Four Financial Podcasts to listen to during your commute
Now that summer is over, it’s past time to go back to school. This doesn’t mean that you have to be in a class room with a teacher, but you should try to learn something new. For example, if you have a long commute, turn off your tired playlists and switch to a podcast.
There are plenty of podcasts that cover a wide range of topics, but one topic that everyone should learn more about is finance. No matter what your financial situation is, there is almost always something new to learn. Here are four suggestions for financial podcasts to listen to while you’re driving to work, school or wherever.
[Related: Reasons to check your credit score]
Bad with Money
Hosted by comedian Gaby Dunn, Bad with Money is a great podcast for those who don’t know the first thing about finance.
So Money
Farnoosh Torabi is a financial correspondent whose daily podcast So Money covers all the questions that you may have about finance and money.
Listen Money Matters
If you’re interested in learning about a wide range of topics related to money, Listen Money Matters is the podcast for you, with expert’s opinions and solid financial advice
The Dave Ramsey Show
Dave Ramsey is one of the most well-known names in personal finance, and his podcast, The Dave Ramsey Show, can help you learn to save and invest money.
Used Car Financing
After listening to these podcasts, and reading the OkCarz blog, you’ll practically be a money expert. Use some of your new-found knowledge and visit OkCarz to learn about financing options on a used vehicle. You can apply for pre-approval online and begin to work your way into a new Toyota vehicle with the help of OkCarz. Visit one of the five dealership loacations in Florida to learn more about how OkCarz can help you with your credit.
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Used vs New Car for a Teen Driver
Is new or used a better choice for a first car?
You’ll probably always remember your first car. Once you get your license, the vehicle that you end up with, whether it was a new vehicle that the My Sweet Sixteen kids would dream about, or just your mom’s old minivan, having a set of wheels to get you wherever you needed to go was a huge step toward adulthood and freedom.
While you may remember your first car, you also probably remember the first time you got in an accident while driving it. Whether it was a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, teen drivers are more likely to get in an accident, especially the first year after getting a license. To help mitigate the possibility of an accident, there are many people who think that getting a new vehicle with all the bells and whistles is the best course of action.
If you’re going to be buying your first car, or your teenager’s first car, one of the most important choices that you have to make is if you’re going to buy a new or used vehicle. There are pros and cons for both choices.
[Related: Is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?]
Benefits of a New Car
New cars have the benefit of advanced safety options that can help keep your child safe. On top of all of the safety features, a new car is likely going to last longer than a vehicle that is ten years older with 100,000 miles more. That means that the new car will probably get your child through college and beyond.
All of the safety features can be useful, but they may also act as a crutch, leaving someone who forgets to check their blind spot or waits too long to hit the brake. A new car begins depreciating the second you drive it off the lot, and having a young driver who is still learning the rules of the road and possibly causing damage to the vehicle doesn’t help mitigate rapid depreciation.
Buying a Used Car for a young driver
If you buy a used vehicle, you are giving up some of the safety features that are standard on newer vehicles. Of course, you can get used cars that are within a couple of years of the current models, and they may have all of the fancy features. An older vehicle might not even have electronic stability control, which has been a standard feature on all vehicles since 2012.
While some of these features can help mitigate an accident, there isn’t really a way to completely remove human error yet, and it is likely that a teen driver will drive recklessly. If they cause an accident in an older car, and the vehicle is damaged, it won’t be as problematic as it would if they scratch a brand-new vehicle.
Should you get a new or used first car for a young driver?
When buying a new or used car for a young driver, it is important to know what you’re looking for in a vehicle. You should weigh all of your options. A brand-new, fresh off the line vehicle is likely not going to the best choice for your young driver, but neither is an old beater that’s been around the block a few thousand times.
Buying a gently used buy fairly recent vehicle is going to be one of the safest, reliable, and budget friendly choices. If you’re worried about your budget, visit OkCarz to find out more about financing and credit options. When you find the right vehicle, it is easy to apply for pre-approval on the OkCarz website.
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Best Pricing on a Used Vehicle
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Five Credit Score Myths
How can you tell if you have a good credit score?
When you’re looking to buy a new car, figuring out your finances can be difficult. One of the hardest parts of learning about finance is going through all of the conflicting advice that people might give you. Unless you spend a lot of time with financial geniuses, it is possible that the advice your friends and family give you isn’t really true, especially when it comes to your credit score.
There are many discrepancies when it comes to what people believe about their credit score. While some of these myths don’t really do much harm, some of them can be detrimental to your financial future.
[Related: Work your way into a new Toyota with OkCarz!]
You shouldn’t check your credit score
Checking your credit won’t hurt your score, and knowing what your score is can help you figure out if there is something amiss if it drops significantly without you having done anything that might have affected your score. When you check your score, it counts as a soft inquiry, which won’t damage your credit.
Some debt is good for your credit
Technically speaking, you build credit through debt. Some think that when you’re using a credit card, you need to carry over a balance from month to month, but all it does is accumulate interest. Most experts suggest paying off your balance in full every month to keep a good credit score.
Maxing out your cards is alright
This is definitely not the case. You should spend 30{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} of your limit or less on your credit cards. If you have more than one credit card, and one is maxed out, the other two can help counteract the first one, or they can put you in more trouble.
You only need one type of credit
If you have a student loan, mortgage, or car loan that you always pay on time, you probably have a decent or good score. However, if that loan is the only one you have, you aren’t realizing your full potential. A mix of revolving debt and installment loans is important.
No matter what your credit score is, you can visit OkCarz to learn more about financing for a vehicle. It is easy to apply for preapproval online, and you can even view the inventory available at the dealership.
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What is the Debt Avalanche Method?
What is the Debt Snowball Method?
Tips for Improving Your Current Budget
Tips for College Students Shopping for a Used Vehicle
Craigslist car buying tips
How to avoid being scammed while buying a car on Craigslist
Everybody and their mothers know that Craigslist is either a great place to find gently used items, or a cesspool full of people who are lurking in wait to cause mayhem. Buying a car off of Craigslist, or any other online site that doesn’t belong to a dealership can be a gamble. If you choose to use a user-submitted marketplace site, there are some things that you can do to avoid getting scammed.
When you go to look at a car from Craigslist, it’s dangerous to go alone. Taking a friend along could stop someone from robbing you or doing some other sort of damage. They can also provide a second pair of eyes to help you determine if the vehicle you’re looking at has any issues. You should also meet the seller in a well-lit, public place. It is safer, and can also help you ensure that the vehicle is in good condition.
[Related: How much of my income should I spend on a car?]
How to tell if you’re being scammed
Scammers are great at working the system and are able to use that against you. However, you should trust your gut and if the situation feels wrong, it probably is. If they won’t answer a reasonable question about the vehicle, like a question about its maintenance history, or even why they’re selling the car, you may want to find a different seller.
You may think that buying a car from a site like Craigslist will be easier or cheaper, but this is rarely the case. You’ll have to put in more effort to find a time and a place that work for both parties for a test drive, and even then, you may not like the vehicle you’re looking at, leaving you both having wasted an afternoon.
A dealership like OkCarz has plenty of vehicle options at various price points, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find a vehicle that fits you. There are also five convenient OkCarz dealerships in Florida, so it is easy and safe to visit one to find the perfect car. OkCarz is an excellent choice to help you find and finance your new vehicle.
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These used 1990s vehicles are all that!
Best used vehicles from the 1990s
When you’re looking at new vehicles, it is easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many options and features that are overall pretty convenient, but until you figure out how to use them all, it can be confusing. If new car shopping leaves you longing for a simpler time with cassette players and baggy jeans, you may be better off looking for a used car. More specifically, a used car from the 1990s.
Like crop tops and chokers, vehicles from the 90s are making a comeback. In three years, your 1990 Toyota Camry is eligible to be registered as an antique or historic vehicle, provided that it still has the original engine. If you’re looking for a vehicle that is pre-Y2K, you have plenty of options to choose from.
[Read More: How much of my income should I spend on a car?]
Which 90’s throwback vehicle should you choose?
As with new vehicles, buying a used car depends on what you need from your car. While it won’t have the same amount of safety features or interior technologies, you should be able to find a safe, reliable vehicle to fuel your nostalgia.
Honda Accord
If you want an average vehicle that isn’t going to give you any trouble, you’ll be happy in the Honda Accord. Back in the day, the 1999 Honda Accord has plenty of options to choose from, and a 2.3L four-cylinder engine with a combined estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg.
Nissan Sentra
Another reliable sedan, the Nissan Sentra is a great vehicle if you aren’t looking for anything ostentatious or flashy. A 1997 Nissan Sentra is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine, and with an estimated combined 29 mpg, you won’t be guzzling gasoline.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the quintessential American truck. Even in 1991, the Ford F-150 had a wide array of options and powerful engines. On the 1991 Ford F-150, drivers had three engine choices, a 4.9L straight six, a 5.0L Windsor V8 or an International Harvester Diesel V8.
Toyota Camry
Like the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry is a good, reliable sedan that still sells well today. The 1999 Toyota Camry offered a combined 23 miles per gallon with a 2.2L, four-cylinder engine.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is great for going off-roading or just driving around. A four-cylinder, 2.5L engine with a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg made certain that the 1997 Jeep Wrangler was a versatile vehicle with some personality.
Find a used car in Florida
If you’re looking for a vehicle from the 90s, put on your blue eyeshadow and bucket hat and visit one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida. You can peruse the available inventory online or find information on financing options.
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Reasons to check your credit score
Why should you check your credit score?
“Ignorance is bliss” is an old saying that posits that not knowing something can lead to being a happier and more content person. It is also the approach that many people take toward their credit score, despite the fact that it holds quite a bit of power over many large life decisions. Checking your credit score provides you with the knowledge that can help you get a loan for a home, obtain a credit card, and get a job.
If you’re planning on applying for a loan or making a big purchase, it can be beneficial to check your credit score so you have an idea of what to expect when you apply. Your credit score can change based on your credit card or prior loan payments.
[Related: Work your way into a new Toyota with OkCarz!]
Of course, simply knowing your credit score isn’t a magic “get out of jail free” card. Not all credit scores are created equal, and just because you know what yours is, you can still have a bad credit score. Once you know what your credit score is, you have the power to work toward changing it.
What is a good credit score?
The actual range of a good credit score varies based on which credit score company you’re looking at. Most scales start at 300 and go to 850. If your FICO® Score is between 670 and 739, it is considered a good credit score. Those with a credit score anywhere between 740 and 799 have a Very Good score, and those with Exceptional scores are between 800-850. Those numbers shift slightly for your VantageScore, where the Good range is 700-749, and Excellent is 750-850.
These two scoring systems are the ones most often used by lenders to determine the strength of your application. If you have a high credit score, you’re more likely to be approved for credit and receive the best rates. With bad credit, you may not be approved, and if you are, your rates won’t be as good and you may have larger down payment amounts.
If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle with low or no credit, come to OkCarz. They can help you explore financing options to get the used vehicle of your dreams. Learn more about how to get a car loan and boost your credit score at OkCarz at one of their five Florida locations.
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When Should I Get My Windshield Wipers Replaced?
When Should I Get My Windshield Wipers Replaced?
rn By Product Expert | Posted in Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance on Thursday, December 26th, 2019 at 10:38 amrn
Signs of Worn Windshield Wipers
As you drive in the rain, do you notice that your windshieldrnwipers aren’t working as well as they should? If you have trouble seeing whilernusing the wipers, it’s time for a replacement. Here are some signs that yourrnwindshield wipers are going bad.
[ READ MORE: WhenrnDo I Need to Replace the Brakes on My Car? ]
Skipping, Streaking, or Splitting
The most common issues with bad wiper blades are that theyrnstart skipping, streaking, or splitting. When wipers do this, water isn’t beingrnmoved off the windshield properly and can cause visibility issues. Most driversrnwait until one of these signs arise to change their windshield wipers.
Skipping, streaking, and splitting can be caused by a varietyrnof factors. The rubber may be rounded rather than squared. There may be cracksrnor missing pieces in the rubber that water is seeping through. The frame may bernbroken, corrosion is present at the joints or claws, or the wiper wasn’trninstalled correctly. Be sure to check the rubber, arm, and joints so you know wherernthe problem is coming from.
Chattering Noise
Another sign that your windshield wipers are going bad is ifrnthey are making a chattering sound when being used. Many times, this is due tornthe blades or windshield not being clean. Another cause is if the wiper arm isrnbent and not allowing the blade to contact the glass correctly. If yourrnwindshield and wipers are clean and the arm isn’t bent, then it’s time to getrnreplacements.
[ READ MORE: Signsrnthat your Car Battery is Failing ]
How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last?
Windshield wipers can last roughly six months to a fullrnyear. Factors that affect how long they last for include the weather, how oftenrnthey are used, the material they are made from, and age. Thankfully, gettingrnwindshield wipers replaced is very cost-effective as wiper blades arernrelatively cheap and you don’t have to replace them too often.
Looking for more tips and tricks regarding proper care ofrnyour car? Check out the OkCarz blogrnfor more!
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2017 Midsize SUV Video Comparison
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Shopping for a vehicle can be a difficult task. So many models clutter the market, if can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs as a driver. This is especially true in the crowded crossover and SUV classes. You could spend hours reading comparisons online, or watch this great 2017 midsize SUV video comparison to quickly learn more about the vehicles that make up this crowded class.
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Read More: Work your way into a new Toyota through OkCarz!
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Work your way into a new Toyota with OkCarz!
OkCarz New Toyota Program
The OkCarz new Toyota Program is an excellent way for car shoppers to re-build their credit and work their way up to a new Toyota vehicle. Through our partnership with Lakeland Toyota, OkCarz is able to offer a very unique opportunity to our customers.
OkCarz Toyota Partnership
The OkCarz partnership offers a very unique opportunity for our customers. After 12 months of payments, OkCarz customers will be eligible to upgrade to a new Toyota vehicle through Lakeland Toyota. This program is an excellent way for OkCarz customers to build their credit through us and work their way up to an excellent new Toyota car.
Read More: How much of your income should you spend on a car?
Financing Through OkCarz
The first step towards taking advantage of this program is to purchase a vehicle and finance it through OkCarz. We are able to avoid the hassle that comes with third-party vendors, offering financing directly through our in-house Mid Florida Financing Bank. We can get you approved and behind the wheel of an excellent car at a rate you can afford.
Read More: How is four-wheel drive different from all-wheel drive?
Payments to OkCarz can be made easily at a variety of locations, including right here on our website. We make the process of buying and financing a car as easy and stress-free as possible.
Car shoppers interested in taking advantage of the OkCarz Toyota referral program can apply for financing right here on our website. View our inventory to learn more about the cars we currently have to offer.
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Buying a learning driver and SUV
Many parents will want to buy their teenage driver a larger vehicle because of the assumption that a larger SUV or truck will be safer in the event of an accident. This logic is not faulty, but there are other factors that should be considered as well.
Larger vehicles tend to be less maneuverable than smaller cars. Heavier SUVs and trucks will also almost always have a longer stopping distance than a smaller vehicle. This can make it harder to avoid an accident in a larger vehicle than in a smaller car.
Another factor that should be considered is that a larger SUV with more rows of seats can hold more people. More seating means more friends in the vehicle potentially distracting the driver. If you would like to limit the number of passengers your teen can have with them in their vehicle, a smaller car would be a wiser choice.
Read More: Take a look at one of these compact cars with impressive storage space
This is not to say that larger vehicles are not a good choice for a learning driver. If you live in an area where inclimate weather is a concern, a truck or SUV with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive would be a practical choice.
OkCarz offers many practical pre-owned cars that are great choices for learning drivers. Interested car shoppers can view our inventory or apply for financing here on our website.
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