By Getting gas can sometimes be really expensive. Thankfully, there are several different apps that can help you fill up your tank without draining your bank account. Here we share the top ways you can get up to three cents off per gallon, and how to earn rewards while doing it. Plus, must-know news on the latest financial scams currently sweeping the nation.
Spend less on fill-ups
You already know that you can keep gas costs down by fully inflating your tires and clearing out heavy, unnecessary items from your trunk to improve fuel efficiency. Now, there’s a new way to save at the pump: Sign up for the free GasBuddy+ payment card at GasBuddy.com. It gives you three cents off per gallon at any gas station that accepts Mastercard, plus 5 cents off at select locations. You’ll also get an extra three-cent discount per gallon for every $25 you spend on sandwiches, drinks or other non-fuel purchases. The GasBuddy+ card links directly to your checking account for hassle-free payments. Just swipe your card to pay and your discount will appear in your account within a few days.
Open class action letters
If you get unexpected mail from a law firm, don’t toss it in the recycle bin. It may look like another ad, but it could be a notification about a class action lawsuit settlement, meaning you may be owed anything from a few bucks to thousands of dollars. Last year alone, judges awarded $50 billion to consumers for issues like unfair fees and faulty products. If you’re eligible for a payout, attorneys handling the case will send you a website link and code to claim your money. Just log on, enter the code along with your preferred payment method—usually a check or direct deposit—and the lawyers will send you the funds. Think you may have accidentally discarded a class action notification? Just visit ClassAction.org/settlements to learn if you’re entitled to any funds.
Snag deals on gadgets, electronics and more
Walmart just launched Resold, a marketplace filled with a whopping 5 million previously owned and refurbished products that cost 20 percent, 30 percent, even 50 percent less than their original prices. You’ll find everything from stand mixers and wristwatches to books and iPads. Trusted merchants sell all items, and each comes with a minimum 30-day free return window. Start shopping by visiting Walmart.com, then type “Resold” into the search box.
Scam beware: Steer clear of the streaming swindle
Got a text saying your Netflix payment is overdue? Don’t click a link in the message. It’ll send you to a phony Netflix website where scammers copy your login password to access your payment and personal information. To check your bill status, simply log on to your Netflix account directly.
Savings secret: Sidestep sleepy spending
Research out of Canada shows that shopping while we’re tired typically leads to a bigger bill because we tend to buy a wider variety of items. We might pick two flavors of granola bars instead of just one, for example, or try a new lipstick even though we love our current shade. That’s because novel products spark excitement, which gives us a quick energy boost, leading us to spend more. Avoiding this trap is easy: Treat yourself to a caffeinated cuppa before you shop—if you’re already energized, you won’t be susceptible to the sudden shopping high that leads to overspending.
