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4 mistakes to avoid before buying an SUV
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4 mistakes to avoid before buying an SUV

Buying a new car, like an SUV, is usually a major purchase decision. It is typically a one-time investment for many who do not plan to switch vehicles for a few years. This means that simply opting for the latest make and model is not enough. You must consider the necessary features based on your and your family’s needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV: Focusing on the exterior Major brands manufacture compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and even luxury SUVs that come with many features and upgrades, each usually better than its predecessor. However, you need to compare features and not just go for only the exterior build and design, as what matters more is the car’s performance, engine, and comfort. Going for unnecessary accessories Premium and luxury cars are already loaded with advanced features. So when buying a new SUV, do not overspend on extra upgrades that the salespeople may make you believe are crucial. Install what is essential as there is always room for upgrades later. Underestimating safety features Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, come with safety features that are a mandate in many states. Some of the crucial safety features you need to consider are automatic braking, stability control, airbags, and sturdier builds.
5 common mistakes that rookie truck drivers should avoid
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5 common mistakes that rookie truck drivers should avoid

Beginning a new career, especially one that involves driving across the country, can be exciting. Truck drivers transport everyday essentials, whether it’s phones, clothes, or construction materials, making their job crucial for the functioning of businesses and households. However, many rookie drivers can make mistakes in their first few days on the job. Some such mistakes can cause significant damage to life and property. So, here are common lapses that rookie truck drivers should avoid: Going too fast Truck driving regulations in the country allow up to 20,000 pounds per single axle and up to 34,000 pounds per tandem axle, meaning the load can exert a lot of pressure on the wheels. Driving too fast may result in a loss of control and subsequent overturning of the vehicle or an accident. This is why it is best to practice caution while driving the truck, and remember that an accident can slow you down way more than driving at reduced speeds. Rookie drivers should be even more careful when going downhill, as downshifting and slowing down may become tougher in that stretch of road. Ignoring road signs One of the most common rookie truck driver mistakes is not paying attention to road signs.
Be wary of these common used car buying mistakes
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Be wary of these common used car buying mistakes

Buying a used automobile comes with its risks and benefits. You buy cars for a lower on-road price and have the luxury of modifying them to your liking. But also, you need to verify every purchase-related factor as this is not a factory or dealership-sold vehicle. Also, it doesn’t matter if you are buying for the first time or have bought one before. Here are 5 used car buying mistakes to avoid. Not knowing your type of vehicle Not knowing what type of vehicle you need is one of the common mistakes to absolutely avoid. Don’t just browse the market and go for the cheapest deal. You should always start with a basic budget and compare automobile brands that offer vehicles for that purchase price. Also, price should not be the only determining factor as you must find a vehicle suitable for daily driving. For example, don’t buy a sports sedan when you actually should buy a large six SUV at that same price for family use. Not taking a test drive Used vehicles should always be taken for a long test drive. Remember, this vehicle has not come fresh from the factory manufacturing unit and is transported straight into the showroom.
Steer clear of these 5 mistakes when replacing engine oil
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Steer clear of these 5 mistakes when replacing engine oil

All vehicles come with moving mechanical parts that grind against each other. Here’s where one needs to add oil to the engine and other vehicle components to ensure these parts move smoothly. However, engine oil can lose viscosity with time and must be changed regularly. But a person may make several mistakes when replacing the oil in a vehicle. Here are six errors to avoid to improve the lifespan of a vehicle. Not warming up the engine Engine oil at cooler temperatures might be sluggish when drained from the engine. This may increase the time it takes to drain the oil. What’s worse is that the liquid will not fully drain from the engine, and there will be residue still stuck in the engine parts. So before draining the engine oil, a person must start the vehicle and let it run on idle for about five to ten minutes. Idling the engine will bring the oil up to the normal operating temperature, ensuring it drains correctly. Putting back the drain plug incorrectly Most people are oblivious to how tight they should make the drain plug when they screw it back on. Some people leave it loose and end up staining the interstate and stalling halfway through their journey.
Top 6 safest SUVs of 2022
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Top 6 safest SUVs of 2022

A sports utility vehicle, or SUV, has become a go-to choice for many American families. One of the main reasons people consider buying SUVs is that it feels safer than other cars, thanks to their large and sturdy build. Moreover, modern SUVs are loaded with a wide range of safety and driver assistance features, making them incredibly safe and reliable. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, you must consider some latest options. 2022 Acura RDX This crossover SUV from Acura is currently one of the safest vehicles on the market. The automaker has outfitted all trim variants of the 2022 RDX with a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition system. 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge If you’re looking for a compact electric SUV with excellent safety features, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge should be your choice. It’s equipped with vital safety and driver-assistance features, like lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot detection. The vehicle also has an advanced body structure and a unique battery safety cage that can protect all passengers in a collision.
Avoid making these mistakes while buying auto insurance
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Avoid making these mistakes while buying auto insurance

Auto insurance is mandatory, and one must buy or renew policies with every vehicle they acquire. The premiums and coverage vary between states, so you must compare and purchase policies accordingly. First-time buyers tend to make some common mistakes and end up with insufficient insurance coverage. Vehicle owners need to ensure their auto insurance provides adequate protection. Here are six such mistakes to be wary of while buying auto insurance. Failing to research Don’t buy insurance only based on the cheapest quotes you can find online. Not all policies will be beneficial as they will have varying coverage and limits. Use tools available for comparing the top insurance quotes for auto insurance. For example, Gabi is a dedicated platform recently acquired by Experian, one of the three premier credit rating agencies. The service locates the best policies online based on your coverage needs and allows you to switch to the new coverage hassle-free directly from their platform. You save time, money, and effort while getting better coverage. The Zebra is an alternative platform that provides similar third-party services for comparing best quotes. Paying only the minimum coverage All states mandate a minimum policy to be taken by drivers who own a vehicle.
6 useful tips for a DIY oil change
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6 useful tips for a DIY oil change

Changing the oil on your vehicle may look straightforward enough. But often, the simplest tasks are the ones that can result in unexpected problems if you are not paying attention. Just investing in premium quality oil to keep the engine running is not enough; you also need to follow the proper steps to ensure there are no engine troubles arising from poor maintenance. Here are a few simple tips to get you started right. 6 useful tips for a successful DIY oil change Buy the right oil You cannot just use one motor oil for different vehicles. Note that motor oil comes in different forms of density and viscosity, each formula unique to the engine that needs servicing. So, before comparing the best brands to buy premium motor oil, check and confirm if it matches the engine and vehicle configuration. Your vehicle manufacturer will mention the type of motor oil suggested for the current make, year, and model. Do it step by step The first thing to do is use the correct size wrench and unplug the oil filter. You need to first unlock the pan screw and allow the old engine oil to drain. It is better to use a jack to lift up the car so that you have more space to work with rather than trying to fit under the vehicle when it is sitting level.
4 amazing used SUV options to choose from
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4 amazing used SUV options to choose from

Shopping for cars has always been a task, and when it comes to buying used ones, the job becomes more difficult. SUVs are one of the best choices available, as they provide space, functionality, affordability, and reliability. Hence, it’s no shock that, slowly and steadily, SUVs have been rising to the top as one of the most bought car types in the country. Furthermore, buying a used SUV saves a lot of money. The best-used SUVs to buy One’s favorite car may depend on many factors, especially the choice between a rugged automobile that can traverse the country or a vehicle that suits both the countryside and the city. Hence here is a list of the best-used SUVs and their features. Chevrolet Equinox An extremely reliable SUV, this model reigns on top of the list. It’s extremely handsome and can be driven on any terrain with its 301 horsepower V6 engine. It can also be called an all-rounder as it brings Apple Car and Android Auto connectivity as a standard. Additionally, this automobile features 64 cu-ft of cargo space ( with the rear seat folded comfortably), can be employed to fit sports kits or a dozen shopping bags and is ideal for road trips.
6 things to consider when buying an electric car
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6 things to consider when buying an electric car

Electric cars have become popular, as they require little maintenance and offer cleaner emissions than their gas-powered counterparts. The electric vehicle (EV) industry is in its nascent stage, but both luxury and budget automakers have been experimenting with this new, efficient technology. Electric cars come with many advanced and attractive features. Here are a few factors to consider when buying an electric car so that one can choose an EV that meets all their requirements. Battery life Electric cars run on batteries under the floor of the car. A battery pack, which can last up to 20 years, is an important part of an EV, and replacing it can be costly. Some factors may determine its lifespan. For example, a hot climate or charging a car at a Level 3 station may result in overheating the car. Most automakers offer protective measures like thermal management systems to ensure the battery’s longevity. However, despite protective measures, a battery slowly degrades over time, with an average capacity loss of 2.3% per year. Charging options Level 1 and level 2 charging outlets are suitable for electric cars, and Level 3 outlets are fast charging stations. They are comparatively expensive and may not be suitable for all EVs.
5 mistakes to avoid while driving an SUV
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5 mistakes to avoid while driving an SUV

Even if you have a squeaky clean driving record, making some common mistakes on the road can prove costly. Given the possibility of accidents and mishaps on the road, each one of us needs to be more cautious as a driver, even when driving a relatively safe and reliable automobile like an SUV. Next time you are out on the road, avoid these five common SUV driving mistakes to ensure safety: Cutting someone off Even though your intentions may not be malicious, cutting someone off can be dangerous. It is important to be predictable while driving, so other drivers can also make more informed decisions. Cutting people off could lead to involuntary swerving, which may cause accidents. Not checking the blind spot Position the car’s mirrors in a way that you don’t have too many blind spots. A blind spot is an area on the road that is outside the driver’s field of vision. Given the sheer size of an SUV, there may be multiple blind spots. Being careful, checking your mirrors, and using advanced safety technology such as blind spot monitoring can help you avoid missing cars or people in your blind spots. Many recently launched SUVs, such as the Subaru Forester, Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, and Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, offer blind spot monitoring to help create a safer driving environment.

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Top automated investing services that make investment easy for all
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Top automated investing services that make investment easy for all

Automated investing services or Robo advisors are becoming popular by the day, and financial experts around the world only expect to see a surge in their usage. This is because these intelligent services offer one crucial advantage that many investors benefit from: low-cost financial advice. With many top financial services companies jumping in the race to provide customers with the best automated investing services, there are plenty of great options available for every kind of investor. What is a Robo advisor and how much does it cost? A Robo advisor is a digital platform that provides algorithmic-driven money management services that require virtually no human supervision. It does this by collecting client data like financial situation, future goals, and other details through an online survey. This data is then used to automatically manage clients’ assets and provide them with the most suitable financial advice. Robo advisors are immensely cheaper than human financial advisors. Most services only charge an annual management fee that is anywhere between 0.25% and 0.5% of the account balance. Depending on your need, you can even find good Robo advisors that offer services free of charge and low minimum balance value. Top Robo advisors in the market There are several low-cost Robo advisors that you can choose based on your needs and preferences.
Common types of investment advisors you can hire
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Common types of investment advisors you can hire

Financial planning is a daunting and technically challenging task. Its execution is more difficult without the help of a professional. And that is one of the main reasons why you should find individual consultants and advisory agencies alike to help guide you for proper compliance with regulatory agencies. It doesn’t matter if you are an individual or own and run a business organization, the following certified professionals rank highly among the best investment advisors in the country, representing your case. Certified Financial Planner (CFP) For a broad range of investment services, you can consult with a Certified Financial Planner. These professionals have a general understanding of all investment and financial portfolios. CFPs help in holistic planning and execution of the financial plan to generate the maximum rate of return by diversifying your investment. Generally, CFPs are qualified to provide sound investment advice for taxation, insurance, estate, and retirement planning. Note that CFPs must take several exams and stay up to date, especially in their areas of specialization to provide certain niche planning and advisory services. Armed with all the technical expertise and the latest know-how about financial services, CFPs rank at the number one position among best investment advisors. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) CPAs are experts in taxes and accounting.
Pros and cons of some of the best retirement investments
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Pros and cons of some of the best retirement investments

Investment of any nature and for any goal is always a good idea, apart from saving for your retirement. The rising rate of inflation coupled with reduced pension plans demonstrate the need for retirement-focused investments, which will not just deliver value over an extended period of time. That being said, not all assets are capable of delivering high returns at low risk and have their own set of importance to investor portfolios. To help you make an informed investment decision, here are some best retirement investments and their pros and cons. Cash-balance plans Similar to pensions, a cash-balance plan offers a fixed amount of return at the time of retirement. However, unlike pensions, every employee has a cash-balance account where the lump sum amount is mentioned. Employers credit this account with a set percentage of the employee’s yearly compensation plus interest charges. Pros: A defined-benefit is a major attraction of cash-balance plans. Additionally, you don’t have to pay a single penny for it and yet it offers a tremendous certainty of retirement funds. In case of a job switch, these accounts can be transferred to your new job. Cons: Should you choose to retire early, the plan wouldn’t benefit much.
A primer on the workings of a credit card
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A primer on the workings of a credit card

Credit cards are a boon in these modern times and there is no denying that. A swipe, a touch, a tap, and everything is paid for (yes, you do pay for what you buy, but not until later.) So, what’s the idea behind these swipes? Who is actually paying for the stuff we purchase? Are credit card companies making money every time we use our cards? These are some of the questions that we’re going to try to answer for you. What is a credit card? A credit card is a plastic payment card that is designed to provide us with a certain amount of credit. This amount can be used to make purchases. The only criterion is that you have to pay the money back as per the credit card company’s policy. When you pay the money back, the credit is restored to its original limit. In a way, a credit card is like a replenishable loan. You can keep taking the loan as long as you pay the money back within the stipulated time period. How does a credit card work? A credit card electronically transfers money from one person’s account to another’s. To do this, there are multiple stakeholders involved, namely the issuer, network, merchant, and user.
5 tips to choose the best ETF funds
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5 tips to choose the best ETF funds

ETF or Exchange-Traded Funds are a type of mutual funds that trade in stocks, securities and track various indexes. Exchange-traded funds often invest in a broad range of industry sectors and use various strategies to yield maximum returns. One of the biggest advantages of investing in high dividend ETFs is they have lesser fees than other indexed funds, thereby costing you less in taxes. Although ETFs help in diversifying your portfolio, it is important to choose the right funds that compliment your current investments. Here is how you can choose the right high dividend ETF funds. Consider tracking difference One of the factors that set high dividend ETF funds from other market investments is tracking differences; that is, the difference between ETF performance and index performance. The lower the tracking difference, the better the ETF fund. This ensures that the ETF fund is reasonably priced and trackable. Define your investment goals Identify your investment objectives to pick the best ETFs. Ask yourself if you want to invest in companies with specific characteristics, diversify your portfolio, or find a lower-cost alternative to mutual funds. Furthermore, consider how long you plan to invest. Financial experts suggest not investing if you will need the money within the next five years.

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How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses
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How SBA’s guaranteed loans are beneficial for small businesses

Running a small business during financially turbulent times can be extremely trying. But, monetary aid, specifically small business loans, can definitely make things easier for both the business and its employees. Funded and guaranteed by the federal government, 7(a) loan programs have been designed by keeping business-owners’ best interests in mind. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding small business loans: What is an SBA loan? Loans by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are guaranteed business loans that are given to small businesses by participating lenders. Since these loans are guaranteed by the federal agency, they are much more manageable than those provided by private agencies. SBA loans also have the added advantage of lower interest rates. These loans are available in a broad range in order to suit specific business needs. You can get a loan that ranges anywhere from $500 to $5.5 million to fund your entrepreneurial adventure. Further, the loan can be accessed in the form of fixed assets or working funds. Types of SBA loans SBA loans are available in many types. Some of them include—SBA flagship loans, microloans, SBA disaster loans, and 504 loans, among others. Each of these loans comes with different funding criteria.
Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale
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Benefits of investing in NNN properties for sale

Long-term investments do not necessarily mean that your money becomes inflexible. Instead, you should invest in such a way that you can generate a steady income. To ensure this, you need to invest intelligently by aligning your portfolio to your investment goals. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your returns outweigh your risks. One of the surest ways to ensure this is by investing in NNN properties that are for sale. Continue reading to know more about NNN properties and benefits of buying them. What are triple net(NNN) properties? NNN properties are pieces of real estate that can be leased to commercial franchises or corporations. Here, the tenants undertake all operational and management responsibilities of the property apart from paying rent to the owner. No investment is risk-free; however, investing in NNN properties has proven to be a highly profitable venture for investors. To invest in NNN properties, you must have an accredited net worth of at least $1 million. This value is excluding the value of their residential real estate or $200,000 in income. Other investors who have lower net worths can invest in NNN properties for sale by investing in REITs or Real Estate Investment Trusts. Benefits of buying NNN properties for sale:
Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea
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Four reasons why a reverse mortgage is not a sound idea

A reverse mortgage is a loan taken against the value of the home (equity) to meet certain expenses, debt obligations, and even supplement income during a financial crisis. It allows homeowners to convert a part of their home value into cash for expenses and retain the ownership of the property simultaneously. However, reverse mortgage eligibility and feasibility are quite complicated and there are times when it is not a good option, especially for seniors (common applicants for a reverse mortgage) above the age of 60. Here are a few reasons why. Home eligible for inheritance Senior homeowners can benefit from reverse mortgage eligibility only if they can take a loan against their home and repay the same in a timely manner. However, in case the homeowner passes away and the property is inherited by their children, who might not be in a financially sound position to repay the impending mortgage. The inability to do so can result in selling the property to repay the outstanding debt and in the process lose complete ownership. So before taking a reverse mortgage, homeowners must account for the financial status of the people who will inherit the home in the future. Sharing owned property People living on the property are forced to vacate it in case the owner is unable to repay the reverse mortgage.
10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis
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10 debt settlement companies you can consider in times of crisis

Though debt such as student loans, car loans, and mortgage on the house is part of life, it does become a hindrance that affects your savings and future financial goals. As per the Federal Reserve, Americans owe more than $4 trillion in consumer debt, and this number does not account for mortgages. So, if you’re facing crushing debt and want to avoid bankruptcy, you can always engage the help of debt settlement companies. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that can help you in a financial crisis. National Debt Relief The National Debt relief offers a debt settlement service that lasts for around two to four years and charges a 15% fee. They cover all kinds of debts, including unsecured debts. Freedom Debt Relief With average fees and AFCC accreditation, Freedom Debt Relief is one of the oldest debt settlement companies in the country. They are present in 37 states and have been in operation for over 17 years. Guardian Debt Relief Guardian Debt Relief specializes in working with customers who have a debt of more than $10,000. They usually charge a 20% fee and a monetary fee of $200, which goes into the settlement account.