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5 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Car


Getting the most out of your college experience means participating in internships, volunteering, attending events in the community and part-time jobs. Most of these activities require access to transportation. But while college is an amazing time for gaining invaluable life experience, it can be a not so great time for financial stability.

So how do you as a student who is low on cash but still in desperate need of wheels make sure that you are getting the best deal on a car? Here are five ways to save on your next car:

1. Buy Your Car on the Internet

If you have already researched cars and are sure of what you want, most car dealerships now have Internet sales departments where you can negotiate a price and financing with a salesperson online. Some dealerships will even deliver the car and paperwork to you. Internet salespeople generally have different sales incentives; they are paid for the number of cars they sell rather than on the sales price. Therefore, they are more likely to give you the lowest price on a car from the beginning than a typical car salesperson. According to Edmunds, a consumer, on average, saves between $1,000 and $2,000 by negotiating online.

2. Make Dealerships Bid Against Each Other

Online negotiations also allow you to be in contact with multiple dealerships at once. Once you receive an initial offer from the Internet department on a specific vehicle from several dealerships, go back to each one with the lowest price and ask them to make another offer. Letting each bid against the others is a good way to ensure you will get the very best price from every dealership.

3. Consider the Timing of Your Purchase

If you feel more comfortable buying a car in person, aim to buy at the end of the month. Most dealerships give bonuses to salespeople who meet monthly (or sometimes quarterly) goals, so by the end of the month many in the sales force are scrambling to meet these goals and you are more likely to get the best deal they can offer. Statistically, winter months offer the biggest discounts, although inventory may be low on some cars. Even better, if you can wait, buy a car when the next year’s model is just about to come out. Dealerships only want to sell the newest cars and will make deals to move the older models.

4. Look for Used Cars Outside of Your Area

Looking for a used car can be frustrating, especially if you have a specific model in mind. Popular cars can go quickly and inventory in your area may be limited. With a website like DriveTime, you aren’t limited to looking for used cars locally. DriveTime allows you to search for cars in any location (and who couldn’t use a bonus road trip) and includes an AutoCheck Report and five day return policy. Casting a wide net will make sure you get the car you want at the best price.

5. Check for Student Discounts

When you think of student discounts you might think of the movies or art museums, but there are also many  and new grads. Some car companies have special financing options for students who are close to graduating. For example, for students who meet eligibility criteria, Honda offers a flexible lease and financing terms on new and used vehicles and Toyota offers a $1,000 rebate on the purchase of a new car.

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See New York City Art This Summer Without Breaking the Bank


botanicalgardenA summer trip to New York City offers theater and art students a way to experience galleries, shows and performances. Most students are unable to splurge on many expensive New York City activities, but there are still opportunities to experience the city’s culture on a student budget. If you are eager to witness your classroom instruction coming alive, consider these budget-savvy options:

Museum of Modern Art: Manhattan

If you want to experience modern art, you are in for a treat. On Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., admission to MoMA is absolutely free. If you want to take a look at the sculpture garden, it is free every morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. If you can’t make these limited hours, student prices are only $14.

Brooklyn Academy of Music: Brooklyn

Are you interested in listening to jazz or experimental music? On select Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, the Brooklyn Academy of Music offers free concerts to the public.

New York Botanical Gardens: Bronx

From May through November, more than a dozen of Frida Kahlo’s drawings and paintings will be on display in the New York Botanical Gardens. The solo exhibition will highlight how the outdoors and nature affected her work. You don’t have to pay full price to see her acclaimed art, either. With a student ID, art students only pay $18 for admission.

Broadway: New York City

Although you may think that a Broadway show is out of your price range, there are plenty of summer deals. For example, students are offered the option to watch a matinee on Wednesdays and Fridays at a discounted price. And for popular shows like “The Book of Mormon” that frequently sell out, standing room tickets are available for $27.

Small Art Galleries: Around Town

A well-known secret in New York City is that many of the art galleries around town are either free to peruse or only have a $20 entry fee. These galleries give you a chance to see different types of art and how small galleries operate.

David Zwirner Gallery: Soho

The David Zwirner gallery is extremely popular and often has long lines outside of its exhibitions. One of the gallery’s major themes is infinity, as seen by Yayoi Kusama’s infinity rooms that were featured last year. The gallery also hosts mainstream artists.

Gagosian Gallery: Manhattan

This gallery boasts a global reach with locations in Los Angeles, London, Paris and Rome. Andy Warhol, Damon Hierst and Richard Serra represent a small sample of the artists featured in this contemporary and modern art gallery.

Sean Kelly Gallery: Midtown

Robert Mapplethorpe and Marina Abramović are two famous contemporary artists the Sean Kelly Gallery features in its space. If you gravitate toward unconventional and international art, you will love perusing this gallery.

SummerStage: All 5 Burroughs

For over 30 years, SummerStage has been New York’s premiere concert series. There are over 100 highly-accessible and free performances that include bands from around the world, kid-friendly events, and theatrical and dance productions.

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How to Enjoy Your Summer Vacation Without Breaking the Bank


CollegeVacationYou’re a student and working diligently toward your educational goals. Often times, it can feel as though your head is always in the books. When time off finally rolls around, you’re ready for a study detox treatment. If, like most students, you are living on a tight budget, don’t worry when vacation time rolls around and your wallet is a little light. You have options!

Pack Your Suitcase
Some people have a notion that travel is completely out of their reach. Travel is so exotic and luxurious sounding that without even exploring their options, a person can automatically dismiss the idea that a much-deserved vacation is within their budget.

Is travel really so out of reach? Perhaps not. Sites such as StudentUniverse offer free student memberships which provide access to some pretty impressive discounts on flights, hotels and tour packages. As one of the biggest travel companies in the world, you can bet they are busy negotiating affordable travel options for their members.
Surprisingly, one of the most overlooked vacations are all-inclusive resort packages. For as little as a few hundred dollars, you can score an all-inclusive getaway at a beautiful resort in the Dominican Republic with food, beverage and sometimes even transportation, included. Staying at an all-inclusive resort is a quick and easy way to convert your vacation fantasy into a reality.

Staycation
For those who need to stick a little closer to home base, there is always the “staycation”. Making a vacation out of staying local doesn’t have to be uneventful. Tapping into resources like Groupon can yield some pretty big surprises. Groupon has evolved into a fabulous resource for deep discounts on everything from food and entertainment, to spa services and gift items. Known initially for “buy one, get one” offers, Groupon has expanded its horizons and truly has great deals for every budget.


Frugally Creative

Now is certainly not the time to let being frugal deem you boring. There are plenty of fun activities you can explore this summer without breaking the bank. The next few months are the most popular times for concerts, fairs and festivals. Have a favorite band you’ve been wanting to check out but didn’t have time because of finals? Take a road trip and catch a show from your favorite musician in person.

Summertime is all about fairs and festivals. These inexpensive events are a great way to see what your community has to offer, from rides to food to artwork, there is plenty to see and do. If you want to explore other regions of the world but don’t have the resources to do so, visit a museum. This is a great way to get perspective on different countries without having to physically travel to them. If you prefer to stay local, ride the train to an area of the city you’ve always wanted to explore.

Whatever your budget, the most important thing is to nourish and rejuvenate your body and mind. Grab a friend, share some good deals and remember that resourcefulness can be as good as cash.

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How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Post-College Road Trip


RoadTripCollege may be coming to a close, but there’s still time to bond with your friends after you’ve all turned your tassels on graduation day. Many memories can be made on a cross-country road trip before you each set out on your individual journeys. So, pack your bags and your friends, and plan a road trip with the following tips:

Save Your Money

The first step in planning your road trip should be to save money. Think about saving well in advance to the date of your anticipated road trip, whether you’re using a bank account or a change jar. For multi-week or month-long trips, start saving six months before.

Set a savings goal by writing out all of the expenses you think you may encounter, including supplies, food, hotels or campsite fees, gas and any souvenirs you may buy along the trip. Be creative when thinking of ways to save money. For example, cutting coupons instead of paying full price, ending your cable subscription or giving up your gym membership are all viable opportunities.

If you have routine bills like your rent or phone bill, be sure that you have enough to pay them while you’re gone and consider setting up auto pay so you don’t miss any payments.

Plan Your Route

Drive on the most iconic American highway, the famous Route 66, to experience the culture of eight diverse states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Learn about the history of each state and make lasting memories along the way.

Consider a road trip that takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway. Discover the sandy beaches off of California’s Highway 1, explore Oregon’s national forests and witness the scenic views along the Columbia River Highway. Let Washington’s wilderness wash over you as you head north, and be sure to visit Washington’s capital, Seattle, at the end of your trip.

If nature is calling, plan a trip that winds through Glacier National Park, Montana. Take a dip in St. Mary Lake, and make a stop at Virginia Falls. Or, head to the Southwest to explore Arizona’s red rock country by following State Route 179 from Phoenix to Sedona.

Use a tool like Discover America’s trip planner to outline your route. And, of course, pack maps and a GPS device just in case you take a wrong turn.

Drive a Road Trip-Worthy Car

If your current vehicle is a gas guzzler or you’re skeptical that your aging car can’t quite make it across the country, upgrade to a new set of wheels. Use an online resource like KBB to compare vehicles, and learn which cars get the best gas mileage. Popular Mechanics recommends the Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco-Diesel, Mazda 6, Chevy Impala and the Honda Crosstour.

Document Your Experience

Document your road trip by journaling in a notebook or online. And, of course, be sure to take plenty of photographs along the way. If you’re bringing a camera, make sure to pack all of your different lenses and plenty of battery packs. Mountable cameras, such as the GoPro Hero, can be attached to the outside of your car to capture all of the sights you see along your trip as well.

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Spring Break: Are You Ready?


happy spring breakSpring break is just around the corner. This is your chance to get away from school without going home. Go somewhere fun! StudentUniverse.com offers several suggestions. Whether you’re packing up your buddy’s car for a road trip or are saving up some money for a plane ticket, spring break can cost you if you don’t plan ahead. So how do you keep your costs to a minimum? Here’s a checklist for you and your friends so you don’t waste that hard-earned cash.

Operation Destination

Key West, New Orleans or Las Vegas — no matter where you are headed, it might be a good idea to rent a car. Stay safe while on unfamiliar streets though. Remember each state has different traffic regulations, so if you plan to rent a car, familiarize yourself with the driving laws in the states you might be visiting.

If you’re heading out on a road trip there are some essential items you’ll probably want to take with you. Sunglasses are a must, as well as a smartphone for the long drive. If you don’t have a GPS in your car, it can be a nice addition. Your smartphone likely has GPS, but unless you have an unlimited data plan it’s a good idea to get a designated GPS so you aren’t wasting your data and being charged for overages.

To save money, plot out your route before setting off. This way you won’t get lost and waste gas and time.

What to Bring

What you’ll need will always depend on your destination. But since it’s spring break there are some essentials that can’t be overlooked: a swimsuit, sunblock, a nice shaded hat. Don’t forget chargers for your phone, and your Kindle loaded up with a couple books you’ve been wanting to read.

It might surprise you, but it’s a good idea to take one change of warm clothing. Sometimes cold fronts can move in, even to the most tropical and warm of places.

Plan Ahead

Students don’t have a lot of money, and spring break adventures can be costly, so saving is essential.

There are tons of fees at the beginning of every school quarter. Buy used textbooks each quarter and sell back the textbooks you won’t need anymore. If you can get around with public transportation or a bicycle, drop the car back at the parents’ place. Car insurance, gas and maintenance can really put a drain on your finances. Keep track of your money with one of these two helpful financial resources: Finaid.com or Mint.com. If push comes to shove, the last course of action can be to offload some of the things you might not need. In that case Craigslist can be an invaluable resource when it comes to rounding out the money you will need to have an unforgettable spring break adventure.

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4 Ways to Save When Driving Home for the Holidays


winterroadcarDriving back home during the holiday months is something every out-of-state student has to deal with at one point or another. In fact, the United States Department of Transportation reports 91 percent of long-distance holiday travel is done by car. Of course, road trips aren’t exactly cheap and when you’re a struggling student it may seem nearly impossible to visit your folks during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Fortunately, there are several ways to cut costs when driving long distances so you can make it home for the holidays.

Improve Your Gas Mileage

One of the main expenses during a road trip is, without a doubt, gasoline. Get the most bang for your buck by using a gas price app like GasBuddy. This free app helps you find the cheapest gas in your area and locate gas stations nearby. Other ways to save money on gas include using a GPS to avoid getting lost, driving on freeways versus surface streets whenever possible and carpooling with a friend that lives in your home state to divide expenses. Lastly, obey the speed limit. Not only is driving the speed limit a good idea for your own personal safety, it can also improve gas mileage by about 10 percent, reports the U.S. Department of Energy.

Check Your Tires

Another great way to save money during a road trip is by regularly maintaining your vehicle’s tires. The last thing you want is to be stranded out on the road in the middle of nowhere waiting for an expensive tow truck to get you out of that sticky situation. Make sure your car has high-quality all-season tires that are suited for all kinds of travel conditions, including light snow. Along with checking your tires, you should also replace your car’s fluids and schedule a tuneup, suggests U.S. News.

Pack Light

The heavier the load, the slower you’ll go. Think light when packing for your road trip. Just because you don’t have to worry about airline baggage fees doesn’t mean you should pack everything and the kitchen sink. Keep packing reasonable by using a carry-on instead of a suitcase for all your stuff, pack clothing items and accessories that can be combined in more ways that one and, finally, remove half of the things you think you need, recommends Travel Fashion Girl. You’ll end up with only the essentials and a light load. A lighter load means better gas mileage, which is your main goal during a holiday road trip.

Plan Your Meals

As you probably already know, eating out can quickly add up. Avoid overspending on food by packing your own meals, drinks and snacks in a cooler. Cooking Light created a list with some of the best road trip foods, including cereal cups, energy bars (duh!), string cheese sticks and baby carrots. However, we’re not advocating being a cheapskate here. Eating at a roadside restaurant is all part of the experience. You can find the best food deals with Roadtrippers, a smartphone app that plans your roadtrip and shows you all of the dining options on your route (along with other cool spots). That way, you can easily find a restaurant that is within your budget.

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4 Affordable Cars for College Students


carkeysYou are so close to receiving your diploma. All of your long, hard work in college will have finally paid off, and it will be time to carve out your path in the world. But first, you’ll need some wheels to take that path. As a college student, though, affordability is a factor, especially considering your last tuition bills, books and the looming student loan debts. And dependability is a necessity for making it to class, finals and hopefully job interviews. For the budgeting college student, deciding on a car can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Choose the vehicle that best reflects who you are and that best meets your reliability, affordability and style criteria. Here are just a few choices to think about:

Honda Civic

For a traditional student with practical tastes, the compact Civic is an obvious choice. Both new and used models are heralded for style and performance. Plus, since 2006, the Civic has earned good ratings in every safety category, reports MSN Autos.

The 2011 four-door Civics are spacious and reliable, and were manufactured before the Honda redesign, which proved disappointing to Civic enthusiasts, claims Forbes. These cars are equipped with independent front strut suspension, independent rear multi-link suspension and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control, for optimal safety, according to Motor Trend. Be sure to do your homework through a trusted site like Kelley Blue Book before you buy, though, to guarantee you pay a fair price.

Ford Fiesta

Both current models as well as the 2010–2011 models of the Fiesta are fuel-efficient without sacrificing power, so this model is an ideal fit for the student that wants practicality with some speed. Under the hood, the Fiesta features a 1.6-liter, 120-horsepower engine and yields about 40 mpg on the highway, states MSN Autos. Plus, the Fiesta is available as a sedan or four-door hatch, depending on your personal style and preference. On the inside, new models boast plenty of leg and headroom, and the interior is plush and comfy, says U.S. News Best Cars.

Kia Soul

For the spunky, funky student, the off-beat Kia Soul is unique and reasonably priced. The Soul offers a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, so it’s great for sporting around town. You even can upgrade to a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine if you want to brave the open road, where the Soul gets around 31 mpg. It also earned a 9.3 on the U.S. News & World Report’s safety rating. And if you are looking for something newer, Auto Week states that the 2014 Soul is less top-heavy and more solid on the road. Therefore, this is the car for the self-assured, safety-conscientious, free-thinking driver with an eye for the aesthetic.

Nissan Cube

Also on the road less traveled, the Nissan Cube stands out as the perfect car for the progressive, hip student or the industrious, abstract design major. With a unique front grille, ripple-like interior and an asymmetrical rear window design, the Cube rocks out to the beat of its own drum. The 1.8-liter engine generates 122 horsepower and performs at 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, reports MSN Autos. In addition, it is noted for its responsiveness and prime handling. And most importantly, the Cube makes a statement and a lasting impression.

Earning your degree is just the first step to making your way in the world. You’ll have many choices to make leading up to and after graduation, but your car should be an easy checklist. Whether you want safety, affordability, performance or personality in your car, all you need to do is a little research and choose the car that makes the most sense for you.

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What to Know When Buying A Car In College


SmartCarCollege students need to get around just like everyone else. Unfortunately, few of them have enough money to buy new cars without sacrificing necessities like food and lodging. If you want to buy a car while in college, you’ll need to know a few things to get a good deal on a reliable vehicle.

Set a Firm Budget Before You Start Shopping

Since college students usually don’t have much money, it’s important to set a firm budget before you even start exploring your options. If you know that you can afford to spend $400 a month, then only look at cars that cost $400 or less per month. If you plan to buy a car with cash (good for you!), consider that you’ll have to pay taxes and fees on top of the vehicle’s price. Include extra expenses so you know which cars really match your budget.

You may face difficult financial decisions if you exceed your budget. You really could find yourself choosing between this month’s rent and this month’s car payment. Don’t put yourself in that kind of situation.

The Less You Borrow, the Less You Repay

A lot of people use auto loans so they can afford to buy cars. If you don’t have much money saved, this is probably your only option. Unfortunately, borrowing money increases the overall cost of purchasing the vehicle.

Let’s say used cars on KBB.com are listed at $8,000. You have $1,000 for a down payment, so you need to borrow $7,000. If you get a three-year loan with 4.7 percent interest, you’ll repay the lender over $7,500.

$500 is a lot of money when you’re trying to buy a car on a tight budget.

You can often lower the repayment amount by making a larger down payment, negotiating for a lower interest rate, or choosing a short-term loan that you repay in a year or two.

Know How Much it Costs to Own the Car

Buying a car means having to take on new financial responsibilities. According to some research, it costs the average person $8,876 to own and drive a sedan. You’ll have to pay for fuel, oil changes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and taxes.

Some cars cost a lot more to own than others. As a broke college student, you should find an inexpensive car that doesn’t cost a lot to own. Look for fuel efficient cars so you can save money on gas. Also, contact auto insurance companies to compare rates for different cars. You might find that you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars just by choosing one car over another.

Looks are Less Important Than Functionality

Nearly all drivers prefer cars that look nice. Those used vehicles, however, usually cost more than those that show their age. Since you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you should focus on what’s really important. You need a car that performs well. Aesthetics come in at a distant second place. Since there are people who will try to charge high prices for fancy cars with mechanical problems, you need to get as much information about the vehicle as possible.

Have a certified mechanic inspect the used car for signs of damage. If the mechanic finds problems, then you may want to choose another car that’s more reliable. If it gets a clean bill of health, then keep that car on your list.

Buyers should request maintenance records so they have evidence that the car’s owner cared for it. If the seller has receipts showing that the car got regular oil changes, then you know the previous owner took care of it. Buyers should also request the car’s license plate and vehicle identification numbers. You can use these numbers to get a vehicle history report that includes information from insurance companies and DMV offices. If the car has been in several accidents or disasters, the report should list that information.

Having a car in college makes it a lot easier to commute, visit family, and get away from campus when deadlines start stressing everyone out. What advice would you give college students who need to follow a strict budget when buying cars?

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