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The Benefits ASI Offers to Their Clients

September 29, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

When people buy a car, whether it is a new one or a used one, they are making an investment. Cars being mechanical, however, they do sometimes break down. And the vast majority of people find that this happens just after their warranty runs out. This is why so many people decide to take out an extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract. One company that is respected for offering some of the best extended warranties around is Accelerated Service International, or ASI. This company, as their name suggests, believes in provide exceptional service, and doing so without any delays. They offer this to all involved with them, being the customers, the agents, and the dealers. The company has a fantastic reputation, not in the least because of their huge array of specialized services.

Best Coverage in the Industry

One of the key things that sets ASI apart is that they don’t just offer one type of service contract. Rather, they offer them for any type of vehicle, new or used, and for all different types of budgets. A full list of coverage options is available on their website, and ASI agents will also be more than happy to discuss these with prospective customers or with dealers. Indeed, they offer extended coverage, wrap coverage, certified coverage, bumper to bumper coverage, and more.

Furthermore, the company believes in making payments without delay. As their name says, they are “accelerated” in everything that they do. They are, in fact, one of the only companies in the country that usually pays out on claims within two hours. Furthermore, they make their payments through credit card, which means money is transferred instantly.

A vehicle service contract is, in essence, a type of insurance. Hence, a number of insurance industry regulations are also applied to these contract providers. ASI prides itself on meeting all those regulations. They make sure, unlike many other providers, that they always have sufficient funds in reserve to make sure claims are paid on. Not just that, they are backed by insurance companies that are all A-rated, which gives customers further peace of mind.

Another thing that sets ASI apart from the rest is their Profit Track system. This is a singular system used by ASI employees, agents, and dealers alike. It is maintained in real time, and this means any questions are always answered accurately and with the correct information. Mainly, it also means that there is consistency across the board. Furthermore, to ensure dealers have rapid and accurate rates on any ASI product, they can access the eContracting and eRating service for information. Agents, meanwhile, can instantly check the status of any claim that has been made with ASI.

Accelerated Service International has been in business since 1990, making it one of the oldest companies of its kind in the country. They have set the standard for what is expected in this industry in terms of customer service, speed of payout, comprehensive coverage, and more. Their contracts are accepted all over the country and clients can choose their own repair shop. So long as they are ASE certified, ASI accepts them.

Tips to Help You Save

September 27, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

You work hard for your money, but at the end of the month and before that paycheck hits your bank account, you feel squeezed. It can be a monthly hard-hitting reality that the money coming in isn’t enough to add to your savings.

The first thing you need to do is understand exactly where your money is going. For three months, you need to journal what you are spending. Keep supermarket receipts and go through them. Categorize your expenditure like you would do if you were doing business accounts: fruit and vegetables, meat, sundries, cleaning products, etc.

You need to understand what you are spending on so that you can see where changes to your spending habit can be made. Notice the word ‘changes’. You are not going to be deprived of anything, the only thing that is going to be cut out is unnecessary spending. Here are 3 areas that can be addressed to help you save money.

Food

Take advantage of special offers from the supermarket. Try and only buy special offer products. This is not only a way of saving money, but it will change the menu for your family. Some new recipes will work, and some won’t, but it’s a good way to try new dishes. Collect coupons and subscribe to loyalty reward schemes. Batch cook meals and make extra portions to freeze. Prepare individual portions so that you can take them to work to eat, rather than buying food on the go. Similarly, buy a travel mug for your coffee, rather than spending at a coffee shop on your way to work. This will save you money and time!

Utilities

Do not become complacent and fail to compare the rates that you pay for your utility bills with other providers. It is easy to let contracts roll over, but by undertaking some cursory research, you may just find a better rate. Forewarn your current provider that you are going to leave; you may be able to negotiate to a rate match or an even better. If you don’t ask, you don’t get

Transport

Remember to keep an eye out for the cheapest fuel options in your area. You can shave off several dollars each time you fill up just by being savvy about where you get your petrol or diesel from. If your car is reaching the age where it’s not going to be economically viable to keep it on the road, research which car you will get next. Choose a car that is efficient by choosing one that has a high mpg, or consider an electric one to be even greener. If you have your heart set on a particular model but are limited by your budget, contact a company such as Silverback Automotive who will source you your car, and for the right price. Using a professional auto broking firm allows you to take advantage of their industry contacts; again, saving you stress, time and money.

You do not want to feel that your money is controlling you. You need to control your money. Curtailing day-to-day spending can obviously help you save dollars, but by ignoring the monthly expenditures of your food, utilities, and transport, you can turn a trickle of savings into a river.

4 Investment Tips from the Pros

September 15, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

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Whether you are a first time or seasoned investor, it is important that you have a continual desire to learn new investment tips and tricks. There are many people, organizations, and websites offering lessons and tips on investing, but the best advice you can get is from leading investors who have built impressive track records of success. Here are a number of investment tips from the top investors in the world.

Invest in Productive Assets

There are few people who have mastered the art of investing the way Warren Buffet has. The ultimate investment guru has this advice for anyone who is interested in investing: “always invest in productive assets”. While this advice is nothing new, it is one of the most important fundamentals of investing. Many investors allow their decisions to be influenced by sales pitches and marketing gimmicks. To be sure that your investment has the best chance of making money, you need to look at the product instead of the seller.

Be Tech Minded

Tech is the future of the world, and it should be one of your first considerations when you are deciding whether to invest in a company, according to successful entrepreneur Jason Sugarman. It is essential to pick a company that invests substantially in technology, so that your investment will not be at risk when a competitor adopts a new technology. Such a company is more likely to survive and succeed in the future.

Do Not Fall Into the Linear Thinking Trap

An example of linear thinking is expecting the market to perform equally well in the future if it is currently doing well. Many investors have the inclination to invest in the domestic market, which can be a mistake, according to DoubleLine Capital CEO, Jeffrey Gundlach. He encourages investors to consider expanding and diversifying into the global market.

Do Not Panic During Selloffs

It is quite common for selloffs to occur in the stock market. However, investors should not panic and join the frenzy when a selloff happens, advises Causeway Capital Management CEO Sarah Ketterer. Instead, you should buy stocks and shares with good potential. When the market recovers as it usually does, you will have more assets than those who joined the selloffs.

There is no sure way to avoid risk when you are investing. However, you can reduce your risk significantly if you know how to calculate your risk and make better informed decisions.

Different Ways to Settle Your Debts

August 29, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

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Getting into debt can be extremely stressful and can impact massively on your finances. Your credit score may be affected and you may find that you are unable to get more credit to cover the costs of your overall debts. However, you are not the only person in debt as the statistics show. The average amount of unsecured debt in the UK has risen to £200.882 billion – the highest since 2008. A report by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that eight in ten Americans are in debt and the average amount of debt in Canada has risen by 3.6% according to Equifax. So what can you do to solve your debt problems?

Debt Relief

AAA Credit Guide (https://aaacreditguide.com/debt-relief/accredited-debt-relief) suggests combining your debts into one simple monthly payment which is easier to cover than several payments with interest. An agency works on your behalf to arrange a settlement with your creditors. Many will freeze interest on your accounts and some may even agree to you paying less than you originally owed. This will affect your credit score negatively but often allows you to get out of debt faster.

Debt Consolidation Loan

This may be a viable option if you are still able to get credit and your overall debts are low. The difference between this and debt relief or management is that you will still pay interest on the loan amount but the rate is usually lower than your overall interest rates from each creditor. You can choose from an unsecured loan or a secured loan against something you own, usually your house. You should consider whether you will be able to afford repayments if you reach a financial emergency.

Bankruptcy

This is often a last resort for those in high amounts of debt but it may be the only option. Over 100,000 people in the UK are declared bankrupt every year, showing that this option is often the only solution for those in a lot of debt. Going bankrupt means writing off all of your debts but this is normally done by selling any assets you own such as your house and car. Bankruptcy is often the option for those who cannot afford to repay any of their debts but it will stay on your credit file for six years thereafter. Think carefully about this option as others may be more suitable.

Talk over your financial situation with a professional before coming to a decision on how to approach your debt. How much can you afford to budget for every month on your current salary? This will give you an idea of what option suits your situation best.

The modern investment questions that are most commonly asked

August 28, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

There are scores of new articles around the private equity industry right now, and specifically how it is reacting to the economy.

There’s no doubt that this is one industry which has changed phenomenally over the years and investment strategies which may have been relevant ten years ago, no longer are.

In fact, on the most part, PE’s have a much different set of questions they ask when they are thinking about taking over a company. As the title of this guide may have suggested, we are now going to take a look at these to see how things have developed.

Is the company underperforming?

This question perhaps leads us onto the first change in the industry, and how the attitude to companies has changed. Previously, the approach might have always been to acquire companies at the top of their game, but the general consensus amongst industry experts is that this is now too expensive. In other words, valuations seem to be rising – and this doesn’t favour the old tactic.

Of course, there will be some exceptions to this rule. However, according to Marc Leder, this is one of the first questions he’ll ask himself when contemplating the acquisition of a company. This means that the valuation is kept respectable – and there is always the potential to not only grow profits, but to also inflate that valuation and turn an even bigger final profit later down the line.

Why is the company underperforming?

The previous question leads directly to this one – just why was the company underperforming? In truth, there are countless reasons why this might be the case, and many of them aren’t going to be significant enough to put a potential buyer off.

Examples of common reasons behind underperformance include a lack of investment or a misguided strategy. These two examples can both be resolved by a PE company stepping in and making changes, so it stands to reason that this turns a seemingly failing business into one that’s very attractive in the eyes of an investor.

Of course, these failings aren’t likely to be obvious – and this is what separates the savviest private equity investor from the ones that have low hit rates with their acquisitions.

Is there an existing management team in place?

This final question is one that might again raise a few eyebrows. Historically, a lot of private equity investors may have looked to bring their own team in – but nowadays this isn’t always the case.

An attractive proposition for investors is if a management team is already in place. This means that there is an existing team who know the business inside-out, and can therefore assist the PE team when they are looking to initiate change.

It’s a huge hindrance if investors have to come in and appoint their own management team, who then has to “learn the ropes” and understand how the business operates before they can make meaningful contributions.

Understanding Financial Spread Betting

August 24, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

For a long time now, the financial market is, and still remains a means for hypothetical profits. One way through which speculators seek to make enormous profits within a short period in the financial market is Financial Spread Betting. The cons of speculations are that they mostly end up in risks.

Unlike old-fashioned investing, Financial Spread Betting is one way of betting, though it is not dependent on the outcome of a particular event. You can minimize the losses by closing the bet and withdrawing the profits any time. This product is a margined derivative where you place a bet on the price changes in both CMC Markets and products like currencies, indices, bonds and stocks. The market movements guide you on how to invest appropriately.

The importance of a spread in Financial Spread Betting

A brokerage firm quotes different buying and selling prices. The buying price for a stock is called the bid price, whereas the selling price for a stock is the asking price. A spread is therefore the difference between the two prices; it is the charge paid to the broker.

Placing a bet on a financial spread

There is no limit on the amount that an investor can bet on a financial security. You can start with £10 per point. If you feel that the FTSE is likely to increase, any bet that you place translates to a profit or loss of £10. An increase of 20 points therefore, translates to 20-point movement in your favor and a profit of £200. For both the market price and investor to benefit, the market must move away from the asking or bid price based on the predicted direction.

Pros and cons of financial spread betting

This form of betting comes with benefits as well as risks. Benefits include access to wide range of markets, minimal barriers to entry, freedom to take either long or short positions, and tax-free profits in some jurisdictions. It is lucrative because one can make massive profits with little investment. The margin requirements for some currency pairs and indices may be lower, and there are no commissions to be paid. Betting is not treated as an investment; hence its profits are not subject to stamp duty or capital gains taxes. There are some instances where profits are not taxed if the investor does not solely draw his/her livelihood from this practice.

Financial Spread Betting Strategies

Strategies are very crucial when betting or investing as they cushion you from making more losses. Likewise, before engaging in financial spread betting, it is imperative to observe the market trends and adopt a befitting strategy. The most common strategies include range trading, news trading, breakout trading and trend trading.

Trend following

This is the most common strategy employed by traders, especially those who are new in the game. It entails studying the momentum of the security to predict its trend as well as the entry optimal points. Higher highs and higher lows on charts are indicative of an upward trend in prices. Most traders thus assume a position. In contrast, lower highs and lower lows indicate downward trends and a short position are assumed by most traders.

Reversal trading

Identifying areas with over-extended or reversible trends is part of the strategy in contrarian trading. It requires one to assume a short position when a resistance level is reached and an upward trend starts reversing, and assuming a long position a support level is reached and a downward trend starts reversing.

Range trading

Here, both the support and resistance levels are identified and long and short positions taken respectively. This strategy is best suited for new traders. This makes it easier to place stop-loss orders above support or resistance levels.

News trading

Unlike other strategies, this one does not depend on technical analysis. It relies on the interpretation of news and financial results, economic policy, macro-economic data and other releases. One stands to make enormous profits since the data releases and other headlines influence the price activity.

Breakout trading

This strategy hinges on the expectation that prices will extend higher or lower if the trends are upwards or downwards. It is an alternative to the other strategies mentioned above.

How to Improve Your Financial Management Skills While You Travel

August 24, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

We all need to be able to manage our money wisely and when you travel, you get plenty of opportunities to improve your financial management skills. These skills will benefit you when you return home and they can be developed in the following ways.

Enroll in an Online Finance-related Course

If you intend to travel for a while, you should consider enrolling in an online course like the online masters of accounting program that is designed to increase your financial knowledge and develop your financial management skills. More masters degree in accounting online courses than ever before are being offered by leading colleges and universities, so these courses are recognized by most employers. This means that once you have completed the course, your services will be in-demand or you could eventually work for yourself in the financial services sector.

Learn to Haggle and Look for Bargains

Haggling and trying to find a bargain are two of the most important money-related skills you need to master. The more you develop these skills, the more money you will keep in your pocket while you travel and in your everyday life.

While you’re away from home, you will get plenty of opportunities to put your haggling and bargaining skills into practice. The people you haggle and bargain with along the way will also show you how they have mastered the art of selling, which is also an invaluable skill to have.

Planning and Preparing for Your Trip

All leading financial professionals look to the future and are great planners. You should take the same approach before you leave home and develop a plan that will account for expenses and the money you will spend while you’re traveling. This is an important exercise and it will ensure that you stay more disciplined whenever it comes to the money you spend in the future.

Outsource Your Financial Services

If you have a finance-related qualification or you are in the process of obtaining one, there’s no reason why you can’t start to offer your services to other people while you’re on the move.

The internet and the emergence of a wide range of outsourcing websites mean it’s never been as easy to put your financial skills and knowledge to the test and learn new ways to improve these skills.

Keep Building Up Your Contact List

While you travel, you will meet a lot of people along the way. You will probably also interact with many different people over the internet.

If possible, you should look for ways to leverage these relationships, especially if you meet fellow financial professionals. These people could become important and useful contacts who may be able to give you important financial advice and tips, which could prove to be important at a later date.

Traveling should be an enjoyable experience. It can also be an excellent way to learn more about managing your finances and improving your financial management skills. You can do this by following the tips above.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Boat

August 16, 2017 By admin 1 Comment

When buying a boat there are several things you should consider. Like buying a car you need to know your budget, your needs, and your preferences. Some states also require that you have a boat safety education certificate or even a license. For larger boats, it’s better to have certification regardless of whether you legally need one or not, simply because knowing how to your boat works and how you can fix it while you are out on open water is imperative for safety.

Looking to buy a boat for the first time? Follow this comprehensive guide to get you started.

What the Boat is For

Before you can narrow down your choice of boats, you should first know and choose what you want the boat for. Do you want it to fish? Do you want to race along coastlines? Is it for inshore, offshore, or both? Do you just want a pleasure boat that you can go out for a few hours, or do you want one that you can comfortably spend a day in?

What you want the boat for will typically correlate with what is around you. For instance, if the body of water around you is a lake, you don’t need to have a boathouse or a boat that has an indoor area. If you live near a large river or an open body of river like the ocean, you have the option to cruise much further.

Similarly, you could look for larger vessels. Yachts, sailboats, and other vessels that can take you across the ocean act as a second home. When crossing an ocean is your goal, you will want a captain’s license. While you don’t need a license to captain a yacht, your insurance company might not insure you unless you have qualifications or have a qualified person on the vessel.

Essentially, if your goal with your boat is to cross large bodies of water, you will need to be qualified. Unlike with smaller boats, where the driving and mechanics are straightforward, boats meant to cross waters have many systems that need to be maintained. They can break when you are out on the water, and unless you have knowledge and the know-how on how to fix it, you will be stranded. There are water-filtering systems, septic systems, heating and cooling systems, GPS systems, and more.

When you are crossing a large body of water, being qualified isn’t about meeting state or federal standards, it’s about survival.

Who Will Be Using It?

This determines how large a boat you need. Will it just be you? Will it be you and a friend? Your entire family? Whatever kind of boat you want, you need to think about the logistics and safety. You don’t want it to be crowded, and you certainly want to make sure that everyone can fit.

This is particularly important when you want your vessel to do day or longer trips – people get cramped and claustrophobic when they are forced to stay in a small space for too long. You will also need to make sure that there is enough storage for things like food, water, and even extra clothes or blankets.

What Weather Do You Want to Use It In?

What seasons do you want to be able to use your boat in? Would you want to drive it in more severe weather like rain? Will you store your boat during the winter or are you in a region where the water does not freeze? If you want a boat for the summer you don’t need a boat that has an indoor area. Your everyday speedboat will suit you just fine. If, however, you want to use it during rain, or during cooler months, you should consider purchasing a larger boat that has an indoor steering wheel and seating area.

What kind of boat you need depends on what you want to do with it. Rather than jump into a spontaneous purchase because you like the way a boat looks or what a salesperson is saying, know what you need the boat to do. Have a checklist of you needs so that your boat will fulfill them.

Insurance

Just like any other large investment you make, you need insurance. Having insurance on your boat means that it will be protected in case of sinking, fires, storms, theft, if it capsizes, if you’re stranded, or any other accident. You can also get liability insurance, which is just as important as getting insured for your boat. Having liability insurance means that if you get into a boat accident, you have a means to pay your medical expenses for you, your relatives, and any other passengers on your boat. This insurance is for when the accident is not at the fault of someone else.

When you are in a boating accident that is someone else’s fault, you will need a personal injury lawyer. Visit StephenBabcock.com for the kind of lawyer you need. Compensation for an accident that is not your fault should always be compensated for. Be legally protected, and enjoy your boat!

What Can You Afford?

A boat, just like a car, is not a one-time payment. There are upkeep costs, costs of running, cost of insurance, and cost of storage. You also need to think of how you are going to transport the boat. You would need a heavy-duty vehicle that can pull heavy equipment. Know what you have, what you can pull, and you’ll at least save on transportation costs. Then there is the cost of the trailer itself, and how and where you will store it.

Know your budget beforehand, and budget out costs for your boat in the future. Not being able to keep up with payments could mean that your boat will end up rotting somewhere on your property.

New or Used?

The decision whether you want to buy new or used depends on the budget that you have. Buying used means that you can buy your dream boat at a price that you can afford. Make sure that the boat you are looking at is typically made of fiberglass or aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about any materials that might have rotted. There, are, however, many things that you must worry about when you are looking at buying used. These are:

The Engine

Naturally, the boat will not run without the engine. Show up early so that the engine, when you test it out, hasn’t already been warmed up. You want to start it and see how the engine runs, sounds, and functions after being sitting out all night. Check the oil to make sure that there isn’t water mixed in, and that it is clear. If you want to be certain you are making a smart buy, make sure you bring a mechanic with you. It could be a friend, or a professional, but that is the only guaranteed way to know you are making a sound investment.

Electrical Equipment

When you are looking at buying used, insist that you drive the boat and try out all and any electrical items. First turn them on one at a time, then all at once. If everything works well, that’s a start. Next you should check any fuse boxes that the boat might have. Are they different? If they are, that means that they have been replaced. Why they were replaced is important. You want to make sure that the problem was fixed before you think about buying the boat.

The Pumps

The pumps are what filter water out from the boat, and are a very important system. Make sure that they work automatically and manually.

Is it Even?

A good indicator of whether or not a boat is in good condition is if it sits evenly on the water. If it is tilted on an angle, this could indicate that there are problems internally with the boat, and therefore not a sound investment.

You don’t typically have to worry about rot unless you are looking at a much older boat, but it still happens. Check any wooden parts on the boat for rot before you make a purchase.

Breaks and Leaks

If anything is separate, cracked, or pulling away, it could mean that there are structural issues with the boat. This could mean the stringers are broken or separated, the hull is coming away from the deck, or any other problems. Essentially, make sure that every part of the boat is tight, whole, and not damaged. If possible, see the boat both outside of the water and inside the water, before you make your purchase.

Always Test It

Never, ever buy a boat without driving it for a reasonable and considerable amount of time. Ensure that you drive it over fifteen minutes. That way you can see how you like the drive, if there are any issues with driving it, and if anything sounds off. The longer you keep it running for, the better the test.

Why You Might Want to Keep Renting Just a Little While Longer

August 9, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

Becoming a homeowner is much like becoming your own boss. You don’t have to ask for permission to paint your walls a particular color and you don’t need to notify the rental office when you plan to have overnight guests. Of course, homeownership doesn’t come free, but you’re likely to get more leniency from your mortgage company for being a few days late than a landlord. At the same time, you don’t want to buy a home that comes with a 30 year mortgage for the sole purpose of being in complete control of your current housing.

With spacious duplexes for rent and cheap efficiencies available for short and long-term leases, you can get exactly what you need in a rental while waiting for the perfect opportunity to buy. It could be six months until you’ve ready to purchase a home or six more years before you’re ready to begin working on improving your credit profile. Even if have the money to buy, waiting could be the better choice in your situation.

Following Real Estate Value Trends

Often called housing bubbles, this is when property values are higher than they are expected to be in the near future. A home that is purchased for $200,000 might only be worth $150,000 in a year if and when the market slumps. Buying a home during a real estate bubble is bad for buyers for multiple reasons. First, you will be buying a home with fewer bedrooms, bathrooms, features, and amenities at a higher value than it is actually worth. Second, your mortgage is guaranteed to stay underwater for years after it is appraised for less than what you purchased it for. Lastly, if you buy a house during a housing bubble you will not get a good return if you attempt to sell it.

Waiting Longer to Buy Results in More Money Saved

There are mortgage programs that allow buyers to put very little money down on their homes. On one hand being able to buy a house without a down payment might be something that is beneficial to a limited number of people. If you don’t live in an area that traditionally has many rentals, buying a home makes sense if you want to live in an exclusive spot. Another fact that should be considered is that buying a home with little money in the bank probably means that you have issues with budgeting. Renting could help you to work out your financial problems and teach you how to spend responsibly so that saving isn’t troublesome for you.

Your Household Could Change Soon

No matter what stage you are in your life now, things can always change sooner than expected. If you’re single, the right guy or girl could be just about to enter your life. Married couples with children could become grandparents several times over in just the span of a year, while lifelong bachelors might decide to become the owner of a dozen pets. Giving yourself a bit more time to think about where you’re going in life can be helpful before you make a major decision and purchase a home.

You can buy a house and then turn right around and sell it, but most new homeowners purchase property for the purpose of making it their permanent, long-term residence. If you want to buy real estate but you can’t settle on the type of home you desire to live in, the neighborhood, or the price don’t make a decision that can’t be undone easily. Just wait a little longer and you will know when it is the right time to own.

Overbearing Car Costs? How to Start Saving Money Today

July 26, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

Whether it is a way of getting from point A-to-B for work, dropping the kids off at school or simply a lifestyle choice, driving a car is an integral part of living for many people. Yet as you will no doubt know by now if you’re reading this, a car can leave a significant hole in your bank balance, and leave you feeling like your car is a somewhat of a money pit.

While regular costs cannot be avoided in full, there are steps to take that will help to reduce your car-related expenditures. So if you want to start saving money today and not suffer from high car costs, read on for various top tips to take onboard.

Drive sensibly

Did you know that everything from hard braking to speeding can have a significant impact on your gas mileage? Well aggressive driving, especially on highways, is a sure way of draining that gas tank. Due to this, driving steadily – preferably at 50mph when possible – is highly advised. Also if you are parked and waiting around in your car, don’t forget to turn the engine off!

Shop around for insurance

Based on a recent study, only 39% of Americans searched around for a new auto insurance provider in 2014. Yet shopping around different insurance companies, finding the best one for you could result in a large annual saving compared to what you’re currently paying. If you have an older vehicle, also look into cutting down to just property damage and injury coverage – that’s because the price to repair could end up being more than the value of the car!

Avoid air conditioning usage

This might seem like a minor problem at first, but using the in-built air conditioning can really take it out on your vehicle. In fact, research suggests that during especially hot temperatures, using the AC could reduce fuel economy by over 25%. So instead of relying on the AC all the time, keep the windows down in an effort to help battle uncomfortable heat conditions.

Regular maintenance checks

Admittedly, having your vehicle looked over by a mechanic is going to incur a fee – but the long-term benefit would certainly be worth it if your car suffers from significant engine failure. If possible, and especially if you own a foreign brand of transport, take your car to a specialist firm like Tokyo Automotive. If you own a Subaru for example, their Tokyo Automotive Subaru service will ensure your vehicle is treat with due care while also keeping costs down.

Avoid driving when possible

While this is easier said than done, the easiest way to save money is by simply not using your car whenever possible. For instance, if certain destinations such as the local supermarket, school or workplace are within reasonable walking distance, leave the car behind whilst also getting in some rewarding exercise at the same time. Also consider setting up a carpool as another way of saving on gas usage.