Posts Tagged ‘fuel’

Save on Gas

Friday, December 11th, 2009
j0442990With Christmas and New Year’s approaching, travel plans will begin to pick up.  Here are a few ways to reduce your gas costs this holiday season.
 
1.  Cold weather warm-up.  Avoid prolonged warming up of the engine, even on extremely cold mornings, 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
 
2.  Ice and snow build-up.  During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to the car frame. Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance.
 
3.  Fuel line freeze-up.  Use special gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines.
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Family Budget Crisis in Sixteen Months!

Friday, August 28th, 2009

       In the year 2011 when the first baby boomer reaches 65 years of age there will be a significant tax increase without an act of Congress.  This will happen when the tax cuts put in place under President Bush expire.  What I have observed since the Bush tax cuts took effect was an increase in taxes at the state and local level as federal funds were cut back. When the tax increase takes place we will see taxes, at least in Ohio, at an unprecedented level.

       What will this mean to the average family earning $50,000 per year?  Using standard deductions a family earning $50,000 will pay an extra $200 per month in federal taxes.  If this was the only tax to be concerned with it might be possible for a family to survive.  But it’s not.  (more…)

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Beware of the “Cash for Clunkers” Program

Friday, August 14th, 2009

           As we have stated in our resource material, buying a used car is most often a better value than buying new.  Will our opinion change with this program?   Let’s assess the value of the Cash for Clunkers program offered by the federal government where taxpayers subsidize the purchase of a vehicle.

           The maximum value offered is a $4,500 voucher, which requires mileage improvement of 10 miles per gallon for passenger vehicles, 5 miles per gallon for light-duty trucks, and 2 miles per gallon for large light-duty trucks.  There is also a $3,500 voucher if the mileage improvement is 4 miles per gallon for passenger vehicles, 2 miles per gallon for light duty trucks, 1 mile per gallon for large light duty trucks and any pre-2002 commercial truck.  (more…)

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Making and Educated Car Purchase

Friday, July 24th, 2009

The average person will make a car purchase within seven days of their decision to buy.  If you are thinking of buying a vehicle, it is best to review your options before making this important decision.   First, ask yourself if you need the vehicle and then decide what kind of vehicle best fits you need. (more…)

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Saving Money on Gas

Friday, July 24th, 2009

gas pump

Here are two ways to save money on fuel costs.

1. Remove excess weight from the trunk.  By keeping an extra 100 pounds in your car, you reduce an average car’s fuel economy by up to two percent.�
  
2. Change your oil regularly.  Clean oil can reduce wear on moving parts in your engine.  Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended changing schedule.
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Savings Tips

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
With the summer vacation season kicking in and Memorial Day around the corner, here are three quick ways to save gas during your travels.
 
1.  Use cruise control – using cruise control on highway trips can help
     you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce fuel
     consumption.
2.  Avoid unnecessary idling – Turn off your engine if you anticipate a
     lengthy wait.  Unncessary idling wastes fuel, costs money and
     pollutes the air.
3.  Keep your tires inflated properly – Underinflated tires cause fuel
     consumption to increase as much as six percent.
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