When it comes to managing personal finances, finding ways to reduce recurring expenses can significantly impact your overall budget. One such expense that often presents opportunities for savings is car insurance. By strategically maximizing available discounts, you can effectively lower your car insurance premiums without compromising on coverage. To begin with, it is essential to understand the various types of discounts that insurers typically offer. These discounts can be broadly categorized into driver-based, vehicle-based, and policy-based discounts.

Driver-based discounts are often awarded based on the driver’s history and behavior. For instance, maintaining a clean driving record free of accidents and traffic violations can make you eligible for a good driver discount. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses. These courses not only enhance your driving skills but also demonstrate to insurers that you are committed to safe driving practices. Furthermore, young drivers or students can benefit from good student discounts if they maintain a high GPA, as insurers often correlate academic performance with responsible behavior.

Transitioning to vehicle-based discounts, the type of car you drive can also influence your insurance premiums. Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft systems are generally considered lower risk by insurers. Consequently, owning a car with these features can qualify you for safety and anti-theft discounts. Moreover, driving a vehicle with a lower annual mileage can also result in lower premiums, as less time on the road reduces the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, if you primarily use your car for short commutes or occasional trips, be sure to inform your insurer to potentially benefit from a low-mileage discount.

In addition to driver and vehicle-based discounts, policy-based discounts offer another avenue for savings. Bundling multiple insurance policies with the same provider, such as combining your car and home insurance, can lead to significant multi-policy discounts. This not only simplifies your insurance management but also provides a financial incentive. Additionally, opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums. While this means you will pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim, it can be a cost-effective strategy if you are a safe driver with a low likelihood of filing claims.

Another effective way to maximize discounts is by leveraging technology. Many insurance companies now offer usage-based insurance programs that monitor your driving habits through a mobile app or a device installed in your car. By demonstrating safe driving behaviors such as smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and adherence to speed limits, you can earn discounts based on your actual driving performance. This personalized approach not only rewards safe drivers but also encourages better driving habits.

Finally, it is crucial to regularly review your insurance policy and shop around for better rates. Insurance companies frequently update their pricing models and introduce new discounts, so staying informed can help you take advantage of the best offers available. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers ensures that you are not overpaying and allows you to negotiate better terms with your current provider.

In conclusion, lowering your car insurance premiums involves a combination of understanding available discounts, making informed choices about your vehicle and driving habits, and staying proactive in managing your policy. By taking these steps, you can effectively reduce your insurance costs while maintaining the coverage you need.

Comparing Quotes: How to Find the Best Car Insurance Rates

When it comes to saving on car insurance, one of the most effective strategies is comparing quotes from different providers. This process, while seemingly straightforward, requires a nuanced approach to ensure that you are not only getting the best rate but also the most comprehensive coverage for your needs. To begin with, it is essential to understand that car insurance premiums can vary significantly from one insurer to another. This variation is due to a multitude of factors, including the insurer’s underwriting criteria, the level of coverage offered, and the specific discounts available. Therefore, taking the time to compare quotes can lead to substantial savings.

The first step in comparing car insurance quotes is to gather information about your current policy. This includes details such as your coverage limits, deductibles, and any additional features or endorsements. Having this information at hand will allow you to make an apples-to-apples comparison between different quotes. Additionally, it is crucial to assess your current needs and determine if there have been any changes in your circumstances that might necessitate adjustments in your coverage. For instance, if you have recently paid off your car loan, you might consider reducing your collision and comprehensive coverage.

Once you have a clear understanding of your current policy and coverage needs, the next step is to obtain quotes from multiple insurers. This can be done through various means, including online comparison tools, contacting insurers directly, or working with an independent insurance agent. Online comparison tools are particularly useful as they allow you to input your information once and receive quotes from multiple providers. However, it is important to ensure that the quotes you receive are based on the same coverage levels and deductibles to make a fair comparison.

As you review the quotes, pay close attention to the details of each policy. While the premium is a critical factor, it should not be the sole determinant in your decision-making process. Consider the reputation and financial stability of the insurer, as well as the quality of their customer service. Reading reviews and checking ratings from independent agencies can provide valuable insights into an insurer’s reliability and responsiveness. Furthermore, examine the specific terms and conditions of each policy, including any exclusions or limitations that might affect your coverage.

In addition to comparing quotes, it is also worthwhile to explore potential discounts that could further reduce your premium. Many insurers offer discounts for various reasons, such as having a good driving record, bundling multiple policies, or installing safety features in your vehicle. Be sure to inquire about all available discounts and see if you qualify for any. Additionally, consider adjusting your deductibles as a higher deductible can lower your premium, though it also means you will pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.

Finally, once you have gathered all the necessary information and compared the quotes, take the time to make an informed decision. Do not rush the process, as choosing the right car insurance policy is a significant financial decision that can have long-term implications. By carefully evaluating your options and considering all relevant factors, you can find a policy that offers the best balance of cost and coverage, ultimately leading to substantial savings on your car insurance.

Smart Driving Habits: Reducing Your Car Insurance Costs

Smart driving habits can significantly reduce your car insurance costs, making it essential to understand and implement these practices. One of the most effective ways to lower your premiums is by maintaining a clean driving record. Insurance companies often reward drivers who have no history of accidents or traffic violations with lower rates. This is because a clean record indicates a lower risk of future claims, which translates to savings for both the insurer and the insured.

In addition to maintaining a clean driving record, practicing defensive driving can also contribute to reduced insurance costs. Defensive driving involves being aware of potential hazards and taking proactive steps to avoid accidents. This includes maintaining a safe following distance, obeying traffic signals, and being mindful of other drivers’ behaviors. By adopting these habits, you not only enhance your safety on the road but also demonstrate to your insurer that you are a responsible driver, which can lead to lower premiums.

Another important factor in reducing car insurance costs is the frequency and distance of your driving. Insurance companies often consider the number of miles you drive annually when determining your premium. The logic is simple: the more you drive, the higher the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Therefore, reducing your mileage can result in lower insurance costs. Carpooling, using public transportation, or working from home are effective ways to decrease your annual mileage and, consequently, your insurance premiums.

Moreover, the type of vehicle you drive plays a crucial role in determining your insurance costs. Vehicles with high safety ratings and advanced safety features are generally less expensive to insure. This is because they are less likely to be involved in accidents and, if they are, the occupants are better protected. When purchasing a new car, consider opting for a model with robust safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and electronic stability control. Additionally, vehicles with lower theft rates and repair costs can also lead to reduced insurance premiums.

Furthermore, bundling your insurance policies can be an effective strategy to save on car insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple policies, such as home and auto insurance, from the same provider. This not only simplifies the management of your insurance but also results in significant cost savings. It is advisable to inquire about multi-policy discounts when shopping for insurance to maximize your savings.

Additionally, increasing your deductible can lead to lower insurance premiums. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. By opting for a higher deductible, you assume more financial responsibility in the event of a claim, which reduces the insurer’s risk and, in turn, lowers your premium. However, it is important to ensure that you can afford the higher deductible in case of an accident.

Lastly, taking advantage of available discounts can further reduce your car insurance costs. Many insurers offer discounts for various reasons, such as being a good student, completing a defensive driving course, or having certain safety features in your vehicle. It is essential to regularly review your policy and discuss with your insurer any potential discounts you may qualify for.

In conclusion, adopting smart driving habits and making informed decisions about your vehicle and insurance policies can lead to substantial savings on car insurance. By maintaining a clean driving record, practicing defensive driving, reducing your mileage, choosing a safe vehicle, bundling policies, increasing your deductible, and taking advantage of discounts, you can effectively lower your insurance costs while ensuring adequate coverage.

The possibility to own a home within the United States is getting tougher and tougher. This is especially the case for millennials, young adults, and those who are crippled by a number of financial constraints (college debt) and skyrocketing property prices. This has led to many investing in alternative living situations. One of those includes motorhomes/RVs.

Motorhomes and RVs are generally more cost effective when compared to actual homes. There’s less general maintenance, and one can up and leave whenever they want to a fresh new location. There’s also a sense of adventure one can enjoy with a mobile residence when compared to a stationary one.

This piece will speak about a number of different types of RVs. It’ll also include price points and other miscellaneous bits of information.

Class A

Class A motorhomes normally are the biggest and most expensive. Brands such as Georgetown, A.C.E., Allegro, Coachmen, and Winnebago all offer class A RVs. Camping World is an outlet where people can search for new and used RVs of all kinds. Filtering down the search will show a wide range of Class A options.

Extremely old Class A RVs (from upwards of 20 years ago) can be had for potentially $10,000 to $15,000. For a brand new Class A motorhome, consumers better be ready to pony up the cash. One with all the bells and whistles could set a family back nearly $200,000. However, one also must take into account that each purchase likely includes a payment plan (as if one were paying rent). In some instances, one could procure a 35-foot RV with roughly $1,100/month.

Class B

Class B RVs are usually known as the camper-van segment. Within all iterations of the RV/Motorhome realm, this class is seeing some real growth. Many travelers/campers have become excited by the feasibility in acquiring one.

From underneath the Class B umbrella, two of the most popular options include the Winnebago Touring Coach and the Airstream. The Winnebago brand has a number of vans for consumers to choose from. Era, Travato, Revel, Boldt, and Solis are included as differing vans. Depending on the vendor, used Winnebago vans can go for as low as $50,000. More expensive versions can set back potential consumers upwards of $100,000.

As for the Airstream travel trailers, these are small metal compartments which can be dragged on the back of a vehicle. Of course, they vary in size/length. On the lower end of the spectrum, one can get a new Airstream for as low as $37,000. Conversely, estimates have the upper echelon Airstream trailers registering at nearly $150,000.

Travel Trailer

Over the last year, many metrics indicate that travel trailers were the most popular type of RV. Particularly, the company Jayco is a leader in manufacturing these products. These travel trailers can be small and compact — or large and elongated. They offer varying levels of square footage and storage space.

Something such as the 2020 Jay Flight Bungalow could cost the consumer at least $55,000. A smaller option — such as the 2020 Hummingbird — could be as low as $13,503. This includes space for a microwave, fridge, and a bed (among other amenities).

Fifth Wheel

Directly behind travel trailers in terms of popularity are fifth wheel RVs. Solitude, Montana, Reflection, Cougar, and Eagle are a few of the companies making state-of-the-art products.

Customers will need to do their due diligence in trying to find the best option for them. It could be a used product — or a brand new one. Prices could range anywhere from $33,000 (roughly $240/month) to $100,000 (roughly $560/month).

In recent years, watches have become serious must-haves for many people across the world. For some, they exist as major fashion accessories. Possessing the right amount of wrist ‘bling’ could allow you to stand out among the crowd. Others have taken to collecting watches from different time periods. Sentimental value could exist if these items were passed down thoughtfully from prior generations.

With time in today’s climate being incredibly precious, there simply isn’t much opportunity to peruse through available watches in person. The act of driving to-and-from the venue can be time consuming — particularly for those with other responsibilities. Fortunately, a number of online platforms enable prospective customers to wade through the waters of watch hunting without having to leave your home.

Jomashop

Jomashop has a large variety of watches to choose from. Many name brands are featured on the site — including Cartier, Seiko, Fossil, Michael Kors, Rolex, and Tissot (among others). Multiple sales are offered in correspondence with sales and seasons. Duly, Jomashop offers authenticity, free shipping on all domestic orders, and a 1-to-5 year warranty on all watches. These perks can be found on Jomashop’s official website.

World of Watches

World of Watches is known for possessing a vast collection of watches at discounted prices. Both men’s and women’s watches are made available here within its online platform. Right away, new customers can garner $10 off their first order by subscribing to World of Watches’ mailing list. Prospective customers will also gain access to upcoming sales and all sorts of updates. As one scrolls down on the site, World of Watches offers daily deals on all sorts of watches. A sale price will be paired directly adjacent to the list price.

CHRONEXT

Based in London, CHRONEXT is rooted in luxury watches of all kinds. One will have a field day simply perusing through the available options on the company’s website — as virtually every brand name is accounted for. As easy as it is to purchase a name brand watch on CHRONEXT, there’s also the capability to sell an older watch. Customers can receive a free watch appraisal with a promise of getting the item reviewed within 24 hours by a professional in the business. When wanting to purchase a watch, one can filter down the search by brand name, price, size, and condition (new or used).

Overstock

Overstock has a stable of watches at discounted prices. The website offers four categorical breakdowns: Men’s Watches, Women’s Watches, Kids’ Watches, and Watch Accessories. Every watch on clearance has its own page from which to garner more information. It even offers star reviews by customers who’ve previously purchased the same watch. As is the case with the others mentioned above, Overstock has a filter tool organizing inventory by type, color, size, and price.

The internet is a great source when considering new shoes. The variety of shoes made available corresponds with the trends of the market. Of course, athletic footware is flying off the shelves at a high rate like always. All of the popular brands like Nike, Merrell, Adidas, Keds, Timberland, Sperry, and so much more, can all be found in one place. That place is online.

Duly, these online stores offer casual shoes, dressy shoes, high-end shoes, and everything in between. Whether it be shopping for functionality — or that exciting pair of heels for a date, this piece will showcase a number of places in which one can procure these shoes at a very affordable rate, all from your couch.

Target

Upon accessing Target’s online store, one can see a number of deals boldly highlighted at the top of the website’s page. Though not considered a location with designer shoes, Target offers a wide variety of items with both affordablity and style.

Of course, Target has shoes for men, women, children, and toddlers. What’s even more impressive is the fact that some pairs of shoes will be offered online for less than $5. Target offers deals quite often, and these discounts will include price deductions on athletic shoes, heels, cross trainers, and much more.

 

Zappos

Zappos is a wonderland as it pertains to online shoe shopping. Aside from shipping being completely free, the easy-to-use interface of Zappos’ website makes filtering your specifically desired shoe an absolute breeze.

Along with free shipping, Zappos offers customer support 24 hours a day/7 days a week — and also returns 365 days a year. The comprehensive nature of Zappos is really a sight to see. All of the popular/trendy brands are available here at the online store.

 

DSW

Designer Shoe Warehouse is as comprehensive an online store as one will find. The company offers every type of shoe imaginable — and mostly at a discounted price. Aside from daily deals, the website for DSW categories shoes by price, color, type, and brand.

Every major brand can be found here — and mostly at discounted prices. By signing up with the site (using an email), first-time users reportedly will get a $10 credit towards their initial purchase. DSW is passionate about taking the foremost safety measures. This includes contactless drop-offs, curbside pick-ups/returns, and a 90-day standard return policy.

 

Nordstrom Rack

If one’s in search of some high-end designer shoes at discounted prices, Nordstrom Rack is for you. The vast inventory here is chock-full of daily deals on what would normally be very expensive shoes. The online shopping experience for Nordstrom Rack is both seamless and effective.

The iPhone SE is a $400 iPhone with the same mobile processor as the latest iPhones that cost hundreds more. In a nutshell, it means that anyone who spends $400 on the iPhone SE will have the same experience running the iOS operating system and apps as someone who spent $700 on the iPhone 11.

With that said, there’s more to smartphones than just their hardware inside. In fact, just about everything else between the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 is different, from design to the cameras.

Check out the main differences between the new $400 iPhone SE and the $700 iPhone 11:

Both iPhones have very different price tags.

• The iPhone SE starts at $399.00 for 64GB
• The iPhone 11 starts at $699.00 for 64GB

You’re getting identical 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options with both the iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone 11.

The iPhone SE looks nearly identical to the classic iPhone 8. That means an older design derived from the 2014 iPhone 6 with large top and bottom bezels, and an aluminum and glass construction.

The iPhone SE has an IP67 water resistance, which means it’s rated for a 1.5-meter depth for half an hour.

The iPhone 11 is Apple’s latest iPhone design based on the iPhone X from 2017. It’s clearly more modern and sleeker with its narrower bezels, but it’s made of the same aluminum and glass materials as the iPhone SE.  The notch is divisive, but it’s necessary to house all the sensors for some of the iPhone 11’s advanced features, which I’ll get to later.

The iPhone 11 has IP68 water resistance, which means it’s rated for a 2-meter depth for half an hour.

The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch LCD Retina HD screen with 1,334 x 750 resolution and 326 pixels-per-inch (ppi).

The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina HD screen 1,792 x 828‑pixel, also with 326 ppi.

The iPhone SE and iPhone 11 clearly have differently sized screens and resolutions, but they’re both equally sharp at 326 ppi. There’s also little perceivable difference in quality — if any — between the iPhone SE’s Retina HD screen and the iPhone 11’s “Liquid” Retina HD screen. The only difference appears to be the iPhone 11’s notch.

They both run on Apple’s powerful A13 Bionic mobile chip, which is a huge deal for the iPhone SE.

The fact that the iPhone SE runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic mobile chip is a very significant deal. That means the $400 iPhone SE has the same performance and longevity as the $700 iPhone 11. You can even say the iPhone SE has the same chip as the $1,100 iPhone 11 Pro Max.

The only minor difference is in the memory (RAM). The iPhone SE supposedly has 3GB of RAM while the iPhone 11 series has 4GB of RAM, according to GSM Arena.

RAM is like your iPhone’s back pocket where it keeps all the apps you’ve opened running in the background. The only time you’d notice a difference between the two phones is when you open an app you haven’t used in a while — it might take a little longer on the iPhone SE.

Touch ID is back — for the iPhone SE, at least.

The iPhone SE uses the classic Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the bottom bezel to unlock. It doesn’t have Face ID.

The iPhone 11 uses Face ID to unlock.

The iPhone 11’s biggest selling point against the cheaper iPhone SE is the cameras.

The iPhone SE has a single-lens 12-megapixel camera. It includes Apple’s Smart HDR, portrait mode, depth control (to adjust background blur after taking a photo), and up to 5x digital zoom.

The iPhone SE’s selfie camera is 7 megapixels with portrait mode.

The iPhone 11 has a 12-megapixel dual camera system that includes a regular and ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field-of-view. It also includes Smart HDR, portrait mode, depth control (to adjust background blur after taking a photo), as well as Night Mode, better focusing, 2x optical zoom, and up to 5x digital zoom.

The iPhone 11’s selfie camera has some big improvements with 12 megapixel, portrait mode, Animoji and Memoji support, and Smart HDR.

Battery sizes — one’s bigger than the other, but they both support wireless charging.

• The iPhone SE supposedly has the same 1,821mAh battery as the iPhone 8, according to GSM Arena. We have yet to see how good the iPhone SE’s battery life truly is.
• The iPhone 11 has a larger 3,110mAh battery due to its larger size. Larger screens suck up more power, but larger phones still typically have better battery life, so expect better battery life on the iPhone 11.

The job market is always a tricky entity to gauge. For many, unemployment is a crippling ordeal. The need for money is clearly integral to overall health. However, there are also some measures one can take to help expedite the process in finding a job. There are job agencies everywhere. By going in person, one can speak to a helpful representative. Some of these jobs may be temp ones — whilst others will be of the full time variety. The interested party will want to bring their resume as well as any references they may have. Duly, one can hire a headhunter to help the customer search for an adequate job in correspondence with their work experience.For those struggling to find a job, the internet has become a reprieve of sorts. A ton of websites have been created to specifically help people find employment. This piece will specifically speak about three websites in particular with these capabilities.Indeed.com

Indeed.com has long been a trusted site for those in search of employment. The website’s filtering system is quite good. Indeed asks for a potential job title, or even a keyword in relation to the type of work desired. From there, the customer then offers a city, state, or zip code. Indeed will spit out a large list of available jobs in correspondence with what’s been provided. Even further, a handy toolbar on the left-hand side of the page will break down a pay scale with how much each job pays annually. One can filter down the jobs by salary estimate as well as by job type (full-time, internship, part-time, contract, temporary, commission).

Craigslist

Craigslist offers a gigantic jobs tab on its main page. There are a number of different categories from which the prospective customer can sift through. The jobs are listed by the date in which they were posted. Like Indeed, customers can filter down choices through employment type (full-time, part-time, contract) as well as from a mileage standpoint. By staying within a certain parameter, customers can more easily look into jobs within their desired region or area.

Monster.com

Monster.com is a very reputable source for employment. According to its website, Monster has a listing of more than five million jobs available. By creating an account, one can upload their resume with the simple click of a button. It’s then shuttled out to a multitude of different companies in search of someone with your qualifications and background. The site even offers career advice when trying to present yourself as a premier job candidate.

Image Source: The Writer’s Job Board