Gas prices got you down? You're not alone.
The Denver average for a regular gallon of gas went over $4.00 per gallon for the first time in more than a decade. Fuel prices have skyrocketed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine just 2 weeks ago, and there's no end in sight. "The higher prices this time will likely stay around far longer," GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, tweeted. So how can you save money at the pump here in Denver?
Use Phone Apps like Gas Buddy for Real-Time Pricing
I just started using the Gas Buddy app, and it's already paying off. It pulls up every nearby gas station based on your real-time location and shows you every gas station nearby based on their gas prices. Install it from the app store on your phone. However, it's a stand-alone app, and you may already have a navigation app installed on your phone that will do the exact same.
If you have Google Maps already installed on your phone, you can quickly check gas prices from right inside the app. Just open Google Maps and tap the “Gas” button under the search bar. It shows you the price per gallon, overlayed on the map. I've found this to be much easier to use, especially if you are a visual person like myself. If you prefer Waze, it does the same exact thing. Tap the search bar, and click the Gas icon below to display every nearby station and price right on the map.
There are plenty of other gas price display apps, but once I discovered I could use apps that I already integrate into my daily routine, that was a no-brainer for me.
Where You Buy Gas Matters
Membership does have its privileges, especially when it comes to gas. Member-based big box stores like Costco and Sam's Club will typically save you around .30c a gallon vs. popular gas chains. But get ready to wait in line at peak hours, the other day I waited at least 10 minutes at the Costco located off Wadsworth & Quincy.
Save Money Where You Shop for Groceries
If you join gas rewards programs at your favorite grocery store like King Sooper's or Safeway, the savings can really add up. Based on your spending within the store, you will earn fuel saver rewards that you can use at the pump. Those discounts can range from .10c to $1.00 per gallon depending on the store and your spending. This is an easy way to save, using the money you are already spending.
Buy a Home Closer to Work
Well, this is being written by real estate agents, so we had to try right? The average American spends 1.5 hours in their car commuting. If it's a serious job, you should seriously consider moving closer to work. If you're still working from home, kudos to you - you are already spending considerably less on gas. If you are ready to make that move, contact us today!
At least be thankful we don't live in California, where gas prices are well over $6.00 per gallon and going higher every day. Colorado doesn't have any weird restrictions on gas, meaning our stations can purchase on the open market from any seller they choose.
Posted by Ryan Penn on
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