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gas strategies

March 21st, 2012 at 07:58 pm

Looks like gas is going to stay in the 3.75 to 4 range here, so I've been thinking of trying to save by figuring out all of the ways there are to get discounts on gas.

I'm also doing a driving style mileage test. I'm tracking the mpg on my daily commute, factoring in different ways and speeds of driving. Maybe that will give me a way to shave a little more off of the expense.

I'd love to hear your ideas on how to save. Maybe we can start some sort of reference or list we can post here or in the forums.

My first thoughts were:
--my grocery store gas discount. Everyday spending isn't enough to net much of a discount, but some people I know buy gift cards at the grocery store for places they know they are going to eat/shop to get the extra gas discount. It can add up, but there's also the chance to overspend.

--gas rewards credit cards. I'm getting ready to cancel a few cards and have been looking for a rewards card that is worth it, so maybe this will be a consideration. My regualr grocery store has one that provides a modest gas discount and grocery discounts.


5 Responses to “gas strategies”

  1. Miz Pat Says:
    1332361030

    In my locality, it seems like all the lowest priced gas stations want cash, or will charge you 75 cents to use a debit card. For this reason I budget cash for gasoline, and I have a gasbuddy application on my company-supplied Iphone, which lets me figure out where to buy gas in my locality or if a trip or errand will put me close to an area where its cheaper.

    I plan a lot of my shopping around sunday because I go to church, then get groceries at the far off grocery stores, etc.

    I am getting over an ankle sprain, but if I do good, I'll blow up the tires on my bike and then bike to the grocery store.

  2. snafu Says:
    1332363253

    I too make it a point to fill-up while running errands either Wednesday or Sunday when many stations in this community run a special at the pump not noted on the signage. Gasbuddy is a great tool since discounts show up unexpectedly. I'm particularly mindful before a long weekend which guarantees a price spike.

    We're experimenting using a cash back credit card more to track sum spent and outlet.

  3. mjrube94 Says:
    1332366177

    Very occasionally, you can find discounted gas cards on websites. www.plasticjungle .com currently has Shell gift cards for 2% off. I've used Plasticjungle several times in the past without problems. I also use giftcardrescue .com and cardpool .com. You can add the gas cards to your "wish list" and when they become available, you'll be notified. It's not much, but every bit helps...

  4. rob62521 Says:
    1332547538

    The gas prices are getting scary...they usually jump up on Friday and didn't today, although oil reportedly went up. I'm sure it will go up again soon.

    I like your idea of a list...we can all benefit from it!

  5. Jerry Says:
    1332695430

    I currently live in a part of the world where gas is even more expensive (and people earn considerably less money, too), so I have a first hand view of what they do to combat it. Here, most people convert their gasoline vehicles to run on propane or methane, which are both made extensively available at the gas stations (due to demand!). Not only are these fuels MUCH cheaper, but they are also cleaner-burning. I read last week that T Boone Pickens (the billionaire energy tycoon) drives a propane vehicle and says that we Americans are foolish not to use it. Just food for thought, anyway. I plan on using it in my next vehicle.
    Jerry

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