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The Dollar Stretcher

Driving Habits That Waste Gas (and How To Fix Them)

Published about 2 months ago • 3 min read

Sunday, March 15 | Volume 31, Number 26

​View this issue in your web browser​

Hello Dollar Stretchers,

A quick reminder that the new ebook, 785 Readers’ Tips for Making a Tight Budget Go Further, is now available.

It’s a collection of practical ideas shared by readers over the years—small ways people stretch groceries, cut household costs, reuse everyday items and make their budgets go a little further. Some of you may even spot a tip or two you submitted.

I’ve kept the 50%-off link just for newsletter readers, in case you’d like to reference the book whenever you’re looking for a new idea to try.
Andrea

I have to laugh about the tip on coasting due to the high gas prices. I am in my 60's and have coasted since I started driving as a teenager. I have maybe once in my life needed brake pads on a vehicle. My tires last way longer than normal. And I have to assume I have fared well on gas.
​
I miss a lot of red lights, too.
Susan

A note from Andrea: Like Katie (the original tipster) and Susan, I’ve always been a coaster. I guess that’s just how we were taught to drive way back when.

I’ve tried explaining to my 20-year-old niece—who seems to go through brake pads and tires faster than anyone I know—and to my son, who’s just learning to drive, that good driving habits can save on gas, reduce maintenance and repair costs, and make you a safer driver.

But what do we older folks know about modern cars and driving?🤣

​Driving Habits That Waste Gas (and How To Fix Them)​

Some of the biggest ways to save on gas have nothing to do with where you buy fuel. Learn 10 common habits that waste gas and simple fixes that can help every tank last longer. (Some “bad” driving habits can reduce fuel economy by as much as 30%.)

Note: In the More Ways To Save section beneath the article, you’ll also find a link to 10 Ways To Pay Less for Gas Without Driving Less that has additional gas savings.

I spend a lot of time on Facebook (I’m retired.) I see a lot of products that appeal to me or that I could use/gift. Before I buy anything from an exclusive website, I check Amazon. 95% of the time, I can find it cheaper on Amazon—sometimes even $20 cheaper than on the manufacturer’s website. Plus, easier returns if I decide I don’t like/need it!
Debbie

​Baking Savings: 9 Tips for Spending Less on Homemade Treats​

Baking at home should save money over store-bought goodies. These practical tips help cut ingredient costs, energy use and food waste.

I discovered onions sprouting in their bin. Not wanting to throw them out, I cut the sprouts (like scallions) and the onions and cooked them separately. Some will go into today's meal, but the rest are in the freezer in a sheet pan. Later, they will go into a freezer bag. Parts that weren't bad but weren't pretty were cut up and stored in the freezer to use in stock. I try very hard not to waste any food.
Barbara in SC

​DIY Dishwasher Detergent: Does It Really Save Money?​

Thinking about making your own dishwasher detergent? Here’s what it really costs, when it saves money, and when store-brand powder may be the better bargain.
Regarding the tip about cleaning stainless steel appliances with a magic eraser and using the stainless steel cleaner only occasionally: I never use a magic eraser or the stainless steel cleaner. Instead, I put a few drops of generic baby oil on an old soft cloth and wipe down my stainless steel appliances. I then take a clean, old soft cloth and lightly buff the appliance. It takes very little time, lasts for weeks, looks really nice and is extremely inexpensive. I've been doing this for decades with no issues.
Shelley

Once again, here is the half-price link for the 785 Readers’ Tips eBook.

Some of the tips are so simple yet smart, you may wonder why you didn’t think of them first.

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Reader Tips are edited for length and readability. The Dollar Stretcher is an Amazon Associate and may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click on a link and make a purchase.

The Dollar Stretcher website's content, products and services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. The information should not be used as a substitute for professional financial advice. The Dollar Stretcher encourages you to make any financial decisions with your financial advisor, planner or other financial professional. The Dollar Stretcher is owned by Jackiranda Media, LLC.

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The Dollar Stretcher

Andrea Norris-McKnight, Publisher & Money-Saving Strategist

Get practical money-saving ideas for everyday expenses, plus a free eBook with 226 simple tips you can use whenever you need them. No extreme frugality. No complicated systems. Just practical help that works in real life.

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