Our jobs are supposed to be our moneymakers, yet, while this is true for the most part, it’s hard to deny that they can cost us a pretty penny too. We need to buy professional clothing to look the part, have money in the wallet for takeaway coffees and food, and, of course, it’s not exactly cheap to get to your worksite and back home every day. One estimate calculates the cost of commuting at around $2500 each year! But the good news is that there are always ways to cut this cost. We take a look at four ways how below.

Working from Home

We’re moving into a new era when it comes to the work/life balance. More and more, companies are allowing their employees to work from the comfort of their own home, and “telecommute” via the internet. For many jobs, being onsite just isn’t necessary when all the work is conducted digitally! As such, you may want to consider asking your boss if you can work from home a couple of days a week. If they’re hesitant, remind them that there are benefits to the employer too. Every day you don’t need to drive into the office, you’ll be saving money.

Efficient Gas Mileage

People are often spending much more than they need to on their commute, and they don’t even realize it. It comes down to how you’re driving. If you drive efficiently, then you’ll use significantly less gas, which, spread over a year, can lead to big savings. Essentially, you want to avoid speeding, harsh braking, and fast accelerations. Things like regular tire rotations, general engine maintenance, and keeping your car’s load light will also help. It’ll be better for the planet, for your car, and your wallet! Also, make sure you’re researching where the cheapest place in town to buy gas is located. There can be a big difference between prices, especially when you’re filling up the whole tank.

Public Transport Options

Many of us are so used to buckling up and driving to work that we don’t even realize that there’s an alternative. While public transport in certain parts of the United States is seriously underdeveloped, in others -- like the major cities -- it’s efficient enough to get your downtown and to your office. Even if you have to drive, say, half the way before taking transferring to the bus or train, you’ll be saving money on gas. If you’re feeling a little more inspired, you could always look at cycling (or - crazy idea ! - running) to work, too.

Car-Sharing

You might cherish the time you spend in your vehicle all on your own, but is it really worth paying twice as much as you could be paying for the privilege of the alone time? We’re going to guess no. If someone else from the office lives near you, look at setting up a ride-sharing scheme -- you drive one day, they drive the next. Plus, you might just make a new friend in the office too!