6 Things You Must Check When Buying a Used Car

Even though there is something oddly satisfying in knowing that you are the car’s first owner, in most cases, this is simply not worth the price. As soon as you take the car out of the salon, it can no longer be branded as new, which makes its price deteriorate drastically. 

Just a few years later (3-6) the car will be worth only half of its original price, while by the time it is 10 years old it will cost only 20 percent of this amount. Sure, a decade is not a short time-span, but a high-quality car can be equally as functional even 15 years after it was made. 

Nonetheless, there are some things you simply must check before buying a used car and here are six of them.

1. Consult Your Budget

Every once in a while, you will encounter an offer you simply won’t be able to say no to. Imagine a scenario where you get an insanely low offer for a car you always dreamed of having. 

On one hand, you can’t put a price tag on a dream, but at the same time, the amount may still be too much for your budget. Sure, sometimes undergoing a bit of austerity is worth it if it means getting what you always wanted, but sometimes it will still be too much for your budget in the long-run.

2. Run the Report History

The first thing you want to do before closing a purchase is check vehicle’s history report. This is a fairly easy thing to do and it reveals to you whether or not the car has been in any accidents or if it was subjected to things like flood damage. 

In order to do this, however, you will have to find its identification number. Another thing you can learn this way is if the odometer has been rolled back in order to boost the price.

3. Check It out in Person

With the right angle, lens, light and a bit of work on a Photoshop, any car can look amazing. In person, it is much harder to hide some of the vehicle’s obvious flaws. 

Even as a layman you will be able to clearly see rust and tear marks, but it is usually much more efficient to bring a mechanic from a trusted auto service to do an inspection. 

No camouflage methods will be able to trick a professional and although they work for a fee, it is a small price to pay when compared to buying a faulty car.

4. Talk to the Owner

Another thing you want to do when buying a used car is speak to the owner in person. Sure, fabricating certain facts and concealing truths is easy to do on paper (or on the internet), but something much harder to pull off in person. 

You need to start with some basic questions like were they the first owner of the vehicle and why are they selling it in the first place. While this may seem as something too basic to actually be effective, you would be surprised with the amount of honesty you may encounter.

5. Going for a test drive

Probably the most important step of them all is taking a car for a test drive. The car may look great on paper, but the way it behaves you are driving it is what really matters. 

While driving, make sure to drive as unorthodox as possible (of course, without putting yourself or others in danger while doing so). You need to try breaking, turning sharply and even drifting a bit. 

For safety reasons, it would be best to go someplace remote, without a lot of traffic.

6. Transferable Warranty Can Be a Deal-Breaker

Last, but in no way least important, in some situations, the vehicle you are intending to buy is still covered by a warranty. 

If that is the case, you will probably have the option of transferring it to yourself. In this way, you will be able to save a small fortune on future repairs.

In Conclusion

The best thing about the above mentioned six tips is that they can be all performed in a matter of minutes and hours, rather than days. 

Seeing how there are not many expenses greater than vehicle purchase, any effort invested in protecting your finances is always more than worth it.

Author bio: Steven Clarke is a business consultant/web entrepreneur, also passionate about cars. In his spare time he likes to write about his ideas and share them with the world. Steven is a regular contributor to several websites.

Out on Workers' Comp? How to Take Care of Your Personal Finances

Thousands of wage earners go out on workers' compensation every year. The experience can be brutal because the workers generally lose the ability to earn money immediately. 

The following is some information about what happens to the personal finances and what a person can do take care of them during a workers' compensation period.

The Decline of Family Funds

Workers' comp cases usually put the family in shock right away because they are so unexpected and sudden. A family that does not have a good amount of savings can suffer immensely if these funds are not available. 

The bills like the utilities, mortgage and rent will continue to build up, but the injured person won't be able to pay them until the Worker's comp money comes in. 

Therefore, it may come down to eliminating some of the daily pleasures that your family enjoys such as cable, Netflix, and maybe even the internet to help you save money. 

You may have to budget out every grocery trip and even ration your daily meals. This may even require your spouse to go back to work. No matter how you look at it, until your workers’ comp comes through, you will be facing major financial changes and decisions.

The Worker's Comp Process

A Worker's comp case can go smoothly if the insurer approves the case. If the claim is

deemed invalid for some reason or another, the family finances could crumble by the time the situation resolves. 

Families will suffer horribly if they do not have a large portion of the money saved. To help you navigate this process and make sure that your finances are taken care of, you should contact a lawyer like those at Oxner + Permar, LLC. for assistance. 

Without a good lawyer on your side, you may not get all of the money you need to cover your expenses from workers’ comp. And while hiring a lawyer may ultimately cost you money, this will help you in the long run in making sure that you get the money you deserve from workers’ comp to take care of your family. 

Then you won’t have to give up those extra pleasures that your family enjoys on a daily basis.

What the Family Can Do

Making smart decisions before on-the-job injuries occur is the best way to avoid total devastation when something like this happens. Starting an interest bearing savings account is a good idea as well as making small investments. 

Both ventures can help a family to get through a crisis and it will help alleviate any financial strain that your family may incur during this trying period.

There are several things that the other family members can do once the leave begins. One thing they can do is start selling the items from the home that no one needs. 

Items like household goods and electronics may sell at online auction sites. Examples of things that can bring money in are items such as cell phones, computers, navigational systems, clothing and the like. 

Another thing that you can do is work some odd jobs. Short-term loans and pawnshop advances are tangible, as well. The best way to bring money in is not to borrow it, but it may be necessary.

The struggling family unit will make it if they follow some of the previously mentioned tips. The other tip is to file the workers' compensation cases as quickly as possible so that it can proceed quickly. 

The injured person must also do everything that the employer requires him or her to do.

UK Retirement Savings Map Shows Who's Saving and Who's Not Saving for Retirement

Dreams of a comfortable retirement are going to turn into a nightmare if you don't save money today. It's hard to believe many people are saving little to nothing in their workplace pension plans. Lately, there is a discussion going on in the media concerning this very issue.

In the infographic below you can see how the different regions in the UK are saving money for retirement. It's not very encouraging to see the neglect that many workers are taking to their retirement pension plans. Saving little to nothing seems to be the norm and not the exception. Check it out.

Credit: True Potential, A UK based company providing an online investment service

Debt Management: 7 Things You Should Be Considering Before Filing For Bankruptcy

Thousands of people file for bankruptcy each year when they find that the financial rut overwhelms them. Bankruptcy sometimes leaves a consumer with a poor credit score and file for up to seven years. If you are currently considering bankruptcy, you can consider these seven alternatives before you move forward.

Debt Settlement

One thing that you may want to consider before you file for bankruptcy is a debt settlement. You may be able to get an experienced counselor to negotiate a "pay in full" balance on some of your accounts that could render them as paid. 

If you can get that “pay in full” balance, then you essentially have a clean slate and you will be able to move on. With that said, you don’t want to go back into debt and you will want to be more careful about how you invest and spend your money in the future.

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation is a very common practice. You may just need to consolidate your bills so that they will be clearer to you. You can do a consolidation with a credit card, consolidation loan or a debt management plan. 

All three alternatives will allow you to make one low monthly payments. This should also help lower the interest rate on these payments making the burden of your debt a little easier to bear.

Debt Negotiation

Debt negotiation is the act of trying to persuade the creditors to give you a break on your debt. You can do that through an experienced attorney or counselor. You may be surprised at the leniency you receive if you make an effort to negotiate. 

However, you do not want to enter these negotiations without that attorney or counselor on your side. This will give you a better chance of getting some breaks on your debt payments.

Budget Consulting

Budget consulting is an educational course that a seasoned financial specialist like the ones at the Law Office of Barbara B. Braziel provide. Such lessons can teach different aspects of your financial profile and how you can avoid some of the most common pitfalls. 

If you go through such a program, you can learn how to cut your expenses so that you can have more funds for your savings and debt.

Debt Management Program

A debt management program can get you back on track without making you file for bankruptcy status. 

A counselor can help you to develop a monthly repayment plan that fits into your budget, and the counselor can even pay the bills for you each month for a small fee. Some consumers find such programs to be quite helpful.

Credit Monitoring

One of the best ways to keep track of your credit and how it has been impacted by debt is to monitor it. Monitoring your credit can keep you out of the bankruptcy court. 

You can dispute things that are making your credit report look poor and keep an eye on new developments. Monitoring software costs approximately $10 a month.

Credit Counseling

Sometimes it is just too difficult to manage your debt and budget all on your own. Sometimes you really do need the assistance of a professional. 

It may cost many to have a counselor or financial advisor on your side, but if it ultimately helps get you out of debt in the long run, then this is worth looking into.

Now you know of some alternatives to bankruptcy. Consider them and whether they can serve you well. If not, you can always speak to a bankruptcy expert.

Best Healthcare Technologies to Invest in as You Get Older

As you age, it’s not uncommon for simple tasks to become more of a struggle and the loss of independence can be quite hard to swallow. 

Technology is constantly advancing, and now there are different devices and systems that can assist with everyday tasks and improve the quality of everyday living. 

Here are some of the best healthcare technologies to invest in as you get older. 

The Tabsafe

The Tabsafe is a device that assists with medication consumption. It is a fully medication management system that can do everything from sending reminders on when to take medication and how much to take, to sending information to doctors when prescriptions are running low. 

This technology essentially assumes the role of a medication nurse and eliminates the need for any added fussing. One of the most useful features on this devices, is the fact that all information regarding medication and consumption can be accessed through a portal on any smart device or desktop – so loved ones, family members and healthcare professionals have easy access to any important information they may need in a case of an emergency.

The Grandcare System

The GrandCare device is a home system that has countless adaptable features. The system is a large tablet face with user friendly touch-screen buttons, which delivers instructions, reminders, medication prompts, social communications with friends and family and even videos. 

One of the most popular features is the Care Portal, which allows family members to stay connected with ease, by allowing them to exchange messages, and to access important information on things such as upcoming events, health indications and medication renewals. This technology is so versatile and user friendly that anybody could use it.

GPS

GPS technology systems are tracking devices operated by satellite locators. They are able to pin point the location of any receptive device, which can be extremely useful for the elderly. 

For example, this technology would be great in the event of an emergency, where a senior is suffering from a mental health problem, memory loss or confusion and leaves the house unattended. 

GPS tracking is easily accessed through smartphone devices and applications and can therefore allow the user to be situated and helped quickly. Technologies like sensors, GPS tracking systems and even senior focused social networking sites often mean that seniors can live at home and maintain a level of independence. 

Pest-Proof Your Home

Few things can ruin your peace of mind as much as finding pests in your home. Whether it’s a mouse running across the kitchen floor, wasps setting up shop in your rafters, or a spider in your bedroom… an unwelcome guest in your home can ruin your month! And exterminating them can ruin your pocketbook, too.

Rats and cockroaches are some of the biggest contributors to allergens and disease in the home. Wasps and spiders can threaten our safety. Termites undermine the foundations of your home. Moths and mice ruin food stores and treasured property. 

Bed bugs are just straight-up creepy. Pests also tend to thrive more in houses with elderly residents, since there are big areas that are largely neglected, and so we miss the signs of infestation. 

Luckily, there are measures that you can take to minimize the likelihood of having pests in your house. Not only do these improvements raise your quality of life and safety, but they also have a great ROI on the value of your home. Read on to learn more…

Keep tidy outsides

The best thing you can do to reduce your risk of pests is to keep your front and back yard clean and unattractive to pests. Do regular sweeps of your yard to ensure that you don’t have standing water that can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Store garbage far away from your house and keep a lid on it so that you don’t attract scavengers and flies. Having stacks of wood by your home can draw termites, especially when it gets wet over the winter. 

Check for beehives, wasp’s nests, and anthills around your yard and in surrounding trees.

Minimize habitats for pests around your yard by installing soffits on your house’s rafters so that birds and wasps can’t build nests there, as this article argues. 

Trim back trees and hedges, especially around the bases, and keep them well-groomed so that pests can’t get comfortable there.

Keep inside tidy too

Don’t feel discouraged: if you have pests in your home, it doesn’t mean that you’re a slob! 

Even a squeaky-clean home can become subject to an infestation. However, careful cleaning can greatly decrease your chances of attracting bugs and rodents.

• Clean all crumbs from the counters and floors. 
• Avoid clutter. The fewer places pests have to hide, the better. 
• Speaking of clutter, raise things off the floor. This can be especially smart for your garage, where letting your boxes and sporting equipment congregate on the floor can create an ideal living space for spiders and raccoons. 
• Keep a cover on your trash can. The smell can attract flies and ants. 
• Seal up your food in airtight containers, even dry goods like cereal and flour, which can be wonderful habitats for moths. 
• Vacuum really regularly. Many professionals recommend once a week, in order to lower the risk of bed bugs, which are on the rise clear across the United States. 

Keep dry

Moisture is one of the biggest siren calls to pests. Termites love wet wood. Cockroaches thrive in moist areas, which accounts for their alternative name, water bugs. 

Flies find breeding ground in wet, warm areas. Simply eliminating reasons for excess water can go a long way in preventing an infestation in your home. 

Take swift action to correct causes of excess water in your home. This might mean checking for leaks in the plumbing, which includes watching for spikes in your water bill and checking creaky floors and stains in the walls and ceiling. 

Look under your sinks regularly to make sure that everything is sealed up tight. Be on guard against leaky sprinklers in the yard, especially if they run the risk of leaking into your house. Install fans in your bathrooms, or crack the windows to let the humidity after a bath or shower dissipate.

Keep all holes sealed and cracks repaired

Sometimes, no matter how clean your home and yard is, insects and rodents will climb into your house, just for the sake of shelter and warmth. You can minimize the entry points that they have, though.

Our homes are riddled with more holes than we realize. Some are tiny cracks in the walls and baseboards that insects creep into. 

Others are large vents and holes that were side effects of a utility installation, perhaps in order to wire in the internet or satellite. In order to keep your house snug as a bug in a rug (excuse the expression) take these measures:

• Put a mesh barrier over ventilation holes and large pipes. 
• Treat cracks with caulking. 
• Weatherproof doors and windows. Install weather stripping around the borders, and a door flap at the base of the door in order to keep bugs from creeping in. 

Call in the pros

Home remedies can’t do everything, which is why we have professionals. A home inspector or pest control technician can notice signs of infestation that you don’t. 

Get regular checks, especially for termites, and if you have a high risk of infestation, or children that could get hurt by stowaways, consider pest barrier treatments around your home. Although it requires regular maintenance, it’s often worth it for the peace of mind.