Save money, budget your travel costs.
We all know that travel costs are increasing. However, is there anything you can do on a day to day basis to help cope with these increases and reduce the amount you're spending on those everyday essential journeys, or one off occasions?
Depending on how you travel, there may be ways of changing your existing journey method, or how you pay for it to make some savings.
Car users – it may seem drastic but have you considered downgrading your car? Are you running a gas guzzler you simply don't need? By changing the car you drive to a more fuel efficient model you could save huge amounts in the long term.
Car sharing isn't just for the school run. Maybe you live near people you work with and can share the costs of petrol and parking with them? Ask around and see who lives nearby, no one wants to spend more than they need to on getting to and from work.
Make your car more efficient by keeping your tyres inflated, removing unnecessary objects weighing down your car, turning off air conditioning and not keeping the engine running when idle.
Driving more efficiently can also reduce your fuel usage, for example by checking you're in the right gear, accelerating smoothly and using the highest gear possible at low speeds can save fuel and therefore costs.
Find the cheapest car insurance by searching on comparison websites, and comparing them to insurers who promise better rates by going to them directly. Doing some simple research and not accepting renewal notices can save hundreds of pounds.
If you have roadside recovery assistance, visit the comparison sites again and compare quotes. However, does your bank offer an account with this included in the monthly fee? If it works out cheaper to pay a small amount to your bank you could also benefit from other incentives banks are offer too, like travel insurance as well as the roadside recovery.
If you use public transport, always look online for the cheapest option as far ahead as you can if you know when you need to travel. Being flexible with your times, dates and mode of transport can also save on cost. For specific journeys which you know about 10-12 weeks in advance, book ahead to ensure you attain the cheapest price. Railcards and other offers can also save costs if you're under 18, a student or a senior.
When purchasing public transport tickets, it can be cheaper to buy two singles than a return. Some train companies also offer discounts for travelling with a companion. Trying out different combinations can save you money if you have the spare time to have a good look online.
Season tickets, if you can afford to pay upfront, can also save you money for a regular journey. Some employers will help you to pay the initial layout to get to work, for example with an employer's loan which is then deducted from your wage slip each month.
Finally, if you do not mind travelling overnight to save on accommodation and peak time travel costs, you can use coach travel for long journeys.
In summary, being flexible will help, but there are things everyone can do to reassess our existing journeys and see what savings can be made day to day.
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Martin Wynn
