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Save Dollars On Gas And Other Things

I have been engaged in a bit of research on the numerous tactics to save dollars and have discovered numerous good ideas amongst those that are not so good.

Suggestions that are not so helpful are those that are unrealistic ("pay off your credit cards now and save interest" which you would (have done if you could), corny (coupons and rebates and irritating nonsense like that) and too much of a sacrifice (use public transportation, etc)

So, here are a few worthwhile ones...

1. SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES

There are many things you can do to keep from wasting money on food that will perish or that will sit on the shelves forever. For example, never go grocery shopping when you are hungry! Also, have a list so you don't "impulse buy" yourself into bankruptcy. Other ideas are to have a budget and at least try to come close (it's like the game "The Price Is Right" - if you go over you lose!), choose store brands instead of brand name - it's really the same stuff, decide to drink water and never from the tap, and, most important, leave the kidshome with your spouse when you go food shopping for gawd's sake!

2. OPTIMIZE YOUR GAS CONSUMPTION

A. Here is one that will surprise you...Roll up windows on highway. While many people believe they're saving money by turning off the air-conditioner, it actually creates a considerable drag if you are driving fast with the windows down, and is worse for your fuel economy. So, City Driving=windows down and A/C off and Highway Driving=windows up and A/C on.

B. Don't buy hot gas and do park in the shade. Try to get gasoline when it is cool (morning or evening) so the fuel is thicker and won't evaporate as easily. And parking in the sun will cause gas to evaporate also.

C. Try to avoid rush hour. Of course no one wants to go onto the 405 freeway and sit in a parking lot there. There is actually a reason why they call the driveway as the driveway and the parkway as the parkway!! But realize that as much as it is harmful to your internal temperature gauge it is also bad for your gas economy.

D. Work at home - It's good for the economy, it's good for traffic,it's good for the family, it's good in a lot of ways and many people are following this new trend. If you can work it out to get a job where you can work at home, do it! You will be happier, feel freer and more independent, and save cash on gas (and also on food as you are more likely toeat in restaurants, waste money and get fat if you are working in an office than if you work at home)