Stephen's Own Domain 2008

I read a source several months ago that the price of gas would scale up to $4.00 per gallon by the Memorial Day holiday. I drove past a BP Gas Station near 76th and Industrial Road today and I noticed the price of $4.04 for regular fuel. Even further, I drove near the Chilton Bank/Gas Station near 76th and Good Hope and I saw the same price of Gas totaled at the $4.00 mark. I said this months ago, and I'm going to say it again: I knew this would happen. It's May, and about two weeks to the Memorial Day Holiday and the gas prices are soaring up to $4.00.

So what is there to do? Well if you're a type of person on a budget, or begining to sacrifce some loose change or dollars, I think it's time to save up and cut back. Save up as in put away some money earned and save it up part of a budget, in which there would be some to spare. Another is yes, cut back! Cutting back on the expenses that are least important and we all know what they are like DVD's, Music and so forth. Getting back to saving money, there is a trick of saving money and spending gas a little could be a balanced equation. I've mentioned this in other blog comments but, I'll dab some right here. It doesn't matter if the vehicle has a V6, or a Hemi Engine, but here are some tips from me, just to save up, from what I've learned in my 3 years driving (Yes I've been driving for three years. No need to go for the "yeah rights!"):

1) Look at your amount of gas right now. Yes, I said it. Right now. If you're gas gauge is at around a quarter or half tank, from the full mark, chances are you would be spending between $16.00 and $32.00 just to fill up the tank. The best bet, is to fill the tank when the meter is about 3/4 full, just to save your money.

2) Keep track of your mileage and stops per day. This would also help to save gas also. For me, I travel 5 miles between my sister's house and work and the same back. That's 10 miles in a day. A week is 50 miles between monday through friday.

3) Do not go fast over the speed limit! I've seen this alot in my new Grand Prix. The reason I mentioned this because this also helps to waste gas in your tank. Even if you just filled it up. Go for a moderate speed. This may also would make other drivers who are in a big hurry to slow down or just go around. Another reason is the fact that Speedtraps are in effect this season. I've think we seen them before like the Police, Sheriff, or maybe the State Troopers- Extra tip, when they have those tracking guns to track your speed, Just Slow Down! This is a must lesson for younger drivers.

4) As I mentioned before, you may need to do a budget. I don't care if you're working 20 hours per week and coming home with around $400.00 in your check. Or working 40 hours per week. Instead of spending about 40.00 dollars on CD's and Movies, for example buy one CD or a Movie. Or download a movie or song from Itunes or Walmart's Website. That way you're spending less and saving more. If you have bills to pay, like I do, save the money or most of it for that. Even food purchases. And focus on the Nintendo Wii or a new Widescreen TV later.

5) Take alternative ways of transportation. I'm thinking about going a bicycle ride this spring/summer just to leave the car at home on some weekends. Not only it will help me to save up some cash, but I'll get more exercise.

That pretty sums it up for me. These tips are just my suggestions to save up on gas and other expenses. It may take time to adjust to it, but it might be well in a long haul.