Gas Savings Blog

Archive for July, 2009


Posted on July 25, 2009 - by admin

Cash for Clunkers Explained

Out of Gas Newsletter - Issue 47 July 25, 2009

Summer Savings for you.

++ News -

I really can’t believe that Summer is almost over. We live in Kentucky and the past weeks have been pretty cool compared to other Summers. The past couple of weeks the temps have only reached the low 80’s. I have no complaints though since hopefully that will cut down on the electric bill.

This week we’re going to talk about the Feds New “Cash for Clunkers” Program and tips for keeping your job.

THE Cash for Clunkers Program

This weekend starts the “Cash for Clunkers” program. What it boils down to is if you trade in a vehicle with low gas mileage, and purchase one with better gas mileage, the federal government will give you up to $4,500. I shouldn’t say they give it to you, they’ll give it to the dealer, and the dealer will take it off the bill. They will also give you money for the scrap value of your vehicle.

Complete information about the plan can be found here - http://www.cars.gov/

Some notes -

The program ends Nov 1st or until the funds are exhausted - whichever happens first.

Make sure to shop for the car you’re looking for just like we described here.

About your Car / SUV -

It most not be older than 25 years.
You must have licensed it / insured it at least for the past year.
It must have a fuel economy of 18 mpg or less - you can find the fuel economy for your vehicle by going here.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Click on the model year — Make — Model
You’ll find several choices here - click on the type of transmission / size of the engine.
You will find 3 numbers - City / Highway and combined (a red number) - the red number is the one you will use.
You must be able to drive it (so not a push/pull or tow sale).

About the Car you’re buying

All dealers must participate in the program
You may purchase or lease a vehicle - if you lease a vehicle you must lease the vehicle for at least five years.
The retail price cannot exceed $45,000.00
The vehicle MUST be new.
The vehicle can be foreign or domestic.
The new vehicle MUST have a combined fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon for cars and 18 miles per gallon for SUVs / Trucks.

Figuring your credit.

Lets say you’re old vehicle got 18 miles pre gallon.

For Cars

$3500 credit - 4 miles per gallon to 10 miles per gallon better. So if I bought a car that got 22 mpg to 28mpg I would get $3500.
$4500 credit - greater than 10 miles per gallon - using our example, anything better than 28mpg (29+).

For SUVs the numbers are slightly different. This is straight from the Cars site -
If the new vehicle is a category 1 truck that has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 2, but less than 5, miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $3,500. If the new category 1 truck has a combined fuel economy value that is at least 5 miles per gallon higher than the traded-in vehicle, the credit is $4,500.

You can combine incentives -
Dealers CANNOT charge you a fee.

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Our Next Issues

Keeping the Job you have

Pay your bill off plan.


Posted on July 21, 2009 - by admin

Keeping the Job you Have

We’re going to start a series on Saving your Job / Keeping the Job that you have. After all it is almost impossible to save money if you lose your job. Over the next few weeks and months we’ll be covering some things that will help you keep your job and will help you prepare for things if you end up in the unemployment line.

The first portion of our series we’ll talk about making yourself critical for the job you’re in. This just means that if they “lay you off” then the company will feel it where it hurts (in their bottom line).

Next we’ll talk some about how to prepare for “just in case” you do get a pink slip. During this portion of the series we’ll talk about resumes, additional training, building your network and more.

We’ll start the series on Saturday so stay tuned and enjoy your week.


Posted on July 18, 2009 - by admin

10 Ways to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

Out of Gas Newsletter - Issue 47 July 18, 2009

Summer Savings for you.

++ Ways to save money when you go school shopping.

1. Plan out now exactly what you need. This includes clothes, and school supplies. Ask the kids what they’ll be needing this year for school. Many times their teachers will provide them with a sheet that lists the things they need.
2. Before making out your shopping list find out…
– The clothes they can still fit into.
– Supplies from the previous years they will be able to use (do they really need a new backpack). This also includes notebooks / trapper keepers they can still use.
3. Make a list on things you’ll have to get. Combine the numbers for school supplies.
4. Start shopping around now - the big sales usually happen a week or two before school starts.
5. Buy in bulk when possible. It is usually cheaper to buy a case of notebook paper than a pack. Remember what you don’t use this year you can use next year. I don’t think we’ll need to buy notebook paper again until my girl gets in college.
6. If you don’t have room to store the extras then find some family and friends to share the costs with.
7. Before going clothes shopping make sure you’re signed up on the shops email lists. Let the kids browse online and find things they like and note the cost. The night before you go shopping find out the prices online (make sure to include the shipping cost). Compare the prices as you shop. Sometimes you will find better deals at the shop, other times you’ll find them online. Lisa (my wife) saved $30 by buying a bathing suit online compared to the price at the store. Get coupons if the vendor has them.
8. When shopping for shoes many shoe stores have buy one get one half off (or even the other one free). Those shoes don’t have to be the same size and not for the same person.
9. Many stores are now offering coupons for a later vist. Do half your shopping one day an finish your shopping on another day.
10. Keep in mind that school is a big deal for your kids. Allow each of them to get at least one or two ‘luxury’ items.

Hopefully this will help you to save a buck or two.

Our Next Issues

Pay your bill off plan.


Posted on July 17, 2009 - by admin

Friday Fun

Hope your week has been going well. The weekend is just around the corner.  As summer is winding down and you’re starting to think about school starting back (I can’t believe how fast the time went).

Ask your family members what they would like to do before the Summer ends. Explain to them a couple of rules. Set a spending limit. Set some other guidelines. Explain that whatever the activity is the whole family has to be involved. Once each family member has an activity they want to do ( don’t forget to include one that you want to do), use a calendar to plan out when you’re going to do each activity.

Enjoy your weekend.


Posted on July 14, 2009 - by admin

Something Fun (and Free) to do this weekend

If you don’t have any plans this weekend, why not take a trip to a national park. These weekend they’re offering free admission to the park.  Details can be found here. Click here for a list of the free parks.

There are many free activities to do when you get into the park. A good way to check things out is to click on the park link from the list. Click Plan your visit and then things to do. In that section you should be able to find some things to do that won’t break your budget. Remember though that driving around the park and taking in the beauty of nature won’t cost you dime.


Posted on July 12, 2009 - by admin

Saving Money on Tweets Weekly Updates for 2009-07-12

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Posted on July 11, 2009 - by admin

Saving Money at the Dentist OOG 46

Out of Gas Newsletter - Issue 46 July 11, 2009

Summer Savings for you.

++ News -

We hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. This past week my daughter and my niece had their wisdom teeth out. Total cost was a couple of thousand. Below are some tips on saving money on any (non-emergency) procedure.

Sites you can use.

A wonderful place to find local things to do in your area (many are free)… in fact they have a free events link.

http://www.when.com/

++ Savings Money when you go to the Dentist

1. Every town (even small one’s like mine) have more than one dentist. Call around and ask them the cost of your procedure.
2. When you call them explain to them that you only have $xx - and see if they will take it… Dentists are hurting because many people are putting off procedures.
3. Ask what kind of payment plans they have - many have no interests plans.
4. If there is a Dental school near your area, call them and ask if they do procedures.
5. If you’ve been laid off, or just really down on your luck, search for programs that would pay your dental bill. Begin this process by searching for “social services (your state)”

Our Next Issues

Pay your bill off plan.


Posted on July 4, 2009 - by admin

Saving Money on the 4th of July

Out of Gas Newsletter - Issue 45 July 4, 2009

Summer Savings for you.

This issue brought to you by

Plus Size Dresses - Super Sale going on Now!

++ News -

Happy 4th of July we hope you are having a wonderful day. We’re sending this out a bit early so hopefully it will give you some last minute tips.

Some Sites you May enjoy

Control your own fireworks display

Here’s one where you can control everything with your show http://www.mostfungames.com/fireworks-simulation.htm

Here’s a reminder of picnic safety.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/ext/pubs/picnic.html

And finally a great place to go for grilling tips.

http://grillingtips.com/

++ Savings Money on your 4th of July Celebration

1. If you’re having a party make it potluck (everyone brings a dish) and everyone brings the meat they want to eat.
2. You can save money on fireworks if you wait till the last minute, the closer to this evening you buy them, the more you will save. One note is that you will have less to select from.
3. Shop for your meat this morning. Since you’ll be cooking it today you don’t have to worry much about it expiring soon. (you don’t want to buy expired meat, but you get the idea).
4. Most towns have ‘free’ fireworks displays - even though we live in a really small town, we have a great fireworks display.
5. Stay away from pre-packaged drinks, try kool-aid, lemonade, or ice tea instead.

Our Next Issues

Pay your bill off plan.


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