My spouse and I have invested considerable energy and resources into reducing our monthly expenditure to a manageable level. We have also taken steps to expand our earnings, while maintaining a prudent lifestyle and minimizing lavish spending.
There were extreme measures implemented at times, such as when we shifted from a one-bedroom apartment to a studio loft with our pet. But this was a necessary move.
Presently, we enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle in a two-bedroom townhouse, yet we still keep a tight rein on our costs. This includes not always using the air conditioning, planning our meals in advance, and only buying clothes when there is a sale.
A major expenditure many grapple with is fuel. Living in a city with limited public transportation like ours, managing your fuel cost can be a tricky endeavor. Nonetheless, we’ve successfully reduced it over the years. Four years ago, our monthly fuel costs were hitting $350 plus, whereas now it’s hardly $200 – saving us an impressive $150 a month, or $1800 annually!
Here are five useful tips to help save on gas costs:
1. Combine Tasks:
Organize your weekend in a way that allows you to finish all your errands in a single trip. Fragmenting your chores into different expeditions can surge your fuel bill. By combining tasks, you prevent unnecessary and spontaneous trips.
2. Keep Off the Accelerator:
Do you frequently switch between the gas and brake pedals when the light turns yellow? Try to change this habit. If you can learn to rest your foot off the accelerator once in a while, your vehicle will continue to move during its “coasting” period. Avoid a recurrent switch between the gas and brake pedals to maximize this “coasting” time.
3. Incorporate Exercise:
Consider biking to the nearby grocery store instead of driving – this not only helps cut down on fuel costs, but it also offers a free form of exercise. As per my experience, biking to work a few days a week extends the longevity of a fuel tank to more than two weeks.
4. Control AC Usage:
Well-known advice is to use your air conditioner when driving on highways or freeways to minimize wind drag, but while driving on city streets, lower your windows for some natural ventilation.
5. Try Carpooling:
Although it might not always be a feasible solution, sharing commuting expenses with colleagues can significantly relieve the burden of fuel costs – in many cases by half! It’s worth inquiring with your co-workers or other travelers to find someone open to this idea.
Source: SmartAsset.com
