Last week as I pulled into the gas station, I felt a series of heart palpitations as I read the prices of gas: $4.09, $4.19, $4.29. While I realize this is lower than some people are currently paying in other parts of the country, I couldn?t help but think of the millions of people who are working, in part, simply to pay for the ?luxury? of driving to and from their workplace.
This is a guest post from Quizzle.com.
My guess is that all of us are working for our paycheck for many reasons?none of which include simply handing over a good chunk of it to the gas station. But if you?re stuck with a daunting commute that necessitates multiple fill-ups each month, what can you do to reduce your commuting costs?
Here are some of the methods I?ve employed to drastically cut commuting costs over the years:
Change Your Work Hours
If you?re not working a traditional shift job and you have some flexibility with your scheduling (or an understanding boss), consider negotiating alternate hours outside of the 9-5. Perhaps you could try coming in early and leaving early or coming in late and leaving late (ideally, it?s not coming in early and leaving late!). By switching up your hours, you could avoid a lot of traffic?especially stop and go traffic which absolutely kills your gas mileage.
Partner Up
Carpooling is a great way to save money, be social, and reduce the chance of driving-induced stress (yes, I?m talking about road rage here, people). Even if you only commit to carpooling two days/week, you can reduce your costs for gas as well as the wear and tear on your vehicle.
If you?re thinking about carpooling, reach out to some close co-workers, solicit options via company message boards and email lists, or make an appointment with your HR rep to see what you can do to set up a car/ride sharing program at your work.
Travel With the Masses
I?ll be the first one to admit that I hate public transit?especially during rush hour. The packed trains and disgruntled passengers can leave a lot to be desired, but it?s a phenomenal way to save money on your commuting expenses.
If you live in an urban area, chances are your employer may participate in a reduced fare program. I?ve taken advantage of such a deal through my part-time job as I pay a mere $32/month for an unlimited bus/subway pass thanks to my employer?s generous subsidy. When I think of the hundreds I save each year, those minor hassles with the crowded trains are a bit more palatable.
Consider Radical Alternatives
If none of these options appeal to you or aren?t feasible for your situation, consider a more radical approach. This could mean forgoing the car altogether in favor of a bicycle, petitioning to work from home more often, or it could go as far as changing jobs.
Realistic Ways to Cut Your Commuting Costs | Quizzle
For more tips and tools to help you manage your home, money and credit?including the most affordable credit monitoring on the web and complete identity theft protection?visit Quizzle.com. Quizzle is a website that provides you with important information about your credit?starting with your credit report and credit score?as well as the tools you need to improve or monitor it, so you can make smart financial decisions. They also show you how your credit impacts your personal finances and give you personalized tips and tools to help you manage it all.
Image remixed from Sergey Peterman (Shutterstock), Next Please Stop (Flickr), and Teosaurio (Flickr).
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