Need a new car but don’t have the funds to buy one? We’re here for you. The innovations in new cars, the dazzling new styles and the delightful places they will take you is more tempting than ever. And, they annoy the mess out of you because you just aren’t ready to make that purchase....  Read More ..read more

Are you ready for this eventuality?  This is the story I never wanted to write. My Dad died.  That was a year ago, and for the first time this holiday season our celebrations were dimmed by his unexpected death, sad memories and soft discussions about how we were feeling. This story is part of a...  Read More ..read more

This is what you need to know. You could have knocked me over with a feather yesterday. Right there on the local news was an ad. For car lease and finance deals with zero percent financing, special terms and cash back. Right now. Holy cow.  I didn’t think we’d see these offers this year. Especially...  Read More ..read more

To buy or not to buy… to lease or not to lease… these are the questions. Many clients come to me for help with leasing a car. My first question to them is always, “Why are you interested in leasing?” The answer is almost always, “Because I can get a nicer car for a lower monthly payment.”  If you are leasing simply to get a lower payment, you are asking for trouble. Some dealers even use leasing as a sales tactic to talk someone into a car they can’t afford—often without the customer even realizing that they signed a lease ..read more

A really great new-to-you car could be in your driveway soon.  Used cars can offer great savings, but the perception is that the risk is great, too. That’s not necessarily so. The best used cars often have been checked over and tuned up or repaired; they often come with a warranty, they can offer many years of driving and the biggest advantage is that they don’t suffer the depreciation that a new car does, so (in theory) your investment only depreciates as you own and drive the car.  ..read more

You need a bit of luxe in your life, this year more than ever. Every year, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus curates a select group of Fantasy Gifts, an exclusive group of products and experiences that come with an over-the-top price tag. But for a less pricey investment, the company curates a Christmas Book with a (slightly) more accessible offering of luxury gifts and goods. Yes, There Used to Be a Car… But No More  Until recently, a car was part of the Christmas catalogue offerings ..read more

Your shiny new car is closer than you think. Do you want to buy a car? There are some goals you’ll want to first achieve, such as building up your credit score, saving for a down payment and researching the perfect car for your life. And when you’re prepared, getting a new car can be an easy and stress-free experience (yes, we know you didn’t think that is possible). What You Need to Do Before you Buy a Car (or Lease One) Yes, you need to prepare ..read more

We tried Snapshot out and here’s what we found. In a word, yes. For me, anyway. After using Progressive’s Snapshot, my premiums were reduced by $30 over six months. And even more than the discount, I learned a few things that will save me money, both on car insurance and in general. Our car reviews How Progressive Snapshot Works Progressive, like many other insurance companies including State Farm and USAA, offer a tracking device that plugs into your car’s OBD II (onboard diagnostics II) port or offers a phone app that tracks your driving ..read more

Is leasing a car a better alternative than buying for families? In the not too distant past, it was companies that leased cars. It was an easy way to get a tax write-off and ensure executives and employees could tool around town in the latest models. Today, about one-third of new vehicles are leased rather than purchased. Leasing rather than buying a car might be the best, most affordable option for families as well ..read more

But is it safe to car shop in a pandemic? Here’s how it works, and what you need to know. Deals on new cars may be the best ever, and it’s driving people to shop. But, afraid that many customers would draw the line at going into a dealership, or state laws that limit a dealership’s ability to open their showrooms, the industry is quickly changing the way they do business ..read more