This is a hot topic.

Earlier, Andrea mentioned 8 fun and easy ways to save money on gas. Plus, even more ways to save at the pump and tips for squeezing the most out of each fill-up.

Believe it or not, I've found a few more ways to be energy-efficient and save on fuel that I'd like to add to that list.

By the way, did you know that gasoline takes up 5% of the average household budget? That's up 21% from a year ago. (Source: Money, July 2008)

Are you worried about the rising cost of gasoline? I am too.  So are millions of other people. 

This is why MyGallons.com is allowing you to pre-purchase tomorrow's gasoline at today’s prices. 
 
So, is it worth it? Should you really pre-pay for gas like this? Are there any "catches"?

Here's the scoop about the MyGallons.com prepaid gas card...

Your car is a few years old and you are dreaming about a new vehicle... 

If you're considering its trade in value and trying to decide how much the monthly payment on your new car should be, chances are you're moving a bit too fast. 

Why? Because you really should be thinking about hanging onto the car you have -- just long enough to save your money and pay for your next car with cash. 

Who would have imagined 2 years ago that we would be paying $4 or more for a tank of gas?  Well, believe it or not, it's a reality.  We appear to be in the midst of a gasoline crisis. 

While the New York Times debates the validity of there being an actual crisis, our pocketbooks say otherwise.  And, CNBC points out that gas prices are, in fact, at full-blown crisis level. 

I think the best way we can survive this hike in gas prices is to lower our need for gas.

Here are some simple things you can do to lower gas consumption and lessen the damage that gasoline prices are putting on your pocketbook:

I wrote in a previous article about the rising gas prices are causing me to be especially cheap when ti comes to buying and using gasoline. That article covered some about ways to get the best gas prices and to avoid being cheated at the pump. 

Now, I will discuss ways to maximize how much gas goes into your car at each fill-up.

If you die, will the bank be willing to do business with your spouse?  Will he or she have to move?  Will the bank foreclose on your home?  These are things you need to consider when purchasing a new home. 

The fact of the matter is, you should consider purchasing life insurance to protect your mortgage.  Here's why...

As gas prices continue to rise, I find myself being a miser when it comes to gas. 

For example, if someone wants a ride that is on the way, I hint about chipping in on gas. (They usually find someone who is going their way.) If I forget something at the grocery store, I don't make a special trip back to the store.  I have a strict gas budget and will not budge on it. 

My reason for being so miserly when it comes to gas is my refusal to bow to higher prices than one's ability to pay for gas. But all the same, paying exorbitant gas prices is not my idea of a good time. 

Besides the gas savings adjustments mentioned above, there are other things I have done to squeeze as much out of the gas pump at each fillup as possible...