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7 common car maintenance mistakes to avoid
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7 common car maintenance mistakes to avoid

Owning a vehicle brings a lot of responsibilities, the primary one being maintaining the automobile. Regular car maintenance can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your vehicle. However, most people tend to make many common car maintenance mistakes, which can cost them a lot of money in the long run. Read on to learn some common car maintenance mistakes that can be easily avoided, saving you a lot of hassle later on. Skipping regular maintenance One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is skipping regular maintenance since the process can help you catch small issues before they become big and expensive problems. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Not checking tire pressure Many people overlook tire pressure, but keeping your tires inflated is important. Underinflated tires can lead to poor gas mileage, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout while driving. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated properly. Neglecting fluid changes Fluids like oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are essential to keep your car running smoothly. Neglecting to change them can damage your engine, transmission, and other parts. Check the fluid levels regularly and change them as your car’s manufacturer recommends.
Avoid these 5 common mistakes when shopping for an RV
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Avoid these 5 common mistakes when shopping for an RV

Today, many travelers understand the importance of enjoying not just the destination but also the journey. Consequently, recreational vehicles (RV) and travel trailers, equipped with accommodation facilities like living rooms and cooking spaces, are becoming increasingly popular, allowing travelers to experience blissful journeys en route to their destinations. However, buying an RV or travel trailer is a significant decision. So here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing these vehicles. Lack of research Buying an RV without researching properly on the vehicle can lead to significant losses in the long run. Therefore, it is important to explore the various brands and companies offering these vehicles and opt for test drives to check for any damages before purchase. Underestimating or overestimating the space required Sometimes, customers may purchase smaller RVs or travel trailers, typically if they are occasional travelers. However, even in such cases, one may require more space to store luggage or accommodate on-the-go activities. Conversely, a huge RV can be challenging to maneuver. The best bet is to reflect on one’s requirements and discuss them with family members, friends, and other travelers before deciding on the ideal size of RV to purchase. Not considering tow weight Tow weight is the aggregate weight that a towable RV or travel trailer can haul.
5 problems to watch out for while buying an RV
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5 problems to watch out for while buying an RV

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a lot of amenities, but they are expensive to buy and maintain. So, you must check it thoroughly before driving it home from the dealership, especially if considering a used or pre-owned model. Several issues, both mechanical and safety-related, make an RV unfit for purchase. If you spot any of these problems in an RV, avoid buying it and look for an alternative to ensure you get your money’s worth. Clogged AC filters While inspecting an RV before purchase, turn on its air conditioner and climate control system to evaluate the HVAC performance. If the cooling is below par, there is a chance that the vehicle’s AC filter has issues or damage. If the filter is clogged, the previous owner has likely not put in enough money or effort to maintain the vehicle. Although you can continue inspecting, such a vehicle is not worth buying as you may need to spend extra on AC maintenance. Damaged windshield Several states across the country prohibit driving RVs with a cracked or even mildly damaged windshield as it puts passengers at risk of injury. RV windshields are huge and, therefore, expensive to replace. So, carefully check the windshield before investing your hard-earned money into the vehicle.
4 tips to secure the best deals on used cars
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4 tips to secure the best deals on used cars

Buying a used car is incredibly beneficial as you save money on hefty price hikes and taxes applicable for brand-new vehicles. You also enjoy free reign for negotiation and more affordable APR rates on older car models. However, you must carefully scan online auto trading platforms to spot the top used car options and deals. Here are a few easy ways to ensure you get more bang for your buck! Start with online listings Websites and automotive platforms like CarMax, Carvana, Autolist, Autotrader, Edmunds, and Vroom sell the top models of used cars. They offer the best APR rates and list updated prices of their vehicles. But visit these sites during the off-season as specific makes are not in demand and are, hence, cheaper. For example, nobody wants a convertible during the winter or a hard-top sedan during the summer. So, buying before the season changes will save you more money. Compare deals based on APR Compare the APR offered on different vehicle trims to find the best one. For example, the Honda Civic (2018 to 2023) sedans currently have a 2.99% APR financing option on some trading platforms. The exact APR rate is available on the Honda CR-V (2018 to 2023) SUV trims.
6 benefits of buying a seized vehicle
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6 benefits of buying a seized vehicle

Buying your first or upgrading to a new or pre-owned vehicle is a fun yet complicated experience. However, do not overlook the possibility of buying a seized vehicle. These automobiles refer to trucks, cars, and other motor vehicles that have been taken possession of by financial institutions due to non-payment of loans. They may also be sold at auctions to recover the outstanding loan amount. Here are six benefits of buying a seized vehicle. Multiple buying options Financial institutions may seize a ton of vehicles each day. Therefore, you might be able to pick from a variety of vehicles across multiple segments. A few choices may include trucks, SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. Unique choices Since vehicle auctions may include a range of vehicles, you might stumble upon a rare or unique automobile that isn’t available through traditional channels. They may also range from basic to luxury models with the latest technology. So ensure you do your research before making the purchase. Good condition Most vehicles sold at an auction are usually at most 5 years old. Some vehicles are also in nearly new condition. You may find the best vehicle deals on fleet and government vehicles. These are well-maintained and serviced regularly.
5 common oil change mistakes to avoid
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5 common oil change mistakes to avoid

An oil change is a necessary maintenance task that should be done within a specified time limit to ensure the engine does not cease to work. Skipping this step only further increases the risk of engine problems that might cost thousands of dollars in repairs simply because of a lack of proper lubrication. If you prefer to change engine oil on your own, here are five critical mistakes to avoid next time. Not using the right type of oil Motor oils are classified into different blends depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions in which they are used. Synthetic oil is more suitable for extreme weather changes. It has better viscosity and resistance to oxidation. High-mileage oils help improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions, whereas conventional oil is the cheapest of all variants used in most motor vehicles. Not maintaining proper oil levels Underfilling or completely topping up the engine oil will only hamper engine performance. Learn to use an oil dipstick before running the engine. Overfilling can force the engine oil to fill up the gasket, leading to leaks. Not filling enough increases friction and can stall the pistons completely. Not replacing oil when its recommended If you drive an older model vehicle, it is recommended that you change the engine oil once every 3,000 miles.
4 ways to get the best price when selling a truck
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4 ways to get the best price when selling a truck

Planning to sell your truck but are confused about the asking price? Well, that is just one of the many factors that you need to consider before listing the vehicle for sale. With the auto market being saturated with preowned and unsold vehicles, paying attention to details can make all the difference if getting a good price for your truck. Here are a few ways to get the highest price for selling your truck: Negotiate with the buyer Don’t say yes to the first deal or offer by the buyer. Always wait and compare the market rates to find the best price for your truck. Being impatient will only make it more difficult to get a decent profit on the deal. Consider a private sale Dealerships can haggle aggressively, so you won’t get the best trade-in value for your truck. So, it is better to compare private-party deals as you will find a significant difference in the trade-in value and the private offer. Why should you miss out on that extra cash simply because you want to avoid the hassle of paperwork and documentation? So, consider organizing a private sale. Determine the true value Before you decide on a price point and sell your truck, you should get a professional appraisal to determine the value of the truck in its present working condition.
4 signs it’s time to get a new car
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4 signs it’s time to get a new car

Cars, being made up of mechanical parts, have a limited lifespan. They undergo wear and tear over the years and display specific signs when nearing their end. These signs may develop gradually over several weeks and months and become more evident as time passes. From excess emissions to inadequate safety systems, here are some of the key signs that indicate your car has run its course and you need to get a new one. The car emits plenty of fumes High emissions can result from several factors, such as a malfunctioning filtration system, oil-burning problems, cracks in the engine block, or leaks in the engine gasket. The fumes could appear gray, black, or white when such issues exist. Black fumes indicate problems with the filtration system, while gray emissions indicate the car burns excessive amounts of oil and fuel every time it hits the road. If your car emits too much gasses, you may have to find and address the problem. But if the issue reoccurs, it is time to get a new car. The car’s interiors start crumbling Aging car interiors tend to come apart pretty easily. If the carpets creak every time you place your feet on them, the seats become borderline unusable, or the door handles loosen, it is most likely the end of the road for the vehicle. Holes in the floor, worn-out switchgear, and air conditioning that does not cool the interior quickly are other signs to replace your car.
Top 4 safest SUVs of 2023
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Top 4 safest SUVs of 2023

Buying an SUV is about driving around a vehicle that offers comfortable and modern interiors, a rugged exterior, and performance tailored to navigate the city, highway, and other terrains. These vehicles are also a significant investment one usually makes for themselves and their family. Therefore, one of the key elements that everyone desires in this vehicle is safety. So if you’re searching for the safest SUVs this year, here are six options. Acura MDX The Acura MDX is one of the safest SUVs, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. It has a standard set of active safety technology, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The three-row crossover can be built starting at $49,000 on Acura’s website. Honda CR-V You could build the crossover SUV on Honda’s website for about $28,000. The CR-V packs a standard set of safety features, such as a road departure mitigation system (RDM) – which helps drivers stay on the road and follow lane lines. It also boasts a collision mitigation braking system™ (CBMS™) to alert the driver of a potential collision. Kia Telluride Kia makes some of the safest vehicles in the market, and the Telluride is one of them.
5 top safety forward SUVs to buy in 2023
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5 top safety forward SUVs to buy in 2023

When you want the convenience of a sedan with the utility and ruggedness of a pickup truck, SUVs are the ideal vehicles that offer the best of both worlds. With extra legroom, passenger seating, and enhanced cargo space, these vehicles are built for city and cross-country driving. SUVs also offer many safety features, making them highly reliable for solo and family driving. Here are the top five picks for the safest SUVs of 2023 compared. Ford Explorer The all-new 2023 Ford Explorer midsize SUV checks across the board with innovative safety features. You get an integrated blind spot monitoring system with dedicated cross-traffic alerts to switch lanes safely. A special rearview camera and auto high beam sensors monitor the back and also illuminate the way ahead in dim lighting conditions. And let’s not forget the lane-keeping assists and adaptive cruise control functions that come in real handy when driving at high speeds. Tesla Model Y Tesla is the industry standard for electric vehicles featuring innovative safety technologies, albeit at a hefty price tag. The Model Y is this year’s proud recipient of IIHS’s Top Safety Pick + award. Key features like a low center of gravity, rigid structure, and impact protection are why this premium vehicle also receives a 5-star rating from NHA.

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A look at some of the best free investment advisors
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A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria
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Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.
Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
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Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
6 top business credit card companies
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6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.
Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country
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Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country

NNN properties are known as triple net lease properties and can be categorized as single-tenant properties that are available for lease. In these properties, the maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance have to be paid by the lessee instead of the landlord. These costs have to be borne by the lessee in addition to the rent. Here are some of the top NNN properties for sale: 7-Eleven, Texas There are plenty of 7-Eleven properties that come under the category of NNN properties. This one is our top pick at the moment, as it serves two commodities that are always in demand: gas and foods. The property is on the 3601 West Freeway in Fort Worth, Texas, making it quite a hot spot for sale. The current annual rent for this property is $267,500, while the cap rate is 5.75%. Burger King, Florida Burger King is one of the country’s favorite fast-food chains. The current annual rent for this property is about $140,000, and the cap rate is 5.15%. This property was built quite recently as compared to the other options on our list, and it has the potential of providing good returns quickly, as it is in a strategic location on SW Port St.

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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in
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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in

Before you search for the best dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is recommended you understand your needs and overall investment objectives. ETFs are hybrids of mutual funds and stocks. When you invest in the ETF, you purchase shares in the fund, which buys the underlying asset. Here are six of the best high-dividend ETF funds: Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM) This ETF adopts the simple method of choosing stocks that have higher dividend yield when compared to other companies. This has resulted in building a diversified portfolio comprising 400 stocks with higher market capitalization. The majority of these stocks belong to the healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors. During the last decade, VYM delivered average annual returns of 12.9%. The expense ratio is the lowest in the industry at 0.06% per annum. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG) The ETF focuses on investing in companies that have a long history of increasing their dividend payouts over the years. The portfolio includes approximately 180 stocks with low yields. The ETF has earned average returns of 12.6% per year over the last 10 years. The expense ratio is 0.06%, which makes it an excellent option if you do not mind lower dividend returns currently but want to earn more in the future.
Top 5 providers for automated investments
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Top 5 providers for automated investments

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500.
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
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Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
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Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
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All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
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5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.