7 More Ways to Save

2. Be sure the vehicle is as little weighted down as possible. We kept missing the person we were giving some free firewood to, and that weighs a vehicle down, causing poorer gas mileage. Get the wood out of the trunk!

3. Consider buying car risers/ramps for $40 on Amazon. Watch a couple YouTube videos and learn to change the oil in your own car. Also, Auto Zone and other chain stores happily recycle the used oil for free.

4. Keep your tires inflated. Properly inflated tires get your car better gas mileage. Places like Discount Tire do this for free, no appointment necessary.

5. People often say, a used car can nickle and dime you til it’s the same cost as buying a new vehicle. But does a used car really cost $500/month in repairs each and every month for years and years? (For other ideas on buying cars, click here.)

6. Call the dealership where you purchased your vehicle and see if there are any additional warranties that you may not be interested in keeping. I recently called the dealership where we bought our Honda Odyssey van, and there was a warranty that I asked them to close out. I filled out a form, confirmed the mileage on our vehicle and scanned a copy of our title to them and they will have a prorated check to us in 10 days.

7. Don't forget to be saving throughout the year, so when car registration, new tabs and plates, the smog test, etc. come due, you're ready. You'll be ready with cash for that. It's not a surprise that registration comes around on a predictable schedule. Save throughout the year, so it doesn't yank your budget around and make you discouraged when that bill comes due. You'll be ready. (Just like Christmas, it comes around every year. It's not an emergency; it's not a surprise. Be prepared. For other Christmas saving ideas, click here.)

You can do this! You can find ways to save in all the nooks and crannies of your life!

For other great ideas on how to save every month on your bills, click here.