How to Save Gas Money for Work Travel

The commute to work can get expensive if you are on a tight budget. The price of gas jumps up and down many times throughout the year, and those of you who travel to work must adjust accordingly. There are several different ways you can save money for the cost of work travel.

1. Carpool with other employees who live in the same area. Everybody can help contribute to the cost of gas to travel to work. Also, you could have a carpool donation jar in which those who carpool can leave donations to pay for gas money.
2. Study your household budget.  Calculate how much it will cost to travel back and forth to work every week. Find out how much you can reserve each week to put towards gas money.  Have a "gas money" jar, jug, or envelope where you place your gas money each week.  Then, use the money from the jar to pay just for gas purchases.
3. Walk or even ride your bike to work during the warmer days. Then, set aside the money that you normally would have paid for gas that week so that you'll have it for future use.
4. Plan your trips for the next day ahead of time. If you need to make a trip to the grocery store, drug store, or any other errands, try to do them just before or after work so that you won't make multiple trips throughout the day. Try to cover these tasks within just a few days of the week.
5. Move closer to where you work, or try to find a job that's closer to home. You'll save the long commute back and forth to work each day and will spend less for the cost of travel.   Many times, you'll get an hour or more back per day that you can spend at home as a bonus.
6. If you drive to work, pay attention to maintenance of your car and how you drive. Under-inflated tires can drop gas mileage, as can a dirty air filter or any number of maintenance issues with other parts. Also, keep your speed down and avoid jack-rabbit starts and stops. Avoid city driving if you can; all the starting and stopping is bad for gas mileage.
7. Consider the cost-effectiveness of alternative travel such as light rail, trains or buses. Depending on the situation, they can cost less to use than your car and can save important wear and tear on your vehicle.

Also see these related tips:

• Top 12 tips for better gas mileage
• Two tips that save 14% on gas
• Find the lowest gas prices in your area