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8 Road Trips to Take This Spring

Finance | 03/02/2023 20:45

Spring is the perfect time to gather your family, friends, or your four-legged sidekick and hit the open road. And in the United States there are endless amazing spots to check out, from national parks to beaches and everything in between. We've compiled our top eight spring road trips that will help you shake the winter doldrums and celebrate spring with the windows rolled down.

Here are eight must-drive road trips for this spring.

Northeast

1. New York City to Cape May, New Jersey

We don’t need to tell you how much there is to do in New York City, from Broadway to baseball games to grabbing a slice of the world’s best pizza, you will never have a dull moment. And spring is the perfect time for all of this. But leaving the Big Apple and heading south on the New Jersey Turnpike will offer a great mini road trip with loads to see and experience. 

 

While the drive is less than 200 miles, there are endless towns to stop in and explore. Here are some of our favorite spots on the way:

  • Liberty State Park and the Statue of Liberty. Hit this first as you get out of the city, because yes, the Statue of Liberty is actually in New Jersey!

  • Point Pleasant Beach. A quintessential Jersey beach town that is great for families (and has one of the cutest boardwalks in Jersey.)

  • Asbury Park. A must see for any music lover, Asbury Park is where Springsteen first got his start.

  • Atlantic City. No trip down the Jersey coastline is complete without a stop in AC. Whether you want to hit the slots or just grab some salt water taffy, Atlantic City is a spot you don’t want to miss.

 

When you get to Cape May, there are loads of gorgeous sights to see. Historic homes, boutiques and galleries are everywhere, and the Cape May bed and breakfasts are hard to beat.

2. The Acadia All American Road, ME

If you are in the northeast, there are tons of beautiful and scenic spring drives to take. But the Acadia All American Road really takes the cake for us. This trip is only 40 miles, but driving through Acadia National Park is an experience you won’t forget. You can stop at Cadillac Point, which is the highest point on the North Atlantic coast, then stop at Jordan Pond and Sand Beach for even more stunning views. 

Southeast

 

3. Asheville, North Carolina to Gatlinburg Tennessee 

Spring is the perfect time for this southern style road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. This two hour drive hosts lots to see and a few fun stops to make along the way. Here are some of our favorite stops for this short trip.

  • Bryson City. This little North Carolina town has fields of wildflowers and gorgeous streams that run through it to make it a perfect spring stop. You can even go white-water rafting and fly fishing if the weather permits.

  • Cherokee. This North Carolina reservation town is a great place to take in some history and appreciate the 18th century Cherokee lifestyle.

  • Pigeon Forge. The home of Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is a popular vacation area with tons to do, especially if you are a country music aficionado. 

 

When you get to Gatlinburg, you can head to the Anakeesta theme park for a day of adventure, get spooked on a Gatlinburg ghost tour, or go horseback riding at the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. 

4. The Overseas Highway, Florida

The Overseas Highway runs for 113 miles, starting in Miami and ending at the most southern point of Key West Florida. With 42 bridges that make you feel as if you are literally driving on the ocean, it’s an unreal experience to take in. And while you may think that there aren’t a lot of places to stop on this journey, that’s far from the case.

  • John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo. This park offers a ton of aquatic activities for you, from glass bottom boat tours to scuba diving.

  • Dolphin Research Center. Located in Marathon, this center gives you the chance to get up close and personal with dolphins. If you’ve dreamed of swimming with dolphins, you can’t pass this up. 

When you get to Key West, the restaurants and beaches are hard to beat. And this trip is not complete without a slice of Key Lime pie.

Midwest

 

5. Black River Scenic Byway, MI

This is a perfect road trip for all of the nature lovers out there. Starting in Bessemer, this route takes you to the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. With countless sights to see, there is beauty to be found everywhere.

  • See the waterfalls. There are six different waterfall areas along the way, depending on how far you want to hike. 

  • Visit Ironwood. This historic mining town is a great place to stop and take in some history, and even tour some old mines.

 

When you get to Lake Superior, there is no shortage of things to do. Whether it’s touring the famous lighthouses or taking a hike in the Ottawa National Park, this springtime trip is bound to reconnect you with nature.

 

6. Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South Dakota

This 70 mile drive through Custer State Park boasts some stunning views of rock tunnels and granite spires, and ends at the iconic Mount Rushmore. This masterpiece of engineering is a must-see. In addition to seeing tunnels and bridges, there is a ton of wildlife to observe. When you get to Mount Rushmore, there is a lot to do (in addition to taking in all that the monument has to offer).

  • Sculptor's Studio. This studio was built in 1939 as a second on-site studio for sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The studio features models and tools that are related to sculpting.

  • Lincoln Borglum Museum. This museum explains the history of Mount Rushmore and is a must-do when visiting.

  • Avenue of Flags. The Avenue of Flags is just that–an avenue of flags. It was initially established as part of the celebration of the United States' Bicentennial in 1976. It has 56 flags that represent the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths in the United States.

West

 

7. San Antonio to Austin, TX

If you are in the southwest, this Texas road trip is sure to not disappoint. In San Antonio you can catch the Fiesta Days from April 16-26, where you can see parades, music, and enjoy some great food. Afterwards you can head out on Bandera Road and take a scenic drive through Hill Country. Here are some great stops on the way:

  • The town of Bandera. Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, this quintessential Texas town is a no-brainer to stop in for a taste of true Texas.

  • San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. A 948- acre park with colonial missions. You can take a guided tour or just walk the grounds and take it all in.

 

When you get to Austin, it’s hard to go wrong. With one of the best music scenes in the country, pop into any restaurant, bar, or lounge to get a feel for the Austin scene. 

 

8. Pacific Coast Highway, California

There’s no bad time to take this iconic road trip, so why not do it this spring? Stretching from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, this drive features white sand beaches, gorgeous mountain views, and ocean sights that are unforgettable. On top of stunning views, there are tons of places to stop along the way.

  • Santa Monica Pier. This iconic boardwalk features an amusement park, concession stands, and beautiful places to stop and take in the scenery.

  • Hearst Castle. Formally known as La Cuesta Encantada, Hearst Castle is a historic estate in San Simeon, that belonged to William Randolph Hearst, the publisher. This castle is an architectural marvel and a must-see spot on your drive.

  • Point Sur State Historic Park in Big Sur. The 1889 Point Sur Lighthouse cannot be missed on your trip. It sits 361 feet above the Pacific Ocean on a large volcanic rock, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This iconic bridge draws in ten million visitors each year to gaze at the 746-foot tall towers and sweeping main cables that make this bridge one of a kind.

 

When you arrive in Leggett, the natural beauty of the town is sure to stop you in your tracks. Be sure to see some of the largest trees in the world at Standish-Hickey Recreation Area or at Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

 

Those are our top eight road trips you need to take this spring. 

Spring is all about reconnecting with nature, and these road trips are great ways to do so. But before you hit the road, make sure your car (and wallet) is up for the trip.

If you are overpaying on your car loan, Auto Approve can help! By refinancing your car loan, you can save a lot of money. And who couldn’t use some extra cash? So get in touch today to get your free quote!

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All-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive: What You Need to Know

All-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive. We’ve all heard the terms, but what do they mean? And, which do you really need, if either?Whether you’re shopping for a new vehicle, moving to a new area with rougher driving conditions, or just curious about your car’s capabilities, this guide is for you. The truth is, these terms can be kind of confusing, especially since many car manufacturers have their own unique names for their 4-wheel or all-wheel drive systems. Understanding the basics can help you choose the right vehicle for your driving situation or make better use of your vehicle’s existing systems.In this blog, you’ll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about all-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD), like:Why is having AWD or 4WD important?What is a powertrain? What is all-wheel drive?What is 4-wheel drive?Which is better, AWD or 4WD?Let’s take a closer look.All-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive: Everything You Need to KnowEssentially speaking, vehicles move forward using traction. Two-wheel, all-wheel, and 4-wheel drive are all systems for determining how much power is going to which axle on a vehicle. With two-wheel drive, a vehicle only ever sends power to one axle – either the front or rear. If that powered axle loses traction, the vehicle will have a hard time steering and moving forward.With all-wheel and 4-wheel drive, there are ways to send power to the other axle. The difference between the two is about how and when that power is distributed.Why is having AWD or 4WD important?It isn’t, necessarily, depending on your driving situation!If you’re someone who mostly drives in a city, in the suburbs, or on highways, and lives somewhere inclement weather isn’t all that common, you may never need either AWD or 4WD.Most of the time, a two-wheel drive set-up works perfectly fine – if you’re driving on a clear, even road, you don’t need to worry about four-wheel or all-wheel drive. It’s when things get uneven or slippery that you need to think about the different set-ups. Think of it like walking – most of the time, you just walk forward on your two feet and that’s perfectly great. It’s only if you, say, got stuck in the mud or slipped on ice or needed to climb that you really need to use your arms and hands to help you along. But if those situations arise, having the ability to call in extra power sure makes a big difference.That means, if you’re someone who needs to drive off-road, haul heavy loads, or is regularly facing snowy and icy conditions, AWD and 4WD are more likely to come in handy.On the road or off-roading, choose Auto Approve for your auto loan refinance Auto Approve helps drivers like you save money on their monthly car payments. Discover whether you’re eligible for a lower monthly payment or better interest rate with a free, no-commitment quote today.Put more money back in your pocket with a free quote from Auto Approve.What is a powertrain? To understand the difference between these two kinds of drive systems, we need to look at how vehicles work more generally.The powertrain is the assembly of pieces that work together to put a vehicle in motion. It includes:the engine, which creates powerthe transmission, which uses gear sets to translate between engine speed and desired road speedthe drive shaft, which transmits power to the differentialthe differential, which allows wheels to spin at different rates when turning or in case one wheel loses tractionand the axle shaft, which sends power from the differential to the wheelsIn a 2WD vehicle, there’s one axle receiving power. In a 4WD vehicle, there’s a front differential and a rear differential and you can choose different settings depending on driving conditions. In an AWD vehicle, there’s typically a center differential, and power is sent to different wheels automatically. While the specifics vary from model to model, this is usually done based either on simple physics (as in a viscous or helical center differential where a physical change caused by wheel slip makes other parts of the powertrain react) or by a computer based on set parameters (called an electronic limited slip differential, which is becoming more and more common). There are also systems in between that defy categorization, like those that send power to one axle or the other but never both at the same time – but that’s truly getting into the weeds.What is all-wheel drive? (AWD)An all-wheel drive vehicle has a center differential.All-wheel drive is a system used to automatically redistribute torque based on traction. That is, it has the ability to send power to any wheel, and determines which wheels to send power to based on certain set factors. How exactly it determines where to send power and the system used to do so varies by maker. Some AWDs are full-time (meaning they’re always sensing whether or not to change where power is being sent to) while others are part-time (meaning you can activate AWD capabilities, and otherwise have a 2WD vehicle).Broadly, AWD is good for people who might encounter slippery road conditions, but not so much for off-roading and hauling.What is 4-wheel drive (4WD)?A 4-wheel drive vehicle has two differentials, one for the front and one for the rear. Typically, when 4WD is activated, power is sent consistently to all 4 wheels, rather than the variable power of AWD, and the driveshaft locks. 4WD is usually a setting that can be turned on and off, and really shouldn’t be turned on when driving on a standard road. The extra friction can damage the vehicle’s tires and powertrain. Rather, 4WD should be engaged when driving on rough terrain, like driving through mud or snow, for climbing uneven and steep surfaces, or for pulling heavy objects.In general, 4WD is preferred by people who spend a lot of time in the woods, driving unpaved roads, and taking on heavy duty tasks. It’s most common for trucks and SUVs designed for off-roading to have a 4WD drive option.Which is better, AWD or 4WD?Now that you understand a bit about how AWD and 4WD drive work and what they’re used for, you can decide which makes more sense for you.Neither all-wheel drive nor 4-wheel drive is empirically better – they’re two different systems offering different pros and cons.The short version is, if you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle a little extra mud, snow, ice, or heavy rainfall, but largely planning to stay on standard roads, AWD may well be the right choice for you. AWD can usually offer better road safety in inclement weather than a standard 2WD set-up, helping you stay out of road trouble.That said, if you expect to find yourself in deep snow, significant mud, or heading off the beaten path, 4WD might be for you. 4WD is generally the best option for anyone planning to do heavy duty work with their vehicle or regularly drive through unpaved areas.And one last thing to consider. These days, many different manufacturers offer their own patented versions of these features, each with a unique powertrain setup (and, in many cases, unique algorithm). If you’re thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, make sure you take time to look into the features being offered and how they work to make the right choice for your driving life.And that’s everything you need to know about all wheel drive vs. 4 wheel drive.If you already have a vehicle offering one of these features, you should be able to use and understand them better now.If you’re exploring a new vehicle, the choice is yours. Which do you think makes the most sense for you? And if you’re thinking about refinancing, get your free quote from Auto Approve today to discover how much you could save. Auto Approve makes finding the bets deal for you easy – and does the paperwork for you.Get your free quote now.

What’s In The Trunk: 10 Car Emergency Kit Essentials

What should you have in your car emergency kit?Whether you’ve just bought your first car or are simply taking a moment to reassess the essentials you keep in your vehicle, there are a few things you should have in your car for emergencies.With this list, you can make sure you’re prepared for many of the most common roadside issues, no matter whether you’re driving in wintry conditions or summer heat, an electric or gas vehicle, in the city or off the beaten path.Let’s take a look.10 Things To Put On Your Car Emergency Kit ListIt’s important to have an emergency kit for your home and for your vehicle, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and move to new areas. Here are some top recommendations for your emergency kit for your car. Take a peek and decide which are right for you, your vehicle, and the places you drive.1. Flashlight & FlaresOne of the most important things to have in your trunk is something you can use both to signal other drivers that you’re broken down or need roadside assistance and to light your way should anything happen after dark. While reflective gear is great (and also recommended!), something that reliably casts a light is a must for your vehicle. Be sure to check the batteries on your flashlight regularly and keep extras around just in case.2. Reflective Triangle & GearBeing able to see is important – and so is being seen. A flare or a flashlight is essential for illumination, but reflective clothes and a reflective triangle are equally essential. The clothing makes you more visible if you need to navigate around a broken down vehicle in an emergency at night and can protect you if, worst case scenario, you need to walk to safety along a poorly lit road without proper sidewalks.While flares and reflective triangles serve similar purposes, you may want to consider having both. Flares are generally designed to be long-lasting and robust enough to stay lit even in rain and high winds and offer increased visibility, but a reflective triangle can give you extra reassurance that you’ll be seen no matter what should the flare, for example, get soaked to the point where it can’t be lit.3. ProvisionsOne of the best things to keep in your car in case of emergency is water. This is especially true if you’re driving in the summer or somewhere hot, but really should be part of every emergency pack. Another essential to carry in your trunk kit is shelf stable snacks or ready-to-eat meals. You want something pretty calorie-dense and filling that will last in your trunk for quite some time. People who take emergency kit packing seriously – like those whose driving regularly takes them to more remote areas – will even buy what’s called MREs. These are military-style ration packs that stay good for several years and include everything you need to eat a full meal without any additional supplies. If you think you could end up somewhere far enough from emergency services that it might be necessary, MREs and water purification tablets can be a real lifesaver.4. Jumper CablesWhether you primarily drive out in the country or in the middle of a city, jumper cables are a great choice for an emergency kit. These cables can be used to jumpstart a weak or dead battery, helping you get your vehicle running again – at least long enough to get to a service station. Just make sure you know how to use them safely!Need a jumpstart for your finances?Many people are overpaying on their auto loan. Save on your car payment or find a better rate with Auto Approve. Get your free quote today.5. Tire Changing Kit, Repair Kit, & SpareA dead battery is one common reason for breakdowns. Tire issues are another. It’s always wise to keep the tools necessary to change a tire and a fully inflated spare tire in your vehicle. In fact, your vehicle should have come with them – but if it didn’t, you’ll definitely want to pick them up. You’ll need a jack, a lug wrench, a spare tire, and your vehicle owner’s manual. If you want to go the extra mile, there are tire repair kits available that can help you fix minor tire issues, like sealing small holes. However, these repairs are only temporary – you’ll still need to replace the tire eventually.If you’re handy, you may also want to keep a small array of useful items like duct tape, zip ties, or tools for minor vehicle repairs on hand – but only if you have the know-how to use them. With any additional tools you add to your kit, you’ll want to make sure they’re properly stowed such that they can’t come flying into the main cabin of the car in an accident. This is less of a problem in cars with traditional, separate trunks, but loose items can become dangerous in hatchbacks and SUVs that don’t have a solid divider.6. Well-Secured Fire ExtinguisherSpeaking of items that can be a huge help, but only if they’re properly stored! A fire extinguisher can’t solve every car fire, they’re not designed to fight massive fires, but can make a big difference should you end up in a situation that calls for one. Most experts recommend a standard 2.5-5 lb. ABC fire extinguisher, though some argue for Purple K extinguishers for car use. Do your own research and make a call about what makes sense for you. Just know that whichever you choose, it should be installed in a bracket that keeps the extinguisher from rolling around.7. First Aid KitA first aid kit is one of the absolute essentials for any emergency kit. It’s something that can both help you and your passengers out in case of any minor injuries while in the car, but can also come in handy separate and apart from time spent in the car. Having the ability to triage wounds in a pinch can help you help others in need and handle emergencies of your own, no matter where the road takes you. As with provisions, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time far from emergency services – or someone who likes to hike or camp – you can step up to a more serious trauma kit like the Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) used by some emergency workers. While a standard first aid kit includes things for treating small cuts and burns, IFAKs might include things like a splint, packed gauze, additional burn treatment supplies, and an emergency blanket for hypothermia to triage more serious injuries.8. Map, Compass, & Portable Phone ChargerWhen putting together an emergency kit for a vehicle, most of the focus is usually on handling breakdowns, accidents, and injuries, but sometimes you need a little help with the simpler things – like navigating in an area without cell service. It’s common today to rely on smartphones for directions, but there are still plenty of places where, depending on your carrier, the signal might be too weak to be sure you’re getting the information you need. If you’re worried you might be veering off track, a physical map can be a huge help.On a similar note, we rely on our phones for so much – having a portable charger is never a bad idea. Maybe you usually charge by plugging into your car, but if that fails for any reason (or your car, say, needs to be towed), making sure your phone has a full battery is a must.9. Overnight BagAnother item that’s simply a good idea to have in your vehicle just in case is an overnight bag – a change of clothes, pajamas, essentials like a toothbrush, hairbrush, and deodorant, and a small amount of cash. This is another example of something that’s good in many different situations, not just in the case of car trouble. Maybe you’ve had a drink and don’t feel safe to drive. Maybe your house loses power or is put under an evacuation notice while you’re not at home. Or maybe your car does break down far enough from home that you need to get a hotel for the night. In any of these situations, you’ll be glad to have emergency supplies in your car to help you feel clean and comfortable, wherever you end up staying.10. Inclement Weather SuppliesLast but certainly not least, this is possibly the widest category but perhaps the most important. Depending on where you are and the time of year, what you need to keep on hand can vary drastically, but it is always a good idea to have weather-appropriate emergency supplies in your car in case you have a breakdown and need to survive extreme weather for a time. Seasonal items to think about might include:Sand or salt for roadsIce scraperBlanketHand-warmersSpare winter clothesRainproof poncho or other rain clothesRain boots or winter bootsSunscreenWide-brimmed hatSunglassesLoose clothesElectrolyte drinksAnd Those Are 10 Useful Things To Have In An Emergency Kit For The CarOf course, there may be other essential items that make sense for you and your family, and not all of these ideas make sense for every driver. If you’re in the backwoods of Maine in February, you’ll need different equipment than someone driving around the arid parts of Arizona in August. But with these items, you’ll be well on your way to being and staying prepared for whatever comes your way. Need a little extra cash to put your ideal emergency kit together? Put money back in your pocket by refinancing your vehicle loan with Auto Approve. It’s easy to get a free quote online and discover how much you can save with a better rate or a lower monthly payment (or both!). Get your free quote now.

Inflation Getting You Down? 8 Simple Ways to Save Money in 2025

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.
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*APR and Fees Disclosure: Auto Approve works to find you the best Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which is based on factors like your credit history, vehicle and desired payment terms. Fees to complete your loan refinance vary by state and lender; they generally include admin fees, doc fees, DMV and title. Advertised 5.49% APR based on: 2019 model year or newer vehicle, 730 minimum FICO credit score, and loan term up to 72 months. All loans subject to credit and lender approval.
Auto Approve has an A+ rating with the BBB and is located at 5775 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 700 #3327 St. Louis Park, MN 55416-1233. Auto Approve works to find its customers the best terms and APR, which are based on factors like credit history, vehicle, and desired payment terms. Loan amounts, costs, and fees vary by state and lender; they generally include admin fees, doc fees, DMV, and title fees, depending on the lender and period of repayment. There is no fee to obtain a quote and all refinancing-related costs are included in the amount financed so there are no out-of-pocket costs! For more information, please go to AutoApprove.com.