More Gas Savings

Gas jumped up again, and may go up even further since my last posting. What's a frugal, environmentally-conscious girl to do?

1. Walk, Bike, Bus
Fortunately warmer, more clement weather is on the horizon for most of us. This certainly makes things like walking, biking, or bussing it more attractive! Plus, it's exercise, it's a family bonding activity, and maybe even a witnessing opportunity! Yes, the bus takes longer, and it can be difficult to wrangle a large amount of small children on the bus (don't ask). But I am here to tell you it is doable! I am fortunate to live close to a bus line and to a grocery store, both within walking distance. If you live in the city, these options are even more doable.

2. Carpool
My mom had 7 kids, and she was a big believer in opportunities. I am very grateful for this, truly. But I imagine it was a little daunting trying to coordinate her schedule with 7 little ones who all had at least one activity! Of course, she was a clever sort and wrangled many of us into the same lesson or same teacher different lesson slot. And she found a lot of local opportunities for us, that were within walking distance. I walked to my piano and violin lessons even as a young child, for it was only 2 blocks away. But then, some things, like horseback riding lessons an hour away, would be daunting on a weekly basis for anyone, I should think. So she made friends as we did, got her friends to involve their kids, and voila! Carpools were born. At one point, my mom had horseback riding lessons set up in such a way that she only drove once every five weeks.

Carpooling doesn't just have to work for your children's activities. What about carpooling to church? or work? or trips?

3. Trip Swap
If you have neighborly neighbors or good friends close by, what about sending them to the grocery store with your list and vice versa? You both get your shopping done, and you split the cost of gas.

4. Do Less
I like to drive around and visit people, but with the rising cost of gas and car maintenance, I just simply can't attend every shower and every occasion. So I try to do less, and prioritize.

5. Plan Your Trips
Eventually, though, you do need to come out of your home and traverse the cement trail in search of sustenance. What I've begun doing is actually mapping out my errands. I do them all at once, and plan them in such a way that driving distance/time (and thus gas) is minimized. We do have a few activities, so I also plan around that. Since I'm going to be out anyways, that is the time to go, instead of making a special trip later--especially if the errand destination is near your weekly activity. Our bank is right next to A's Spanish classes, so that's when I go to the bank. The point is to maximize your time out, and minimize random errands and trips. Plan your meals, plan your gas, take inventory of anything else you need to buy that week (for instance, are you going to a birthday party? is your child's science project due and they need giant poster board for their presentation? etc.), and then plan your route.

6. Take a Snack
I admit, this is my biggest "oh man, I spent all my fun money and all I have to show for it is a caffeine buzz" blooper. I guarantee you, especially if you have small children and are taking them on a marathon shopping trip, people are going to get hungry and thirsty. When going on a power shopping excursion, I find that it is much, MUCH cheaper to pack some snacks and drinks then it is to spend the time, money, and GAS in a Starbucks line (or your place of choice).

For more frugal tips, visit Biblical Womanhood and check out today's Frugal Friday!