With #gasoline prices soaring, many Americans are cutting back on other expenses, including travel, entertainment, dining out and household essentials, according to an ABC News report. Some 41% of Americans said they were concerned about being able to afford groceries over the next few months. The good news? One place you can always #save on clothing, housewares and other goods is at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org — and shopping at them helps the many #veterans in your area who might be struggling right alongside you. #SaveOnGas #Inflation #GasolinePrices
Tag: auto
Drive Thoughtfully to Save on Gasoline
The No. 1 factor in your vehicle’s #fuel economy is likely you — and while old (driving) habits die hard, being more Zen behind the wheel can #save money. High speeds, fast acceleration and hard braking can reduce #gas mileage by 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in traffic, according to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates. Stick to the speed limit and drive more conservatively, and you may be able to save on #gasoline. “The DOE also cautions against hauling cargo on the roof of your car and recommends drivers avoid idling, which can burn up to half a gallon of fuel per hour,” AARP adds. #SaveOnGas
Maximize Your MPG to Save on Gas
One of the best ways to #save on #gasoline is to ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently, says MoneyFit. Check the tire pressure monthly and keep them inflated to the PSI level recommended listed inside the driver-side door. If you have extra #junk in the trunk, remove it to save on weight. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use to reduce drag. And finally, follow the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, replacing air filters and changing oil on time to keep the engine running smoothly. Prices at the pump will still hurt, but you’ll be maximizing your miles per gallon. #SaveOnGas
Pick a Pump to Beat High Gasoline Prices
The average price of #gasoline fell 10.7 cents last week to $3.94 per gallon of unleaded regular, according to GasBuddy, 85.6 cents per gallon higher than one year ago. But that sub-$4 price is unlikely to last for long. If you must drive, you can spend somewhat less by using warehouse club discounts or joining a chain’s loyalty program, CNN reports. For example, Walmart+ members can #save 10 cents per gallon at more than 13,000 Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations nationwide, and major chains such as Circle K and BP/Amoco offer discounts for frequent customers. #SaveOnGas
It’s Time to Clean and Organize the Garage
Meant to hold an automobile and (maybe) a few tools or outdoor items, the #garage tends to attract all kinds of #stuff. Out of sight and mostly out of mind, the garage can quickly become a dumping ground for old #clothing, #boxes of memorabilia, extra furniture, sporting goods and tons of other items that don’t immediately find a place elsewhere.
The change of seasons is a great time to clean out the garage and #organize the things that make the most sense to house there — including your car. But before you start to #purge and #clean, “think about how your garage can best serve you and sketch out a plan to achieve an end result you’re happy with,” says Martha Stewart.
Examine your garage #storage needs. Maybe you have a lot of sporting goods — bicycles, watercraft or camping gear, for example. Perhaps you’re an avid gardener and need a dry space to store shovels, rakes, the lawnmower and other equipment. And of course, anything to do with a motor vehicle and its maintenance should have a space here, too.
Once you have a plan, pick a mild day and empty the garage out. Dust the rafters, sweep and vacuum, and wipe down the flat surfaces. Eliminate common nuisances such as spider webs and wasps’ nests. Sweep and mop the floors with a soapy solution or something stronger if you want to get rid of engine oil stains.
Then, wipe down whatever you decide to keep in the garage and return it to a dedicated #space. “Now is the time to create additional storage solutions,” Martha Stewart notes, by installing overhead racks and shelves for boxes and bins, pegboard #organizers for tools, hooks for bikes and kayaks, and a bench for gardening equipment.
Anything that prefers climate-controlled storage such as paper goods and fabric items should probably find a home indoors in a (dry) basement or closet. And anything you no longer need or want that doesn’t fit into your newly #organized garage can go to ClothingDonations.org by arranging a #free #donation #pickup at your convenience.
A clean and organized garage might be a place where you’ll want to spend more time when the weather permits. You may even be able to park your car there!