Events in the Middle East are taking their toll at the gas pumps here in the United States, and I think we can expect that trend to continue. Not only is the price of absolutely everything going up, but so is the price of going to get those things, as well as the price of going to work.

Below, find some suggestions that may help you to reduce your fuel expenses. Every suggestion won't work for every person, but hopefully, you can piece a few of them together to save some money.

Walk more.

Do you live in a place where you can do some of your errands on foot? While a corner store is more expensive, if you have to drive half an hour to the grocery store, is it actually more expensive right now if all you need is a dozen eggs?

Explore your neighborhood on foot. Are there local shops or farms that you weren't aware of? Is there a mailbox on the street you can use instead of going to the post office? If you live in a rural area, walking to do errands may not be possible, but in suburbia or urban areas, you may have better luck.

Get a bicycle.

This is another option for suburban or urban dwellers. You can cover a lot more mileage on a bicycle than you can on foot. When I checked out prices, I could get a brand new bicycle for the same price as two tanks of gas. This gives me a 5-10 mile radius instead of a 2-3 mile radius for errands.

Keep safety in mind if you're bicycling. My city is set up for cyclists with bicycle lanes and bicycle paths. If yours is not, create routes that are designed for maximum safety. Don't forget a helmet and a bike lock when choosing this option.

A backpack is the perfect choice for getting your goods back and forth. (One with a waist strap will really save your back if you pack heavy things regularly.)

Bundle your errands.

If walking and biking aren't a possibility, then try bundling your errands. When you take the kids to swimming lessons, know which stores or destinations are nearby and go there while the children are in the water. Is there a grocery store near your workplace or the school? Shop on your way there or back.