Fuel prices rise and fall, making it difficult to budget for gas. Whether you have a long commute or you’re simply trying to find places to cut your budget, here are some ways you can spend less money on gas.
Buy your gas at a warehouse club
Warehouse clubs like Sam’s and Costco tend to have cheaper gas than regular gas stations do. So if you have a membership already, make sure you’re taking advantage of that discount! If you don’t already have a membership and there’s a warehouse club on your way to or from work, perhaps getting one would be a good investment for you!
Drive an efficient car
How fast do you burn through a tank of gas? Getting a fuel-efficient car can save you thousands of dollars over time. So compare how many miles per gallon your current vehicle gets vs. others, and determine if it would be more cost-effective in the grand scheme of things for you to purchase a fuel-efficient option.
Stretch that tank
This may sound basic but, the less you go out, the less you’ll spend on gas each month! Take grocery shopping for instance. How much money could you save by shopping twice a month instead of weekly?
Also, combine trips as much as possible. Swing by the post office on the way to work or ask your friend to bring that dress you want to borrow to church instead of making a special trip to get it. Reducing how often you drive and making the most of each trip are great ways to keep your budget in check.
Shorten your commute
If you currently commute 30 minutes or more to work, you might want to consider moving closer to your workplace. While this may seem like a drastic move, if you plan to be at the job you’re at for years to come, you will save a lot over time by living closer to your workplace. Additionally, having a shorter commute also lengthens the lifespan of your vehicle.