Control the Gas Budget

If you're on a tiny budget (less than $1000 a month), one of the best ways of saving money is to try and avoid using your car so often. I'm not suggeting selling your car or always taking public transportation because that can be just as expensive. However, there are some things you can do to save on gas, one of the biggest expenses.

If you live close to work, walk to work a few days a week. You don't have to do this every day, but if you don't have a lot of stuff to take with you and the weather is nice, why not walk? It's good exercise and you save gas.

When you have to go run errands, try to arrange it so you go out and do all the errands you need to for the week at once. Think about it: driving to the grocery store and back, then driving to the post office and back, and then driving to the dry cleaners and back makes up three seperate trips. The amount of gas (and time) you spend making three seperate trips is most likely more than you'd spend doing them all at once.

If you and your friends are going out to dinner or to an event, suggest that everyone ride together. This helps not only with gas but also with parking. If you drive, next time suggest you all take someone else's car.

Be smart when buying gas, too. If you know of a cheap gas station that isn't too far out of your way, go for it. However, if you have to drive 5 miles just to save a penny per gallon, it's not worth it.

Finally, keep your car tuned up. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that you change your oil regularly. A car that is in good condition actually uses less gas, so it's worth it.