BATON ROUGE — As summer travel ramps up, so is the pain at the pump.
Drivers in Baton Rouge are now paying close to a dollar more per gallon than they were just a month ago, putting added pressure on already tight budgets.
According to AAA, the average price for regular gas in Baton Rouge is hovering around $3.35 per gallon. That’s up more than 80 cents from February’s average of $2.54, a roughly 32% increase in just one month.
Nationally, gas prices are also climbing, with the average exceeding $4 per gallon as peak travel season approaches.
Thanks to our partners at Neighbors Federal Credit Union, we’re helping you navigate the rollercoaster gas prices.
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Shop around before you travel
And it’s not just road trips feeling the impact.
“Gas prices, not only are they influencing road travel, but it is filtering over into the airline,” said Kim Chapman, Financial Wellness Director with Neighbors Federal Credit Union.
Chapman says the first step in managing rising travel costs is simple: compare your options.
“You really just kind of got to do your homework and see which one is going to be best for you,” Chapman said. “Sometimes, when you’ve got four or five people getting in one car, paying one car rental is a lot cheaper than an airline. But again, if you find the right deals, you might be able to get it a little bit cheaper. So just shop around and see what works with your budget.”
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Where you fill up matters more now
If you are hitting the road, Chapman says where you stop for gas can make a real difference.
“Gas apps can be helpful. There’s nothing more exciting than when you pull up to the pump and you realize you can get it $1 cheaper than everybody else,” she said.
Several free apps can help drivers find the lowest prices or earn cash back. The free app Upside offers cash back directly to your bank account or through gift cards when you fill up at participating stations. Checkout 51 also provides cash back and partners with Upside at many locations.
AAA Mobile and GasBuddy can also help you buy comparing nearby gas prices and help you plan ahead for trips.
Chapman says those savings add up more now than they did when prices were lower.
“A couple of months ago, maybe it didn’t matter as much because gas was already cheap, but now, yeah, those gas apps can make a difference in trying to absorb the shock,” she said.
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Small budget cuts can offset higher gas prices
With fuel costs rising, Chapman says now is a good time to revisit your budget.
“You should review your budget. You should do this regardless of what gas prices are, but review it and see, is there some fat you can trim,” she said. “I think we’re all still guilty of having those streaming subscriptions that we don’t use. That’s one easy elimination. You’re not using it, so you’re not really losing it, but you’re gaining that extra $20 that now can absorb the shock of the gas prices.”
Even small changes, she says, can make a difference over time, especially for families already feeling stretched.
Not sure what you need financially? Neighbors Federal Credit Union can help! Their Certified Financial Counselors will work with you to identify your goals and create a personalized plan.
Click here to start your Blueprint for Financial Success.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a sponsored segment paid for by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.
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