Increase in Gas Budget

I don’t know about you, but for me gas is getting out of control. I remember when $20 bucks would get me at least half a tank, these days it takes twice that much. I now have to budget gas into my monthly expenses. I only drive about fifteen minutes to school, so I’m wondering wha people do who commute long distances to work? Doesn’t that break your wallet? I know it costs at least $100 to fill an SUV like a Navigator that’s about a $400 a month gas bill. Ouch! If you own an SUV I encourage you to take steps in lowering your gas expense.

If this is your situation, or you just want to save money and help the environment by reducing Carbon monoxide emissions into the atmosphere, here are some tips to help:

v Carpool to work or school-create a carpooling system at work that will network the employees who live near each other. If you’re a student you can do this at school.

v Take public transportation- I know this doesn’t sound appealing, but face it taking public transportation can save you money. Research park and rides and bus/subway routes on the Internet to see if taking a public transit route is a possibility.

v Prioritize errands to reduce driving; do you really need to go to the coffee shop and the bakery on your way to Yoga? It takes less time to make coffee or tea and an egg or toast at home andthis is much cheaper than making all of those stops. Find a closer bank or ATM location, or get cash when you’re at the grocery store. Basically think and plan ahead.

You won’t save money unless you take action and do something about it, so stop complaining and start making a change.

Gas prices are on the rise and if my tips don’t help maybe these 11 tips from MoneyNing, a personal finance blog, will.