Saving on Transportation costs
If you own a car, chances are you spend about $9,000 a year to drive and maintain it. That cost, according to AAA's 2014 edition of Your Driving Costs, covers gas, general maintenance, registration, insurance and (often overlooked) depreciation. About $2,000 of that cost is gas alone.
What if you could spend less on your car and put that savings toward other financial goals - like a family vacation, to pay off credit cards, or just to save for a rainy day?
This month, we're looking at ways to trim our transportation costs, from driving smarter and more efficiently to driving less, by using public transportation or riding your bike for short trips or errands.
What if you could spend less on your car and put that savings toward other financial goals - like a family vacation, to pay off credit cards, or just to save for a rainy day?
This month, we're looking at ways to trim our transportation costs, from driving smarter and more efficiently to driving less, by using public transportation or riding your bike for short trips or errands.
Drive less, bike more
Do you do a lot of errands around town with your car? Did you know most of our car trips are less than 3 miles? Riding your bike to the library or store can help you save money...and the environment!
Friends of Cycling Elk Grove (FCEG) is a local group that encourages people to ride bikes more often - to school, to work, for errands, for exercise and for enjoyment. Want more information about getting started with biking or tips for using your bike more for errands? Visit the Friends of Cycling Elk Grove website. |
WEBSITES
Fuel Economy from the U.S. Dept. of Energy
www.fueleconomy.gov The U.S. Dept. of Energy provides loads of information on fuel economy and driving economically. Use this "Fuel Cost and Savings Calculator" to see which of your two vehicles saves you the most money. Don't miss the “Save Money and Fuel” section for more important tips. |
AAA
www.aaa.com Aside from the membership perks of this long-standing automotive club, non-members will find lots of cost-saving information on the AAA website, from fuel prices to trip calculators and approved auto repair shops. |
Bankrate
www.bankrate.com Check the Auto section of Bankrate when you’re shopping for a new car loan or new car insurance. You can easily search for and compare local rates. |
books
Ga$ Smart$: Hundreds of Small Ways to Save Big at the Pump (2011)
by Ronald M. Weiers Find 300 money-saving strategies for all facets of your driving. Whether you’re behind the wheel, planning your next trip or researching a new vehicle, this book shows you how to drive as efficiently, safely and inexpensively as possible. |