Driving defensively
A few changes to your driving habits are all you really need. Add some routine maintenance and you can save folding money, not just pennies. Believe it or not, just a few changes to your driving habits and you will use less gas at the pump while putting more money in your pocket.

A lead foot could cost you some gold.

On the Road:
The faster you go the more gas you will use. The optimum speed for saving gas will vary from car to car but usually it is between 50 and 60 mph. Obviously you don’t want to drive 50mph on the interstate and get run over but try to keep your speed around 65, which is the speed limit in most states. Also, unless you are on very hilly terrain turn on the cruise control and it will help with your gas mileage as well.

In Town:
Although it often feels like it the person who gets to the stoplight first is not the winner. Leaving the stop light first doesn’t get you any prizes either. Hard acceleration does more than waste gas, it shortens the lifetime of almost every part on your car. Smooth steady acceleration is the key. If you can feel the acceleration as a pressure on your back it is probably too much. The same with breaking, if you brake too hard you will wear out your car at a much faster than normal rate. Of course if you don’t brake hard enough you could hit the guy in front of you. Which could wind up costing you a lot.

Air Conditioning – On or Off?
Like everything else, it depends. There are two schools of thought and both are correct. The first is by putting the air conditioning on and rolling up the windows the air resistance is lowered so the engine doesn’t work as hard to maintain your speed. Which offsets the demands of the air conditioner. On the other hand there are those who believe the air conditioner itself taxes the engine more than the reduced air drag can compensate for.

As I said, both viewpoints are correct. At slower speeds (under 35mph) wind resistance is just not enough of a factor. If you turn the air conditioner on at those speeds you will use more gas. At highway speeds however the situation changes. Modern cars are designed to run with the windows up. By leaving the windows down at higher speeds (45mph+) you will rob your vehicle of both performance and fuel efficiency.

Or bring a friend. It is a common practice for many restaurants to offer an extra plate for a small fee, usually between one and five dollars. If you split the cost of the meal and tip you will both save. Or you could take advantage of “Buy One Get One Free” specials. An added bonus is you get to spend a relaxing evening with a friend. Living cheaply while living well is best shared with others.

If you are eating by yourself consider making a meal out of Appetizers. For under $10 in most restaurants you can satisfy your appetite while saving the money you would have spent on an entire dinner. Very often a bread and salad are more than enough.

Timing is everything
Restaurants are busiest over the lunch hour and in the evening from around 6pm until 9pm. If you don’t mind eating a little early or a bit late you can take advantage of Early Bird specials and late night menus. I have found late night offers to be especially attractive. Most restaurants do not like to throw food away so at the end of the evening the portions get a little larger. It is possible to divide a late night meal into threes, after eating at the restaurant take the leftovers home to divide into two more meals.

Have a glass of water.
If you think free refills on soft drinks are a good deal I have news for you, they aren’t. A human being cannot drink enough for the restaurant to lose money. Alcoholic drinks are even worse, no one offers free refills on booze and they are more expensive to begin with. Water is the best bet to quench your thirst, if you must have coffee wait until you get home.

Being Old isn’t all that Bad
Especially when it comes to eating out at a reasonable price.  Most restaurants have discounts for seniors, often 10% or more. Also, check with the restaurant to see if they offer AARP discounts. Many times you will find eating establishments have “senior nights” which can offer you even greater savings.

Check the newspaper and the web
I believe every national restaurant chain has a website. And more and more local restaurants are getting a web presence as well. Usually they will have the menu on line along with featured items and specials.  Several have newsletters you can subscribe to which often contain promotions and coupons. For local diners and some chains as well an area newspaper will often have the best deals for eating out.  I recommend you check before you go out.

Eating out every night is not a way to live cheaply, but with planning and some common sense you can enjoy an evening without cooking or doing the dishes. And not spend a lot of money.

I don’t think I can stress this enough – don’t buy anything if you don’t need it. It pays to anticipate your future needs however. If an item is on sale today that you will need in the future by all means take advantage of the savings. Keep in mind though that just because an item is on sale doesn’t mean you will need it in the future. If you are not sure put your money back into your pocket.