at their store. We also
have another credit card that earns
1% gas rebate on other purchases. Currently, we average a savings
around $40 a month." ~ Lisa
"One thing that we do as a family (we have four cars) is to
make sure that we group our errands together so that we are not going in
all different directions everyday. For instance when my son had to go
into the cleaners which is across town, he made sure that he took his
banking business, as well as the meat market list. That way he, took
care of three things instead of one. It really helps that way." ~
Laura
"We bought a used vehicle (only $600.00) that gets 15 miles to
the gallon MORE than our other vehicle. It isn't fancy, but it saves a
bundle on trips to town to run errands and for our weekly entertainment
of going to garage sales." ~ Coleen
"I live in a rural area and it's a minimum of 15 miles for me to
get to a 'mart' store; 40 miles to get to a mall. I make my trips count
by by writing a list of errands and then number them in order of
distance. I do the closest to home errands first and by the time I'm
finished with my errands, if I've forgotten anything, I can do it on the
way home. This is such old hat to me now that I know, without writing a
list I'll always have to go to the post office, library, feed store,
dollar store, grocery store
and, sometimes, gas station. Where else is there? <g> " ~
Sandra
"We purchased a tandem bicycle last year for exercise and
pleasure. Since the cost of gas has risen dramatically we also use
the bike to run errands, do banking, go to doctor and dentist appointments
and to go out for dinner or picnic at a local park.
It's great fun, terrific exercise and really saves on gas." ~Marci
"Gasoline
costs $2.50 per gallon where we live and we are 20 miles from the
city! All week I plan what needs to be purchased and what errands need
to be run in town. A list posted on the refrigerator helps me keep track
of what needs to be done. I try to arrange all errands, shopping and
doctor's visits for my two days in town in order of distance; doing the
farthest trip from home first and working my way back home. The next
most important step for me is a schedule - if I find myself running
behind time it is easy for me to drive faster than 55 mph, the most
fuel-efficient speed for my car. So I don't leave home without my list
or my schedule and find that has been very helpful keeping our fuel
efficiency at its peak!" ~ Peggy
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"Although probably not suitable for most, my husband has taken up
cycling (good thing he enjoys it too). He was cycling to and from work
on most of the nice days, traveling 22 miles one way! Also, I try to
walk with the kids wherever I can: local grocery store, library, park.
Not only does it save gas, but is great exercise too." ~ Rebecca
"I am blessed with having a government job and being a
federal employee. I live in Baltimore and rush hour on our
highways is horrendous as well as dangerous. Our work hours
begin at 6 am but my manager lets me do compensatory/overtime
before the start of my shift. I am usually at work by 4 am; and
I try to accumulate enough time to take off a day or two
(usually Fridays). Getting in early I always miss the morning
rush.
By cutting my workweek down to 4 days a week instead of the
usual 5, I am surprised at the amount of gas I save. I do
recognize the BLESSING! As a matter of fact I began working at
an animal shelter in my neighborhood on those Fridays that I am
off and I love it!
I also watch my speed. Unfortunately with the temperament of
most drivers, slowing down can be dangerous too!" ~ Linda
"My
husband and I save hundreds on gas and medical bills each year by
exercising. Instead of driving everywhere, we bike, walk, or run as
much as possible. I have 5 children (ages 2 months to 11 years). I
get up very early and bike (or run--literally)
to the store to get my groceries or to the bank to get some cash. We
invested in a child trailer to carry our toddler when we did family
bike rides. Since it holds 100 lbs, I have no problem getting all
our groceries.
My husband bikes to his financial
planning job nearly every day (14 miles round trip). He
often stops by a store on the way home if the store is having
a great sale. In this way, I can take advantage of several stores'
sales. When we must drive, we try to consolidate all our
errands.
Although we're a family of 7, several
months ago we sold our 2nd car. We found that we only need 1
car for traveling to church or vacationing. So we save even
more money on insurance, inspections, oil changes, car repairs,
etc. When we need to take our station wagon to the garage, one of
us drives it there and either bikes or runs back home. When the
car is fixed, we run or bike to pick it up.
Yes, I was a little apprehensive about
selling our 2nd car; but truthfully, none of us miss the car, and
both my husband and I are thin and healthy!" ~ Rachel
Editor's Note: Thanks to everyone who took the time to share
his or her ideas!
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