The price of gasoline is higher than ever, but there are several things you can do to trim your transportation budget. This article shows you how.
One of the most effective steps that you can take to reduce the cost of getting from one place to another is purchasing a used car that is less than 5 years old. This allows you to get a relatively new car that is still in good shape, but still escape the steep depreciation that new cars suffer after they are bought. Be sure to choose a car that has good gas mileage as well, because with today’s prices, this can save you hundreds of dollars a year on fuel.
Shop around carefully for car insurance. There are several websites available that you can use to compare rates such as esurance.com. You also need to evaluate whether you should have collision and comprehensive coverage on your older car. Keeping minimal liability coverage can drastically lower your premiums. Also, if your cash reserves are sufficient, raising your deductible will reduce the cost of your coverage as well. Finally, having more than one type of policy with the same carrier can net you a package discount. Shopping around for gas can make a bigger difference than you think as well. Gas is cheaper in some states than in others; those who live near the state line may be wise to run for the border when they head for the pumps. Using a gas rebate credit card can also take some of the bite out of the cost of fuel. There are several cards available that will pay you cash back on your gas purchases. Public transportation and carpooling at least some of the time will also reduce the cost of gas, parking and maintenance on your vehicle. Even a few trips per month will add up to a noticable savings over time.