1. Save on Gas: The exhilarating drop in gas prices was welcome relief after last summer's run-up. But even at current prices, you can save big by altering your driving behavior.
Keep your cool. Easing up on aggressive driving can cut your fuel consumption by 35%. Speeding is the biggest culprit, but drag-race-inspired peal-outs and jerky lane changes also shave miles per gallon. SAVINGS: $400
Get rid of the junk in your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle costs you. SAVINGS: $30
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Maintain your vehicle by keeping your engine properly tuned and tires inflated, replacing air filters regularly and using the right grade of motor oil. SAVINGS: $348
Annual Savings: $778
(based on studies using the best-selling Toyota Camry V6)
2. Buy a Fuel-Efficient Car: If you're in the market for a new car this year, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to haggling over price. But you can save even more by choosing a fuel-sipping model -- and it doesn't have to be a hybrid.
Set your sights on 30 miles per gallon. The Toyota Corolla or Honda Fit will deliver that, compared with 20 mpg for the Ford Taurus V6 or Chevrolet Impala V6. SAVINGS: $550
Downsizing from a gas guzzler also does the trick. Not all trade-downs are equal, though. For example, beware of swapping a relatively new large crossover for a smaller one with better gas mileage. The money you lose by trading in a newer vehicle (cars typically lose 40% to 50% of their value in the first three years of ownership) may be more than the money you save on gas. One example of a smart new-car downsize: Swap a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe AWD for a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. You'll save on both gas and monthly payments without losing all your cargo space. SAVINGS: $1,031
Annual Savings: $1,581
(if both changes are made by a two-car family)
3. Rent Cars Cheaply: Rent off-site instead of at the airport or hotel to cut a concession fee. Savings: $77Pay for your own gas. Prepaid rates are often close to pump prices, but unless you return the car on empty, you're paying for fuel you didn't use. SAVINGS: $40
Turn down the collision-damage waiver. Your own auto policy generally covers rental-car damage. SAVINGS: $81
Use a discount site, such as Hotwire.com. SAVINGS: $70
Annual Savings: $268
(based on one one-week rental at $50 per day)
4. Cut Your Commute: The average commute is 30 miles round-trip per day. If you reduce your driving time by one day per week by telecommuting or carpooling, you'll drive 3,120 fewer miles per year. Reducing the miles you drive in a year can also cut your car-insurance premium.
Annual Savings: $200
(not counting the big reduction in stress)
TOTAL ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION SAVINGS: $2,827
Slideshow: Top Savings Tips for 2009
-
Top Tech Gifts to Grab at Walmart Before ChristmasBig savings on Apple, Bose, HP, Vizio and more while there's still time to shop.
-
AI Appliances Aren’t Exciting Buyers…YetThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is being embedded into all sorts of appliances. Now sellers need to get customers to care about AI-powered laundry.
-
Ask the Editor: IRAs, 401(k)s and RMDsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on IRAs, 401(k)s and required minimum distributions
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
