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Driving off in your new leased car is one of the best feelings. The new car smell, the quiet engine, the security of knowing that you are the first owner. But when your lease is up, you might be wondering what you should do now. Should you keep it, sell it, or trade it in? And if you decide that you want to buy your car, how do you go about it?Here’s how you can buy your car when your lease ends.What is the best thing to do at the end of a car lease?When your lease ends you have three options. You can return your car and get another lease, you can return your car and buy a different car elsewhere, or you can buy your leased car from the dealership.Keep LeasingThis is the simplest option for most people and is the most preferred option for dealerships. This allows you to simply return your car and start a new lease with a new car. The dealership will then sell your used leased car and make a good profit. If you choose to return your car, you will need to make sure that your lease is in good standing. This means that you have not gone over your mileage allotment (usually 12,000-15,000 miles per year) and that your car is in good condition. If your car is a little banged up or you have put too many miles on it, you may be required to pay additional fees.Lease Turn-InYou can also choose to simply turn in your leased car and not get another lease. Your lease simply expires and you are free to find another car elsewhere. When you return your lease to the dealership they will inspect your car for any excessive wear, dents or dings to the exterior of the car, and any stains or tears on the interior. You will most likely have to pay fees if there is any damage or if you have gone over the mileage limit. Lease BuyoutIf you love your car and don’t want to part with it, you can choose to buy your lease. You can typically buy your car at any point during your lease, but you will need to consult your contract to find out what the lease purchase price will be.How do you decide to buy a car at the end of a lease?If you are trying to decide if a car lease buyout is right for you, see if any of the following apply to you. You like the car.Buying your lease can be as simple as wanting to keep your car. New cars are expensive right now, and even the used car market is pretty pricey, so getting a new car might not be ideal right now. If you like how your car drives and hate the idea of shopping around for a new car, a lease buyout might be a great option for you.You are over the allotted mileage.Lease agreements come with a mileage limit that you must consider. They typically range from 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, and if you go over that allotment you will be charged a fee per mile. This fee can range from $.15 to $.30 per mile, which can add up to quite a lot at the end of your lease. If you have a three year lease and you exceed your mileage by 3,000 miles per year at $.20 per mile, that’s an extra $1800 you would owe. By buying your car lease you can apply this money to your buyout as opposed to simply paying it in fees. Do the math to determine if turning in your car makes financial sense.You have excessive wear and tear.Lease agreements will also have fees for excessive wear and tear. This will vary slightly from dealer to dealer, but typically the following are considered to be excessive wear and tear:Large scratchesBumper damageMismatched colorSanding marksBody damage such as dings and dents that are more than 2 inches in diameterTears to the interior that are more than ½ inchStains to the interiorDepending on the extent of this damage, the dealership may charge you pretty high fees. It might make more sense for you to use that money to buy your car instead of giving it to the dealership in fees.Your car is worth more than the buyout price.Sometimes things just make good financial sense. So if your car is worth more than the buyout price, it’s a good idea to buy out your lease. If you like the car and want to keep it, great! If not, you can sell it and make a profit off of it. Check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to see what your car is worth before returning your lease.This is especially true right now if you leased your car in 2018 or 2019. In 2022 the average trade-in value for a leased 2019 car was 33% higher than the residual value of the car listed in the contract. The demand for used cars right now has in turn increased the trade-in value, making your car worth a lot more than you might realize. Be sure to check and do your research before turning your leased car back over to the dealership.How does a buyout work with a lease?If you decide that a lease buyout is right for you, there’s good news–it’s actually super easy. Here are the simple steps you need to take to buy out your lease.Call your leasing company to determine the purchase price.The first step to buying out your lease is determining exactly what the purchase price will be. The lease buyout price will be calculated as following:The residual value of the car.FeesSales TaxThe residual value of the car will be listed in your lease agreement. This number is based on your car’s expected depreciation over the life of your loan and is determined before your lease period even begins. It is almost always non-negotiable. It is best to call your leasing company to find out the exact amount a lease buyout will cost you.Secure financing for your buyout.Unless you have enough cash in the bank for the buyout, you will need to secure financing for your lease purchase. Not all lenders work with lease buyouts, so you will need to do your research to find the best lender for your situation. Do your research to compare rates and customer satisfaction ratings when trying to determine the best lender for your buyout.Finding a company that specializes in lease buyouts may be your best option. At Auto Approve, we work with lenders all across the country. That makes it easy to shop around and get the best rates for your car lease buyout. The car loan APRs that you are offered will be based on the current market rates, your credit score, financial history, and income. Be sure that all of these are in order before applying. Select 3-5 lenders to apply with and send in all of your applications in the same fourteen day window–this will ensure that they will all count as one hard inquiry on your credit report. For your applications you will most likely need:A Photo IDYour Vehicle’s InformationProof of Income and Financial HistoryProof of ResidenceProof of InsuranceAfter your offers start coming in you can compare them to see the best rates and terms. Auto Approve can help guide you through this process and help you select the best car lease buyout loan. Contact your insurance company and the DMV.When you buy out your lease you will need to call your insurance company to alert them that you are purchasing your lease. Leased cars typically have high insurance requirements, so you might be able to reduce your coverage at this point. Additionally you will need to check your state’s DMV to determine how to change the title. If you use Auto Approve, we can help you with this!And that’s it! After you complete the paperwork your leased car will belong to you officially.That’s how you can buy your leased car (and how Auto Approve can simplify this process for you!)Buying your lease can be a great option for a number of reasons. Whether you want to avoid unnecessary fees, you don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying a new car, or you just really like your leased car, a car lease buyout can be the answer you are looking for.Buying out your car lease with Auto Approve couldn’t be easier. From filling out applications to handling the DMV paperwork, we’ve got you covered. And with a 96% would-recommend rating on LendingTree, you know you are in good hands. So don’t wait to buy the car you love–contact Auto Approve today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

There are a lot of reasons why refinancing your car loan is a good idea. From saving you money to allowing you to change your repayment schedule, chances are you can benefit from refinancing with the right company. Here are the top 5 reasons you should refinance your vehicle with Auto Approve.It can save you a lot of money.The main reason you should refinance your car loan is simple: it can save you A LOT of money. When you refinance your loan, you are essentially paying off your existing loan with a new loan that has new terms and a new APR. Let’s be honest, you are probably overpaying every month on your car loan. But if you refinance to a lower car loan APR, you can start saving immediately.There are a few reasons why you might qualify for a lower car loan APR:Your credit score has increased since your initial financing.The market rates have decreased since your initial financing.Your debt to income ratio has decreased since your initial financing.You have a cosigner who has great credit.If any of these apply to you, you will most likely be able to find a lower car loan APR, and that translates to extra money in your pocket. At Auto Approve we can secure you the lowest rates around, with car loan APRs starting at just 2.94%. Let’s look at exactly how much money that can save you. Let’s say you have a car loan for $30,000 that you financed at 5.5% for 4 years. At the time you thought this was a great interest rate, as it was the lowest rate that came across your email. Your monthly payments were $697.69 and you were going to end up paying a total of $3,489.12 in interest over the life of the loan. But then you reached out to Auto Approve to see if they could do any better, and they were able to secure you a rate of 2.94% for the same 4 years. Now your monthly payments are $663.23 and you will end up paying a total of $1,835 in interest over 4 years. That’s a difference of over $1600. It can help you change your monthly payments.Refinancing can also allow you to change your repayment plan. You can either lengthen your repayment plan or shorten it depending on your situation.Lengthening your repayment plan is a good idea if you are having trouble making your monthly payments. By stretching out your payments over a longer period, you can cut your monthly bill by hundreds of dollars and give yourself some much needed breathing room. You will pay more in interest overall, but that might be worth it if your monthly budget is stretched. Shortening your repayment period can help reduce the total amount you will pay on your loan. When you opt for a shorter repayment period you will:most likely be offered an even lower car loan APRpay interest over a shorter period of time, meaning you are saving in total interest paidDepending on your finances, one of these options might be perfect for you. You are not able to simply change your current loan terms, so refinancing your car loan is the best option you have available to you.You can add or drop a co-borrower.Your car loan is explicit as to who the car–and the loan–belongs to. If you want to add or remove someone from the loan, you will need to refinance. Every loan decision is made by looking at the applicant’s finances, and adding or removing someone from this will affect the possibility of repayment (at least that’s what the lenders think). So if you want to add or drop a co-borrower, refinancing your car loan is the best way to do so. Our customers love us.With Auto Approve you know you are in good hands. We have a team of dedicated experts who know how to guide you through the refinancing process. Everyday we get more and more five star reviews from customers who have saved money the easy way by refinancing. Just check out our rankings:A+ rating with BBB96% would-recommend rating on LendingTree4.7 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot (based on over 5,000 reviews!)Here are just a few of our most recent reviews:“I was really impressed with how fast they found a refinance company for us. They lowered our payment by $97 a month and [...] they dropped our interest rate by 5 1/2 percent. Easy online process. Highly recommended.” -Mary W, 9.18.22“I had a very informative and helpful experience during the refinance process with Mike. He explained every step and was very patient with my limited free time due to my time demanding job. He was always courteous and stuck with me during the entire process that I’m sure I caused to be longer than it normally takes. Thanks so much to Mike and the entire team!” -Richard S. 8.29.22“The people at auto approve were very quick at helping me out on my refinance. All it took was about a 15 minute call and 10 minutes later they already found me a bank. I would definitely recommend Auto Approve to anyone out there. Very excellent team and super quick at responding to your questions.” -Travis, 8.28.22We shop around so you don’t have to.One of the most time consuming parts of refinancing is shopping around for offers. After all, if the point of refinancing is to save money, you want to shop around to see who will actually save you money. You should aim to apply to 3-5 lenders, but you should research at least 10-15 to make sure you are applying to the right ones. This is not only time consuming, but it can be overwhelming. At Auto Approve, we have relationships with lenders across the country. From traditional banks to credit unions to online lenders, we guarantee we will find you the best loan possible. We streamline the application process so that it’s quick, easy, and gets you hassle-free offers.Those are the top 5 reasons you should refinance your vehicle with Auto Approve.If you think you are overpaying on your car payments (again, you probably are!) then don’t wait any longer. Contact Auto Approve today to start saving money! It’s quick, easy, and effective–so what are you waiting for?GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Fall is finally here and we are all ready to settle down after the fun of summer and get ready for the rest of the year (and the impending holiday season!) So now is a great time to get your finances in order and try to save as much money as possible before the holiday season comes raging in. One of the fastest and easiest ways you can save money is by refinancing your car loan. But how do you know if the time is right?Let’s talk about why now is a great time to refinance your car loan.When should you refinance a car loan?Refinancing a car loan is when you pay off your existing loan with a new loan. The new loan you get should have better terms, such as a lower car loan APR, a better repayment schedule, and/or different prepayment penalties.The best time to refinance your car loan will depend on your circumstances, but if any of the following apply to you, it might be time to refinance.Your credit score has increased.The main reason to refinance your car loan is to reduce the car loan APR you are paying and ultimately save money. The car loan APR you will be offered will be based on:Your credit historyThe amount you are financing The length of the termThe age of your vehicleYour credit history is ultimately the most important factor in the car loan APR you will be offered. Lenders look at your debt to income ratio as well as your credit score to determine how dependable you are to pay back the car loan. Credit scores are based on five different categories: Payment History (35%)Accounts Owed (30%) Length of Credit History (15%)Credit Mix (10%)New Credit (10%)A change to any of these categories can cause a significant swing in your credit score. There are a few reasons your score may have changed, even if you haven’t been actively trying to increase it. Here are the top reasons your credit score may have increased.You reduced your overall debt. By paying down some of your accounts you may have reduced your overall debt, even if you were just making your minimum payments every month. You got a higher credit limit. If you requested a higher credit limit, or had your limit raised automatically, it can give your credit score a boost. Your score is dependent in part on your credit utilization ratio (how much debt you are in vs how much credit you have available to you). The more credit you have available to you (and the less debt you are in) will result in a higher credit score.A negative event expired. Negative events, such as foreclosures and bankruptcies, can cause your credit score to take a huge hit. But these negative events have expiration dates, usually between 7 and 10 years. When these events expire, your score will get a boost. You fixed an error on your credit report. You should request a copy of your credit report a few times per year to ensure that it is accurate and up to date. It is not uncommon for there to be major errors such as missed payments that will cause your score to dip. Reporting any errors and having them removed may help your score a lot.If your score has increased for any reason, you should consider refinancing your car loan. The market rates have decreased.While your credit score and finances are firmly within your control, the market rates are not. If you originally financed your car when the market rates were higher than they are now, it’s probably a good time to consider refinancing.You need to adjust your repayment period.Your repayment period affects not only how much you will pay in total for your car loan, but also how much money you will pay every month. If your repayment period is on the shorter end of the spectrum, let’s say 24 months, there’s a good chance that your monthly payments are very high. If you need some more breathing room every month, refinancing your car loan and lengthening your repayment period can reduce your payments significantly. But it is important to note that when you lengthen your repayment period you will end up spending more money over the course of your loan. After all, you will be paying interest over a longer period of time.You need to add or remove a cosigner.Financing a car with a cosigner is not uncommon. If your credit score isn’t in top shape, getting a loved one to cosign may help secure you better terms and a better car loan APR. But if you  no longer need that financial help and would like to free your friend or family member from the loan agreement, you will need to refinance your car loan. On the other hand, if your credit score has taken a dip but you still want to refinance, you can add a cosigner on when you refinance to try to secure the best rates possible. Is it easy to refinance an auto loan?With all of the benefits of car loan refinancing, the best news is that it’s actually super easy. There is an application process that is similar to when you originally financed your car, but once you are approved you can start saving money instantly. Here’s how to get started:Get PreparedPrepare yourself as much as possible for your refinance. Make sure your credit is in good shape, collect all of the paperwork you may need, and review your current loan agreement so that you know what you are looking for with your refinance. Do Your ResearchThere are a lot of lenders that will refinance your car loan. From traditional banks to online lenders to credit unions, there are seemingly endless places to apply. This is why it’s so important to do your research and be prepared. You will not have actual rates or terms to compare, but you can check out customer reviews to see how they are ranked. Are customers happy with their loans? Do their rates seem competitive? When customers have problems, does their customer service resolve their issues? All of these aspects you can research ahead of time.Apply and CompareYou ultimately want to pick 3-5 lenders to apply with. Be sure to apply in a fourteen day period so that all applications will count as one hard inquiry on your credit report. Once you get your offers, be sure to compare not only the car loan APR but the repayment period, the customer reviews, the fees and the prepayment penalties. Compare them not only to each other, but to your existing car loan. This process is super easy if you use a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve. We have relationships with lenders across the country, which means we can easily find you the best rates nationwide. On top of that, we can help you fill out all of the applications (which can be very time consuming!) and help you compare and decide which car loan is the best choice for you.Sign and SaveOnce you decide on a car loan, all you have to do is sign and start saving money. The new lender will contact your existing lender to pay off your loan. You will need to update your information with the DMV (but if you refinance with Auto Approve, we will take care of this for you!) Is now a good time to refinance a car?So, is now a good time to refinance a car? The answer is, it depends (but probably!) We are just getting out of an unprecedented economic time, and it is unclear what will happen with market rates in the future. It does seem pretty clear however that market rates are only going to increase from here on out.  That means that now is the best time to refinance if you are considering vehicle refinance.If your credit score has increased since financing or you just need a little extra breathing room every month, refinancing your car loan can help you save money every month. Fall 2022 is a great time to refinance your car loan.Fall is a great time to get realigned with your finances, and refinancing your car loan is a great first step. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can help you prepare for the holiday spending that looms on the horizon.Refinancing your car loan is incredibly easy when you use Auto Approve. Our experts can guide you through the application process and help you compare which offers are the best. So don’t wait any longer to start saving money–there’s no telling what might happen to interest rates in the coming months. Refinancing today can help you lock down today’s low rates. Get your free quote today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Whether you are looking to buy an affordable set of wheels, or just can’t bear to part with the car you’ve been driving around since college, you might be wondering if an older car is a safe vehicle option. While older cars are more affordable up front, will they end up costing you more in the long run?Today we are talking all about older cars. How old is too old, what to look out for when buying one, and how to know when one is unsafe for you and your loved ones.Here is what to look out for when driving–and buying–an older car.What are the advantages of buying an older car?It is cheaper.The biggest advantage to buying an older car is that you will save on depreciation. Depreciation depends on a few different factors:Make and model of the vehicle.The condition of the vehicle.The age of the vehicle.The mileage of the vehicle.But most of the deprecation for a car happens in the first five years where it loses about 60% of its value. After year five depreciation still occurs, but at a much slower rate than in the first years. Let’s consider a new car that costs $30,000. New: $30,000Immediately Upon Leaving Dealership: $27,0001 year: $24,0002 years: $20,4003 years: $17,3404 years: $14,7405 years: $12,530The rate of depreciation slows as the car ages, and after year five they depreciate at a much slower rate. By ten years, the value of the car will be dictated mostly by the condition of the vehicle. Different cars will depreciate at different rates as well, so you need to think about what specific car you are looking to buy. The Jeep Wrangler is consistently ranked as having one of the lowest depreciation rates, with a 5 year depreciation value of 27.3%. Compare this to the Nissan Leaf, which has a 5 year depreciation value of 71.7%. This difference in depreciation values is based on a few different factors, but it really is a question of supply and demand. If you buy a car that is in demand, you will have a better chance of selling it for more money when you look to sell. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs tend to hold their value more, but will be more expensive up front.It is better for the environment.Sure, new cars have less emissions and tend to be better on gas. But did you know that about one quarter of the carbon dioxide a vehicle produces during its life occurs while manufacturing and delivering that vehicle initially? Additionally, the newer hybrid vehicles use batteries that are bad for the environment. By purchasing a used car, you can help reduce the amount of new cars manufactured.It’s cheaper to insure.Not only are used cars cheaper to buy, but they are cheaper to insure. This is because they are usually cheaper to repair and the parts are easier to replace. This is especially true when compared to a lot of new cars which have the latest technology and require specialized tools to repair.What are the disadvantages to buying an older car?They are less reliable and will need more repairs.As cars get older, things are more likely to go wrong. Added mileage and an unknown driving history can all make cars less reliable. They also may lack some of the more modern safety features that are now considered standard.If you are thinking of buying an older car, be sure to check out the following:Exterior body condition. Look for dents, dings, and mismatched paint which could indicate a previous accident.Tires. Look at the tread depth and any uneven wear patterns, which may indicate a larger problem with the car.Glass. Look for chips or cracks in the windshield, windows, and mirrors. Engine. Look at the engine to see if there is any oil leakage. Interior car condition. Look at the headliner of the car (the ceiling), the seats and any upholstery. While this is cosmetic, it is worth taking into account when buying an older car.Heating and air conditioning. Check to make sure both are in working order.If you are unsure of what to look for, be sure to take the car to a licensed mechanic to ensure the car is safe to drive.There is no warranty.Not only are older cars less reliable, but there is no manufacturer's warranty to protect you if something should go wrong. Repairs can be costly and can end up negating whatever savings you made by buying used in the first place.There is old technology.As cars become newer and more advanced, older technology becomes obsolete. Built in navigation systems and touchscreens become harder to update, and you might be left with unusable features.You may have trouble with financing.If you need to finance to buy your used car from a dealership, you may have a harder time finding a lender that is willing to loan you the money. It’s not impossible by any means, but the older a car is the more difficult you may find the process to be. What warning signs should you watch out for with an older car?Whether you already own your older car or you are looking to buy an older car, there are some warning signs you should look for when driving. The brakes are acting up.One of the most important things to keep an eye out for with older cars is the brakes. After all, your brakes are the most important safety feature that your car has. If you notice any issues with the brakes, be sure to take your car to a mechanic right away. Here are some signs to watch out for:The brake pedals make noise, such as a squealing.The brakes make a grinding noise.Your car pulls to the left or to the right while braking.The brake light stays on.The handbrake is loose.You notice smoke or smells coming out of the wheels.Any or all of these could be a sign of a problem with your brakes. It might be as simple as getting your brake pads replaced, but with older cars you want to be sure it's nothing more serious.The car is bouncing.If you notice an older car is bouncing, it can be a warning sign that you need new struts or shocks. It’s important to get these replaced as it can cause the following:An uncomfortable rideExcessive and uneven tire wearPoor control while steeringDecreased braking abilityIncreased wear on other componentsReplacing the struts or shocks can help ensure no further damage is done to the car and help to keep you safe on the road.There is rust.Rust can be a minor issue, or it can be a very major thing. There are three types of rust that occur on cars:Surface rust: Corrosion on the metal’s upper layer that goes through the paint.Scale rust: Corrosion that has penetrated beyond the paint and begins affecting the frame.Penetrating rust: Rust that has penetrated enough to cause holes in the metal, such as in the undercarriage, side panels, or frame itself.Surface rust can be treated by sanding it off and repainting the area. This can stop the rust from spreading, making it merely a cosmetic issue. If rust progresses to scale rust, parts may need to be removed and replaced. If it progresses to penetrating rust, it will need to be removed, but also might be too severe to fix.If you see rust on an older car, try to assess the damage or take it to a mechanic. Stopping the rust before it spreads is critical if you want to keep your car safe.The check engine light is on.The check engine light can mean a number of different things. You can check it yourself with a code reader if you have one, or you can take it to a mechanic to find out what’s going on. It might be something as simple as a spark plug, or something more expensive, such as a faulty catalytic converter. Either way, a check engine light is always something to take seriously.  Is a 10 year old car too old?There is no cut and dry answer as every situation will differ. Research what problems are most common with the car you are thinking about and try to decide if the trade off is worth it. A car that is ten years old might be perfectly fine for your needs, but chances are if you are looking at a car that is over 20 years old, you will find more problems than it’s worth.That’s what to look for when driving, or buying, an older car.If you are thinking about getting an older car, keep an eye out for these warning signs. Buying an old car that is in need of repair can cost you a lot of money in the long run. You might find that you can actually save money by getting a new car, or simply by refinancing your car loan.Car loan refinancing is quick and easy, just contact Auto Approve today to get started!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you are looking to buy a new car, you know just how many options there are out there. Gas or electric, luxury or economy, SUV or sedan: with thousands of vehicles on the market, how do you know what is right for you? If you are having a hard time deciding between an SUV and a sedan, you may be wondering which one will best fit your lifestyle–and we are here to help! Here are the key differences between SUVs and sedans and how you can decide what’s best for you.What is the difference between a sedan and an SUV?SUVs have been around since the 1980s, but what defines them exactly? The definition has become a bit slippery in the past few years, but in general an SUV is built on a truck chassis while a sedan is built on a traditional car chassis. This makes SUVs a bit higher off the ground, and since they tend to have 4 wheel drive (in most cases), they are capable of going off-road. The Jeep Cherokee is considered to be the first modern SUV, but they have come a long way in the past 40 years. Now there are a few different categories of SUVS and crossovers:Subcompact CrossoversCompact CrossoversMid Size CrossoversFull Size CrossoverCompact SUVsMid Size SUVsFull Size SUVsPerformance Crossovers and SUVsCrossover SUVs use a unibody platform, which is the same platform used for sedans, but they have the look and space of a traditional SUV. Regular SUVs use a body-on-frame platform, which is what trucks use. All of these SUVs range in different size, engine size, and off-road capabilities.What are the advantages of an SUV?SUVs are an incredibly popular choice for many Americans. In fact, SUVs and pickup trucks combined make up 70% of the American car market. SUVs made up 45.9% of the world's passenger car market in 2021. And there are good reasons for that. So what are the advantages of an SUV?SUVs are typically taller and larger than sedans.Since SUVs are built on truck frames, they are higher off the ground and can provide a better vantage point than sedans. This can provide the driver with a better sense of safety and control. And since they are larger and heavier than a sedan, they typically sustain less damage than sedans when they are involved in accidents. But it’s important to note that SUVs are not inherently safer than sedans. While they do tend to fare better in accidents, their higher center of gravity makes them more prone to rollovers than sedans.SUVs can also fit more passengers and more cargo than a traditional sedan. If you have a large family or have a lot of stuff to lug around, an SUV is an excellent option for you.SUVs are better for going off-road.If you are interested in taking the road less traveled, a sedan will not do. Since sedans are typically two-wheel drive, they are less equipped to handle going off of the pavement. SUVs are either four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which gives them more traction to handle rougher terrain. Since they are higher off the ground, they are also more capable of driving rough terrain without damaging the undercarriage. SUVs are also better equipped to handle rough winter conditions because of this. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, an SUV is a better option than a sedan. SUVs have more towing capability.SUVs have more torque and towing capacity than sedans. While you may not find a tow hitch standard on your SUV, you will be able to have one fitted. If you are planning to tow anything, whether it is a boat or just a small trailer, an SUV is the way to go.What are the advantages of a sedan?While SUVs have certain advantages, don’t discount the sedan too much. There are a lot of benefits to a sedan, even though they are not quite as popular as they used to be.Sedans are more fuel efficient.Since sedans are smaller and more lightweight, they are much better on fuel than SUVs. If you do not need the added space and towing capacity of an SUV, a sedan can get you much better gas mileage–after all, newer sedans have a combined gas mileage of over 70 miles per gallon. Sedans are perfect commuter cars because they have great fuel efficiency and their smaller size makes them easier to park. Sedans are more comfortable and easier to drive.Sedans are designed to be comfortable to drive. Since they are smaller they tend to handle turns and twists more gracefully than SUVs. And modern sedans are spacious enough to still be comfortable without all of the added bulk of SUVs.Sedans are more cost-effective.Not only will you spend less money on gas if you drive a sedan, but you will spend less money upfront. On average sedans are $5,000 less than SUVs. Additionally, sedans are less expensive to maintain than SUVs. So if you are on a budget, a sedan will give you a bit more bang for your buck.How do I choose between sedan and compact SUV?There are a lot of advantages to both sedans and SUVs, so you will have to look at your lifestyle and see what makes the most sense for you. A sedan will make more sense if:You plan to use your vehicle for commuting.You are on a budget.You do not have a big family.An SUV will make more sense if:You have a large family.You need the added luggage capacity.You need towing capabilities.You live in an area where there is a lot of snow, mud, or ice.You want to take your car off-road.Look at how you plan to use your new vehicle to determine what makes the most sense. No matter what features you are looking for, there is sure to be a sedan or SUV that will fit the bill.That’s how you can decide between an SUV and a sedan.SUVs and sedans have made a lot of improvements over the decades, and there are almost too many options out there. But assessing your needs will help you come to the best decision for you and your family.If you are looking to refinance your car or SUV, get in touch with Auto Approve today to start saving. Our experts can help you apply and compare offers, making the process of car loan refinancing super easy. So don’t wait, contact Auto Approve today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you have financed your vehicle, you may feel overwhelmed by your monthly payments. When you add on gas, insurance, and maintenance, your car can quickly eat up your monthly income. But there are a few ways to get a lower car payment and loosen up your monthly budget.Here are the best ways you can lower your monthly car payment.What is a high car payment?You might be wondering if your car payment is higher than it should be. There is no hard and fast number that constitutes a “high” car payment, and it will depend a lot on what your finances and your budget look like.In general, it is recommended that you should spend more than 10-15% of your monthly income on your car payment. Your total transportation expenses (gas, insurance, maintenance) should not exceed 20% of your monthly income. So if your car payment is over 15-20% of your monthly income, you are probably out of your budget with car payments.But if that rule is a bit too cut and dry for you, look at your own personal budget to make the call. Consider all of your income and all of your expenses: the variable expenses (such as groceries and entertainment) and the fixed expenses (such as rent and insurance). If you are spending more than you are bringing home every month, it is safe to say that you need to fix your budget and find a way to reduce your monthly car payments.Top three ways to lower your monthly car payment.#1. Try renegotiating It never hurts to talk to your current lender about your money situation (and don’t be embarrassed, it happens more than you might think). There might be a few things that they can do to alleviate your situation. Sometimes they will let you defer payments for a few months, but you will still accrue interest during this time so it will end up costing you more overall. Lenders may let you renegotiate certain terms of your loan, but in this case it’s better to apply for refinancing with a few different lenders, as they may be able to beat your current lender.#2. Sell your car or trade it inIf you anticipate having a long term issue with car payments, it might be a good idea to sell your car privately or trade it in at a dealership.If you choose to sell your car, make sure you clean your car thoroughly ahead of time and take good pictures that will highlight your car’s best features. Do some research on Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to find what a fair resale value will be. Call your lender to find out exactly how much you have left on your loan so you know how much you owe (and how much you should try to get when selling your car).Alternatively you can choose to trade your car in. This is a good option if you still need a new car but cannot afford your current loan. It is important to know beforehand how much is left on your current loan and what the resale value of your car is.#3. Refinance your loanRefinancing your car loan is the best way to lower your monthly car payment. It is much easier than selling your car and much more effective than trying to negotiate with your current lender.When you refinance your loan you want to apply with 3-5 lenders to get the most competitive rates. It is best to use a company that specializes in vehicle loan refinance, as they will have relationships with many lenders and can help you pick the best loan for your situation.Refinancing will be most effective if you are prepared. Take the following steps to make sure you get the best car loan refinance offers:Make sure your credit score is in good shape. The higher your credit score is, the better car loan APR you will be offered. Make sure you are paying your bills on time and in full (scheduling autopay is a great way to do this), pay down your debts that have the highest credit utilization ratio, and check your credit report.Know your current loan terms. You should know your current monthly payment, the amount of time you have left to repay, the car loan APR, and if there are any prepayment penalties for which you may be responsible. Call your lender if you have questions–you don’t want to refinance if the fees will outweigh your savings.Collect any documents you may need. You will most likely need a photo ID, your vehicle’s information (bill of sale, VIN number, make, model, and year), your proof of income and financial history (pay stubs, banking information, and your credit report), proof of residence, and proof of insurance.Research lenders. You won't be able to compare loan terms until you actually apply, but you can look around online for different credit unions, traditional banks, and online lenders. See what some of the average rate offers are, and see what their customers have to say. Customer satisfaction ratings are very important, so don’t ignore this step. Using a company that specializes in auto loan refinance can make this step much easier.Apply and compare. Once you have completed your research you can start applying. Be sure to apply in a fourteen day window so that all of your applications will count as one hard inquiry on your credit account. When the offers come in, look at the interest rate, the repayment period, the prepayment penalties, the fees, and the customer reviews to decide what loan is right for you. Sign and save. Once you pick a loan that is right for you, all you have to do is sign and start saving. And if you use Auto Approve to refinance your loan, they can help you fill out all of the paperwork (even the DMV paperwork!)Refinancing is the easiest and most effective way to reduce your monthly car payments. It allows you to shop around and compare offers so that you know you are getting the best terms possible. And when you have a company that specializes in car loan refinance it is quick and easy.What’s the smartest way to pay off a car early?Paying off your car loan early can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you don’t need to worry about lowering your monthly car payments, you should focus on paying off your car early. Here are our top tips for paying off your car loan early.Make at least one large payment over the term of the loan. Making one large lump payment will help reduce the amount of interest you are paying. This will be most effective to do early on in the loan term, as the earlier you do it the more drastically you will reduce the interest you owe.Make at least one large payment every year.Do you have a yearly bonus? Do you usually end up with a tax refund? Consider using that money to make an extra payment on your car loan every year.Round up your monthly payments.Rounding up your payments every month will help you slowly chip away at the principal you owe. If your car payment is $520 a month, consider paying $550 a month. The extra $30 will go towards your principal and help you pay your car off earlier while not affecting your monthly finances too much.Pay half of your monthly payment every two weeks.This may sound strange, but hear us out. If you make a half payment every two weeks, you will actually end up making an extra payment every year. Instead of 12 full monthly payments you will make 26 half payments, or 13 full payments. This is another way to subtly pay off more of your principal without affecting your monthly budget too drastically.Never skip a payment.We know that some months are tight, but skipping a payment can really make you fall behind and cost you a lot of money. See if there are other areas of your budget that you can pull from to make your payment. If you are having issues with your monthly payments, try to refinance instead.Those are the top ways to lower your monthly car payments and manage your money more effectively.Refinancing your car loan is your best bet when it comes to securing a lower monthly car payment. It allows you to shop around and compare terms so that you can be sure you are getting a better loan while allowing you to keep your car. If you think refinancing your vehicle is a good move for you, be sure to prepare ahead of time to ensure you get the best loan offers possible.Auto Approve is here to help with your car loan refinance, so fear not! Our experts can lead you through the process to make refinancing your car a breeze. So don’t wait, contact Auto Approve today to see how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Car safety didn’t used to be a hot topic. In fact, it used to not be a concern at all. It took over one hundred years of driving to get the most basic safety features (like seat belts) standardized. But in the past few decades a lot has changed. With technology evolving at an incredible pace, it seems like there are countless safety features in cars nowadays. But with so many new and innovative features, which are the must-have safety features, and are they worth the cost?Let’s talk about car safety features: what features matter and how you can decide if they are worth the cost.What are the standard car safety features?Safety features are hugely important in cars. They have been proven to significantly reduce the amount and severity of car accidents. Driving is much safer now than it was fifty, forty, or even just twenty years ago. 1960 was the first year that statistics were recorded in regards to accidents and fatalities. For every one million miles driven in 1960 there were 5.1 fatalities: compare this to 1.1 fatalities per one million miles in 2019.  It’s clear that the introduction of standard safety features has saved millions of lives. There are many car safety features that are standard now. And by standard, we mean they are mandated by law. These standard safety features include:Airbags (Became mandatory in 1998)Anti Lock brakes (Became mandatory in 2000)Backup cameras (Became mandatory in 2018)Electronic Stability Control (Became mandatory in 2012)Seat Belts (Became mandatory in 1968)LATCH–Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (Became mandatory in 2002)Tire Pressure Monitor (Became mandatory in 2007)Traction Control (Became mandatory in 2011)All of the above safety features have proven track records of saving lives and reducing the damage of accidents. But in the past few decades (or really the past ten years) technology has improved by leaps and bounds and safety features are getting more advanced by the minute. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are quickly becoming the new standard for safety.What are the best car safety features?If you are used to driving older cars, the new ADAS may not seem like an important investment to make. But once you have a car with the latest safety features, you will never want to go back to the way things were. These new systems are becoming incredibly popular, with the global market for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems expected to grow at a rate of 12% per year to $83 billion by 2030. But with so many new ADAS on the market, it can be hard to know exactly what features you should prioritize. While they all have value, some are certainly more effective and more worthwhile than others.Here are the top safety features that should make it onto your “must-have” list for your new car.Forward Collision Warning With Automatic BrakingThis is one of the best new safety features out there. Between 2012 and 2014 it was reported that over half of two-car accidents were rear-end collisions. FCWs give a tactile or visual alert to the driver that there is a car up ahead and then automatically apply the brakes to avoid the collision. There are very few false flags and the experience with these sensors has been so positive that there is now pressure on lawmakers to make this feature standard in all new cars.Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts (RCTW)Rear cross-traffic alerts are radar based and can help you see the blind spots in the back of your car. RCTW activates when you start reversing your car and can detect if a car or pedestrian will be crossing behind your car. While it cannot account for a car that is speeding towards you, it is very helpful when trying to slowly back up out of a parking space.Adaptive Cruise ControlWhile cruise control is something we are all used to, adaptive cruise control builds on top of that technology. When your cruise control is engaged, it will adjust the speed of your vehicle based on the speed of the vehicle ahead of you. Blind Spot DetectionEvery car has blind spots, and some are worse than others. These blind spots are the cause of thousands of accidents every year. Blind spot detection uses sensors and cameras to alert you as to when a car is in your blind spot. Sometimes these sensors can be overly sensitive, but they can also prevent you from merging into a car that you cannot see.Lane Departure Warning SystemsThese warning systems use cameras to alert you when your car is wandering from your lane. There are lane departure warnings, which make a noise or vibration when you start to wander, and there are lane keeping assist systems which will kick in and correct you. Additional Safety FeaturesThe above technology has been around for a few years and is constantly improving on itself. But there are several new safety features that you should keep an eye out for as well in the future.Safety Exit Assist: This feature temporarily blocks kids from opening the rear doors when it detects a car or pedestrian crossing behind the vehicle. Facial Recognition Software. Some carmakers are using facial recognition software to detect the alertness of the driver. It will issue an alert or warning if it senses the driver isn’t paying attention.While these are only starting to appear in certain cars, they may become widely available in the next five years.Are these ADAS making cars safer? So how well do these systems really work? Most studies suggest that they do an excellent job of reducing the severity and frequency of car accidents. Consider the following studies:According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicles with blind spot monitoring were involved in 14% less accidents than other vehicles.According to that same study, evidence suggests that 50,000 crashes and 16,000 injuries may have been prevented if all vehicles sold in 2015 had blind-spot monitoring.Another IIHS study found that blind spot detection reduced lane-change accident injuries by 23%.A study out of Carnegie Mellon found that vehicle crash avoidance technology reduced crash frequency by 3.5%.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites that 94% of serious accidents are the result of human error. If ADAS can reduce the chance of human error, it is inevitable that they will make cars safer. While a lot of this technology is new, it’s clear that it is having a positive impact. Are safety features in a car worth it?Some of these Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems are becoming standard on new cars, but some come with a bigger price tag. So are they worth it? The short answer is: it depends. Not only are they more expensive up front, but they are more expensive to repair. Even a minor accident could run you an extra few thousand dollars in repairs to ADAS. A study by AAA found the following costs for repairs:Parking sensor replacement: $500 to $1,300Surround view camera sensor replacement: $500 to $1,100Camera sensor replacement for adaptive cruise control: $850 to $1900Radar sensor replacement for blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts: $850 to $2,050As of now, insurance companies do not offer discounts for these added safety features. In fact, they charge more because repairs are so much more expensive. But it is believed that as more research of ADAS is done insurance companies will incentivize customers to have these added features.A 2018 study by Swissre and HERE Technologies found that ADAS have the potential to reduce car accident frequencies by 25% and cut insurance premiums by $20 billion per year. But this has yet to translate to savings for car owners.If you are on the fence about getting add on ADAS, ask yourself the following questions:Does it fit in my budget?Do I do a lot of highway driving?Do I do a lot of driving in congested, high traffic areas?Do I have small children that are frequently in the car with me?If you answered yes to any of these, it might be a good idea to consider getting ADAS. They can keep you and your family safer, but they can come with a steep price tag.That’s what you should know about the latest car safety features and how you can decide if they are worth the added cost.Nobody wants to skimp on safety, but with the exorbitant costs of cars these days it can be hard to justify paying more money than you need to on a new car. That’s why it’s important to do your research, determine what your budget is, and plan accordingly.One great way to lower your monthly car costs is to refinance your car loan. Refinancing your vehicle with Auto Approve can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars a year. So don’t wait to start saving money! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you first buy a new car, it’s incredibly exciting. The new car smell, the first few long drives, the ooohs and ahhhs from friends as you pull up for the first time. But when those first few car payments come in the mail, having a new car can start to lose its luster. After all, car payments can be very big monthly expenses that really put the squeeze on your budget.But there is an easy fix for high monthly car payments: car loan refinancing. Refinancing your car can save you a lot of money and stress. So how do you know when the time is right to refinance?Here are 3 major signs that it’s time to refinance your car loan.What is car loan refinancing?Before we discuss when you should refinance your car loan, we should talk about what refinancing is exactly. Car loan refinancing is when you pay off your existing car loan with a new loan, one that has better terms. Refinancing your loan can help you change the following loan terms:Your car loan APR (this is the big one!)Your repayment periodYour loan fees Who is listed on the loan (adding or removing a cosigner)Once you get a car loan, it’s incredibly difficult to simply change any of these terms. But if you refinance your car loan you can easily change one or all of them. Where can I refinance my car loan?There are a lot of options when it comes to where you can refinance your car loan. Traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders are all good options, but you want to do your research to determine what will be the best fit for you.When deciding on a lender, you want to compare all of your options. You will not have exact loan terms to look at, but you can certainly do a rough comparison of the following:Average car loan APRsAverage feesCustomer satisfaction ratingsRepayment period optionsWhen you decide on refinancing, you want to apply to about 4-5 lenders. But it’s even easier if you can use a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve. Auto Approve has relationships with lenders all across the country so they can find you the most competitive rates available. They can help you compare and choose the best loan possible, taking care of a lot of the tedious work for you. How do I know it’s time to refinance my car loan?Sign #1: There’s a pile of unpaid bills on your kitchen countertop.Monthly bills add up. There’s rent, mortgages, car payments, insurance payments, utilities, groceries: it can get overwhelming. So if your kitchen counters are full of unpaid bills, it might be a sign to refinance your car loan.Refinancing your car loan can help in a few ways. Refinancing can get you a lower car loan APR, which can lower your monthly payments significantly (more on that later though). Refinancing can also allow you to stretch out your repayment period, which can reduce your monthly payments drastically.Let’s say you have a car loan with a principal of $20,000. You originally financed it over a three year period, and with a 8% APR, so your monthly payments are $626.73. But what if you were able to pay off your balance over four years instead of three years? Suddenly your car loan payments would drop to $488.26 a month, even at the same interest rate. That frees up about $140 per month that you could be using for your other bills. It’s important to keep in mind that lengthening your repayment period means that you will pay more money over the life of the loan (more time to repay also means more time to accrue additional interest). But if you are struggling with payments from month to month, car loan refinancing can be a great option to ease some of the pressure.Sign #2: You got an alert that your credit score has increased. You’ve been working hard to increase your credit score, and huzzah! Your work has paid off. An increased credit score can help you in a lot of ways. Good credit scores will:Get you a better rate on car insuranceGet you approved for higher credit limitsReduce your credit card interest ratesQualify you to get utility service more easilyAnd if your score is better now than when you originally financed your car, it can get you a much lower car loan APR. Your credit score may have increased for a number of reasons. Your score depends on five different categories:Payment history (35%). Do you pay your bills in full and on time? A good payment history is crucially important to a good credit score.Accounts owed (30%). How much money do you owe? How does this compare to how much credit you have available? Credit bureaus look at your credit utilization ratio when determining your credit score (and the likeliness of your repayment).Length of credit history (15%). How long have you had your accounts? The longer you have had your accounts in good standing, the safer of a borrower you are considered to be.Credit mix (10%). How diverse is your credit portfolio? A healthy mix of accounts shows that you can balance and juggle your finances across accounts.New credit (10%). Do you have a lot of new credit accounts? If you have new accounts, your ability to handle them will not be reflected in the other categories, so you may be more of a liability.Changes to any of these categories can cause a pretty big shift in your credit score, but the two most important categories are your payment history and accounts owed. If you recently paid down a large amount of debt or committed to making on time payments, that can be a major boost to your score.Your score can change for other reasons as well. If you had a negative event expire, such as a bankruptcy, that can be a major boost for your score. Discovering an error on your credit report can also score you some extra points. Refinancing your car loan is most beneficial when your credit score is high. The most competitive interest rates are reserved for people with excellent credit scores, usually above the 750 mark. The lower your score is, the more trouble you will have finding a competitive rate. If you are interested in refinancing but your score hasn’t increased, work on improving this before you apply for car loan refinance. Here are the best ways to improve your credit score:Pay down your debts that have high credit utilization ratios (this will reduce your overall credit utilization ratio and greatly help your accounts owed section)Set up auto pay so you never miss a paymentGet a copy of your credit report and search for any errors or inconsistenciesRequest higher credit limits on your accountsResist the urge to close accounts you don’t use (this may seem counterintuitive, but closing accounts can cause a dip in your score)If your score hasn’t increased, take the time to work on it before you apply for car loan refinancing. It will pay off in the long run and save you a lot of money in interest.Sign #3: You’ve seen market rates drop.The car loan APR that you will be offered is based on a combination of your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, your vehicle, and the prevailing market rates. Market rates were at record lows for quite a while, but we are now starting to see them climb back up. Depending on when you first financed your car, the market rates may have dropped significantly. Market rates are controlled in part by the Fed, who sets the prime rate depending on how the economy is performing. If the economy is dragging and needs a jolt, the Fed will lower rates to encourage more spending and discourage saving. Conversely, if the economy is growing too quickly and starting to become inflated, the Fed will increase rates so that demand will cool. If you know that the market rates are lower than when you originally financed your car, it might be a sign to refinance your car loan. You will still need to have a competitive credit score, but you will be much more likely to get a good car loan APR if the market rates are lower.Those are 3 big signs that you should consider a vehicle loan refinance. If you’ve seen these signs, it’s time to think about refinancing your car with Auto Approve. They can help you with the entire process, making it quick, easy, and totally worthwhile. Our experts can get you a quote in minutes and start saving you money just as quickly!So don’t wait–if you’ve seen the signs, contact Auto Approve today and start saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

The leaves are falling, everything is pumpkin spice flavored, and football is in the air. That means one thing: school is back in session. Going back to school is fun and exciting, but it is also expensive. If you are in college, you know just how quickly the expenses add up. Tuition, food, books–the costs never seem to stop. So today we are giving our top tips for saving money in college, from how to start a budget to how to cut costs on groceries. Here are our top tips for budgeting and saving money in college.Set up a budget.The most important thing you can (and should) do for your finances is set up a budget. There are a lot of different ways to go about this, but getting an app for budgeting is an easy way to stay organized and stay committed. There are a lot of different budgeting apps out there that have different goals. Some apps, like Mint and Wally, are simply designed to help you categorize and track expenses. Other apps like Personal Capital help you build savings and work on investments. Some apps track your expenses automatically while others require you to manually enter everything. Do your research to find which app works best for your lifestyle.If you are looking to budget the old school way, it’s really not that hard but it does require a bit of organizing and planning in the beginning. You simply need to determine your monthly income, determine your monthly expenses, and see how everything compares. Look for areas where you are overspending and try to adjust your habits accordingly. Here are some easy ways to edit your expenses:Buy generic groceries instead of name brand groceriesSplit your streaming services with a friend or twoCarpool with friends to split the cost of gasBuy shelf stable items and dry goods in bulk if you have the room–it’ll be cheaper overall Be skimpy when grocery shopping and avoid the urge to buy a lot of perishable food–food waste is a rampant problem in this country (and can really hurt a grocery budget)Whether you choose to use an app or just budget with a spreadsheet, the most important thing is to stay committed. Consistent tracking and discipline will help you avoid debt, build savings, and plan for your future.Set up an emergency fund.It’s never too early to start building a little cushion for a rainy day. If you don’t have an emergency fund just yet, be sure to get one started. There are a few easy ways to get one going:Use direct deposit. Set up your paycheck so that a percentage goes to a savings account dedicated to emergencies. Make it part of your budget. Put your emergency fund as a line item in your budget and treat it like a bill that has to be paid.Use your spare change. Save all of your change and use it as a basis for your emergency fund–you’d be surprised how quickly this can add up!Use your cash back rewards. If you have a credit card that gives you cash back, redeem your points for cash to use for your emergency fund.Experts recommend having enough money in an emergency fund to pay for six months worth of expenses. While that may be a bit unrealistic for a college student, it’s important to get some money saved up (a goal of $1000 is a really good start). It will also get you in good habits for the rest of your adult life.Get the most from your student ID.Your student ID can get you into class and the college gym, but it can get you a lot more than that. Go to your student center to find out what local places offer student discounts. Movie theaters, restaurants, concert venues, and even tech stores offer discounts to students, so be sure to take advantage. Local grocery stores may also offer discounts on certain days, so try to shop accordingly. Only use cash for entertainment and activities. Cash can be a great way to contain your spending. Try taking out $100 or $200 per week that will cover all of your activities and eating out for the week. When you run out of cash, that’s it! You may be surprised at how much money you are spending every week on the non-essentials. Using cash will help you stick to a firm budget for the fun stuff and learn how to balance entertainment and the essentials.Get a cash back credit card.Getting a credit card can be a great thing, but it can also be a little dangerous. In general, if you can get a credit card that you can pay back in full every month, it’s a good move. If you never pay interest on the card, you can actually make money by having a credit card. There are a lot of different cash back credit cards on the market, so do some research and find out what will give you the most bang for your buck.Refinance your car loan.Owning a car on campus can be a huge expense. Car payments, insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance can put a tight squeeze on a limited budget.Refinancing your car loan is an easy way to lower your monthly car expenses. By refinancing your car loan you can secure a lower car loan APR, which can save hundreds of dollars per year. You can also save money by changing your repayment period. By lengthening your repayment period by a year or two, you can lower your monthly payments significantly. If your credit score hasn’t improved since your initial financing, consider asking a family member to co-sign on your car loan refinance. Their good credit score can help secure you a lower APR–just make sure you pay your bills on time so their score isn’t negatively affected.Those are our top budgeting tips for heading back to college.Going to college is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in your dorm room eating ramen the whole time. Learning to budget and cut costs when possible can help you enjoy your time in college while not racking up debt. Don’t let money matters spoil your fun.If you have a car on campus and are financing it, consider refinancing your loan with Auto Approve. It’s an easy way to save money and it’s super fast, so you can spend less money on your car and more money on having fun–err, we mean, on your education.If car refinancing seems like a good idea to you, get your free quote today! Getting a quote is free, quick, and easy, so you have nothing to lose!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Summer’s almost over and saving money is back on everyone’s minds. Whether you spent a little too much soaking in every moment of summer or you just want to get a jumpstart on saving for the holidays, fall is a perfect time to get back on track with your budget. Here are our favorite ways to save money during the fall (while still having fun!)Plan for the fall sales.There are a ton of great sales that happen in the fall. If there are any major purchases you are looking to make, be sure to check out the sales going on in local stores and online. Some major sale days include:Labor Day Sales: You can often find great deals on large appliances, furniture, and tech on Labor Day Weekend.Halloween: While you may run the risk of not getting exactly what you want, waiting until a week or two before Halloween to get your costumes (and stock up on decor for next year!) can save you a lot of money.Veterans Day: There are a surprising amount of deals on Veterans Day. It is quickly becoming the new “beginning of holiday shopping” day, so stores tend to start many deals around this time. Black Friday: Arguably the biggest sale day of the year, Black Friday is a great time to get, well, anything.Cyber Monday: Cyber Monday is quickly becoming more popular than Black Friday, as you can get all of the same deals from the convenience of your living room.Cook hearty.Fall is the perfect time to cook up large, hearty meals that you can enjoy at home. And these hearty meals can be super inexpensive. By using lots of cheaper cuts of meat that cook low and slow and incorporating lots of root vegetables you can cut your food budget by a lot. So skip dining out for a few months, whip out the crock pot, and enjoy some cozy fall dinners in the comfort of your own home.Check up on your budget.It’s easy to fall off of your budgeting practices during the fun of summer. Between vacations, day trips, and eating out with friends, it’s all too easy to go overboard. But fall is a great time to revisit your budget and see how your spending is stacking up. Check in with the following questions:What is your monthly income?What are your monthly expenses?Are there areas that you can edit? (i.e. cut subscription services, limit online shopping, etc.)Are you contributing to your emergency fund?Are you contributing to your savings goal, either short term or long term?This is a great time to realign your spending habits and start thinking about the holidays. Preparing for your holiday spending now can save you a lot of stress later on.Prepare your home for winter.Getting your home ready for the colder weather can help you start saving money and reduce big bills down the road. Consider giving your home a tune up with the following:Replace your furnace filter (you should ideally do this once per month)Have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced.Clear debris from your roof.Clean out your dryer vent.Clean out your gutters.Replace your smoke detector batteries.Paint, caulk, and seal exterior wood.Clean your chimney.All of these little things can prevent big problems down the road and help prevent big bills in the coming months.Up your coupon clipping game.Commit to saving money at the grocery store. Sign up for the store rewards card, go online to find coupons, and switch to generic brands for at least a few of your purchases. You don’t need to switch everything to generic, just pick a few things that you aren’t really attached to and make the change. You’d be surprised how much this can save you over the course of a few months.Be your own barista.For many of us, fall is synonymous with cozy coffees and lattes. But these fancy drinks can add up quickly. Instead, try your own diy lattes at home. Simply brew some strong coffee, add some milk, sugar, and flavored syrup of your choice (pumpkin spice, peppermint–whatever!) and voila–your own fancy coffee for a third of the price. Have some friends over to make drinks and you have a fun–and cheap–fall activity!Seek out some free fall activities.There are lots of free (or just super cheap) activities in the fall, you just have to get creative. Here our some of our favorites:Check to see if your town has any fall festivals. These often have free admission and tons of free attractions.Attend a local high school football game.Go on a hike or bike ride.Host a Halloween movie nightVisit a corn maze.Play in the leaves.Go to a pumpkin patch.Carve or paint your own pumpkins.Have a bonfire.Do a little fall cleanup to declutter for the holidays.Everyone talks about spring cleaning, but fall cleaning can help you clear space for the holidays and possibly make you some cash in the meantime. Go through your clothes, books, dishes, and decor and decide what isn’t working for you anymore. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of anything that isn’t bringing you joy. Try listing these items on a community page or host a garage sale to see if you can get a little extra spending money.Refinance your car loan.Now is a great time to revisit your car loan. Look at the car loan APR and terms of your loan and compare your current credit score to your credit score at the time of your original financing. If your score has increased or the market rates have decreased, there’s a good chance you will qualify for a lower car loan APR. Car refinancing is super easy and it can save you a lot of money every month. By using a company that specializes in auto refinance, like Auto Approve, you can easily compare terms and rates to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Those are our favorite ways to save money this fall.Fall is a great time to check in with our finances and give our budgets a tune up. Whether you are looking to recoup your vacation expenses or just get a head start saving for the holidays, try to use some of our tips to free up some money in your budget.Car refinancing is a great way to save money with little hassle. So don’t wait–get a free quote today and see how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS