For the best deals and prices as you go shopping this weekend, our partners at Savings Angel have your covered with its latest batch of Friday Finds.
If you're planning to hit the road for Thanksgiving, here's how you can save money on gas or even an oil change before your big road trip.
Groupon: Neat Wash - Sanford
Up to half off on 1 or 2 oil changes with washes, or 3 platinum washes
Groupon: Express Oil Change and Service Center - Kissimmee
$25 for an oil change and tire rotation, a $59.98 value
Whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile, a getaway -- even if you are just off to visit family -- can put a hole in your regular budget. Follow these tips and you my come back home with more money than you planned. This is especially important, as the realities of December spending take their toll.
1. Traveling by car? Slow down.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.27 per gallon for gas.
Also, avoid aggressive driving -- speeding, rapid acceleration and braking -- which can cost you as much as an extra $.17 to $1.11 a gallon. You can either pay $3.40 a gallon, or $4.65. You decide.
2. Make sure your tires are inflated properly.
You may have heard this advice and it can save you a bit more money. As explained on fueleconomy.gov, "You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer."
It's a small thing to do before a road trip and worth the time invested. Bad drivers with under-inflated tires are now paying above $5 – while you'll be cruising along at $3.40 a gallon. Imagine your anger if you pulled up to a gas station and they charged you five bucks. Use that potential anger to cause you to take action. For additional tips on increasing fuel economy, visit fueleconomy.gov.
3. Want to only fill up at the least expensive gas stations?
A couple of websites are worth watching: AAA's fuelgaugereport.com and gasbuddy.com.
While on the road, the free GasBuddy app is all you need to ensure you hit the best prices. Getting a good price on fuel is helpful to your budget – but as you can see above, it can be very easy to undo your work of finding a cheaper price on gas.
4. While you are away, suspend any services you won't need.
Also, unplug appliances and lower your water heater and thermostat. Forgetting these items could ring up huge costs during frigid winter nights.
5. Allow for some flexibility in your travel plans.
This is important in case you are faced with bad weather, car troubles, or other obstacles. Rigid schedules can mean big expenses if something unfortunate happens.
6. Opt out of activities that aren't in your budget.
While with family and friends, if a trip to the movies is suggested and you haven't budgeted $8 tickets for you, your spouse and each of your children, politely communicate this and suggest alternate activities. Some great get-together moments are around a board game.
7. Avoid eating at restaurants along the way and at your destination.
You can easily save 75 percent by bringing your own food. Often, kids -- and adults -- may find it more fun to buy convenience store food and eat restaurant food on the road. Packed food may not have the allure that restaurant food does.
To alleviate this, make sure you have your kids involved in the planning of the foods and snacks. If they have special treats that they really enjoy, build up some excitement for the item.
With the right coupon matches, you can easily load up on nutritious and fun snack foods for 70-80 percent off. Just bring a cooler with ice or frozen water bottles, and you'll be prepared.
8. You can save big money by buying groceries at your destination.
SavingsAngel tracks the best deals at more than 50 different grocery chains. With a little planning, you could bring a handful of coupons to your destination and experience enlightened shopping at a new grocery chain. This is helpful if you are expected to prepare any dishes for the family get-together.
9. If you're stopping for snacks and drinks, set up funds for your kids.
Either have you kids earn a travel budget, or tell your kids beforehand how much they have to spend for the whole trip. This nearly eliminates the whole "Can I have it?" issue. Assuming it's a good food choice, the answer can almost always be yes, if they really want to pay for it. If they don't, they can pocket the money and learn a thing or two about budgeting.
10. Finally, travel safely!
The cost of an accident can be financially devastating but threats to your family's health and safety can be the most devastating of all. Give yourself ample time to get to your destination, and give yourself regular rest breaks to keep yourself not only awake, but mentally aware.
Prepare for the worst conditions as you watch the weather. Don't be afraid to wait out bad weather, either. Even if you are late for a party, work or school, it's always better that you arrive knowing that you took the precautions to stay free from harm. Nothing is more important than your family's safety.