Even before federal sanctions on Russian oil, the price of gasoline was already creeping upward. Now, it’s not uncommon to see prices listed at well over $4 per gallon…and experts doubt that will change anytime soon. According to Forbes, the war in Ukraine drove gas prices up “by a record 49 cents per gallon in just seven days,” which resulted in an “all-time high average of $4.10 per gallon.”

That’s tough news for many people—parents planning a family road trip, businesspeople who commute by car, travelers hoping to book a flight this summer, or anyone who lives in rural/suburban America and is reliant on a car. If you fall into any of these categories, you might be wondering what you can do to reduce your costs. Here are five ideas:

Opt for Local Sightseeing

Be a tourist in your own town (or state)! Before you travel to the other side of the country for sightseeing, try searching for attractions closer to home. You might be surprised by the opportunities available at your doorstep. Search for attractions and events such as art and culture venues, hiking trails, local festivals, boat rentals, waterparks, etc. You might have to drive a few miles, but I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities within your home state.

Work Remotely/Carpool

A straightforward way to cut down on car usage is to work remotely. Many people have discovered over the course of the last two years that it is possible to perform all or part of their work at home. If you’re able to do this, why not keep it up at least part of the time? Even working from home two or three days each week can make a big difference.

If remote work isn’t an option, you might try taking a commuter train to work or carpooling with a co-worker. If you’re reluctant to ask others about carpooling, remember that you’re not the only one feeling the pinch. It’s possible some of your co-workers are already interested in carpooling, but simply haven’t announced their interest. Bonus: carpooling can make a boring commute seem much faster!

 Walk, ride, or roll

Challenge yourself to use alternative transit. If you’re able-bodied, try walking anywhere that’s less than a mile away. Do you really need to drive to your neighbor’s house down the block? By challenging yourself to walk a little more, you’re not only saving fuel, you’re engaging in a healthy activity.

For longer distances, hop on a bike or take the bus or light rail (if available). Public transit may seem intimidating at first, but it’s quite easy. Today, it’s usually possible to pay for tickets online or through an app before you board the bus/train. Regarding bikes: if you’re unsure of your fitness level, try renting an ebike! With ebikes, you have the option to pedal, but you can also use the electric assist when you run out of steam or encounter a big hill.

Use gas apps

To find the cheapest gas in your area, it’s a good idea to download a gas-tracking app such as GasBuddy or Gas Guru ( on Apple or Android). These user-friendly apps can easily let you know where to find the cheapest options for gas. But be sure to use common sense! Is it really worth it to drive an extra 20 miles to save a few cents per gallon?

Take advantage of gas rewards

You can take advantage of gasoline rewards in multiple ways. Specific stations (BP, Shell, etc.) might offer rewards programs, which usually knock a few cents off each fill-up. Or, certain credit cards offer cash back on gasoline purchases (which won’t restrict you to purchasing from a specific gas station). Even some grocery stores offer gasoline rewards programs. Check to see if your local supermarket has a program.

BONUS: Big changes

All the above ideas are quick and simple ways to save money at the pump. However, if you’d like to get serious about cutting down on gasoline usage, you might consider making larger changes. When it’s time to buy a new vehicle, consider models that are fuel efficient (or electric, if you live in an urban area). Many advances have been made in auto technology over the past few years, and it’s easier than ever to purchase a model that gets 30+ miles to the gallon.

You might also consider moving closer to your workplace. Though this is a big decision, it could save you tens of thousands dollars in just a few years. This sounds far-fetched, but it’s absolutely plausible. In a past blog post, I crunch the numbers on the true cost of commuting.

 

There are several steps you can take to save money on gasoline this summer. Choose a method or two that work for you, and start saving!

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