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How to Cut Your Costs at the Pump

By U.S. News & World Report

If you have a summer road trip planned, then you might be paying close attention to fluctuating gas prices. While they are relatively low, averaging $2.71 per gallon compared to almost a dollar higher at this time last year, according to AAA, they have been rising lately and prices vary widely based on location. California drivers can expect to pay around $3.81 per gallon, for example, while Alabama drivers fork over around $2.49 per gallon.

You might not be able to help where you live, but you can take steps to reduce what you pay to fill up your tank, reduce your need for gas by driving less and make sure your car runs as efficiently as possible. Here are 10 ways to pay less at the pump this summer:

1. Clean out the trunk.

Using the trunk of your car as a storage unit makes your car work harder to get around. The Energy Department reports that every extra 100 pounds a vehicle carries reduces its fuel efficiency by 1 percent. (The smaller the car, the bigger the percentage.) It might be convenient to store strollers, mulch and other heavy items in the back of your car, especially if you have a small home, but it means you’re paying more for gas.

2. Drive with friends.

Coordinating your work commute with co-workers or neighbors means splitting the gas bill and maintenance costs. It’s easy to find rides through carpooling websites such as RideSearch.com and eRideShare.com. If you value your alone time, pack headphones.

3. Shop around.

Prices vary by location, so use apps or websites to comparison shop before deciding where to fill up. You can look up local price comparisons at GasBuddy.com. Sometimes, driving just a few blocks out of your way can lead to a lower price. Just take care not to burn up so much gas getting to the new location that the price difference isn’t worth the trip.

4. Go aerodynamic.

Making small adjustments to your car’s silhouette can reduce drag and make it easier for your car to move forward. Removing luggage racks and rolling up windows are two simple fixes. The Energy Department reports that a large roof-top carrier can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 25 percent on highways. For city driving, the drag reduces efficiency by about 2 to 8 percent.

5. Take advantage of rewards.

As long as you’re not carrying debt and paying high interest rates, you can take advantage of gas rewards cards that offer cash back and other incentives. Use comparison websites such as CreditCards.com or NerdWallet.com to shop around and find the best card for you.

6. Reduce horsepower.

Cars with four-cylinder engines might be flashy, but these days it’s also cool to be green. Plus, cars with less horsepower use less gas, and they also tend to be cheaper. If you drive enough, then buying a hybrid vehicle can pay off with lower gas bills.

7. Get a checkup.

Pumping up tires, replacing clogged air filters and otherwise keeping your vehicle in top shape can ensure your car runs smoothly. According to the Energy Department, fixing a car that is “noticeably out of tune” or has failed an emissions test improves its gas mileage by 4 percent on average. Inflating tires to the appropriate pressure improves gas mileage by 3.3 percent. (For more tips and fun statistics, check out fueleconomy.gov.)

8. Feel the breeze.

U.S. News blogger and WiseBread columnist Sabah Karimi recommends skipping the air conditioning this summer, even if it means working up a bit of a sweat on the road. She says opening the windows, wearing lightweight clothing and even sipping hot beverages can help keep you cool. (It sounds counterintuitive, but it really does work!) Also, try to park in the shade whenever possible.

9. Plan a better route.

If you take a traffic-free, more direct path, then you’re traveling fewer miles and burning less gas as a result. Karimi suggests using a smartphone app like Waze, which tracks traffic, closures and accidents, so you can steer clear of them and reach your destination sooner — and with more gas left in the tank.

10. Walk (or bike) instead.

Skipping the car altogether will reduce your gas bill, and you’ll simultaneously benefit the environment and your waistline. If your city has a bike share program, then you can change your mode of transportation even more easily. Public transportation is another cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, option.

More from U.S. News

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10 Unexpected Costs of Driving

10 Ways to Stay in Shape on a Budget

How to Cut Your Costs at the Pump originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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