What I am about to say is not breaking news. Unless you have been living on another planet, it’s difficult to avoid the knowledge that gas prices are almost doubled and may soon reach five dollars per gallon. Most people I know are not yet driving electric vehicles and therefore, are stuck with the reality of how to navigate travel with these escalating prices. Without identifying the reasons for the higher prices, who is benefiting and when will these increases cease, today’s Money Monday attempts to suggest a few tips which may help reduce your bill or extend the miles earned based upon the current prices.
Maintenance & Repairs
Now may be the time to get ahead and address maintenance related to your vehicle before a problem arises or gets worse. How about checking your tires to ensure the air pressure is appropriate in order to maximize your mileage when you gas up? While you are at it, get your oil change and battery checked as every little bit helps when gas prices are out of control. The reality is that not only gas prices are escalating, but maintenance costs are also increasing, so get ahead now if you can.
Get Rid of the Junk
When we think of spring cleaning, it usually involves cleaning the house and not so much one’s vehicle. This year’s spring cleaning may come early and involve you getting rid of the junk in your vehicle’s trunk. The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel you’ll burn. According to the Department of Energy, cargo on the roof of your vehicle can reduce fuel economy by up to 65 cents per gallon, when driving on the highway. Less weight, more fuel mileage.
When & How
Until now perhaps you may not have noticed or considered this, but gas prices are cheaper on certain days, according to a recent Gas Buddy Analysis. As per the analysis, gas prices are cheapest on Sundays followed by Mondays. On the other hand, gas prices in most states are the highest on Wednesdays.
This also means that you should plan your trips to avoid rush hour traffic during which time you burn the most gas; and consider using Apps such as AAA Mobile and Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas prices along with Waze and Google Maps.
How to Pay
Usually, gas prices are reduced when paid for by cash versus some other method. But let’s do the math. Are you part of a member loyalty program which offers 5 or 10 cents off the cost just for being a member? How about that credit card that offers cash back rewards of 5% or higher when you purchase gas? There are all types of cards that not only offer cash back rewards on gas prices, but also on groceries and travel to name a few. Perhaps it may be worth figuring out which method of paying for gas will actually reduce the price at the pump for you.
WHAT’S UP!
Today’s What’s Up is about changes in the 529 education plan for 2026. Prior to this year, you were only allowed to withdraw $10, 000 from your 529 plan for educational purposes. Starting this year, you can deduct up to $20,000 from your 529 plan for educational expenses. And that’s what’s up!
Ruthven R. Phillip, Esq., is a tax attorney, Stewardship and Philanthropy Ministry Assistant, and CEO of Give2Getrich, LLC. Give2Get Rich, LLC 2026 All Rights Reserved. Any distribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited.
