With some analysts predicting gas prices to peak at as much as $2.50 per gallon or more, those of us on a budget will have to find ways to meet the higher cost of fuel or cut back on our gas consumption. Five weeks ago I was able to pay $1.77 per gallon at a local station; the price has now jumped to $2.19 per gallon and climbing. So now when I fill up my 13-gallon gas tank I'm paying $5.46 more. Filling up twice a week, or about 10 times a month on average, will cost me $54.60 more each month. Fortunately, I have some wiggle room in my personal budget to meet this increase.
For those who don't have that flexibility, here are some tips to help you survive the pumped up prices awaiting you at your neighborhood gas station:Maintain Your VehicleKeeping your tires properly inflated,your engine tuned, and checking your oil regularly are a few small ways that will help you save on fuel consumption and costs. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can cause poor handling. You'll also have to replace your tires more frequently. A well-tuned engine, along with regularly scheduled oil changes, will help your vehicle work properly and more efficiently, using less fuel.Combine Frequent Short TripsInstead of making several short trips for shopping, doctor's visits, and other errands, combine these short trips into one larger trip. Arrange your route so that you can go from point A to point C without having to back track to get to point B without wasting time and fuel.Carpool and Use Other Modes of TransportationTwo or more can travel cheaper if they "pool" their resources.
Take turns with neighbors on trips to the grocery store and for other errands, including activities with the kids. Hop on a bicycle or walk if you're within a mile or so of your destination. You'll cut down on fuel use and get some exercise too!Monitor Your Driving HabitsWatch those jackrabbit starts and don't be a lead foot. Drive at moderate speeds - you use more fuel per mile when you drive faster than 55 mph. Limit your use of the air conditioning to when you are out on the highway.Search Online for Lowest Prices Finding the lowest possible price in your area can help to lower your fuel bills, especially if you fill up often, but don't go crazy driving all over the place to save a few pennies.
Search sites like ? 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.comAuthor: James H. DimmittJames is editor of "To Your Credit" a FREE weekly newsletter focusing on managing your personal finances and credit. Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Gas Prices On the Rise, But Auto Ownership Costs Don?t Have To
Gas prices everywhere are going up, up, up.
According to recent news reports, the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States (as of March 31st) is $2.15, up $.25 in the last six weeks alone.
Sometimes it seems like the only way to save money is to stop driving.
But there are other ways to save money without staying home.
Some are combating high gas prices by getting a new, more fuel efficient vehicle.
If you go this route, make sure you do your research:-???The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently updated its crash test ratings.
Visit www.iihs.org to make sure the vehicle you want to buy has a good rating.-???Visit www.fueleconomy.gov to compare fuel economy and emissions of different vehicles.-???Auto Insurance prices can vary from model to model, so visit
Gas Prices On the Rise, But Auto Ownership Costs Don?t Have To
Toyo tires > Gas Prices On the Rise, But Auto Ownership Costs Don?t Have To
Camping in Lead King Basin
The first Summer that I lived in Colorado provided me with an opportunity to spend six weeks camping in the western Rocky Mountains, during June and July.
In preparation for a summer in the outdoors, I acquired an eleven-year-old1985 Dodge Ramcharger, a model famous for its 4x4 capability and ruggedness.
Just the thing for negotiating the wilds of the West Elk Mountains.
I cruised south from Glenwood Springs, turned short of the road to Aspen, and passed the beehive coke ovens of Redstone to the town of Marble.
In some ways, Marble is a modern ghost town, with dirt roads and weather-beaten cabins, but as it hosts a Post Office and fire department, it retains its "living" status.
True to its name, the local quarries provided some of the highest quality stone for monuments in Washington.Pavement rapidly disappeared as I headed up the steep, one-lane road from Marble.
I passed the U.S. Forest Service road sign that advised "4WD Only Beyond...
Extended Auto Warranties
An extended auto warranty is considered to be an insurance policy made on your vehicle as a safeguard against expensive and unforeseen repairs. The warranty covers repairs and/or maintenance over an agreed length of time. Since extended auto warranties cost extra and are sold separately, they are also considered as service contracts.
Buying an extended auto warranty ensures emergency road service so that you need not dread dead batteries and blown tires. Towing services are also provided, if necessary. Some extended auto warranties also provide fuel to spark ignition engines for the needy.
In the event of an accident, ambulance services are provided if the vehicle covered by the extended auto insurance is involved in the accident. So buying an extended auto warranty gives one the peace of mind of knowing that if there are any repairable malfunctions to the car, it can be taken to the repair shop of one's choice and the cost of the claim will be covered by the extended...
Extended Auto Warranties
Stop Work Be More Productive And Kill Computer Related Stress
Sorry, computer related stress (CRI) will eventually harm you if you insist on slaving away non-stop at a computer for hours without a break. To make sure you can be more productive long term, you MUST pace yourself.
- For starters, you need to take a five or ten minute break from working about once every hour. Exercise, take a rest, or do something enjoyable during the break. Try and forget about the work you have been doing; fretting only contributes to muscle and mental strain.
- Massaging your hands and forearms several times a day will improve circulation.
You should also massage your neck muscles to relieve the tension of keeping your head in one position for any length of time.
Work downwards from your head to your shoulders, pressing more firmly as you go on. You may want to rub in a small amount of good-quality hand cream or massage oil, as this will stop your skin becoming dry and sore.
- Try to...