Pump the Brakes on Gas Costs

If your heart rate spikes the moment you pull into a gas station, you’re not alone. While fuel prices might be out of your control, your bank account doesn't have to take the hit. Here is how to fight back a few dollars at a time.

Upside

To start saving with basically zero extra effort, download the free Upside app and link your go-to payment card. Before you fuel up, just open the app to claim a cashback offer at a nearby station, and then pay as usual. Upside automatically verifies your purchase and loads real cash right into your account.

When you are ready to cash out, you can send your earnings to PayPal, your bank account, or redeem them for digital gift cards. Best of all, Upside is not just for gas—you can score cashback at local restaurants and grocery stores too.

You can use this promo code (JENNIFER955723) for an additional 15 cents off per gallon on your first gas purchase and a 10% bonus on your first restaurant or grocery purchase.

Discounted Fuel

If you already have a membership, buying gas at Costco or Sam's Club is a no-brainer for cheaper fuel. Go during off-peak hours so you don't waste those savings idling in their notoriously long lines.

Tire Pressure

Low pressure tires are silent gas guzzlers. Keeping tires properly inflated is the easiest way to stop your car from dragging its feet and dragging down your bank account.

Roll into any local tire shop or mechanic, and they will check your tire pressure for free, getting you back on the road in a flash. Even better, it doubles as excellent, free entertainment for the kids. Let them press their noses to the car windows and watch the mechanics work while asking a million questions. Your tires get pumped up, your kids get a front-row show, and your wallet gets a much-needed break.

Lighten the Load

Carrying around extra weight forces your car to work overtime and burn more cash. Clear out your trunk and remove empty roof racks or cargo boxes, which drain your tank. Think of it as a quick cleanup session that instantly pays you back in fuel savings.

Slow Down!

Stick to the speed limit because speeding past 50 mph is basically throwing cash out the window. When you take off, accelerate smoothly. Pretend you have an open cup of hot coffee on the dashboard to help your car shift gears efficiently. Finally, instead of rushing to red lights just to slam on the brakes, ease off the gas early.

Group Trips

Group your errands into one weekly trip instead of making multiple separate runs. Running errands with a warm engine is much more fuel-efficient than constantly starting from cold. It saves you precious time and keeps extra cash in your wallet.

Check out more Fuel-Saving Tips from AAA here!

You’ve got this, mom! You’re smart. You’re capable. With these simple tricks, you are about to show that gas pump who is boss while keeping your hard-earned cash right where it belongs!

P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!