When you hear “high gas prices”, the first thing that comes to mind is, “ugh” or “how am I going to afford this?”, etc.  The list can go on and let’s face it, everyone on this planet hates high gas prices and while we can’t do anything about it, I guess we can always look on the bright side.  I compiled a list of reasons why high gas prices can help us in many different ways.

Increased carpooling – Statistics show that the higher the gas prices go up, more people carpool.  Why is this good for us?  While some think this is an inconvenience factor, it helps cut back on the cars on the roads, which means fewer accidents and less wear and tear on the road.  Let’s also not forget that we are also putting more money in our pockets.

Healthier environment – The less people that drive means the less pollution we’re sending up in the air.  Just think of every time you start your car and all of that exhaust fumes go up in the air.  Even if you’re not a big environment nut, this does help the atmosphere greatly making it easier for everyone to breathe.

Car companies change plans – When gas prices are higher, consumers don’t want to buy a pricey SUV that gets 15 mpg, instead consumers shift their game plan to a fuel efficient car such as a Toyota Prius that gets more than 40 mpg.  This will not only save you a boat load of money, this will cause the car companies to create more fuel efficient cars instead of producing gas guzzling SUVs.

Healthier living – As I mentioned in a few points above, more people tend to carpool when they see higher gas prices but instead of carpooling, more people will consider riding their bikes, walking, or even rollerblading to their destinations.  Instead of sitting in a car all the time driving to your hot spot, people are becoming healthier putting their body to work!

Staying local – Have you noticed since gas prices went up, people tend to stay at home or stay within a few miles?  What does this even mean?  This means that we are helping out our local businesses and staying with our families a lot more before.  Instead of driving 10 miles to that corporate hardware store, we may just drive 5 miles instead to the mom and pop shop to help the local economy.  It’s a win-win situation for all.

We may all groan at the gas pump when we see high gas prices but it only means a few things in the future.  It means that we’re going to see investment into alternative fuels, mass production on fuel efficient vehicles and less dependency on foreign oil.   We may have to pay $4 a gallon today but just think of the future and how much it’s going to improve.

Gas stations are in everyone’s everyday life whether you like it or not.  The only people that generally don’t need to fill up at the pumps are the people who aren’t old enough to drive or just don’t use gas to get anywhere.  Since gas stations are no different than any other businesses, there are things that gas station owners do to get your to pull up to the pumps that may mislead you.

The car wash trick – Have you ever pulled by a gas station and the price looks too good to be true?  Well, it probably is.  What you don’t see in the fine print is, “with car wash purchase”  Generally, you’ll be able to save anywhere from .10-.15 a gallon with a car wash but it doesn’t add up in the long run and I’ll explain why.  Let’s say the car wash gas price is $3 a gallon but if you don’t get the car wash, it’s $3.10. 

If you pull up to the pump and fill up with 10 gallons, you’re going to be paying $30 plus $5 for the car wash.  Your toal is $35.  Now, let’s say you don’t get the car wash and fill up at $3.10, you’re going to pay $31.00.  So, without the car wash you’re saving $4 and you’re probably paying a little bit more than the gas station up the street.  This method is very common with stations that have car washes.

The credit/cash deal – Ever since gas prices have reach $3+ gallon, you’ve probably noticed a lot of stations offering two prices.  One price is for credit only and the other is for cash only.  The difference between the two is usually ten cents or so.  Make sure you pay attention to whatever you’re using.  If you’re going to use cash or the gas station’s credit card, you’re going to get the best deal.  If you’re going to use a credit card that isn’t affiliated with the station, you’re going to pay the higher price.

Broken pay at the pump/no receipt – Someone I knew of that worked a gas station before said the owner would intentionally put out of order signs at the pay at the pump machines because he would want all of the customers to come through the stores in hopes that they would purchase candy, soda, etc.  If you didn’t know, this is where most gas stations make their money.  Beware of some gas stations that have “broken” pay at the pumps for a long time.  They are probably trying to get you to buy other goods.

These are probably the three common methods on ways gas stations can mislead you.  Now, there are also ways gas station’s can scam you which I’ll write about in an upcoming series.  For now, make sure you keep your eyes peeled when you pull up to the pump to ensure you’re paying the cheapest price in the area.

Have you ever locked your keys in your car and you have no idea what to do?  Well, you’re not alone.  Many of us make this mistake everyday and chances are if you’re reading this right now, you may have your keys locked in your car right now.  While you shouldn’t panic, there are a few things you can do in order to find the cheapest and most reliable locksmith in your area.

Check online- Before you just call up the first locksmith you see because you’re panicking, make sure you call at least three locksmiths before you pick the first one.  Just like everything else in life, the prices are going to vary.  Make sure explain your situation to each one the same way so you know exactly how much you’re going to pay.

AAA discount – If you’re part of AAA, you may be able to get someone to come out to your car and get the keys out for free.  Depending on your membership plan, you’re only allowed to get so many visits per month.  If you’ve reached your visits for the month or year, you may have to pay a price.

Watch out for lost keys – If you’ve lost your keys, a lot of auto locksmiths will use technology in order to create a new key.  With a newer car, you may have problems with this situation.  Make sure you ask the locksmith if they will be able to make a key for you.  Before they even leave, make sure the key works.  You won’t want them to drive off and not have it work.

Generally, locksmiths are open 24/7.  Some close early but you’ll always find one opened at 2 in the morning.  The main thing to remember is to compare prices.  Most people tend to get the first person that see just like towing, etc.  If you search around for a good price, you will save money in the long run.

Saving on gas can be easy if you apply for a gas station credit card but what most people don’t realize is what it takes in order to successfully apply for one.  Before you apply for your first gas rebate credit card, I highly advise you research at least five different cards to get a feel for what each card offers.  Below are the credentials you’ll probably need in order to get approved –

Good credit is needed – If you don’t have good credit, the chances of getting approved for a gas card are pretty slim.  Credit cards that generally have a reward system generally want you to have a decent credit score.  This credit score should probably be in the mid 600s and higher to get approved.  If your credit score is below 650, I would wait awhile until you raise your credit score.

Your credit history – If you’re a college student, you probably don’t want to apply for a regular gas card.  Instead, you’ll want to apply for a gas card designed for college students.  If you’re a younger adult that has a limited credit history, the chances of you getting approved for a gas card are once again, pretty slim.  I would wait until you have a credit history of at least three to five years.  Credit card companies love to see people with a solid credit history.  Without one, you’re not as reliable as someone with a credit history of 15 years.

Number of credit cards – This point not only applies to gas cards but also applies to many other credit cards.  The more credit cards you have opened, the more debt you’ll have access to.  Credit card companies don’t like it when you have a higher debt to income ratio.  So, if you have a lot of credit cards opened, the chances are getting approved once again are slim.  A good way to see what your debt to income ratio is by either looking on your credit report or figuring it out by adding up your limits.

These are probably the three main things that the gas station card companies will look after.  If you feel you meet all of these restrictions, the chances of getting approved are great.  It never hurts to try and apply but just don’t get discouraged when you find a denial letter in the mail.

Getting ready for vacation always seems to be hetic.  You’re always worried you’re forgetting something, if you have enough clothes, too many clothes, it’s always something.  You go on vacation to get away and relax, so make sure that’s what you’re doing when you get there.  Consider a few of these tips and make your vacation run a lot smoother!

• Do a vehicle check.  When taking a driven vacation make sure you give your car a check up.  Make sure all your lights are working, all your fluids are filled up, the air pressure in your tires is good, and you have a fresh oil change.  These few things can make a huge difference.
• Keep your documents.  If you have airline tickets, hotel nights booked, or theme park tickets make sure you have the documents saved and with you.  It would be someones luck to get there and say they have no listings of your name.  Be prepared with your documents!
• Know your numbers.  If you’re driving make sure you know the number to a road side assistance place.  Also always keep a cell phone and charger with you.  That phone could help you when you most need it!  Always think of who you could call in case of an emergency.
• Choose the right dates.  If your driving and you decide to leave the day before Christmas things might get a little hectic.  Make sure you leave a couple days in advanced.  You don’t want to spend the majority of your trip on the road.
• Entertainment.  Keep yourself and your traveling buddies occupied.  Play some games, listen to your favorite songs and try word puzzles or sudokus!
• Wear comfortable clothing.  We always want to look nice for the people we’re visting when we haven’t seen them for a long time, but this might cause for some discomfort in the car!
• Don’t drive if you’re tired.  Stay at a hotel or change drivers.  Never say “I can keep going still!”  if you feel the slightest bit tired.  It’s always best to play it safe than to be sorry!

Vacations are supposed to be for a good and relaxing time.  Make sure you pace yourself when driving and aren’t in a rush.  You’re on vacation no need to make things stressful.  Kick back, relax and have fun!