Five Tips for Dealing with Pain at the Pump

ATLANTA, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Don Patrick, an
Atlanta-based independent financial professional, surging global oil demand
will ensure an upward trend in oil pricing. "Decisions being made by OPEC and
other oil-producing countries, stagnant production in Iraq, and ongoing
concerns about political and supply stability in a number of oil-producing
countries mean that we'll have to deal with higher crude and gasoline prices
for some time," says Patrick.
With the average price of a gallon of gasoline having now surpassed $4.00,
it may be time to develop some long-term survival strategies to deal with high
gas prices. Patrick suggests these five tips to help ease the pain at the
pump:
Shop Around
"Driving around looking for deals on gas burns precious fuel -- the fuel
you're trying to save," says Patrick. "Instead, log on to a website like
http://www.GasBuddy.com to help you find the cheapest gas."
Drive to Conserve Fuel
Patrick advises consumers to tune up cars regularly, keep tires properly
inflated and reduce the amount of stuff in the trunk and backseat of the car.
"Another way to conserve fuels is to avoid speeding as engines operate most
efficiently in the 55 to 60 miles per hour range," says Patrick. "You'll also
save fuel by braking and accelerating gradually." Patrick also suggests that
instead of running the air conditioning constantly, roll down the windows when
stalled in traffic.
Choose Public Transit
Cities across the country are reporting increased numbers of people using
mass transit. In fact, according to the American Public Transportation
Association, Americans took 2.6 billion trips on public transportation in the
first three months of 2008, 85 million more trips than the same period last
year. Not surprisingly, the Federal Highway Administration has reported that
the vehicle miles traveled on our nation's roads declined by 2.3 percent in
the first quarter. "Many people in larger cities consider taking public
transportation, but don't really see the tangible benefit," says Patrick.
"There is a great website that shows exactly how much you can save by taking
public transportation at http://www.publictransportation.org."
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Patrick advises that people try to bicycle or walk whenever possible. In
addition to saving on gas, the decision is a healthier move. The editors of
Bicycling magazine report that they see big changes in urban centers that may
be the beginning of a far-reaching pro-cycling movement. "Another way to
reduce your carbon footprint is to carpool," says Patrick. "In addition to
carpooling to work and school, take the time to organize weekly errands into
fewer trips and perhaps organize neighborhood transportation and errand
schedules."
Think Small
If you're in the market for a new vehicle, try buying one that is more
fuel-efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy's Fuel Economy site
(http://www.fueleconomy.gov) or the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide
(http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles) provide extensive information on which
vehicles get the best gas mileage. Patrick also advises consumers to take a
good look at auto manufacturers that are offering new car buyers three years
of gas at $2.99 a gallon. Other car dealers are offering a year or two of free
gas with the purchase of a new car.
About Don Patrick and Integrated Financial Group
Don Patrick, Managing Director of Integrated Financial Group in Atlanta,
Georgia, has been serving clients as a financial advisor for over 26 years.
Patrick earned his MBA from University of Southern California and holds a BA
from Loyola University Los Angeles in finance and economics. He is also a
member of the Financial Planning Association, the nation's largest
organization of professionals dedicated to championing the financial planning
process. He has completed additional studies and passed a rigorous
certification examination and is authorized to use the CFP(R) mark of
distinction.
Contact:
Donald W. Patrick, MBA, CFP(R)
Integrated Financial Group
(770) 353-6317
dpatrick@intfingroup.com
http://www.integrated-financial-group.com

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SOURCE Integrated Financial Group

Donald W. Patrick, MBA, CFP(R), of Integrated Financial Group,
+1-770-353-6317, dpatrick@intfingroup.com