Insurance News & Updates

Industry news, regulatory updates, and developments affecting the New England insurance market. Cleary’s team tracks what’s changing so our clients don’t have to — this section is where we share what’s worth paying attention to.

Oil Heat? Review Your Coverage

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About one in four Massachusetts households relies on petroleum products for home heating. Yet many homeowners may be surprised to learn that their standard homeowners insurance policy does not automatically cover the potentially significant costs associated with a heating oil leak.

Heating oil can escape from a tank, fuel line, or other part of the heating system and spread beneath a home’s foundation, into surrounding soil or groundwater, or even onto neighboring property. Because these losses may fall under pollution-related exclusions, a standard homeowners policy may provide little or no coverage for the resulting cleanup.

Massachusetts Homeowners Have an Option

Massachusetts law requires homeowners insurers to make special heating oil release coverage available to qualifying residential property owners.

The coverage available under Massachusetts law includes at least:

  • $50,000 in first-party property coverage for costs associated with assessing and cleaning up a heating oil release on your property, including certain associated personal property damage.
  • $200,000 in third-party liability coverage if a release affects groundwater or another person’s property.
  • Legal defense coverage for covered third-party claims.
  • A deductible of no more than $1,000 per claim.

The important catch? You generally need to request and purchase this coverage before a loss occurs.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, approximately 110,925 policies with statutory-level liquid-fuel coverage were in force at the end of 2024 among the state’s top 25 homeowners insurers and the FAIR Plan. With so many Massachusetts households relying on oil for heat, many homeowners may remain uninsured for this exposure.

Is Your Heating System Eligible?

To obtain this coverage, homeowners may need to show that their heating system meets Massachusetts oil-leak prevention requirements.

For many systems, fuel lines that come into contact with a floor, concrete or earth must have additional protection. This may include a protective sleeve around the fuel line, an oil safety valve at the tank, or another approved leak-prevention method. Some systems are exempt or may already comply.

A licensed oil burner technician can inspect your system and provide the necessary certification.

One Important Question to Ask

If you heat your Massachusetts home with oil, ask your insurance advisor:

“Do I have heating oil release coverage?”

Don’t assume the answer is yes simply because you have homeowners insurance. An oil release can lead to costly cleanup, particularly if oil reaches groundwater or neighboring property.

At Cleary Insurance, we can review your homeowners policy, determine whether you already have this important protection and explain your options if you don’t.

A few minutes of review today could help prevent a very expensive surprise tomorrow.

Cleary Insurance — Life is worth the risk.

 

Sources:

Open Enrollment: 5 Things to Check Before You Re-Enroll

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Open enrollment is your one chance each year to make changes to your benefits. Outside of a qualifying life event, the choices you make now will stay with you for the next twelve months. It’s tempting to let last year’s elections roll over, but a quick review can save you money and avoid surprises. Here are five things to check before the deadline.

  1. Has your life changed this year?

    Marriage, divorce, a new baby, a child turning 26, a spouse gaining or losing coverage — any of these can change which plan and coverage level makes the most sense. Make sure everyone who should be covered is enrolled, and that no one is covered twice.

  2. Does your plan still match how you use care?

    Look back at the past year. If you rarely saw a doctor, a lower-premium plan with a higher deductible might save you money. If you had ongoing care, frequent prescriptions, or a planned procedure coming up, a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs may be the better value. Compare the total cost, which means premiums plus what you’d realistically spend on care, not just the paycheck deduction.

  3. Are your doctors and prescriptions still covered?

    Provider networks and drug lists can change from year to year. Before you enroll, confirm that your primary care doctor, any specialists, and your preferred hospital are in-network. Also check that your regular medications are still on the plan’s formulary and at what cost tier.

  4. Are you making the most of your FSA or HSA?

    These accounts let you pay for eligible healthcare expenses with pre-tax dollars. Think about your expected expenses for next year, such as copays, prescriptions, glasses, and dental work, and set your contribution accordingly. If you have an FSA, check your current balance too. Many FSA plans require funds to be used by the end of the plan year or they’re forfeited, so check your plan’s deadline and any grace period or carryover rules, and schedule appointments or stock up on eligible items before time runs out.

  5. Are your beneficiaries up to date?

    This one is easy to overlook. Review the beneficiaries on your life insurance and any other benefits that ask for one. Life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child are good reminders to make sure the right people are named.

Don’t miss your deadline

Open enrollment periods vary by employer, so check with your HR department for your enrollment dates and any materials about next year’s plans. A few minutes of review now can make a real difference in your coverage and costs all year long.

401(k) Investment Options: What Are You Getting?

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Presented by:

Matthew Clayson

Financial Advisor, CA Insurance License No. 0I01304

 

Almost 70 million Americans contribute to a 401(k) plan, and millions more contribute to similar workplace plans, such as a 403(b), 457(b), or federal Thrift Savings Plan. Together, these plans held an estimated $14.2 trillion in assets at the end of 2025.1

Contributing to a 401(k) can be a big step toward a more comfortable retirement. But it’s important to understand what you are getting for your money.

Filling the envelope

A 401(k) is not an investment in itself. It is more like an envelope that holds investments under tax-advantaged rules. These plans usually offer a variety of funds as investment options, typically including domestic stock funds, international stock funds, domestic bond funds, and target-date funds — the most common investment, held by seven out of 10 401(k) participants.2

A simple approach

Target-date funds are often the default option in workplace plans, so you may have one without fully understanding what it is. These are “all-in-one” funds intended to be your only investment. They generally hold a mix of other funds containing stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives, selected for a time horizon — the target date — when an investor expects to retire or need access to the money. As the target date approaches, the fund typically shifts toward a more conservative asset allocation to help preserve the value it may have accumulated and potentially provide income.

These funds offer a simple approach to investing, but the allocation is based solely on the target date and does not take into account the investor’s risk tolerance, personal goals, asset levels, sources of income, or any other factors that make an investor unique.

The principal value of a target-date fund is not guaranteed before, on, or after the target date. The return and principal value of these funds fluctuates with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Choosing your own investments

The average 401(k) offers almost 30 different funds, so investors who want a more customized approach can spread their investments across a variety of funds.3. With this approach, you can create your own asset allocation and diversification strategy by directing your contributions to the funds you choose in the percentages you choose.

If you take this approach, it’s important to understand each fund’s goals and underlying holdings. You may want to check your portfolio’s allocation periodically to see whether it stays close to your target allocation. If you want to adjust your allocation, you could rebalance by buying and selling shares as appropriate and/or by changing the percentages of future contributions. Rebalancing in a 401(k) typically does not create tax consequences.

Company stock

Some 401(k) plans also offer company stock as an investment option. This could be worth considering if you believe in your company’s future prospects. But it’s important to keep any company stock investments in perspective. Becoming overinvested in a single stock, whether it’s your company or not, can throw off your strategy and expose you to additional risk.

Whatever investments you choose, know what you are buying and why they’re appropriate for your situation. If you invest outside of the workplace, it’s also important that your 401(k) investments be balanced with your other investments.

Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and no investment strategy is guaranteed to succeed. Investing internationally carries additional risks such as differences in financial reporting, currency exchange risk, as well as economic and political risk unique to the specific country. This may result in greater share price volatility. Bond funds are subject to the same inflation, interest rate, and credit risks associated with their underlying bonds. As interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall, which can adversely affect a bond fund’s performance.

Funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional.

1–3) Investment Company Institute, 2026

This content has been reviewed by FINRA.

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2026 Broadridge Financial Services, Inc.

Is Your Business Covered for an Oil Leak?

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As temperatures drop across Massachusetts, many businesses and commercial properties will once again rely on oil heat. While heating oil is common throughout New England, a leaking tank or supply line can cause more than just a loss of heat.

Under Massachusetts environmental laws, property owners can be responsible for addressing oil releases that contaminate their property, soil, groundwater, or neighboring properties. Certain releases must also be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

Would Your Insurance Respond?

This is where reviewing your commercial insurance becomes important. Standard Commercial Property and General Liability policies may contain pollution exclusions or limitations, meaning the cost to investigate and clean up an oil release may not be covered as you expect.

Depending on the business, property, and insurance carrier, additional Pollution or Environmental Liability coverage may be available to help address exposures such as:

  • Cleanup and remediation expenses
  • Soil or groundwater contamination
  • Damage to neighboring properties
  • Third-party bodily injury or property damage claims
  • Certain environmental investigation and legal expenses

MassDEP notes that heating-oil releases can migrate through the ground, affect groundwater, and spread to neighboring properties—turning what begins as a relatively small leak into a significant environmental issue.

Prevention Matters Too

Massachusetts businesses using oil heat should periodically inspect tanks, piping, and supply lines for corrosion, deterioration, or signs of leakage. Businesses with underground tanks or larger petroleum storage exposures may also be subject to additional state requirements.

Do you have oil heat at your business or commercial property? Contact our Commercial Lines team. We can review your current insurance program, identify potential coverage gaps, and discuss whether you should consider additional pollution or environmental coverage.

Are Your Volunteers Protected? What Every Nonprofit Should Know

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Presented by Sarah Goyette

Volunteers are the heart of many nonprofit organizations, but one important coverage gap is often overlooked.

In most cases, volunteers are not considered employees and are therefore not covered under a Workers’ Compensation policy. If a volunteer is injured while helping your organization, they may have limited options for covering medical expenses unless other protections are in place.

To help reduce your organization’s exposure, nonprofits should consider:

  • Using volunteer waivers or liability releases. While a waiver cannot prevent every claim, it can help demonstrate that volunteers understand the risks associated with their activities.
  • Reviewing Volunteer Accident & Health coverage. This optional policy may provide benefits for volunteers injured while performing authorized duties for your organization.

It’s important to understand that Volunteer Accident & Health coverage is generally supplemental. This means a volunteer’s own health insurance is typically the primary source of coverage, and the accident policy may help pay eligible expenses that remain after the health insurance has responded, subject to the policy’s terms and limits.

Every nonprofit is unique, and volunteer exposures can vary significantly depending on the organization’s activities. Taking a few moments to review your volunteer management procedures and insurance program can help protect both your volunteers and your organization.

If your organization relies on volunteers, we’d be happy to review your current coverage and discuss whether additional protection may be appropriate.

 

Keep Your Summer Fun Worry Free

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Summer is the season for vacations, backyard barbecues, pool parties, and weekends on the water. While you’re busy making memories, it’s also the perfect time to ensure your insurance coverage keeps pace with your summer activities. A quick policy review today can help prevent unexpected expenses tomorrow.

  1. Make Sure Your Home Is Ready for Summer Guests

If you have a swimming pool, trampoline, fire pit, or regularly host family and friends, it’s worth reviewing your homeowners liability coverage. Accidents can happen, and if someone is injured on your property, you could be responsible for medical expenses or legal costs.

Take a few minutes to review your liability limits with your insurance advisor. If you want additional peace of mind, a Personal Umbrella Policy can provide an extra layer of protection beyond your home and auto insurance.

  1. Protect Your Summer Toys and Travel Plans

Boats, motorcycles, RVs, campers, ATVs, and Jet Skis all come out during the summer months. Before heading out, confirm that each vehicle has the right coverage for how you use it.

Planning to rent a car while traveling? Check with your insurance agent before your trip to see whether your personal auto policy covers rental vehicles or whether purchasing the rental company’s collision damage coverage makes sense for your situation.

  1. Review Your Renewals and Look for Savings

Summer is a common time for home and auto policy renewals. With continued changes in the insurance market, your premiums or coverage may have changed since your last renewal.

Instead of simply renewing your policy, take the opportunity to:

  • Review your coverage limits and deductibles.
  • Make sure you’re receiving every available discount.
  • Ask about bundling your home and auto policies.
  • Consider smart-home devices, such as water leak detectors or monitored fire alarms, that may qualify for additional savings.

Enjoy Summer with Confidence

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, spending weekends at the lake, or hosting friends for a cookout, a quick insurance review can help ensure you’re protected before the unexpected happens.

If you have questions about your current coverage, the team at Cleary Insurance is here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary policy review so you can enjoy a safe, fun, and worry-free summer.

 

Summer Safety Checklist

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Summer is a time for outdoor adventures, family gatherings, vacations, and making memories. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, working in the yard, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or traveling with family, being prepared for common summer injuries and illnesses can help you handle unexpected situations with confidence.

A well-stocked medicine cabinet and first-aid kit are simple ways to protect your family during the warmer months. Before summer activities are in full swing, take a few minutes to review your supplies, check expiration dates, and replace any items that are outdated or running low.

Why You Should Check Your Medicine Cabinet Before Summer

Many common summer issues can be treated quickly when you have the right supplies on hand. Sunburns, insect bites, allergic reactions, minor cuts, scrapes, and dehydration can happen when you least expect them.

Medications and first-aid products can lose effectiveness over time, especially when exposed to heat and humidity. Storing your supplies in a cool, dry location and replacing expired items regularly helps ensure your family is ready when they need them most.

Summer Medicine Cabinet Essentials

1. Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

Keep common medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen available for headaches, minor aches, and fever.

2. Allergy Relief Products

Summer allergies can make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Consider keeping antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy eye drops available for seasonal allergy symptoms.

3. Bug Bite and Skin Relief Treatments

Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects are common during summer. Hydrocortisone cream, anti-itch treatments, and insect bite relief products can help soothe irritation.

4. Sunscreen and Sunburn Care

Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and keep aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion available to help soothe skin after too much sun exposure.

5. Insect Repellent

A quality insect repellent can help protect your family from bites while enjoying outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backyard gatherings.

6. Hydration Supplies

Hot weather increases the risk of dehydration. Electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration packets can be helpful after extended time outdoors, exercise, or heat exposure.

7. Basic First-Aid Supplies

Every home should have essential first-aid items, including:

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Gauze and medical tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Instant cold packs

These supplies can help treat minor injuries before they require professional medical attention.

Don’t Forget Your Summer Safety Plan

A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your family and enjoying the season. Along with updating your medicine cabinet, take time to review other areas of your summer safety checklist, including pool safety, home security, and insurance coverage for summer activities.

At Cleary Insurance, we believe prevention and preparation are key to protecting what matters most. If you have questions about your home, auto, or personal insurance coverage, our team is here to help.

Contact Cleary Insurance today for a policy review and enjoy a safe, healthy, and worry-free summer.

Recent College Graduates and Parental Support

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Presented by:

Matthew Clayson Financial Advisor, CA Insurance License No. 0I01304
Cross Coastal Advisors
Needham Office : (781) 400-8641 mclayson@crosscoastaladvisors.com www.crosscoastaladvisors.com
197 First Avenue, Suite 250
Needham, MA 02494

Many recent college graduates are collecting their diplomas and promptly moving back into their childhood bedrooms.

The financial challenges are real for recent college graduates. The market for entry-level jobs has been turned upside-down by artificial intelligence. The costs of everything are going up briskly.

Parents are realizing the Bank of Mom and Dad might have to stay open a bit longer, but are hoping it isn’t forever.

Our panel discussion featured five economists and personal financial authors. The conversation about the intricacies of supporting adult children got surprisingly personal.

The following has been edited for clarity and length.

Oyin Adedoyin, Wall Street Journal personal finance reporter: Say you’re a parent of a recent college graduate who is struggling to land a job and asking for money. What do you say?

Laura Ullrich, economist at job-search site Indeed: I have a son who has just moved home who is actively seeking a job. If graduates, including my son, had a degree in nursing or early childhood education or electrical engineering, he probably would have a job. But he just finished a master’s in data science. That is the softest sector in our data.

Matt Schulz, author of “Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life”: My son just finished his sophomore year and is in the business school. So I am not super thrilled about what you just said about data science prospects.

My general advice is the same as I give in many aspects of money: control what you can control. Maybe the biggest ‘control what you can control’ thing is just networking and getting out and meeting as many people as you possibly can.

Caitlin Zaloom, author of “Indebted: How Families Make College Work at Any Cost”: My son is in the next room. He just returned from his sophomore year of college and is madly doing all of the networking that you’re suggesting, Matt.

There’s a lot of pressure on young people to a degree that I have not seen before in my own research.

I think AI and the pressure that it’s putting on young people makes the sort of extended dependence on families—that has been going on for a couple of decades now—in some ways more explicit.

Oyin Adedoyin: When does it make sense as a parent to help your kid, even if it might cost you hard-earned retirement savings?

George Kamel, co-host on “The Ramsey Show” and author of “Breaking Free From Broke”: What we’re finding is a lot of parents are retiring with not a huge nest egg, and then robbing it to try to help their kids get a leg up, which in turn makes them a financial burden on the kids later on in life.

John Campbell, co-author of “Fixed: Why Personal Finance is Broken and How to Make it Work for Everyone”: Some people are in a more comfortable position because they own a home and the home has appreciated. It might well be a smarter move to take out a second mortgage and tap the home equity.

Laura Ullrich: I think it’s also really important to set expectations with your recent college graduates about what you are willing to do and what you are not. They may not want to come home after college and deliver food via DoorDash or Uber, but those opportunities are available.

Oyin Adedoyin: A lot of recent college graduates online are saying, “The economy is so bad that you might as well chase your dreams.” With the risk for entry-level jobs, they are thinking there is value in trying to strike gold with a music career or trying to be a famous internet personality. How long of a financial leash should parents extend to their children to pursue a long shot?

John Campbell: Think about the cost of living in different places. I live in a suburb of Boston that’s super expensive. I also have a weekend house in Biddeford, Maine, which is a former industrial town. And the contrast in the life that you see is very striking because in Biddeford, the rents are low, and young people can actually start interesting small businesses.

If they tried to do that in the Boston metro area, it’s almost impossible because of the cost of living.

Oyin Adedoyin: Say you want your recent college graduates to become more financially independent. Where do you start?

George Kamel: We took a call; it was a couple in their 80s trying to evict their daughter, who was in her 50s and still living at home. That’s a worst- case scenario, of course, but every parent’s fear is that your child never launches.

I just think one of the cruelest things you can do is to coddle your child in a false reality versus helping them figure out the real reality.

Caitlin Zaloom: As Americans, we carry this idea that kids should be autonomous from their parents and financially independent.

That’s the expectation, and that has become increasingly difficult. So that reality needs to be part of the conversation between parents and kids starting quite young.

Oyin Adedoyin: Is it better to get a loan from a family member or a bank?

George Kamel: I think I’d rather go to the mafia than to my parents, ’cause it creates a really awkward dynamic. Mom and dad see you going on that vacation when you owe them money, and the relationship changes.

I always tell people, “Do a gift, not a loan, if you wanna save the relationship.”

John Campbell: I could not agree more.

Matt Schulz: There are cases where borrowing from a parent makes all the sense in the world. My wife and I borrowed money for a down payment from my father-in-law for our first house, and he told me that it was a gift. And I told him, “We are paying you back,” and we did.

Oyin Adedoyin: Why is it so hard for parents to kick their children off of the family cellphone plan?

Caitlin Zaloom: Parents don’t think of paying for their kid’s cellphone as giving their kid money. It’s an extension of being part of the family.

John Campbell: It actually can be smart financially to pool cellphone usage into a family plan. But you can ask your recent college graduates to pay you the marginal cost of their presence in the plan.

George Kamel: It kind of feels like changing your bank. It’s just a little bit of a hassle, and nobody wants to go through with it, but I do think there is a symbolic level of independence when you’re covering your own bill under your name.

Write to Oyin Adedoyin at oyin.adedoyin@wsj.com

This Wall Street Journal article was legally licensed by AdvisorStream.
Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Information from third parties may be proprietary, privileged and/or confidential, any use, copying, retention or disclosure is strictly prohibited. Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and may not accurately reflect those of MML Investors Services, or its affiliated companies. Local firms are sales offices of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), and are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MassMutual, MML Investors Services, or their affiliated companies.

 

 

Dirty Dozen List of Pesticide -Contaminated Produce

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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its highly anticipated annual Dirty Dozen report, ranking fruits and vegetables based on pesticide residue levels. This report relies on comprehensive data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, providing consumers with valuable insights into the produce they may want to include in their diets.

Dirty Dozen List**

The 2026 list reveals a concerning lineup of fruits and vegetables most likely to contain significant pesticide residues. These include:

  1. Spinach
  2. Strawberries
  3. Grapes
  4. Peaches
  5. Apples
  6. Blueberries
  7. Cherries
  8. Nectarines
  9. Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens
  10. Potatoes
  11. Pears
  12. Blackberries

Remarkably, nearly all conventionally grown produce samples tested positive for detectable pesticide residues, which underscores the extent of the problem.

In addition, this year’s report highlights the pervasive presence of PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances are known for their durability in the environment and the human body. Among the findings, one pesticide was noted for its frequent occurrence across samples, especially in peaches and plums, raising concerns about its safety.

Clean Fifteen**

On a more positive note, the Clean Fifteen lists produce with the lowest pesticide residues, making them safer to buy conventionally. Many of these items have thick skins, natural pest resistance, or are grown in controlled environments. The 2026 Clean Fifteen includes:

  1. Pineapple
  2. Sweet corn (fresh and frozen)
  3. Avocados
  4. Papaya
  5. Onions
  6. Sweet peas (frozen)
  7. Asparagus
  8. Cabbage
  9. Cauliflower
  10. Watermelon
  11. Mangoes
  12. Bananas
  13. Carrots
  14. Mushrooms
  15. Kiwi

Almost 60% of these items had no detectable pesticide residues, and only a small fraction contained multiple pesticides. Therefore, these foods are generally safe to purchase conventionally, although organic options can be chosen if desired.

Summary**

Experts emphasize that, regardless of whether fruits and vegetables are organic or conventionally grown, they remain safe to consume when handled properly. In fact, the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables far outweigh any potential risks from pesticide exposure. To reduce these risks, consumers should wash their produce thoroughly under running water. Additionally, choosing frozen or canned alternatives can also be a smart option.

 

Provided by Cleary Insurance, Inc. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

War in Iran Is Driving Costs Up -Here Are Ways to Save

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Presented by: Matthew Clayson

Matthew Clayson is a Financial Advisor at Commonwealth Financial Group. He is a registered principal of, and offers investment advisory and financial planning services through, MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC (www.sipc.org).  

Aimee Ortiz
March 13, 2026

The widening war in Iran is now in its third week, and American consumers are already feeling the effects of rising gasoline prices, with the price of food and other essentials likely to follow. For consumers already reeling from inflation and a cooling job market, the fallout from the war presents another financial challenge. Even if the conflict were to end today, economists warn, the economic impact is likely to linger.

We reached out to some experts for advice consumers could follow to minimize the impact on their pocketbooks.

At the Gas Pump

With the average cost of gasoline reaching $3.598 Thursday, according to AAA data, drivers searching for ways to save have a few options.

Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%, said Aixa Diaz, a AAA spokesperson. That’s because the fuel economy for most cars peaks at around 50 mph before dropping off.

Excessive idling can also waste gas, she said, as can driving with low tire pressure.

“If your tire pressure is low, your car’s going to be working harder, and then you’re just wasting fuel,” Diaz said.

Drivers should remove any extra weight from their vehicles, Diaz said. If you’re still lugging around furniture that you keep meaning to donate but never do, now is the time to finally drop it off, she said.

And Diaz encouraged drivers to sign up for gas-station rewards programs to earn points for discounts on fuel purchases. At the pump, she said, drivers should skip premium-grade gas, which is more expensive, in favor of regular gas, if their vehicle takes it — and most do.

Many vehicle owners’ manuals recommend premium gas, but “recommended and required are two different things,” Diaz said, adding, “Most cars are perfectly fine with just regular gasoline.”

On the Road

Gas prices are typically higher in the spring and summer, when more people drive, but the conflict in the Middle East has accelerated the seasonal ascent, Diaz said.

Drivers planning a road trip can make use of free travel tools, such as AAA’s TripTik, which shows gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and attractions along planned routes. One benefit, Diaz said, is it keeps drivers on track, avoiding detours that can burn more gasoline and lead to unnecessary spending. The motor club also offers a gas-cost calculator that can estimate your car’s fuel costs.

Apps like Waze use real-time traffic data to direct drivers to the shortest (and therefore the most efficient) routes. And the GasBuddy app directs drivers to the cheapest gas near them.

Diaz said drivers also should be mindful of where they spend their money on road trips. Often, gas stations near highway exits are more expensive than those a few miles away. If you have enough gas, it may be worth driving a few more minutes to find a better price.

Snacks add up, too. Avoid gas station convenience stores, Diaz said, and instead stock up on treats at your local grocery store before your trip even begins.

At Home and the Grocery Store

Rising oil prices affect virtually all goods, not just at the gas pump.

“Anything that you buy that gets delivered by truck is going to be more expensive because diesel’s gone up,” said Daniel Burnside, a clinical professor in finance at the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business.

Burnside said there are simple ways to save money.

That could mean taking public transportation instead of driving, washing your clothes in cold water to save on energy costs, cutting back on subscriptions you don’t use, or delaying purchases of anything you don’t really need, he said.

Describing the drive to save money as “an evergreen problem,” Burnside said, “You could use all the techniques that worked last week, it’s just now it seems more urgent because all of a sudden all your costs are going up.”

 

c.2026 The New York Times Company

This New York Times article was legally licensed by AdvisorStream

Information from third parties may be proprietary, privileged, and/or confidential; any use, copying, retention, or disclosure is strictly prohibited. Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and may not accurately reflect those of MML Investors Services or its affiliated companies. Local firms are sales offices of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), and are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MassMutual, MML Investors Services, or their affiliated companies.