Up For Anything

Living life to the Full

Car Tech Advancements To Look Forward To In 2020

By Leave a Comment

Market analysts believe that 2020 will be another stable year for the US car sales industry. Based on the recent forecast, many factors like cost-effective interest rates and low unemployment rates help avoid a possible steep decline in the country’s auto sales since 2016. The sales tactics of car dealers also help in achieving a secure market. With the latest advancements in-car technology and new trends in second-hand car sales, the new year looks good for the American auto industry. Here are some of the newest vehicle developments and used car trends you can expect in the coming days.

Mainstream Cars Remains In Trend

The demand for used cars made by mass-market car manufacturers will continue in 2020. Analysts believe that mainstream passenger cars will remain the most in-demand vehicles among used car dealerships. In 2019 alone, most small and midsize vehicles displayed the biggest price appreciation in the second-hand vehicle market. Yet the high demand for pickups and SUVs also helped in withholding its market prices. With the help of credible car reviews based on feedback from vehicle owners, the sales of used cars will remain strong this year.

State Of The Art In-Car Entertainment

More car makers are introducing groundbreaking in-car entertainment for their products this year. In early January 2020, Chinese electric car manufacturer Byton announced that they tapped several industry giants to come up with a brand-new entertainment system for their cars. They included international media giant ViacomCBS to provide video content that car owners can view on their 48-inch wraparound digital dashboard, which will be installed in the brand’s forthcoming electric M-Byte SUV. Honda is also expected to showcase the future of its mobility technology during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in Las Vegas.

Never Ending Connectivity

In this day and age, customers demand to have a ceaseless connectivity experience. Aside from getting a strong Internet connection at home, in their offices, or through their mobile phones, people also want to stay connected while onboard their vehicles. This will help the drivers remain connected to their favorite music. It will also connect them with other people through their social media accounts. This feature can also allow them to get the latest traffic updates while on the road. Meanwhile, passengers can continue playing their preferred online games or finish their homework or office tasks while inside a car equipped with WiFi.

Aside from these new developments in new and used car technologies, other vehicle industry advancements may unfold in the coming days. These are all meant to provide better customer experience for both drivers and passengers alike. Car manufacturers will continue to come up with new technology advancements for the benefit of their customers in 2020 and beyond.

4 Categories to Consider When Buying a New Truck

By Leave a Comment

The pickup market is booming in 2018. Although we’re about a decade removed from an oil and gas crisis then sent consumers scrambling to buy a Toyota Prius or another hybrid vehicle, Americans are now running the other direction to sweep trucks, SUVs and crossovers right off the lot.

Even Ford, which manufactures North America’s most popular truck in the F-150, sees and is acknowledging this trend, as the company has announced it will stop manufacturing all passenger cars, except for the Mustang.

That doesn’t mean the boomerang back to trucks is irresponsible. Pickups have come a long way in 10 years, particularly with regard to better gas mileage, lasting quality and cabin technology that makes them all the more accessible. If you’re in the market for a new truck, here’s what to look for in one of the hottest markets on the highway.

1. Don’t Settle for Poor Mileage

The full-size gas guzzler is a machine of the past, as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra can all reach 20 miles to the gallon and beyond with powerful, high-tech six-cylinder engines. There’s still the V8 option for drivers who need more towing and hauling capacity, but experts say the average consumer should strongly consider these more economic engines.

Mid-size trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, are also more economic choices, as they weigh significantly less and require less fuel to drive on the open road. These are great options for single drivers, who aren’t moving their family across town and don’t need the extra cabin size.

2. Get the Bells and Whistles

What would have been intriguing options 10 years ago are now standard on many truck models. Remember when stock tires barely classified as rubber? Consumers caught on to cost-cutting stock tires, and now trucks come equipped with wheels featuring reputable brands.

The Ford Raptor, for example, is sold standard featuring BF Goodrich KO2 off-road tires. With that in mind, don’t settle for cheap tires on a new truck, and make sure they feature a dependable all-terrain tire from a brand you know and trust.

3. Utilize Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Some manufacturers (we’re looking at you, Toyota) just haven’t gotten the memo: everyone wants Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their new vehicle. For those unfamiliar, it’s an interface that essentially puts your smartphone’s home screen and favorite apps right onto the screen of the infotainment center.

Since most proprietary systems are buggy, laggy and feel ancient, systems like CarPlay and Auto are a godsend for drivers who just want to play music off their smartphones or check Google Maps. Additionally, in an age where texting and driving is prevalent, CarPlay and Auto are a huge advantage in keeping drivers’ eyes off their phones and on the road.

4. Know Whether to Off-Road or Not to Off-Road

That is the question. There’s good news for everyone, however, as winners appear on both sides. If you want a truck that can tear up the trail, off-roading features like four-wheel drive, high clearance and grippy tires are available on most new trucks without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, if off-roading isn’t of interest to you, a mid-size pickup that does not include those features is rather inexpensive. For example, the Chevy Colorado starts at $20,500, without all those added options.

It’s a Great Time to Buy a New Truck

It may be a seller’s market for trucks in 2018, but it’s still a great time for consumers to buy a pickup. Now that the market is moving away from sedans and toward larger vehicles, it means trucks are manufactured and perform at their best and will only realize further enhancements in the years to come.

Behold the Beauties from Each Border- An Austria, Switzerland to Germany Road Trip

By 1 Comment

There are some European countries that are meant to be road tripped on, especially when their borders are side by side. The easiest way to enjoy sightseeing in multiple locations is by taking your car to the road. Enjoy a cruise along the coasts of these pleasant destinations and take in all you can in one go. Journeying round Austria, Switzerland and Germany is a trip that should be took. See these picturesque, pleasant and breathtaking places personally.

Get your engines to the ready, go to Kwik fit, get your vehicles checked and make sure that all things are in place for you to enjoy your road trip without any hindrances. You can go at your own pace and make the most of all the landscapes that you’ve longed to see.

Germany

Begin your flamboyant journey in the city of Frankfurt. This financial hub, is a place where you can enjoy the luxuries that cosmopolitans usually provide; from an iconic town hall a medieval themed building; a colorful piece of architecture that highlights the beauty of this countries culture.

Get a view of the German Alpines, this celestial scene is one that will set you up for the rest of your journey. Enjoy a relaxing view of these mighty mountains covered in greenery touching the sparkling lakes at its base.

Journey along the road from Hanau to Baunatal and get a firsthand experience of what it’s like to live in a fairytale. This location possesses a host of characters from Snow White to Little Red Riding Hood. Awaken your childhood memories, by taking a tangible step into the stories through these streets.

Austria

This country, that’s also German speaking, is another location that presents landmarks that are remarkable. Whether visiting the villages of Vienna, or beholding the beauties of the Bohemian Forest you can take in a range of wonderful sites here in Austria.

Indulge in many of the recreations provided here, from a spot of skiing on the Nordkette range to an adventurous time hiking in the mountainous region of Salzkammergut, you could also capture a wonderful display of the Waldbachstrub waterfall. Get involved in a heap of activities here.

Switzerland

Yet another location that boasts of Alps that will leave you amazed and medieval villages that will leave you memorized. Switzerland’s air will leave you feeling refreshed and clear headed as you take in all that it has to parade. Take a daring trip to their ski resorts that will challenge your skiing skills and assist you in become a pro by the end of your visit.

Once you’ve experienced this place you’ll want to be yodeling to the world about how truly beautiful it is. You can indulge in some of the finest chocolate in the world or take a biking venture peddling through some of the most impressive biking trails. It’s a fine way to top off your road trip escapade.

Five Best Places to Drive a Mercedes Benz in Britain

By 1 Comment

You have just gotten a new Mercedes Benz, and may be looking forward to taking it on its first drive. Luckily, Britain has many scenic drives that are great for taking a luxury car for a spin. There’s everything from mountain passes to historic routes and everything in between. It’s simply the best way to experience Britain’s natural beauty. So, let’s take a look at some good, scenic roads to drive. Here are the five best places to drive a Mercedes Benz in Britain.

Buttertubs Pass

This road can be frequently seen test driving cars on BBC’s Top Gear. It was also featured in the 2014 Tour de France. You can drive it for yourself in Yorkshire Dales, England. On this drive, you will pass a number of limestone potholes known as the Buttertubs. It’s believed they got this name because farmers would put butter in them to keep it cool during warm weather. It’s a truly beautiful road and is perfect for driving a luxury car.

The Llanberis Pass

You’ll find the Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia in Wales. This is an incredible drive for the nature lovers out there. On this drive, you will see trees, lakes, and mountains. It will also take you past one of Britain’s most famous mountains, Snowdon. The road is also popular among rock climbers. If you’ve ever wanted to try rock climbing for yourself, this is the best time to do it.

Chichester to Salisbury

If you’re looking for a place to drive your Mercedes Benz Salisbury is one destination you should certainly consider. On this drive, you’re guaranteed to see some beautiful English countryside on extremely drivable roads. This trip is also perfect for history lovers. It includes several old cathedrals, churches, and the Weald and Downland Living Museum. This open-air museum consists of over fifty historic buildings. It’s truly like taking a step back in time. And don’t forget, Stonehenge is just outside of Salisbury.

Bealach na Bà

This is the place to go if you want to take your Mercedes Benz on a mountain journey. It was specifically engineered to emulate the mountain passes of the Alps. On this road, you will pass through the mountains of Applecross Peninsula. It features many hairpin bends and the steepest ascent of any road in Britain. It’s the drive for you if you’re looking for something a little more challenging.

Cheltenham to Stratford

Not only is this road a beautiful scenic route, but it’s also historically significant. Stratford happened to be William Shakespeare’s hometown. When you drive this road, you’ll get to see the forests and rolling hills that inspired the Bard himself. It’s also a very easy, relaxing drive with very little traffic. You can even visit the historic town of Chipping Campden on the way.

Of course, these are only a few of the many great drives that await you when you own a Mercedes Benz. If you don’t own one yet, what are you waiting for?

e finest brand on the market.

Take to the open road on one of these iconic routes from around the world

By 2 Comments

Have you ever wanted to go on a road trip and see new and exciting countries in a way that most people don’t? Of course, you have, who hasn’t. Road trips are one of the most exciting and unique ways to see a country. You get away from the resorts and the typical tourist hotspots and you can see the countries you drive through in a completely different light. This is especially true for your home country if you have never done a road trip there. Songs, movies and books have featured some of the most famous routes in the world such as route 66. They detail the adventures, sights and experiences, that you could also have. Here we have chosen a selection of some of the most famous routes in the world and we will describe them to you in some minor detail to get those inspirational ideas flowing. Hopefully they will inspire you to use Purple parking a handy little service and go on your own adventure, maybe your native country is mentioned, and you can stay closer to home.

The wild Atlantic way, Ireland:

The wild Atlantic way takes you on a journey of over 2,000kms on the west coast of Ireland, bringing you along some of the most rustic and weather-beaten coastline you will witness. Ares of interest are the world-famous cliffs of Moher and Skellig Michael, recently used in the Star Wars franchise.  The journey can be completed in your own pace and is easily marked along may routes and maps. Otherwise you can simply ask a local, Irish style.

Route 66, USA:

What list would be complete without a mention of the incredible route 66, one of the most famous road trips in the USA. This 3,800 km journey will take you through small town America from California to Chicago and show you some of the old style and grace which inspired many musicians and travellers alike. You will have truly used one of the #wheelsoftheworld if you use an old Ford or Mustang for this trip.

Great Ocean Road. Australia

Would you like to see the twelve apostles in real life? Well then this is your chance as it is one of the many sights which can be found on the Great ocean road. Driving west out of Melbourne you will discover rain forests, ocean hugging cliffs and beaches and seascapes which make Australia one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Continue along to you next destination, or simply camp wherever you find a beautiful national park which allows it.

These routes are just some of many of the endless routes which can be taken around the world. Going on holidays and relaxing by the pool is a nice holiday. But to really see a country you must get out on the road, see the locals and drive the routes that are famous for a reason. They only cost you the price of a rental or even your own car. Road trips are something you will simply not forget.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Boat

By 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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Rot

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Overbearing Car Costs? How to Start Saving Money Today

By 1 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.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Summer Driving

By Leave a Comment

Source

From coast to coast, drivers are hitting the road this summer.  With the winter months behind us, many love to hit the open road and enjoy the warm weather.  Some drivers are going on extended road trips, while others are opting to stay closer to home.  But no matter how far you are traveling this year, you will need to get your vehicle ready.  Below you will find some tips that will help you do just that.

Get Your Oil Changed

This very easy and simple tip is often one of the most unnoticed.  For some reason, drivers fail to understand just how important it is to get their oil changed on a regular basis.  This is especially true during the summer months.  As you drive your vehicle down the road, the engine will begin to heat up.  Your oil which is designed to keep your internal engine parts lubricated will start to slowly break down.  Changing your oil regularly will help keep your parts working the way they should.  Failure to change your oil could cause your engine to lock up leaving you stranded on the road. A simple oil change can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Check Your Tire Pressure

In the summer months, the road itself starts to heat up and so do your tires.  When this happens, changes in your tire pressure can occur.  Having low pressure can negatively impact your gas mileage and cost you more to drive.  So, before you hit the road, make sure that you check your tire pressure and make sure it is in line with the tire manufacturer’s suggestion.  If you are unsure how to check your tire pressure, this website will get you started in the right direction.

Gas Up Your AC

In most parts of the country, the summer months can be very hot.  Riding around with an AC that simply won’t cool is not the way you want to be traveling.  A great way to ensure that your car’s AC is ready for summer is to get it checked out by a professional mechanic.  He or she will be able to check your Freon levels and add some gas if needed.  This simple fix is all most cars need.  While your problem may be larger than low Freon levels, it’s a good place to start.  To learn more about how to tell if your car is low on Freon, please check out this link.  Here you will find some warning signs to look for.

These tips will help get your car ready for the summer months.  Remember, no matter how far you travel this summer, you will need to make sure that your car is in working order.  If you fail to do so, you might be sorry.  Getting stuck on the side of the highway is no one’s idea of a good time.  So why not be proactive and do something today?  It will save you money and time if you do.

The Rider Riddle – Navigating the Sales Tactics of Car Dealerships

By 2 Comments

Car dealerships are famously depicted in movies and televisions as places where men in cheap suits sell faulty machines to gullible people, but the reality of car dealerships is much more pleasant. If you were to go to a Cars and Co Audi Dealer, for instance, you’d find a car yard full of pristine cars with car salesmen who are keen to help you find the car that suits your needs and your budget.

The only thing a car salesman would gain by selling a faulty vehicle is an enemy and a bad reputation, so the more helpful they can be, the better for everyone. It’s not always clear, however, what the best way is to point out what you need to these salespeople, so we’ve put together a list of a few things to keep in mind when navigating the sales tactics of a car dealership.

Choosing a Price Point

Choosing a price point is your first goal for the search for a new car, before you even decide what kind you want to look for. Setting yourself an ideal amount and an amount you can stretch to for a good deal is a great idea, because it means you’re ready in case of any outcome.

Say you go to the dealership and find a car that seems perfect but the price is too high, you know then if the price is higher than your stretch price, you may be making a rash decision in the spur of the moment. Take time to step back and re-assess the situation, a rushed decision is rarely a good one.

Finding the Right Car

Once you have your price point, you can begin researching cars and relevant prices.

Finding the right car can be tedious, but it’s more often than not a pretty simple process. Most websites that sell cars have a “search by price” feature which you can use. This will also give you an idea of what makes of cars you can afford, and in what condition.

Keep in mind though, that just because you can afford an expensive car, like a BMW, doesn’t mean you should buy one. The more expensive the car is brand new, the worse off the car in your price bracket tends to be, provided you’re buying second hand.

Choosing Extras

Choosing extras is a step taken when buying new cars, and involves things like leather seats instead of fabric, or a larger, more powerful engine. These things are great additions to the car you’ve decided on, and can change the driving experience entirely in some instances, such as ABS or Sun Roofs in some models of car. These don’t make the car any  more or less driveable, so it’s important to take their cost into consideration before settling on them.

Test Driving

Test driving your potential car is a very, very important step in the purchasing process.

It gives you a feel for the car, for the way it drives, for it’s power and handling, and it’s one of the best ways to figure out if this really is the car for you.

Signing Up

Finally, with all of the above done, you’re ready to sign for your new car and pay up. Depending on what they have in stock, you may end up waiting several weeks for your actual car to show up, but that’s because most dealerships don’t stock every variation of every car at that particular dealership. If you’re buying second hand, you’ll probably drive away the car that you test drove.

Buying cars can be fun when you know what to look out for, so keep your eyes peeled for a good deal at a trustworthy dealer.

Executive Exhaustion – 5 Tips to Streamline Your Working Life

By Leave a Comment

pexels-photo-140945

If you are anything like me, your desk has become your surrogate home.

I spend so long in my office chair that I believe I have taken root here.

Between running my business, looking for new business and invoicing clients, I have somehow become the one thing I always disdained – a workaholic.  The rewards of all my work have become secondary to the constant demands upon my time.  Considering this recently, I decided the time had arrived for me to overhaul my thinking, and look for ways to streamline my efficiency and to get more things done in less time.

After researching my options, I was amazed at the wealth of services offered which would save me time, money and stress and I have decided to share these pearls of wisdom with you.  Hopefully they will bring a little relief into your life as well and allow you to take back a little of your precious time.  Let’s take each area of your life individually and see how small changes can make a huge impact.

The Breakdown Blues

I mention your vehicle first on this list for a very good reason.

This was the bane of my life – not only was my car constantly breaking down on me, its maintenance was costing me a fortune. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the time, energy or desire to spend hours, days and even weeks trolling through car yards looking for a replacement.

Finally after spending over $5,000 on attempting to resolve an electrical issue, I said “enough is enough”.  A friend had recommended I utilise the services of a car broker who would go out and actually buy my car, negotiate a discount price and have the car delivered to my doorstep.  Perfect.

The company they recommended was Australian Car Brokers Cars & Co, and whilst there may be others out there who do a similar job, I can’t speak highly enough of Cars & Co.

Home Harmony

Setting up and equipping a home office is one of the best investments you can make to improve your time management.  Sitting in traffic to and from the office every day can sap hours of valuable productivity.  Consider using the services of a virtual office which would enable you to work from home but have access to prestige offices for meetings and travel.

If you don’t have a housekeeper or at least a cleaner, I highly recommend you get one.

For a nominal sum, housework has been taken out of the equation of my life.  When I think now of all the time I spent trying to run a household – cleaning up and feeding the hordes, I lament the waste.  Time that was once spent doing menial chores has now become quality time with my family.

Office Organising

Whilst an office cleaner is mandatory, have you ever given thought to embracing the benefits of a part time assistant?  Before you decry the idea as being expensive and unnecessary, consider how much time you spend sitting in traffic or waiting in queues when you could be at work actually earning money.  The cost of getting a student in to free up your time, is tiny compared to the huge benefits.

Travel Time Savers

Booking travel and accommodation can take up a substantial amount of time and energy.

A corporate travel consultant may be just the lifesaver you need.  They will quickly get an idea of your travel preference and tailor every booking to suit your needs whilst saving you money.  It is a great service, and it’s one that no busy executive can afford to be without.

Technology Taming

Having the right tools to do the job is imperative to any hard working executive.

Standing waiting for a slow printer to get its act together or having a computer drop off line constantly can be intensely frustrating and lower productivity substantially.  Call in some expertise to assess, suggest and streamline your office functionality.

Whilst none of the above are exactly revolutionary ideas and you may be rolling your eyes just at the thought of finding the time to implement anything new in your life – each one, in its own way, will make inroads to taking back small slivers of your precious time.  Put them all together and voila! Suddenly you may find yourself able to steal a little ‘me’ time back into your busy life.  Best of luck!