5 Practical Ways Retirees Can Save Money on Gas This Summer

Retirement is supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but for many retirees living on a fixed income, budgeting and penny-pinching become a daily routine. With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it can be difficult to budget for this expense, in particular! Luckily, we have some thrifty tips for that! Whether you’re traveling to visit family or running errands around town, these simple tips can help you stretch your dollars and minimize the impact of rising gas prices on your retirement budget.

1. Use Gas Price Comparison Apps

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck when it comes to gas, consider using price comparison apps. These are apps that allow you to compare gas prices at different stations in your area, helping you to find the cheapest prices without having to drive around town. Here are some popular choices to get you started:

• GasBuddy finds you the best local prices on gas.
• Waze tells you where to fill up and helps you with directions too.
• Upside will give you cash back for purchases on gas and other goods!

2. Drive Efficiently

Believe it or not, the way you drive can have a considerable impact on your fuel economy. Avoid harsh acceleration, sudden braking, and speeding, which can waste gasoline and money. Instead, try to maintain a steady speed and use cruise control when possible. In fact, frequently using cruise control can save you 7-14% on gas!

3. Use Fuel Rewards Programs

Several fuel rewards programs offer discounts, cashback, and other perks to customers who frequently purchase gas. To take advantage of such programs, should check out your local gas stations or chain retailers for rewards programs that you can enroll in. Also, be sure to read the program rules and regulations to understand the eligibility criteria and the types of discounts offered. Here are a few popular chains that offer fuel rewards programs:

• Speedway
• Sheetz
• BJ’s

4. Plan Your Trips Wisely

If you’re retired, it’s likely that you have a more flexible schedule than when you were working full-time. Take advantage of this by planning your trips wisely. Consider combining errands or scheduling appointments on the same day to minimize the number of trips you have to make. This will not only save you money on gasoline but also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle (and your sanity!)

5. Maintain Your Vehicle

Proper vehicle maintenance is essential for ensuring that your car is running well and using gas as efficiently as possible. Basic maintenance tasks such as regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups can improve your car’s gas mileage, saving you money on gas in the long run. Additionally, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve gas mileage by up to 3%!

Looking for More Thrifty Tips?

If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:

• 5 Thrifty Ways to Have a Cheap Vacation
• 7 Simple Thrifty Tips for Retirees Decorating the Patio This Summer
• 8 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money When Eating Out
• 9 Thrifty Gardening Hacks for Retirees Who Love to Play in the Dirt (that will save you HUNDREDS!)
• 10 Thrifty Decorating Hacks for Retirees