Way to Save #49: Keep Change In Your Car

How many times have you not fed a parking meter because you couldn’t find any change? Keep some in your car at all times and avoid unnecessary tickets.

Way to Save #48: Don’t Buy Car Rental Insurance

Car rental insurance policies (technically not actually insurance, but a fee you’re paying to offset any damage you cause) rank high among the western world’s great rip-offs. Your regular car insurance or possibly even your gold credit card will often render it unnecessary. If you need it, you may have to buy it – but … Continued

Way to Save #47: Shop Rental Cars

If you’re going to rent a car, comparison-shop heavily. Prices differ a bunch depending on company, current demand and location. Don’t hesitate to pit companies against each other. And ask as many times as possible about special deals, promotions, coupons, and any source of potential savings such as membership in AARP or AAA. Even while … Continued

Way to Save #46: Use Rebuilt Parts In Your Car

If they’ll work as well, try used or rebuilt parts in your car. Your mechanic or body shop will know if OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are necessary or desirable. If they are, fine. But if they’re not, you can save a bundle.

Way to Save #45: Upgrade Your Mechanic

The best way to save money on cars is to keep yours as long as possible, and the best way to do that is to have it serviced well and regularly. To find a good mechanic, try calling some classified ads placed by people selling cars similar to yours. They might have a good suggestion. … Continued

5 Words Insurance Companies Hate

Using the wrong words could delay or even have an insurance claim tossed out.

Way to Save #44: Empty Out Your Trunk

Lighten up your car. Roof racks hurt mileage by spoiling your aerodynamics. If you don’t use ‘em, lose ‘em. To increase your mileage even more, take the excess weight out of your car. Things like golf clubs don’t need to be driven around everywhere.

Way to Save #43: Be A Smooth Operator

Make it a habit to be a smooth operator. Scan the road ahead and try to anticipate any slowdowns. Try to maintain as constant a speed as possible. That will save gas and make you a safer driver.

Way to Save #42: Change Your Car's Filters

Keep your air and fuel filters clean. Your car will perform better, your mileage will increase and your engine will last longer. Best of all, these items are inexpensive and can be changed quickly.

Way to Save #41: Carpool

Carpool! Sharing the ride with just one other person will cut your commuting costs in half. You’ll also reduce your stress level by 50% and may shave time off your commute by letting you drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes implemented in many cities.

Are You Paying Your Neighbor’s Bills?

Many must pay their neighbor’s bills or risk loosing their homes.

Can’t Sell Your Home? What Should You Do?

What should you do when you can’t sell your home? Make money from it, of course.

Way to Save #40: Check Your Tires

Keep your car tuned and check your tires. These simple things can easily save you $100 a year in gas, not to mention the giant increases in your engine and tire life you’ll see.

New Rules for Credit on Campus

A new law will make it harder for credit card companies to market to college students.

Way to Save #39: Use The Lowest Octane You Can

Always use the lowest octane gas your owner’s manual suggests. While only 15% of cars require premium, 25% of gasoline sold is premium. Why? Probably because some people respond to advertising instead of reading their owner’s manual.

Way to Save #38: Negotiate Your Trade-In First

Whether you’re buying or leasing a car, negotiate the value of your trade-in before you negotiate the new car. Actually, you should never trade in a used car. You’re nearly always better off selling it yourself. But if you are going to trade in your old car, establish its value first before you start on … Continued

Way to Save #37: Watch Out For Lease Fees

Be aware of the fees for excess mileage and excess wear and tear. They should show up in microscopic print somewhere in the contract. Understand them, and realize that average lease return fees total more than $1,000. Think about that before you lease.

Way to Save #36: Know Your Lease

Leasing is more complicated than buying. But when you boil it down, leasing is essentially like financing part of a car’s life. There are three main components to a lease: the capitalized cost (“purchase” price), the money factor (interest rate), the residual value (what it’s worth when the lease is up). You should be familiar … Continued

Way to Save #35: Inspect Cars Before You Buy

Don’t think of buying a used car without a thorough inspection. Even if your car of choice was driven only to church on Sundays, have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before you think of buying it. This cannot only help you avoid a nightmare, it could also help you negotiate a better price.

Way to Save #34: Get A Mechanic Friend

Make friends with a mechanic or two. Mechanics often hear of people who want out of their car. They cannot only help you find a great car at a great price, but they can sometimes vouch for the condition of the car.

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