Running on Empty - Save your Gas Money

Life's a scavenger hunt these days as my househould is on the constant search for the best place to fill up our tanks for less. Also, find yourself running on empty? Check out these tips for getting more out of your gas budget with some simple yet powerful strategies:


1. Use A Gallon Cost Averaging Approach. Buy smaller amounts of gas, more frequently. This tactic spreads of the cost of gas over a longer period of time at a lower price per gallon.


2. Find the best deals for gassing up. Gas prices tend to be lower in your town center where there is likely to be some competition, than gas stations on highways or next to malls. Check which stations offer the cheapest fuel prices at http://www.gasbuddy.com/, http://www.gasprices.mapquest.com/, or http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/gasprices

3. Use your credit card to save at the pump. Buy gas with a credit card that offers cashback rewards for gas purchases. It takes $65 to fill up my thrilly little sports car' by using my Discover card so I'm getting $3- $7/week ( or $12 - 28/month) as a cash back reward. (BTW, this translates into the cash equivalent of a Venti Lattie and a scone at Starbucks; a trade paperback at Barnes and Noble, or a pair of Clark Privo Pennies on sale!)

4. Manage your gas budget, minimize your miles. Plan out your travel routes for errands for the most efficeint travel route to save on mileage. Consider doing errands where shopping is centralized around your basic needs.