Ways To Help Others Save On Gas
Quite a few consumers have seen significant savings on gas thanks to our recent alleviation from extremely elevated gas prices. On the other hand, numerous people are not yet feeling any ease at the pump because gas prices are still considerably higher than they were this time last year…not to mention that bad credit has prevented many from obtaining gas rebate credit cards or credit cards with rewards. Fuel costs are not the only thing to consider when it comes to why many Americans are struggling. A lot of folks have lost their jobs or have taken pay cuts and are scrounging pennies just to make ends meet. As if those reasons aren’t enough when it comes to financial woes, also to be factored in are higher utility bills, mortgage payments, and skyrocketing food prices.
If you are a person who longs to help relieve some of the financial burden of others, one way you could aid them is to use your gas rewards card or credit card with a rewards program to buy a $5, $10, $20 or more, prepaid gas card. Since many people are too proud to ask for help and for reasons of the giver not wanting to make the receiver (or themselves) feel awkward, you could always buy the prepaid gas card and mail it to them anonymously. This also would prevent you from being in the uncomfortable position of possibly being expected to give all the time.
Another idea along the same lines would be to help out a stranger. We’ve all seen someone pull into the gas station in a beat-up car, wearing torn or drab clothing, and a few kids in the backseat that look as though they could use some help. If you so happen to be at the checkout counter and catch a glimpse of them at pump number “6”, give the attendant cash or hand them your gas rebate credit card and let them know to use the speaker to tell the person they’re covered. You can always ask for anonymity upon doing so.
Of course, there are ways in which you could assist others too without spending anything extra. If they work with or close to you, suggest carpooling. Perhaps you use the same dry-cleaner or bank or grocery store, if that’s the case, subtly offer them an opportunity to ride with you every now and then.
Not everyone can be a philanthropist like celebrities and the extremely wealthy, and we shouldn’t give as though we are or else we may find ourselves on the receiving end of someone else’s generosity. When giving comes from the heart, whether financially or through gesture, the size of the gift doesn’t matter…it truly is the thought behind the action that counts.