How to Save Money on Transportation
According to the AAA or the American Automobiles Association, the average cost of owning and driving a car 15,000 miles in one year is about $8,211. This could go higher depending on the vehicle you own especially if what you drive is an SUV. If you think about it that is a lot of money so it is only right that you know how to save money on transportation.
Ever car owner knows that gas is just one of the expenses when owning a car. You also have to deal with car insurance, maintenance, registration, financing and a lot more. For people who dont own a car yet, it will probably be better to buy a used car instead of a new one since its value depreciates even if the vehicle is still in good condition.
When gas went up to more than $100 per barrel last year, a lot of people were feeling the crunch. If you managed to survive and still held on to your SUV, trade it in for a smaller vehicle since this does not consume that much fuel.
This does not mean though that your first choice is a hybrid vehicle since there are still a lot of regular cars being made that can do 25 miles per gallon.
Ever thought about how much you actually pay for car insurance? Believe it or not, some companies give a better and lower rate than others. Since you have to get one every year, compare what you are currently paying for with those offered by other companies then decide whether or not to change your insurance provider.
The best way to save money on transportation is to shop and compare gas prices. If you havent noticed, some gas stations sell their stock at a much cheaper price compared to others. So go around your neighborhood and see which one offers you the best rate. A 20 cents difference on 60 gallons of gas per month adds up to $12 per month or $144 per year.
Cars should be maintained at all times. When you go to a gas station, see if they offer a card that offers you cash back every time you gas up. Some companies offer a 5% cash back which you can use to refuel your vehicle or avail of maintenance services. You may even find one that offers other discounts which you can use for other purchases so ask about it the next time you drop by the pumps.
If you live in an area that has a good public transportation system like a bus or a train, take this to work instead of driving. You will save a lot of money here since you dont have to pay for gas, auto maintenance or parking fees.
The best way to save money is to car pool. If you and a few friends travel the same route when going to work, assign among yourselves who will drive today and the day after. When you car pool, you get to use a special lane that does not have that many cars which means you could get to work faster especially during rush hour.
You will save a ton of money when you learn how to save it on transportation and you should continue to practice it even when the country is not in a recession.