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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 the tank.
President Donald Trump’s latest executive order aims to deliver 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 (1) in Nebraska on Oct. 5, before announcing the move.
The president then signed an executive order to expand highway access to red-dyed diesel, a fuel normally reserved for off-road uses such as farming and construction. The order directs temporary federal tax relief through the end of 2026.
Trump said the action would “allow anyone to purchase tax-free red dye diesel for any reason.”
That is a significant change for a fuel whose color has traditionally served as a warning to highway users. Red-dyed diesel is essentially the same fuel as standard diesel, but the dye identifies it as intended for uses exempt from highway fuel taxes. Using it on public roads ordinarily exposes drivers to penalties and back taxes.
The announcement comes as diesel users face a punishing squeeze. The national average diesel price reached a record $6.53 per gallon (2) on Sept. 22, before easing to $6.28 as of this writing. That still leaves a hefty bill for businesses and households that depend on the fuel.
For truckers with large tanks, even a modest reduction per gallon can add up quickly. The federal diesel tax is 24.4 cents per gallon. On a 250-gallon fill, that amounts to about $61. Where states provide matching relief, the White House says (3) savings could exceed $100 per fill-up.
Take some of the sting out of every fill-up
To be sure, whether you benefit from Trump’s executive order depends on what you drive. This is diesel relief; it does not provide the same tax break on gasoline. And the $100-plus figure concerns a large truck fill with matching state relief, rather than a typical passenger-car visit to the pump.
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But you don’t need a diesel truck to find savings at the pump. If you fill up with gasoline, earning cash back can help put a little money back in your pocket.
The Upside cash-back app, for instance, lets you earn 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, the cash back is added to your account, helping you save a little more each time you hit the pump. You can cash out your earnings directly to your bank account or redeem them for gift cards.
Promo Code: MONEYWISE35 (earn an extra 35¢/gal on your first fill-up). Applies on top of the offers users already see in the Upside app!
Stop overpaying for car insurance
High fuel costs aren’t the only expense squeezing America’s drivers. Insurance premiums can take another substantial bite out of your budget.
In the U.S., the average cost of car insurance has surged 48% since 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (4).
Car insurance is now a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the average cost of full-coverage 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 could be paying more than necessary.
By using a comparison platform like Insurify, you can instantly view quotes from top-rated providers to ensure you aren’t 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 as little as 3 minutes — with 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 on gas and insurance can help you keep more money. Investing small amounts can help you build on those savings over time — without needing a large lump sum to get started.
That’s where micro-investing apps like Acorns come in.
When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and invests the difference — the coins that would wind up in your pocket if you were paying cash — into a diversified portfolio of ETFs.
Buying a coffee for $3.40? The app rounds it up to $4 and invests the extra $0.60. Over time, those small amounts can add up — especially if you’re consistently spending and saving.
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 begin your investment journey.
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Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For 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 construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.