"Frugal Family Challenge -- Results from Week One" Edmunds Daily

Frugal Family Challenge -- Results from Week One

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(The Rhodes family from Camas, Wash. From Left, Hilary, Ryan, Mary and Randy.)

While bickering about the economy dominates the news from Washington, two typical American families are doing their best to make a difference by saving money on gas. The "Frugal Family Challenge," sponsored by "Good Morning America" and USA Today concluded its first week and the results are impressive. The answer so far is, yes you can cut your gas costs and still get to work, school and the places you need to go.

The Rhodes family, with three cars and four fulltime drivers (the Acura pictured above was damaged in an accident) saved so much gas in one week they are on track to cut their monthly fuel bill by $280! They had been spending $790 a month on gas and Randy Rhodes said they are currently on track to spend only $510 for the month. Their 2004 Subaru Forester got 24 mpg and their Camry got 25 mpg.

Across the country in Massachsetts, the Porter family, with only two cars and two drivers, is also trying hard to save money on gas. They live in a area heavily impacted with traffic. Luckily, many errands can be run on foot (or walked). She has begun doing so and when she has to use the car has cruised at an even speed on the highway. The benefit was that she has stretched a single tank of gas far beyond the norm.

It's really encouraging to see two families who are open to change. In just three weeks I'll be reporting the results and letting you know who is the winner of the "Frugal Family Challenge." But if both families meet the goal of cutting gas consumption by 25 percent, it will be a victory for them, and an important example to other Americans.

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