Gas Prices Going Up; tips to save money!

Last week, gas was $2.79 but today I paid $3.09 for a gallon. And according to many sources it will probably continue to rise for some time. And if you are heated in the winter through natural gas, the increase will hit you twice- in your home and at the pump. But besides bellyache about the increase what can a frugal family do to offset the rise in gas prices?

Many "green" economists and politicians say that we need to car pool or ride a bike but I just laugh out loud at these and other related suggestions! Like many of my friends and blog readers, I live in a rural area and have young children. It's not like I can put my three kids on a bike and ride to school over 5 miles away, and I live close by to my school/job. Many of my friends drive between 10 and 40 miles one way to work. Therefore most suggestions I hear on the news shows just go in one ear and out the other. What can a real mom do to offset these increases in gas prices?

1. Consolidate errands.
Being frugal should mean that you become a planner. Planning your trips can become as natural as planning your grocery store purchases. For example, if you need to drive to the post office think of other places that you may need to go this week and try to go all in one trip. In my own life, I drive my girls to the dance studio 5 times per week. Instead of coming home after school for them to change I make sure they take their dance clothes to school. I take them to the studio right after I get off work. I also know that there is a newspaper stand across the street from the studio that stocks Sunday papers all week long. Instead of driving around town on Sunday collecting newspapers I wait until Tuesday when the girls are at dance for 2 hours. I buy multiple copies and file them in my binder right then while they dance.

2. Keep your car cleaned out.
So, I know that those who know me probably just spit their Diet Coke on their computer screen but I'm making this a goal for the month of November. Extra weight in your car causes you to use more gasoline.

3. Buy gas where you can get a discount.
I know that many people boycott Wal-mart but their gas prices in my town are the lowest plus if I use a Wal-mart gift card I can save $.03 per gallon. Some other big box stores have similar discount plans.

4. Don't speed

5. Buy gas either early in the morning or later in the evening.
Gas has some kind of scientific property that allows it to expand at lower temperatures, therefore you actually get more volume of gas when the temperatures outside are cooler.

6. Turn your gas cap until you hear 3 clicks.
This means your tank is completely closed and the gas cannot evaporate around the sides. Who knew?

7. Stay at home more!
A no-brainer really. Find fun things to do with your family at home. Make homemade play dough, bake cookies, play board games. I love to stay home during cold weather with my comfy socks on all day and just play with my kids.