Have an Expensive Car? 4 Ways to Save on Costly Repairs

It is easy to spend a lot on a new car right off the dealer’s lot. With such a huge financial commitment, it can be a bit of a disappointment to learn that a new, expensive car needs repairs. 

Yet, this happens more often than people think. Like all mechanical devices, cars have a tendency to break down and need fixing from time-to-time. The following are four tips on how to save money when the need to do car repairs arises.

Be the Mechanic

A lot of car owners waste tons of money on minor repairs they could easily learn to do themselves. Today, it is almost trivial to find instructional videos online which cover virtually every aspect of car maintenance and repair. In fact, some people even learn to do some advanced work on their expensive cars too. 

This may not be an ideal way to save money on car repairs for everyone, but it is a strategy that everyone should honestly consider. This is especially true for women who are finding they are a lot better with a wrench than they thought they might be.

Buy Your Own Replacement Parts

Another way to save money when repairing an expensive car is to get in the habit of buying the replacement parts needed for the job beforehand. There are a lot of places where a person can get their hands on used Ford Mustang parts, for example. 



When buying used parts, it is important to learn about the discount that comes from handing over the damaged part, often referred to as core.

Keeping Spare Tires in Your Garage

It is a good habit to get in the practice of buying tires for an expensive car when a tire shop is running a special sale. Often it is possible to save loads of money with a buy one get one free tire deal. 

After acquiring the tires, then simply store them away in the garage for when they are needed. This way it will be easy to ensure a spare tire is available when a replacement is necessary.

Get Quotes from Local Mechanics

For a lot of people, DIY mechanic work is not going to be a solution. That is okay, because it can still be economical to take an expensive car to a mechanic if a person takes the time to call and get quotes from the mechanics who operate in their local area. 

It is also going to be important to read reviews and gain a sense of what quality of work can be expected form a particular mechanic or company, especially in terms of customer service and billing.

When you save up to get an expensive car, the last thing you want is to pay out more for repairs and maintenance. Take the time to consider these options next time your vehicle needs a checkup. Doing so will help you keep your nice car affordable and well-maintained.

5 Easy Precautions You Can Take Against Identity Theft

Did you know that on average, victims of identity theft spend at least 600 hours trying to clear their name? In addition to repairing the financial damage that’s been done, victims also have to prove that they are who they say they are. How unnerving is that?

As horrible as it sounds, there is a bright side to identity theft. Although you can’t be 100 percent sure it will never happen to you, there are things you can to protect yourself.

Monitor Online Accounts

If your bank offers online banking, sign up for it. Frequently log in to make sure you have no unauthorized transactions. Also, make sure to keep your login information safe. Never write it down or save it in your phone. also, never enable automatic logins.

Order Annual Credit Reports

You’re eligible for a free credit report from all three major bureaus. However, there are also apps that allow you to check your credit as often as you like. Credit Karma gives you instant access to your credit report for free. 



Sign up and check your report once a month for anything that looks out of the ordinary. You’d be surprised how many unauthorized accounts slip through the cracks.

Memorize Your Social Security Number

If someone gets a hold of your social security number, your credit can be destroyed in an instant. Play it safe and memorize your social security number. Make sure you contact a criminal defense group if your identity is indeed stolen. 

 Furthermore, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings when giving your social security number to customer service representatives.

Opt Out of Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers

You know those pre-approved credit card offers you get in the mail from time to time? Do not accept them. Tear them into pieces and throw them away. Thieves are notorious for using these kinds of offers to obtain other people’s credit card information. You can also opt out them to ensure you never get the offers again.

No matter how vigilant you are, there’s always the risk of identity theft. Even a disgruntled waiter can snap a photo of your credit card and go on a shopping spree. Play it safe and stay on top of your finances and purchases. 

If something doesn’t look right or you don’t remember giving that aforementioned waiter a tip, act upon it. The sooner you identify an issue, the sooner you can rectify it.

3 Reasons You Should Opt in for an HSA Account

With the expenses associated with healthcare continuing to rise, you should be doing everything you can to maximize your savings wherever possible. While there are many things that you can be doing to protect your health and contribute to your overall well begging, you will still want to safeguard your finances against any injury or illness that can come your way. 

It seems that many people have shied away from Health Savings Accounts because of the restrictions placed on how you can use the money that it put into it. While that might be a legitimate concern, consider the following three reasons why you should opt in for an HSA account.

You Can Invest Your HSA

This is an advantage that many people do not know about, but you can actually invest the money in your HSA. While most people just choose the default choice of putting the money in a low savings account, you can actually choose to put the money in a mutual fund if you so desire. 



The money in there can roll over year after year, giving you a similar investment effect that would be achieved by a Roth IRA or 401(k) account.

You Can Make Tax Free Withdrawals from Your HSA

Not only do you receive a tax deduction upon contributing to a Health Savings Account, but you will also enjoy the benefit of being able to make tax free withdrawals when the time comes. 

This makes it a unique type of investment account in that it becomes triple tax free. While we all know that paying taxes are a necessary part of life, it is nice to have an investment where we get to avoid the component of our finances for just a bit longer.

Save Your Receipts

The thought that you must make withdrawals in the same year that you make contributions is simply not true. In fact, you can save receipts from health related expenditures like dental crowns or contact lenses and then make withdrawals from the account in future years when you need the money. 

Just remember that all money you take out of your HSA must be for health related expenses. Beyond that, the timing is up to you.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more reasons why you should contribute to an HSA, such as the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have money available in the event anyone in your family suddenly becomes injured or ill. It is a type of forced savings account that can really pay dividends when the time comes.

3 Things That Can Increase Your Vintage Car’s Value

Owning a classic car is a lifelong dream for many. Impassioned car aficionados are willing to pay a lot of money for a good vintage car. Selling your classic car is no small feat; not only do you have to understand the market but you also have to understand your vehicle’s value.

Unlike modern cars, there isn’t a sticker price you can rely on for your original. Instead, classic cars are priced and sold based on their value, which is heavily rooted in their parts and appearance.

If you’re considering selling your vintage car, here are a few tips to help you find the right buyer.

Original Parts

Modified classic cars are worth less than their original counterparts; authenticity is a big factor in vintage car value. If you can, find original parts or new old stock (NOS) pieces to add to the vehicle. Original classic cars aren’t easy to find, so buyers will pay good money for a vintage car that has its own parts in place.



If your car already has most of its original parts in place, then try to locate the original owner’s manual or acquire original engine stickers. These small details really pack a punch, especially at auctions and car shows.

A Clean Exterior and Interior

Rather than replacing the seats with newer models, keep the originals and get them refurbished. You’ll have to work with a mechanic who specializes in classic cars; you want to make sure that any covers you purchase are true to your vehicle’s period. You can also look for NOS seat covers that can give your vintage vehicle an updated but timeless look.

Automotive paint customization could also help you match the original color of the car’s exterior, so any updates and renovations you make to restore the vehicle will be true to history.

Excellent Condition

A classic car that looks pretty but can never be driven isn’t something many buyers will go for. The engine should run smoothly, and the car should be in the best possible condition when you start to show it. Have a mechanic give it a thorough run-down and make any necessary repairs.

Having a classic car in a near-flawless condition will vastly increase its value.

Finding the Right Buyer

You don’t want your car to go to just anyone; it’s a good idea to check local car shows and auctions to sell your vintage vehicle. People who shop at these places are often highly knowledgeable and willing to pay more money. You need to find the buyers who will be able to recognize the value in your car, ensuring you get exactly what it’s worth.