Pls click on other category for cost saving ideas ...
Airline Fares
Compare low-cost carriers with major carriers that fly to your destination. Remember, the best fares may not be out of the airport closest to you.
You may save by including a Saturday evening stay-over or by purchasing the ticket at least 14 days in advance. Ask which days of the week and times of the day have the lowest fare.
Even if you are using a travel agent, check airline and Internet travel sites, and look for special deals. If you call, always ask for the lowest fare to your destination.
Car Rental Since car rental rates can vary greatly, compare total price (including taxes and surcharge) and take advantage of any special offers and membership discounts.
Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have.
New Cars You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with low depreciation, financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs. Ask your local librarian for new car guides that contain this information
Having selected a model and options you are interested in, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping. Get price quotes from several dealers (over the phone or Internet) and let each know you are contacting the others.
Remember there is no "cooling off" period on new car sales. Once you have signed a contract, you are obligated to buy the car.
Public Transit/ Car Pool Take public transit or car pool instead of driving to work - Depending on where you live and how far you commute, you’ll save money on gas, parking, insurance and wear-and-tear on your car. And cutting out the daily drive to work and back will cause less stress on the environment – and you
Used Cars Before buying any used car:
- Compare the seller's asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook” or other guide to car prices, which can be found at many libraries, banks, and credit unions.
Have a mechanic you trust check the car, especially if the car is sold "as is." - Consider purchasing a used car from an individual you know and trust. They are more likely than other sellers to charge a lower price and point out any problems with the car.
Auto Leasing Don't decide to lease a car just because the payments are lower than on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments are lower because you don't actually own the car.
Leasing a car is very complicated. When shopping, consider the price of the car (known as the capitalized cost), your trade-in allowance, any down payment, monthly payments, various fees (excess mileage, excess "wear and tear," end-of- lease), and the cost of buying the car at the end of the lease. A valuable source of information about auto leasing can be found in Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide, which is published by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Trade Commission.
Gasoline You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices at different stations, pumping gas yourself, and using the lowest-octane called for in your owner's manual.
You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your engine tuned and your tires inflated to their proper pressure.
Car Repairs Consumers lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or poorly done car repairs. The most important step that you can take to save money on these repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic. Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who:
- is certified and well established;
- has done good work for someone you know; and
- communicates well about repair options and costs.
Other Good Practices
Maintain your vehicle - A vehicle that runs smoothly uses less gas than one that is poorly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter and other recommended maintenance will all help to give you a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Don't drive during rush hour - Go to work, and come home from work, either earlier or later if possible, to avoid the rush hour. Getting stuck in a traffic jam, and stop-and-go driving, is one of the worst ways to waste gas.
Telecommute - Working from home can save tons in gas, not to mention giving you more time, productivity, and happiness. If you can telecommute even one or two days a week, this can be a substantial savings.
Remove weight - Driving with more people, and more stuff in your car, drags the car and requires more fuel. Lighten your load by removing excess cargo.
Minimize idling - One of the worst offenders in lowering your gas mileage, idling gets you zero miles per gallon. If you are going to idle for a minute or less, leave your car on, but if it's going to be much longer than a minute, you should turn off your car.
Drive slower - Driving the speed limit is more fuel efficient than speeding.
Accelerate and brake easier - Driving too aggressively, especially starting fast and braking fast, is bad for fuel economy. Accelerate gently, and try to minimize use of your brakes, if possible.
Use higher gears - Driving fast in low gears is bad for fuel economy as well. Drive in as high a gear as possible, unless you're down-shifting in order to slow down or control speed.
Buy a fuel-efficient car - Actually, this is the most important tip on this list. A heavier car wastes gas. Get a lighter car, especially one with a fuel-efficient engine and design. See the federal government's article on choosing a more efficient vehicle.
Roll up windows on highway - While many people think they're saving money by turning off the air-conditioner, it actually creates a strong drag if you are driving fast with the windows down, and is worse for your fuel economy. If you are driving slow, around town, turn off the air-conditioner and roll down the windows. Roll them up on the highway.
Don't top off - Topping off while you are filling up your tank is a waste of gas, as any gas that you top off will spill or otherwise be wasted.
Park in shade - A hot car evaporates gas. If it's a hot day, park in the shade, and use your garage.
Walk - Driving less is a great way to save gas. If you have to make a trip of only a few blocks, try walking instead. You will burn fat instead of gas.
Cycle - Many people live close enough to work that they can commute by bike. It's not hard, and you get exercise while saving money.
Live closer to work - Of course, you probably won't be able to implement this tip today, but the next time you're considering where to live, try to find a place close to your workplace, or try to find a job closer to your house. It will save a lot of driving.
Group errands - Instead of doing one or two errands a day, try to group them all on one day, and plan an efficient route to cut back on driving.
Use cruise control - This method has actually been proven to save a lot of gas, as it reduces heavy acceleration and heavy use of the brake. A steady driving speed will improve fuel economy.
Don't buy hot gas - Buy gas during the morning or evening hours, when it's cool, or you will be buying gas at a time when it's expanded (and thus getting less).
Avoid car wash – use own cloth, water and you can exercise so more
No comments:
Post a Comment