September 29 Savings

Investment: Since they don't currently have people entering prices at iowastategasprices for our area, I paid attention to the gas prices on my drive and filled up my 12-gallon tank for $3.35 in Sibley at Shell

Instead of: Hull dropped their prices to $3.39 before Sibley went down, but I waited a few days for Sibley to drop below.

Savings: $0.04 x 12 gallons= $0.48

Bonus: I got the 5% rebate on my Shell card.

Update: GAAAH Two days later Sibley was at $3.25~oh well, when you're running on empty, you have to choose from the current options!

September 27 Savings

Investment: Three times this week there were places I needed to go in town and since it was beautiful weather I was able to ride my bike instead of drive.

Instead of: Driving about 2 miles at the IRS-mileage rate of $0.505/mile

Savings: $1.01

Bonus: I got some exercise and enjoyed the weather.

September 9 Savings

Tonight I was leaving Sioux Center after helping set up for the garage sale and the truck needed gas. I pulled into the Coop where it was $3.49/gal and started filling up, only to remember that there was a Shell station on the way out of town (we get a 5% rebate on our Shell card). It would have been easier to just continue filling and be on my way, but I stopped the pump after 1 gallon, drove out to Shell, filled up there (for $3.45) and then continued on home. I also knew I'd be tempted to grab some fast food after an evening of hard work setting up, but had planned ahead and packed a sandwich, fruit, and cookie to eat on the way home instead.

Investment: $65.55 in gas minus 5% rebate ($62.27) and about $2 worth of a packed-lunch

Instead of: $66.31 in gas with no rebate and a $3 fast food meal

Savings: $4.04 gas and $1 food= $5.04

Bonus: My packed lunch was probably healthier than the fast food taco or burger I would have bought and the gas at Shell in Sioux Center was 4-cents cheaper than Sibley's.

September 6 Savings

Investment: DH carpooled with my bro-in-law to class today at BVU.

Instead of: Driving himself both this time and next time.

Savings: $13.28-half the cost of the gas for today b/c he'll return the favor later

Bonus: He had some good company on the ride and got some homework done while waiting to go home.

September 1 Savings

Get Ready...Get Set...GO! September kind of snuck up on me as I was away over the weekend, but today, Labor Day, is the official start to the September Savings Challenge. Are you ready? I am ready to learn as I go, blog honestly about the challenges and choices, and respond to your comments and suggestions. I hope the "ways to save" already posted will give you some ideas and that each family will think of more ways they can save money for a worthy cause by making some different choices.  In each of my entries, I'll do a quick summary of the day's savings/choices and I encourage you to respond with your comments of your progress/roadblocks/lessons learned. Thanks for contributing!

Spending: I rode home from visiting my sister/niece with my mom today and made a pit stop at DQ. I spent $1.79 on an ice cream cone.

Instead of:  I normally would have spent $3.09 on a blizzard and if I drove by myself this weekend, today's trip would have cost $30 in gas.

Sept. 1 Savings: $1.30 for the DQ choice, $30 for the free ride from mom (Thanks!). Total: $31.30

Bonus: I was also tempted to buy fast food for supper, but waited to get home to eat Pizza/Pasta Casserole and salad with DH.

Meet Me at the Car Wash, Yeah

It wouldn't be hard for me to go the whole month without washing my car, but I know that it's better to keep it clean than pay for it later, so here's how to save on keeping your car clean.  If you're car is only in need of a good suds and rinse, try doing it in your driveway on a nice day. If you need some higher-power help, wash it yourself at the carwash instead of using the drive-through automatic. Also, most home vacuums have attachments that allow you to use the hose for the interior instead of feeding the meter on the vacuum at the car wash.

Investment: minimal when you wash at home with a soap and bucket (don't let the hose run), about $2.50 if you feed the quarters at the self-wash

Instead of: Around here, automatic drive-thrus cost $5 for basic and $8 for deluxe.

Savings: $2.50 for me (I usually opt for the $2.50 self-wash pressure washer to get the bugs off and wouldn't normally spring for the deluxe $8 drive-through on unsalted road months, plus I vacuum using the shop vac at home) 

Bonus: The self-wash usually has a shorter line at the car wash plus you can get rid of the change in your purse and dresser drawers.

Observe the Speed Limit

Your car uses fuel more efficiently when you drive the speed limit.  The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that every 5mph you drive over 60mph is like paying a $0.30 surcharge on every gallon of gasoline.

Investment: a little extra time: driving 60 instead of 65 will make a 60-mile trip less than 5 minutes longer

Instead of: driving over the speed limit does not allow your vehicle optimal fuel efficiency

Savings:  $0.30/gallon, times the number of miles you drove at 60 instead of 65, divided by your vehicle's mpg

Bonus:  It is safer to drive the speed limit, plus you are helping the environment by emitting less CO2.