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Queen of Free: Gas saving strategies

Saving money on gas is not hard. Simple strategies will add up over time.

INDIANAPOLIS — Every driver is feeling some pain at the pump as gas prices rise to record levels.

Gasoline is not going to get any cheaper as spring and summer vacation season ramps up, so Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free, shared some strategies on 13Sunrise that you can employ to offset rising prices.

Discounts and rewards programs

Start by maximizing rewards like Kroger Fuel Points. Every purchase of groceries and prescriptions accrues points that can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger fuel centers, up to $1 per gallon. Kroger periodically offers additional gas points on gift card purchases. Just make sure to use your points before they expire at the end of of the month. Meijer’s mPerks program offers similar savings for dollars spent in grocery and pharmacy purchases. 

In her weekly blog, Cherie said she's "not a fan of any rewards programs that require you to take on a credit card or require a subscription fee." But now may be a good time to consider a Costco or Sam's Club membership, if you live close to a warehouse store, to get access to their gasoline discounts.

Some stations offer their own member discounts if you link your bank account with their debit card. Others knock off a few cents a gallon if you pay with cash.

Price tracking apps

Both the GasBuddy and AAA apps show the price per gallon at gas stations close to you, or where you might be going, as well as which day is generally best to find low prices. Around Indianapolis, Gas Buddy shows prices generally lower on Mondays and Tuesdays, and highest on Wednesdays and Thursdays. But those fluctuate based on world events and market conditions.

Drive smarter

Fuel economy helps you get extra mileage out of every drop of gas you buy, so keep your tires inflated and purge extra weight from your trunk. Hard braking, speeding and using air conditioning contribute to lower fuel economy.

Be ready for higher fuel costs to impact your budget in other areas. Expect to see your grocery bill go up when the trucks that bring their goods to the store feel the pinch.

Watch Cherie's 13Sunrise segment in the video player.

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