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The Cost of Car Maintenance: 9 Ways to Lower Your Expenses

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If you are like most Americans you probably have a car, or even two, sitting in your garage at home. And, not surprisingly, the cost of maintenance on your car(s) is likely not cheap either.

There has been plenty written about the rapidly rising costs of cars and the maintenance associated with them. Not to mention the rapidly rising (and lengthening!) loans buyers are taking on to purchase their vehicles. Both with a negative impact to consumers.

While I may not be able to convince everyone to buy a used, cost-efficient car and take public transit whenever possible. I can help you reduce the price of car ownership and lower your maintenance costs to help you save more money. Even if you do buy a brand new, luxury vehicle!

These 9 money-saving tips will help you drive more efficiently, minimize your cost at the gas pump, and reduce the dent that a car makes in your budget each month through it’s cost of maintenance. Here’s how to save some major cash on your car over the long term.

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Dave Ramsey Baby Steps Explained: One Man’s Path to Financial Freedom

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If you enjoy reading and learning about personal finance, then it’s safe to say you’ve probably heard the name Dave Ramsey and know about how his infamous Baby Steps.

Since the 90’s, The Dave Ramsey Baby Steps have helped millions of people get out of debt and start them down the path to achieving financial freedom.

No matter how many blogs I read or podcasts I listen to, his name stands out more than any others.

Why?

It’s because he understands the motivation people need to get out of debt and has built his empire around this method.

Heck, he even inspired me to go through his Master Training Program and become a financial coach.

I think the world would be a better place if we take his example by sharing our failures with others to help them avoid the same mistakes that we make.

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Debt in The United States

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Let’s face it, debt in the United States is a problem. From our national debt, student loan debt, and consumer debt – debt in the United States is an issue at all levels. Why is that?

I’m a firm believer that it starts with the lack of education on the topic. Only 17 states require high school students to take a course in personal finance. But even those states that teach financial literacy, debt is still a problem.

Maybe it’s the YOLO or “living my best life” mentality that leads to our obsession with overspending. Perhaps it’s the instant gratification we seek, like when we hit the “like” button on social media every day. Or the fact that we let 17 and 18-year-olds make their biggest financial decision (college) with little guidance on the impact of taking on student loan debt.

Or maybe it’s the lead by example trap that has gotten debt in the United States out of control. We are just merely following the herd. Heck, our government is $22 trillion in the red!

Whatever the reason is, we need to take back control of the debt in the United States. The sooner we can start, the better. Let’s dig in on some of the debt categories and why we’ve fallen off the debt wagon.

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Cash Reserves 101: Why You Need an Emergency Fund

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One of the few personal finance concepts that garners near-universal praise is the idea of having some cash reserves.

For many topics in personal finance, there are seemingly as many critics as there are advocates. You commonly hear phrases such as:

  • “The stock market is too risky,” or
  • “You can’t retire early because you need health insurance,” or
  • “You shouldn’t travel because it’s wastefully expensive.”

I don’t agree with any of these perspectives, but you hear people offer them as feedback nonetheless.

Thankfully, few people disparage having cash reserves because they should be an essential component of everyone’s personal finances. Most of the time.

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Debt Consolidation 101: Everything You Need to Know

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If you have many different debts with different interest rates, payoff schedules, and balances, it may sound like a good idea to sign up for debt consolidation. Debt consolidation can seem appealing with the promise of a significantly lower monthly payment and a reduced interest rate.

For some people, debt consolidation may be a reasonable solution. For others, they will be making the debt consolidation company rich.

The truth is, debt consolidation salesmen will tell you whatever you want to hear to get your business. Don’t fall for any of the gimmicks or false promises. Before you sign on the dotted line, learn the truth about debt consolidation to find out if this strategy is right for your situation.

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