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“What can I do with $500?”It’s one of the internet’s most-asked personal finance questions. Well, here at Auto Approve, we’re always saving people money. After all, refinancing your auto loan can save you anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars over the life of the loan! That means we’ve had some time to think about what your next step should be.Whether you have a few hundred or a few thousand dollars back in your pocket, here are 5 smart things to do when you have more money back in your wallet!The Best Thing to Do When You Have Surprise CashAlways speak to an advisor about your unique financial situation before making any big moves. Everyone’s personal finance journey is unique, so these may not all apply to you. Hopefully you can find an idea for your money (or a combination of these suggestions!) that sounds just right.1. Put it in savingsA simple, elegant solution for any windfall, putting your money in savings – especially a high yield savings account, if you have the option – is a great way to set up your future self for success. Savings are important for so many reasons, from lowering financial stress to ensuring you have future freedom.Most Americans aren’t hitting savings recommended targets for emergency funds and retirement. While this bit of extra cash in your wallet might not feel like enough to get you there, any amount is a good start!Ideally, money you save should start to grow with interest so you can keep earning a little extra pocket change on autopilot. Many high yield savings accounts have no minimum balance, so you can even start earning a few percent on just $500 – although the more you can add to the account to grow it, the better.2. Pay down debtDepending on your overall financial situation, you may want to use any extra cash to knock off some debt. If you have debt with a relatively high interest rate – like credit card debt – paying off even a portion of the balance will save you from paying more interest than you need to in the long run.Having less debt has financial and psychological benefits! It can reduce stress as well as expenses. Plus, reducing your credit utilization ratio and debt-to-income ratio can raise your credit score and make you more eligible for future loans should you want to make a big purchase down the line.And if you have a larger chunk of debt, it might be worth consolidating your debt while you’re at it. Consolidating your debt means bringing all your debt together under one umbrella (or fewer umbrellas, at least, depending on the nature of your debt). It can help you get more favorable terms and simplify the money management and payment process.Use the extra cash toward your first payment(s) and take time to figure out how you can build a budget and make changes in your spending to avoid future issues.3. Put it in an index fundConsider growing your money by putting it in an index fund.An index fund lets your money rise (and fall) with the stock market. If you can handle a little risk and won’t need the money in the immediate future, putting it in an index fund is a good way to enter the stock market for the first time and to ensure you have money at least matching the rate of inflation. That means your $500 today will be worth the equivalent of $500 several decades from now – or, ideally, more. After all, historically speaking, the stock market has always trended upwards in the long run, so even when things are down, the best advice is usually just to hang on and it’ll work itself out. This is especially true of index funds that don’t rely heavily on one company’s success or failure but rather act as a picture of the market overall.Wondering where to get some extra cash to get started? Consider refinancing! Refinancing allows you to get the best rate you’re eligible for and to change the term of the loan, meaning you can pay less per month and pay less interest overall. Most people who got their auto loan from a dealer can save money thanks to marked up dealership rates!Get a free quote to see how much you could save.4. Start a side hustleIf you want to grow your extra cash into more extra cash, why not use it to start a side hustle? Whether there’s something you love to do or something you’re good at that might be in demand, a little investment can go a long way to get you started. Popular side hustles include things like cottage baking, photography, design, selling things from your garden, or skills learned for work like accounting, personal assistant work, coaching, and so on.If you want to get started with a side job, some things you might consider spending the extra money on could include:EquipmentSoftwareIngredients or materialsA websiteA small standMarketingCourses to build your skillsCertifications to make yourself more marketable5. Spend it on someone or something you loveSo you have a little extra money in your pocket. If you’re in good financial shape otherwise, you can use it as an excuse to treat yourself, your friends, your partner, or your family!Experiences and fun aren’t without inherent value. A great meal might inspire you to cook differently at home. Guitar lessons might feed your soul. A vacation could expand your horizons and help you feel refreshed. And fun is important just for the sake of fun! Even with just a few hundred dollars, you could plan a road trip or find ways to add more excitement and joy to your year.And those are 5 great ways to make the most of $500 (or more!)Which option is right for you and your money? Only you can say. But hopefully, these ideas have given you a jumping off point to get started making your extra cash go further.Put more money in your pocket with Auto Approve.Is refinancing right for you? Find out how much you could save in just a few minutes! Tell us a bit about your vehicle and current loan to see your refinancing options – no commitment or hard credit check required unless you decide to move forward with refinancing! When you get a free quote, an Auto Approve representative will work with you to find the right option for you, then do the paperwork for you when you find a loan that’s right for you.Get your free quote now.

Maybe you’ve heard of refinancing, but what is an auto loan refinance, and how does car refinancing work? These are good questions to ask, especially if you want to save money, because, yes – a refinance can, in most cases, help you put a little cash back in your pocket.But how? In this article, you’ll discover what refinancing is, how car refinancing works, and how it may be beneficial for you to do right now.In short, we’re here to answer all your burning questions about the how, what, and why of refinancing a car.How Does Car Refinancing Work? Your Questions, AnsweredLet’s start with the basics.What is a Car Loan?A car loan is a secured loan that can help you finance a new or used car. A car loan works in a similar way to other types of loans. A financial institution will pay for your car and you will repay them in monthly installments with an additional fee (interest). Your car acts as collateral and, if for any reason you cannot repay the lender, your car will be taken away. It's because these loans have this collateral that they're considered "secured."What is Refinancing?Simply put, refinancing is paying off an existing loan with a new loan, ideally a loan that has better terms. Refinancing a car to better terms often results in saving money, either in the long run by reducing the payment period or interest rate, or in the short term by reducing monthly payments.What are the Benefits of Refinancing?There are many! Here’s a few of the top ones.1. Save Money with a Lower Interest Rate You may be able to secure a lower interest rate! This is true when rates fluctuate, when your personal financial situation improves, and – commonly – when you didn’t get the best rate available to you in the first place. Many people who financed their vehicles through dealers received marked up rates, meaning they’ve been eligible for a better deal from the get-go. This is the primary motivator for people to refinance. By lowering your interest rate, you are lowering your monthly payments and will end up saving money over the course of the loan.2. Save Money with a Shorter Payment Period When you refinance, you may be able to change the terms of your payment period and shorten the period. This can save you money overall, as the sooner you pay back the loan, the less interest you will ultimately pay.3. Reduce Your Monthly Payments with a Longer Payment Period If money is a bit tight for one reason or another, car refinancing may allow you to lengthen your payment period. This will allow you to pay off the loan over a longer amount of time, reducing your monthly payments significantly. You will end up paying a bit more over the length of the loan because you will be paying interest for a longer period of time, but it can give you breathing room if you need it.Benefits sounding pretty good?If you’re already convinced, find out how much you can save right now with Auto Approve. With just a little information about your car and current loan, we can help you get a sense of how much you could save, no commitment required. Get your free quote now!When Should You Refinance?Now that we know what a car refinance is and what’s so great about refinancing, let’s talk about timing.1. When Interest Rates Are LowRefinancing is all about striking when the iron is hot. And by that we mean when the interest rates are hot. Interest rates are adjusted based on how the economy is performing. If the economy is not performing well, or is anticipated to not perform well, banks will lower their interest rates to encourage spending. If interest rates are lower than when you first took out your auto loan, it may be a good time to consider refinancing. Rates have fluctuated greatly over the past several years, so there is a good chance you can get a lower APR now than you could previously.2. When Your Credit Score Has ImprovedInterest rates are largely dependent on the finances of the applicant. Your credit score is one of the most important factors in securing an auto loan with good terms. Credit scores are generally categorized by the below parameters:800 to 850: Excellent credit740 to 799: Very good credit670 to 739: Good credit580 to 669: Fair credit300 to 579: Poor creditIf your score has increased from good to very good (670 to 740), or from very good to excellent (740 to 800), it could be a great time to consider refinancing. The most favorable rates and terms are given to those with very good and excellent credit. Even if your score has increased within your bracket, but you haven’t crossed into a better category, it still might be worth getting a few quotes to see if you can get a better rate. 3. When Your Income Has Decreased or Your Expenses Have IncreasedIf money is tight due to a loss of income or an increase in other monthly expenses, refinancing might be a good option to give your wallet some breathing room. If you lengthen your payment period, you can pay off the loan over a longer amount of time, reducing your monthly payments significantly. When Should You Hold Off On Refinancing?There are some situations where refinancing might be the wrong choice. Here’s a quick rundown.1. When Your Existing Loan Has Prepayment PenaltiesSome loans build in prepayment penalties to offset the lost interest that comes with paying a loan off early. These penalties can be quite high, so it is important to read the terms of your loan and decide if the savings from refinancing will outweigh the fees from prepayment. If you are unsure, call your lender directly to find out how much it will cost.2. When You Need a High Credit Score for Another ApplicationWhenever you apply for a loan or credit card there is a credit check, and hard credit checks (as opposed to soft checks) and new lines of credit can negatively affect your credit score for about a year.This is because how new your credit is affects your score – but, as long as you maintain a good history of paying on time, this new credit will actually help your score in the long run. And, fortunately, there's a fourteen day window allowed by the big three credit bureaus that allows for all credit inquiries in that span to count as one credit hit.All that said, if you're applying for a mortgage or starting a new lease, it might be wise to wait until after that is settled to refinance your vehicle.3. When The Timing of Your Loan Isn’t RightWhile you can technically refinance at any time during the life of your loan, there are certain times where it will not make sense or be beneficial to refinance. You’ve had your existing loan for less than six months. It takes some time for your credit score to bounce back after taking out a loan, so waiting at least six months will be helpful if you hope to get a better interest rate than before. If this is your first loan, it is recommended to wait at least a year to prove that you have a history of on time payments.You have less than two years left on your loan. Car loans accrue interest over time. Because of amortization, your earlier payments pay off more interest than your later payments. As you near the end of your loan, you are paying less and less on interest and more and more on principle. The longer you wait to refinance, the less beneficial it will be to do so.How Do You Refinance a Car?If it seems like car refinancing might be a good idea for you, you can start the process of refinancing today. It's a hassle-free process (especially when you use Auto Approve!) and can save you money in the short and long term. Here’s how.1. Do Your ResearchMake sure you are as prepared as possible. Request a credit report, which you can do once per year for free, and make sure your credit score is good. Check that everything is accurate on your report. You can petition the credit bureau if there are any inconsistencies or errors. Look at your current loan contract and make sure you are aware of any penalties for which you may be responsible. Call your lender directly if you have any questions or want to review any of the fine print.2. Apply to a Few Different LendersThe application process is similar to your original car loan application. You will need the following to get started:A Photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.Your vehicle’s information, which may include the bill of sale, VIN number, make, model, and year of your car.Proof of income and financial history, which may include pay stubs, banking information, and your credit report.  Proof of residence, such as a mortgage statement, lease agreement, or utility bill. Note that PO boxes are not acceptable as proof of residence.Proof of insurance. 3. Compare Rates After all of your applications are submitted, you should start hearing back with different car loan APRs and terms. Compare all of your offers and choose the one that gives you the best rate and makes the most sense for your personal situation. When you use Auto Approve for this process, one of our agents will talk you through the best options and help make sure you understand your new contract completely. (Oh, and when you refinance with Auto Approve, there are no mark-ups, so you're actually getting the best rate available every time!)4. Sign and Start Saving MoneyOnce you have picked the best car refinancing option, sign on the dotted line and start seeing the benefits of refinancing immediately. Yay!That’s Everything You Need to Know About How Car Refinancing WorksRefinancing your car loan is a simple process that can save you a boatload of money.Auto Approve can make this process even easier and simpler for you! Just fill out some basic information and we can help you start comparing rates today. We never mark up your rates, because we're passionate about passing the savings right on to you. So if you're thinking, “Boy howdy, I better get to refinancing now!,” contact us today, cowpoke! (Seriously, what are you waiting for?)GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Whether you’re saving up for a milestone purchase or just need to tighten up your budget, saving money is never a bad thing.But too often, when we think about ways to spend less, we think about major lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, studies suggest that if you feel like you’re depriving yourself, you may be more likely to slip and return to old spending habits. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 easy ways to save money that don’t require sweeping changes. Of course, there are cases where small savings won’t be enough, but making money saving tricks like these a habit can help you keep your spending in check and put more in savings to weather financial emergencies throughout your life.Here Are 10 Easy Ways to Spend LessWhile not every option will work for everyone, with these tips you can save a few extra bucks for a nice dinner out this month – or hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of a year.1. Opt for lower cost optionsIf you want to save a little extra cash this month or curb your monthly spending, one of the easiest things you can do is switch to cheaper options wherever possible. This can be as small as switching tomato paste or pasta brands, where you might save only a few cents or dollars at a time, or bigger changes like opting for a less expensive restaurant for date night, thoughtfully selecting subscriptions to downgrade, or shopping at an outlet version of your favorite clothing store next time you need something. Comparison shopping to find the lowest price for something can even be thrilling when you find a great deal!While you might not notice small changes like these right away, that’s exactly why they’re so smart – over time, you’ll spend less on every purchase, without feeling like you’ve made a big change.2. Watch your spending closelyFor many people, a simple change that can make a difference is just spending more time paying attention to what they’re spending and where. That means logging into your bank account more often and looking at where your money is actually going. Most people can find areas to save money just by paying more attention.If you don’t already have a set budget, this is also a great opportunity to start creating categories and setting spending limits for how much you spend in a month. Basic budgeting is never a bad idea, and can make a huge difference if you’re struggling to save.3. Pick DIY over done-for-you where you canThis tip applies broadly – wherever you can save money by doing something yourself, do it! This can mean making your meals at home, bringing a water bottle instead of buying one, picking things up yourself instead of having them delivered, having a movie night in with popcorn and snacks instead of going to a theater, and so on.Incremental changes – like still getting takeaway, but ordering it in person instead of using an app – can save you money with minimal sacrifice. Small repetitive purchases we don’t spend time thinking about can be a huge money suck when added up.Of course, you might not be able to save up a home down payment by making your coffee at home, but being selective about every spending habit can help you splurge smarter.4. Lower your car costsOur favorite easy way to save money on autopilot? Refinancing your vehicle. Most people are paying more on their monthly car payment than they need to be, thanks to dealership markups. A refinance can mean a lower monthly payment, a lower rate, or both – putting more money back in your pocket for the things that matter most.Getting a quote is easy and takes just a few clicks, no commitment required.Find out how much you could save today.5. Set fun challenges for yourselfAnother sneaky way to save money without feeling like you’re saving money is to turn it into a game or challenge for yourself. You could try eating vegetarian for a week, or take out your treat budget in cash and see how far you can stretch it. Challenge yourself to cook recipes from a specific cookbook or to make meals out of what you already have in your freezer and pantry.As well as having money saving potential, giving yourself projects – like sanding and repainting a thrift shop bookshelf or learning to patch your own clothes – can help you build money-saving skills and keep you excited and interested in low cost activities. A lot of saving money is a mental game – if you can learn to actually enjoy and want to do and try less expensive things, you can make saving money a breeze.6. Become a food waste warriorAmericans waste tons of food each year. As well as being hard on the environment, it’s a big waste of money. The good news is, becoming more conscientious about food waste can also mean spending less on food.There are tons of great resources for people who want to master zero-waste cooking, and many companies that help connect food that might otherwise go to waste to people who want it at a discount. There are several companies that offer perfectly good fruits and vegetables that grocery stores won’t sell because they’re oddly shaped or too large or too small. There are apps where you can buy deeply discounted meals and baked goods from local eateries that have extras that won’t be sellable by the next day. Some might worry that they’re taking away food from people who need it, but statistically much of that food isn’t going to find someone who wants it before it goes bad. Buying bread from a bakery on discount at the end of the day is doing a favor to the people along the food chain who worked so hard to grow the wheat, ship the flour, bake the bread, who don’t want to see it end up in a landfill just because no one will want to buy it tomorrow.7. Join a buy nothing groupBuy nothing groups have become much more common in the last 5-10 years. They’re usually location-based, so you’d join one for your neighborhood or community, and can typically be found on social media.The idea of buy nothing groups is that, often, we only need things for a certain amount of time, and don’t use everything we have every day. If your neighbor needs an extra blender for a party, you might lend her yours for the day, rather than her going out and buying one. If you have a child who’s outgrown their old clothes, you might find another mom whose child is just growing into that size to give the clothes to. This is something people do naturally anyway with those they know – neighborhood groups just expand the circle of people you can ask and give.Doing this can prevent old clothes and electronics from ending up in landfills and help everyone spend less over time.8. Revisit old favoritesSometimes, you don’t need something new – you just need to dig into the back of a closet. Rereading a book you loved in college, shining an old pair of shoes, depilling an old jacket, plugging the InstaPot back in, digging out a board game you used to love can all be a boost. And old clothes can be mixed and matched to look in style again with a little creativity. Most of us have something in the house we’ve never touched or loved once but haven’t thought about in a long time. Dusting off whatever that is for you and falling in love with it again is a great way to feel like you’re changing things up without spending a penny!9. Throw time at big purchasesDespite being at number nine, this is one of the most important items on this list. Many of the things we’ve talked about focus on small purchases. When it comes to big purchases, this is the top tip for financial experts everywhere. If you want something that will be a big purchase for your budget, do all the research you want, and then wait a month and see how you feel. If you still want it in a month – and it’s worth the cost to you, and you can afford it – then you can decide to move forward with the purchase. For expensive non-essentials, this buffer time can help you avoid unnecessary impulse purchases and help you put the cost in perspective relative to your work and other expenses. 10. Save with coupons and pointsLast but certainly not least, one of the easiest ways to save without lifting a finger is to pay attention to coupons and sales, and time necessary purchases to ensure you get the best deal on them. Loyalty programs, points, sales, coupons – making them part of your spending plans can pay off royally. Most grocery stores and pharmacies have loyalty programs, and of course there are often sales around certain holidays, but you can get even more granular, choosing coffee shops with punch cards or downloading the apps for your favorite chains.Use These 10 Tips For Saving Money To Simplify Spending Less We’ve all heard the old adage, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Some of these tricks might seem small, but add them up and you’ll be saving a pretty penny in no time.Start now by finding out how much you can save on your auto loanWhen you refinance your vehicle with Auto Approve, you get personalized help to make sure you find the best deal for you. And once you choose your new loan, we do the paperwork for you, meaning you save not just money, but time too.Get your free quote now.

When is the right time to refinance a car loan? Well, one could argue that it’s never a bad time to consider a car loan refinance. Too many people assume that their auto loan is something they are locked into from the day they finance a vehicle until the end of the loan. But not so! Many people are overpaying on their auto loans, paying higher rates than they’re eligible for, or otherwise stuck with terms that may no longer make sense for their lives. That’s where car refinancing can come to the rescue.So, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance A Vehicle?In terms of timing, it’s always wise to check to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to be. Given that rates and auto values have fluctuated dramatically over the last decade, and that many dealerships mark up prices so you end up paying a higher rate than you were eligible for even at the time of purchase, there’s a good chance you can lower your monthly car payment. And if your life situation has changed, you similarly may be able to save money by refinancing to a better loan for you and your needs. To help you decide if this might apply to you, let’s take a look at some broad guidelines and FAQs for deciding when to refinance your vehicle.When Can I Refinance My Car Loan?Contrary to popular belief, you are not obligated to wait any amount of time before refinancing your car loan. You have to, instead, meet the requirements for the new loan to refinance it. Time is not part of those requirements – you can refinance immediately after buying the vehicle if you want and meet eligibility requirements. Just make sure that you are pursuing a better deal than the one you already have! (That said, in some states, you need your new registration before refinancing, which may slow down the process by 4 to 6 weeks.)If you’re unsure about your eligibility or whether or not the new loan would be better than your existing one, using Auto Approve can help.When Can Refinancing Benefit Me?Refinancing is basically paying off your old loan with a new one. A beneficial refinance could mean a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, or both. You may be eligible for a lower interest rate if:Rates have gone down since you financed your vehicleYour credit score has gone up, orYou didn’t get a good deal in the first placeMost auto loans are amortizing loans, which means you pay a fixed monthly payment with interest that is already built into that payment. Lower interest would mean a lower monthly payment, if the terms of the length of the loan stay the same. Some people instead choose to refinance to change the length of their loan, so they pay less monthly but over a longer period of time, or pay more monthly in order to have their loan paid off sooner. Refinancing also allows you to add or drop a co-borrower from the loan and can give you up to three month’s break in payments while the loans change over.When you use Auto Approve to refinance, an Auto Approve representative will help you understand your options and make sure you get the right deal for your unique situation – then do the paperwork for you.Get your free, no-commitment quote today to see how much you could save.How can I improve my credit score? This happens when you make on-time loan payments for multiple months – or years. About 10-12 months is enough time to see a change in your credit score, which you can use as leverage to negotiate a better loan rate. Learn more about credit scores and refinancing here.When Should I Try to Refinance My Car Loan?NOW! Now is always the best time, if you think it might be beneficial to you. The refinance process is simple, there is no risk for you to find out your available options, and in most cases, you will be very glad you elected to move forward. With the right refinance, you can start saving money immediately.In general, the two main reasons why people refinance their vehicles are to lower their monthly payment or lower their interest rate. So if you’re still thinking about timing, consider: whether paying less monthly or overall could help you outwhether your circumstances have changedwhether vehicle values or interest rates have changed The ability to borrow at a lower interest rate means you will pay less for your car after taking all of your borrowing costs into account. Since an interest rate is part of the monthly payment you agree to in the loan, it’s something that you should keep in mind as interest rates change over time. What Do I Need for Refinancing My Car?Generally, you are going to need to collect the following:Information about the current loan and lender, your account numberYour current total loan balanceVehicle information including the make, model, year, and VINRead more about the requirements to refinance a car.Refinancing Mistakes to AvoidHere are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when refinancing an auto loan:Prepayment penalties do exist, which means you may have to pay extra if you pay off a loan before a term is up. Look up the details of your loan and inquire what this fee is going to be.Waiting too long to refinance. The longer you wait in the life of the loan, the less sense it makes to refinance. Lastly, don’t miss any payments. Even if you think that the refinancing process has paused your payments, triple-check before you halt payment for the previous loan. And that’s An Overview Of When To Refinance A CarSo, when should I try to refinance my car? Start now and discover if you’re eligible! We’re here to help. Hopefully this guide has answered all you burning questions. As always, do your due diligence and call up your lender with questions before you make any decisions. Hidden fees, contractual obligations, and the actual value of the car should all be factored into any refinancing agreements. But, if the stars align, then there is no reason why you should not allow yourself to benefit from auto refinancing. It’s never a bad time to check your options commitment free and discover how much you could lower your monthly payment or your interest rate.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

It looks like tariffs – or at least the looming possibility of tariffs – are here to stay. But how do they work? And how can tariffs affect car prices? Let’s take a quick look at everything you need to know about car tariffs: meaning, how they work, and what to expect if you’re hoping to purchase or repair a vehicle.All About Car Tariffs (and How They Could Affect You)Let’s start with the basics.What are tariffs?You may have heard the word a lot lately, but what exactly does “tariff” mean?The simplest explanation is this: a tariff is a tax that is charged on something when it is imported. Think of it like the sales tax on a purchase when you check out at a store. It’s typically a percent of the total you’ve already paid on top of your bill. This money goes, as a tax, to the government.Here’s a practical example of how tariffs work.For example, let’s say you’re a ketchup maker. You live in Kentucky, and cook and bottle your ketchup in Kentucky, but you buy your tomatoes from Italy. You buy your tomatoes from the person that grows them in Italy, then pay to have them shipped to Kentucky. Once your tomatoes arrive in the United States, they’re inspected to make sure they’re safe and legal, and at the same time, you, the ketchup maker who imported them, would pay any required tariffs to the customs officers at the port. See? Just like a tax at check out. Tariffs can be applied by a government in different ways. You can tariff a specific item, items to do with a specific industry, or items from a specific place. They can be broad, blanket tariffs – for example, “all goods from Italy will be tariffed at 15%” – or more complicated and targeted. For example, you could have a rule where, after $1 billion worth of Italian tomatoes have been imported by everyone in the US who imports Italian tomatoes, the tariff percent goes up from 15% to 30%.Worried about rising prices?Here’s one price that doesn’t have to go up: your monthly car payment. Most people are overpaying on their vehicle loan. Auto Approve can help.Get a free quote to see how much you could save.What makes tariffs good or bad?Tariffs themselves are not inherently good or bad. Every country has tariffs on some goods. They can be applied to protect a specific industry – say New Jersey tomatoes were suffering because too many people were importing Italian tomatoes, adding a tax on Italian tomatoes might make it easier for New Jersey tomatoes to get more business. Italian tomatoes would become more expensive. You, as a ketchup maker, might pivot to New Jersey tomatoes to keep your prices the same. If enough people do this, New Jersey tomato farmers will have a more stable industry, and ideally, it’ll have a positive effect on their local and national economy.On the other hand, tariffs can cause problems for importers and consumers. Maybe you’re not willing to change your ingredients and choose instead to raise your prices. Maybe New Jersey tomatoes are more expensive than your Italian ones were. Or, having less competition, New Jersey producers might choose to raise their prices. Situations like these can mean tough decisions for people who make products that use imported goods, and higher prices for consumers. Similarly, say you can get your tomatoes from New Jersey for a better price (yay!), but your ketchup is packaged in Canadian aluminum bottles, and there are no aluminum bottle makers in all of the United States that can make your bottle. The aluminum comes from Canada and there’s no aluminum here to be had. What then? Do you change your packaging and your ingredients all at once? Look for ways to cut costs elsewhere, or simply raise your prices?This is why tariffs are usually used in a targeted way – to avoid hurting companies working inside of a country that have to pay them and to keep consumer prices from soaring.How tariffs affect American car pricesWith all of that out of the way, what does all of this have to do with cars? Well, right now, there are new tariffs being imposed on internationally-made vehicles and auto parts, plus some of the materials used to make vehicles. Will car prices go up due to tariffs?These new tariffs mean it’s likely that consumer costs will go up across the board in the auto industry. Here’s why:Because foreign cars and car parts will simply be more expensive to importBecause not all car parts or materials have domestic replacements availableIt’s easy to see why foreign cars will likely be more expensive. Since the vehicles are manufactured elsewhere, there’s no way to dodge the tariffs by changing to an American supplier. While a motivated company could choose to open an American plant, time and cost to start manufacturing in a new country and source domestic labor, space, parts, and materials might outweigh the benefits, versus simply attaching a higher price tag.But what about American-made cars and trucks?Very few, if any, vehicles are made entirely in America with American parts made from American vehicles. It is common for vehicles to have some parts made or manufacturing done in other countries, and materials like steel may be imported, either in their raw or ready-to-use form. Batteries for electric cars, for example, start with raw materials gathered from all over the world, like cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, nickel from Australia, and lithium from Argentina, and then are often manufactured in China before being shipped to the United States.Closer to home, auto manufacturing has crossed the border between Michigan and nearby Ontario, Canada, since the car was in its infancy. In 1904, 117 Ford Model Cs were produced in Walkerville, Ontario. General Motors – the Detroit-based manufacturing company that makes Chevrolets, Buicks, and Cadillacs, purchased one of Canada’s early domestic auto brands and used it to found General Motors of Canada in 1918, which is still the company’s Canadian subsidiary. There has hardly been a time when American auto manufacturing was not a cross-border affair – so it’s no surprise that there are still factories making different auto parts or performing assembly on either side of the US-Canada border. That means that tariffs on Canadian-made auto parts may well affect even familiar American automakers.Do tariffs affect car repairs?They can! If you need a replacement part, your costs may go up if that part or the materials used to make it come from somewhere else. If you’re just getting routine check-ups or happen to need something domestically produced, you should be in the clear.That said, not everyone will pass every cost increase directly onto the consumer purchasing that particle part or vehicle. Some may choose to raise all prices a little bit instead of some prices drastically to help spread out the tax burden. How each company or person in the supply chain chooses to handle changes will make a difference for if, how, and when the end consumer is affected.How to save money under new car tariffsThis might make it sound like costs will skyrocket, but there are things you can do to limit how much you feel these changes. First, you can choose to buy American wherever possible – or at least weigh the cost differential and any pros and cons of your options, whether you’re thinking about a new car or just purchasing new tires. While many American-made vehicles will still see some price increase, it’ll likely be less than what you’ll see on vehicles entirely manufactured abroad.Second, you can choose to focus on repairing your vehicle instead of replacing it. While a 25% tariff on a car part might raise its price, 25% of $200 is only a $50 increase, while a 25% tariff on a whole car could be tens of thousands of dollars. If you have the option to hold off and see how things shake out, you can ensure you get the best vehicle for your needs and budget.Be Prepared For How Tariffs May Affect CarsNow you know the basics of how tariffs work and why vehicle costs may be affected. However, in the end, the future can’t be perfectly predicted.Car tariffs are coming into place, but they may ultimately be changed or fine tuned in reaction to the market and industry. These tariffs may not have the predicted effects, depending on a variety of factors. But being prepared for a possible rise in cost is only prudent as the U.S. tariffs cars.Get the best auto loan for your budgetPrices may rise and fall, but getting a better deal on your car payment by refinancing with Auto Approve is just about always a good idea. Discover whether you’re eligible for a lower monthly payment in a few clicks – no commitment required.Get your free quote now.

Spring is a great time to think about making changes and refreshing your life – from spring cleaning to getting outdoors more. But it can also be a great time to check in with your finances. Right now especially, money is tight for a lot of average folks in the U.S., thanks to rising grocery and gas prices. If you have a car that is financed, you may be wondering whether a car loan refinance could help you save some cash. Here’s how you can tell if you should refinance your car loan in 2025. What is car loan refinancing?Car loan refinancing is when you get a new car loan that will replace your existing loan. Refinancing a loan will help you to get a better interest rate, change your repayment period, and change who is or is not a cosigner on the loan.When you refinance your loan you will go through the same process as you did during your initial financing. You will research lenders, apply for a loan, and select the loan that has the best terms, conditions, and car loan interest rate. And that’s it! It’s incredibly simple, and there are companies out there like Auto Approve who can help you navigate the world of refinance and help you through the application process. When you select a loan that is right for you, your new lender will pay off your old loan directly and you will begin making payments to your new lender. And voila–your loan is refinanced and you can start saving money immediately. When should you refinance your car loan?There are a number of signs that the time is right to refinance your car loan. Make sure you know the terms and conditions of your existing loan before you decide whether to refinance, as it’ll help ensure that the new loan you get will be better.Your credit score has improved.The car loan APR that you are offered is very dependent on your credit score. In fact, your credit score is the biggest factor that you have control over when it comes to securing a loan. The rate that you are offered will be based on which credit tier you are in. Your credit score will fall into one the following categories:800 to 850: Excellent740 to 799: Very good670 to 739: Good580 to 669: Fair300 to 579: Poor In general, you will be offered a good car loan interest rate if your credit score is in the very good or excellent range. As your score decreases, the interest rate that you will be offered will increase. Your credit score is based on five key factors in your personal finance: your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit accounts. There are many reasons why your credit may have increased since your initial financing:You paid off some debt.You have been making consistent on time payments.Your available credit increased.You had a negative event expire.And more.Any improvement to your credit score can help save you a lot of money in interest, especially if it bumps you into a different category. But in general, if there has been an increase to your credit score, it is a good idea to think about car loan refinancing.The market rates have decreased Or Your Original Rate Was Higher Than Necessary.The refinance rate that you will be offered will be based in part on the current market rates. If the current rates are lower than they were when you initially financed your car, you may be offered a lower car loan refinance rate.Many people find that, even if little has changed in terms of their credit or the market rates, they may be able to pay less if they financed initial with a car dealer. Dealerships frequently mark up the market rate, so the financing received through them might not reflect the best pricing available to you. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check whether you could lower your rate – even if you don’t decide to move to the next step and refinance.You want to change your repayment period.Another benefit of refinancing is that you can change your repayment period. There are two ways that this can help you: it can either save you money in the longterm or buy you some breathing room in your monthly finances. If you shorten your repayment period, you will be paying off your loan quicker and you will therefore spend less money overall on interest. This will make your monthly payments higher, but you will save money in the long run. On the other hand, if you are having trouble making your payments every month, lengthening your repayment period will allow you to reduce your monthly payments. Since you will be paying the loan off over a longer period, the principal will stretch out and easily cut your payment by hundreds per month. You will likely be paying more interest over the life of the loan, but this may be worth it if it can make your monthly budget work for you. In general, if something big is happening (like a wedding or a personal emergency) and you need a little breathing room, refinancing may be a help – as well as lowering your monthly rate or overall interest, refinancing often means a few months’ break from paying while you make the switch.You are in a bad relationship with your current lender.Sometimes we end up in bad relationships. Maybe you don’t like the customer service and have had a few too many bad interactions. Maybe they have hit you with fees and penalties that you do not find fair. Maybe they have been unresponsive and unhelpful. Whatever the reason is, refinancing your car loan can help you get out of a bad spot with your current lender.You want to add or remove a cosigner. If you want to add or remove a cosigner from your current loan, refinancing your loan is going to be your best option. What do I need to refinance my car loan?In order to refinance your loan, you will need to have the following documents: Proof of employment or income (a paycheck stub or tax return)Proof of car insurance.A valid driver’s license.Proof of residence. This is required if your driver’s license and credit report address don’t match. A utility bill is usually sufficient for this.  Your car’s registration.Your vehicle’s information: model, make, year and vehicle identification number (VIN)Your current lender’s information and loan information, including the payoff amount.A photo of your car’s odometer Some lenders may require more information or paperwork, but these are the standard documents that most lenders will want. Is 2025 a good time to refinance my car loan?So is now a good time for car loan refinance? It really depends on your situation. Market rates are not exceptionally low, but they have fallen a bit since their peak in 2023-24. But more importantly, global circumstances might not matter for your unique situation. The rates might be lower than when you originally financed, or you might be eligible for a better interest rate than you were previously.  The best thing you can do is to look at your finances and determine if you could benefit from car loan refinance. Additionally, the rapidly changing car tariff situation makes planning to purchase a new car a bit confusing right now, so those who have the option to hold onto a vehicle a little longer rather than worry about car prices might be wise to do so – for example, if you’re thinking about an auto lease buyback. That’s how you can know if car loan refinancing is right for you in 2025. Think a car refinance might be right for you? Get your free, no-commitment quote from Auto Approve today to find out how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Want to know how you can improve your money management? If you’re looking to make smarter financial decisions this year, take a peek at these common suggestions from financial advisors. The reality is, as of 2022, the federal reserve reported that roughly half of Americans hadn’t saved for retirement at all and the combined household debt of all Americans rose to over $18 trillion in 2024.While reckless spending or avoiding thinking about money can feel good in the short term, taking control of your finances means a better quality of life and lower stress levels in the long run.Plus, better budgeting can mean more money in your pocket for the things that really matter. One way to spend smarter and save? Refinance your vehicle loan with Auto Approve and find a rate that works for you.Shore Up Your Personal Finances with These TipsEach of these suggestions comes from reliable online sources in the money management world. For personalized advice and to make sure you’re making the right moves for your unique situation, be sure to speak with a financial advisor directly.1. Save more for the futureUnless you happen to be one of the less than 9% of Americans with at least $500k saved for retirement – which is, by the way, estimated to cost about $1 million, depending on personal circumstances and spending habits – most financial professions would likely suggest you make a plan to save more as soon as possible.There are many different ways to save for emergencies and retirement – Health Savings Plans, 401Ks, Roth IRAs, simply buying bonds to grow your cash – and choosing the right one for you depends on your job. But however you do it, saving money in case something happens or to allow you to eventually retire is one of the most responsible financial actions you can take.2. Make and keep a budgetWhether you’re looking to actively save more or one of the roughly half of all Americans who’ve had to carry credit card debt within the last year, sitting down and making a budget can be a huge help.Many financial gurus recommend subscribing to the 50/30/20 rule – meaning 50% of your income goes to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings or paying down debt.For many people, simply taking a close look at their finances can be intimidating. However, the more you know what’s coming in and going out of your accounts, the better a handle you’ll have on your finances. Having more control over where you’re spending and when means you can choose when to splurge and on what so you get the most out of your money.3. Learn about investing – and then do it!First, you should know that every investment comes with a certain level of risk, and that you should only take the risk you’re comfortable with and can afford. That said, broadly speaking, investing – especially in relatively stable places like index funds and ETFs – is the easiest way to make sure the money you save keeps up with the market over time. To be clear, you should still keep an emergency cash fund on hand, plus enough for your expenses. But once you’ve done some saving, it’s financially wise to start thinking about putting some of those savings into a diverse portfolio of investments, whether that includes Certificates of Deposit with guaranteed interest, buying property, or entering the stock market. A good financial advisor will make sure you understand the risks of any choices you make and sound investing principles, but for now, you can read up on the basics.4. Manage debt thoughtfullyMost finance folks would agree that there is good debt and bad debt. Good debt typically includes debt that acts as an investment in your future – think student loans and mortgages. Bad debt includes things like payday loans and credit card debt – high interest borrowing that can get you caught in a debt cycle. These debts can drag you down financially without offering much benefit to you in the long term.Paying down a credit card every month and building your credit can be a good thing, but be careful about borrowing for discretionary purposes like vacations. If you’re someone who has struggled with debt, there are tons of resources available to help you figure out how to set yourself up for success in terms of paying down your debt and getting your finances back on track.5. Pay attention to your spendingAs well as keeping a broad budget, it’s always a good idea to actually audit your individual costs, especially if money is tight. You can save money at the grocery store, at the pump, and throughout your budget with a little bit of care and attention. Subscriptions and other recurring fees are one of the easiest places to get dinged by forgetting about a free trial or not noticing the creep up of a monthly bill. If you want to reduce your spending, you can look for forgotten subscriptions, see if there are ways to get your bill lowered, or cancel certain subscriptions until you need them.You may also be able to lower your monthly expenses by lowering your payments on leases and mortgages through refinancing. At Auto Approve, we work with you to find the best deal for you on your vehicle loan refinance. Then we do the paperwork for you, making it easy switch loan providers. Most people are overpaying on their auto loan, because car dealerships typically markup their rates. That means, if you got your loan through a dealership, you’re likely eligible to pay less per month with a lower rate.Get Your Finances In Tip-Top Shape With These Money Management TipsMoney matters don’t have to be difficult or intimidating. The best thing you can do for your financial health is to take a close look at what you’re earning, what you’re spending, and how you’re spending it. Once you’re intimately familiar with your personal finances, you can take charge and make sure your money is working for you, today and for years to come.Consider saving for your future, keeping a close eye on your budget, investing wisely, avoiding or paying down bad debt, and exercising discretion in your spending. With thoughtful application of these tips, guided by your financial advisor, your finances can be healthier than ever.Want to Lower your monthly car payment?Take charge of one monthly expense right now. Find out how much you could save on your car loan by refinancing with Auto Approve today. Getting a quote only takes a few minutes, costs nothing, and requires zero commitment.Get your free quote now.

What are some of the most common things people forget to budget for?Whether you’re putting together a household budget for the first time, or are old hat at budgeting, there’s always something that gets missed. If you’re looking for tips to make this year your best yet, financially speaking, make sure you have these 5 commonly forgotten expenses in your plan. Getting hit with a missed expense can throw your whole budget out of whack. Fortunately, if you include the following 5 items in your budget, you’ll be better prepared than most.Let’s take a look.5 Common Expenses You Might Have Forgotten In Your BudgetMaybe you’ve already planned for all of these items, if you’re a pro. But odds are, there’s at least one of these you’ve forgotten or skipped in your budget.1. Yearly subscription renewalsAnnual fees are one of the toughest expenses to remember and anticipate, since they only come around once a year. Keeping track of all your subscriptions – from Amazon Prime to Netflix to cloud storage – can be tricky, especially as more and more parts of our lives move to as-a-service models, where fees are deducted automatically each year. Doing an audit of all your annual subscriptions and when they’ll renew can help you stay on top of your budget throughout the year. And, as a bonus, discovering forgotten subscriptions and cancelling them before they renew can help you save serious bucks.There are a few ways to stay on top of this. Many banks’ online platforms have tools to help you identify recurring expenses. You can also use a service, like Rocket Money or similar programs, or you can take a DIY approach and make a list of all your services and subscriptions and add calendar reminders for yourself before they renew.2. Expected and unexpected vehicle costsEven for serious long term budgeters, vehicle-related costs are often named among the most commonly forgotten or underestimated expenses.Vehicle costs to build into your budget include:Car registration fees and inspectionsEmissions testsLicense renewalsMaintenance costsToll passesParkingBudget for unexpected tickets and finesMost people consider gas, insurance, and monthly car payments, but might forget some of the auxiliary costs of vehicle ownership. While some of these costs are bigger than others, they can really add up over the course of the year. Vehicle registration renewal fees in particular always seem to sneak up, don’t they? Are you paying too much on your monthly car payment?Thanks to dealership markups, many Americans are paying more than they need to be paying monthly. If you’re one of those people, refinancing can help you save money right away. Don’t overpay for your vehicle.Discover what you could be saving with Auto Approve.3. Special eventsAnother commonly missed expense category for even seasoned budgeters is special events and celebrations. This can include weddings, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, and so on. While you’ll likely know if you yourself will be having any of these this year, it’s everyone else you have to remember to account for. You may not be able to predict whether any of your loved ones will have a milestone this year, but earmarking a little money for gifts, travel, special occasion clothing, and so on can make it less of a shock to your wallet if a beloved cousin or former coworker pops up with a big announcement and an invitation.4. Fun & entertainmentYes, you read that right! You have to budget for things that make you happy. And that’s not just a fun suggestion – it’s backed by financial psychology. If you don’t include any splurges or small joys in your budget, you’ll be more likely to go off track with a big splurge at some point in the year.It’s better to give yourself little treats – even if you’re on a tight budget – and build them into your financial planning than rely on maintaining exceptional self-control. Self-control is sort of like an elastic band – the further you stretch it and the longer you keep it stretched, the more likely it is to break or snap. Plus, everyone deserves a little happiness! Budgets are ultimately blueprints for your life for a given time period, and you want to make sure you’re building a good life.5. General contingencyWhen producers budget for film and theater, one of the first things they learn is to add roughly 10% of the total projected budget for general contingency. Contingency is basically your margin of error to account for things going wrong, budgeting errors, prices going up, emergencies, last minute splurges, anything that could cause you to go over budget.The same applies to personal finance. As this list demonstrates, there are simply so many things you can’t predict in a given year. Your car could break down. You could forget to cancel National Geographic (guilty). Your cousin could get married or your favorite professor could retire. While trying to be precise with your budget is always a good idea, recognizing that anything can happen and building it into your financial plan can give you peace of mind and help you stay afloat.Contingency can overlap with your emergency fund (you remembered to include an emergency fund in your budget, right?), but is really something else entirely. You don’t want to be left with less money for surprise medical expenses because the cost of an annual subscription went up and your sister is having a baby! Contingency is for all the little surprises you can’t anticipate.And those are 5 of the most commonly forgotten expense items for personal budgets.Did you find anything you’d missed? Are you ready to put the finishing touches on your next budget? Inflation is up and costs are high for the average American, but with great planning, you can stay financially solvent and live well.Want a little more wiggle room in that budget? Auto Approve may be able to help you save on your monthly car payment. All it takes is a few minutes to find out what you can save by refinancing, and Auto Approve will take it from there. When you refinance with Auto Approve, we help make sure you get the best deal for your unique situation – and we handle the paperwork.Get your free, no-commitment quote today.

As costs rise around the world, many people are looking for easy ways to save money in 2025. Fortunately, there are tons of relatively easy cost-saving actions you can take to make a difference right away in your monthly budget. If inflation has you tightening your belt, try these 8 simple ideas for saving money this year. 8 Creative Ways to Save Money This YearWhile not all of these ideas will work for everyone, you should be able to find something in this list to help you reduce costs, from taking steps to avoid impulse buys to finding ways to save on your auto loan.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial advice.1. Make plans and stick to themOne of the best things you can do to spend less is to keep a closer eye on your spending. Taking a look at what you’re spending money on can help you decide what’s worth it to you and what’s not. Once you know where you want to spend and where you want to save, planning ahead is key to avoid spending more than you want to.For example, planning your meals for the week and making a grocery list of just what you need can help you reduce food waste and spend less on impulse buys. You can also set a budget for any shopping adventure or outing. Clothes in particular are one of the most common impulse buys, and many garments end up in landfills each year. Giving yourself a budget and putting back any item you’re on the fence about can help you spend less and avoid contributing to the excess of clothes.All this doesn’t mean no more fun little treats, it just means getting more creative with how you spend your splurge budget. In fact, it’s good to set some money aside for fun things, it makes it easier to stick to your plans. One simple way to do this is to take out the amount you set aside for splurging in cash – that way you can track your spending. Plus, sometimes finding ways to milk every penny for something delightful can help you find less expensive things that still make you happy, like a favorite candy or drink.2. Become a coupon whizDiscounts are out there to be had – if you want to get the most out of your money, one effective way to do that is to become more savvy about sales and discounts. While some coupon clipping can be onerous, there are many ways to save money on autopilot. Two top ways to do this are by adding a plug-in to your browser, like the Capital One shopping plug-in or Honey. These browser add-ons automatically check for coupon codes when you check out online. You can and should also join free loyalty programs anywhere you shop regularly that offers them. Many grocery store chains and pharmacies have programs you can join for free that qualify you for tons of store discounts – well worth the small price of carrying a scannable tag or entering your phone number.You can also find ways to save manually by keeping track of sales and coupons. While tons of emails and mailers can get annoying, they can help you save money by catching things you want or need when they’re on sale and helping you gather discount codes and coupons.3. Go where the deals areWant to save money? Don’t be afraid to price compare and actively seek out good deals!While people used to paying full price might feel awkward at first using services like Groupon and Good to Go, you can get great deals using them to purchase entertainment, services, and food – and discover new businesses you might love! For businesses, putting something up on Groupon is a marketing technique to help them reach wider audiences, and Good to Go helps restaurants and food retailers waste less food, so there’s nothing wrong with using them. You can also focus on visiting your favorite places when they have deals, whether that means getting cheaper movie tickets by going on certain weeknights (Regal, for example, offers reduced ticket prices on Tuesdays in some locations and for Regal members), getting a better deal on drinks at your favorite bar by going at happy hour, or visiting a local restaurant that has a special on.Going where the deal is can also mean joining a bulk retailer like Costco – stores like these often have better prices, even on the same products, than you’d find at a nearby grocery store.Take your auto loan where the deal is and save money.Another way to save money may be to change loan providers. Find out if you can lower your monthly car payment or get a better rate with Auto Approve.Get your free quote today.4. Switch providersSpeaking of changing providers! Cable, internet, and phone companies tend to inch prices up slowly over time until, eventually, you end up paying not just more than the promotional price you might have started with, but more than market rate. Switching providers can often help you get a better deal. Today, many of the more affordable phone providers are just as good as the big brand name options – do your research before making any major changes, but companies like Consumer Cellular and Mint Mobile may be a good choice to help you save.As more companies have moved to a service-based model where they take a monthly subscription fee that tends to creep upward, this applies to more bills – you may be able to save at the gym, on software, and elsewhere by switching to a competitor. Plus, sometimes initiating cancellation with your current provider may prompt them to offer you a better promotional price to keep you on as a customer, meaning you can even save money without making a change.You can also save on these same services by changing plans, like reducing your cable package or switching to an ad-based version of some of your less-used streaming platforms.5. Lower your transportation costsFor many of us, transportation eats up a big part of our monthly budget, and can feel unavoidable. In many parts of the world, a car is necessary for day-to-day activities like going to work and grocery shopping. While you might not be able to get rid of your vehicle, you can still find ways to save. The most common suggestions you’ll hear are to carpool and make use of public transit when available, but what if that’s not practical?Well, first you should audit your vehicle costs and figure out where the money is going. Ask yourself – could you avoid paying tolls by taking the scenic route occasionally or by grouping errands together? Could you share rides with friends by making errands social? Everyone needs to go to the grocery store, what if sometimes you did it with a friend, family member, or neighbor, and traded off the driving?You also may be able to increase your fuel efficiency. Take a peek at this guide to lowering your fuel costs for more on that.And, of course, you may be paying too much on your auto loan. If you want to lower your monthly payment or get a better rate, consider refinancing your vehicle. You can get a free, no-commitment quote right now.6. Get rid of unnecessary subscriptionsAnother way to save money? Use your bank or credit card’s online portal – or tools like Rocket Money, OneMain Trim, or Intuit’s line of products – to find forgotten subscriptions and identify recurring charges. As more and more companies have moved to subscription-based models, it gets harder to keep track of who’s raising prices or automatically renewing.Get rid of anything you’re not using or don’t remember signing up for, then decide if there are any other subscriptions you no longer need or simply can live without.$19.99 here and $27.99 there might not sound like a lot, but together these little charges can add up to hundreds of dollars a month to services you may not even be using.7. Use the 30-day ruleThinking about making a purchase that’s a want, not a need? Use the 30-day rule. The rule is simple, and just what it sounds like: if you’re thinking of making a large or impulse purchase, wait 30 days. Then, see if you still want it. This can help you avoid splurges and impulse buys that might not get used or spark joy long term.Easy, right?8. Get creative with gifts, meals, and activitiesLast but certainly not least, remember that sometimes time is better than money. If you can’t afford a big gift or want to save on a date night, putting time into planning something or making something thoughtful within your budget can be just as delightful as a shiny thing or pre-fixe dinner. Nights out, gifts, and events can all be big expenditures– especially as event ticket prices keep going up, restaurants deal with rising costs across the supply chain, and spending is reduced in other areas. Swap grand purchases for careful listening and grand gestures and you can give your loved ones an experience that’s just as memorable, without a hefty price tag.And Those Are The Easiest Ways to Save Money in 2025If you’re looking for ways to spend less without feeling like you have less, these tips could be a great fit for you. From setting limits on splurges to seeking deals to getting creative with the things you love, there’s tons to do to help you avoid breaking the bank this year.And if one of your major costs is your car payment, why not find out how much you could save with a free quote from Auto Approve today?Get your free quote.

As 2024 winds down, it’s time to start thinking about the right financial moves to make in 2025. The beginning of a new year is a great time to take a look at your finances and consider ways to set yourself up for the year to come. While everyone else is making resolutions, why not make more practical commitments to taking care of your financial health? Whether that means cutting costs, spending more wisely, or saving for the future, there are tons of opportunities available to you to make this your healthiest financial year yet.In this article, you’ll find 5 top tips for keeping your finances in tip-top shape. Let’s take a look.5 Ways to Keep Your Finances In Order This Year1. Do a Subscription CheckAs more and more companies move to subscription- and as-a-service-based models, it’s becoming harder to keep track of those sneaky recurring charges. Many services even rely on that fact! Research suggests that forgotten and unintentional subscriptions raise different subscription-based companies’ profits by between 14 and 200 percent.With that in mind, now is a great time to take a closer look at what you’ve signed up for and any forgotten free trials that might now be charging you. There are a few ways to do an inventory of your subscription fees. You can sign up for a service like Rocket Money, which can quickly review all of your accounts, or check for yourself. Many banking apps now have features that will gather your recurring charges for you to review.These little charges can add up over time, so it’s worth considering your subscriptions to decide what you really want and need and make sure you’re not unwittingly paying for something you’re not using or never intended to sign up for.2. Get To Know Your CoverageWhile insurance documents – from health to home – might not be the most thrilling reading material, it’s important to know what is and isn’t covered and how much you’re paying for your various plans. By diving into the details, you can make sure the coverage you have is still right for you. You may even discover you can get a better rate by making small changes, like adding safety features to your vehicle. You may want to change providers or shop around for better rates if something’s not working. Plus, a better knowledge of how your coverage works can help you avoid unexpected bills and get the most out of any plans you’re paying for. 3. Price Compare to Avoid Overpaying There are two key factors at play that make this something you should do periodically if you want more money in your pocket. This first is broad trends in interest rates, inflation, and pricing. If you were locked into a high interest rate on a loan or a high price on a service a year or two ago, you may be able to refinance, renegotiate, or change providers now to save money.The second factor is that many companies have built in price raises that mean the price you started at – for cable or your phone, for example – might have been a good price, but your current monthly fees may be much higher. This is another scenario where you may be able to lower your costs by changing providers or renegotiating with your current company. Some services also offer discounts to members of certain organizations that could give you the opportunity to pay less. Spending a little time making sure you’re getting the best price available to you for the service you want can save you a lot of money in the long run.If you want to know if you’re overpaying on your auto loan, you can get a free quote from Auto Approve right now and discover better rates available to you.4. Take a Long-term ViewNow is a great time to consider your finances in the long-term. Are you planning for retirement? Do you have an emergency fund? Is your will up to date? How about any life insurance or disability coverage?Setting yourself up for this coming year really means setting yourself up for the foreseeable future, and surveys show many Americans are not financially prepared for the financial realities of getting older.If you haven’t started yet, now is a great time to start a savings plan and work on creating a more financially stable future for yourself. Even on a tight budget, putting a small amount aside each month can make a difference.And, if you’ve already begun setting yourself up, it’s a good time to review your asset allocation to make sure you’re getting the most out of your contributions and take a few minutes to check all your paperwork is in order in case anything should happen. And make sure you have the right professional guidance to keep things in order and on track.5. Create a PlanThe last and most important thing you can do to have a financially fulfilling year is to take a look at your budget – or create a budget, if you don’t already have one – and make sure it aligns with your goals.Your plan for the year could include saving for a vacation you want to take, putting more money aside for retirement, or consolidating debt to get a better rate and simplify payments. Whatever your unique financial challenges and opportunities may be, take a look at the big picture of your finances and put together a plan. It’s the best way to make sure you’re financially better off at the end of 2025 than how you started it.And Those Are Your Top 5 Tips for Better Finances in 2025Ready to meet your financial goals? Put these tips to work today and you’ll be cutting unnecessary costs in no time. More money in your pocket means more money for the things that matter, whether that’s saving for the future or making meaningful purchases this year.And don’t forget – to avoid overpaying on your auto loan, get a free quote now and see how much you can save with Auto Approve.