Saving Money On Food and Other Expenses

Saving Money On Gas: Part 2

2009-11-08T21:53:00.000-06:00

Here is some more tips that could save you money at the pump.

1. Apply for credit cards that gas stations have. Usually they save you money when you use them for gas purchases. Some common gas credit cards are from Shell and Exxon. Using these could save you money in the long run.

2. This one usually goes ignored. Park in the first parking spot you see. When people spend time and gas looking for the closest spot, they could save gas by parking in the first spot and already be in the store. An added plus with this is you would be getting your exercise along with saving money:)

3. Don't top off the tank. It wastes your money and is bad for our environment because it forces the liquid gas into the evaporative emissions system where it overworks circuits that are supposed to only send fuel tank vapors to the engine while it is running and can be burned. It pretty much messes up your engine, which decreases engine life and can cause costly repairs in the future.

4. A general rule of thumb, buy your gas on Wednesday. Studies have shown that gas companies generally lower the price on Wednesday. Also buy your gas three days before a holiday. Gas companies spike the price of gas during a holiday.

I hope you use these tips to help lessen the burden of your wallet:)

How To Save Money At The Pump

2009-11-05T18:41:00.000-06:00

Like most of you, I am addicted to gasoline. Since there are no assurances for all-electric cars, I will give you some tips on how you can save money at the pump.

1. Plan your trips before you go on them. Most people spend lots of money running errands and not planning their stops. Rank your priorties by importance and by a common route. If possible run errands between rush hours.

2. Carpool. I know it's not the most popular way to save gas, but if you and your coworkers find it hard to afford filling up at the pump, Carpool. Have one person drive everyone else to work and have the others pitch in some for gas. Alternate between coworkers and be sure to pitch in for gas when riding with others. Not pitching in will make you look like a freeloader.

3. If stopping at a convience store, if you are going to take longer than 30 seconds, turn off the car. If you have kids with you, this will be hard to do, since you can't leave kids in cars for long periods of time without supervision.

4. Last, but not least, compare gas prices along with quality. If you would save 2 cents by going to EZ-Mart but get lower quality of gas, maybe it's worth it if you spend two cents for better gas. Also, be sure to put fuel injector cleaning fluid into your gas everynow and again. That cleans your fuel injector, therefore giving you better engine performance and gas mileage.

I hope these tips will help you save money at the pump. Will have more gas tips later:)

How to Save Money On Food

2009-10-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

Are you finding yourself with less and less money then before? Do you see yourself dropping your car insurance or cutting much needed medical care because you are trying to feed your family? In this economy, this is true with most of the lower-level workers. Many people who voted for Obama are feeling betrayed and angered for no immediate effects. A health reform with no starting date or promise has angered most Americans. I, like many of you, are among the many who make less than $15K a year. But what I'm about to tell you will help you in a small, but very effective, way. So, with no futher ado, let me tell you some of the things that will keep you from breaking the bank.

1. First of all, see if you qualify for Supplemental Noutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Formally called Food Stamps, this addition for many people helps with money shortages between paychecks. Most people have misconceptions that this program is for extremely poor people, but if you make less then $2000 a month, you could qualify for SNAP.

2. If you don't qualify, it's alright because I can help you as well. Look into coupons online or in those Sunday Newspapers. This is an mostly untapped resource that could save people money. The best part about this is that anyone can do this. It can be combined with SNAP for substantial savings. You will also find coupons for non-food items of importance such as toothpaste, soap, deodorants, shampoos, etc.

3. Shop at supermarkets such as Wal-Mart, Kroger, Sav-A-Lot, etc. Look at competitors prices and price comp where acceptable. Consider buying in bulk instead of weekly. Compare prices and don't get fooled by "everyday low prices" tags.

4.Look into local farmer's markets. They usually have lower prices on your fresh produce and fruit.

5.Last but not least, ask family members about savings. Since one person cannot be everywhere at once, asking someone could lead you to some potential money saving.

I hope this will help you with your money saving endeavors. Here are some valuable sites you should look into.

To Apply for SNAP: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/apply.htm

To Look for Farmer's Markets Near You: http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/