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Each week, we answer money questions from around the web on the NerdWallet app. Here are three of the trending questions from August.
Does Shopping Around for Gas Actually Save You Money?
The short answer is yes. Comparing prices at nearby stations can lead to significant savings, الاولى خاصة إذا كنت تقود الكثير.
A recent NerdWallet analysis found that rising gas prices increased weekly gas spending by at least $10 in 36 states since late February. If those higher costs continue for a year, that’s an extra $520 in fuel costs on average per driver, and even more for households with multiple drivers.
Apps like GasBuddy and Upside make it easy to compare local prices before you fill up and apply any available discounts or cash back. Even saving 10 or 20 cents per gallon can add up over time, especially for regular refuelers.
Additional savings can be earned by signing up for gas station loyalty programs or using a credit card that rewards gas purchases.
Beyond pricing, smarter driving habits can help: avoid rapid acceleration, heavy braking, and unnecessary cargo to maximize mileage. Regular vehicle maintenance also ensures your car runs efficiently.
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Do I Really Need a Budget?
You might not need a budget the way you need food, water or shelter, but creating one can help you feel more in control of your spending.
Having a budget doesn’t necessarily mean tracking every dollar. A popular big‑picture approach is the 50/30/20 rule: 50 % of take‑home pay goes to needs, 30 % to wants, and 20 % to debt repayment and savings.
That flexible framework lets you approximate how your paycheck is divided and adjust the percentages to suit your circumstances.
The reason budgets are useful is that they provide guidance when everyday prices rise. A recent NerdWallet study found that 83 % of Americans say rising prices and the cost of living influence their decision to track spending more closely.
About 73 % reported that they realized they were overspending, while 66 % were motivated by a specific goal such as saving for a vacation or paying off debt.
If you’re unsure whether budgeting is right for you, try tracking an entire month’s expenses using an app, spreadsheet, or even pen and paper. Look for trends or surprises, then tweak your plan accordingly.
Should I Be Loud Budgeting?
The concept of “loud budgeting” is gaining traction online. Should you adopt it?
Loud budgeting means voicing your financial goals. Telling friends you’re putting a dining out on hold because you’re saving for a house, or skipping a credit‑card binge to pay down debt, keeps you accountable and may encourage peers to share their own goals.
Speaking openly can reduce shame associated with spending restraint, fostering a culture where frugality is celebrated rather than hidden.
Your network may also contribute ideas: potlucks, game nights, or staycation activities can replace costly outings. That support can strengthen relationships while cutting costs.
Of course, loud budgeting doesn’t require disclosing every detail. You can share intentions without revealing exact income or debt figures.
With prices rising, anyone can benefit from reducing stigma around money conversations.
About the author
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Kimberly Palmer is a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. She is also the author of three books about money: “Smart Mom, Rich MomBroken,” “The Economy of You,” and “Generation Earn.” Her work has also appeared at NerdWallet Canada.
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