Jun 30 2008
Saving Money on Gas and Food at the Same Time
Gas? On a food blog? Oh yes my friends. With these higher gas prices, we are also seeing an increase in the price of certain foods. So how do you save money on both at the same time? Here are a few tips.
Just like in the past, make a list when grocery shopping. Don’t just wing it when you get to the store, actually spend time browsing through your pantry, refrigerator and freezer to see what you already have on hand, and what you need to get or replace.
Because of the gas prices being what they are, I am less likely to tell you to grocery store jump for the best prices, HOWEVER, there is an exception to the rule. If the stores are close together (like less than a half mile) it might still be worth your time and money to shop at more than one to get the best value. Be sure to really watch sales flyers at this point.
When you are going grocery shopping, get everything and come home and put it away. If you find that you forgot to get something, to not run back out and get it unless it is imperative for that nights meal, and then I would recommend that you plan better (bring a pen and cross off what you put in the cart as you get it).
When you have forgotten something, or you run out of something, combine the trip to the store with another errand. For instance, if you have to mail out a package or pick up some dry cleaning, do them both in the same trip.
Also, watch how much food wasting goes on in your kitchen and try to plan to avoid that at all costs. Wasting food, is at the same time wasting gas because you are going to have to go back out and get it again.
These are just a few of my favorite gas and grocery tips.
Here are two for saving money on gas only.
Pump early in the morning or late at night when the day has cooled off. You will get more fuel in your tank than you will on a hot day. When pumping on a hot day, you are actually paying for a certain amount of gas, but getting less.
If you have a gas station or other service station near you that offers a discount for paying with cash, take advantage of it. We have a local station that will give you 4 cents OFF per gallon if you pay with cash rather than a debit or credit card. I have also heard that you can get a discount by purchasing a wal-mart gift card and fueling at their pumps (if you have one) using it. I think it’s like 3 cents off per gallon. Any little bit helps, and in the long run you will be thankful.
If you have any tips on saving money on gas, this is the post to do it in. I know it’s a little unlike “food” but since I feel like saving money is an all around your life thing, it counts.
Great tips- I think these are things that are very commonly overlooked.