Shopping has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, providing consumers with more choice and convenience whether they shop in brick-and-mortar stores or browse online for their purchases. Even holiday shopping has adapted to the changing landscape, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday appealing to online and in-store shoppers. It’s easy to assume there is a...
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Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or just a quick weekend getaway, here are some road trips to keep in mind while making plans. Like any other type of travel, road trips can come with stressors and hurdles to navigate. These road trip tips will help you enjoy a safe and successful journey: 1. Road...
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How much do you spend on groceries weekly? The cost to feed a family of four can range from about $773 to $1826 per month, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture November 2021 Report.1 If you’re grocery shopping on a budget, use these 10 ways to help save money on groceries. 1. Make a...
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Manual or automatic? The debate has raged for many years, ever since automatic transmission technology became good enough to popularize these easy-driving vehicles. Once upon a time, almost every car on the road used a manual transmission, and learning to expertly release the clutch and shift gears was an immutable fact of growing up. Now,...
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It’s no secret that gas prices have soared over the last year. In fact, we’ve seen gasoline prices skyrocket by almost 50% since September of 2020 across the country. The reasons behind this increase in gas prices vary, ranging from disparities in refining and retail costs to disruption in oil distribution and fluctuations in taxes...
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Where once it felt like a far off promise of modern technology, nowadays owning an electric vehicle is a very real option. From environmental benefits to comparative costs of fuel, there are many factors to consider when deciding if your next car will be an EV or not. “There’s a lot to consider,” says Lauren...
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Learning how to live on your own can be an exciting time in your life, but it’s also a big and costly transition. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make involves finding a place to live that fits your budget. Because this is typically your largest expense, it raises the...
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Are you renovating your home? Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you do it right the first time. Home projects can take a big bite out of your budget and your time if they’re not done properly. Here are some of the most common home renovations mistakes to avoid: 1....
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You’re ready to hit the high seas for your cruise, but is your suitcase? Packing for a cruise, unlike a land-based getaway, means a different set of rules. If you’re wondering what to bring on a cruise, here are the essentials you need to enjoy your vacation: Appropriate Attire and Accessories 1. Sneakers Just because...
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Among car enthusiasts, the debate over big block vs. small block engines is one that can ignite lively discussions and strong opinions. Many drivers prefer one over the other, but the fact is that both big blocks and small blocks have their own advantages. What is a small block engine? While the term doesn’t always...
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You’ve reached the final phase of your motorcycle preparation journey: Buying your bike. An exciting step, but with so many types of motorcycles to choose from, a confusing one, too. Review this motorcycle-buying guide to become a confident, informed shopper and rider. Find out what motorcycle type is right for you and what to consider...
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A second house might be an investment, a vacation property or a combination of the two. Regardless of its intended use, a rising number of people are purchasing residential real estate. They see real estate as a safer investment than other investments that might come with increased risks. A National Association of Realtors survey showed...
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For Millennials, figuring out how and where to save money and invest it is a little trickier than for previous generations. In many ways this group has the same financial concerns of previous generations. They might be paying off student debt, saving for a house, putting money into retirement accounts, building an emergency fund and...
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VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a string of characters that identifies a car. Every passenger vehicle manufactured for U.S. sale since 1981 has a standardized VIN, while the VINs on older cars may vary in length and character type depending on the manufacturer. How many numbers are in a VIN? Each VIN consists of...
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Next to your home, your car is probably the most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. So it makes sense to want to protect it. For many consumers, that means buying an extended warranty – but it might not always be your best value. What is an extended warranty? An extended warranty is designed to provide...
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