53 articles about transportation
The optimal age to buy LTC insurance is 50-65, with 55-60 being ideal for most people. Before age 50, you're paying premiums too far in advance and total costs may exceed benefits. After age 70, pr...
Read moreCurrent 2025 national median costs: nursing home care $108,000/year ($297/day for semi-private room), assisted living $64,000/year ($5,350/month), home health aide $62,000/year ($30/hour full-time)...
Read moreAlternatives include: 1) Self-insurance - save/invest premium money yourself (works if net worth exceeds $2-3M), 2) Medicaid planning - spend down assets to qualify for government coverage (only co...
Read moreSelf-insurance makes sense if your net worth exceeds $2-3M - you can absorb $300K-$500K in care costs without depleting assets. For net worth $200K-$2M, LTC insurance provides leverage: $90,000 in ...
Read moreInflation protection is crucial if you buy long-term care insurance before age 65, as coverage can lose 50-70% of its value in 20 years. Opt for 5% compound inflation protection for the best covera...
Read moreNot always, but often. Used cars usually provide better value, while new cars offer warranties and the latest features; use the calculator to compare costs and consider your budget and needs.
Read moreModern cars can be reliable for over 100,000 miles, and a 2-3 year old car with 30,000-50,000 miles has plenty of life left. The calculator includes expected repair costs, and certified pre-owned c...
Read moreUsed cars often have higher interest rates (0.5-1% higher), but the lower purchase price usually results in lower total financing costs. The calculator shows the complete financing picture includin...
Read moreInsurance is typically lower for used cars since they're worth less to replace. However, some used cars may have higher repair costs that affect insurance rates. The calculator includes realistic i...
Read moreThe sweet spot is often 2-3 year old cars that have already taken the biggest depreciation hit (20-30% in first year) but still have most of their useful life ahead. These cars offer the best value...
Read moreThe calculator allows you to analyze depreciation over 1 to 10 years. This range gives you a clear picture of your vehicle's value at different stages.
Read moreChoose the highest deductible you can comfortably afford from your emergency fund. For most people with $3,000+ in savings, a $1,000 deductible is optimal—it saves $500-700/year in premiums compare...
Read moreIncreasing from $250 to $1,000 typically saves $500-700/year in premiums. From $500 to $1,000 saves $300-500/year. Over 5 years with no claims, that's $2,500-3,500 saved. Even if you file one claim...
Read moreFile if repair exceeds $5,000, involves injury, or totals your car. Consider paying out-of-pocket if repair is under $2,500—the deductible plus rate increases (20-40% for 3-5 years) often exceed th...
Read moreYour emergency fund should be at least equal to your deductible, ideally 2-3 times that amount. For a $1,000 deductible, aim for $2,000-$3,000 in savings to cover potential claims without stress.
Read moreAt-fault collisions increase rates by 20-40% for 3-5 years, costing $900-2,500 total for an average policy. Comprehensive claims (theft, hail, vandalism) cause 0-10% increases. Not-at-fault acciden...
Read moreLeasing costs more long-term than buying, but it's not a 'waste' if it fits your lifestyle. You pay for the convenience of always driving new cars with lower payments. Think of it as a lifestyle ch...
Read moreYes! Negotiate the selling price (capitalized cost), not just monthly payment. Lowering the selling price reduces depreciation and lowers your payment. Also negotiate money factor (interest rate) a...
Read moreA good money factor is under 0.00150 (3.6% APR), while 0.00100 or lower (2.4% APR) is excellent. Anything over 0.00200 (4.8% APR) is expensive, so consider buying instead; you can also multiply the...
Read moreMinimize your down payment on a lease; only pay fees and avoid cap cost reduction. If the car is totaled, you lose your down payment, so it's better to save that money. The only exception is multip...
Read moreReturning a leased car early can be costly, as you'll owe all remaining payments plus an early termination fee (usually $500+). Consider transferring the lease, trading it in if you have equity, or...
Read moreAAA estimates the average cost is $0.77/mile (2025 data), including depreciation, fuel, maintenance, insurance, registration, and financing. For 12,000 miles/year, that's $9,240 annually. Luxury ve...
Read moreDepreciation is the single largest ownership cost, accounting for $4,000-6,000/year on average. New cars lose 20-25% of value in year one, 15-18% in year two, then 10-15% annually. Buying a 3-year-...
Read moreBudget $500-700/year for routine maintenance: oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles ($50-75), tire rotation every 6,000 miles ($20-50), air filters annually ($40-80). Major services at 30k miles ($30...
Read moreCar insurance costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per year, but young drivers may pay $3,000 to $5,000. To save $400-600, consider raising your deductible and shop around annually, as rates can differ ...
Read moreIf you can get an auto loan under 4-5% APR, consider financing and investing the difference for potentially higher returns. Above 6-7% APR, pay cash if possible—you'll save thousands in interest. N...
Read moreYour monthly car payment is calculated using the loan amount (vehicle price minus down payment), interest rate (APR), and loan term. The formula uses an amortization schedule where each payment inc...
Read moreSeveral factors determine your car payment: (1) Vehicle price - higher prices mean higher payments, (2) Down payment - larger down payments reduce the loan amount, (3) Interest rate (APR) - determi...
Read moreFinancial experts recommend putting down at least 20% on a new car and 10% on a used car. A larger down payment provides several benefits: (1) Lower monthly payments, (2) Less interest paid over th...
Read moreThe interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus additional fees and costs associated with the loan, such as...
Read moreThere are several ways to reduce your monthly car payment: (1) Increase your down payment - reduces the loan amount, (2) Extend the loan term - spreads payments over more months (but increases tota...
Read moreChoose based on your financial goals and budget. Shorter terms (36-48 months) have higher monthly payments but lower total interest costs, build equity faster, and mean you own the car sooner. Long...
Read moreYour credit score dramatically impacts your car payment through the interest rate you qualify for. Excellent credit (740+) might get you 3-5% APR, while poor credit (below 580) could mean 15-20% AP...
Read moreOvertime offers guaranteed immediate income at 1.5x your rate, but side hustles have unlimited growth potential and skill development. If your overtime is capped or you're salaried without overtime...
Read moreIn 2025's market, the job-hopping premium has shrunk to 4.3% (same as staying). If a promotion is likely within 2 years with a 10-20% raise, staying often wins due to benefits continuity and lower ...
Read moreFor career changers, bootcamps often have better ROI—3-12 months vs 4 years, $15K vs $100K+ cost, and faster payback periods (1-2 years vs 5-10 years). However, traditional CS degrees typically lea...
Read moreMost people can take $3,000-$8,000 pay cuts and still come out ahead due to eliminated commute costs, reduced food/clothing expenses, and time savings. Calculate your specific commute costs, work-r...
Read moreBreak-even depends on costs and salary increase. A $15K bootcamp with a $20K salary bump breaks even in 9-12 months. A $100K degree with a $30K salary bump takes 3-4 years. Our calculator shows you...
Read moreUse inflation data in your negotiation. If inflation was 3% annually since your last raise, calculate the equivalent salary needed to maintain purchasing power, then add 3-5% for merit increase. Fo...
Read moreYour marginal rate is the tax on your next dollar earned (your top bracket). Your effective rate is your overall tax percentage. For example, earning $100K puts you in the 22% marginal bracket, but...
Read moreMax out your 401(k) contributions ($23,500) and add $4,300 to your HSA for tax savings. Also, consider contributing to a traditional IRA ($7,000 limit) to lower your taxable income and save over $7...
Read moreCalculate net take-home, not gross salary. A $100K salary in Texas (0% state tax) nets ~$74K after federal and FICA. The same in California (13.3% top rate) nets ~$65.7K. You'd need $114K in CA to ...
Read moreTo increase your real hourly wage without a raise, reduce expenses by negotiating remote work or buying secondhand clothes, and reduce time by moving closer to work or adjusting your schedule. Addi...
Read moreThe calculator provides estimates based on the information you enter, so its accuracy depends on the data you provide. Always double-check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Read moreIt depends on premiums, deductible, copays/coinsurance, and how much care you use. This tool totals expected annual cost for PPO, HMO, and HDHP + HSA so you can see the actual winner for your scena...
Read moreOften for healthy households: lower premiums + HSA tax savings. If you expect frequent care, HMO often wins due to predictable copays and lower out‑of‑pocket costs. Run your numbers here.
Read moreThe plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. OOP max includes deductible, copays, and coinsurance, but not premiums.
Read moreGenerally no, unless you have a qualifying life event (QLE) like marriage, birth, or loss of coverage. Otherwise you must wait for open enrollment.
Read moreHealthcare inflation has averaged roughly 7–8.5% annually, much faster than general inflation (2–3%). At 7.5%, costs roughly double about every 9–10 years.
Read moreIndividual market premiums for ages 60–64 can be $15,000–$25,000 per person per year ($1,000–$2,000/month). This 5‑year gap is often the biggest retiree healthcare risk.
Read moreExpect about $5,500–$7,500 per person annually including Parts B/D and Medigap (income‑based surcharges may apply). Costs still rise with medical inflation.
Read moreFor conservative planning use 7.5–8%. Optimistic scenarios may use ~6% if policy or market changes reduce trends. The tool lets you compare assumptions.
Read moreMax out HSAs during working years, choose appropriate plan types (HDHP when healthy), maintain healthy habits, and plan explicitly for the pre‑Medicare bridge.
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