If you're new here, this blog will give you the tools to become financially independent in 5 years. Here is how I did it and here is how I currently do it. The method is robust and replicable (no need to win the lottery, start a blogging business, or win at real estate), but not easy; much in the same way that a diet results in weight loss but is hard to follow persistently unless you set your mind to it. The key is to save 75%+ of your net income and invest it in income producing assets (bonds and dividend stocks). There is a "21 day" step-by-step plan for how to get to 75% in the left side bar. I try not to be too trite, so if I cover a topic, you will probably not see it again for a very long time, thus you may want to read the older posts here and here. Also, check out my answers to frequently asked questions and while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via google or RSS.
This may be taking it to extremes, but try dollar cost averaging at the pump for cheaper gas. Obviously this does not work if you have to detour to get gas, but if the gas station is on your route and you merely have to pull over, do this. Instead of filling the tank up, spend a fixed amount like $20, $40, $60 or $80 depending on the gross tonnage of your vehicle. With a fixed amount, you get more of the cheap gas when prices are down. Conversely when gas prices are up, you get less of the expensive gas. On average, gas will be cheaper. Of course, riding a bike, or just getting a smaller car will be much more effective at reducing gas costs than this little trick.
Alternatively you might want to try the hypermiling technique.
