Summer might be a great time for road trips and vacations, but all this travel means gas prices tend to stay high. Even as the summer draws to a close, many people are still struggling to deal with higher gas prices and transportation costs, such as public transit.
With the increased costs of many goods and services, it’s difficult for many families and individuals to make ends meet. The gas and oil industry has had fluctuations in prices. Due to increases, the average person is finding it harder to budget for transportation month to month.
So, if you want tips for saving money each month on gas and transportation, this article is for you. Read on to get some money-saving tips for 2023 and beyond!
Downsize on Vehicles
If you’re a multi-vehicle family, it’s a wise idea to downsize, especially if you’re having issues paying your monthly bills. While this can be more challenging if you live in a rural area without public transit options, it is something to consider for many families.
Also, even if having two or more vehicles is necessary because of scheduling conflicts, you could consider downsizing to smaller or cheaper cars. You can save money each month by going with an older or used car. However, you also want to consider fuel efficiency as older cars might cost you more per month in this aspect.
Route Errands and Tasks Carefully
While some people have more errands and events to attend than others, you can save money every month on fuel by planning out your tips. Instead of taking multiple small trips to different stores each day, set aside a day each week or two to run these errands. This way, you can better plan your route to spend less time driving around endlessly.
Take Advantage of Public Transit Perks
Whether you have a car or not, there are likely some public transportation options in your area. Unless you live in a more rural location, your area probably has bus lines, and bigger areas have things like trains and subways.
While public transportation is generally cheaper, it can still add up, especially if your budget is quite tight. So, always look into options in your area for free days or if any local businesses are offering discounts. There’s even a chance that your employer provides reimbursement for some of these costs.
Carpool With Others
Carpooling is an excellent way to save both money and time. It’s also a more eco-friendly way to use vehicles. So, consider talking to coworkers, or others who do the same activities as you, about starting a carpool. This can be especially helpful for parents of younger children, as various parents can take turns driving.
While carpooling might not be an option for everyone, it can save money and make your life easier.
Drive Smarter to Save
How you drive impacts fuel efficiency, which in turn impacts how much you spend on fuel every month. If you like to speed or tend to be more erratic in your driving habits, you’re not just more likely to get into a wreck; you’re also more likely to quickly empty your gas tank.
So, try to avoid speeding. It’s also wise to plan trips to avoid as much traffic as possible, as stop-and-go traffic is also bad for fuel efficiency.
Finally, remember that saving money each month on transportation isn’t always easy. There may be barriers to saving money depending on where you live. So, look into resources and seek help from others in your community when you can.
