February 22, 2012

How to Get Your Dream Car at an Affordable Price

 

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Getting the car you have always wanted is a dream for the majority of people. However, the dream can be better if you are able to secure a vehicle at an affordable price. Most salespeople in the car selling business work on commission, and will work hard to get you the car you want. The problem is that you may not know exactly what you are paying until the deal has been signed. You have to do your research first before walking into any dealership.

Doing thorough research with helpful online car sites like Carcraft and knowing your credit score is a good first step. This will allow you to determine beforehand what sort of interest rate you are looking at. The dealership may attempt to sell you the car you want at a higher APR rate, so you should let them know what you already qualify for. This pre-knowledge is a good strategy to begin bargaining.

Having a down payment saved is another great way to lower the cost of manual or automatic cars. This initial payment will help determine your monthly payments. A down payment between $1,500 and $2,000 is a good start for a vehicle. Typically, if you do not have this monetary amount to give down, consider a trade in. If your current vehicle is in good condition and works well, this often will suffice as a down payment. The year, model and make of the car also determine the overall price in the vehicle.

Easy Ways to Cut a Budget

Various Federal Reserve Notes, c.1995. Only th... 

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Are you over-spending every month? Do you want to start saving money instead of constantly saving it? Unfortunately, money doesn’t save itself. You’ve got to make a conscious effort to stop bleeding money. Here are some easy budget cuts you can make today.

  1. Stop ordering drinks out. Savvy drinkers have identified pre-drinking for a reason: restaurant or bar drinks are expensive. Can you really afford to spend $10 on a cocktail? $6 on a glass of wine? Unless you’re a lightweight, that money adds up fast. Try pre-gaming or having in-house parties instead. Remember to always have a designated driver, however.
  2. Stop drinking so much, period. Alcohol is expensive. Stick with healthier water and you could lose weight and gain money in your bank account.
  3. Look at your monthly entertainment expenses. How many Netflix DVDs do you really need in a month? Is the unlimited disc plan working for you? How much are those premium channels costing you? Are you still going out to the movies anyway? These are questions you need to ask yourself.
  4. Make your own coffee. Take it into work in a travel mug instead of buying it on your way there. It’s better for the environment and your wallet.
  5. Whatever it is, don’t buy another one. Do you have a shelf full of unread books, but you keep buying new ones? Are you halfway through three video games and you’re contemplating another one? Don’t buy that purchase until you’ve finished what you already have.
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Free Ways to Have Fun in the Summer

Picnic Basket 

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Looking to cut back on your budget this summer? You’re in luck: summer’s one of the cheapest times of the year. Produce is cheap, the weather is warm, and sunshine usage is completely free! Here are some ways to have fun this summer without spending a dime.

  1. Look for free concerts in the area. Many towns or non-profit organizations put on a summer concert series that’s completely free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets– a cooler full of icy refreshments doesn’t hurt either. It’s a great way to enjoy the weather and jam to some free music at the same time.
  2. Check for summer movie showings. There are tons of schools, parks, or retail centers that offer free summer movie showings. Drive-in movie theatres are pretty hard to come by nowadays, so experience the next best thing at these outdoor showings. Most selections are family focused (Up, Despicable Me, etc.) but some offer classic movie showings instead.
  3. Go for a picnic. Spend some time dreaming up your perfect picnic menu. The sky’s the limit– why not make your own lemonade or a fresh pie for dessert? Then, grabbed a loved one or your family and head out for a day of cloud-watching and eating your delicious home-cooked meal.
  4. Head to a festival. Whether you’re going to a barbecue cook-off or a lobster festival, the summer months are chock-full of free festivals. Some events or festivities may cost money, but the majority of them will be completely free.
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