Gas Price Tips: Don't Let it Fall Below the Halfway Mark

Gas prices are outlandish these days, and it's really hard to save money while giving it all away at the pump. Well, there are a few things that you can do to make the money last longer, but it may take a little while to see change.

I for one have limited options on conserving gas, but I try my best to save here and there when I can. Here are a few that help me and my
friends out with the rising gas prices:

1. Carpool once or twice a week. Find out if any of your colleagueslive near you and set up a carpool. (Make sure the people in your carpool are tolerable. There is nothing worst that riding with an annoying person to work every day.)

2. Purchase a gas giftcard each pay day or once a month. QuikTrip (QT) Gas Stations sell gift cards and they can be used at the pump. By using a giftcard, you can better regulate and pay attention to how much you spend on gas each week. Once you have run out of money on the card, you have an opportunity to review how much you have driven over the week and determine if you need to minimize travel.

3. Plan before driving. Many of us have errand days that we pick to handle everything we need to do that day. Map what you're going to do. Do not leave the house until you have a plan, because you might end up aimlessly driving back and forth to places when you could have gone a route that would take you in one direction rather than 10.

4. Find an alternate, quicker route to work that has minimal traffic lights and traffic.

5. Slow down. Change your driving habits, by going slower speeds. The faster you go the quicker you burn out gas.

6. Don't let it fall below the halfway mark. Once your gas hand falls below the halfway mark, it costs more to fill up your tank. I don't know if it's some type of conspiracy that the oil companies and car manufacturers have, but I've noticed that it takes more money to get the gas hand to the halfway mark than it does to keep it over the halfway mark. Weeks that I keep my tank over that mark, I spend a little less filling up. Try it out. It may work for you.

7. Keep up with your oil changes. Maintaining a healthy engine and healthy car can help you to save in the long run on gas and maintenance.

8. Catch the bus. Public transportation is much cheaper than personally paying at the pump.

9. Move closer to your main destinations if you are flexible with where your.

10. Go Green. Purchase a hybrid car. The cars are more expensive but save you more in the long haul.

11. Ride a bicycle, moped or motorcycle when the weather permits.

12. Walk. If you live close to everything you do then walk. It's good for your health and it costs you nothing but time.

Let's save our dollars while saving the environment!

What Are We Doing to this Planet???

Over the past year, I have really been concerned with the state of this planet. What did Earth ever do to us to make us want to just destroy it? Well, it is time for us to take charge of the situation.

There are several Go Green campaigns out there that are helping people to become aware of the problems this planet is facing.

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world population is expanding at a mind-boggling rate. The world reached 1 billion people in 1800; 2 billion by 1922; and over 6 billion by 2000. It is estimated that the population will swell to over 9 billion by 2050. That means that if the world’s natural resources were evenly distributed, people in 2050 will only have 25% of the resources per capita that people in 1950 had." Go Green Initiative

We have to help save this planet. Little changes in your lifestyle and habits can help:

1. Take your own shopping bag to the grocery store. Stores like Publix and Kroger now have shopping bags you can purchase that are reusable. This cuts down on the use of plastic. Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to break down.

2. Use less paper, but if you have to use paper remember to recycle.

3. Use paper plates, and recycle them when done. This will cut down on the use of water.

4. Be aware of how much water you use when taking showers.

5. Car pool.

6. Keep up with maintenance needed on your vehicle. Bad emissions equals pollution.

7. Turn off your lights if you are not using them.

8. Drive less. Minimize the time you spend on the road. Riding a bike to places near your home is still an option and a good form of exercise.

Not only will changing some of your daily habits help save the planet, your daily modification can also help your budget out some. You would be amazed at how much we waste on a daily basis.

I challenge you to look at what you use everyday, and think about how the things that you use everday impact the environment. Are you wasteful? If so, find ways to help the environment. We have to work together to save this planet...unless you like unstable weather patterns, smog, and depleting resources.

Check out some of the images of our impacts on this planet on Two JetSet Divas...and a Map. You will be amazed at what you see.

Gas Prices Rising Quicker Than Salaries

A few months ago, I was sitting in my review with my manager, anxious as to how much my salary increase would be for the year. I was hopeful that the company would take into consideration the fact that gas prices, food, insurance, and the cost of living in general are all quickly rising.

Once my manager showed me my increase, I realized that my hopes were shattered in a sense. I did get an increase, which was good. However, when I calculated the increase in my living expenses and the estimated gas budget that I now have to keep, the figures showed me that the increase had no impact on my income whatsoever.


The question now is, "how do you save if the cost of living is increasing faster than your income?" In addition to the increase in the cost of living, companies are trying to find new ways to cope in this economic disaster. Sadly, no one will really admit to the fact that we are in a recession, trends are happening that yell recession. Recently, I have noticed that retail stores are having several sales, and items go on clearance quicker than they even hit the stores. This is because these companies are getting hit by this economic low just like everyone else. They cannot keep merchandise on hand too long and they need to make profits in order to keep stores open.

For all of us to feel some relief, what can be done to fix the economic state? Because I'm more concerned at the personal level, I have some suggestions that will help individuals increase their own income by decreasing their spending habits.

1. Take advantage of the Economic Stimulus Tax Rebate. The tax rebate should be expected in many households this year, and it couldn't come at a better time. I have decided to take my rebate and put it in a separate account for gas, since gas prices are increasing ever so quickly. Another suggestion would be to put the money in a CD or savings account, because times are getting unpredictable.

2. Save a dollar a day to build a multi-million dollar retirement. I can't promise that everyone will make millions from saving a dollar a day, because it all depends on when you start to save. However, saving a dollar a day can still give you a comfortable retirement, and a comfortable savings plan. Even if you don't save a dollar a day, companies like Wachovia and Bank of America have wonderful programs out there to help you save while making daily transactions.

3. Cut costs. There are so many things that we do everyday that are wasteful, and we don't even notice. Cut down laundry loads. Turn off lights that aren't needed. If you are not in a room, then turn the light off. Review your bills to determine what can be decreased and/or eliminated. Charge less. Your credit card bills could be eating away at your income. Use energy efficient light bulbs. Carpool or take the bus to work. Take your lunch to work. Cut coupons!

4. Don't shop as frequently as you did before. If you are a shopper like me and love clothes, shoes, fine jewelry and anything the retail world has to offer, don't fall for the tricks. The sales and clearance events are appealing, but you are on a budget. I know these businesses need to stay in business, but not at the expense of our livelihood. I'm not saying to eliminate shopping altogether. Just spend wisely. Otherwise, you will have a wonderful wardrobe but no electricity or gas to get to work.

There are so many options for saving money. Some are time consuming and others are as simple as changing out your lightbulbs. Each of these things will help you to save little by little over time, and remember that it's the little things that count.

Let's save money and not let the current economic state get the best of us. Our forefathers were not as wasteful as we are today. Make the most of what you have, and your retirement can be enjoyable.


For those of you more interested in finding information regarding the tax rebate, visit the following links:

Tax Rebate Calculator

Tax Rebate Schedule

A Guide to Budget Traveling: Travel as a Student and Broke Adult is Possible

You’re sitting in your room studying for an exam, tired, restless, and in need of some relaxation. I bet you’re thinking, “How did I get here?” You’re in college, classes have gotten the best of you, and you have been on edge for weeks now. Aside from all of the partying you have done over the past few months, you need a break from studies. So, you’ve now realized that you’re well overdue for a vacation, but needing a break isn’t the biggest part of your problems.

Even if you wanted a vacation, you have a college student budget. What do you do with the funds you currently have available? What can you do with the funds you don’t have available? Well, there are options. You can spend some time on the beach, in the mountains, or on foreign soil.

Rest assured, there are options for the budget traveler. Students and broke adults can now enjoy the luxury of last-minute vacations to destination locations. From motorcycle rides through the city to long days on the beach to a tour of London, low budget style anyone can enjoy a discount, mini vacation with minimal funds.

Let’s start with searching for the right ticket that fits your budget. Is your destination feasible for your pocket? You might find the perfect plane ticket to the perfect location, but can you afford the hotels, food, and transportation in that location? These are all things that the budget traveler must consider. When I was in college, I had the opportunity of traveling within the United States on a regular basis. Most of my trips entailed me visiting friends who attended colleges throughout the US. I traveled on a very low budget and usually in my reliable small car.

Who can you stay with to minimize the cost of room and board? Travel places where friends and family are close. If driving, how much gas money do you have available? You have to eat, so what is your food budget. Though it is easy to forget to eat on vacation, it is not realistic to think you will not need food. The price of food can vary from destination to destination.

You never know what last minute plans may happen and you never know what emergencies may occur. What if the tire goes flat and you have no spare? What if the car totally breaks down and you need a tow truck? What if you get injured during a freak accident? Planning is important, especially for the unexpected.

But let’s be real…you’re a college student. You don’t have to plan. That is part of the fun and joy of being a college student. Have fun. Enjoy life. Take a risk. But use some common sense. Keep a little extra money on the side in your travel budget for the unexpected. Life is not like a movie. You will not end up meeting someone who just happened to be at a restaurant or bar that you were at who is willing to just hand you thousands of dollars for being you. Think this through and enjoy yourself.

Planning

1. What is your personal budget? After taking care of personal bills, do you have anything left?
2. What is your travel budget? How much do you have available for this trip, which will allow you to still have money when you come home?
3. How will you travel? Plane, train, bus, car, boat….
4. What are your destination options? Domestic or international locations? Exotic or traditional?
5. What is the purpose of your travel? Relaxation, fun, or a little of both?
6. Where will you stay? Hotel, with friends, on a resort, in a bed and breakfast?
7. Would you like to see the sights or just relax?
8. How long will your trip be? Weekend or week long?

Tips

1. Be aware of exchange rates for international travel.
2. Be careful of your surroundings during travel.
3. American Express is your friend. The company usually has pretty good prices on exchange rates and traveler’s checks. If this is a last minute travel plan, you can visit an American Express store for currency and traveler’s checks. If you would like one on one contact with American Express travel agents, contact numbers are as follows:
Inside the U.S. call 1-800-297-2977
From outside the U.S. call 1-210-582-2716
*For those of you who have AAA, traveler’s checks issued by AAA are free and are available in all AAA branches. So there are always options.
4. When making travel arrangements, go through travel agencies that offer college and university student discounts, such as Student Universe and Euro Railways.
5. Also, be aware of student discounts available at everyday businesses. Savings on shopping needs can mean more money in your travel budget.

Picking the Right Destination

I am sure Cancun and South Beach are desirable for most Spring Breakers and summer travelers, but let’s be realistic here. How often can you really go to Cancun without wondering if there is some other place that is just as exciting? There are several destinations that are affordable, fun, and reasonable. Today's suggested travel destination is Montega Bay, Jamaica.

Montego Bay, Jamaica
Why Montego Bay instead of the many other destinations in Jamaica? For starters, Montego Bay is the easiest location to get to. Typically, travelers fly into Montego Bay and have to take a bus or helicopter to desired destinations on the island. So, staying on Montego Bay would automatically cut part of the travel costs. Also, there are several touristy venues and places on Montego Bay that allow the traveler many options once on the island. Another benefit is the hotel specials because Montego Bay is so heavily traveled.

Montego Bay is beautiful and has much to offer to the first time visitor. For more details on what Montego Bay has to offer, visit the Yahoo Travel Guide and Jamaica.com. As a budget traveler, I will tell you that it is cheaper to piece together trips at times, so you do not necessarily have to get trapped by a vacation package or resort. Jamaica has several hotels available for lodging, but you will have to pay for food and drinks separately. Please be aware of the native food. If you do not choose a package from a resort, you will have to fen for yourself. Just make sure you eat at establishments that look sanitary, and do not go too far outside of your element. When you do this, you open yourself for stomach issues, and that is not fun.

Whether it is Montego Bay, Daytona Beach, a friend's house in the country or travel to the next town over, it is important to just get away. One day away could give you the relaxation you need. So, broke adults and students, don't let your budget stop you from enjoying life!