Road Trip Reminders

For some families taking a summer road trip is a seasonal rite of passage. It was when I was growing up. Interestingly, a new study by AAA reveals that due to budget constraints more people are planning to drive to their summer vacation destination this year rather than fly. However, there are risks involved when driving long distances. If you are planning to hit the highway on a summer adventure in the upcoming weeks, then consider these simple tips to help keep your family safe: PARKING Whether you drive a 2010 Lexus SUV or a 1999 Toyota minivan, you want … Continue reading

The Rising Cost of Commuting

Did you know Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting to work? If you spend countless hours in your vehicle driving to and from work each day then you know the affects a long commute can have on your wallet. Those hours on the road burn up time and money. And with the current state of our economy making headlines everyday many companies throughout the country are being forced to address the challenges associated with commuting. A new survey just released found that 57% of companies in the United States are now offering at least one program designed … Continue reading

Frugal Living Month in Review: July 2008

July went by so quickly for us! There were so many fun and frugal activities and events for us to explore, from a science camp to free movies and sand sculpting. I hope your July was equally fun and frugal. Summer is a busy time, I know. Did you miss any frugal articles last month? If so, here is an opportunity to catch up on what you missed. There are new ways to save money on food, clothing, kids, gas and more. Feel free to leave a comment on any frugal post. I read all of the comments myself, no … Continue reading

Travel Tales: How Not to Cut Down on Your Gas Bill

Desperate times call for desperate measures. And in some cases illegal action. With the price of gas skyrocketing to record levels it’s no surprise that some people are resorting to some unconventional means to gas up. Just ask police in Hermitage, Pennsylvania who say they may have finally figured out how mass quantities of diesel fuel have been lifted from local gas stations. According to authorities, the perpetrators allegedly employed a specially equipped pickup truck trailer with a trap door and a vacuum hose. Police say no one has been charged for the crime yet, but the truck and trailer … Continue reading

Are Travel Clubs Really Money Savers?

With the price of airfare skyrocketing to new highs it’s no wonder travel clubs are attracting more interest than ever before. Commercials and print ads for travel clubs offering, “super deals and deep discounts” are virtually everywhere. The advertisements promise huge savings on everything from airfare and cruises to rental cars and hotel accommodations. If you are a cash strapped traveler who has always dreamed of taking a Caribbean cruise or a fantasy flight to Paris, then one of these flashy ads or mailings (typically in the form of a postcard) may have caught your attention—-especially the ones that promise … Continue reading

Sunday Travel Funnies: Gas and Giggles

Yesterday my best friend called from Hawaii to inform me that a gallon of regular unleaded gas has now reached $4.50 in our hometown (that, and her son broke his arm at a local playground). The record breaking price of fuel is no laughing matter for families who live on a fixed income, but what might get a few giggles is the way some folks have been dealing with the financial burden. For example, in Arlington, Washington, staff members at a local dental office are switching from four wheels to four legs to save money on gas. According to reports, … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Even More Hotels Helping You Save This Summer

Last Friday marked the official start of summer. The days are longer and the sun is more intense. Unfortunately, now that the Summer Solstice has passed it means we are losing one to two minutes of daylight per day as we head towards winter. If that sad fact doesn’t act as a motivator for you to get out and enjoy the nice weather perhaps these next deals will. Lodgings across the country are offering money saving deals to entice you to spend part of your summer vacation with them. If high gas prices have you putting the brakes on your … Continue reading

Try These Gas Saving Tips

Are high gas prices driving you crazy? In Spring Lake, Michigan the record number of illegal drive offs drove one gas station attendant to take matters into her own hands. The 21-year-old Michigan woman told police that she thought she’d be able to stop a fuel thief by jumping into his car, but her plan didn’t exactly work out the way she planned. The feisty gas station clerk says she had seen the same motorist leave the Spring Lake gas station twice last week without paying. The third time he attempted to gas and go she reportedly wrote down his … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—More Hotels Helping You Save Money This Summer

Who knew it would come to this? That hotels would actually be paying you to visit them? With the slew of gas saving travel packages being offered by lodgings from coast to coast, that’s pretty much what is happening–hotels, motels, inns and B&Bs across the country don’t want you to put the brakes on your summer road trip so they are providing generous discounts and rebates to travelers who choose to stay at their properties. Here’s a look at the latest offerings: COLORADO You can thank the Aspen Chamber of Commerce for this next gas rebate. The group is currently … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Hotels Helping You Save This Summer: Go West

In my previous blog I listed some of the many creative deals being offered by lodgings across the country that are designed to help offset the skyrocketing price of gas. You might be surprised at how generous some of the nation’s hotels (both big and small) are being this summer. Take a look at the following gas saving discounts and rebates and consider how they might help fuel your family’s summer road trip: CALIFORNIA Things are heating up this season in San Diego. Right now you can cash in on the “Summer Sizzle” package being offered at the San Diego … Continue reading