Money Saving Wednesday…Fuel Prices
We have all heard the reports that fuel prices are coming down. Don’t be sucked in to believing we can shortly return to our old driving habits. We can’t and we may never be able to. I remember when everyone was outraged with $2.00 a gallon prices. We got used to those, became gluttonous consumers, and look where it has led…lots of debt. We have bought huge gas guzzling cars, we never walk anywhere, and we are , as a nation out of shape physically. All of these cost us lots of money! We have a large family and have needed a large car, but a van, not a mega SUV. If we are truly committed to becoming self reliant and debt free so we have money left over to spend on things we want instead of just the things we need, then we can’t go back to our old habits if the price of gas comes down. A few weeks ago I posted some ideas for reducing gas costs. Here are a few more.
1. Remove excess weight from your car. You know I don’t mean your car survival kit. You always want that with you. I do mean all the tools that you used to help a friend months ago, all the sports equipment, cases of soda you were too tired to carry in to the house, the tire chains you obviously don’t need during the summer months, they all need to go. The added weight will decrease gas mileage. That is why the airlines are now changing for luggage. If you rebel and don’t bring as much you cut down on the weight and save them money. If you insist on lots of luggage you offset the cost of fuel by being charged for it.
2. Remove your luggage rack. Luggage racks, bike racks, ski racks, all increase wind resistance and decrease mileage. If you are evacuating in an emergency you will want to use a luggage rack to get as many of your possessions to a safe place as you can but if you are going on vacation think simple. Loading a luggage rack not only increases wind resistance but also creates more weight and we have just talked about the cost of added weight. If you luggage rack is removable, do it. If it is not, don’t use it.
3. Maintain your car. Get a regular tune up and keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. Over inflated and under inflated tires can both cost you money either in added fuel cost or increased wear and tear on your tires requiring you to replace them more often.
4. Consider a new car. This is a decision you need to weigh very carefully. Right now buying a new fuel efficient car is going to cost you money, not save it. These cars are at a premium right now. You can buy a lot of gas for the amount of a car payment. You will not be ahead. If, however, you can get rid of a gas guzzler and buy a smaller, older, car for cash you will be way ahead. An older car will cost you less to run every day and also cost you less to register. Be sure you shop wisely and check the car history and maintenance history of any car you are purchasing used.
Just got back from the store and wanted to report my saving for the day. I spent $14.91 and saved $26.69. No coupons. I just took advantage of: BOGO facial tissues, (don’t need them now but needed a few to finish off my 1 year supply), Granola bars originally $3.69 got them for $2.50, toothpaste originally $2.47 for 99 cents, and deodorant originally $3.29 just 99 cents. I now have a years supply of toothpaste and deodorant. These were all name brands I normally use so I know they are good products and I won’t need to worry about another sale for a year! I have chosen to store hygiene items which will got expire and tissues and TP for longer than a month. During a pandemic I know we would go through the TP and tissues very fast.
