Seven Ways To Target Spending On Fuel And Train Travel
We’re all having to be mindful of our money and target spending. Financially the past six months or so have been tough, and things just seem to be getting more expensive.
We had our household insurance renewal quote come through, and it was almost double the price. Although this means I’ll be moving provider I’m sure. But it goes to show how things have changed financially.
I did a post at the start of the year with some tips on targeting your spending on both food and energy, and I’m back with some tips related to fuel and train travel.
Target spending on fuel
Use an app to find out the best prices
Fuel prices have come down a bit since the height in 2022, but they’re still expensive. And it could get even higher with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Entering your postcode on an app like Petrol Prices will show you the cheapest place to fill up in your local area. It pulls pricing information from over 10,000 UK petrol stations so you can see average prices and make sure you get a good deal.
This is especially useful if you’re going on a road trip or need to fill up while away.
Lighten the load
Previously my car boot has been a bit of a storage solution, and I’d have loads of stuff in there I didn’t need. But having a heavy load will use up more fuel when you drive.
You might carry bikes or golf clubs around as it’s easier than taking them out. But it could be costing you money.
This is important if you use a vehicle for work, especially if you have a van. Luke carries around so much in the way of material, so we need to really go through and lighten the load, so he’s only taking things he needs.
Drive slower and more smoothly
When it comes to speed lowering from 70mph to 60mph on the motorway can save you up to 25% in fuel. This is because your engine isn’t having to work as hard.
This is also true when it comes to driving smoothly. If you cruise around and don’t strain your engine by revving your engine, then constantly braking it will reduce your fuel consumption.
You can target spending on fuel by following these tips.
Target spending on train travel and commuting
If you don’t drive (or choose not to use your car all the time), chances are you’re using public transport.
Get a railcard for trains
If you regularly get trains, even just once a month, you could reduce prices by getting a railcard.
You can find the best railcard for you by putting your local station, age and how you usually travel (alone, with kids etc), and it will let you know your best option.
I got a network railcard, and it saves me a third off rail fare, which is £5-8 every single time I get the train into London. I usually do that 2-4 times a month, so the £30 fee for the card is paid off in a few months.
Check if you can add your railcard to your oyster card
Certain railcards can be added to your oyster for discounts on off-peak travel.
If you have a 16-25, 26-30, senior, HM Forces, Disabled or Veterans railcard, then it can be done. Sadly I’m well past the age of the ‘young persons’ railcard so I can’t get mine added.
Travel off-peak
Off-peak travel, especially during the week, is much cheaper. So if you’re commuting for work, see if you can be flexible on your start and end times when you’re in the office.
Peak time tends to end around 9-9.30 am, so starting work at 10-10.30 am could make all the difference. Coming home, peak times tend to be 5-7 pm.
If your work is flexible, you may even be able to negotiate slightly shorter working days on office days, something like 10 unit 4. And then make up the hours on work-from-home days.
Buy train tickets in advance
You can get tickets up to 12 weeks in advance for trains, which tends to be when you can get the best prices.
If you’re going away or know you’ll need a ticket, set a reminder to look just as they go on sale.
Do you have any other tips on ways to target spending on fuel and train travel?
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20 responses to “Seven Ways To Target Spending On Fuel And Train Travel”
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Rhian Westbury
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Fuel is my biggest expense I really notice it more since my car got written off, I am using C’s car more as it is a lot cheaper to run
These are excellent tips. Buying in advance is always a great way to save money. You have no options when you need fuel or a ticket in that moment.
I feel like petrol has been going up, up, up. We upgraded our car to one that is more fuel efficient, and that has literally saved us so much money on fuel and insurance this year.
Yeah we need to look to go electric, or find a more fuel efficient car x
Traveling off peak can save so much money, and you don’t have to wait so long. Driving slowly saves fuel, I didn’t know that before.
Fuel is a huge expense for me and I try to time my gas purchase as much as possible. I am considering selling my car and get a smaller one.
It’s just so expensive to get anywhere isn’t it?! x
Great info for those traveling/commuting! It’s really tough right now with everything rising in price..thanks for sharing!
I have a family and friends railcard, which does save us a lot when we are travelling with the children. I can’t quite believe how much all of the bills are increasing!
The pounds that you save per trip with the railcard really do add up x
I’ve been working on cutting what I spend on fuel. I only travel by car when I need to which makes such a big difference and saves me loads. It’s so much nicer to walk especially when the weather is nice.
My husband’s new office requires him to travel by train. So he got a railcard last month and we try to travel off-peak most of the time. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips
Beautiful and powerful choices to optimize our travel. Love the post!
I need to start using an app like that, gas prices in our area have gone up again to a stupid amount.
Hopefully there’s something similar in the US x
These are great tips. Lightening the load and driving at a steady pace has always helped me so I can definitely attest to these tips.
Good tips! Targeting spending on fuel is such an important aspect of managing our finances, especially in these tough economic times.
It’s one of those things we need to buy so saving a bit can make a big difference x
These are great tips. We are struggling with similar issues here, Stateside. Every little bit helps.
Love this and this day and age with inflation… it is so important to find ways to save.. no matter how small. It all adds up 😉