3 Smart Money-Saving Ideas for Your Next Road Trip 

Summer road trips are calling—but with rising fuel prices, it pays to drive smarter. A few small habits can make a big difference in your gas mileage and your wallet. Here are some simple tips to help you save money and stay safe this summer:

1. Check Your Tire Pressure (Don’t Wait for the Light!)
Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of poor fuel economy—and they’re more common than you think. Just one tire that’s 5–10 PSI too low can reduce your gas mileage by 1–2 MPG. 

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on your car’s tire pressure warning light alone. It only triggers when one or more tires are significantly underinflated. Check your tire pressure at least once a month using a handheld gauge, especially before long trips.

• Look for the recommended PSI on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
• Check when tires are cold (before you’ve driven much).
• Don’t forget the spare!

2.  Lighten the Load
Extra weight equals extra fuel burn.

• Remove unnecessary items from your trunk (🏌️‍♂️golf clubs are a common violator). If you never use that third row of seats in the back of your vehicle, remove that row and leave the seats in the garage until needed. These can weigh 30 pounds or more.
• Ditch the roof rack or cargo box when not in use—it can reduce your fuel economy by up to 25% at highway speeds. 

3. Plan in Advance and Stick to a Budget
We are financial planners so you might have guessed we would advocate for budgeting – yes, even on a road trip. Unexpected expenses like tolls, parking fees, meals, and accommodations can add up surprisingly fast. Budget carefully before you leave, avoid impulse purchases, and set aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs to ensure financial comfort throughout your trip.

Pro Tip: You can search for accommodations with free or discounted parking on apps like Booking.com or ParkWhiz.

On the Road: Lindsey’s Favorite Trip 

“My favorite road trip would have been last summer. The kids and I went to a wedding in Wyoming. We were in the Bighorns and got lost—we saw some incredible scenery, but ended up being three hours late to the rehearsal dinner because we went around the entire mountain and some of the roads were a little scary! Anyway, it was just a great memory with the kids.” —Lindsey Simek, Capstone Advisor 
 

Lindsey’s story is a perfect reminder that even the unexpected turns can lead to unforgettable memories. Just be sure to plan ahead, pack smart, and check your tires—you never know where the road might take you.

What’s your favorite road trip destination or memory? We’d love to hear your story.

Market Recap: U.S. Leads Highs, International Continues to Do Well

June saw broad-based gains as both U.S. and international equities posted strong performance. The S&P 500 closed at record highs—including a 6,204.95 close on June 30—and finished the month with solid upward momentum. International markets have outperformed year to date, benefiting from a slightly weaker dollar and a rotation into overseas assets, but US Equities caught up a bit in June.  Broad investor interest returned to global equities after a period of U.S. dominance, but money flowed into assets here and abroad in June.

Sector Highlights & Portfolio Strategy
While growth areas—particularly technology and communication services—drove much of the upside, defensive sectors like utilities underperformed in June, lagging behind amid broader equity enthusiasm. Industrial and financial sectors also contributed positively, reflecting strong economic activity and corporate earnings. Going into Q3, we remain confident in a diversified allocation, with balanced exposure to U.S. tech strength and international opportunities—especially in Europe and select emerging regions—positioned to benefit from ongoing multi‑market gains and global economic resilience.

Associated Press

MarketWatch

Financial Times

*S&P 500 index can not be invested in directly
 

Save the Date: August 21

Join us for a free movie night at Capstone! We’re rolling out the red carpet for a special screening from the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival collection. 

📍 Location: The Capstone Colorado Springs office building, 620 N Tejon St. (first floor)
🍿 What’s included: Good company, delicious appetizers, drinks, and of course—popcorn.

Don’t miss this evening of entertaining and thought-provoking documentary film.

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for the film reveal—we can’t wait to see you there!

Your Local Resource for Expert Financial Guidance and Support

Capstone built our reputation on friendly service, impeccable ethics, and respect for every client. Our clients’ needs drive our relationship, and the focus is always on you. We strive to be highly responsive to your requests and are skilled at creating solutions customized to your goals, values, and situation.  Reach out anytime with questions. We're happy to help!

Capstone Investment Financial Group, LLC

Colorado Springs/Denver

719-477-9883

info@capstoneinvest.com