Want to Cut Monthly Spending Fast? This Couple Saves Over $3,500 a Year With One Simple Habit
How One Change Helped Them Slash Costs
For one married couple living in Maryland, things like dining out less or canceling subscriptions didn’t cut it. They wanted to save big—and fast. So, they looked at their daily drive to work.
Both worked at the same place. Yet they drove separately, every day. Once they did the math, it clicked: carpooling could save them thousands.
Meet the Couple Saving Thousands
Jessica and Tyler Garton commute together five days a week. They work government jobs on a military base. Before they began carpooling, they took separate 45-minute drives to the same building—two gas tanks, two vehicles, double the cost.
Now they ride together. No second tank, no second car needed. The impact? Over $3,500 saved in a year.
Why Carpooling Made Such a Financial Difference
Here’s what changed:
- They cut one car’s gas costs—roughly $200 per month.
- They avoided buying a second vehicle, saving on monthly payments, insurance, and upkeep.
- They split toll costs when applicable.
- They reduced potential repairs by driving one car instead of two.
Carpooling didn’t just help once—it reshaped how they looked at money every month.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The couple originally used two separate cars. Here’s what it cost:
- Gas for both cars: $400/month total
- Maintenance and repairs: $50-100/month per vehicle
- Insurance for second vehicle: over $100/month
Once they switched to one car, they started saving immediately. Jessica estimates carpooling saved them:
- $220/month in gas
- $100/month in maintenance
- $115/month in insurance
That’s over $3,500 annually. Without skipping a single daily coffee. Without changing what they eat or wear.
You Don’t Need to Share an Office to Share a Ride
Jessica and Tyler work on the same base. But even if you and your partner or roommate work at different jobs, carpooling can still work.
Think about your commute:
- Do your schedules overlap?
- Are your offices within 5–10 miles of each other?
- Can you use a nearby park-and-ride or shared transit hub?
If you answer yes to any of these, you’re a candidate to save hundreds a month.
More Than Money: Other Carpooling Benefits
Jessica and Tyler point to other perks:
- Less stress—only one of them drives each day while the other relaxes
- More time together—45 minutes each way is now quality time, not isolation
- Lower wear-and-tear—preserving their only car longer than expected
Jessica highlights the mental health value: “Some days, I’m drained and thankful not to drive. Other days, I drive and my husband rests.”
How They Manage With One Vehicle
Jessica admits downsizing to one vehicle took adjustment. Here’s how they make it work:
- They share a single calendar app to coordinate shifts
- They set pickup times with extra padding for delays
- They run errands before heading home together
The couple commits to planning daily, just like meal prep or budgeting. As Jessica puts it, “We plan today so tomorrow runs smooth.”
What If You Have Kids or Need Flexibility?
Jessica and Tyler don’t have kids—yet. But they say carpooling can still work for parents.
Options they’ve considered for the future:
- Swapping driving duties with another parent at daycare
- Joining or forming carpools with coworkers who are also parents
- Using flexible work hours or partial remote days to ease scheduling
If your job offers any type of flexibility, carpooling becomes easier to fit in.
Miss a Day? You Still Save
You don’t need to carpool every single day to see results. Jessica says even just three shared rides per week saved them over $2,000 in one year.
Here’s why consistency is powerful:
- Reduced mileage makes a measurable dent in fuel and repairs
- Lower mileage also lowers your insurance rate over time
- You delay major services that are mileage-based
Every shared mile is money you keep—and stress you skip.
How to Start Carpooling in Your Life
You can start this week by asking yourself:
- Does your spouse or roommate work nearby?
- Do your shifts overlap at least a few days a week?
- Are there coworkers who live in your zip code?
If so, take one of these quick steps today:
- Set up a shared calendar with your carpool partner
- Talk to HR about forming a workplace carpool group
- Check local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for carpool threads
Other Surprising Savings Triggered by One Vehicle
Carpooling launched a ripple effect for Jessica and Tyler. They noticed they also:
- Made fewer impulse purchases (fewer solo stops on the way home)
- Reduced fast food orders (easier to stick to meal plans)
- Lowered oil change frequency (half the driving means fewer services)
One daily choice changed their money habits—from small to large.
What About Emergencies or Schedule Conflicts?
The couple planned ahead for unexpected changes. Here’s what they have in place:
- They each have Lyft and Uber accounts ready
- They keep a $100 ride fund as backup cash
- If one car’s in the shop, they discuss their week in advance
Jessica says, “We aren’t rigid. If one of us has a doctor appointment or a late shift, we review it together.”
How to Keep Communication Clear
Jessica and Tyler learned that communication is key. Here’s what has helped:
- Use texting for day-of changes
- Do weekly planning on Sunday evenings together
- Respect each other’s preferences (music, temperature, rest needs)
Flexibility and planning make carpooling go smoothly—even on stressful days.
You Don’t Have to Be a Couple to Save
Jessica believes her situation could work for roommates, siblings, or even neighbors. The shared goal is what matters—saving money and time.
Many workplaces encourage carpooling. Some even offer preferred parking spots, rideshare credits, or extra time off for consistent riders.
Signs Carpooling Can Work for You
It might be time if:
- You commute over 30 minutes each way
- You fill up your gas tank more than once a week
- You own two or more vehicles and rarely use one
Even one change—sharing rides twice per week—can shift your finances long term.
The Result: Intentional Living
The couple not only saves more—they live more on purpose. Jessica shares that carpooling made her rethink other areas of her life she assumed couldn’t change.
“We once thought having two cars was non-negotiable. Questioning that gave us financial breathing room we didn’t even know was possible.”
That mindset shift is free—and can make everything else feel more manageable.
Want to Try It? Start Small
You don’t need a perfect plan to start. Jessica recommends:
- Try just one shared ride this week
- Track the gas and time saved
- Discuss how you feel after
Then decide if you want to build a routine. Many find the switch is easier than expected—and far more rewarding.
Your Commute Might Be a Hidden Goldmine
Think of each solo commute as money lost. With some planning, that 30–60 minute drive could be your easiest savings strategy yet.
Jessica and Tyler didn’t change jobs or get raises. They just got smart with the route they were already taking.
The savings were real and fast. Yours could be, too.
