I’m not looking for extreme measures like hypermiling, but easy and manageable solutions to save money.

1. Drive your most fuel efficient vehicle. We own two vehicles. A Toyota Prius and a BMW X5. Two totally different vehicles and each vehicle has its benefits and weaknesses. My wife uses a vanpool during the day to commute to work, so we should be using the Prius as our primary family car. The savings in gas would be tremendous for us. If you own two vehicles, are you putting the most miles on your efficient one? I would imagine many families have a minivan and a passenger car. I wonder if the passenger car would give you more fuel economy over the van? Do you know your vehicles mpg?

2. Kids Carpool. My wife uses a vanpool for work, but I could utilize a carpool for my daughter’s school. All it would take is a few phone calls and we could probably arrange a vanpool. I’m sure many parents are already doing this, but for me, it’s more of a convenience factor. I also wouldn’t be able to reciprocate and use my vehicle for carpooling, as I only have room for two car seats. I guess I could offer to purchase gas for them. Do you schedule a carpool or vanpool for your kid’s activities?

3. Plan ahead. I’m guilty of driving sometimes without a clear plan of what I’m going to accomplish at a store. I sometimes bring a list, but usually just try to wing it. I would imagine I waste a few gallons a week by not writing down a list for the store. Many nights I will have to drive out to the store for milk, and get frustrated because I was at the store a few hours earlier. I utilize spreadsheets and lists for budgets and household projects, so I should utilize lists for everyday shopping.

4. Pay attention to vehicle maintenance. It’s interesting that I take better care of my BMW X5, but it’s also the least efficient vehicle. I need to spend more time on the little details for both vehicles, like tire rotation, air filter, tire pressure, and oil service. I do maintain my vehicles, but sometimes I will allow several months to pass before having the tires rotated. One day my neighbor mentioned that a tire looked low on my Prius. It was low. I had been driving on a slow leak from a nail. I wonder how long the tire was low? These little maintenance items could add up to big gas savings for me. Many of these maintenance items are free. Tire pressure can greatly impact mileage. My dad has given me several tire pressure gauges for Christmas, and I need to start using them. I even have an emergency tire station and battery jumper cables that would be perfect to inflate my tires.

5. Walk, don’t drive. This one is going to hurt a little. We have a park about 1 mile from our house. No hills, just flat road. My kids are 4 and 2, and I prefer to drive. My reasons are selfish, as I like to leave quickly if we have a meltdown or if the bathrooms are nasty. We have a double stroller and we should walk more often for exercise and to save fuel. Our family goes to the park 3 or 4 times a week. We could be saving 8 miles a week in gas. How far do you drive to the park or to a local store? Could you walk?

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This Memorial Weekend was a time to reflect on our nations history and spend time with family and friends as well as celebrate my wife’s birthday. We were planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, but the weather changed Thursday night and snow was forecast. Our family stayed home and the decision was the right one, as we found out that the roads were closed Tuesday. I really don’t enjoy putting on chains, especially with little ones in the car. My patience has dwindled down to zero and chains would only make me sound like the dad on “A Christmas Story”. Great scene when the father and son are trying to change a flat tire and he asked his family to time his speed. Since we stayed home we had to change our Lake Tahoe plans and create some new ones.

My wife loves lists. Do you enjoy putting together lists to track projects, goals, groceries, or household chores? My wife has a list for almost everything. My wife has lists for everything. I even clean up her old lists that are from projects long ago or from old birthday parties. Since it was my wife’s birthday, I thought I would try and tackle some items on her most recent list.

1. New tires for Toyota Prius
2. Fix Ipod for van pool
3. Organize office and guest room
4. Hang curtains and pullbacks
5. Train trip with kids to Sacramento
6. Attend a Baseball game
7. Hang Pictures in bedroom
8. Do Laundry

I have been putting off two new tires for our Prius for several months now. Back in November of last year, Prius tires on backorder and a 5% discount, Toyota ordered two new tires for my Prius and gave me a 5% discount. I called Toyota and they have the Dunlop tires in stock and can do it the same day. Quite a bit different from going to the BMW dealership and dealing with egos and poor customer service. Toyota is a different story. They are easy to approach and they don’t talk down to the customers.

I waited about an hour and the service desk said my car was ready. I wish is was a little longer as I had fun talking to the sales guys and asking questions about the 2009 Toyota Prius changes. The dealership didn’t have any inventory of the Prius and said that a waiting list is forming again. I can’t believe that just a few months ago I saw several available at the same dealership. As gas prices increase, the demand for the Prius will increase. I also learned that I could probably make some money on my 2002 Prius.

While I was waiting, I was using my Samsung Blackjack to look at my email and read some of my blog subscriptions. I have about 10 blogs that I like to follow and was going through my email and noticed one from Toyota. I read it and couldn’t believe it. A 10% coupon on all service, including tires. The Blackjack is starting to pay for itself and save me money too. Before the discount, two new Dunlop tires cost $249.60, including labor, tax and parts. When I went to pay for the tires, I noticed on the invoice that a 5% discount was given. $14 in savings and I didn’t mention my coupon yet. I explained to the cashier that I just received a 10% coupon email from Toyota and that I wanted to use it. She looked at me and then asked for the printout. I showed her my phone and said it’s on the email on my phone. She was really confused. The service advisor came over and looked at the email, smiled, and then gave me an additional 10% off. It pays to speak up and ask for your discounts. I actually thought for a moment that I should be happy with the 5% discount. But why? No harm in asking and I had the email on my cell phone. I was so excited, I almost went out and bought a new car. Just kidding! My total savings was $29. I really enjoy saving money, especially when I feel like I worked a little to earn the savings. In case you were wondering, we did accomplish my wife’s list and had a fantastic weekend too.

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