Easy Ways to Save on Gas

Today across the country the gas prices are all above $3.00 a gallon and in California where I live, it is closer to $4.00. Many people will say you should trade in your car for a gas efficient or electric car, but some of us cannot afford to do that. For us, I have a list of things that are pretty easy to do that will improve your fuel economy no matter what kind of car or truck you drive courtesy of fuel economy.gov.

Making sure your car is tuned up properly and the oxygen sensor is functioning can greatly increase your miles per gallon. The tune up is about a 4% increase in mpg, while the oxygen sensor can increase your mpg 40%! The sensor is usually a pain, but worth it in the long run. Besides, if you have smog requirements in your state, you will have to replace the sensor anyways to pass.

Properly inflating tires saves gas and tire wear and tear. These are shoes for your vehicle and you should treat them as well as you would your own feet. There are some who say this can't make a huge difference, but you try driving with flattened tires and see how well it works.

Following the speed limit will keep you from getting a ticket and running out of gas as much. Decreasing your speed to 55 on freeways can save gas and keep you out of trouble too!

Here are some other tips that will save gas as well:

• Don't accelerate hard
• Remove excess stuff from car
• Run more than one errand at a time
• Avoid idling for long periods of time
• Change your air filter
• Carpool

The Best Things in Life Are Free!

Everyone knows how hard it is to make ends meet these days especially with gas prices creeping up with milk prices following suit. I say we go back to the days of bartering and trade. I get my best freebies from friends and family that are redecorating their home or just trying to declutter a room.

I donate my clothes to clothing banks instead of Goodwill because I feel better knowing my donation will go to the homeless and those in need. I am looking for a clothing bank in my new neighborhood to help those in need that live in my community. Clearing out a few closets is only a small benefit of knowing a child could be using your daughters' (too small for them) coats for warmth on a cold winter night outside or if they are lucky, in a car.

Since I don't have a lot of money to give, I try to donate my reusable items and time whenever I can. When times were rough for me some time ago, these same places (clothing and food banks) made a huge difference for me and my girls. I think it's only fair to pay it forward. 

I always let people know that if they have stuff they don't need to keep me in mind. If I can't use the item, I usually know someone who does!