Do rising gas prices have you feeling down? Here is a list of nine ways to help cut costs and beat your gas-guzzling addiction, with thanks to Andrea Woroch, consumer savings expert. 

 

Public Transportation

Get around the city with Valley Metro. City buses and light rail will help cut your gas bill way down, and even allows you time to check your Facebook, Twitter, or catch up on that dusty book you have been meaning to read. Budget cutbacks have slowed down public transportation a bit, so just keep that in mind.

Bicycle

Riding your bicycle to work or to the grocery store when weather permits it is a great way to save money in your wallet and get a great workout in the process. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! With more and more places offering bicycle lanes and more convenient places to park it, there's no reason not to ride every once in a while. Don't have a bicycle? Don't worry; lease shops are becoming popular, and you can find a decently priced bike on Craigslist.

Car Pool

Picking up friends or co-workers helps the environment and your gas bill. Alternating who drives for the day allows you to drive in the car pool lane during rush-hour traffic, and some businesses even offer special parking passes when you car pool, allowing you to get a closer parking spot. When you aren't driving for the day, feel free to put on your make-up, eat a meal, or even play Words With Friends on your phone.

Walk

This is a no-brainer but can be undesirable on hot days. If you are going to a close restaurant or store, opt to walk and bring plenty of water with you. The exercise you get is one of the perks, and when the weight starts to fall off you can brag to your friends how you were able to save money and lose weight by walking.

Shop Online

Driving from store to store to complete your day’s errands can be costly and use up a lot of gas. Instead, use the Internet, where most of your shopping needs are met. Need money transferred? Go to your bank's Web site instead, which is faster and easier. Grocery stores now offer to shop online and will have your food delivered to your door, just like the Schwans guy. Stores like Old Navy, JCPenney, and Bath and Body Works offer free shipping with qualifying purchases.

Scooters

Riding around in a scooter has taken off in California and Europe due to higher gas prices and how agile and light these vehicles are. Scooters are the perfect vehicle to use if you want to get around fast throughout the neighborhood or short trips. You can't use them on the freeway, but the street can be your oyster.

Segways

Used mainly by security and seen in the movie Paul Blart Mall Cop, these two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles might look funny, but they are fun to ride. You can help the environment with segways, and "go green" since no gasoline is used to power them up.

Telecommute

Working from home is easier now more than ever with today's technology. Working from home two or three days a week can save you gas money, while still being productive. Using Skype, e-mail and Web conferencing tools allow you to get work done and be in communication with everyone you need.

Electric/Hybrid Cars

Electric and hybrid cars do cost more, but saves you much more in the long run. Switching from electric to gas could be the future of cars, and will get you better MPG. The new Nissan Leaf gets 73 miles per charge, and is made with recycled materials. Kelley Blue Book rated the 2011 Nissan Leaf one of the "Top 10 Green Cars".

For more money saving tips and ideas, visit Andrea's website www.andreaworoch.com