Amazingly, as few as 10 years ago, gas prices averaged $1.59 a gallon.  Let's face it…we'll probably never see gas below $3 a gallon ever again.  And of course, while gas prices have more than doubled in a decade, we all know our salaries certainly have not!  There are many ways to save anywhere from pennies to as much as 40 cents a gallon or more!  The first and most obvious way, is to shop around.  The more saturated an area is with gas stations, the more competition and the likelihood of lower prices.  But of course, no reason to drive around looking for the lowest price…GasBuddy.com or their downloadable app is fairly accurate for the lowest gas prices nationwide. 

You may have a supermarket in your area that has a gas rewards program where you save on gas based on points you have accumulated just by shopping at that store.  There is also a new nationwide program called the Fuel Rewards Network (FuelRewards.com) that you can sign up for for free and earn points toward lowering your per gallon fuel cost just by shopping online, eating out and other things you need to do anyway.  I just signed up and am anxiously awaiting to start saving!  This program is redeemable at most Shell stations, so check their website to see if there is a participating station in your area.

Some Wal-Mart stores have gas stations, and they recently rolled out a new program in which you can save 15 cents a gallon if you pay with a Wal-Mart credit card, or 10 cents a gallon if you use a Wal-Mart gift card.  And while you may know from some other postings on Coupon Corner, I don't shop at warehouse stores, because I save more at the supermarket.  However, there are many BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club locations that have gas stations and charge members less for gas…usually around 10 cents a gallon less than us non-members pay.  So if you are a warehouse club member, check their website to see if they have any locations with gas stations nearby.

Then there are always the gas company branded credit cards.  Most have no fee, and will give you a few percent back for gas purchases, and generally 1% everywhere else.  They are also great in states that charge less when you pay with cash.  Most gas stations will charge you the "cash price" if you use their credit card.  Gift cards also work for cash prices.  If you don't carry cash, use your credit card to buy some gas station gift cards, and use them to get the cash price at the pump.

Then again, you can always take the bus  :)

Good luck and send me your tips and stories…ScottyB@ElvisDuran.com or on Twitter @ZscottyB