15 Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud

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.

Planning a road trip? This step-by-step road trip planner is here to help as you get ready to embark.Whether you’re hitting the road with your family or going for a solo adventure, road trips are an iconic summer experience. Planning a road trip, however, can be a bit daunting, and many people have trouble figuring out all of the details that will guarantee a successful vacation. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to planning a road trip. From picking the best destination to budgeting accordingly, here’s everything you need to know to hit the road.Here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect road trip.Step One: Outline your trip.This might be the easiest – or hardest – decision to make. While you should have a destination in mind, it’s important to remember that the road trip is not about the destination. A road trip is about the experience of travelling, the joy of the open road, and the stops you make along the way. It can be helpful to pick a theme for your road trip. You may want to hit a bunch of national parks to see the views and enjoy the hikes, or go on a food tour of a certain area. Once you figure out what you want your road trip to entail, you will be able to focus more on the actual route and map. Ask yourself the following questions to define your trip:How long do you have?Are you planning on a three day road trip or a month long road trip? This will greatly affect what options are available to you.Is your car in good shape?Another important consideration is the car you plan on using. Is your car able to handle a road trip that is a significant distance, or should you keep your trip a bit closer to home?How long can you drive in one stretch?If you are driving alone, it’s important to remember that you cannot drive 24 hours a day. Consider how much time you truly feel comfortable driving before taking a break. Can you go three hours? Five hours? Eight hours? If you have another driver in the car you can trade off driving, but make sure you have a clear understanding of what each other’s limits are when it comes to sitting behind the wheel. And remember–road trips are about enjoying the whole trip, not just getting from point A to point B as fast as possible.Where’s your final destination?Once you know your road trip theme and the amount of time you have you will be able to determine your final destination. From there, you can map out an alternate route home so that you can hit different stops on your way home. Step Two: Determine your budget.Like everything in life, your road trip plan will depend heavily on your budget. Are you trying to do this for as little money as possible, or are you willing to spend some cash to enjoy all the trip has to offer? While driving is usually cheaper than flying (especially when there are multiple people involved) there are still several expenses to consider. Gas, accommodations, food, attractions – everything comes with a price tag that needs to be considered.Gas: Look at the average gas prices along the way to get a rough idea of how much money you will spend on gas.Accommodations: Think about where you want to sleep for the duration of your road trip. Are you sleeping in your RV or resting at a campground overnight? Would you prefer to stay at a motel or hotel instead? Factor in the cost per night that you will need to budget.Food: Eating out at restaurants adds up very quickly, especially if you are doing it three times per day. Consider how often you’d like to eat out and what other options you may have along the way. Are you able to cook at any of your accommodations? What snacks and quick meals can you bring along with you? Look at each day of your trip and determine how much you will spend per day on food.Attractions: There are bound to be attractions along the way that will have entrance fees and other miscellaneous costs. Consider this as you map out your route, knowing that all of the attractions may not fit into your budget.Step Three: Map it all out.Once you have the bones of your trip figured out (the timeline, the final destination, the theme, and the budget) you can get down to the real heart of the road trip – the map. There are several ways to create the perfect road trip map for yourself. Of course, you can go old school and plan your map with a paper and pen, looking at a map and figuring out what towns and sights you’d like to see. But if you want to make your life a little easier, there are several apps such as Roadtrippers and Wanderlog that can help you create the perfect road trip. You can even create a road trip map on Google Maps, which may be more intuitive for some travelers. All of these apps can help you plan what attractions, accommodations, and routes you should use. And when you use them during your trip, they can provide live traffic updates and help keep your trip on schedule. Want to know the easiest way to save money for your road trip? Refinance your loan with Auto Approve!Refinancing your loan with Auto Approve can save you hundreds (if not thousands) – it might even fund your summer road trip!Get a free quote to see how much you could save.Step Four: Get organized and make your reservations.While road trips can provide some much-needed spontaneity, it is important to have your ducks in a row as much as possible. Imagine planning a route out only to find that the hotel you were planning on using is sold out for the night. Making a timeline for each day and booking your reservations ahead of time will help ensure your road trip stays on track for your timeline and your budget.Step Five: Prepare your car.It’s not every day that we ask our car to endure such a trip, so it’s important to make sure your car is up to the task. Be sure to check the following before heading out (or take your car to be inspected by a professional):Check that all fluids are topped off. This includes transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid. Change your oil and oil filter.Inspect your tires. Do they maintain proper pressure and have good tread? Check that the brakes are working well. Inspect the brake pads and rotators and replace as needed.Inspect the lights and ensure that they are all working properly.Change the wiper blades if they are not working perfectly.It’s also a good idea to start with a car that is clean inside and out. It will help keep you organized during the long drive and create a more peaceful environment. Give your car a good wash and vacuum and have a plan for collecting garbage while on the road. Our recommendation? Keeping a small garbage bag in the car is always a good idea!Step Six: Pack everything up.One of the many advantages of road tripping is that you can take anything and everything you might need – as long as it fits in your car. Since you’ll be on the road for so long, there are some unique things that you should consider bringing along, especially if you’re traveling with kids. In addition to the regular packing you’d do for a trip (clothes, toiletries, etc), consider packing up the following:Road trip essentials for youDriver’s license, insurance, and registrationExtra key for the carCar manualEmergency cashFirst aid kitAntibacterial wipesRoad map (in case you are unable to use your phone for some reason)Snacks – loads and loads of snacks!Reusable water bottleCell phone mountCell phone chargerHand sanitizerGallon of water, soap, and paper towels (for when you really need to wash your hands)SunglassesUmbrellaExtra blanketsCoolerFolding camp chairsSunscreenBug sprayPen, pencil, and a notebookTrash bags for the carRoad trip essentials for kidsSnacks (yes, even more snacks)Travel gamesHeadphones TabletColoring booksBooksToys, such as sticker books, Water Wow Books, travel play mats, and fidget toys (note: avoid packing a ton of toys – instead, try to select two or three to rotate through)Road trip essentials for the carSpare tireCar jackJumper cablesTire pressure gaugeFlaresTool kitWiper fluidGlovesFlashlightTire patch kitIf in doubt, check out our guide to putting together an emergency kit for your car.Step Seven: Enjoy the ride!When your car is packed and your map is loaded up and ready to go, you can finally enjoy your trip. Drive safely and be sure to take breaks when you feel tired or distracted. Engage in conversation or games if you have passengers, or crank up the music if you are driving solo. Whatever you do, enjoy the drive as well as the destination.That’s everything you need to know to plan a road trip.A successful road trip needs a good route, a thoughtful packing list, and a budget that can make your dream trip a reality. And if your budget has you feeling stuck at home, Auto Approve may be able to help. Discover how much you can save by refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve today!Get your free quote now.

Let’s talk about how to clean your car.Spring is finally here – and so is spring cleaning. While you most likely clean your car more than once a year, spring is a great time to get into all of the nitty gritty car cleaning that may fall by the wayside throughout the year. Taking the time to clean your car at home is much more effective than a retail car wash, not to mention less expensive. So let’s roll up our sleeves and break out the hose for a car spring cleaning that will leave your vehicle fresh and shiny as new.Here Are Our Top Tips To Spring Clean Your Car.Interior car cleaning kit essentialsWhat is the best way to clean the interior of a car? When it comes to your car’s interior, you may need a few more things to get it into tip-top shape, but you most likely have all of these things in your house already. VacuumA vacuum is essential for cleaning floor mats, car seats, and underneath seats.ToothbrushRunning a new toothbrush along the dashboard can help you find collected debris and get dust out of hard to reach places.\Microfiber clothsUsing a microfiber cloth with an interior cleaner (see below) can help clean, polish, and protect your interior.Interior cleanerMost dashboards are made of plastic (although high end models may use wood), so there are several options when it comes to the best cleaner. Find a cleaner that will not only clean but protect your interior as well. Consider the scent, cost, and reviews of effectiveness before purchasing. Foam glass cleanerA foam glass cleaner such as Invisible Glass does not drip like other liquid glass cleaners, resulting in a clearer finish with less streaks.Exterior car cleaning kit essentialsWhen looking through the car wash aisle, there may seem like an endless number of products at your disposal. You may find yourself asking “what is the best thing to use to clean a car?” The truth is, you only need a few products to get your car squeaky clean. For the exterior, a simple car cleaning kit that includes quality car soap, a car washing mitt, and several microfiber cloths will serve you well.Car soapWhile it is acceptable to use dish soap to wash your car, experts recommend using a specialty automotive soap instead. Dish soaps can actually strip the wax off of your car’s exterior and dull the finish. Automotive soap is designed specifically for automotive paint so it won’t cause any damage.Microfiber mittBe sure to use a microfiber mitt instead of a sponge when washing your car. Microfiber is much more gentle on paint than traditional sponges, which can trap dirt and scratch the paint. Microfibers have long and porous strands that help lift the dirt off of your car and avoid scratching.Microfiber cloths Drying your car with a microfiber cloth will help minimize water spots and streaks, giving it a shine and polished look that you can’t get with air drying alone. Pay less on your refreshed wheels with a refinanced loan from Auto Approve. Most people are overpaying on their auto loans. Refinancing your car loan could save you thousands. But don’t just take our word for it…Get a free quote to see how much you could save.What is the best way to wash your car?Follow these steps for ultimate car spring cleaning.Step 1: Choose the right time and placeWashing your car when the sun is shining bright and there is no shade will make your job much harder. Your car will dry much quicker in the direct sun, leaving streaks and water spots. Park in the shade or wash your car in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t glaring to give yourself the best results.Step 2: Gather your supplies (and prepare to get wet)Preparation is key for an effective car cleaning. Gather your car cleaning kit and dress appropriately in flip flops and clothes that can (and will) get wet.Step 3: Declutter and vacuum the interiorA good first step is to take everything out of your car, from trash on the floor to your emergency kit to your floor mats. Vacuum the carpets, seats, and every nook and cranny that the hose can fit. Vacuum and wipe down your floor mats outside of the car.Step 4: Clean the interior dash, windows, and upholstery (if needed)Use a dry, new toothbrush to clean dirt out of hard to reach places. Brushing textured plastic can help loosen dirt that is stuck in the grooves. Then, use an automotive interior cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean and polish the dashboard, center console, and the door panels. After the plastic is cleaned, use a foam glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to clean all glass, including the windows, windshield, sunroof, moonroof, and mirrors. Then vacuum your seats and any other upholstered surfaces using a small handheld vacuum or attachment to ensure you can get into all your vehicles nooks and crannies.Once your seats have been vacuumed, assess if there are any areas that need spot cleaning and use an appropriate cleaning solution.Step 5: Replace mats and personal itemsPut everything back where it should be, making note that your emergency kit has everything you may need in the future. Step 6: Hose the car downOnce the car interior cleaning is done, it’s time to move on to the exterior. Hose down the entire car from top to bottom, including the wheels and wheel wells.Step 7: Use the two bucket method to wash your carFill two large buckets with water and put your soap in one while leaving the other bucket with regular water. Starting at the top of the car and working your way down, use a car cleaning mitt to lather the car. Every now and then, rinse off your mitt in the clear water before reapplying more soap. Break your car down into sections (i.e. roof, windshield, hood, front driver’s side panel, etc) and rinse each section off after thoroughly cleaning it. This will help ensure that an area does not dry with soapy residue.Step 8: Clean your wheels and tiresAfter washing the body of the car, it’s time to focus on the wheels and tires. You can use the same mitt, rinsing often in the clean water, but may find that a toothbrush works best for getting in between the spokes of the wheel.Step 9: Rinse and dryHose down the car one final time and use a microfiber towel to dry off the car section by section. This will give your car a polished look and get rid of any water marks or streaks.Other Car Cleaning TipsWe scoured the internet for the top car cleaning tips you may have never heard before. Try the following to get your car in top shape if they apply, being cognizant of any elements of your unique vehicle that might make some cleaning applications ill-advised or not applicable.While washing and drying your car, use long, sweeping motions rather than circular motions. This will help ensure there are no circular drying marks. Use a low pressure setting on your hose to avoid spraying soap and dirt to other parts of the car. This will also decrease the amount of direct pressure on the car (which can be bad for the body and for the paint)Use a small amount of concentrated soap directly on your headlights and bumper to remove stubborn bug residue, tar, bird poop, or tree sap.Cleaning your headlights with a small amount of toothpaste will help restore their clarity. Simply rub a small amount on a paper towel and buff it onto each headlight.Use a separate cloth entirely for the glass area. This will help avoid scratches on the glass from dirt that may get trapped while washing the body.Apply Rain-X to your windshield and windows. The coating helps repel water, reducing the need for car wipers. Keep a container of black tea in your car. This can help absorb bad odors and keep your car smelling fresh.You can make a DIY air freshener by mixing your favorite essential oil with baking soda and leaving it in the car. The baking soda will absorb bad odors while the essential oils keep your car smelling nice.For a deep interior clean, try renting a steam cleaner. They are incredibly effective at removing stains and getting your carpets and seats thoroughly clean.If you have leather seats, use a small amount of olive oil to condition the leather. This will help keep the leather moisturized and protect it from fading or cracking in the sun.Keep interior car cleaning wipes in your glove compartment to help maintain a clean car year round.Use these tips to spring clean your car and get a fresh start this season.Giving your car a deep clean this spring can serve as a great reset for your and your car. It will also help you keep your car clean in the coming months. No one wants a car with old odors in the summer sun!Another great way to reset this spring is by refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve. Get your free, no strings attached quote from Auto Approve today and find out how much money you could be saving!CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE