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Impulse shopping happens to most of us at one time or another. Whether it’s an all-out Target binge or a last minute purchase while waiting in line, impulse shopping can be hard to overcome. But impulse buying can be dangerous for our finances, cause chaos for our budgets, and create a huge amount of waste. So how can we overcome our impulses and keep our budgets in check?Here’s everything you need to know about impulse buying and how you can resist the temptation to buy things you don’t need.What is impulse buying?Impulse buying is any unplanned purchase that is made. It is typically not needed, but instead something that the consumer decides that they want. It can be as small as a pack of gum in the checkout line or as expensive as a new designer handbag. While impulse buying may fit into your budget and not be an issue, impulse buying can often lead to overspending and can lead to financial issues. There are a few telltale signs that impulse buying is becoming an issue for you. If you tend to go shopping to make yourself feel better and consider shopping a form of “self care”, it may be a sign that you are an impulse buyer. If you are often spending more than you can afford on things that you do not need, that is a red flag that your impulse buying is a big problem.  If you often feel buyer’s remorse or end up not using the products you are buying, that is another telltale sign that you are impulse buying.What causes impulse buying?Impulse buying is incredibly common–so common in fact that there has been tons of research on the subject. Scientists have been fascinated by this consumer behavior and have spent a lot of time researching why this is such a common occurrence. Reason #1: We see something we want.This seems pretty obvious, but a lot of impulse purchases are made simply because we see something we like and it brings us joy. If we see something that makes us immediately happy it can be a pick-me-up, turning a boring or sad day into a good day. Maybe it’s a book that sounds good, a piece of decor that we think will brighten up our living room, or maybe just a chocolate bar in the check out line. All of these things can bring immediate joy to us.Reason #2: There’s a deal.Sometimes seeing something that’s on sale sparks a sense of need that wouldn’t otherwise be there. While you didn’t go to the store to get a sweater, seeing one that is 20% off will suddenly make it feel as if we need it that instant. Many of us are hardwired to look for the best deals as we equate work with money, so finding a good deal will mean that we have to work less than normal to get the desired item. It can be hard to pass up a good deal, and you may even feel guilty if you do not take advantage of a bargain.Reason #3: We get lost in aspiration.We all have goals in life, short term and long term. For many of us the short term goals are things like start a proper skincare routine,  eat more healthy snacks, and exercise more. All of these aspirations can lead to impulse buying when we are feeling vulnerable. You see a certain face lotion that promises you will look longer and you think, yes! This lotion will help me start a skincare routine. You see a workout outfit and you think, of course! This outfit will motivate me to hit the gym. But all of these aspirational purchases tend to lead nowhere BECAUSE they are impulses. They are not thoughtful purchases that you are aiming to add to your life to reach your goals.Reason #4: We don’t want to run out of something.When we find a product that we like we may fear running out of it. This feeling can be intensified if there is a limited amount of something or there is a sale. We want to stockpile whatever we can so that we do not face our fears of being without something.Who is most likely to impulse buy?Most of us impulse buy at one time or another. In fact a survey in 2022 from Slickdeals reported that 73% of respondents buy most of their goods without planning. While many people make impulse purchases there are certain personality traits that make some more likely to impulse buy than others. Research suggests that people with extroverted personalities tend to impulse buy more than introverts. Research also shows that men and women both impulse shop, but men tend to buy electronics while women tend to buy clothing and home goods. Younger people tend to shop impulsively at a higher rate than older people.What are some common impulse purchases?Literally anything can be an impulse purchase. It is merely defined as a purchase that you do not need. But here are the top impulse purchases according to a 2022 GWI study.Clothing. 40% of those who responded reported buying clothes on impulse in the last 3 months.Food and drink. 36% of those who responded reported buying food or drink on impulse in the last 3 months, either at a restaurant or store.Personal care items. 26% of those who responded reported buying personal care items on impulse in the last 3 months.Technology/electronics. 22% of those who responded reported buying some sort of tech or electronics purchase on impulse in the last 3 months.Household products. 20% of those who responded reported buying a household product on impulse in the last 3 months.Entertainment. 18% of those who responded reported buying some sort of entertainment on impulse in the last 3 months, such as a book or movie.Home goods/ furniture. 13% of those who responded reported buying furniture or something for the home on impulse in the last 3 months.Travel/leisure. 12% of those who responded reported an impulse travel purchase in the last 3 months.Impulse purchases often happen at the store, but online impulse purchases are almost more common these days. With social media influencers linking everything they use every minute of the day, a quick flip to your Instagram can easily turn into an impulse purchase. When free shipping and free returns are offered it is even more difficult to avoid impulse purchases. You feel like you can make an easy return should you change your mind, so your brain is able to justify the purchase even more readily. But even with free returns, most consumers report that they tend to not return impulse buys.How can I stop impulse buying?All of this information about impulse buying can help us to break this tendency. After all, knowing why we buy these things can help us avoid the triggers that lead us there.Only go to the store with intention.Going to the store because you are bored, frustrated, stressed, or emotional will set you up to fail. Instead of going to the store with a vague list or idea of what you need, go to the store with a clear intention of what you need. Only use cash at the store.Credit cards are great for many reasons, but having an open credit line can put us in a position to overspend. When you bring cash you can ensure that you will under no circumstances spend more than you have. Put it back on the shelf if you are unsure.Sometimes we see something and love it, but we aren’t sure if we need it. When this happens it is a good idea to simply put it back or save your online purchase for later. This gives you time to think about it and decide if it’s truly something that is worth buying.Remove your saved card information.Being able to save your card online makes online shopping a whole lot easier. From the comfort of anywhere you can click and buy without having to even grab your wallet. Removing your card information will force you to take a few more steps and therefore give you more time to determine if you truly want something. If you can’t be bothered to get your wallet to make a purchase, it probably isn’t worth it in the first place.Unfollow the influencers and unsubscribe from emails.Avoiding temptation can be hard, but unfollowing the people and companies that are tempting you can help you stop making impulse purchases. If you can’t see the product then you can’t be tempted to buy it.That’s what you need to know about impulse buying.Impulse buying is tricky and it can be hard to stop, but using our tips above can help you save money and avoid the wastefulness of impulse buying. Looking for other ways to save money? Think about refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve! Contact us today to find out how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you are a child, money is pretty straightforward. You earn money so you can spend your money on the things you want and need. But as you get older money becomes a more and more complicated idea. Whether you are planning for retirement, saving for your kids’ college fund, or just trying to balance your daily budget, money management can be a bit overwhelming. So how do you know when it’s time to seek financial advice, and how do you decide which advisor is best for you? Here’s the difference between a financial advisor and an accountant and how to decide if you need one (or both). What is a financial advisor?A financial advisor is a professional who helps their client with different parts of their financial lives. Advisors can look at your financial health and help you to meet whatever goals you would like to set. They are essentially your partners in managing your finances and investments. Financial advisors may help you with any or all of the following:They can help you budget and pay back your debts.If you have debts that you are trying to pay back, financial advisors can help you develop strategies and execute a plan. They can also assist in creating and maintaining a budget so that you do not have a problem in the future.They can help you invest.Financial advisors are experts in investing. They can help advise you on what type of investments are best for you based on your income, goals, and risk tolerance.  They can help you save for retirement.Planning for retirement is essential nowadays. Advisors can help you develop a long term goal to retire based on your income and expenses. They can help you plan for another big expense, such as education.If you are trying to save for your kids’ education fund or for another large purchase, financial advisors can help you plan. They can help you with your taxes.Financial advisors can help you to prepare your taxes and maximize your tax deductions. They can help with estate planning.It’s important to have plans in place for when you are no longer here, and a financial advisor can help sort out your estate when that time comes.What is an accountant?An accountant is a financial expert who specializes in taxes specifically. They have a much narrower focus, and instead of helping with all aspects of your finances they can assist you with tracking your transactions and filing your taxes. If you own a business or are self-employed, an accountant is an essential role that can help you with your business statements as well as your business taxes.What is the difference between a financial advisor and an accountant?A financial advisor has a much broader role than an accountant and can assist you with many facets of your finances. You will typically meet with a financial advisor much more regularly than an accountant, whom you would typically only meet with around tax season. Financial advisors and accountants hold different certifications as well. Financial advisors usually hold a certified financial planner (CFP) title or a chartered financial analyst (CFA) title. Accountants on the other hand will usually have a certified public accountant (CPA) title.How much does it cost to hire a financial advisor or an accountant?While these services are incredibly important, they can be a significant investment. Financial advisors earn money in a few different ways. Some advisors earn commissions based on the products they sell to their clients, typically around 1% of the client’s annual earnings. Some advisors work on a fee-based model, charging an hourly rate for their services. These fees can range from $100 an hour to over $300 an hour based on the advisor’s experience. There is also a range for how much an accountant may charge you. If an accountant is handling your taxes they will charge you based on how long your return taxes are to file and how complicated it is. A recent study by the National Society of Accountants found that a simple federal and state return with no deductions cost about $220, while an itemized tax return would cost about $320. The cost increased to $457 when a Schedule C form was required.If you need to hire an accountant for other yearly services (if you own a business, for instance), the rate is typically hourly and/or project based. Should I hire a financial advisor, an accountant, neither, or both?You should consider hiring a financial planner if any of the following apply to you.You want to start planning for retirement.You want to start investing but don’t know where to start.You have investments but are losing money.You want to make an estate plan. If a financial advisor is out of your budget, you may qualify for pro bono assistance with the Financial Planning Assistance Association. You may also consider using a robo-advisor such as Betterment or Wealthfront. These services are much more affordable and do not require as much money to get started. You should consider hiring an accountant if any of the following apply to you.Your taxes are becoming increasingly complicated and time-consuming.You own your own business.You need help evaluating your business structure and financial health. If your taxes are pretty straightforward with minimal deductions, an accountant may not be worth it. You may be fine to DIY your taxes or use software to file. But as your taxes become more complicated there is more risk when it comes to doing it yourself. A tax professional can help you maximize your returns and avoid any issues with the IRS. A good CPA will ensure you are compliant with tax law while also saving you as much money as possible. If you have a particularly complicated financial situation, it may be valuable to have both an accountant and a financial advisor. While a financial advisor can help you file your taxes, an accountant specializes in taxes and may be more beneficial to you.  That’s how you can decide if a financial advisor or accountant is a good idea for you.Money gets more complicated as we get older and sometimes it's a good idea to call in the professionals. When it comes to money management, an advisor and/or accountant can be an investment in your own financial health and wellbeing. One easy way you can save money is by refinancing your car loan. Auto Approve has helped thousands of people refinance their car loans and save a lot of money. Find out how much money you could be saving and get your free quote today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS  

When we think of loans we tend to think of them as tied to a specific thing. For instance you may take out an auto loan to purchase a car or a mortgage to purchase a house. But there is a more general loan that is available to you if you need cash for a different reason: a personal loan. Personal loans can help consolidate debt, make a large purchase, or help cover a life event such as a wedding. While personal loans are not always a good idea, there are many instances when a personal loan can be useful and may be worthwhile.Let’s talk about how personal loans work.What is a personal loan?A personal loan is a type of loan that can be used for nearly anything. They have a set repayment period and interest rate and you will be responsible for making a payment every month to the lender that loaned you the money. The amounts, interest rates, and repayment period can vary dramatically depending on the lender and the applicant.  A personal loan could be as small as $1,000 but can easily stretch to $100,000. The interest rate will depend on the type of loan it is and can range from 6% to over 30%. Repayment periods can be as short as one year or stretch to seven years.Are there different types of personal loans?Personal loans can all be used with very few restrictions, but there are differences in loan types that you should understand. Loans are divided into two categories, unsecured loans and secured loans. An unsecured loan means that there is no collateral. You can simply sign the loan agreement, get a lump sum of money, and make your payments as they are outlined in your contract. Personal loans are unsecured for the most part. Secured loans mean that collateral is required to receive the money. This means that if you fall behind on payments or your account becomes delinquent, the bank can take your collateral as payment. Auto loans and mortgages are both secured loans because the bank can take your car and house, respectively, as payment if you fall behind. There is another type of personal loan called a credit builder loan that you may qualify for if you are unable to get approved for a regular personal loan. Instead of extending a line of credit for you to pay back, you make payments into an account. The lender will report this to the credit bureaus, allowing you to build your credit. When you pay the full amount, the money is released to you, minus fees.How are interest rates calculated?The interest rate that is offered on personal loans can vary widely. Lenders will consider the following when determining the interest rate for your personal loan:Your credit scoreYour incomeYour debt-to-income ratioThe prime rate, set by the FedYour employment historyThe amount of the loanThe repayment period of the loanYour finances are the biggest factor when it comes to what interest rate you will be offered. Those with the best credit scores and lowest debt-to-income ratios will be offered the best interest rates. A shorter repayment period will also earn you a lower interest rate.What can I use a personal loan for?There are no real restrictions on what you can use a personal loan to buy. Here are some common reasons people get personal loans. An emergencySometimes things happen that catch us unprepared and without the necessary cash. A surprise visit to the hospital can leave you owing hundreds of thousands of dollars. A burst pipe in your home may cause damage that insurance doesn’t cover. The death of a loved one may lead to unexpected funeral expenses. A personal loan can help you cover these costs and pay them back over time. Debt consolidationIf you have several loans with high interest rates that are causing you trouble, a personal loan can help you consolidate. Instead of tracking five or ten accounts you can pay them off with your personal loan and focus all of your payments and energy on one account. An event or holidaySometimes we cannot wait until everything is perfect to take that big trip or make that big leap. Maybe you got a great opportunity to take a trip and need some cash, or maybe it’s finally time to walk down the aisle at your wedding. Either way a personal loan can help you afford it. A home improvement projectAnother common reason for a personal loan is to make an expensive home improvement. A new roof, remodeled kitchen, or an addition can all cost big bucks these days. It may be hard to save that much money, and maybe you simply cannot afford to wait that long. A personal loan can help you make the improvements you need when you need to make them. Is a personal loan better than a credit card?But wait–if you have a credit card with a high limit, why would a personal loan make sense? In general a personal loan will have a better interest rate than your credit card. And more than that, personal loans have fixed interest rates while credit cards have variable rates. This means that at any point your credit card company can increase your interest rate. If you take out a personal loan with a fixed rate you are guaranteed to keep that interest rate for the life of the loan. That doesn’t mean that you should always run to get a personal loan when you need to make a purchase, but it’s a good idea to do some research. If you know that you can pay it back quickly it may make more sense to buy something on your credit card rather than going to the trouble of taking out a personal loan.  How do I apply for a personal loan?Determine how much you need. You obviously want to get a loan that is large enough to cover what you need, but you want to avoid overborrowing. If the loan is too large you may have trouble paying it back, which can cause major trouble down the road and could ruin your credit score. Prepare ahead of time.Prepare for a personal loan application the same way you would prepare for any loan application. Request a copy of your credit report to review for any errors and make sure everything is accurate. If you need a personal loan for an emergency there may not be time to get your finances in order per se, but knowing how your credit report looks will help you determine where you might be able to get a loan. Try to prequalify.You should always try to prequalify for a loan ahead of time, as this will save you a lot of time. This will allow you to weed out lenders that won’t give you a personal loan, rather than going through the entire application process with each and every lender. Not all lenders offer pre qualifications, so you may have to fill out actual applications for some loans with no real idea whether or not you will qualify. But preliminary research will hopefully help you determine if you qualify. After you prequalify with a few different lenders you can move onto the application process. Apply.The application process will differ from lender to lender but you will typically need the following to apply:Driver’s license or other government issued photo identificationProof of residenceRecent pay stubs or recent tax returnsBanking information The lenders will request access to your credit report which will count as a hard inquiry on your report. You want to be sure to apply to all of your lenders at the same time so that all hits will count as one hard inquiry (the credit bureaus give you a fourteen day window where all requests can be lumped together as one hit). Get approved and receive your money.After you are approved and sign all of the documents, you can then receive the money for your personal loan. The time of this will vary from lender to lender, but you will usually have your money deposited to you as one lump sum of cash within a few days. Some lenders can even complete this on the same day. Pay your loan back.It’s incredibly important to make regular, on time payments to your lender. Missing payments can trigger fees and cause damage to your credit score that is hard to come back from. That’s everything you need to know about personal loans. Personal loans can be very useful for many people. Whether it’s an emergency that hits your wallet hard or an opportunity that you can’t pass up, sometimes you just need cash fast.  If you need cash and have a car loan, refinancing can help free up some money for you. Contact Auto Approve today to find out home much money you could be saving! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Owning a car costs more and more money each day. From car payments to insurance to gas to maintenance, the bills never stop. But there are usually easy steps we can take to cut our costs here and there to make owning a car less expensive. Here are 8 ways you can cut your car expenses today.#1. Refinance your auto loan.Refinancing your car loan is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on your car. When you refinance your loan you are replacing your existing loan with a new car loan, ideally one that has better terms and conditions. Refinancing to a lower car loan APR can save you hundreds, if not thousands, every year. There are several reasons you may qualify for a lower car loan APR:You have paid off some debt since your initial financing. Your credit score has increased since your initial financing.Your income has increased since your initial financing.The market rates have decreased since your initial financing. Refinancing your car loan also allows you to change your repayment period. This means that you can pay your principal off over a longer period of time. While you will end up paying more over the life of your loan, you can cut your monthly payments drastically, which may be a good trade off for you.#2. Lower your car insurance.It may not occur to you that you are probably eligible for a lower insurance premium. In fact, you should compare insurance rates every year when it is time for renewal. There are a lot of insurance companies with competitive rates that offer discounts for different things. Researching some different companies can help you determine where you might find the best rates. There’s no harm in getting several quotes to see if it's worth the switch.  You can also review your current policy to see if you need all of the coverage that you have. Minimum insurance coverage requirements vary from state to state so you will need to check your state’s laws to determine what you need. But reducing unnecessary coverage is a great way to save money with very little hassle. You can also ask your insurance company if there are other steps you can take to reduce your premium, such as taking a defensive driving class or participating in a usage-based insurance program. These programs monitor your actual driving and can offer discounts based on how safe of a driver you are.#3. Bundle your errands together.A great way to cut down on gas costs is to avoid driving as much as possible. One way to do this is to lump all of your errands together when you can. Instead of running out for groceries one day, to the dry cleaners the next day, and to the mall on the third day, simply devote one day to running around. You will save yourself many miles in backtracking, which will cut down on gas as well as wear and tear. And it’s better for the environment as an added bonus. #4. Learn to do routine maintenance yourself.Putting air in your tires, changing your oil, and swapping out spark plugs and headlights are easy maintenance tasks that can save you a good deal of money. Watching YouTube or having a friend show your ropes can make these tasks incredibly easy, and maybe even enjoyable. If you do not feel comfortable or safe doing them, at least shop around for a mechanic that is reasonable. Avoid going to the dealership for routine maintenance at all costs, unless the cost is covered by your warranty. Dealerships are notoriously expensive for things like oil changes, so a neighborhood mechanic is a much better bet.#5. Carpool with a friend.Carpooling with a friend or loved one is a great way for both of you to cut down on costs. If you are both going to work or to the gym, why not just go together? Splitting the cost of travel will make it more affordable, plus you can get some quality time together.#6. Downsize your car.Times and circumstances change our lives, and sometimes a car that was once practical is no longer a good option. If you have a car that is too expensive, too big, or too expensive to repair, you can always downsize to a more economical car. If you want to make the switch quickly, sites like Carvana can help you trade in with very little hassle. If you have the time to sell your car privately you will most likely make a bit more money, but it will take more legwork on your end.#7. Comparison shop for gas.Gone are the days when you needed to settle for the gas station down the street. Not only do most towns have a lot of gas stations to choose from, but there are many apps that will do the research of comparing gas prices for you. After all, it’s pretty unproductive to drive around wasting gas to compare prices. But apps like Waze, GasBuddy, and Gas Gurus can all help you get the best deal in town. #8. Wash your car by hand.Car washes are convenient but the costs can add up quickly. Instead get the hose and bucket out and wash your car by hand. Handwashing is also much better for your car's paint job, as the automatic car washes use more abrasive chemicals and mechanical brushes which can cause the paint to deteriorate. While you are at it, be sure to wax your car every few months to protect the paint even more. The cost of getting your car repainted in the future will far outweigh the investment of car wax and some elbow grease.Those are a few ways you can cut your car costs. Owning a car is expensive. And while we cannot change the price of gas or the cost of a new car, there are ways that we can cut our costs significantly. Changing our driving habits and being proactive when it comes to our insurance policy and our car loan can result in some big savings.  If refinancing your car loan sounds like a good option for you, Auto Approve is here to help! We specialize in car loan refinancing and can help you through the process. From determining if you are eligible to signing on the dotted line, we will be by your side the whole time to help you save money today. So don’t wait any longer to start saving money! Contact Auto Approve today for your free quote! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

It’s hard to beat the convenience of having a car. Public transportation can be hard to rely on and biking or walking isn’t always the most practical option. But having a car means you can set your own schedule and get where you need to go whenever you choose. Owning a car in the city isn’t for the faint of heart however, so here’s how you can decide if it’s the right move for you. Let’s talk about owning a car in the city. What are the benefits of owning a car in the city?It’s faster than public transportation (usually).The fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line. It certainly isn’t a winding curve with multiple stops along the way to pick up more passengers. Having a car means you don’t need to get to the correct bus stop or train station, you don’t need to wait for that bus or train to arrive, and you don’t need to make multiple stops on your way to your destination. If you ever need to get somewhere quickly, having a car is the way to go. You have freedom.Having a car means you can get up and go whenever you want. There’s no schedule to abide by. This is especially true if you like to leave the city. If you are getting around from place to place in a city there are usually a few different ways to get there and many different time tables. But if you try to get out of the city it can be a lot harder. There may be only one or two buses or trains a day that are going to your destination. But a car means that you can leave when you want, stay for as long as you want, and come back when you want.  You can run errands.A car makes running errands much easier. After all, lugging bags of groceries on the bus is less than ideal. But if you need to run to the store and get a lot of things or make a large purchase, such as a piece of furniture, having a car is imperative. What are the disadvantages of owning a car in the city?It’s expensive.The major drawback of owning a car in the city is that it is EXPENSIVE. Everything just costs more in the city since there is not a lot of space but there is a lot of demand.  Parking is arguably one of the biggest expenses you will face depending on where you live. In New York City parking averages at $37 for just two hours. Unless you have an apartment that comes with a spot (which you will undoubtedly have to pay additional for), finding a reasonable parking rate is incredibly difficult in a big city. Tolls are another cost that is impossible to avoid in the cities. In New York City drivers can easily pay up to $.55 per mile on tolls, while drivers can expect to pay $1.75 per mile on tolls in San Francisco. Car insurance is also incredibly expensive in the city. This is because the rate of accidents is so much higher. Check out these average car insurance rates from popular cities in the United States.Miami: Almost $3,000 per yearLas Vegas: $2,088 per yearNew Orleans: Over $3,500 per yearOrlando: Almost $2,250 per yearJacksonville, FL: $2,025 per yearLos Angeles: $2,053 per year Gas is more expensive in cities as well and can cost you an arm and a leg. Here are some average gas prices in US cities as of September 2023:San Diego: $5.60 per gallonLos Angeles: $5.79 per gallonSan Francisco: $5.42 per gallonLas Vegas: $4.87 per gallon On top of those costs, you still have to pay for the actual car. And given how expensive cars are now, that can be a huge dent to your monthly budget. Here are some average auto loan debt to income ratios in popular cities:In Las Vegas auto loan debt is 39% of income.In Miami auto loan debt is 45% of income.In New Orleans auto loan debt is 37% of income. In Houston auto loan debt is 44% of income.In Orlando auto loan debt is 38% of income.In Jacksonville, FL auto loan debt is 39% of income. So the bottom line is that car ownership in a city is usually out of most people’s budget. You have to find parking.We already discussed how expensive parking can be, but sometimes that actual act of finding a parking spot can be a nightmare. You can easily spend 20 or 30 minutes just trying to find an open spot or a garage that has openings. It can cause a lot of stress, anxiety, and the time that it takes to park may even defeat any time you may have gained by avoiding public transportation. There’s a lot of traffic.City driving comes with a lot of traffic. With so many cars and people, delays in the city are inevitable. It can cause delays, headaches, and can even lead to incidents of road rage. The rate of fender benders is also through the roof in most cities because of traffic. While these accidents don’t cause too much damage, they can still be costly to repair and a pain to deal with. You will get poor gas mileage.Driving in the city means poor gas mileage as well. This is because of the extra time idling at stop lights and being stuck in traffic, the stop and go driving, and the lower speeds you are driving. Car manufacturers specify city miles and highway miles for this reason. So well your car may get 40 miles per gallon on the open road, you may only get 25 miles per gallon in a congested city.Crime rates are higher.This isn’t the case in every city, but compared to suburban or rural areas the chance of crime tends to be higher in cities. Your vehicle may have a higher chance of being stolen or broken into, which is not only expensive in and of itself, but can cause your insurance premiums to increase.  Should I get a car in the city?Ultimately it is up to you if owning a car in the city is worth it. If the cost and potential stress is outweighed by the convenience it offers, then getting a car might be a great option for you. After all, it is hard to beat the freedom that comes with owning a car. You may also choose to share a car with a roommate or loved one to help split the costs associated with ownership. What kind of car is best for city driving? If you weigh the pros and cons of owning a car in the city and decide that it’s worth it to you, you may be wondering what type of car is the best for city driving. Here are some of the important characteristics you should look for in a city car:A car that’s small enough to maneuver and park easily but large enough to fit what you need.A car that gets good city gas mileage. A car that has a tight turning radius.A car with a good camera system to help you park.A car with pedestrian detection. Driving in the city is very different from driving in a rural area and your car should be equipped to handle it. Compact to mid-size cars are generally a good bet in terms of size. A large SUV or truck will most likely be difficult to maneuver and park. A car that is known for efficiency and good gas mileage, such a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla may be a perfect choice for city driving. If your budget is a little higher, a BMW 2 Series may be a sportier and more fun selection. A Tesla Model 3 is another great option that blows the other competitors out of the water in terms of gas mileage. With 390 miles on a single charge, it may be the most practical in terms of fuel economy.  If an SUV is what you want and need, there are a number of smaller SUVs that might work for you even in a city environment. The Hyundai Kona gets great gas mileage (30 mpg city) and is a pretty affordable option. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a slightly higher price tag, but with 41 mpg city it’s hard to beat.That’s your guide to owning a car in the city.Owning a car comes with a lot of benefits, but it’s not without its downsides. If you are considering getting a car in the city, be sure you can afford it. If you already own a car, refinancing your car loan can make car ownership a whole lot more affordable. Contact Auto Approve today to see how much money you could save! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

The current auto workers strike is causing a great deal of unease for the current car market. If the strike is resolved soon, the effect on the market is expected to be minimal, but if the strike continues for weeks or months, dealers and consumers may be in a less than desirable situation. Here’s how the UAW will affect the car market.Why is the UAW on strike?The UAW–the United Auto Workers–is on strike against three of the largest car manufacturers in the United States. The strike began when 13,000 workers at GM, Ford, and Stellantis walked out of factories in Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio on September 15. While the UAW represents 150,000 auto workers, they targeted their strike to strategic factories and locations. By focusing on assembly plants as opposed to other factories, such as engine plants, they started the strike where there was minimal disruption. GM, Ford, and Stellantis–the big three–had ramped up production over the summer in anticipation of a strike, so currently there is not a huge disruption. But that may change as weeks go on and the UAW demands are not met. The workers are demanding the following changes in their upcoming contract negotiations. A Pay RaiseThe union is demanding a 36% wage increase over the next four years. The UAW is asking for the high raise in part because they have not had a cost of living increase in fourteen years. Automakers have countered their request with a 20% increase, but have commented that they will make up for this in other ways, such as lowering other benefits and reducing hiring in the future. The UAW has commented they will settle for anything below a mid-30s percentage increase. A Reduced WorkweekThe UAW proposed a reduction from 40 hours to 32 hours to give workers more of a work-life balance. The manufacturers have repeatedly denied this, countering instead with additional vacation time and possible paternity leave. Retirement BenefitsThe union is requesting a significant increase in retirement benefits. They would like to see a return to traditional pensions, while the automakers are countering with additional 401(k) contributions.  Other DemandsThe union has other demands for the companies as well, such as reinstating cost of living adjustments, the elimination of in-progression pay structure (a return to equal pay for equal work), and product commitments that will guarantee jobs for workers. What will resolve the UAW strike?Workers feel strongly that they have been taken advantage of while the profits of these companies have skyrocketed. The automakers on the other hand feel like the workers are paid competitive wages and that the strike will only hurt the economy at large. As with any strike, compromise on both sides is the only solution for the situation. Both sides have shown hints of certain concessions but both sides have sticking points that may take a while to resolve. What’s the current state of the auto market?Automakers ramped up production in anticipation of the strike, so there is no immediate shortage of cars. In fact studies have shown that dealerships currently feel comfortable with the amount of cars that they have on their lot. The biggest fear for the immediate market is the psychology of the consumer. If consumers start to panic that they may not be able to get a car in the future they may put a huge demand on the market and drive prices up almost instantaneously. Dealers may also make a similar move. If they fear that they will not keep up on inventory they may drive prices up. What effect could the strike have on the car market? Should the strike continue for several weeks, the psychology of consumers and dealers will not be the only issue. Car prices are already at record highs as a result of the pandemic and post-pandemic supply shortages. The price of a new car skyrocketed from $39,919 in 2020 to an average of $48,798 in 2023. Combined with high interest rates, partially due to the Fed’s continued prime rate increases throughout the year, buying a new car is not cheap. A new car loan average interest rate is currently 7.46%. Consumers with leases may also see the impact as dealers will want to retain their used cars and might be unwilling to extend the lease. Shortages of cars with the big three means that consumers will increase demand on other car manufacturers, causing prices to increase even further.  The used car market may also start to climb significantly if the strike continues. The used car market was extremely hot following the pandemic, but prices have started to normalize again. That could all change if the strike continues and the demand for used cars skyrockets. The coming days and weeks will reveal more and have an impact on the economy in one way or another. If the demands are not met, more factories will see workers walk out. As certain workers walk out, the automakers are laying off other employees that cannot work without the parts supplied by the other factories. The ripple effect will be felt by all employees and all car consumers. What should I do if I need a new car right now?It’s hard to ignore the strike, but it’s important to not panic. Were you already in the market for a new car and still need one? Then go down to the dealership and see what deals are available. The chief operating officer for North America at Stellantis, Mark Stewart, has urged customers to keep buying cars. He has said repeatedly that there are contingency plans should the strike continue. It’s impossible to predict what will happen in the coming weeks, so the biggest thing you can do is try to make an informed decision, and not a decision rooted in panic or emotion. If the time is right for you to buy a car, shop around with different dealers and look for loans with a number of lenders. There are a record amount of rejections right now, so it’s more important than ever to ensure your credit is good before you apply for a new car loan. If the time is not right, hold onto your car for a little longer. Take the time to increase your credit score, pay down some debt, and bide your time until you are in a good position to afford a new car.That’s what is going on with the UAW strike and how it could impact the car market. If you are holding onto your car, consider refinancing with Auto Approve. If your financial situation has improved since your initial financing, chances are you could get a lower interest rate. So what are you waiting for? GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

New cars are quite expensive these days. Considering how much value a car loses when it drives off the lot, buying a used car can be a great way to save a lot of money. But buying a used car requires a bit more research, patience, and a healthy degree of skepticism to get a good deal. Let’s talk about used car scams and how to avoid getting ripped off.What are some common used car scams? Scam #1: The Sell Now ScamThe seller posts a picture of a real car that is for sale, but in fact they do not own the car. On the ad they claim that they need to sell the car fast and at a deep discount for one reason or another. Sometimes they claim it’s because a loved one died and they need to get rid of it quickly for sentimental reasons, other times they claim they have been deployed. But they require a partial payment to confirm that you will buy the car. Once they receive the money, they disappear and you never see your money again.Scam #2: The Gift Card ScamThe seller requests gift cards as payment instead of cash. They instruct the buyer to purchase x amount of gift cards, and when they receive the gift cards you are unable to contact them again. This payment is untraceable, and the unusual request should alert you right away that it is a scam. Scam #3: The “I’m Affiliated With…” ScamThe seller fakes a partnership or relationship with a reputable dealer. Their website will boast that they are affiliated with eBay or Cars.com or another legitimate company, when in reality they have no such relationship. They often use fake phone numbers and even link to fake websites that mimic legitimate dealer sites, all in an effort to fool you into thinking they are a legitimate operation. Scam #4: The Escrow ScamThe seller appears to be on the up and up and suggests putting the money in escrow until the sale is finalized. The buyer feels that this is in good faith, makes the escrow payment, and then never hears from the seller again. In reality there was no escrow company and the money was really made to the scammer directly.  Scam #5: The Curbstoning ScamThe seller convinces the buyer to meet in a public space such as a parking lot or the curb of a road. They then put the pressure on to buy their car, which is made to look like a safe, normal car. In reality the car has dangerous issues that would make it illegal to sell under normal circumstances, such as a bent frame. When the cash is received, the seller leaves and the buyer realizes that they do not have the necessary paperwork and are left out of money and out of a car. Scam #6: The “It Only Needs a Little Work” ScamThe seller places ads that their car is working great, it just “needs a little work”, usually something minor and inexpensive. They might tell the buyer that the engine just needs a new spark plug, and once the spark plug is replaced it will work perfectly. The buyer hands over the money and makes the necessary repairs, only to realize that the spark plug was not the problem, but in fact the whole engine needs to be replaced.  Scam #7: The VIN Cloning ScamThe seller posts an ad, sells the car, and everything seems legitimate. But in fact the VIN is a duplicate VIN, a clone of a car that has a clean record. The car that the buyer just bought is actually a stolen car or a car that is defective. If it is discovered to be a stolen car, it may be repossessed from you and returned to its original owner.  Scam #8: The Title Washing ScamThe seller has a car that has been deemed totaled, usually because it was in a flood or an accident. The title of the car is branded so that everyone can see that the car is not fit to drive. The seller “washes'' the title, transferring the title to a state where the DMV will not recognize the branding. They then get a new title where no branding exists and the car’s salvage status is erased. The buyer has no idea that the car they are purchasing is in fact unsafe to drive. This is a scam that has been pulled by private sellers and used dealers alike.  Scam #9: The Odometer ScamThe seller manually adjusts the odometer reading of the car they are selling to make it appear as if the car has been driven less than it actually has. This is unfortunately a very common occurrence. The NHTSA estimates that nearly half a million cars are sold each year with manipulated odometer readings. Scam #10: The Purchase Protection ScamThe seller claims to have a purchase protection program that will protect the buyer and lull them into a sense of ease. In reality the purchase protection plan is bogus, and is only made to look legitimate through fake numbers and a shiny website. Buyers make deposits and payments, only to never hear from the seller again.How can I protect myself from used car scams?Protecting yourself from scams requires research and common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is and it’s best to run the other way. Here are some other tips to protect yourself from fraud. Research the buyer.If you are buying from a dealership, dig around online to find out about their reputation. If you find some alarming reviews, it’s best to believe them and find another dealer. You can also check their standing with the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have complaints filed against them. If it’s a private seller, see if there’s any information you can find online. Check the phone number they give you to make sure it’s a real number. If you cannot find any trace of the person online, they may not exist. If you are dealing with an online seller, dig deep into their website and don’t believe everything you read. If they claim they are affiliated with another company like eBay, go to eBay’s website to confirm.  Research the car.The seller should be able to give you the car’s VIN. This will allow you to access the CARFAX and run a title check. This will alert you to VIN cloning and title washing and will alert you to any funny business with the odometer. Don’t make advance payments.Don’t fall for the rush rush rush sales tactics. There is never a need to instantly send someone money. There is no deal in the world that is that good and on the up and up. There is really no need for a seller to demand a deposit, so avoid making one. If there is an instance where it is warranted, be sure to get a receipt. Meet in person.If a seller refuses to meet you in person, that should be a big red flag. Of course you want to be safe about any and all meetups, but you should always see the car–and the seller–in person, especially before handing over any money.  Look at the title carefully.Before handing over any money be sure to scrutinize the car’s title. Make sure the VIN on the title matches the one on the car and check the odometer reading. If it is smudged on the title, that is another red flag.  Be leery of cash only transactions.While some people love dealing in cash, be leery if this is the only payment the seller will accept. You cannot trace cash the way that you can trace a check or credit card transaction. Criminals prefer untraceable methods for obvious reasons, so be on the lookout for how they react to different payment methods. Use good old common sense.While doing your research is the best way to prepare and avoid a scam, you should still listen to that tiny voice in your head. If a seller is giving off weird vibes, being evasive in your conversations, or rushing you a bit too much, listen to your heart. There are a lot of cars out there and another deal will come your way sooner or later. If you fall for a scam you will be out of money and have very little to show for it. Better to protect yourself (and your money) by being cautious.Those are some common used car buying scams (and how you can protect yourself from them). If you already have a car that you are making payments on, you can protect yourself in a different way–by refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve. Car loan refinance can save you a lot of money, and who couldn’t use some extra money? GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

There are seemingly endless options when it comes to banks these days. From traditional banks to online banks, there have never been more places to keep your money. But all banks are not created equal and selecting the wrong bank can come back to bite you right in the wallet. So when the time comes to open a checking account, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are 10 questions you should ask before opening a checking account. #1. Is there a mobile app or online banking?In today’s digital world, a mobile app or access to online banking is imperative for many people. While some people prefer to go to the physical bank to do all of their transactions, that is simply not an option for everyone.  If online banking is important to you, be sure to ask how their platform works. What transactions can you do online? Most platforms will allow you to check your balance, pay bills, and deposit checks all from the convenience of your smartphone. There may be limits to the amounts you can deposit or there may be fees charged for each deposit, so these are questions you should ask as well. #2. Are there physical branches? If so, where are they located?Again, some people like to go to the physical bank for all transactions. If this is the case for you, be sure to find out where the banks are located. Some larger transactions may require you to go to the physical location, so you should at least check that there is one within driving distance to you.#3. Are there bank ATMs? If so, where are they located?While many places are turning cashless these days, some of us still need cash on hand. You will not have to pay a fee if you use your bank’s ATM or an ATM that is in your bank’s network, but you should check where these are located. Also ask what fees you will have to pay for using an out of network ATM. While some online banks have no physical locations, and therefore have no ATMs, they may have a policy that allows you to use certain ATMS with no fee.#4. Is there a minimum balance?A minimum balance may be required to keep certain checking accounts in good standing. These minimum balances may be required daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the bank. If you do not plan to keep a large sum of money in your checking account, try to look for one with no minimum balance. You may be able to have this requirement waived if based on other policies, such as linking your savings account to your checking account. Ask the bank if there are any ways to have the minimum balance requirement waived. Failing to keep the balance will result in fees or the denial of interest payments so you want to keep your account in good standing.#5. What is the interest rate?Many banks offer interest rates on checking accounts. These rates are usually low, much lower than the rates for savings accounts. If a bank does offer a high yield checking account there may be a higher minimum balance. But it’s good to shop around for a good interest rate if possible. After all, if your money is just sitting there and can earn some interest, why shouldn’t it?#6. What are the bank fees?Banks charge different fees for different things. Here are just a few of the fees you may be required to pay at some point:Account maintenance feeOverdraft feeMinimum balance penalty feeATM feeReturn depositTransfer feeForeign transaction feePaper statement feeAccount closure fee There is usually a list of fees that will be provided to you. Paying attention to what the policies and fees are will help you select a bank that is right for you.  #7. Are there any requirements you need to meet?In addition to minimum balances, there may be other requirements that you are required to meet in order to keep your account open and in good standing. Some banks require that you deposit a certain amount every month, have a limit to how many checks you can write, or require a significant balance that you need to deposit to open the account. #8. Can you access your money if you are traveling?If you are a traveler it is imperative to check the foreign transaction policy of your checking account. There is no worse feeling than being in a foreign country with no access to your money. Some banks will allow you to use your card at a foreign ATM and take out the local currency, but this policy and the fees that you are charged will vary from bank to bank.If travel is a high priority for you, look for a bank that will waive foreign transaction fees. Banks today are trying to become more competitive when it comes to overseas transactions, so you may be able to find some banks with exceptional policies. Charles Schwab offers one of the best international ATM withdrawal policies while Capital One has some of the best deals on foreign transaction fees.#9. Will the money be insured?It is not out of the question that something could happen to the bank you select. Given the failure of four banks this year alone, it’s something that you should at least consider. Most banks are insured by the FDIC–the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation–which will usually insure your money for up to $250,000. If the bank is not insured, take that as a warning sign. #10. How is the bank’s customer service?Chances are you will need to contact customer service at some point. It may be for assistance with a simple banking issue or it may be to report an unrecognized transaction. But either way you want to be sure that the customer service is responsive and will work with you. Reading reviews online will give you a sense of how other customers have been treated in the past and can help inform your decision.Those are the questions you should be asking when opening a new checking account.Researching banks may not be the most enjoyable thing to do, but taking the time to examine each option can help save you a lot of money and time in the future. You work hard for your money and deserve to keep it somewhere safe and accessible. Your money should not be tied up in a bad bank account, nor should it be tied up in unreasonable car payments. Contact Auto Approve today to find out how refinancing your car loan can save you money! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

The air is crisp and the leaves are changing colors in many parts of the United States, which means one thing: the holidays are right around the corner. Before we know it the stores will be decked out in red and green and holiday music will be on every station. And while many of us look forward to this time of year, our bank accounts certainly do not.  So how and when should you start saving for the holidays? Here’s our ultimate guide on saving for the holiday season.When should I start saving for the holidays?While some people say you should start saving for the holidays as soon as the last holiday season is over (i.e. save all year), for most of us that isn’t practical. Not only is it hard to think that far in advance, but there are a lot of expenses that pop up over the course of the year that take precedence over holiday shopping funds. It is more realistic to start saving about 3 months ahead of time. This gives you time to save money in a focused way. What are the benefits of saving for the holidays?The big benefit of saving for the holidays is that you will have more time to save and therefore can have more money when the time to shop comes around. But that’s not the only benefit of planning and saving ahead of time.You can find the best deals.When you start saving money early in a focused way, you can keep an eye out for deals. As the holidays get closer and closer retailers know that people will pay more and more money for things. But taking advantage of sales earlier in the season and avoiding the last minute rush of shopping will save you a lot of money (and a big headache to boot). You can prevent overspending.Consider this. You have most of your list checked off for holiday gifts, but one name still lingers on your list. As the days go on you get more and more desperate, eventually purchasing one (or a few) overpriced items even though you aren’t even sure if they are the right gift. Saving ahead of time with a list of people to shop for can help minimize the likelihood of this.  It’s good for your mental health.It’s well known that the holidays are a hard time for many people. From the stress of money to the stress of family to the stress of jam-packed schedules, it can be overwhelming. But preparing ahead can help ensure you don’t deplete your bank account and add even more stress to your life. It will also help you avoid running around at the last minute so you can take a minute to relax and reset before jumping back into holiday festivities.How can I prepare for the holidays?Preparation is key when it comes to saving for anything, whether it’s a down payment, emergency fund stash, or a holiday savings fund. Here are some tips to set you up for success. #1. Make a list of what gifts you need.The first step to figuring how much you need to save is to figure out who you need to add to your gift list. Make a list of your usual recipients, everyone from your mom and dad to your cousin’s kid and your postal worker. Then look at every person and start brainstorming ideas. If you have a specific idea and you know the price of that gift, great! Jot it down. If you are unsure what to get a person, assign them a price range based on what you feel comfortable spending. This will help you get a pretty good idea of how much money you will need for gifts this year. #2. Make a list of your other expenses.We all know that gifts aren’t the only things that can take a toll on our wallet in the holiday season. Here are some questions to ask to determine what other expenses you may have to consider.Are you hosting dinner for any holiday? It could be Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years, or another gathering. If so, look at your guest list and see how much you will need for groceries, beverages, and other necessities such as plates and napkins.Are you traveling at all for the holidays? If the answer is yes, now is a good time to start booking your travel arrangements, or at the very least start getting an idea of the costs. Gas, airfare, hotels–everything adds up and should be included in your holiday budget.Are you sending Christmas cards this year? Account for how many cards and stamps you will need, and if you are having a family portrait taken for them you will need to consider the photography charge as well.Do you need to ship any gifts? Shipping can add up quickly so try to estimate how much you will need to send gifts to loved ones.Are you doing any holiday baking? This can be a great option for inexpensive gift-giving, but it still needs to be included in your budget. Be sure to include the packaging as well. Are there any other expenses that may pop up? Do you have holiday lights that need to be replaced? Do you get a fresh cut tree every year? Do you have a specific charity or organization you like to donate to? The more detailed and inclusive your list of expenses is the better prepared you will be when the bills start coming in. #3. Total up your expenses and set a goal.Once you have all of your expenses figured out it’s time to get a total and figure out how much you need. When you see the amount of money you need to save you can always go back and see what costs you can cut.  #4. Set up a savings spot.There are a number of places where you can keep holiday savings set aside. You can keep it simple and keep a cash box at your home and manually keep track of how much you have saved. But it may be a better (and safer) idea to keep a separate account for your savings. There are many places where you can open a free savings account, and after the holidays are over you can deposit a little throughout the year to get a start on next year’s savings. There are some banks such as Ally that allow customers to organize their savings account into “buckets”. This means that you can have one savings account but separate your money and allocate it in different ways. Getting a high yield saving account will help you save more money without even lifting a finger, so be sure to shop around for the best interest rates. #5. Start saving!Once you have done all of the necessary preparation, it’s time to save. There are a number of changes you can make to help build your holiday fund.Redeem your cash back rewards and apply them to your holiday savings.Set up your direct deposit to send a percentage of your paycheck into your holiday savings account.Look at your regular budget and determine if there are changes you can make. Are there subscriptions you can cancel? Can you reduce your grocery bill with coupons? Any savings can go right into your holiday savings account.If you have time to take on a part time job it can help you earn a little more money and pad your savings a bit. There are a lot of flexible side hustles you can do such as driving for a rideshare or delivering groceries that can be helpful with managing added expenses. #6. Shop smart.When you start your holiday shopping, be sure to compare prices to avoid overspending when it’s not necessary. Consider getting a browser extension for online shopping. Extensions like PayPal Honey will automatically search the internet for coupons and promo codes so you can get the best deal possible. Other extensions can help you earn cash back, like Rakuten, while others search the internet for a better price, like Pricesout.  #7. Keep track of everything.Try to keep track of all holiday expenses in a detailed way. Not only will this help you make sure you aren’t overspending, but it can help you when preparing for next year’s holiday savings. If there were some things you forgot in your initial planning stage, make a note to yourself so that you don’t forget it next year.That’s how you can start saving money for the holidays. The holidays are a stressful time, especially when money is tight. But a little preparation and planning can help reduce the stress and keep the holidays festive and joyful. If you are looking for another way to save some money, consider refinancing your car loan. You could be saving hundreds, if not thousands! Contact Auto Approve today to find out more.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Cash back rewards can feel like found money. By simply using your credit card you can earn money that you can use in any way you choose. Everyday purchases such as groceries and gas will earn you points that you can utilize in a number of different ways. But how can you ensure you are getting the most out of your cash back rewards? Here’s how to make the most of your cash back rewards.How do cash back credit cards work?A cash back credit card will give you a certain percentage of qualifying purchases that you make back to you. Credit cards vary on what purchases qualify and what percentage back you will receive. Typically credit cards do not qualify the following transactions for cash back rewards:Cash advancesBalance transfersPurchase of crypto currency or money ordersForeign currency exchangesGambling related purchases, including the lottery. Flat rate cards offer a flat percentage rate on all transactions (except those that are excluded, like the list above). That means that you can earn 1.5% cash back on your gas, clothing purchases, groceries, Amazon orders–pretty much anything.  Some credit cards have customized spending categories that offer different percentage rewards for different categories that you can choose from. For example Bank of America offers the Customized Cash Rewards card where you can get 3% back on all purchases in a category of your choice.  Other credit cards offer rotating rewards categories. The Chase Freedom card for example gives you 5% back on a few categories of spending, and the categories change every three months. For three months you may get 5% back on groceries, and then for the next three months you may get 5% back on travel purchases.Are there limits to how much cash back you can earn?Some credit cards limit how much cash back you receive, but some cards have an unlimited cash back reward system. It is common for many credit cards to limit how much cash back can be earned in different categories. For example the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% back on supermarket purchases per year, but only up to $6,000 spent. These limits vary widely from card to card so it’s important to read the fine print before opening a new card. How do I redeem cash back?How to redeem your cash back will also vary greatly from card to card. Here are some of the most common ways to redeem cash back:A credit to your accountDirect deposit to your bank account or a checkA gift cardAn online shopping portal A credit to your account.One of the most popular and most straightforward ways to redeem cash back is to have it applied to your credit card statement. If you have a balance on your credit card of $2,000 and cash back rewards that are worth $200, you can simply apply the $200 to your account and reduce your balance to $1,800. It’s important to remember that cash back is not considered a payment per se, so you will still be required to make the minimum payment for your monthly statement to avoid a penalty or fees. Some cards require you to meet a minimum cash back balance to redeem (such as $25 in rewards) while others have no limit. Direct deposit or check.Another easy way to redeem cash back is to have the rewards deposited directly into your bank account. This may be easier for you if you want to apply your rewards in a specific way that isn’t locked into your credit card. Requesting a check is usually pretty straightforward, although there may be a minimum amount of cash back rewards that you are required to have. Direct deposits may be more complicated than getting a check, but if you have a bank account with the same bank as your credit card it is usually pretty simple.  A gift card.Many credit card companies will allow you to use your points to purchase gift cards. While sometimes these redemptions are a one-for-one transaction (meaning $1 of your cash back is worth $1 in the form of a gift card), there are some deals out there that will get you more bang for your buck. Some cards will allow you to purchase a $25 gift card for only $20 in cash back. So while gift cards may not be practical ways to redeem all the time, there are certain times when it will get you the most value. An online shopping portal.Many credit card companies have online portals where you can make purchases directly with your cashback rewards. You can log on through your credit card’s website and purchase whatever you would like, without ever having to hand over your cash and wait to be reimbursed.How can I make the most of my cash back rewards?Cash back can be a great thing if it is utilized properly. After all, if you are spending all of your money to try to earn points and money, it’s not going to be beneficial to you. Here are our top tips for making the most of cash back.Choose the right credit card.There are a lot of credit cards on the market that offer different rewards. Be sure to do your research and select a card that will be beneficial for you and your spending habits. If you spend a lot of money on travel, be sure to get a card that rewards those purchases. If you tend to spend most of your money on groceries and gas, find a car that rewards those purchases most.  Pay off your card in full every month.If you do not pay off your card in full you will end up paying interest, and this will take away directly from the cash back you have earned. Don’t overspend to get more rewards. If you are buying things you don’t need and are unable to keep up on payments simply because you are trying to earn more cash back, it is not going to work out. You will end up wasting more than you would gain in rewards. Be sure to activate the reward categories.Some credit cards with rotating reward categories require you to manually activate the cash back in order to earn rewards. Set a reminder for yourself to login to activate your rewards when it is required.That’s what you need to know to make the most of your cash back rewards.Every penny counts these days, so making the most of your cash back is a must. Looking for more ways to save? Contact Auto Approve to find out how much you could save by refinancing your car loan! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS