I just wanted to enter this little thought for the day (or month in my case). If you're anywhere responsible with credit cards, get the ones that pay you back for your gas purchases. I mean really, why pay more for gas when you don't have to? I started my quest for cheaper gas last July by getting a Chase card that gives me 5% back for gas purchases. Its still my backup card when I don't have better options. I followed that up in September by signing up for a Shell CC. It gave me $40 back on three gas purchases. I ended up getting $70 of gas for $30. After that ran out, I got a Citgo card that gave me 20% back on the purchases. That ran out the end of the year (yeah, the good rates don't last long). Now I am on my new Citgo card (Citgo Plus). It gives me $5 back on every purchase over $15 - basically a 33% back card. This one lasts through the end of March. Next in my sights is a Hess card (10% back) or Chevron (I forget, but I think it was 20% back). Hopefully after that there will be one for Exxon/Mobil or Texaco. And maybe by next year I can start the cycle over again?
I will say having a fuel efficient compact probably helps my expenses more, but I like saving money easily whenever possible.
Don't pay full price for gas
February 13th, 2007 at 01:53 am
February 13th, 2007 at 03:27 am 1171337271
February 13th, 2007 at 05:30 pm 1171387853
February 14th, 2007 at 12:06 am 1171411560
Unlike you though I don't like the idea of having to chase down each offer so I picked the Discover Gas card. 5% Back for gas and auto charges up to the first $1200 spent. Then of course, the rewards drop to peanuts. Still I like the fact it covers gas, towing, auto repairs, auto parts stores, etc. It's a great way to track all expenses related to your car which is something I always meant to get around to doing anyway.
February 14th, 2007 at 12:16 am 1171412193
February 14th, 2007 at 01:01 am 1171414861
It does come with some work by signing up for different promos, but really, the work is minimal. And finally, I have a number of cards open taking advantage of 0% transfer offers (I'm currently earning about $200 /mo. on this money) so what is one more card at this point? I can understand not everyone wanting the promo offer cards, but at least the 5% back cards are really just easy money. I bet I've cut my gas expenses 25% since last summer (probably $150 by now). I just can't beat it. But as with anything you have to decide if its worth it to you.
February 15th, 2007 at 02:54 pm 1171551244
February 16th, 2007 at 02:10 am 1171591850
I know things can change but I survived being laid off for 15 months, so I know how to keep afloat (My savings dropped only $5,000 during that time). I have over six months earnings available in CDs, savings, and DRiPs I could sell if needed, so I can hunker down for the long haul. And if you read some of my older postings, I used to rent a room in the house that paid almost 1/2 my mortgage. If it came to that, I could do it again. There are always ways to stretch your finances. I'm not going to live my life scared, just frugal.