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For Americans watching the cost of keeping a vehicle on the road climb, putting money back in their pockets can start with a familiar expense: filling up their tanks.
President Donald Trump’s latest executive order aims to provide relief on that front — with potential savings of more than $100 per fill-up for some drivers, according to the White House.
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“They’re going to be very happy in about two seconds,” Trump said in Nebraska on October 5, before announcing the decision.
The president then signed an executive order to expand highway access to red-tinted diesel, a fuel normally reserved for off-road uses such as agriculture and construction. The order directs temporary federal tax relief through the end of 2026.
Trump said the measure would “allow anyone to purchase red dye diesel tax-free for any reason.”
This is a significant change for a fuel whose color traditionally serves as a warning to highway users. Red dyed diesel is essentially the same fuel as standard diesel, but the dye identifies it as being intended for uses exempt from road fuel taxes. Its use on public roads generally exposes drivers to penalties and back taxes.
The announcement comes as diesel users face severe pressure. The national average price of diesel hit a record high of $6.53 per gallon (2) on September 22, before declining to $6.28 as of this writing. This still leaves a hefty bill for businesses and households that rely on fuel.
For truckers with large tanks, even a modest reduction per gallon can add up quickly. The federal tax on diesel is 24.4 cents per gallon. For a 250-gallon fill, that works out to about $61. When states provide equivalent aid, the White House says (3) savings could exceed $100 per fill-up.
Take a little pain out of every fill-up
Of course, whether or not you benefit from Trump’s executive order depends on what you drive. This is a relief for the diesel; it doesn’t offer the same tax break on gasoline. And the $100-plus figure is for filling up a large truck with matching state assistance, rather than a typical visit to the pump in a passenger car.
But you don’t need a diesel truck to save money at the pump. If you’re filling up your gas tank, earning money can help put some money back in your pocket.
Cash back app Upside, for example, lets you get money back on everyday purchases like gas and groceries.
After downloading the app, simply claim a cash back offer at a participating gas station near you, then fill up as usual. Once your purchase is verified, cash back is added to your account, helping you save a little more every time you press the pump. You can cash out your winnings directly into your bank account or exchange them for gift cards.
Promotional code: MONAYWISE35 (earn 35¢/gal more on your first fill-up). Applies in addition to the offers users already see in the Upside app!
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Stop paying too much for your car insurance
High fuel costs aren’t the only expense weighing on American drivers. Insurance premiums can once again put a strain on your budget.
In the United States, the average cost of car insurance has jumped 48% since 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (4).
Car insurance is now a major recurring expense, and many people are paying too much without realizing it. According to Forbes, the average cost of comprehensive car insurance is $2,149 per year (or $179 per month).
However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you might pay more than you need to.
By using a comparison platform like Insurify, you can instantly view quotes from top-rated providers to ensure you’re not paying a hidden ‘loyalty tax’ to your current insurer.
Just answer a few basic questions and Insurify will show you the most affordable deals in just 3 minutes, with an average potential savings of $1,100.
Not only is the process 100% free, but you could also save up to 15% by bundling your car and home insurance.
Put your spare change to work
Saving money on gas and insurance can help you conserve more money. Investing small amounts can help you capitalize on these savings over time, without needing a large lump sum to start.
This is where micro-investing apps like Acorns come in.
When you make a purchase with your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds the price to the nearest dollar and invests the difference – the coins that would end up in your pocket if you paid with cash – in a diversified portfolio of ETFs.
Buying a coffee for $3.40? The app rounds the amount up to $4 and invests the additional $0.60. Over time, these small amounts can add up, especially if you spend and save regularly.
It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it way to build wealth from money you might not even miss – and, if you sign up today with a recurring investment, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you start your investing journey.
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Article sources
We rely only on verified sources and credible third-party reports. For more details, see our ethics and guidelines.
YouTube (1); AAA gas prices (2); The White House (3); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (4)
This article provides information only and should not be considered advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
