The cost of a regular gallon of gas in the U.S. is $4.04, up from $3.12 a year ago, according to AAA. For those military families stationed in places like California, that number increases to $5.79 a gallon, at the time of reporting. Add that to rising inflation and grocery costs, and many American households are scrambling to cut expenses. We spoke with an accredited financial counselor about ways to save money at the pump amid tightening budgets.
Lacey Langford, an Air Force veteran and military spouse, is the founder of MILMO — an online resource that teaches military community “ways to make, save, and invest more money to be financially free.”
She has built her career helping military families navigate financial decisions and offers practical strategies to help families save on gas and make each fill-up stretch further.
Plan errands strategically
“If things are already tight, the first thing you need to do is be very mindful and aware of how often you are driving,” Langford said.
The most obvious tip is to drive less, but how do you do that when there is always somewhere you need to be or an errand to complete? Langford said to start by consolidating your time on the road. For example, drop off a return, pick up groceries, or stop for gas on the way home from work if it is already on your route.
Setting aside one day for errands and planning the most efficient route can also help minimize extra trips during the week.
Carpool when possible
Think about the places you regularly go where others are headed at the same time, such as physical training, the gym or work. When possible, coordinate a carpool and take turns driving to reduce how often each person has to fill up.
Use rewards programs and apps
Many grocery stores and gas stations offer rewards programs that can reduce the price at the pump. Download the app for the grocery store or gas station you use most often, sign up for its rewards program, and check for discounts before filling up.
Albertsons, Safeway for U, Harris Teeter and King Soopers’ Fuel Points are just some of the companies allowing shoppers to accumulate points from store purchases and redeem them at participating gas stations.
Beyond rewards programs, Langford recommends using GasBuddy and Upside. GasBuddy helps users compare local gas prices before filling up and offers other fuel-saving tools through the app, while Upside allows users to earn cash back at participating gas stations and on other everyday purchases.
Maintain your vehicle
A less obvious trick — but one worth mentioning — is to make sure your vehicle is running efficiently. Low tire pressure can cause your vehicle to use more gas on the road.
For repairs beyond routine maintenance, it might seem better for your budget to delay getting the work done. However, putting off a needed repair could cost you more over time, whether through increased fuel use or additional vehicle problems.
Langford encourages military families who are feeling discouraged by rising prices or struggling to make ends meet to take advantage of free resources, such as financial counseling through Military OneSource. Financial professionals can help families identify additional strategies to manage seasons of financial strain.
“You can figure this out,” Langford said. “It’s not forever; it’s for right now. You just have to make some small changes to give yourself relief.”
Visit GasBuddy to find the lowest gas prices in your area.
