Money Saving Tip: 10 Ways to Find Cheap Gas

I don't know about your area of the country, but in Michigan gas had flirted with the $2 per gallon rate not too long ago and now it's over $2.50 per gallon. What's the deal???!!!!

Anyway, I thought it would be good to share 10 tips on how to save on gas from Money Central. Their thoughts:

1. Check the Internet (sites such as MSN Autos, GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com).

2. Visit the other side of the tracks -- gas can be cheaper just around the corner.

3. Get away from the freeway -- and the service bays.

4. Use a wholesale club.

5. Look for ‘loss leaders’.

6. Check for local price wars.

7. Consider a gas rebate card.

8. Or a general-purpose rebate card.

9. Keep cash handy.

10. Use legitimate coupons.

Here are my thoughts on each of these:

1. I don't think I've ever done this. Gas isn't THAT expensive!!!!

2. There are two stations within a mile or so of my house (and three blocks from each other). One is always 3-5 cents more expensive than the other. Yes, it's a bit easier to get into and out of, but the other one is newer -- and sells Coke slushies. ;-)

3. But those freeway stations have the BEST Coke slushies!!! ;-)

4. We stop at Costco once a weekend and usually fill up my car. I've never had to wait in line (as the article warns may be the case).

5. We don't have a Walmart gas station, but Meijer (think Super Walmart) has them all over the place and they are always among the lowest (if not the lowest) prices around. They sometimes even rival Costco.

6. Not much price warring going on in my neighborhood -- I'm just praying for a battle. Or a minor skirmish. Anything, please!!!

7. Nope. I use a cash back rebate card and it pays me well.

8. Yep. See my #7 comment.

9. I don't know of any places that take cash only around us. Interesting tip, though.

10. Meijer (see my comment on #5) offers coupons quite often when you buy so many groceries (or certain groceries). Unfortunately, there seems to be no stated way of getting them (they happen seemingly at random -- awarded when you check out) and they are usually good for only 25 cents or 50 cents (though we've had one or two for a dollar before).

FMF recommends Emigrant Direct.

Comments

[Finance Junkie]

Another tip for cheap gas: Check to see if the gas station sells gift cards at a discount. There are a small handful out there that do this. If you find one, buy the gift card with your rebate credit card, then go use it. Wal-Mart does this... There are others.

An interesting thing about expensive gas is the taxes on it. Many pumps display the high taxes that are tacked on. We get taxed so much because gasoline demand is inelastic... Meaning, consumers don't change their consumption patterns much as prices go up.

[Blaine Moore (Run to Win)]

When shopping for cheaper gas, check your gas mileage. If you are paying 5% less for your gas but consuming 10% more because your vehicle doesn't like what the cheaper station feeds it, it isn't worth penny pinching.

[m@]

Check my site for my attempt at a 'real cost of gas' calculator. I know I'm missing something, probably the trip home, etc.

[Curtis]

I have a BJs Wholesale Club right next to where I work (literally on the way). I almost never have to wait when I stop to fill up on the way to work -- on the way out, there is frequently a three or four car line at each pump. So, in this case the early bird really can get the proverbial worm. :)

Furthermore, folks should check if they can get a discounted membership to their local wholesale club through their employers. I do!

[Wealth Building Lessons]

Yes, gas is getting more expensive....but everything is relative. Gas in large parts of Europe are up to $8/gallon, now that's expensive!!!