Hey Friends!

This week, I wanted to talk a little about apps. When I polled you guys in a recent post, you said you’d like to know more about useful databases. Since I covered a database last week, I thought I’d cover apps this time! Most of us in the world today own a smart phone, tablet, phablet or other mobile device and are fairly familiar with apps. Sure, many of them are games or just ways to pass the time, but some can be incredibly powerful tools that help make your life WAAAAY easier. A good knowledge of apps can save you time, money, and headaches.

This week, I’m going to save you a little money at the pump with GasBuddy!

GasBuddy is a free app and website that helps you find the cheapest gas prices anywhere with just a few taps on your phone, tablet or computer!

(USA and Canada only, sorry international peeps.)

“But Justin, what does this have to do with librarians and libraries?”

Fair question, voice in my head. Let me ask a few questions:

• Do you and your patrons like saving money?
• Are you and patrons always trying to find ways to save money?
• Have you ever been asked reference questions about the nearest/cheapest gas?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then I rest my case.

Just simply download the app, open it up and BOOM! Tap to find the cheapest gas in your area.

No, I’m not JT.

“But Justin, how do I know those prices are accurate?”

Because they are updated by users like you! Sign up for a free GasBuddy account and you can log gas prices wherever you are. Why would you take the time to update prices? Because you earn points for prizes and you’re entered to win $100 of free gas. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Think you can take 2 minutes out of your day to earn points and win $100? At current prices, I could fill the tank almost 3 times.

Whether checking by list or map, finding and reporting gas stations is super easy. Even if you’re not sure how to get there, just click the one you want and you can set GPS directions to get there on your smart phone!

Just think: if you can save just 10 cents a gallon filling your tank, it would be worth it. Take me for example – according to my Honda manual, my car’s tank that can hold 17.1 gallons. For this example, I’ll just make it 17. Assuming I’m saving at least 10 cents per gallon and filling up twice a month, the math should go like this:

And that’s with saving only 10 cents. If I were to save 15 cents, it would be over $90! Many places offer an additional discount if you pay cash, so you could easily save over $100 in a year.

“But Justin, I’ve heard of GasBuddy – this week’s post was a waste of time.”

WRONG. I guarantee that for every person who says, “I’ve already heard of GasBuddy”, there will be two people who go, “OHMYGAWD! HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS?!?” and will be saving bookoo bucks this year.

Did you know about GasBuddy? Got any cool apps you want to recommend? Comment here or connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusively Brash content and to share your thoughts!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian