(from AARP)

1. Check gas prices by phone. Several phone apps are available to give you the current cost of gas in the area you are driving. For example, search ‘gas’ on the Waze app, type ‘Geico gas’ into your browser for the same result, or check the GasBuddy app.
2. Ignore the oil change sticker. Most oil change shops slap a sticker on the windshield summoning you back in 3,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual. Many newer cars use a synthetic oil that needs changing far less frequently than older cars.
3. Travel off season to get the best deals. Avoid traffic jams and relax rather than fighting in-season crowds. On-line websites like Expedia are still helpful for flights and accommodations. Check out Viator or Musement for sightseeing and day trips.
4. Travel in the middle of the week and avoid weekend surges. Midweek accommodations are usually cheaper. Some hotels/resorts offer better prices Sunday-Thursday.
5. Monitor discount tickets for theater, concerts and other cultural events using apps/websites such as TodayTix, Groupon and Goldstar.
6. Save on energy costs by cooking meals in the air fryer or toaster oven. You can slash the energy cost of cooking the dish by 50%. Also,both preheat faster than a full-sized oven.
7. Upgrade to LED lighting. You can cut the amount of energy used by your light bulbs by up to 90% by switching to light-emitting diodes(LED) from traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last 25% longer.
8. Get all rebates and tax credits. States and some municipalities offer incentives for everything from installing solar panels to buying an electric car or upgrading to energy saving home appliances. Check your eligibility at dsireusa.org.
9. Check out the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to see if you qualify for funding for weatherization and energy-related home repairs. Visit your state’s LIHEAP website or call 1.866.674.6327.

Evaluate your unlimited cell phone data plan. If you use most of your data at home or other places with free wi-fi, you may not need to pay for a pricey unlimited data plan.