Gas prices are on the rise, and it can be difficult to keep your spending in check when you must fill up your tank. However, there are several ways that you can save money on gas without making too many sacrifices. Here are 7 tips that will help you spend less at the pump!

Save Money on Gas With a Rewards Card

If you have a rewards card, make sure to use it when you purchase gas! You can typically earn points or cash back on your purchases, which can add up over time. I recently received an email from my Discover credit card because they are offering 5% cash back on all gas purchases starting next month. Let’s do the math on that! If I spend $100 a month on cash, then I’ll get $5 back. That rate is better than any savings account. If you decide to take advantage of your credit cards that offer rewards, just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

There are also many gas apps such as, GetUpside and Fetch rewards, available that can help you save money on your fuel costs. These apps typically allow you to compare prices and find the best deals in your area. Additionally, some apps also offer rewards or discounts when you purchase gas from certain stations. It’s worth the time to down the app and get it setup to save money every time you go to the pump.

Share the Cost of Gas by Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to save money on gas, especially if you have a long commute. By carpooling with friends or co-workers, you can split the cost of gas and reduce your overall expenses. Additionally, carpooling can help reduce traffic congestion and save you time on your commute because there are less cars on the road. Some employers also offer incentives such as a premium parking spot or a rented vehicle to commute back and forth to work instead of using your personal vehicle.

Use Public Transportation to Save on Gas Costs

If possible, try to use public transit instead of driving. This can help you save money on gas, parking fees, and even vehicle maintenance costs. Most public transportation runs a seamless schedule so it’s reliable and get you to where you need to go on time. If you live close to a bus stop or train station the convenience is nice, and let’s not forget the exercise you’ll get walking to and from your home to the transit pick-up location.

Bike or Walk Whenever Possible

Whenever possible, try to bike or walk instead of driving. If you bike or walk to where you are going you will not have to do anything other exercise! LOL… Depending on where you live and where you need to go, both can be an option. Just be safe if you are doing either alone.

Minimize Your Gas Use by Planning Routes and Grouping Errands

Before you head out, try to plan your routes in advance. This will help you avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary trips. There have been so many times I’ve forgot my grocery list or did not reference it before leaving the store and forgot to buy something on my list that was important. If it was something that could have waited an extra week, then no big deal. Unfortunately, the essential things like soap, dish detergent, tissue, etc. cannot wait, so that means another trip to the store which means wasted gas.

Along with planning, you can also group your errands. If you are someone like me, I do my errands on the weekend and separate from my Monday- Friday commute. I could easily include my errands on the route I take for my regular weekday routine and save time and money.

Save Gas by Keeping Your Car Well-Maintained

It’s important to keep your car well-maintained so that you don’t have to spend extra money on gas. By ensuring that your vehicle is running efficiently, you can save a lot of money over time. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly and replace your air filter when necessary to get the best milage and fuel efficiency on your vehicle. Simple things like this can not only save money at the gas pump, but also save money on maintenance in the long run.

Car maintenance doesn’t only include the work that mechanic does, but also how well you treat your car while you are driving it. It’s been said by a Canadian study, that if you don’t accelerate quickly and gradually speed up you’ll have better fuel efficiency are well as increase and decreasing speed often, so think about using that cruise control when you can!

If you are in the market for a new car, be sure to check out these car buying tips for single moms.

Spend Less on Gas by Working at Home

When all else fails and you just need more money, than it’s time to find a side gig or business. Finding something that allows you to work from home is the best way to save money on gas. If you are someone who like to write or good at typing, then transcribe or freelance for bloggers and companies. Many of us have amazing skills we use at our full-time job or have previously learned that can be making us extra money on our own time. Some of these skills are making phone calls, writing policies, emailing, social media management, spreadsheets, etc. Use these skills to be a virtual assistance or offer specific services to businesses.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t let inflation cripple you from taken action to combat the problem.  The next time you hit the pump, keep these seven tips in mind to help slash your gas expenses. You may be surprised at just how much money you can save by making a few small changes to your routine. And who knows – with prices predicted to rise even further this year, every little bit helps! What are you waiting for? Start saving today and put more money back in your pocket. How have you saved on gas prices in the past? What tricks do you have up your sleeve? Let us know in the comments below!