Fueling Up For Summer is No Vacation

Most of us don't have time to analyze the geopolitical reasons for why we continue to get up-charged at the gas pump. We'd rather plan our summer excursions with carefree anticipation for some sea and sand.

Gas prices are on their customary rise as we inch toward the summer months, and it's looking as if the traditional road-trip may never be the same again.  

According to Patrick DeHaan, a Senior Petroleum Analyst at Gas Buddy, prices will climb this summer peaking between $3.75 - $4.15 a gallon. That's good news compared to the $5 dollar predictions we've all been hearing about lately.

"I don't believe factors would align for five dollars, explains Dahaan. "Oil production is increasing, if oil prices rise, it would further entice Iran to agree to the West's demands. Demand is paltry, the economy remains fragile and there's just not enough news to transpire to make it happen this year. Perhaps if Israel attacked Iran, but that remains to be seen."

Simply put, it appears America's economy is still too shaky, and consumers aren't spending enough on fuel (or anything else) to necessitate an increase to $5 dollars a gallon. It may be that people can't possibly stretch their budgets another inch.

Consumers always seem to find a way to cut back, pinch pennies, and do without. However, this premise only exacerbates an already weakened economy. When it costs $75 dollars or more to fill up a gas tank, people have no choice but to make concessions in other areas that keep the economy from true recovery. 

There are many ways to move your budget into the black, but how many espressos can one forego in the name of gas prices? And who can stay motivated on a path of self-denial just to accommodate the cost of a barrel of oil?  

"We could walk to the pool and go to the beach once instead of maybe twice," says Janie Pope Belden of Atlanta. "Also, everyone should note the hike in food prices because of gas prices. In the past year, my grocery bill has gone up over $100 dollars a month." 

It's often the insidious and far-reaching effects of rising gas prices that put a dent in the family finances and therefore, the economy. When gas prices rise, companies often pass that added expense to the consumer. Everything from shopping for groceries to buying plane tickets takes its toll on personal bank accounts.

It's not uncommon for families to make major decisions based on the price of fuel.

"We have downsized from a gas-guzzling mini van to a Honda Accord. My minivan cost $65 to fill up with 18 mpg and Honda costs $40 to fill up with 38 mpg," says Lisa Rodriguez George of Woodstock.

"I'll be riding my motorcycle more," says Kennesaw State University student, Anthony Brown. "It gets 35 to 40 miles per gallon on regular gas verses my car at 25 to 27 miles per gallon on premium gas. I also plan on spending more time closer to home."

Whatever your choices for making ends meet as gas prices rise, there's help for savings along the way, including apps designed to help consumers locate cheap fuel. Here are the top picks whether you're traveling across the country, or staying close to home.

- Gas Buddy This free app locates nearby stations and their current prices. It also features a trip calculator for planning your vacations.

- Cheap Gas This free app maps a route to the cheapest gas station and boasts an augmented reality feature showing local information and an overlay of the gas station. This app also sorts gas by distance and price.

- Trip Tik This handy app from AAA is also free and helps users find the cheapest gas at over 85,000 stations nationwide. It also helps users locate AAA approved hotels and provides interactive maps and directions for any destination.

Additionally, some gas stations offer special savings on fuel for those qualified for a credit card. Marathon Visa and BP Visa  both offer substantial rebates on fill-ups.

In the meantime, enjoy your summer and don't get too pumped about the gas prices. In 1929, the price of gas was only 20 cents per gallon and most consumers couldn't begin to afford a car, let alone buy a full tank of gas. Count your blessings.