NEW YORK (AP) — Gasoline prices are falling, but they’re still higher than they were a year ago. And inflation has made almost everything else more expensive. If you’re looking to save money on your trip, here are some tips:
IF YOU HAVE A CAR:
MAKE A DRIVING STRATEGY
AAA recommends avoiding traffic and adjusting your normal route to avoid unnecessary driving. When possible, visit “one stop shops” where you can run multiple errands in the same space and only use premium gas for cars that recommend or require it.
“Paying premium gasoline for a car that is regular is a waste of money and does not benefit the vehicle,” according to AAA.
MODE YOUR SPEED
Managing the speed limit can help you save money. Most vehicles achieve optimum fuel economy at 50 mph. According to fueleconomy.org, for every 5 mph you drive above that, it can cost an extra 30 cents per gallon.
For more fuel-saving tips, the US government offers tips on choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle and how to save gas in hot or cold weather.
CONSULT GAS APPLICATIONS
You can save money by looking at which gas stations offer the cheapest gas prices.
“While there is no silver bullet for ultimate savings on this global product, a gas app can help you save pennies,” NerdWallet wrote in an article ranking the top five gas apps.
WATCH OUT FOR GOVERNMENT HELP
Since the start of the pandemic, state and local governments have provided financial assistance in a variety of ways.
Vicente González, a postal worker in Boyle Heights, a Los Angeles neighborhood that has experienced economic hardship from both the pandemic and inflation, has benefited from help from both the government and the community.
“I was able to benefit from backpack giveaways, mental health services and food distributions,” said Gonzalez, who also helped with some food distribution efforts in her community.
Some cities and states are providing relief packages to help residents deal with rising inflation and high gas prices. Colorado is sending $750 to people to fight rising costs and Chicago is sending $150 gas cards and $50 prepaid transit cards to eligible residents.
ASK YOUR CO-WORKERS OR NEIGHBORS IF YOU CAN CARpool
San Jose State University professor Asha Weinstein Agrawal recommends carpooling, even if it’s just once a week. According to the US Census Bureau, only 9% of commuters carpool.
IF YOU USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
TALK TO YOUR EMPLOYER
Even working from home one day a week can make a difference. If a job is remote-friendly, employers should be open to the idea of covering some of the costs of commuting to work at least temporarily, said Abbie Langston, director of equitable economics at PolicyLink, a national research institute.
If that’s not feasible, Yanira Merino, national president of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, suggests that people talk to their employers about financial incentives to pay for the trip.
“I think this is a time to organize our community and try to do as much as possible in places where we don’t have public transportation,” Merino said.
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A DISCOUNT PASS
Children, students, and seniors 65 and older are among those who may qualify for discounts.
For example, the New York City MetroCard has a reduced fare for people who are 65 or older or have qualifying disabilities or a service animal. Los Angeles Metro also offers a low-income discount for citizens earning less than $41,400 a year.
BUY TICKET PACKAGES
Buying 10-day or monthly packages, depending on how often you use public transportation, can help you save money.
Riders of the Boston subway, for example, can purchase an unlimited one-day pass, which allows them to ride various types of public transportation, for $11, but they can purchase an unlimited seven-day pass for $22.50. If you travel five days a week, you’d save $32.50 by purchasing the seven-day pass.
CHECK IF YOUR EMPLOYER OFFERS WORK BENEFITS BEFORE TAXES
With pre-tax benefits, employees do not pay taxes on the portion of their earnings that is spent on commuting costs. The maximum monthly amount people can use as benefits before taxes is $280, according to the IRS.
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Source: apnews.com