Posts by Yodit Gebreyes at BV on Money

7 Ways To Save On Gas

Find Cheap Gas

Comparison shop. Be a proactive consumer. Don't just pay the high prices at the closest station. Shop around to find the most competitive price in town. For a little help, visit http://gasprices.mapquest.com to compare prices in your area. You can find the best deal by zip code and street name, as well as check out prices by grade of gasoline.

Buy a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Consider buying a fuel-efficient vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an alternative-fuel vehicle. It could save you a lot at the gas pump and not to mention help the environment. FuelEconomy.gov offers tips on buying a new fuel-efficient car or truck.

Slow It Down

Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, costing an additional 10 cents per gallon. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 on the highway and 5 on city streets, resulting in 7 cents to 49 cents per gallon. Don't get too emotional driving, its supposed to be a time to relax and reflect. Next time you get in your car stay calm, cool, and collected put your car on cruise control.

Stop Idling

Idling gets you zero miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. No more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days is needed. Anything more simply wastes fuel and increases emissions. Be conscious of your environment and your pocket.

Tune Ups

Most motorists don't realize it's the little things that can make a difference. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40. Dirty spark plugs can cause misfiring which can waste fuel. Replacing a clogged air filter can save gas mileage by as much as 10, saving you 15 cents per gallon. Tune your engine; it'll increase gas mileage by 4. Also, damaged, loose, or missing gas caps, under-inflated tires, poor wheel alignment, and worn spark plugs all contribute to poor fuel economy.

Combine Errands

Instead of making several trips to the cleaners, grocers, post office and the bank, do all of your errands at one time. Before you hop into you car, plan ahead. Keep a checklist if necessary. This will save you time and money.

Park Your Car

Take public transportation. Walk it'll save you money and help you shed a few undesirable pounds. Carpool. You and some of your colleagues can take turns driving each other to work. Talk to your supervisor about telecommuting one day a week.

By Yodit Gebreyes

Due to the recent credit problems from the economy many parents will need to think of alternate means for monetary funds rather than college loans to get their children through school next semester. With higher costs to borrow money for popular fixed rate loans many college students are out of luck when trying to stay out of debt. Unfortunately many banks and other financial intuitions have to raise fees due to the credit crisis.

As a student I understand that paying for college is not always a walk in the park for many people trying to attend the school of their dreams, but there are some other ways to fund you or your children without being effected too much by the current state of the economy.

Below are some ideas on how to get the most bang for your buck from Bankrate.com

#1 Accelerate your degree

Accelerated classes cram a semester's worth of material into six- or eight-week sessions. The classes, while intense, can really help to move up your graduation date. You land the degree you want at a much lower price.

#2 Be a transfer student

Consider the power of credit transfer.

In many cases, credits earned at a less-expensive college or university can be transferred and applied toward a degree from a pricey, elite school. You could earn a prestigious diploma at a fraction of the price.

So why not attend a community college for a couple of years and then transfer to your dream college? It's not as if the fancy diploma you'll hang on your wall will say "transfer student."

#3 Go where you're wanted

Somewhere out there is a college or university that's dying to have you as a student. Find that school, fire off an application and watch the cost of your college education drop.

Not sure where to start your college search? Begin by checking out smaller, regional colleges in your area. An excellent but less-known college may be searching for a student just like you.