How you can save money on your trip to work

Lizzie Tyner | RSS | Sat, Jul 18 2009 | 1 Comment

The magazine Marie Clarie had an article on its website I bookmarked and wanted to share. It is all about saving money on your daily commute to and from work. I can’t say that I agree with all the tips (such as driving to work with a stranger) but overall the tips are pretty good if you’re willing to try them out.

1. Save money through carpooling. This is the tip where the author suggested a site called erideshare.com where you can find someone to ride to work with. It just seems dangerous to me to ride to work (or anywhere) with someone I don’t know. But carpooling can end up saving you big time on the cost of traveling.

2. Seasonal or monthly bus or train passes can help also. However, you need to make sure you know when you’ll be taking your vacation so you’re not paying for something you won’t use.

3. If you’re job can be done over the phone a.k.a. telecommuting, then it wouldn’t hurt to ask your boss if you could work from home once a week.

4. Keep your heater or air conditioner on long enough to make your car comfortable then turn them off. You can also roll your windows down in the car if it’s nice outside, but you will be wasting money if you’re going over 45 mph.

5. You can talk to Human Resources to see if your company offers any benefits that might help offset your commuting costs. Some companies offer a “car service” if you work past a stated time at night.

6. If you drive over 75 mph and rapidly accelerate or slam on your brakes, you’re reducing your car’s fuel efficiency.

7. Make sure you’re car is properly maintained. This means make sure that your tire pressure is good and that you keep your oil changes up to date.

8. Keep an eye out for gas prices to and from work. If you can, don’t get gas right off the highway because it is usually the most expensive in the area. Use GasBuddy.com to try go find out cheaper prices on your route.

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Tags: fuel efficiency, saving money, marie clarie