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If you are looking for a car loan, there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that there are a lot of places that can help you secure a loan. The bad news is that there’s A LOT of places that can help you secure a loan. When there are so many options it’s hard to know where to turn. So how can you find the best place to get a car loan? Let’s talk about the best place to get a car loan and how you can decide what is right for you.Where can I get a car loan? At a Car DealershipOne of the easiest ways to get a car loan is to simply go to the dealership and arrange for financing when you purchase your new car. Dealers make it easy for you to do everything in house. They have relationships with certain lenders and can approve you on the spot for financing. This can be good or bad depending on your situation. The biggest advantage to dealer financing is that it is convenient. You don’t need to make any effort other than showing up at the dealership with the necessary paperwork. But with convenience comes the one major disadvantage: you cannot shop around and compare. Taking the time to research and compare rates and lenders can help ensure that you get the best rate, the best terms, and essentially the best loan possible. Dealer financing is generally more expensive because the dealer is tacking on additional fees or additional interest to the lender’s loan. You are paying for a middle man in addition to paying the lender. Some dealerships have in-house financing companies, which are referred to as captive finance companies. These companies are lending institutions in and of themselves. Captive financing may offer more discounts since they have control of the underwriting process. But they may also be much more aggressive when trying to upsell you and there may be inflated prices. The advantages: ConvenienceThe disadvantages: Higher rates, higher pressureThe bottom line: Dealer financing is not the best place to get a car loan, but if you need a new car and are having trouble getting approved elsewhere it may be your best bet.At a Traditional BankGoing to a traditional bank is still a great option for many people looking to secure a car loan. Banks can usually offer the lowest rates and the best terms, but these rates are reserved for those with the best credit scores and credit history. You may find limitations and restrictions when using a traditional bank, for instance many traditional banks will not finance a car that is over a certain age or mileage.  The advantages: Competitive rates, many locations, great customer serviceThe disadvantages: Less flexibility, not great for those with poor creditThe bottom line: A traditional bank is a great place to get a car loan if you have good credit, but if your credit is less than stellar you may have a hard time securing a loan.At a Credit UnionCredit unions operate in a similar way as banks do, but they are not for profit and instead distribute their profits to their members. They tend to serve specific locations or communities of people as well, as opposed to a traditional bank that has branches throughout the country if not the world. Credit unions may have membership requirements but they offer many benefits, often offering better interest rates than traditional banks. They can also be more flexible for those who may not meet the standards of a traditional bank.  The advantages: Competitive rates, great customer service, more flexible than traditional banksThe disadvantages: May not meet membership requirements, do not have a lot of locationsThe bottom line: A credit union is a great financing option for many people. They often have the lowest rates and great customer service, but you may need to shop around and determine your eligibility. OnlineOnline lenders have become an increasingly popular option for car loans in the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. When looking for an online lender you can easily shop around and compare interest rates and terms. There are so many online lenders that there are usually options for every type of applicant. If you have poor credit an online lender may be your best bet to get approved, although you will end up with a very high interest rate (subprime borrowers can get loans that are upwards of 22%). If you have great credit you may find the most competitive rates online, rates that may even beat those offered by traditional lenders. But these lenders vary greatly in terms of reputation and customer service, so it’s imperative that you do your homework before signing with any online lender. These companies typically require much more vetting than would be necessary with a traditional bank or credit union.  The advantages: Lots of options to compare, competitive ratesThe disadvantages: Requires more research and vetting which makes it much more time consumingThe bottom line: If you have the time and patience to use an online lender you may find the most competitive rates and best terms for your car loan.How can I get the best car loan rate?While there are a lot of different places where you can secure a car loan, they all take the same factors into consideration. Getting the best car loan rate possible will depend on the same factors:Your credit score and credit report.Your income and employment history.Your down paymentYour loan termYour carThe current economic conditions Each of these factors is looked at carefully when the lender is determining what car loan rate they will offer.Your credit score and credit report.This is the biggest factor that is within your control that will dictate the car loan rate you are offered. Your credit score is a fast and easy way for lenders to determine how creditworthy you are and how likely you are to repay a loan.  Below 580: Poor580 to 669: Fair670 to 739: Good740 to 799: Very Good800 and up: ExceptionalBy fitting your score into one of these brackets they can easily decide if you are responsible with your accounts and able to manage your money. Lenders can then take a closer look at your credit report to learn more about your financial health. Do you pay your bills on time? Are you in a lot of debt? All of these factors will help them decide what score you are offered. The higher your credit score is, the better your interest rate will be. Your income and employment history. Lenders want to ensure that you have a source of income to pay for the new car you are getting. They will not want to give you a loan where your payments will be $800 a month when you are only earning $1000 a month.  Your down payment.Down payments are important for a lot of reasons, and a sizable down payment may even lower your interest rate. Lenders view you as less risky if they see that you have made a large down payment. Your loan term.In general you will be offered a better interest rate if you select a shorter repayment period. Your loan payments will be higher every month because you are not stretching out your repayment period, but you will save a lot of money in interest.  Your car.The car that you are buying will also affect the interest rate. New cars come with lower interest rates because they will have a higher resale value should you default on your loan. If you are buying an older car you may have a hard time finding a loan in general.  The current economic conditions.The only factor that you have no control over whatsoever is the current economic conditions. When the economy is dealing with high inflation the interest rates will be higher to curb spending and try to stabilize the economy. There is nothing that you can do to change this, so your best bet is to wait until the interest rates go down before securing a new loan. This is not always possible however, so shopping around for the best rates is more important than ever.Where should I get a car loan?Ultimately the best place to get a car loan will depend on your situation. But regardless of where you decide to apply, it’s important to make sure your credit is in good shape and that your credit score is as high as possible. Shopping around and comparing rates is key when determining the best lender for your situation.That’s how you can decide where to get the best car loan for you.There are a lot of lenders that offer car loans, so the more research and preemption you do the better off you will be.  If you already have a car loan but want a redo, contact Auto Approve today! Our experts can help you refinance your loan and save you money. And who doesn’t want that?GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Imagine you have saved for months, even years, for the car of your dreams. You arrive at the dealership, negotiate your terms, and drive off the lot feeling on top of the world in your new set of wheels. But days later you get a phone call and are told that the financing fell through and you need to come back to discuss this. You are in disbelief, but what can you do? This scam is called yo-yo financing, and it ropes many Americans into bad financing deals every year. Let’s talk about yo-yo financing scams and how you can protect yourself from fraud. What is yo-yo financing?Yo-yo financing is when you finance a car through a dealership and the dealer pulls you back (like a yo-yo) and changes the terms of the deal after you have already left with your new car.  In reality, dealerships are misusing what is referred to as spot delivery. Spot delivery allows dealers to sell you a car and even send you home with it when banks are closed, like on weekends, nights, and holidays. They can approve you for loan terms conditionally, while final approval will be made later during normal business hours. While this law is intended to help people who need to do business in off hours, when it is misused it allows dealers to prey on vulnerable buyers. How does yo-yo financing work?The dealer will sell you the car with their usual tactics. You’ll test drive, you’ll talk, and you’ll get down to business talking about money. The dealer will tell you that you are approved for a certain loan deal and agree about the specifics, including the down payment you will make, the interest rate, and the repayment period. But in reality this is only a tentative deal, and the fine print in your sales agreement backs this up. The dealer has presented this sale as a done deal, when in fact they knew that there was no way you would qualify for such a loan.  But you don’t know any of that; all you know is that you have a new car and a new loan, and you drive home thinking all is well and good. A few days or even weeks later you get a call from the dealer who tells you that the financing fell through. Maybe you need to make a larger down payment, or maybe you need to come in and resign for a higher interest rate. When this happens, you may think that you can just refuse. After all, you signed the paperwork right? This tactic will not work however, and dealerships can (and will) repossess your car. In some instances dealers have even called to report the car stolen and had the drivers arrested for theft.  To avoid this, you go back to the dealership and try to talk to them. Dealers will try to talk you into any of the following:Putting more money downAgreeing to a higher interest rateLengthening your repayment planPutting you in a different carWhat if you traded your old car in and they already sold it? Legally they are only required to give you the cash value of that sale, which can be devastating. When people fall victim to this scam they have already taken the car home to show their friends and family. They have already fallen in love with their car and can’t wrap their head around returning it. So most people simply give in and agree to the unfavorable terms. How common is yo-yo financing?Yo-yo financing is considered to be a widespread problem by the Federal Trade Commission. In 2022 there were 900 cases that were filed where consumers felt they were victims, but it is believed to be a much much larger problem than that. Unfortunately there is no explicit law that bans this practice. That is because spot delivery or spot financing is legal, and this scam is associated with an abuse of that practice.  A handful of states are trying to address this with certain restrictions to spot deliveries. Maryland for example requires that a dealer writes a detailed disclosure before releasing the car to you, and then they have just four days to notify whether or not your financing terms have been rejected. If you have been denied they must return all payments that you have made, including your trade in vehicle, down payment, taxes, and fees.How can I prevent becoming a victim of yo-yo financing?There are a few ways that you can protect yourself from this scam. Knowing that this scam is out there is a great first step, but there are other precautions you can take as well. Get pre approved.Getting preapproved is incredibly important when it comes to buying a car. You should not depend on dealer financing when looking to get a new car. Dealers typically charge more than a bank or credit union would charge. It’s also easy to get swept away by a dealer's sales pitch and not fully think through the financing terms you are agreeing to. But if you get preapproved you can shop with confidence knowing that you can afford the car you want. Pre Approval will also alert you if a deal is too good to be true. If you know that you were pre approved for a 6.5% loan over 48 months and the dealer tells you that you have been approved for a 5% loan over 36 months, it should alert you that something is off. Read the fine print.Everything comes with fine print these days and it’s easy to gloss over language, especially when it seems like it is a standard contract. But the fine print will reveal a lot to you. If you see terms such as “conditional” or you see that some areas on the contract are left blank, question this. If the dealer lets you drive the car away without signing anything, run the other way.  Bring along some support.It’s a good idea to bring along a friend or loved one when looking to buy a car. They can help keep you grounded and be another set of eyes to watch out for any warning signs.  Don’t sign until you are ready.Salesmen are trained to get you to sign a contract on the spot. They want to make a sale as soon as possible so that you have less time to change your mind. But keep in mind that there is no rush and you are under no obligation to make a decision on the spot. Walking away and thinking before you sign may save you from a predatory financing deal. Ask to see proof of approval.You are allowed to ask for written verification that your loan terms are approved (in fact you should ask for this confirmation). They may tell you it is confidential but that is not true.What should I do if I was the victim of a yo-yo scam?There are a lot of red flags that will jump out if you are involved in a yo-yo financing scam. After you leave with your car you will get a phone call from the dealership with one of the following lines:You need to come in to make a larger down payment.Your interest rate will be increasing.We still need your signature on some paperwork.You are not approved and must return to discuss.Your financing fell through unfortunately. You need to come back with a cosigner.We have a better deal that you qualify for. All of these are red flags, but it may be too late to do anything at that point. They are legally allowed to take the car back if the fine print specifies that they can. And unfortunately it is very rare for a customer to win a lawsuit or get to keep the car under the same terms.  If you feel like you are a victim, read all of your paperwork very carefully. If you see that the sale was conditional, try to simply return the car and get out of the situation. You may be invested in trying to keep the car, in which case you can ask to see a copy of the denial letter. If they say they cannot provide it, this is a major red flag that you may have been scammed this whole time. Consider consulting the National Association of Consumer Advocates website to contact an attorney that specializes in fraud. It’s important to file a complaint at the very least so that measures to make this practice illegal can move forward.That’s everything you need to know about yo-yo financing.If you feel like you have been a victim of this scam it’s important to file a complaint. You may not be able to get out of the deal, but you can help other people from becoming a victim. If you are in a bad financing relationship it’s a good idea to contact Auto Approve to discuss car loan refinancing. They can help secure a better loan rate and get you more favorable terms. GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Every year car manufacturers are adding more and more features to their new models that make life easier and more convenient. But many of these features are doing more than that–they are making us safer. By creating safer driving environments they are reducing the risk of accidents on the road, which can also translate to insurance savings. So which features can keep you safe while also saving you some money?Here are 8 safety features that will lower your car insurance.#1. Forward-Collision WarningForward collision warning detects if a collision is about to occur based on the car’s speed and distance from the object ahead of them. Advanced sensors that are located in the car’s fascia work to monitor objects that are detected and warn drivers when a collision may occur. These systems often work in conjunction with other systems, like automatic emergency braking, to make driving much more safe. In fact the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that FCW reduces rear-end crashes by 27%.#2. Blind Spot Detection Blind spots create major issues and can be dangerous for drivers, but blind spot detection can help alert drivers to another car that may be driving where you cannot see them. These detection systems use cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors to detect the location of other cars. If a car is detected in your blindspot you will receive a visual warning (typically a light will appear on the mirror or by your steering wheel). If you put on your turn signal you will then get an audible warning that will alert you that it’s unsafe to change lanes. These detections are now standard on most cars, and with good reason. Studies have found that blind spot detection reduces lane change collisions with injuries by 23%.#3. Lane Departure WarningAnother warning feature that has reduced collisions on the road is the lane departure warning system. This feature alerts you when you start to drift out of your lane. Sensors use the road markings to determine where your car is in relation to the lane and if you start to drift into another lane it will give you an audible, tactile, or visual indication. The road markings must be clear and bright for this feature to work, not faded or covered. LDW systems have been shown to reduce vehicle crashes by 26% and the number of seriously injured drivers by 20.7%.#4. Rearview CamerasRearview cameras are standard in most cars these days, and that’s because they are incredibly helpful when backing up and parallel parking. They reduce your blind spots and can help you see objects that are low to the ground, such as pets and children, that you might not see if you were without a camera.#5. Anti-Theft DeviceIf you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, this means you are covered for theft and vandalism. But certain anti-theft devices can lower your premium as they will deter theft and make it more difficult. According to a study by AgileRates, having an audible alarm may reduce your premium by about 0.4% a year. If your car is equipped with a passive disabling device it may reduce your premium by about 0.7% a year. A passive disabling device is a type of security device that is armed when certain conditions are met, such as the key is not in the ignition and the doors are closed. When this type of device is activated the engine is immobilized, which makes stealing your car much more difficult.#6. Anti Lock BrakesAnti-lock brakes are designed to prevent your brakes from locking when you brake hard in an emergency. This will help you continue to have control of your car when you are skidding on the road. ABS is designed to aid with steering, not necessarily decrease the stopping distance, but oftentimes the use of ABS does decrease the stopping distance. Anti Lock brakes became  mandatory for new cars in the EU in 2004 and mandatory for new cars in the United States in 2012. ABS has been shown to reduce the number and severity of vehicle crashes of all types. #7.  GPS TrackingGPS tracking will help you locate your car in the event that it is stolen. Trackers use satellite navigation data to provide real time information as to where your car is at any time. But there are some additional benefits to GPS tracking aside from locating it in the event that it is stolen. GPS can help emergency responders locate you if you are ever in trouble, you can track your car down easier if it gets towed, and some insurance carriers may use your GPS data to track your driving habits (and offer you discounts).#8. Adaptive LightsAdaptive headlights bend light around turns so that you can see what is ahead of you when driving at night. The headlights use sensors that detect your steering angle and swivel to follow the direction that you are driving. Adaptive lights make driving winding roads late at night much safer and have been shown to reduce the amount of nighttime accidents.How much money will safety features save me on car insurance?All of these features may provide a slight reduction in the amount you are spending on car insurance. While some may only save you a few dollars each year, they are all incredibly important and useful safety features that can help keep you safe on the road. If you are looking for additional ways to save money on your car insurance every year, try the following steps:Shop around and compare every year when your policy is up for renewal (even if you are happy with the service).Keep a healthy credit score by paying your bills on time, monitoring your credit report for any errors, and ensuring you don’t have too much debt.Look around for additional discounts you may be eligible for (student discounts, military discounts, good driving discounts).Reduce optional insurance on older cars, especially if you don’t drive them a lot.Bundle your car insurance with other insurance, such as homeowners or renters insurance. Look into low mileage discounts if you don’t spend a lot of time in your car. The most important thing you can do to save money on your insurance is shop around and compare. But taking other steps such as buying a car with good safety features and keeping a good credit score will help you to get the best insurance price possible.Those are the top safety features that can save you money on insurance.If you are looking for another way to save money, contact Auto Approve today! Refinancing your car loan can help put money back in your pocket. So what are you waiting for?GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Many people in the United States are drowning in debt; specifically student loan debt. Americans owe a collective $1.77 trillion in federal and private student loans as of March 2023, and these burdens are hard for many people to escape. So what are your options when it comes to paying your student loans?  Let’s talk about student loan debt and whether or not paying debt with a credit card is a good idea (hint: it’s not).How bad is student loan debt in America?Borrowers in the US owe a combined $1.77 trillion in federal and private student loans. This is a tremendous burden for the approximate 43 million Americans with student loan debt. When we compare this to $243 billion in education debt just 20 years ago, it’s clear that student debt has accelerated at an alarming pace. Why has this debt increased so dramatically? It doesn’t help that college is more expensive now than ever before. According to Bankrate, the average in-state tuition for a public college is $26,027 while the average private university student spends $55,840. That is per year and does not include room and board and other expenses that are incurred. For an 18 year old person, this is a tremendous bill to face and a hard spot to be in. For many who take on this debt it is hard to imagine how it will snowball and affect their future. What are the effects of student loan debt?Student loan debt has many effects, not only for the borrower but for the economy at large. While student loan debt will help some get their dream job, that is not true for everyone who is saddled with this debt.  It is bad for mental health.Student loan debt weighs heavily on the minds of many. In fact, according to a study by ELVTR, the mental health effects of student loan debt are striking. Consider the following statistics:54% of American borrowers have experienced mental health issues due to student debt.84% of American borrowers have delayed a major life event due to student loan debt.32% of American borrowers have had depression due to student debt.20% of American borrowers have experienced insomnia due to student debt.17% of American borrowers have had panic attacks due to student debt.36% of American borrowers regret borrowing money for school, while an additional 23% doubt if borrowing money was a good idea.  Debt clearly has a huge effect on the minds of borrowers. Considering that many people are making this choice when they are very young in life, it’s not hard to see how so many are in over their head with student loan payments.It lowers the rate of homeownership.With so many young people saddled with student loan debt it is hard for them to buy their own house. Data from the Education Data Initiative shows that people are 36% less likely to purchase a home if they have student loan debt. Borrowers are worried that additional debt will ruin their credit and cause too much damage. It lowers consumer spending.When people are in debt they have less disposable income. This means that they cannot inject money into the economy the way they could if they were unencumbered by student loan debt. It causes delays in life events.Borrowers are waiting longer for traditional life events than previous generations. This means that getting married and having children are being put off later and later. Many cannot afford the wedding they want to have or the cost of raising a family, so they are waiting longer for these milestones. It gives students less autonomy.Student loans were initially designed to help kids get an education. But the student loan debt industry has morphed into another entity in recent decades. Universities are charging more than ever before, investing more than ever before, and profiting more than ever before. For so many students, the price tag of college has caused a shift in economic power.How can I pay off my student loan debt? While changes to the existing college system are certainly needed, change will do little to help the millions of borrowers who are already in the trenches with their debt. If you are having trouble making your student loan payments, here are your repayment options. Don’t: Use a credit cardIn general you cannot pay a student loan bill with a credit card. Loan servicers do not accept them directly. You may however be able to use an intermediary service that will allow you to use your card. An intermediary service will charge your card (plus a processing fee) and then they will make your loan payment from their funds. But there is really no benefit to doing this. After all, you have not paid off your debt, you have simply moved it to a different place. And you are actually in more debt than you were before because of the additional processing fee. The interest rate on your credit card is also likely higher than your student loan rate, so you will end up paying a lot more than you would initially.  But what about credit card rewards? Any benefit will almost certainly be offset by processing fees or additional interest.  But what about a 0% card? In some instances you may be able to use a card with an introductory 0% rate. But this rate is only temporary, so unless you plan on paying off everything within that time period, you will be stuck with a huge interest rate. So just trust us: don’t pay for your student loan on a credit car.Do: Refinance your private loans.Refinancing your private loans may help you get a better handle on your monthly payments and get a better interest rate. If you have private student loans you can refinance them by shopping around. Looking at different lenders in your area and online will help you find some competitive rates. Refinancing these loans and reducing your interest rate can help save you a lot of money. If these loans are federal, you will no longer be able to qualify for repayment programs that are designed for student loans, but if you find a good rate this may note be necessary anyway. It’s just important to keep in mind that once you refinance with a private lender you cannot go backwards.  Don’t: Get a payday loan.If you are feeling panicked, avoid getting a high interest payday loan. These loans will help you make your payment, sure, but they will leave you with an incredibly high interest rate that you will have trouble repaying.  Do: Ask for a deferment. Asking for a deferment will allow you to take a pause on your payments until you can get your head above water again. You will have to pay the interest that accrues during this time, but having a break for a couple of months can help you get back on track. Don’t: Ignore it.Ignoring your student debt is not an option. It will not be forgiven, even if you declare bankruptcy.  Do: Try debt consolidation Consolidating your loans is a great way to get a handle on your debt. If you have federal student loans you can consolidate them into Federal Direct Loans, which can help get you on a repayment plan. Income-driven repayment plans will look at how much money you make and determine how much you can repay. This will also extend your repayment period to 20 or 25 years. At the end of this time period if you have not repaid your balance in full, the remainder will be forgiven. A Direct Loan also may qualify you for additional benefits, such as student loan forgiveness after the completion of 120 payments (10 years).How can we fix student loan debt?The Biden Administration’s plan for student loan forgiveness was blocked by the Supreme Court in June 2023, dashing the hopes of many for relief. But ultimately the solution to student loan debt lies with the cost of college. There are many reasons for the increase in cost, and many of these reasons are hotly debated. But according to the Bipartisan Policy Center and other researchers there are several steps that can be taken to make college more affordable (and therefore reduce future student loan debt).Incentivize states to invest in higher education.Create grant programs to fill in the gaps of education funding.Mandate more transparency on the real costs of college.Accreditation of new institutions to create a more competitive landscape. Opening the playing field to new institutions will hopefully increase the competition and create a more accessible education system.  That’s everything you need to know about student loan debt and how you can make your monthly payments. If you own a car, refinancing your car with Auto Approve can help free up some money every month! And who couldn’t use some extra money every month? So don’t wait!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

You have almost certainly heard the term “down payment”, whether you are looking to buy a car, a house, or another large purchase. But coming up with the money for a down payment can seem daunting, if not downright impossible. So how can you save money for a down payment on your car and make your dreams come true? Here are our top budgeting tips to help you make a down payment on a new car.What is a down payment?A down payment is money that you pay upfront when making a large purchase and getting a loan. The higher your down payment is the less you will need to take out from a lender. Down payments are typically referred to as a percentage of the total purchase price. When buying a car experts recommend putting down 20% of the purchase price as a down payment.  While many lenders require a down payment of at least 10%, it’s a good idea to meet the suggested 20% if you can swing it. What are the advantages of making a down payment?You will have a better chance of getting approved.Many lenders want to see a down payment, and if you are not able to make one it may be a dealbreaker for a lot of lenders out there. Your monthly payment will be lower.The higher your down payment is, the less you will need to take out from a bank. This means that your monthly payments will be significantly less than if you chose to make a small down payment (or not make a down payment at all). Your interest rate will be lower.Lenders tend to offer lower interest rates to those who put more money down upfront. This is because it shows the lender that you are serious about your purchase and have the capital to come up with the initial money you need. If you struggle coming up with a down payment, chances are you will struggle when it comes to making monthly payments. Lenders will still look at your credit score, income, and other factors, but a strong down payment will certainly be beneficial in getting a lower rate. Your car has a lower chance of becoming underwater.When a loan is underwater it means that you owe more money on your car than the car is worth. Depreciation can be a beast and if you do not make a down payment you may find that your car is depreciating at a higher rate than you are able to pay off your loan. If you owe more on your car than it is worth you have what’s called negative equity. If you were to get into an accident and total your car but had no equity in the car, the insurance company may simply pay you the fair market value of the car and leave you to pay the difference that you owe to the lender. So you could actually be making payments on a car that is no longer usable.Should you take a “zero down” offer?“Zero down” offers are common tactics for dealerships to get people into new cars. But these offers should always be avoided. When you put no money down it means that you have to take a loan out for the entire amount of the car, the entire amount that you will have to pay interest on. As we mentioned before, they will also charge you a higher interest rate because you are considered to be more of a risk. If you are tempted by an offer like this, sit down and do the math to understand how much more money you will be paying in the end.How do you budget for a down payment?We know that down payments are important, but how can we save up to make it happen? After all, in 2022 the average new car was over $46,000. That means that a 20% down payment would be over $9,000. And on top of that, you have to pay taxes, fees, and get your car registered and insured. So how can we save that much money and get the car we want? #1. Create a budget.It may sound silly that the number one way to budget for a down payment is to ACTUALLY create a budget, but it’s true. Many families in the United States do not have budgets that they write down and adhere to strictly, but it’s the best way to save for your goals and ensure you are not in over your head. You will need to write down all of the money you have coming into your house every month and compare it to all of the money you have going out every month. Account for every bill you have and make averages for categories that are variable, such as groceries. This will help give you insight into where your money is going every month and where you are spending the most amount of money. #2. Set a timeline and saving goal.Looking at your budget should give you an idea of how long it will take you to save for a down payment. Looking around at different cars you are interested in will help give you an idea of how much money you need to come up with. Make sure that the car you are looking at fits within your budget and that you will be able to make monthly payments after the down payment is made. You should aim to spend less than 20% on all of your transportation expenses every month. This means not only your car payment but gas, insurance, maintenance, parking, and any of the costs for which you may be responsible. When you know how much you need you can figure out how long it will take you to achieve your goal. A timeline will also help keep you motivated and keep your eyes on the prize: that new car you want. #3. Look where to make your cuts.A huge benefit of having a budget is that you can honestly look at how much you are spending every month and where it is going. Are you spending a little more on takeout than you would like? Are your subscription services like Netflix and Hulu taking a major toll on your wallet? Seeing all of these items listed out will help you determine where and how you can change your lifestyle to support your financial goals. Groceries and food waste are a common culprit when it comes to sabotaging our budgets. Getting in the routine of mapping out your meals so you are only buying things that you will use, shopping the sales that are listed in the store circulars, and buying some items in bulk can help you save some serious cash at the grocery store. Be sure to get the store rewards card as well–there are a lot of savings you could be leaving behind. In general, any small steps that you take to reduce your spending will help you save more and more money towards your down payment. #4. Create a savings account for your down payment.It’s very beneficial to keep the money you are saving in a separate account. This will help you to keep track of how much you have saved. This will also allow you to contribute automatically to your savings. Many companies will allow you to split up how your paycheck is deposited, allowing you to funnel a certain percentage of your paycheck to checking and the remainder to your savings. #5. Sell or trade in your new car.If you already have a car, trading it in or selling it may provide a large chunk of your down payment. Trading in your car will provide ease and help you negotiate buying your new car. But you will most likely make more money if you can sell it privately and then use the cash to make the down payment. This will be more of a hassle and take more time, but it may be worth it if you can swing it. Do your research to determine if either of these moves may be right for you.  #6. Start hustling. When you have cut all the costs you can but it’s not getting you to your goal fast enough, it’s time to start hustling. What side hustles could fit into your life and earn you a little more cash? Delivering food and groceries, driving for Uber, tutoring online, renting a room on Airbnb, babysitting, walking dogs, doing yard work–the options are endless. See what opportunities are in your area and do the extra until you meet your goal and can make your down payment.That’s how you can budget and save money for your car’s down payment.Down payments are incredibly important, and saving enough can be difficult. After all, no one wants to pinch pennies. But taking a drive in your new car will help you feel better when you reach the finish line. If you are overpaying every month on your car payments, contact Auto Approve today! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

A lot changes when you have kids, even your time in the car. Perhaps your car used to be your safe space, a place where you could listen to your favorite music while enjoying the fresh air. But now it’s full of kids' music, snack wrappers, and incessant chatter. Whether it’s a 10 minute drive to school or a 3 hour drive to grandma’s house, a car ride with kids can feel like a battle. So how can you survive, and maybe even enjoy, a car ride with kids?Here’s your ultimate guide for surviving a car ride with kids.Plan and prepare your car ahead of time.Like everything, preparation is your key to success. Starting with a clean and organized car will put you in a good mindset and help ensure that you have everything you will need. Vacuum the floors, wipe everything down, and have a little garbage pail or bag at the ready. If you start your trip clean you will have an easier time keeping it clean. If you start with chaos, it will beget more chaos. Even if you are just running errands, there are certain things you should always have with you:First aid kit. Because when you have kids, anything can happen.Snacks. More on this later, but this is imperative when it comes to car rides.Drinks. Again, imperative.Emergency kit. Flares, a charger, jumper cables, whistle, etc. A roadside emergency kit from Amazon will have everything you need for the unexpected.Entertainment. Another cornerstone of traveling with kids.Cell phone charger. You don’t want to be out with kids and risk not having a phone.Blanket. Whether you want to take it on a picnic or have it to snuggle up with if it’s cold, a blanket is a great thing to keep tucked in your trunk. Tissues, paper towels, and trash bags. Chances are you will need one or all of these things at some point when driving around with your kids. Plan entertainment.Kids get bored easily. While you may enjoy the scenery of driving around, chances are your kids will not. This doesn’t mean you have to play Baby Shark on repeat (although this is a valid tactic that may get you through a rough patch).  Here are some ideas for kids' entertainment, depending on their ages.BabiesHopefully your baby is a car sleeper. But if not, they may be comfortable with soothing music or a podcast. A mirror will provide them with some entertainment, but for a longer trip a busy board that attaches to the car seat may be a good investment. Toddlers and Young KidsPracticing repeat after me phrases, animal noises, counting, and letters are all great ways to entertain young kids. Singalongs are also the most classic car entertainment for toddlers. If they are old enough to color, bring along a clipboard and coloring books (you don’t need all the colors of the rainbow though). Older KidsAs kids get older, they may be able to read and listen to music independently. If they require a bit more stimulation, play some games such as travel bingo, I Spy, the license plate game, and Mad Libs. Encourage them to interact with you or their siblings at least a little bit. Car time should be a time for bonding as well. Talk to them and enjoy your time with them. Soon you will long for the days when they would sit in the car and just talk with you.Plan surprises.You should have a few tricks up your sleeve in case of an emergency meltdown. Stopping at the dollar store for a few new toys or books that you can pull out as needed is a great way to keep your kids entertained before things go off the rails. You don’t want to bring so much that they are overwhelmed or consistently waiting for the next toy to come out, but bringing a few new things will keep some excitement going.Plan snacks.Snacks are one of the most important components of any trip in the car. The right snack can prevent an epic meltdown and keep your kids fueled. It’s good to have a variety, from pouches and other shelf stable snacks to fruits, veggies, and string cheese. Keeping a small cooler will help keep these snacks safe and fresh. And don’t forget the water! Kids can forget to drink when they are sitting around, so encouraging them to drink out of their favorite bottle or sippy cups will keep them hydrated. Look at your route and where you will be driving ahead of time so that you know where you can stop for refills or if you should bring a jug of water with you.Plan bathroom breaks.With the snacks and drinks come the bathroom breaks. If your child is still in diapers, be sure to have a bag packed with diapers, wipes, creams, and a pad you can change them on if you need to stop suddenly. If your child is potty training, it’s a good idea to bring a foldable potty training seat so that they are more comfortable in strange bathrooms. A change of clothes is always good too, just in case. Having a roll of toilet paper and wet wipes never hurts either!Plan some stops.  If you plan on being in the car for a while, plan some stops along the way. Kids get restless and antsy (rightfully so) when they are cooped up, so plan to stop at a park or have a picnic along the way. This will give your kids some time to run around and get their energy out while also giving them something to look forward to and break up the time on the road.Plan for it to take a little longer.If you have kids, you already know that it takes longer to get out the door than ever before. And it also takes a bit longer to get places. Pad your drive time accordingly, giving yourself an extra 5 or ten minutes for a 45 minute or hour trip, or an extra hour for a 4 or 5 hour trip. That’s how you can survive–and hopefully enjoy–a car ride with kids.Cars can be stressful places when you are cramped in, especially if it’s for a longer period of time. But being prepared and learning how to make the most of your situation will make the experience enjoyable and memorable. We all hope to make memories that last a lifetime–not car payments that last a lifetime. If you are stuck in a bad relationship with your car loan lender, contact Auto Approve today to see how refinancing can help you!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Cars can provide convenience and a level of comfort that is hard to beat. As a freshman you probably won’t be allowed to have a car on campus, but as a sophomore you may have the option. So how can you decide if having a car on campus is a good idea? Here’s how you can decide if having a car in college is right for you.What are the advantages of having a car in college? It’s convenient.Having a car available to you is just plain convenient. While most colleges have ample public transportation, a car will allow you to skip the bus stops and the transportation schedules entirely. You can not only move about campus more easily, but you can also head into town and run errands more easily. You can load up your trunk with groceries, go to a mall or shopping center, or drive to visit friends who live off campus. If the buses are running late or are overcrowded, it’s not your problem. It can provide comfort.When we get our license and first start driving it gives us a sense of independence. We finally feel like we can go where we want and do what we want. Going to college can feel a bit unsteady, and having your car available to you can be a comfort. Feeling overwhelmed? Take a drive to clear your head. Feeling homesick? Take a weekend trip home whenever you desire.  It makes the holidays easier.If you have ever needed to travel during the holidays you know what a pain it can be. Having a car gives you more flexibility to travel home when and how you choose. You can even coordinate a road trip back to your home area with others to have some fun and split the cost of gas. It gives you more employment opportunities. Having a car means you can be more flexible with where you work as well. You are not limited to the campus or to areas where you can easily access public transportation. What are the disadvantages of having a car in college?It’s expensive.Having a car is expensive in general. Insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance are all things you will need to pay for, and money can be tight in college. There’s also the ever-present risk of getting into an accident on campus, even if your car is parked.  Parking can be difficult.Parking on campus can be very limited. You may need to pay for a parking pass, and even then you may not be guaranteed easy and convenient parking.  You may become the chauffeur.We all want to help our friends out, but when you are one of few that have access to a car, you may find that you have more friends than you previously thought. You may be asked frequently to make trips to the grocery store, the airport, or the local Walmart. This can become tiresome, expensive, and may lead to tension in your friendships. You may be less inclined to explore campus.If you are able to leave whenever you want you may spend less time socializing on campus. Walking around and taking the school’s public transportation is a great way to hang out with friends and even make some new ones. You may be more inclined to leave for the weekends instead of hanging out and enjoying the college experience. Plus walking around is a great way to burn off the late night pizza.Should I bring a car to college?Deciding whether or not to bring a car to college can be difficult. It depends a lot on how much you will use it, how it fits into your budget, and how practical of an option it is. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when deciding whether or not to bring a car to college. Do I need a car?If your college campus is located in a city, it probably will not make sense to bring a car. Not only will it be a much bigger hassle and be more expensive, but it probably won’t benefit you that much. Big cities have great public transportation and it is usually faster and cheaper to use the buses and subways. If your campus is located in a rural area, a car might be necessary to get around. Can I afford to have a car on campus?First things first, do you own a car outright? If not, you may have a hard time keeping up on car payments on top of everything else. But even if you do own your car, having a car is expensive. Add up the following expenses to determine if you can afford having a car on campus:InsuranceAverage monthly gasParking permitsAverage maintenance costsCan I handle the added responsibility of having a car on campus?When you are away at college, you are on your own. That means if your car starts making a strange noise or the check engine light goes on, you have to deal with it yourself. You will also have to keep the car maintained, which means regular tire pressure checks and oil changes.Is it smart to finance a car in college?  If you do not have a car already but really want to have access to one when you are at college, you may be considering financing. And it is possible to get a student car loan, but you will most likely need to have a cosigner.  But financing a car while in college is an expensive decision to make. New car payments in 2023 are averaging around $725 per month. Add insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance to that and you are paying well over $1000 every month to drive on campus. But if you are in the financial position to do so, financing is an option. To improve your chances of qualifying for a car loan as a student, take the following steps:Prove that you have a reliable source of income. If you do not have a steady job, showing bank statements may help prove that you can make the payments.Get a cosigner. A friend or loved one with good credit can help your chances of being approved.Get good grades. Many lenders use your GPA as a measure of your creditworthiness. That’s everything you need to know about having a car on campus. There are a lot of pros and cons when it comes to having a car on campus, but taking the time to weigh out the usefulness and practicality of a car with the expense and hassle can lead you to the right decision. If you are looking to refinance your car loan, contact Auto Approve today! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Everyday there are more and more scams coming our way. While some are just mildly annoying, others are a full-scale attack on our finances and our identity. Unfortunately there are no failsafe, 100% effective ways to protect ourselves, but there are a lot of steps that we can take to get a bit more peace of mind.Here are 15 ways you can protect yourself from fraud.Review your credit card statements. When your credit card statement comes in the mail it’s easy to simply pay it and move on. But being vigilant and reviewing your statement thoroughly can help ensure you don’t have any charges that aren’t yours. While some people may get your credit card number and make a large, obvious purchase, others may use your card for smaller transactions that could easily slip through the cracks. Reviewing your statements thoroughly and reporting any suspicious activity as soon as possible will help protect you.Be careful at the ATM.We often need to stop at the ATM to get some cash, but ATMs are very popular spots for identity thieves. If anything looks off on the machine itself, such as a crooked keypad or a card slot that doesn’t look quite right, play it safe and pick a different machine. If you see anyone hanging around the machine or looking over your shoulder, take it as another sign to go elsewhere. And never leave your receipt there after your transaction is done.  Use antivirus and antispyware software.Our computers have all of our information on them, and we mean ALL of our information. A sneaky virus is all it takes to have our identity stolen. But antivirus software can offer a bit more protection in case something gets onto your computer. Norton and McAfee are just two of the options on the market that can help keep your private information private. There are websites that offer “antivirus software” that is actually just spyware, and this ruse can be pretty convincing. Be sure to check out any software you want to install ahead of time to ensure that it is the real deal. Avoid shady websites and popups.Even if you have antivirus software installed on your computer, it’s best to avoid danger zones entirely if you can. If websites have a ton of popups and ads, it’s best to avoid them entirely. And under no circumstances should you ever click on pop ups that tell you that you have won something. The only thing you will win is a nasty computer virus.  Be wary of emails.Email scams are some of the most common scams out there. Spam folders do a pretty good job these days of keeping these emails out of our inbox, but they can often wiggle through the filters. If an email comes from someone you don’t know, be sure to look out for the following:Attachments. Unless you are expecting an attachment from someone, never open anything that is sent to you. Embedded links. Again, don’t click on a link unless you are expecting it. These links can lead to websites that steal your information.Urgent, excited, or grammatically incorrect emails. These are all telltale signs of a phishing email. Also be on the lookout for suspicious emails from friends or family members. If an email seems off, there’s a chance that your friend’s email was hacked. Instead call them and alert them to the situation.Only purchase from secure websites.When a website has a security authentication (https://) it means that the site is secure and hosted on a protected server. Using a credit card on an unprotected website puts you at greater risk for having your information stolen.  Review your credit report often.Your credit report is a window into your financial life. It not only keeps track of how much debt you have and how many accounts you have, but it keeps track of your payments and credit inquiries. Reviewing your report can alert you if a new account was opened without your knowledge, if a credit inquiry was made, or if there was a new debt. Reporting suspicious activity as soon as possible can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Protect your mail.Mail theft is a very common way for fraudsters to get your information. Sensitive information is commonly put in the mail and if it ends up in the wrong hands it can create quite the hassle for you. Retrieving your mail as quickly as possible, having your mail put on hold when you are going out of town, and mailing your bills directly from the post office can help reduce this risk. Shred your paperwork.Make sure to shred any documents that contain personal information. Anything with identifying information or account information should be shredded to avoid identity theft. Getting a cheap shredder from Amazon can save you a lot of hassle.Keep your personal information tucked away somewhere safe.Your social security card, credit cards, bank information, and passwords are all things that you should keep a careful eye on. Keeping all of your information in a locked cabinet will help make sure your information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. Update your passwords.We know, updating your passwords is a huge pain. It’s hard to keep different passwords for different sites, especially when every site has different requirements. And while it is much easier to use the same password for everything, it’s extremely unwise (and unsafe) to do so. Instead use a password protector app or keep your passwords stored in a safe place. And avoid the easy to guess passwords such as your spouse’s birthday or, even worse, “1234”. A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols will help create secure passwords and protect your valuable information. Updating them periodically will keep them, and your information, more secure. Password protect your device.If you do not have a password on your phone or computer, you are one step away from having your information completely stolen. If you happen to misplace your phone or laptop for even a second, someone with sticky fingers can easily access all of your information with no trouble at all. A passcode or password will provide another layer of protection until you are able to locate your devices. Never give out information over the phone. Legitimate organizations will never ask for your personal information over the phone, period. They may ask you to confirm the last digits of your bank account or social security number, but they will not ask for this information in full. It’s incredibly easy for an identity thief to get your phone number and contact you. Don’t be fooled by whatever their game is. There is no reason to ever give this information out, so just hang up if you receive a call like this. Limit the number of credit cards you carry.If you have multiple credit cards, try not to carry all of them on you at once. If your wallet is stolen you will have a lot more calls to make and cards to monitor. Even worse, you may not realize that one is gone and it may take a while for you to catch on that it is missing. Meanwhile you may be racking up some serious debt while someone is out on a shopping spree. Subscribe to an identity theft protection service.Services such as LifeLock will monitor your information and alert you to any identity theft attempts. Whether it’s an unusual charge on your credit card or a new account that was opened in your name, these services can help you detect any issues early on.  What should I do if I notice something suspicious?If you believe your information has been compromised, take the following steps to protect yourself:Review your credit report immediately. Be sure to look through all of the information to determine if any accounts have been opened in your name. Report anything suspicious to the credit agency.File a report. If you are sure that your identity has been stolen, you want to report it to the police as well as to the Federal Trade Commision.Alert your accounts. Contact your credit card companies and alert them to the identity theft. They may recommend closing your accounts and opening new ones that have not been compromised. Place a security freeze on your information. This will alert all creditors that your information has been stolen and they should not open any accounts at the moment. This can prevent any additional accounts from being opened in your name.Be wary moving forward. When you have your new accounts set and secure, still be vigilant. Review your statements and credit report often to make sure that your identity is secure. That’s how you can protect yourself from fraud. Identity theft and scams can be a nightmare to deal with, so the best thing you can do is protect your information as much as possible. A good offense is the best defense, after all.  Looking to protect your wallet from overpaying? Consider refinancing your car with Auto Approve! You could be saving hundreds of dollars every month, so don’t wait! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Getting your license and buying your first car is one of the most exciting moments in a teenager’s life. After all, a car means freedom, independence, and adulthood. And for parents, it marks the end of playing chauffeur for your kids. But buying a car can be overwhelming for kids and parents alike. From choosing the right car to managing how you will pay for it, there’s a lot that needs to be taken into consideration. Here’s your ultimate guide to buying your first car.What should I think about when choosing a car? SafetyStatistically speaking teenagers are three times more likely to crash than drivers that are over the age of 20. And with over 2500 teen fatalities and 200,000 teen injuries that result from car accidents, safety should be a top priority when selecting the right car. While many teenagers will want a fun, small, fast car as their first set of wheels, this is not the most pragmatic choice for a new driver. You want a car that can protect the driver and passengers in case there is an accident. Newer cars tend to have the best safety features and tech that can help reduce the risk of an accident. Newer cars come with higher price tags, so try to find a balance of safety and affordability. Safety rankings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can help you determine which cars might be the best for a young driver.  BudgetThe budget you select is important for a few reasons. Not only do you need to make sure that you can afford the car you are buying, but you also need to make sure you can afford the additional financial factors. Insurance, gas, and maintenance are other things you will need to consider. If the car you are considering has terrible gas mileage, you will have to keep that in mind for your monthly budget. If you are purchasing an older car that does not have a warranty, you should budget for repairs and emergencies. Consider all of the factors that go into car ownership when determining what your car buying budget is.New or UsedIt can be hard to decide whether buying a new car is better than buying a used car. As we said before, new cars have much better safety features and will be more dependable than a used car. But they come with high price tags that might not make sense for young drivers (especially given the higher likelihood of getting into an accident). For most people it will make more sense to get a used car that is still in good shape and only a few years old. It will likely still be under warranty and will have many of the safety features that you want, but it will come with a much lower price tag. A used car will also come with a lower cost of insurance, which can help your budget a great deal.How much should a high schooler pay for a car?Of all of the factors that will affect your decision, your budget is likely the factor that has the least amount of wiggle room. So how can you determine the right amount of money you should spend on a car? A lot of this will depend on who is footing the bill for the car. If you are a high schooler that has saved their money and is looking to buy a car without any help, you will need to carefully examine your budget. Are you looking to buy a used car with cash you have saved and no financing? You will need to make sure not only that you have enough money saved to buy the car, but that you can afford the registration and tax that will be required. You will also need to make sure you can afford the gas, insurance, and maintenance that you will have to pay for every month.If a family member or loved one is helping you out, be sure to have an honest conversation about the budget. If you are buying a new car and they are cosigning, make sure you are both on the same page as to who is making the down payment and how much you can afford in monthly payments.There is no hard and fast rule on how much a high schooler should spend on their first car, but you will most likely want to find something in the middle. Finding a used car in the $10,000 to $20,000 range should give you some safe options while still being affordable for many families.How to buy your first car.Set your budget.Setting your budget is the first step in car ownership. If you plan on financing you will need to find a consignor so that you can get a good rate for your car loan. Talk to a loved one to find out if they are willing to cosign. If you are planning on making the payments, be absolutely sure you can make the payments, otherwise your loved one will be on the hook. List your wants and needs.Determine what is most important to you when it comes to getting your first car. Safety should absolutely be on the list, but additionally you should think about the following:The type of vehicle. Do you want a car, truck, or SUV? The make and model: Do you have preference on the make or are you flexible? It’s good to have a few different options in mind as you start looking around.The gas mileage. Do you drive a lot and require good gas mileage, or is that not as much of a concern?The add on features. Is an entertainment system important? Sunroof? All weather mats? The resale value. It’s always good to take the resale value of a car into consideration. Certain brands retain their value so that when it’s time to sell it you still have some cash in your pocket.The color and appearance. Is there a certain look you want your car to have?  Decide on new or used.There are pros and cons to each, so you will need to decide what makes sense to you. Look at dealerships and private sellers.Start to look around at your different options. If you need to finance, a dealership will make the most sense for you. But if you are buying used you can look more broadly. Look on sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to find out what a fair price is for the cars you are interested in and don’t just take the dealer’s word for it. The more prepared you are the better you will fare when it comes to negotiating.  Look at the car’s history.When you find a car that you love, be sure to do a background check on it. CARFAX and AutoCheck can alert you if the car has ever been involved in an accident. You should also check to see if there are any recalls on the car and whether or not they have been fixed. Having the car checked over by a mechanic is also a great idea if you aren’t especially car savvy yourself. Take a test drive.It’s incredibly important to take the car for a test drive. You want to make sure that you are comfortable and aware of any issues that the car may have. As a new driver, a lot will feel new and foreign to you, but if you are comfortable with how the car drives and how you are positioned it will make you a safer driver. Negotiate. Whether or not you are buying a new car or a used car you should definitely try to negotiate. Private sellers and dealerships alike are usually open to negotiating, so prepare ahead of time. Bringing a parent or loved one is best when you are a first time car buyer. Dealers may try to take advantage of a new driver’s naivete, but an older authority figure can help ensure you don’t get swept up in a bad deal. At the very least try to get them to waive any dealer fees.  Make sure your paperwork is in order.When you buy a new car you will need to make sure that it is registered and insured before you drive it. Be sure to have proof of registration and proof of insurance on you when you head out for your first drive.That’s everything you need to know about buying your first car.A little research and preparation can help ensure that you get a car that you love that doesn’t blow your budget out of the water. And if your car payments are too high, contact Auto Approve! Car loan refinancing can help you save a lot of money every month, and who couldn't use some extra cash in their pockets? So what are you waiting for?GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Summer is nearing its end with many parts of the country already heading back to the classroom. But while the weather is warm and the days are long there are still ways we can enjoy the summer and make every minute of sunshine count.Here’s our last minute guide to enjoying the rest of summer.Go swimming.If you have a pool, chances are you have been enjoying it all summer. But if you don’t have a pool there are still plenty of ways to get some splashing in! Lakes and swimming holes can be found in many states, and if you aren’t lucky enough to live within driving distance, your community pool (or a neighboring community pool) can give you some reprieve from the heat. Go out for ice cream.What says summer more than an ice cream cone? Hitting your local ice cream shop for a cone is one of the best ways to keep summer going. If you have a bit more time on your hands, check out a new spot you haven’t been to before. This Thrillist article ranks the best 40 in the country, but if you don’t happen to live near one of those there are most likely dozens of options within driving distance. More of a do-it-yourselfer? Try making some ice cream at home! It’s really easy and doesn’t require many tools, contrary to what many people think. Try a device-free day.This is great for kids and adults alike. After all, who couldn’t use a break from emails and social media? Block out a day where there’s no TV, no computers, and no phones, and try to enjoy a tech-free day. Have a dance party in the living room, cook a meal with your family, go for a walk, break out the crafts–whatever you want! Just be sure to hide the remotes and screens. This will only work if adults participate whole-heartedly and keep the family engaged (this means no sneaking off to check messages while the kids are playing!)Go on a field trip.Field trips in school are always a blast, but taking your family on their own field trip can be even better. Decide on a fun and educational destination, such as an aquarium, planetarium, or even a farm that allows visitors. You can learn a thing or two while enjoying some quality family time. Going out for a fun lunch or dinner (or just ice cream) can put the cherry on top of a great family day. Want to get really into it? Have your kids design matching t-shirts that you can wear and have them draw maps and itineraries for everyone in the family. Planning for your field trip can provide a full day of activities in and of itself! Have a family game day.Game days at home can provide the perfect relaxed summer activity. Have everyone pick their favorite game and be sure to play them all. Make some lemonade, sit out in the backyard (or just set your living room up picnic-style) and enjoy a laid back day free of running around and screen time.Go to a waterpark.If you haven’t had the chance to go to a waterpark yet, now is the perfect time. You may need to turn it into an overnight trip if it’s not within an easy driving range, but it’s a perfect getaway for kids of all ages (and adults!) If a waterpark isn’t in your budget, set up your own waterpark at home and recreate the fun in your backyard. A sprinkler, splash pad, and slip and slide are more than enough to bring smiles to your family’s faces. Make some fun drinks, set up an obstacle course, have some friends over to join in on the fun. The options are endless and you don’t have to break the bank to have some fun. Take a trip to the movies.In the age of streaming, going to the movies is a foreign concept for many. But catching an afternoon matinee is a fun way to spend the day and get out of the house. Matinees are also cheaper than evening shows, so it's the perfect time to see that movie you’ve been talking about all summer. Try a craft together.Crafts are fun for kids and adults alike. There are endless options and they can be as simple or as complicated as you would like! Let your kids pick their favorite ideas from Pinterest and see what you can create together. It’s a great way to introduce your kids–and yourself–to a new skill while spending time together. The summer is the best time to craft with kids because you can do it outside and avoid a messy cleanup afterwards. Activities like painting and coloring can be far more enjoyable if you aren’t worried about ruining your carpet and your furniture.Go camping in your backyard.Setting up a tent and sleeping under the stars with your family is another fun way to enjoy the beautiful weather. Act as if you are far from home–that means be sure to pack everything you will need and bring it outside so that you can avoid running inside as much as possible. Start a fire, toast some marshmallows, and tell some scary stories. Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and bask in the beauty of a summer morning. No backyard to stake out in? No problem! Set up a tent in your living room and recreate the experience indoors. Get some glow in the dark star stickers, open up the windows, and tell stories by flashlight (avoid the open flames while indoors, please). It will be a night to remember for your whole family.Take a road trip.It’s not too late to take a road trip and make some memories. Whether it’s a one-day excursion or you want to stretch it a few days, a road trip is a wonderful way to connect with your family while seeing some sights. Pick some good music or agree on a podcast or audiobook, open the windows (or crank the AC if it’s a bit too warm) and enjoy the scenery as you drive to your destination. The destination is up to you, whether it’s just a park you’ve wanted to visit or an event you’ve been scoping out. But enjoy the trip and not just the destination. That’s how you can enjoy the final days of summer.The summer is always gone before we know it, but we can still squeeze a little more fun out in our remaining few weeks. And if you’re trying to squeeze a little more out of your budget each month, get in touch with Auto Approve today! Refinancing your car loan can save you a lot of money, and who couldn’t use that? GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS