Work & Money

World Gas Prices

Sierra Leone: $18.42 per gallon

Issouf Sanogo, AFP / Getty Images

United Kingdom: $8.38 per gallon

AP

Iceland: $8.28 per gallon

AP

Monaco: $8.31 per gallon

AP

Belgium: $8.22 per gallon

AP

Netherlands: $8.37 per gallon

AP

Norway: $8.73 per gallon

Chris Jackson, Getty Images

Eritrea: $9.58 per gallon

Gilbert Liz, Corbis

Bosnia-Herzegovina: $10.86 per gallon

AP

Aruba: $12.03 per gallon

AP

Grocery-Saving Tips

Have a plan. First, take a look in the pantry and refrigerator to determine what you need and make a list. You will avoid purchasing items you don't need or already have.

Take a look at what's in the sales circular and plan your meals accordingly.

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season and buy at the local farmers market. You'll have fresh produce that hasn't been shipped and it will cost you less.

Avoid b.o.g.o or buy one get one free. Opt for sales that allow you to purchase several of the same item at a discount. You can buy one item and still get the discounted price.

Keep walking pass the gourmet counter that offers prepackaged or prepared foods. You can marinate and season your meat using common ingredients like lemon juice and teriyaki sauce with the same outcome.

Retailers Want Your Tax Rebate

Wal-Mart joins a growing list of retailers trying to get a piece of the rebate checks being distributed to millions of taxpayers as part of a $152 billion economic stimulus plan. The world's largest retailer is cutting prices on key grocery and consumable items like cereal, lunch meats and shampoo and said that it would cash rebate checks free of charge.

Chris Hondros, Getty Images

Supervalu, which owns Albertsons, Cub Foods, Shop 'n Save and other stores, said customers can redeem checks for store gift cards in $300 increments, and stores will add an extra $30 to the card.

Paul Sakuma, AP

The Kroger's supermarket chain, which includes Ralph's, King Soopers and more than a dozen other groceries, will convert tax refunds and rebate checks to store gift cards with 10 percent more credit added.

Al Bohrman, AP

Sears and sister company Kmart are offering shoppers the same 10 percent deal. For example, a $300 tax rebate check could be converted into a $330 gift card from Sears or Kmart.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Home Depot recently partnered with a Washington state lawmaker to encourage consumers to put their tax rebates toward energy-efficient products in their homes. Home Depot will hold sales on efficient lightbulbs and home appliances throughout the summer, seeking to share in the tax-refund and economic-stimulus spending.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Staples is going after small-business owners. Until May 4, the office supplies chain is offering $50 off purchases of $500 or more and $150 off furniture costing at least $1,000.

Source: AP, Reuters, USA Today

7 Ways To Save On Gas

Find Cheap Gas

Comparison shop. Be a proactive consumer. Don't just pay the high prices at the closest station. Shop around to find the most competitive price in town. For a little help, visit http://gasprices.mapquest.com to compare prices in your area. You can find the best deal by zip code and street name, as well as check out prices by grade of gasoline.

Buy a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Consider buying a fuel-efficient vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an alternative-fuel vehicle. It could save you a lot at the gas pump and not to mention help the environment. FuelEconomy.gov offers tips on buying a new fuel-efficient car or truck.



Slow It Down

Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, costing an additional 10 cents per gallon. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 on the highway and 5 on city streets, resulting in 7 cents to 49 cents per gallon. Don't get too emotional driving, its supposed to be a time to relax and reflect. Next time you get in your car stay calm, cool, and collected put your car on cruise control.






Stop Idling

Idling gets you zero miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. No more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days is needed. Anything more simply wastes fuel and increases emissions. Be conscious of your environment and your pocket.

Tune Ups

Most motorists don't realize it's the little things that can make a difference. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40. Dirty spark plugs can cause misfiring which can waste fuel. Replacing a clogged air filter can save gas mileage by as much as 10, saving you 15 cents per gallon. Tune your engine; it'll increase gas mileage by 4. Also, damaged, loose, or missing gas caps, under-inflated tires, poor wheel alignment, and worn spark plugs all contribute to poor fuel economy.

Combine Errands

Instead of making several trips to the cleaners, grocers, post office and the bank, do all of your errands at one time. Before you hop into you car, plan ahead. Keep a checklist if necessary. This will save you time and money.


Park Your Car

Take public transportation. Walk it'll save you money and help you shed a few undesirable pounds. Carpool. You and some of your colleagues can take turns driving each other to work. Talk to your supervisor about telecommuting one day a week.

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