Managing fuel costs is challenging enough with one driver—but in a multi-driver household, it can feel impossible. With different schedules, driving habits, and fill-up routines, small overspends quickly add up. The solution? Create a monthly fuel budget that’s realistic, flexible, and supported by tools like Fluz and Upside, which help families save without micromanaging every mile.

Here’s how to build a fuel budget that fits your household—and keeps gas expenses under control.

Step 1: Estimate Your Family’s Total Monthly Driving

Start by calculating how many miles each household member drives in an average week. Multiply that by four to get a rough monthly estimate. Then divide that total by your vehicle’s average miles per gallon (MPG).

Example:

• Driver A: 250 miles/week
• Driver B: 150 miles/week
• Total: 1,600 miles/month
• Family vehicle averages 25 MPG → 64 gallons/month

Multiply by your local average gas price (say $3.80/gallon) and you’ll have a working monthly fuel budget:

64 gallons x $3.80 = $243.20/month

Round up slightly to accommodate minor fluctuations.

Step 2: Use Gift Cards to Set a Prepaid Budget Cap

Once you’ve set your target fuel budget, you can control household spending by preloading gift cards through Fluz. Instead of letting drivers swipe at random, you set the monthly limit upfront—then track how much is left using the app.

Fluz supports major fuel brands like Chevron, Texaco, Shell, and Speedway. Each time you purchase a gift card, Fluz gives you instant cashback, so your family saves even while sticking to a set limit.

To get started, download Fluz and load your family’s budget across one or more cards—perfect for teens, spouses, or anyone you’d rather keep on track without sharing a credit card.

Step 3: Use Upside to Optimize Each Fill-Up

Upside adds a second layer of savings by helping you find local cashback offers near your route. The app shows which nearby stations offer the best per-gallon rewards. Just claim the offer, fill up, and upload a receipt (or use a linked card) to receive your bonus.

In multi-driver households, this is especially useful because:

• Drivers can use Upside independently on their own schedules
• Offers are location-based, so no one has to go far to save
• Cashback can help extend your prepaid Fluz balance

You can even combine Upside and Fluz by using a gift card from Fluz and uploading the receipt to Upside, depending on the station’s eligibility.

Step 4: Factor in Loyalty Programs for Extra Value

Many gas stations offer loyalty discounts that can reduce your per-gallon price further. For example:

• Shell Fuel Rewards offers savings when you link a phone number or grocery program
• Safeway and Kroger allow grocery purchases to convert into gas discounts at partnered stations

Encourage family members to enter a shared phone number or use a common rewards account at the pump. Combined with gift cards and cashback, these programs help stretch your budget farther.

Final Thoughts

With a few smart tools and a little coordination, you can build a monthly fuel budget that works for your whole household. Estimate your usage, set prepaid limits with Fluz, add location-based savings through Upside, and take advantage of loyalty rewards where possible. The result? Predictable fuel spending with less stress—and more money left over at the end of the month.