In today’s economy, higher fuel prices are hurting more than one industry. There has been a sharp increase in gas prices over recent months. As a result, many businesses are struggling to keep their doors open. Others are suffering from falling revenues as customers spend less on goods and services.
The worst part is that those who already had a difficult time keeping their heads above water because of high oil prices aren’t doing much better now. If you run a small business, you may be feeling the pinch of higher energy costs like so many others.
It’s hard enough to manage a business during good times. But, if revenue suddenly drops, then it’s nearly impossible. When we factor in high energy costs, we find that the margins just got even tighter.
So prices go up and and our savings tend to dwindle. Here’s what you can do to help you weather the storm caused by higher fuel prices.
As we get older, our bodies start to deteriorate. We lose muscle mass as well as bone density. Our skin starts to wrinkle and sag. And, our hair becomes thinner and grayer. All of this makes us less attractive.
This is why it’s important for us to take care of ourselves. One way to do this is to eat healthy foods. This will help to keep your body in shape. Another thing that you can do is to exercise. Exercise helps to build muscles, which improves the appearance of your body.
However, one of the best things that you can do to improve the quality of your life is to reduce the amount of money that you spend on gas. I felt pretty unhealthy yesterday when I put $96.40 into my F-150 gas tank and I have the 2.7 economy. So to save some cents on my gas use I need to change some habits. So, here are five tips that will help you and me save on gas and lower our monthly expenses.
Check out how you can save on the higher grocery prices here.
1. Save On Higher Fuel Costs By Driving Less
I guess the heading says it all, DRIVE LESS! Of course, easier said than done. Here are a couple ways to drive less and I am sure you can brainstorm a few more.
Use public transportation instead of driving
When it comes to saving on fuel, using public transport is the most effective way to go. It may not be the safest, depending where you live, but it will be the most economical. Not only does this help to reduce pollution, but it’s also a lot more cost-effective than buying gasoline or diesel.
Don't use the car when you don't really have to it
If you live close to where you work, then it might be a good idea to walk or bike to work.
There are free mobile apps that help you save money by giving you real-time traffic updates, local gas prices, restaurant deals, and even offers from nearby merchants.
You can search for nearby restaurants, shops, coffee spots, movie theaters and more. Once you sign up, you’ll usually receive a map showing where you are, how much gas is available in the area, current road conditions, recent weather reports, and special promotions. Many times the apps also includes information about parking at the locations you choose.
Don’t forget to time your trips to include three or four at once. In other words, don’t drive to the store and come home, then drive to the bank later that day or the next day. Combine the two by making a schedule to do all your errands at one time. You will be amazed how much gas you will save by combining these trips. Actually less time filling up saving many more cents and turning them into many more dollars.
2. Save On Higher Fuel Costs By Using Gas Discount Stations
There are many advantages to buying gas from a discount station. First of all, it is usually cheaper than purchasing your fuel from an independent gas station. Secondly, the prices are usually fixed and not subject to fluctuation like those of major chains. Also, the discounts offered may be quite substantial depending on what kind of deal the store has going.
The first discount station opened in the mid-1980s in California. These were known as “supermarket/gasoline” combinations because they sold both groceries and gasoline under the same roof. In 1991, a chain of these was founded in South Carolina called the Thrifty Acres Superstore. The term discounting began to take hold of the industry with the rise of WalMart’s Sam’s Club program.
I personally use my Sam’s Club membership card to get my gas 5 cents cheaper per gallon than the current price at most of the other gas stations in my area. That means every time I fill my 20 gallon tank I turn cents into a dollar. Doesn’t sound like much a lousy $1 a tank full. However, if I only fill my tank two times a month (conservative for most of us) then I save $2 each month or $24 dollars a year.
3. Save On Higher Fuel Costs By Driving a Smaller Vehicle
Driving smaller vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in our society. They are safer for everyone on the road as well as cheaper for the environment. You can drive small cars such as Smart Cars, Mini Coopers, or a Kia Soul and any of the other fuel saving smaller vehicles.
Driving a smaller car has many advantages including savings in gas, oil, and maintenance costs. A small car requires less space than larger vehicles. For example, if you have an SUV with four doors, it takes up more room than a compact model with just two. The smaller size means that your fuel economy is higher. Smaller cars are usually less expensive to buy, insure, and maintain.
I’ve already said that I drive a F-150 Pick-up so not a smaller vehicle. My truck is rated 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway fuel economy. I average about 22.4 MPG and I’m happy with it. Certainly, a smaller car would get a better MPG rating and prhaps even 30 to 40 MPG. I don’t drive a lot anymore since I retired, fishing or the golf course, so it works out for me. However, if you drive a lot of miles consider saving some cents with a smaller daily driver.
4. Save On Higher Fuel Costs By Car Pooling Can Save A Lot of Cents
Car pooling is when people share rides. Many people carpool with others who live nearby and have similar work schedules. Years ago a buddy and I road to the factory together every day. We had about a 20 mile drive each way and saved a lot in wear and tear on our cars and fuel costs. That was in 1975 and gas prices were only .57 cents per gallon. Don’t wish that back though, minimum wage was only $2.10 an hour and I only made $2.50 an hour and my wife a tad less than that. However, we saved money by car pooling and were able to buy our first house even though we made less than $5 per hour combined. Of course, we cut corners here and there to save enough for that down payment. We had our first house built for us, a three bedroom full basement cape cod, with land for $21,500. So that down payment was only $5,000 a far cry fron the $50,000 you need now. I can tell you that was a lot of money for us and we saved faithfully to get it. Car pooling was one of the ways we saved.
Learn more about how to win the battle on higher utility prices
This article was written by business owner Dennis Snyder. He has two online businesses— Codaicen Fishing and Concerning Life Supplements He is an avid fisherman and travels extensively.
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