Save Money at the Pump this Summer

Amy Hannold, 247Moms Frugal Living Editor

Whether you’re driving your routes through town or planninga vacation via car, there are tools and promotions which can save you money.

Fuel n’ Stay Packages: When planning a vacation, look forgas card promotions from hotels, online vacation planning sites and othertravel related companies.  Be sureto thoroughly read the fine print and “do the math” to be sure that thepromotion and its requirements will actually save you money.  Keep all paperwork and make copies ifmailing a rebate form is necessary.

Grocery Stores and Product Manufacturers:  Check the grocery customer servicedesks, store aisles and online for possible gas card deals.  It may pay to buy a different brand orfrom an alternate store if you can score some gas discounts.  Calculate the savings offer against theworth of the change in your routine.   When possible, use coupons to sweeten the fuel deal.

Credit Card Rebates: Several credit cards offer you a rebate percentage from gas purchases orthe opportunity to redeem points for gas cards.  Compare the cards’ interest rates and other guidelines.   Be sure that you’re only accruingdiscounts, not debt.  Two websitesto visit:  Cardhub.com,Bankrate.com and LowCards.com. 

Gas Comparison Websites:  Want to find the best price for gas in your town or yourdestination?  Go to:  Automotive.com, FuelMeUp.com,GasBuddy.com, GasPriceWatch.com, and MotorTrend.com.

Gas at Your Local Farm Co-Op:  Local and regional gas distributers may offer fuel for lesswhen you are a card-carrying member of their farm supply co-op.  Here in our town, we can get the tankfilled for a nickel less than the competitor.  They even have gas attendants who pump the gas and wash thewindows!

Car Rental Considerations:  When your trip includes a car rental or you’re considering avehicle change for the family, get some advice on which car will get you thebest for your gas dollar.  Visitfueleconomy.gov/feg/topten.jsp. 

There’s an “App” for That:  Smartphones can help you compare fuel prices on theroad.  Here are a few toconsider:  GasBuddy, Poynt, GasBook(for iPhone), and AAA’s TripTik. 

Want to Get More MPG? Your iPhone, iTouch or iPad can show you the way to smoother driving andother changes which will increase your fuel mileage.  Follow it’s “bells and whistles” and you’ll be on yourway! 

Amy is the Coordinator for the North Whidbey Coupon Club andthe Whidbey Island project “Coupons for Our Community”, both which helpfamilies eat better, for less.  Youcan connect to her good deal alerts by joining “Whidbey Coupon Club” onFacebook.  She also is a featuredspeaker and “Money Saving Mentor” to families, encouraging everyone to “Live aFuller Life, at Half the Price!”