1. Don’t Drive Your Car

This is, of course, the most obvious solution. If you never take the old Plymouth out the driveway, then it won’t matter that at current gas prices it takes $125 to fill up the 30 gallon gas tank, or that you only get about 2.51 miles to the gallon. If you never drive, you could care less.

Of course, I know what you’re going to say. “But Tim, I have places I need to go-like work. And the kids have school and soccer practice. And then there’s grocery shopping and yoga lesssons and dinner at the Richardsons and blah blah blah and….” Ok, I get the point. Not everyone can sit around the house writing not-so-funny articles and searching the Internet for Drew Barrymore

photos like me. I fully understand that some of you have a life. But just because you don’t drive your own car doesn’t mean you can’t get around. The answer?

2. Carpool

It’s seems so simple now doesn’t it. Instead of using your gas-Use Someone Elses! Have someone else pay $5.50 a gallon for gas to take your kids to school. Make someone else dip into their retirement fund just so they can cover the gas bill needed to get you to the office and back everyday. Make someone else get a second job so that they can have a full tank of gas in their SUV when your daughter needs to cruise the mall. It’s so simple.

Of course, the concept behind carpooling is that everyone takes turns driving. So in a normal carpool situation you would eventually be required to use your car and spend your money driving others around. But this is not a Normal Carpool Situation, this is a Tim Ward Carpool Situation (TWCPS). In a TWCPS you avoid using your own car by making it so that the other carpool participants would rather walk barefoot on 120 degree asphalt than ride with you. You achieve this by:

(a) never washing or cleaning your car. Leave it looking and smelling like the county landfill.

(b) Have the worst behaved child in your family sitting in the front seat at all times. Feed the child lots of candy so he/she is always superhyper.

(c) Refuse to discuss anything in your car except your spouses bad bathing habits, bodily fluids, hang nails, chest hair, etc.

(d) Only play reggae music on the radio. Loud!

You shouldn’t have to worry about anyone wanting to ride with you ever again.

3. Ride the Bus/Subway

Many cities have a mass transit system that is an alternative to driving your own vehicle. If you live in a city that doesn’t have one don’t worry-you can

always move. Of course, riding public transportation does have a few drawbacks, but these can be easily overcome if you follow these simple guidelines:

1. No matter what happens never, ever make eye contact with anyone. Making eye contact is an invitation for someone to mug you.

2. No matter what happens never, ever give up your seat to anyone. This is seen as weakness, and will be taken as an invitation to mug you.

3. No matter how tempted you are never, ever strike up a conversation with the person sitting next or across from you. This is very annoying and can be taken as an invitation for someone to mug you. Or worse, for someone to talk back.

4. Always make sure you are alert to get on and off at the right stop. Getting off at the wrong stop can lead to immediate mugging.

5. Never, ever take children with you on public transportation. Fellow passengers hate children. Children make you definite mug victim material.

Well, there you have it. 3 ways to deal with rising gas prices. Hopefully, you will be able to use these methods to keep from spending twice your car’s Blue Book value just going to Walmart. Hopefully, next time your friends are grumbling and ranting about the mounting gas prices you will be able to

just sit back and smile, content because the issue no longer concerns you. Hopefully, I’ve once more helped my loyal readers in a time of crisis. And all I ask in return as a simplethank you next time you see me. Just make sure we’re not on the bus. I’d hate to have to mug you…

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High Gas Prices USA – Tip #7 – Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gears, your car’s engine speed is reduced. The slower engine speed saves fuel and lowers engine wear.

High Gas Prices USA – Tip #6 – Use Your Cruise Control
Using your cars cruise control on the highway helps you sustain a constant speed and, in the majority of cases, will help you save gas. Note that you should not use your cruise control around town or in heavy traffic.

High Gas Prices USA – Tip #5 – Avoid Excessive Idling
While idling your car is getting 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

High Gas Prices USA – Tip #4 – Eliminate Surplus Weight
Stop keeping needless items in your car, particularly heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could shrink your mileage by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of excess weight relative to the vehicle’s weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
 Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2%/100 lbs
 Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.04-$0.08/gallon

High Gas Prices USA – Tip #3 – Observe the Speed Limit
While each automobile attains it’s best possible fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. You can estimate that for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra $0.30 per gallon for fuel. Observing the speed limit is also safer.
 Fuel Economy Benefit: 7-23%
 Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.29-$0.94/gallon

High Gas Prices USA – Tip #2 – Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
 Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33%
 Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.20-$1.35/gallon

High Gas Prices USA – Tip #1 – BEST TIP: Convert your car to a Hydrogen Hybrid
When you do it yourself (you don’t need to be a mechanic), you can convert your car to a Hydrogen Hybrid for less than $200 total and no modifications to the engine are required. Your car will run smoother, have less harmful emissions, and you can easily have 20% to 50% better fuel economy. Although one 1990 Jeep I know of went from 17 MPG to 35 MPG with this conversion, that is a bit unusual. The average is a 20-50% increase in mileage. Additional cars can be converted for about $70-$80 per car because the total above includes buying the ‘how to’ instructions.
 Fuel Economy Benefit: 20-50% (or more)
 Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.68-$1.89/gallon
 
This collection of tips is just tips unless you use them. Using them will undoubtedly reduce the amount you spend at the pump regardless of what Gas Prices are in the USA.

Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $4.08/gallon.

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Getting Started

During the last few years, gas rewards credit cards have become more versatile than ever before. While previous cards were often only valid at a particular gas station, you can now apply for gas credit cards that can be used anywhere. Many card issuers also offer additional rewards, such as cash back for using the card at a grocery store or a chance to earn both gas and travel benefits.

If you cover a lot of miles on the road each week, there?s a good chance you can reduce your fuel costs with a gas credit card. You?ll find many to choose from online. You can compare the different rewards they offer and select the one that best fits your gas and mileage needs.

How Gas Rewards Cards Work

The rewards included with a gas credit card vary, depending on the card issuer. Many offer a gas rebate for purchasing fuel. Others allow you to earn points for gas purchases, and also for using the card in grocery stores and drugstores. You can then redeem the points for a variety of rewards. Still others offer cash back for using the card. When you pay with your card at the pump, you could earn up to 5% cash back.

What to Look For

While gas rewards credit cards can definitely be used to your advantage, there are some key points you?ll want to remember before you commit to one. First of all, pay careful attention to the introductory offers. Many credit cards come with an initially low interest rate or extra savings on gas purchases.

These offers may be an excellent deal for you, but you?ll want to check what the regular interest rate is. You?ll also want to know how the rewards program will work after the initial period. By making sure these terms fit your needs, you?ll be able to make the most out of your gas rewards credit card.

Get the Full Benefits

Once you?ve found the right gas rewards credit card for your lifestyle, apply for it online. As soon as it comes in the mail, you can start using it. To make sure you benefit as much as possible from the card, use it every time you fill up with gas. If it offers rewards for other purchases, consider using it for more of your shopping needs.

When you start making purchases with the card, keep careful track of your account. If possible, try to pay off the balance each month. By doing so, you will avoid having to pay interest fees. Also, take note of the rewards and rebates you are due. By managing your account well, you can get the most out of your card.

Don?t wait to sign up for a gas rewards credit card. The sooner you apply online for one, the sooner you?ll be able to save on fuel costs. In just a few weeks, you?ll be rewarded every time you fill up the tank.

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