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
Tag: shopping
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
The Holidays Are Coming in Hot
It happens every year — no sooner do the leaves start to turn and suddenly, it’s the #holiday season. This year, however, the #holidays are coming in particularly hot, so you can strap in for a wild couple of months of entertaining, socializing and shopping.
If you think that calendar “creep” is getting worse, you aren’t imagining it. “‘Summerween’ became a July phenom, pumpkin spice lattés launched at Starbucks in August, and Hallmark kicked off its Christmas movie hype in September,” says the advertising blog Muse by Clios.
With the economy on shaky ground and inflation on the rise, advertisers are focusing on value. You may have less money, time and energy to spread around during the season, not to mention fewer days to shop after a late Thanksgiving. How will you handle the season without succumbing to stress?
First, manage expectations of yourself, says UC Davis Health. Don’t overschedule. Calendar events and list your responsibilities. Simplify travel plans to reduce the time spent in cars and airports. Take a break when you fell stressed from #shopping, #cooking and #cleaning.
To stay within budget, manage your gift-giving. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have or give every single person you know a gift. You may be able to make some of the gifts you give or #thrift a few items at a discount. Crafting or baking homemade goods might even become a holiday tradition!
Make a list and check it twice, says the American Bankers Association. Note the people for whom you plan to buy, what your price range is and a few ideas for gifts. Look for bargains on the targeted gifts and (try to) resist impulse buying onscreen and in stores.
The holidays are also a season for giving to charity. About 1 million #veterans nationwide rely on SNAP benefits, which were recently interrupted; you can #donate to the local food bank to help solve some of that food insecurity at least temporarily.
You can also schedule a #donation #pickup at ClothingDonations.org to benefit #veterans at any time of year. Your lightly used #clothing and #household goods will be resold to fund programs that target food and housing insecurity, veteran health care, and more.
We’re in the thick of the holiday season already, but don’t stress. Get #organized — sort out what you need to do and tackle those essential tasks one by one. Then, kick back and enjoy!
Where to Shop for Organizing Gifts
Whether you’re shopping for a #holiday #gift or for yourself, there’s a lot to be said for things that help #store and #organize #clothing and other merchandise. While the most obvious is The Container Store, you can look to more than two dozen retailers for a variety of innovative home #storage products, Real Simple says. #Decluttering queen Marie Kondo has a line of stylish #organizers for at home and on the go, for example, and big-box retailers such as Target, Home Depot and Ikea offer bins, shelving and accessories. #Organization and style often go hand-in-hand, and many retailers are offering expedited shipping to get #gifts in time for Christmas.