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If you are looking to buy a new car, you know just how many options there are out there. Gas or electric, luxury or economy, SUV or sedan: with thousands of vehicles on the market, how do you know what is right for you? If you are having a hard time deciding between an SUV and a sedan, you may be wondering which one will best fit your lifestyle–and we are here to help! Here are the key differences between SUVs and sedans and how you can decide what’s best for you.What is the difference between a sedan and an SUV?SUVs have been around since the 1980s, but what defines them exactly? The definition has become a bit slippery in the past few years, but in general an SUV is built on a truck chassis while a sedan is built on a traditional car chassis. This makes SUVs a bit higher off the ground, and since they tend to have 4 wheel drive (in most cases), they are capable of going off-road. The Jeep Cherokee is considered to be the first modern SUV, but they have come a long way in the past 40 years. Now there are a few different categories of SUVS and crossovers:Subcompact CrossoversCompact CrossoversMid Size CrossoversFull Size CrossoverCompact SUVsMid Size SUVsFull Size SUVsPerformance Crossovers and SUVsCrossover SUVs use a unibody platform, which is the same platform used for sedans, but they have the look and space of a traditional SUV. Regular SUVs use a body-on-frame platform, which is what trucks use. All of these SUVs range in different size, engine size, and off-road capabilities.What are the advantages of an SUV?SUVs are an incredibly popular choice for many Americans. In fact, SUVs and pickup trucks combined make up 70% of the American car market. SUVs made up 45.9% of the world's passenger car market in 2021. And there are good reasons for that. So what are the advantages of an SUV?SUVs are typically taller and larger than sedans.Since SUVs are built on truck frames, they are higher off the ground and can provide a better vantage point than sedans. This can provide the driver with a better sense of safety and control. And since they are larger and heavier than a sedan, they typically sustain less damage than sedans when they are involved in accidents. But it’s important to note that SUVs are not inherently safer than sedans. While they do tend to fare better in accidents, their higher center of gravity makes them more prone to rollovers than sedans.SUVs can also fit more passengers and more cargo than a traditional sedan. If you have a large family or have a lot of stuff to lug around, an SUV is an excellent option for you.SUVs are better for going off-road.If you are interested in taking the road less traveled, a sedan will not do. Since sedans are typically two-wheel drive, they are less equipped to handle going off of the pavement. SUVs are either four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which gives them more traction to handle rougher terrain. Since they are higher off the ground, they are also more capable of driving rough terrain without damaging the undercarriage. SUVs are also better equipped to handle rough winter conditions because of this. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, an SUV is a better option than a sedan. SUVs have more towing capability.SUVs have more torque and towing capacity than sedans. While you may not find a tow hitch standard on your SUV, you will be able to have one fitted. If you are planning to tow anything, whether it is a boat or just a small trailer, an SUV is the way to go.What are the advantages of a sedan?While SUVs have certain advantages, don’t discount the sedan too much. There are a lot of benefits to a sedan, even though they are not quite as popular as they used to be.Sedans are more fuel efficient.Since sedans are smaller and more lightweight, they are much better on fuel than SUVs. If you do not need the added space and towing capacity of an SUV, a sedan can get you much better gas mileage–after all, newer sedans have a combined gas mileage of over 70 miles per gallon. Sedans are perfect commuter cars because they have great fuel efficiency and their smaller size makes them easier to park. Sedans are more comfortable and easier to drive.Sedans are designed to be comfortable to drive. Since they are smaller they tend to handle turns and twists more gracefully than SUVs. And modern sedans are spacious enough to still be comfortable without all of the added bulk of SUVs.Sedans are more cost-effective.Not only will you spend less money on gas if you drive a sedan, but you will spend less money upfront. On average sedans are $5,000 less than SUVs. Additionally, sedans are less expensive to maintain than SUVs. So if you are on a budget, a sedan will give you a bit more bang for your buck.How do I choose between sedan and compact SUV?There are a lot of advantages to both sedans and SUVs, so you will have to look at your lifestyle and see what makes the most sense for you. A sedan will make more sense if:You plan to use your vehicle for commuting.You are on a budget.You do not have a big family.An SUV will make more sense if:You have a large family.You need the added luggage capacity.You need towing capabilities.You live in an area where there is a lot of snow, mud, or ice.You want to take your car off-road.Look at how you plan to use your new vehicle to determine what makes the most sense. No matter what features you are looking for, there is sure to be a sedan or SUV that will fit the bill.That’s how you can decide between an SUV and a sedan.SUVs and sedans have made a lot of improvements over the decades, and there are almost too many options out there. But assessing your needs will help you come to the best decision for you and your family.If you are looking to refinance your car or SUV, get in touch with Auto Approve today to start saving. Our experts can help you apply and compare offers, making the process of car loan refinancing super easy. So don’t wait, contact Auto Approve today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you have financed your vehicle, you may feel overwhelmed by your monthly payments. When you add on gas, insurance, and maintenance, your car can quickly eat up your monthly income. But there are a few ways to get a lower car payment and loosen up your monthly budget.Here are the best ways you can lower your monthly car payment.What is a high car payment?You might be wondering if your car payment is higher than it should be. There is no hard and fast number that constitutes a “high” car payment, and it will depend a lot on what your finances and your budget look like.In general, it is recommended that you should spend more than 10-15% of your monthly income on your car payment. Your total transportation expenses (gas, insurance, maintenance) should not exceed 20% of your monthly income. So if your car payment is over 15-20% of your monthly income, you are probably out of your budget with car payments.But if that rule is a bit too cut and dry for you, look at your own personal budget to make the call. Consider all of your income and all of your expenses: the variable expenses (such as groceries and entertainment) and the fixed expenses (such as rent and insurance). If you are spending more than you are bringing home every month, it is safe to say that you need to fix your budget and find a way to reduce your monthly car payments.Top three ways to lower your monthly car payment.#1. Try renegotiating It never hurts to talk to your current lender about your money situation (and don’t be embarrassed, it happens more than you might think). There might be a few things that they can do to alleviate your situation. Sometimes they will let you defer payments for a few months, but you will still accrue interest during this time so it will end up costing you more overall. Lenders may let you renegotiate certain terms of your loan, but in this case it’s better to apply for refinancing with a few different lenders, as they may be able to beat your current lender.#2. Sell your car or trade it inIf you anticipate having a long term issue with car payments, it might be a good idea to sell your car privately or trade it in at a dealership.If you choose to sell your car, make sure you clean your car thoroughly ahead of time and take good pictures that will highlight your car’s best features. Do some research on Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to find what a fair resale value will be. Call your lender to find out exactly how much you have left on your loan so you know how much you owe (and how much you should try to get when selling your car).Alternatively you can choose to trade your car in. This is a good option if you still need a new car but cannot afford your current loan. It is important to know beforehand how much is left on your current loan and what the resale value of your car is.#3. Refinance your loanRefinancing your car loan is the best way to lower your monthly car payment. It is much easier than selling your car and much more effective than trying to negotiate with your current lender.When you refinance your loan you want to apply with 3-5 lenders to get the most competitive rates. It is best to use a company that specializes in vehicle loan refinance, as they will have relationships with many lenders and can help you pick the best loan for your situation.Refinancing will be most effective if you are prepared. Take the following steps to make sure you get the best car loan refinance offers:Make sure your credit score is in good shape. The higher your credit score is, the better car loan APR you will be offered. Make sure you are paying your bills on time and in full (scheduling autopay is a great way to do this), pay down your debts that have the highest credit utilization ratio, and check your credit report.Know your current loan terms. You should know your current monthly payment, the amount of time you have left to repay, the car loan APR, and if there are any prepayment penalties for which you may be responsible. Call your lender if you have questions–you don’t want to refinance if the fees will outweigh your savings.Collect any documents you may need. You will most likely need a photo ID, your vehicle’s information (bill of sale, VIN number, make, model, and year), your proof of income and financial history (pay stubs, banking information, and your credit report), proof of residence, and proof of insurance.Research lenders. You won't be able to compare loan terms until you actually apply, but you can look around online for different credit unions, traditional banks, and online lenders. See what some of the average rate offers are, and see what their customers have to say. Customer satisfaction ratings are very important, so don’t ignore this step. Using a company that specializes in auto loan refinance can make this step much easier.Apply and compare. Once you have completed your research you can start applying. Be sure to apply in a fourteen day window so that all of your applications will count as one hard inquiry on your credit account. When the offers come in, look at the interest rate, the repayment period, the prepayment penalties, the fees, and the customer reviews to decide what loan is right for you. Sign and save. Once you pick a loan that is right for you, all you have to do is sign and start saving. And if you use Auto Approve to refinance your loan, they can help you fill out all of the paperwork (even the DMV paperwork!)Refinancing is the easiest and most effective way to reduce your monthly car payments. It allows you to shop around and compare offers so that you know you are getting the best terms possible. And when you have a company that specializes in car loan refinance it is quick and easy.What’s the smartest way to pay off a car early?Paying off your car loan early can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you don’t need to worry about lowering your monthly car payments, you should focus on paying off your car early. Here are our top tips for paying off your car loan early.Make at least one large payment over the term of the loan. Making one large lump payment will help reduce the amount of interest you are paying. This will be most effective to do early on in the loan term, as the earlier you do it the more drastically you will reduce the interest you owe.Make at least one large payment every year.Do you have a yearly bonus? Do you usually end up with a tax refund? Consider using that money to make an extra payment on your car loan every year.Round up your monthly payments.Rounding up your payments every month will help you slowly chip away at the principal you owe. If your car payment is $520 a month, consider paying $550 a month. The extra $30 will go towards your principal and help you pay your car off earlier while not affecting your monthly finances too much.Pay half of your monthly payment every two weeks.This may sound strange, but hear us out. If you make a half payment every two weeks, you will actually end up making an extra payment every year. Instead of 12 full monthly payments you will make 26 half payments, or 13 full payments. This is another way to subtly pay off more of your principal without affecting your monthly budget too drastically.Never skip a payment.We know that some months are tight, but skipping a payment can really make you fall behind and cost you a lot of money. See if there are other areas of your budget that you can pull from to make your payment. If you are having issues with your monthly payments, try to refinance instead.Those are the top ways to lower your monthly car payments and manage your money more effectively.Refinancing your car loan is your best bet when it comes to securing a lower monthly car payment. It allows you to shop around and compare terms so that you can be sure you are getting a better loan while allowing you to keep your car. If you think refinancing your vehicle is a good move for you, be sure to prepare ahead of time to ensure you get the best loan offers possible.Auto Approve is here to help with your car loan refinance, so fear not! Our experts can lead you through the process to make refinancing your car a breeze. So don’t wait, contact Auto Approve today to see how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Car safety didn’t used to be a hot topic. In fact, it used to not be a concern at all. It took over one hundred years of driving to get the most basic safety features (like seat belts) standardized. But in the past few decades a lot has changed. With technology evolving at an incredible pace, it seems like there are countless safety features in cars nowadays. But with so many new and innovative features, which are the must-have safety features, and are they worth the cost?Let’s talk about car safety features: what features matter and how you can decide if they are worth the cost.What are the standard car safety features?Safety features are hugely important in cars. They have been proven to significantly reduce the amount and severity of car accidents. Driving is much safer now than it was fifty, forty, or even just twenty years ago. 1960 was the first year that statistics were recorded in regards to accidents and fatalities. For every one million miles driven in 1960 there were 5.1 fatalities: compare this to 1.1 fatalities per one million miles in 2019.  It’s clear that the introduction of standard safety features has saved millions of lives. There are many car safety features that are standard now. And by standard, we mean they are mandated by law. These standard safety features include:Airbags (Became mandatory in 1998)Anti Lock brakes (Became mandatory in 2000)Backup cameras (Became mandatory in 2018)Electronic Stability Control (Became mandatory in 2012)Seat Belts (Became mandatory in 1968)LATCH–Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (Became mandatory in 2002)Tire Pressure Monitor (Became mandatory in 2007)Traction Control (Became mandatory in 2011)All of the above safety features have proven track records of saving lives and reducing the damage of accidents. But in the past few decades (or really the past ten years) technology has improved by leaps and bounds and safety features are getting more advanced by the minute. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are quickly becoming the new standard for safety.What are the best car safety features?If you are used to driving older cars, the new ADAS may not seem like an important investment to make. But once you have a car with the latest safety features, you will never want to go back to the way things were. These new systems are becoming incredibly popular, with the global market for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems expected to grow at a rate of 12% per year to $83 billion by 2030. But with so many new ADAS on the market, it can be hard to know exactly what features you should prioritize. While they all have value, some are certainly more effective and more worthwhile than others.Here are the top safety features that should make it onto your “must-have” list for your new car.Forward Collision Warning With Automatic BrakingThis is one of the best new safety features out there. Between 2012 and 2014 it was reported that over half of two-car accidents were rear-end collisions. FCWs give a tactile or visual alert to the driver that there is a car up ahead and then automatically apply the brakes to avoid the collision. There are very few false flags and the experience with these sensors has been so positive that there is now pressure on lawmakers to make this feature standard in all new cars.Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts (RCTW)Rear cross-traffic alerts are radar based and can help you see the blind spots in the back of your car. RCTW activates when you start reversing your car and can detect if a car or pedestrian will be crossing behind your car. While it cannot account for a car that is speeding towards you, it is very helpful when trying to slowly back up out of a parking space.Adaptive Cruise ControlWhile cruise control is something we are all used to, adaptive cruise control builds on top of that technology. When your cruise control is engaged, it will adjust the speed of your vehicle based on the speed of the vehicle ahead of you. Blind Spot DetectionEvery car has blind spots, and some are worse than others. These blind spots are the cause of thousands of accidents every year. Blind spot detection uses sensors and cameras to alert you as to when a car is in your blind spot. Sometimes these sensors can be overly sensitive, but they can also prevent you from merging into a car that you cannot see.Lane Departure Warning SystemsThese warning systems use cameras to alert you when your car is wandering from your lane. There are lane departure warnings, which make a noise or vibration when you start to wander, and there are lane keeping assist systems which will kick in and correct you. Additional Safety FeaturesThe above technology has been around for a few years and is constantly improving on itself. But there are several new safety features that you should keep an eye out for as well in the future.Safety Exit Assist: This feature temporarily blocks kids from opening the rear doors when it detects a car or pedestrian crossing behind the vehicle. Facial Recognition Software. Some carmakers are using facial recognition software to detect the alertness of the driver. It will issue an alert or warning if it senses the driver isn’t paying attention.While these are only starting to appear in certain cars, they may become widely available in the next five years.Are these ADAS making cars safer? So how well do these systems really work? Most studies suggest that they do an excellent job of reducing the severity and frequency of car accidents. Consider the following studies:According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicles with blind spot monitoring were involved in 14% less accidents than other vehicles.According to that same study, evidence suggests that 50,000 crashes and 16,000 injuries may have been prevented if all vehicles sold in 2015 had blind-spot monitoring.Another IIHS study found that blind spot detection reduced lane-change accident injuries by 23%.A study out of Carnegie Mellon found that vehicle crash avoidance technology reduced crash frequency by 3.5%.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites that 94% of serious accidents are the result of human error. If ADAS can reduce the chance of human error, it is inevitable that they will make cars safer. While a lot of this technology is new, it’s clear that it is having a positive impact. Are safety features in a car worth it?Some of these Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems are becoming standard on new cars, but some come with a bigger price tag. So are they worth it? The short answer is: it depends. Not only are they more expensive up front, but they are more expensive to repair. Even a minor accident could run you an extra few thousand dollars in repairs to ADAS. A study by AAA found the following costs for repairs:Parking sensor replacement: $500 to $1,300Surround view camera sensor replacement: $500 to $1,100Camera sensor replacement for adaptive cruise control: $850 to $1900Radar sensor replacement for blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts: $850 to $2,050As of now, insurance companies do not offer discounts for these added safety features. In fact, they charge more because repairs are so much more expensive. But it is believed that as more research of ADAS is done insurance companies will incentivize customers to have these added features.A 2018 study by Swissre and HERE Technologies found that ADAS have the potential to reduce car accident frequencies by 25% and cut insurance premiums by $20 billion per year. But this has yet to translate to savings for car owners.If you are on the fence about getting add on ADAS, ask yourself the following questions:Does it fit in my budget?Do I do a lot of highway driving?Do I do a lot of driving in congested, high traffic areas?Do I have small children that are frequently in the car with me?If you answered yes to any of these, it might be a good idea to consider getting ADAS. They can keep you and your family safer, but they can come with a steep price tag.That’s what you should know about the latest car safety features and how you can decide if they are worth the added cost.Nobody wants to skimp on safety, but with the exorbitant costs of cars these days it can be hard to justify paying more money than you need to on a new car. That’s why it’s important to do your research, determine what your budget is, and plan accordingly.One great way to lower your monthly car costs is to refinance your car loan. Refinancing your vehicle with Auto Approve can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars a year. So don’t wait to start saving money! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you first buy a new car, it’s incredibly exciting. The new car smell, the first few long drives, the ooohs and ahhhs from friends as you pull up for the first time. But when those first few car payments come in the mail, having a new car can start to lose its luster. After all, car payments can be very big monthly expenses that really put the squeeze on your budget.But there is an easy fix for high monthly car payments: car loan refinancing. Refinancing your car can save you a lot of money and stress. So how do you know when the time is right to refinance?Here are 3 major signs that it’s time to refinance your car loan.What is car loan refinancing?Before we discuss when you should refinance your car loan, we should talk about what refinancing is exactly. Car loan refinancing is when you pay off your existing car loan with a new loan, one that has better terms. Refinancing your loan can help you change the following loan terms:Your car loan APR (this is the big one!)Your repayment periodYour loan fees Who is listed on the loan (adding or removing a cosigner)Once you get a car loan, it’s incredibly difficult to simply change any of these terms. But if you refinance your car loan you can easily change one or all of them. Where can I refinance my car loan?There are a lot of options when it comes to where you can refinance your car loan. Traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders are all good options, but you want to do your research to determine what will be the best fit for you.When deciding on a lender, you want to compare all of your options. You will not have exact loan terms to look at, but you can certainly do a rough comparison of the following:Average car loan APRsAverage feesCustomer satisfaction ratingsRepayment period optionsWhen you decide on refinancing, you want to apply to about 4-5 lenders. But it’s even easier if you can use a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve. Auto Approve has relationships with lenders all across the country so they can find you the most competitive rates available. They can help you compare and choose the best loan possible, taking care of a lot of the tedious work for you. How do I know it’s time to refinance my car loan?Sign #1: There’s a pile of unpaid bills on your kitchen countertop.Monthly bills add up. There’s rent, mortgages, car payments, insurance payments, utilities, groceries: it can get overwhelming. So if your kitchen counters are full of unpaid bills, it might be a sign to refinance your car loan.Refinancing your car loan can help in a few ways. Refinancing can get you a lower car loan APR, which can lower your monthly payments significantly (more on that later though). Refinancing can also allow you to stretch out your repayment period, which can reduce your monthly payments drastically.Let’s say you have a car loan with a principal of $20,000. You originally financed it over a three year period, and with a 8% APR, so your monthly payments are $626.73. But what if you were able to pay off your balance over four years instead of three years? Suddenly your car loan payments would drop to $488.26 a month, even at the same interest rate. That frees up about $140 per month that you could be using for your other bills. It’s important to keep in mind that lengthening your repayment period means that you will pay more money over the life of the loan (more time to repay also means more time to accrue additional interest). But if you are struggling with payments from month to month, car loan refinancing can be a great option to ease some of the pressure.Sign #2: You got an alert that your credit score has increased. You’ve been working hard to increase your credit score, and huzzah! Your work has paid off. An increased credit score can help you in a lot of ways. Good credit scores will:Get you a better rate on car insuranceGet you approved for higher credit limitsReduce your credit card interest ratesQualify you to get utility service more easilyAnd if your score is better now than when you originally financed your car, it can get you a much lower car loan APR. Your credit score may have increased for a number of reasons. Your score depends on five different categories:Payment history (35%). Do you pay your bills in full and on time? A good payment history is crucially important to a good credit score.Accounts owed (30%). How much money do you owe? How does this compare to how much credit you have available? Credit bureaus look at your credit utilization ratio when determining your credit score (and the likeliness of your repayment).Length of credit history (15%). How long have you had your accounts? The longer you have had your accounts in good standing, the safer of a borrower you are considered to be.Credit mix (10%). How diverse is your credit portfolio? A healthy mix of accounts shows that you can balance and juggle your finances across accounts.New credit (10%). Do you have a lot of new credit accounts? If you have new accounts, your ability to handle them will not be reflected in the other categories, so you may be more of a liability.Changes to any of these categories can cause a pretty big shift in your credit score, but the two most important categories are your payment history and accounts owed. If you recently paid down a large amount of debt or committed to making on time payments, that can be a major boost to your score.Your score can change for other reasons as well. If you had a negative event expire, such as a bankruptcy, that can be a major boost for your score. Discovering an error on your credit report can also score you some extra points. Refinancing your car loan is most beneficial when your credit score is high. The most competitive interest rates are reserved for people with excellent credit scores, usually above the 750 mark. The lower your score is, the more trouble you will have finding a competitive rate. If you are interested in refinancing but your score hasn’t increased, work on improving this before you apply for car loan refinance. Here are the best ways to improve your credit score:Pay down your debts that have high credit utilization ratios (this will reduce your overall credit utilization ratio and greatly help your accounts owed section)Set up auto pay so you never miss a paymentGet a copy of your credit report and search for any errors or inconsistenciesRequest higher credit limits on your accountsResist the urge to close accounts you don’t use (this may seem counterintuitive, but closing accounts can cause a dip in your score)If your score hasn’t increased, take the time to work on it before you apply for car loan refinancing. It will pay off in the long run and save you a lot of money in interest.Sign #3: You’ve seen market rates drop.The car loan APR that you will be offered is based on a combination of your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, your vehicle, and the prevailing market rates. Market rates were at record lows for quite a while, but we are now starting to see them climb back up. Depending on when you first financed your car, the market rates may have dropped significantly. Market rates are controlled in part by the Fed, who sets the prime rate depending on how the economy is performing. If the economy is dragging and needs a jolt, the Fed will lower rates to encourage more spending and discourage saving. Conversely, if the economy is growing too quickly and starting to become inflated, the Fed will increase rates so that demand will cool. If you know that the market rates are lower than when you originally financed your car, it might be a sign to refinance your car loan. You will still need to have a competitive credit score, but you will be much more likely to get a good car loan APR if the market rates are lower.Those are 3 big signs that you should consider a vehicle loan refinance. If you’ve seen these signs, it’s time to think about refinancing your car with Auto Approve. They can help you with the entire process, making it quick, easy, and totally worthwhile. Our experts can get you a quote in minutes and start saving you money just as quickly!So don’t wait–if you’ve seen the signs, contact Auto Approve today and start saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

The leaves are falling, everything is pumpkin spice flavored, and football is in the air. That means one thing: school is back in session. Going back to school is fun and exciting, but it is also expensive. If you are in college, you know just how quickly the expenses add up. Tuition, food, books–the costs never seem to stop. So today we are giving our top tips for saving money in college, from how to start a budget to how to cut costs on groceries. Here are our top tips for budgeting and saving money in college.Set up a budget.The most important thing you can (and should) do for your finances is set up a budget. There are a lot of different ways to go about this, but getting an app for budgeting is an easy way to stay organized and stay committed. There are a lot of different budgeting apps out there that have different goals. Some apps, like Mint and Wally, are simply designed to help you categorize and track expenses. Other apps like Personal Capital help you build savings and work on investments. Some apps track your expenses automatically while others require you to manually enter everything. Do your research to find which app works best for your lifestyle.If you are looking to budget the old school way, it’s really not that hard but it does require a bit of organizing and planning in the beginning. You simply need to determine your monthly income, determine your monthly expenses, and see how everything compares. Look for areas where you are overspending and try to adjust your habits accordingly. Here are some easy ways to edit your expenses:Buy generic groceries instead of name brand groceriesSplit your streaming services with a friend or twoCarpool with friends to split the cost of gasBuy shelf stable items and dry goods in bulk if you have the room–it’ll be cheaper overall Be skimpy when grocery shopping and avoid the urge to buy a lot of perishable food–food waste is a rampant problem in this country (and can really hurt a grocery budget)Whether you choose to use an app or just budget with a spreadsheet, the most important thing is to stay committed. Consistent tracking and discipline will help you avoid debt, build savings, and plan for your future.Set up an emergency fund.It’s never too early to start building a little cushion for a rainy day. If you don’t have an emergency fund just yet, be sure to get one started. There are a few easy ways to get one going:Use direct deposit. Set up your paycheck so that a percentage goes to a savings account dedicated to emergencies. Make it part of your budget. Put your emergency fund as a line item in your budget and treat it like a bill that has to be paid.Use your spare change. Save all of your change and use it as a basis for your emergency fund–you’d be surprised how quickly this can add up!Use your cash back rewards. If you have a credit card that gives you cash back, redeem your points for cash to use for your emergency fund.Experts recommend having enough money in an emergency fund to pay for six months worth of expenses. While that may be a bit unrealistic for a college student, it’s important to get some money saved up (a goal of $1000 is a really good start). It will also get you in good habits for the rest of your adult life.Get the most from your student ID.Your student ID can get you into class and the college gym, but it can get you a lot more than that. Go to your student center to find out what local places offer student discounts. Movie theaters, restaurants, concert venues, and even tech stores offer discounts to students, so be sure to take advantage. Local grocery stores may also offer discounts on certain days, so try to shop accordingly. Only use cash for entertainment and activities. Cash can be a great way to contain your spending. Try taking out $100 or $200 per week that will cover all of your activities and eating out for the week. When you run out of cash, that’s it! You may be surprised at how much money you are spending every week on the non-essentials. Using cash will help you stick to a firm budget for the fun stuff and learn how to balance entertainment and the essentials.Get a cash back credit card.Getting a credit card can be a great thing, but it can also be a little dangerous. In general, if you can get a credit card that you can pay back in full every month, it’s a good move. If you never pay interest on the card, you can actually make money by having a credit card. There are a lot of different cash back credit cards on the market, so do some research and find out what will give you the most bang for your buck.Refinance your car loan.Owning a car on campus can be a huge expense. Car payments, insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance can put a tight squeeze on a limited budget.Refinancing your car loan is an easy way to lower your monthly car expenses. By refinancing your car loan you can secure a lower car loan APR, which can save hundreds of dollars per year. You can also save money by changing your repayment period. By lengthening your repayment period by a year or two, you can lower your monthly payments significantly. If your credit score hasn’t improved since your initial financing, consider asking a family member to co-sign on your car loan refinance. Their good credit score can help secure you a lower APR–just make sure you pay your bills on time so their score isn’t negatively affected.Those are our top budgeting tips for heading back to college.Going to college is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in your dorm room eating ramen the whole time. Learning to budget and cut costs when possible can help you enjoy your time in college while not racking up debt. Don’t let money matters spoil your fun.If you have a car on campus and are financing it, consider refinancing your loan with Auto Approve. It’s an easy way to save money and it’s super fast, so you can spend less money on your car and more money on having fun–err, we mean, on your education.If car refinancing seems like a good idea to you, get your free quote today! Getting a quote is free, quick, and easy, so you have nothing to lose!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Summer’s almost over and saving money is back on everyone’s minds. Whether you spent a little too much soaking in every moment of summer or you just want to get a jumpstart on saving for the holidays, fall is a perfect time to get back on track with your budget. Here are our favorite ways to save money during the fall (while still having fun!)Plan for the fall sales.There are a ton of great sales that happen in the fall. If there are any major purchases you are looking to make, be sure to check out the sales going on in local stores and online. Some major sale days include:Labor Day Sales: You can often find great deals on large appliances, furniture, and tech on Labor Day Weekend.Halloween: While you may run the risk of not getting exactly what you want, waiting until a week or two before Halloween to get your costumes (and stock up on decor for next year!) can save you a lot of money.Veterans Day: There are a surprising amount of deals on Veterans Day. It is quickly becoming the new “beginning of holiday shopping” day, so stores tend to start many deals around this time. Black Friday: Arguably the biggest sale day of the year, Black Friday is a great time to get, well, anything.Cyber Monday: Cyber Monday is quickly becoming more popular than Black Friday, as you can get all of the same deals from the convenience of your living room.Cook hearty.Fall is the perfect time to cook up large, hearty meals that you can enjoy at home. And these hearty meals can be super inexpensive. By using lots of cheaper cuts of meat that cook low and slow and incorporating lots of root vegetables you can cut your food budget by a lot. So skip dining out for a few months, whip out the crock pot, and enjoy some cozy fall dinners in the comfort of your own home.Check up on your budget.It’s easy to fall off of your budgeting practices during the fun of summer. Between vacations, day trips, and eating out with friends, it’s all too easy to go overboard. But fall is a great time to revisit your budget and see how your spending is stacking up. Check in with the following questions:What is your monthly income?What are your monthly expenses?Are there areas that you can edit? (i.e. cut subscription services, limit online shopping, etc.)Are you contributing to your emergency fund?Are you contributing to your savings goal, either short term or long term?This is a great time to realign your spending habits and start thinking about the holidays. Preparing for your holiday spending now can save you a lot of stress later on.Prepare your home for winter.Getting your home ready for the colder weather can help you start saving money and reduce big bills down the road. Consider giving your home a tune up with the following:Replace your furnace filter (you should ideally do this once per month)Have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced.Clear debris from your roof.Clean out your dryer vent.Clean out your gutters.Replace your smoke detector batteries.Paint, caulk, and seal exterior wood.Clean your chimney.All of these little things can prevent big problems down the road and help prevent big bills in the coming months.Up your coupon clipping game.Commit to saving money at the grocery store. Sign up for the store rewards card, go online to find coupons, and switch to generic brands for at least a few of your purchases. You don’t need to switch everything to generic, just pick a few things that you aren’t really attached to and make the change. You’d be surprised how much this can save you over the course of a few months.Be your own barista.For many of us, fall is synonymous with cozy coffees and lattes. But these fancy drinks can add up quickly. Instead, try your own diy lattes at home. Simply brew some strong coffee, add some milk, sugar, and flavored syrup of your choice (pumpkin spice, peppermint–whatever!) and voila–your own fancy coffee for a third of the price. Have some friends over to make drinks and you have a fun–and cheap–fall activity!Seek out some free fall activities.There are lots of free (or just super cheap) activities in the fall, you just have to get creative. Here our some of our favorites:Check to see if your town has any fall festivals. These often have free admission and tons of free attractions.Attend a local high school football game.Go on a hike or bike ride.Host a Halloween movie nightVisit a corn maze.Play in the leaves.Go to a pumpkin patch.Carve or paint your own pumpkins.Have a bonfire.Do a little fall cleanup to declutter for the holidays.Everyone talks about spring cleaning, but fall cleaning can help you clear space for the holidays and possibly make you some cash in the meantime. Go through your clothes, books, dishes, and decor and decide what isn’t working for you anymore. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of anything that isn’t bringing you joy. Try listing these items on a community page or host a garage sale to see if you can get a little extra spending money.Refinance your car loan.Now is a great time to revisit your car loan. Look at the car loan APR and terms of your loan and compare your current credit score to your credit score at the time of your original financing. If your score has increased or the market rates have decreased, there’s a good chance you will qualify for a lower car loan APR. Car refinancing is super easy and it can save you a lot of money every month. By using a company that specializes in auto refinance, like Auto Approve, you can easily compare terms and rates to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Those are our favorite ways to save money this fall.Fall is a great time to check in with our finances and give our budgets a tune up. Whether you are looking to recoup your vacation expenses or just get a head start saving for the holidays, try to use some of our tips to free up some money in your budget.Car refinancing is a great way to save money with little hassle. So don’t wait–get a free quote today and see how much money you could be saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

We all wish we had enough cash to never need a loan. After all, cash is king for a reason. Buying in cash gives us more negotiating power, can keep us from overspending, and frees us from years of car payments.But for most of us that is impossible, and financing is the only way to go. We must trudge out and find a lender to make our car dreams come true. So what is the smartest way to finance a car?Here are our top tips for financing a car the smart way.Understand the importance of your credit score and prepare accordingly.The car loan APR that you will be offered will be based on a few different factors. Calculating APR takes the following into account:Credit historyPrincipal amount Length of termVehicleDown paymentCurrent market ratesThe most important factor of all is your credit score. Credit scores are used by lenders to determine the likelihood of an on time repayment. A higher credit score will get you a more favorable car loan APR because they will view you as less of a risk. This means it is incredibly important to make sure your credit score is in tip top shape before you even apply for financing. Credit scores are broken down into the following brackets:800 to 850: Excellent credit740 to 799: Very good credit670 to 739: Good credit580 to 669: Fair credit300 to 579: Poor creditA credit score of 750 or higher will put you in the position to get the best rates possible, so aim to get your credit score as high as possible. Having a lower score doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a good deal, but you will need to shop around and compare a lot more. Preparing ahead of time to get your credit score in good shape is critical when looking for financing. There are a few steps you can take to try to increase your score.Get a copy of your credit report and review it for errors and unrecognized accounts.Pay your bills in full and on time.Pay down your debt, especially on accounts where your credit utilization ratio is high (the amount you owe compared to your credit limit).Avoid closing credit lines, even if you don’t use them.Request higher credit limits on your accounts.Avoid opening new accounts and try to avoid any hard inquiries on your credit.These steps can help you to get the best car loan APR possible. Good credit scores can help us in many other aspects of our lives too. A good score can get you better rates on car insurance, get you approved for a mortgage or lease, and get utility services set up easier. Life is just easier when you have a higher credit score.Know what fits into your budget before you go shopping.You should have a very clear idea of just how much you can afford on car payments before you even step foot into a dealership. The general rule is to pay about 10-15% of your monthly income on car payments, and 20% or less on all transportation costs combined. This would include gas, insurance, and routine maintenance. While this is a great guideline, make sure that this actually fits into your budget. Determine all of your monthly income and all of your monthly expenses to see how much you can actually set aside for payments. This will also help you determine how much you should put as a down payment.Get pre-approved beforehand.Getting pre-approved ahead of time gives you a lot more negotiating power when you enter the dealership. If you can get approved for a relatively low car low APR before you go shopping, the dealer has a mark that they will try to beat. Try to get a few different pre approvals so that you can compare all terms and get the best loan possible. In addition to the car loan APR you want to compare customer satisfaction ratings. If customers seem unhappy with the lender, it’s probably a sign to look elsewhere for financing. Pre approval also gives you a little more peace of mind when looking at cars because you will already have an idea of the interest rate and will have an idea as to what your payments will look like.Make a 20% down payment.Down payments are important for two main reasons: they will significantly reduce your monthly payments and they will help prevent your loan from becoming underwater.A down payment of at least 20% is recommended by most experts. This is money that you will completely avoid paying interest on, so the more you can put down the better off you will be in the long run. And since most depreciation happens in the first year of the car’s life, it will help to curb that amount. Cars typically lose about 20% of their value in the first year.Being underwater in a car loan means that you owe more on the loan than the car is worth. Let’s say a car costs $25,000 and you put no money down as a down payment. At the end of one year, you most likely have only paid off $3500 or $4000, but your car has already depreciated to $20,000. You already owe more on the car than you would be able to get if you sold it. Being underwater in your loan will make it very difficult for you to ever refinance your loan as well. So it’s best to make a significant down payment and avoid being underwater.Choose a short loan term.Short term loans mean that you will pay less interest over the life of the loan. Your monthly payments will be higher as your repayment will not be spread out as much, but you will save a significant amount of money by not paying as much interest. Dealerships like to use “lower car payments” as a selling point when negotiating. They do this for a few reasons:It makes it seem like you are saving money, when in reality you are paying them more money over the life of the loanIt makes you feel more comfortable to select a more expensive carIt gives them room to try to sell you more add-ons and upgradesDealerships may try to convince you that spreading out your payments over a longer period of time is a good idea, when in reality it just gives them more ways to get more money out of you. A term of three years or less is best when looking into financing unless you need extra room in your monthly budget.Use cash for the taxes and fees.When you are shopping for a car, it’s easy to only look at the sticker price and try to work the numbers using only the MSRP. But in reality, cars cost much more than just the list price. Sales tax can easily run you a few thousand dollars. Add on the various fees such as the origination fee, dealership fee, and advertising fee and you are talking several thousands of dollars in addition to the cost of the car. But if you use cash for these fees it can help ensure that your financing amount is still reasonable. Refinance your loan if the terms aren’t ideal.It’s not hard to get into a bad situation with a car loan. Maybe the salesman was smooth talking and convinced you that you were getting a good deal, or maybe you were not a particularly desirable candidate for financing when you initially applied. But there’s good news: car refinancing can get you out of a bad car loan.When you refinance, you want to follow the same smart steps you would take to finance your original loan. Making sure your credit score is in good shape is at the top of the list. You also want to shop around and compare rates and terms. Using a company that specializes in car loan refinance can help you compare and get the best rates possible.Those are our top tips for financing your car the smart way.A little preparation can go a long way when looking to get a loan. Making sure your credit score is in order, getting pre-approved for financing, and comparing offers are all great ways to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Make sure you consider traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders when researching your options.If you already made a deal that you are looking to get out of, consider refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve. We have relationships with lenders across the country so you can be sure you will get the most competitive car loan APRs out there. And with a 96% would-recommend rating on LendingTree, you know you are in good hands.Don’t wait to start saving, get your free quote today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you buy a product, you want some degree of confidence that you're buying a quality product. That’s where warranties come in. Most products these days come with warranties, from your television to your hairdryer to your phone to your laptop case. But all of these, while they can be major purchases, pale in comparison to the cost of a new car.So when you have something as expensive as a new car, you may want a little extra assurance that if something goes wrong, you're covered. But the problem with warranties is that they come with an expiration date. While you may be covered for a few years, you may feel kicked to the curb when the warranty expires—or you may lose coverage when you refinance and need a new protection plan.Vehicle protection plans were created to take over when standard warranties end, and maybe even supplement your manufacturer’s warranty. But how do you decide if a vehicle protection plan is worth it?Let’s talk about what vehicle protection plans are and how you can decide if getting one is right for you.What is a vehicle protection plan and what do they cover?A vehicle protection plan offers additional coverage on your car for maintenance and repairs. Vehicle protection plans can be used in conjunction with your manufacturer’s limited warranty or can be used when the limited warranty expires.First off, let’s talk about what warranties are. A warranty is a company’s guarantee of their product. They are typically offered by manufacturers to give customers some peace of mind that they are buying a quality product. Most new cars these days come with a limited warranty, either a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty, a limited powertrain warranty, or both. Limited bumper-to-bumper warranties cover most things that can go wrong on your car, generally only excluding things like wear and tear and theft. Limited powertrain warranties cover the parts of your car that make the car actually drive, like the drivetrain or the transmission. It is common for dealers to offer a three year limited bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five year limited powertrain warranty. This gives owners an additional two years of coverage for the main components of the car.When these warranties expire, customers may feel a little unease. Or maybe their dealer is only offering powertrain warranty, and the buyer wants to add on more protection. That’s when a vehicle protection plan takes over. Vehicle protection plans vary a lot in what they cover from plan to plan. But in general, a protection plan will cover repairs on:EngineTransmissionDrive AxleElectrical ComponentsBrakesSuspensionAnd moreSpecific coverages will vary from policy to policy, but these repair costs can really add up. A new transmission can cost anywhere from $2000 to $3500, while an engine rebuild can cost between $2500 and $4000. Think of it this way. You have a four year loan on your new car that comes with a three year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Just as your warranty ends, your transmission goes and it will cost you $3,000 to fix on a car that isn’t even fully yours yet. That can really set you back. But if you had a vehicle protection plan, you would not be responsible for that cost.Is it worth it to get a vehicle protection plan?Vehicle protection plans are a great option for a lot of people. But for others, they might seem expensive and unnecessary. Getting a vehicle protection plan might not be worth it if any of the following apply to you:You prefer to work on your car yourself and avoid taking it to a mechanic at all costsIt’s your secondary car that you do not rely on–a rental car or a few weeks in the shop won’t be an inconvenience for youYou are thinking about getting rid of your car in the very near futureBut for many, vehicle protection plans can be well worth it. Especially if you are able to add it on easily to your car payments, like you can when you refinance with Auto Approve. By rolling your vehicle protection payments into your car payments, you can bundle everything and save a lot of money. Vehicle protection plans can give you peace of mind.If you don’t have an emergency fund saved up, a vehicle protection plan can give you some much needed peace of mind. For many of us an unexpected breakdown can throw our lives into disarray. Our finances take a hit AND we need to worry about towing and rentals. You may suddenly be on the hook for a $2000 repair, a $150 towing bill, and $300 for a few days with a rental car. Not only is this a lot to wrap your mind around, but it’s a lot of money that you suddenly need to scrounge together. But if you have a vehicle protection plan you do not need to worry as much and can save yourself one big headache.There are often extra perks.Depending on your vehicle protection plan, there may be other perks that come along with it. Let’s look at the kind of vehicle protection plan you can get when you refinance your car with Auto Approve. In addition to covering a host of mechanical and electrical issues that may arise with your car, a vehicle protection plan offers:24/7 roadside assistanceUp to $50 per day rental reimbursementCourtesy towingYour choice of certified-ASE mechanicAll of these perks can really add up, especially when you think about paying for the repairs on top of the towing, roadside assistance, and rental car. And since you are covered by a certified-ASE mechanic, you know that you can get your repairs done quickly and correctly.It can help you budget for emergencies.When you have a vehicle protection plan, you won’t get hit all at once with a large repair bill. A large repair bill is something that many Americans can’t easily handle. After all, only 42% of Americans report having an emergency fund. This number has dropped from 54% in the past two years as our economy has been on a rollercoaster. But if you have a vehicle protection plan you don't need to worry as much about having an emergency fund set aside. Instead you can pay a little bit every month for the protection, which will help you budget for the unexpected. What should you consider when choosing a vehicle protection plan?If getting a vehicle protection plan sounds like a good move for you, there are many plans out there from which to choose. Cost, coverage, and customer satisfaction are among the chief concerns you probably have when choosing a plan. Be sure to ask the following questions as you start researching plans:How much does it cost? Will the cost more than likely outweigh your savings? Is there an initial upfront payment or just monthly payments? If you are able to bundle the cost it can be much more budget friendly.What specific parts and repairs are covered? Get a detailed list so that you know exactly what is–and isn't–covered. You know your driving habits and your car better than anyone so you can decide what level of coverage you will need.Is it transferable? If you are considering selling your car and getting a new one, you might be able to transfer your policy to your new car.Do you already have coverage? Some insurance plans or other services like AAA may already cover some of the benefits of a vehicle protection plan. What mechanics can you use? If the list of mechanics is super restrictive, it may not make sense to get the plan. After all, what good is the plan if it will only pay for repairs somewhere that is too far away? Make sure the plan will cover a certified mechanic so you can ensure the repairs are done correctly. Is the provider trustworthy? You want to make sure that the company arranging and providing the warranty has a good customer service rating. Bad customer service is the last thing you want when dealing with an emergency repair. How long of a commitment is the plan? Can you stop coverage at any time or do you need to commit?Asking all of these questions can help you narrow down the list of possible providers and help you select the best plan possible. That’s everything you need to know about vehicle protection plans.Vehicle protection plans can be a great option for car owners who’d like a little more extra comfort. And while some plans can be expensive while not providing a whole lot, there are some that offer a great bang for your buck.If you refinance your car with Auto Approve, you can easily add on a vehicle protection plan that is unmatched in its coverage and perks. So don’t wait, get started with a free quote and start saving today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Monthly expenses never seem to stop. Between our rents and mortgages, insurance, utilities, and living expenses, the bills sometimes just keep rolling in. And buying a car just keeps those numbers ticking upwards. Car payments, gas, insurance, repairs–all of these can add stress on our monthly budget. But how do you know when too much is too much? How can you decide when a car is officially out of your budget?Here’s how you can decide how much car payment is too much.What car payment can you afford?When shopping for a car, it’s important to know exactly how much money you can afford to spend every month on car payments. The general rule is to spend less than 10-15% of your monthly income on your car payments. When including gas and insurance, this number shouldn’t be more than 20% of your monthly income.If your take home monthly income is $5,000, 10% of your monthly income is $500. This gives you an additional $650 for gas and insurance. But instead of merely following some financial rule, you will want to ensure that this number actually fits into your budget and actually makes sense for your lifestyle.In order to determine if this number works you will need to consider your budget as a whole. You can calculate your budget using the following steps:Determine your income. This number should be your take home pay–your pay minus any taxes and contributions. Be sure to include any additional sources of income outside of your salary as well.Determine your expenses. Include your invariable expenses (numbers that do not change every month like your rent and insurance premiums) as well as variable expenses (numbers that do change every month like your grocery bills and electricity).Make a plan. Decide what your priorities are. Are you looking to save money for the long term? Looking to get out of debt? There are a lot of different budgeting models to choose from that can help you structure your budget. A 50/30/20 model is a common approach, where 50% of your income goes to needs, 30% goes to wants, and 20% goes towards savings.See how your expenses and your income fit into your budget model. Go through each item and see how they fit into your budgeting goals. This will also allow you to see how much money you can afford to pay for your new car.Does the 10-15% rule work for you? Does it still allow you to allocate money towards savings or paying down debts? Be sure you know what payments you can afford before stepping foot into a car dealership. And remember that it’s always better to stay under budget than to go over.How can you negotiate a car payment?Once you know what monthly payments you can afford, you can start to decide what cars are available to you. You can look online to determine how expensive certain cars are, and use an online calculator to determine the monthly payments.Ultimately the monthly payments you are responsible for will depend on a few factors:The total cost of the carThe car loan APR you are offeredThe down payment you makeYou have the power to negotiate the total cost of the car. Dealers always have wiggle room in their pricing, so depending on the popularity of your car you might have luck negotiating a price that is below MSRP. You can also try to negotiate out of any associated fees, which would be added onto your repayment amount. Fees such as “advertising fees” and “dealership fees” can have some wiggle room to negotiate.The car loan APR you were offered will be based on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and overall financial health. The better shape your credit score is in before you apply for financing, the better car loan APR you will be offered.The down payment you make will also greatly affect the amount of your monthly payments. The more of a down payment you make on your car, the less of an overall principle you will owe and the less your payments will be. Experts generally recommend putting down at least 20%–this can also help ensure that you don’t end up owing more money than your car is worth.How can you reduce your car payments every month?If you have already taken out a car loan, you may be wondering how to get low monthly car payments. Your best bet to reduce your car payments is to refinance your car loan. By refinancing your loan, you can reduce your payments in a few ways.Refinancing to a lower car loan APR can save a lot of money in interest. You will have the best chance refinancing to a lower APR if:Your credit score has increasedYour debt-to-income ratio has decreasedThe prevailing market rates have decreasedAny of these can lower your car loan APR significantly which can in turn lower your monthly car payments significantly. While you don’t have control over the market rates, you do have the power to work on your credit score and pay down your debts, so be sure to focus on that before you apply for refinance.Refinancing also gives you the chance to change your car loan repayment period. When you lengthen your repayment period, you stretch out the principle you owe over a longer period of time which automatically lowers your monthly payments. It is worth noting however that you will end up paying back more in the long run as you will be paying interest over a longer period of time.That’s how you can decide if a car payment is too much and how you can lower your monthly payments.It's important to make sure you can afford your monthly car payments before you sign on the dotted line. Doing your research ahead of time can help set you up for success. But if your car payments have become a monthly burden for you, refinancing your car loan may help you out of a tight spot.Refinancing a vehicle with Auto Approve is simple and easy. After all, refinancing is our specialty so we know a thing or two about it. We have relationships with lenders across the country so you can rest assured you are getting the most competitive rates possible. All you have to do is get started with a free quote to see just how much money you could be saving. We handle the rest–even the DMV paperwork! So don’t wait any longer and don’t waste any more money, get your free quote today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

We typically break down car owners into two types of people: people who lease their cars and people who buy their cars. People who lease their cars love that new car smell and never want to give up the opportunity to get the latest and greatest car every few years. And people who buy their cars love the freedom that comes with having something all to yourself.But what happens when a lease person wants to switch teams? Their current car is all they’ve ever wanted and more, so the idea of giving it up is too much to bear. Enter the car lease buyout.Here are our top 6 tips for buying out your current leased car.What is a car lease buyout?Car leases are generally for a period of either 24 or 36 months. At the end of that time period, you have three options:Trade your car in for a new leaseReturn your car Buy your carBuying your car from your lease is a little different than when you go to buy a new car. First of all, there is less risk of investment because you already know that you love the car and have knowledge of any issues or problems the car may have. There are no mysterious previous owners that may have mistreated the car.The buyout loan amount will also be significantly less than when you buy a new car. Because the car has already taken its biggest hits on depreciation, the car will not be as expensive as when you buy a new car. Let’s look at what you should consider when deciding if a lease buyout is right for you.Is it a good idea to buy your leased car?There are a lot of reasons that buying a leased car is a great option. If you simply love your car and do not want to get a new car, that might be reason enough for you. But there are other great reasons to buy your leased car.You put your car through some wear and tearAll lease agreements allow for a small degree of wear and tear. A scratch or ding here and there is generally acceptable and expected to a certain degree. But if your car has a significant degree of wear the leasing company might charge an exorbitant amount in fees upon the return of your lease. Buying the car out instead will help you avoid these fees and put your money to better use.You are over or under the allotted mileageEvery lease agreement has a mileage cap on it, typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. For every mile over that limit you will be charged. You could easily spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars in overage fees by the end of your lease. But if you buy your car, you can put that money to better use.If you are under your allotted mileage by a significant amount, your car may be worth more than the dealer is valuing it at. In this case, your car may be worth more than the buyout and you can sell it for a profit.6 tips for buying your leased carMake sure you consider the total buyout priceTo determine if a buyout is worth it, you will need to consider the total cost of the buyout, not just the residual value that is listed in your contracts. The total buyout price will include the following:The residual value of your car, as listed in your contractAny remaining payments (you can buy your leased car at any point in your lease)Any applicable feesSales taxThese additional costs can add significantly to the total buyout. But taxes and fees are pretty unavoidable when buying a car, so don’t let it dissuade you too much. Instead be mindful of the added costs and ensure you have enough money to afford your decision.Know if it’s worth itBefore you decide to buy your car, try to determine your car’s value. To do this, you will need to know two things: your car’s residual value and your car’s market value.The residual value is the value of your car at the end of your lease, determined by the leasing company. This number can be found in your contract and is typically non-negotiable. The market value is what your car is actually worth in the real world (what other people will pay for it). You can determine the market value by using a website such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. These websites can determine how much your car is worth based on the make, model, year, and condition of your car. Comparing these numbers can help you decide if buying your lease makes sense. If the Kelley Blue Book value is much lower than the market value of your car, you may be paying more for your car than it is actually worth. Let’s say the residual value of your car is listed at $15,000 in your contract, but the market value is $12,000. If you bought your lease, you would be paying $3,000 more than your car is worth. If on the other hand the market value is listed within a few hundred dollars of the residual value, it is most likely a fair deal.Take the time to prepare your financesIf you are looking to secure financing for your loan buyout, be sure to take the time beforehand to ensure your finances are in good order. The rate you are offered for your car loan buyout will depend on your credit score, your debt to income ratio, and the prevailing market rates. While there is nothing you can do about the market rates, you can ensure that your credit score and debt to income ratio are in good standing. You can prepare your credit score by taking the following steps:Commit to making full, consistent, and on time paymentsPay down debts, especially those with a high credit utilization ratioRequest a copy of your credit report and ensure there aren’t any errorsRequest higher limits on your accounts to increase your credit utilization ratioHold off on opening any new accounts Hold off on anything that might trigger a hard inquiry on your creditThese steps can help ensure that your credit score is as high as possible which will encourage the best car loan rate offers.Call your leasing companyIt’s a good idea to get in touch with your leasing company directly to answer any and all questions you may have. They can tell you exactly how much you will need to buy the car and tell you what fees and taxes you are required to pay.Additionally they can tell you if they allow third party buyouts. If a friend or loved one is interested in buying your car a third party buyout may provide a good solution for all involved, but not all leasing companies allow them.Compare lease buyout loansUnless you have enough cash in your bank account to buy your car outright, you will need to secure financing. And in this case, you want to shop around for terms and rates. Don’t be coerced into getting a loan from the dealership as they almost never have the best terms. Look around at a range of lenders, including traditional banks, online lenders, and credit unions. You want to consider the following when looking for a car buyout loan:Car loan APRRepayment periodCustomer service ratingsAdditional feesWhen looking for a loan, using a company that specializes in car loan buyouts can handle the comparison shopping for you. Auto Approve has relationships with lenders across the country and can help you apply for different loans and select the buyout loan that is right for you.Rethink your insuranceWhen you lease a car, you are typically required to have pretty hefty insurance coverage. The dealership wants to make sure that their asset is covered even when it’s in your possession. But when you buy your car it’s a different ballgame. You are not required to carry any additional coverage (aside from your state’s minimum requirements). So while you may be taking on more debt with a car buyout loan, you may be saving money on insurance. Those are our top tips for buying your leased car.Buying your leased car can be a great option for you for a number of reasons. But it’s important to do your research and find the best car lease buyout loan possible. That’s where Auto Approve comes in.At Auto Approve, we can find you the best deal possible for your car loan buyout to ensure that you don’t overpay for your car loan. Getting started is easy–just head over to Auto Approve to chat with one of our loan specialists.Don’t wait–get your free quote today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS