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Five Features to Look for When Shopping for a Safe Car
When I was 18 years old, I got my first new car: a green Toyota Celica. Because I was heading off to college with a one-hour commute, my parents insisted I drive a safe, reliable car, and they gave me $1,000 toward the down payment. They balked at the thought of me driving a car [...]
The Best Renovations for Resale and Curb Appeal Are Exterior
The best renovation projects for your home will improve the exterior and increase the curb appeal, especially if you’re working toward a resale. First impressions matter and exterior renovation, like new doors and windows, can make your home ready for resale cheaper. This year’s Cost vs. Value Report, produced by Remodeling Magazine, in partnership with [...]
New vs. Used Cars: Maintenance Needs to Consider
When you’re car shopping and comparing price tags, buying a used car might initially seem like the best choice. If you buy used instead of new, you’ll be saving money. In addition, by buying used you might be able to afford a nicer model because even cars that are just a year old are usually [...]
How the Affordable Care Act Will Make Shopping for Insurance Easier
The Affordable Care Act and health insurance haven't had it easy in the media lately, but the Affordable Care Act should make shopping for health insurance easier for small businesses. While businesses have another year to make sure they’re compliant with the Affordable Care Act, it doesn’t mean small business owners should wait until the [...]
Seven Essential Home Maintenance Tips for Winter
According to information on winter preparedness from Travelers Insurance, snow, ice, and cold can cause serious damage to both the inside and outside of your home, leading to potentially costly repairs and homeowners insurance claims. A well-maintained and well-prepared home is less likely to experience weather-related problems, especially during the coldest months of the year. [...]
Do I Need Auto Insurance for My Rental Car?
If you’ve ever rented a car, you’ve likely been sold the auto insurance that the rental company offers. But if you already have insurance for your regular car, do you need to purchase an insurance policy for your rental car as well? “The short answer is probably not,” says Michael Barry, vice president of media [...]
How Big Should My Car Down Payment Be?
When you’re saving money to buy a car, it can be difficult to figure out exactly how much to budget for a down payment. If you don’t make a down payment at all, or if you make only a small one, you may have a longer loan term and higher interest than you would have [...]
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty on a Used Car?
One of the problems with buying a used car is that it has been driven before, so you have no idea whether or not you will be surprised with a costly repair bill. If you have a tight household budget and are concerned about the expenses related to repairing a used car, an extended warranty [...]
Should I Buy or Lease a Car?
One of the questions many people ask when it comes to cars is “What is better: buying or leasing?” The answer depends on a number of factors. When you lease a car, you get the use of it for a mere 24 months or so. Then, you turn it back in and get another. Although [...]
Four Factors That May Help You Get Auto Insurance Discounts
The cost of driving doesn’t come cheap. When you tack on the price of gas—now at more than $3 per gallon—and auto insurance, it may seem more appealing to commute via horse and buggy. But if you are shopping around for auto insurance or thinking about updating your current policy, you could save big bucks [...]