Six Ways to Deal with Rising Gas Prices

1. Save gas. For many people, especially commuters, it can be difficult to cut down on driving time. Carpooling whenever possible and splitting the cost of gas for group trips can help. Figure out the common places you drive that are farthest away and try to go there less often. Obviously, if you drive far to work or to school it can’t be helped, but if something is not a necessity and it’s really far away, you may want to consider cutting back.

2. Save money. Look at your budget and try to determine when you’ll run out of things like groceries and toilet paper. Then strategize your trips by stocking up on things you need and finding out the best time to go places, like maybe you go to the store every sixth Tuesday afternoon. Have detailed goals, like to-do or to-buy lists, when you go places. That way, you’ll be less likely to get caught off guard by an unexpected trip because you forgot something and had to go all the way back.

3. Save gas. If you’re directionally challenged like me, you use up a lot of gas getting lost and stuck in extra traffic as a result. A GPS in your car or a GPS app on your phone can save you quite a bit of gas if you know exactly where to go. If possible, take a friend along with you to help you navigate. And make sure you know how to use the GPS before you fiddle with it in desperation because you took the wrong exit.

4. Save money. There are plenty of apps that tell you the location of gas stations with the cheapest prices or stations that are closest to you, but even if you don’t have access to apps, research and keep up with the gas stations near you. Maybe the cheapest station is a far away and, if so, determine if you’ll save more money by driving farther for cheap gas or driving just around the corner for expensive gas.

5. Save gas. In addition to listing the places you go that are farthest away, keep track of all the places you go in general and consider how many trips are necessary. Weigh the benefits of the trip versus the cost to get there. If I have a favorite music store but it’s an hour away, I have to decide if it’s worth the two hours of gas.

6. Save money. This is basic budgeting. If you need more money in one area of your budget, like gas, figure out where you can afford to cut. Maybe the fro yo section of your budget can contribute to the gas section. Find out what’s nonnegotiable and where you have a little wiggle room and work from there.