Here’s a great way to save money on something we all dislike paying for and that is fuel. The Fuel Rewards Network is offering for you to spin a wheel to score either a $0.05, $0.10, $0.20 or $0.25 per gallon reward. Once you lock in your number you will need to register. After you put in your name and address, your FREE Shell Fuel Rewards Card will be mailed to you and can be used at participating Shell locations to get your discount right at the pump.
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CITGO Visa Ending Long Run of 1% Cash Back Rebate Card
We were really surprised Citibank waited this long to end this dinosaur of a credit card. Several years ago it was my ultimate favorite credit card because of its pure one percent back and automatic no-hassle credit to the statement every month with no waiting period. The sad thing is Citibank really does not even have a card half this good right now but yet they are closing out this outdated card. The competing banks have better offers if you read further.
In a letter from Citibank:
As of February 29, 2012, Citibank, N.A. the issuer of the CITGO MasterCard and CITGO Visa, will discontinue these credit card programs. Your account will be closed on that date and you will no longer be able to use your account for purchases or other transactions. Please ensure that any companies you have authorized to bill to this account on a recurring basis are notified. You will continue to receive a monthly statement until any remaining balance is paid in full. Any rebates you have earned but have not redeemed as of February 29, 2012 will be applied as a credit on your statement in a future billing period.
The CITGO MasterCard and Citgo Visa credit card programs are being discontinued but the big bank is offering an alternative. Citibank is inviting you in the letter to apply for a CITGO Plus Card. The CITGO Plus Card is more of a gas card that is not used anywhere but CITGO stations. It does come with a 10% Rebate on CITGO purchases for 60 days after the opening of the account where you can earn up to $75. Although you would be better off applying for a Freedom Card and earning back 5% this quarter and be able to shop at any gas location.
Drive Faster, Save Gas
Gas prices are climbing to all time highs right now at over $4 for diesel fuel and regular unleaded. The wholesale has reached new benchmarks at almost $120 a barrel. Possible invasion of Iran, Combat in Iraq, Demand, among hundreds of other reasons that gas prices will only climb from here on out.
The purchase of a 2010 Mitsubishi i MIEV Plug-In Electric is unlikely since that will probably not be around until 2009 for pre-order. You can invest your hard earned money in a hybrid car or SUV but that could also only save you in the long term which is not a bad thing.
My tips on saving money on gas might be different that the ones you normally read:
- Drive Faster – Find tollways to drive on and pay the extra toll instead of driving down older roads or highways. You can normally drive faster on highways and avoid wasting gas sitting in several accidents or slower traffic congested areas.
- Carry Several Gas Cards – If you have the credit then why not. I have a credit card for each gas station I live near so I can get 5-10% cash back at their stations. Exxon, Shell, and BP all offer great credit cards to maximize the money you spend at the pump. I also use the Chase Free Cash Visa at Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart purchases and the Chase Freedom Card for 7-Eleven and all other gas retailers.
- Get Oil Changed Frequently – Make sure you keep up with the regular maintenance of your car.
- Tire Pressure – Make sure your tires are in good shape and are aired up to the proper levels recommended in your manual.
- Pull Technology From Business to Consumer – Do all you can as a consumer to contact companies to speed up their technology to get more vehicles such as biodiesels on the road. If you own a RV there are ways to convert it. Ask around and find out how you can convert your car, truck, or RV to take biofuels such as restaurant grease. This will speed up the free market process faster than the government tax credits.
- Hypermiling – the more aggressive ways for gas savings. One hypermiling way to drive is to tailgate the car in front of you using wind and resistance to down power your car. I would not advise this method unless you have a standard shift otherwise you would have to turn off your car. They also tell you to over inflate your tires which is also sort of risky behavior.
It is said that gas prices related to consumer spending and that many budget less spending when they go higher. There are many things that go into consumer spending besides gas prices but it does make airfare go higher, shipping, goods, and maybe even some service pricing increase.
This is an exciting time for