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How Consumers Can Offset High Gas Prices

With oil prices hitting all-time record highs, gas prices are also at or near record highs. Some folks are projecting we'll hit $4 a gallon sometime in the not-so-distant future.

That means it's more important than ever to be money smart about the way you drive. You can lessen the pain at the pump with our four simple tips for conserving gas:

Don't speed. Observe the speed limit. This has more impact than you might think. For every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60, it's like paying an extra 20 cents a gallon!

Don't gun it.Do you really have to be the first one out after the light turns green? www.edmunds.com says slowing your rate of acceleration can save you as much as a quarter of a tank of gas.

Keep your car well-tuned. A properly working oxygen sensor, now standard in car engines, can affect fuel economy by as much as 40%.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Gas mileage goes down a half a percent for each pound lacking when you total the four tires.

These are little things we often overlook, but they can really make a difference when gas is so expensive. Smart driving will help you stop burning money.

Here's another tip for you: To find the lowest gas prices in your area, go to www.gasbuddy.com.

For more ways to save money on your car, check out these articles:

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If you provide more than half of an aging parent's support, you may be able to declare your parent a dependent even if he or she is not living in your home. In addition to getting the dependent deduction, you may also be able to take a tax deduction for your parent's medical expenses. To prove you pay the expenses, pay your parent's bills directly to the provider, rather than giving your parent(s) the money to pay the bill.

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