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Car Care
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Kitchen Cabinets: Reface Or Replace?
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Terms To Know When Buying A Car
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The Basics Of EVs For First-Time Buyers
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Rebates Can Make Buying An EV More Affordable
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What To Know About Kitchen Countertop Materials
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Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference
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Kitchen cabinets: Reface or replace?
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he kitchen is a busy room in many homes. That popularity likely has something to do with why so many homeowners spend sizable sums renovating their kitchens. According to highlights from the 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spend on major kitchen remodels grew by 14 percent from the previous year, and minor remodels increased by 25 percent. Spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, the main impetus for kitchen remodels according to the study was that homeowners wanted to make these improvements all along and finally had the time and means to do so. There are many
aspects of a kitchen that homeowners can change. Houzz found 94 percent of renovators either fully or partially replaced cabinets in their improvement plans. Cabinets are a major component of kitchen layouts. Cabinets help to establish the aesthetic of a kitchen and serve a useful function, providing necessary storage space to ensure the room does not appear cluttered. Homeowners have different options when it comes to cabinet renovations, and they may need to decide if they need to replace or reface their cabinets. Replacement Cabinet replacement involves removing all of the existing cabinets before new cabinets
are leveled and installed. According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, homeowners can expect to pay between $13,000 and $30,000 for contractor grade cabinets. Cabinet replacement is a good idea when homeowners want to add more cabinet space or create a new layout in the room. Refacing Cabinet refacing is less messy and less disruptive than replacement. All cabinets remain the same size and in the same location. The cabinet boxes must be in good shape to facilitate a refacing. The process involves installation of new drawer fronts and cabinet doors, as well as veneering of the cabinet boxes. New
hardware typically is installed as well. The insides of the cabinets typically remain the same. The Spruce says cabinet refacing can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than a replacement. Most people call in professionals to change their cabinets. Cabinet replacement can be a do-it-yourself job, but it involves measuring and ensuring everything fits and is leveled appropriately. Homeowners who choose to reface their cabinets themselves may opt to paint or restain. Wood veneer or a new door and drawer panel installation can be complicated and is best left to qualified contractors.
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Terms to know when buying a car B
uying a new car is no small task. When shopping for a new car, it’s easy to let details like the color of the vehicle and creature comforts like connectivity take control of the transaction, but buyers also know how important the bottom line can be. Next to a home, a car might be the most expensive item many consumers ever purchase. In fact, according to Cox Automotive, the average transaction price of a new vehicle in the United States in early 2023 was just over $48,000. A lot of money changes hands at car dealerships every day, so buyers can undoubtedly benefit from learning or relearning the lingo that surrounds such transactions. • Annual percentage rate (APR): The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that APR is the cost consumers pay each year to borrow money. This includes fees and buyers should know that APR is different from the interest rate. Drivers can negotiate a lower APR, and the CFPB notes that it can benefit buyers
to compare the APR on competing auto loans. • Balloon payment: The balloon payment is a large sum that is due at the end of some auto loans. Many drivers will pay a predetermined amount each month during the terms of the loan. Once that loan reaches maturity, they then own the car outright. With a balloon loan, buyers still make monthly payments, but when the loan reaches maturity they must make a balloon payment in order to take full ownership of the vehicle. • Capitalized cost reduction: The online financial resource Investopedia notes that a capitalized cost reduction is any upfront payment that reduces the cost of financing. This can include a cash down payment and a trade-in vehicle. • Closed-end lease: Individuals considering leasing their next vehicle will likely come across this term. Car and Driver notes that a closed-end lease is one that gives the driver leasing the vehicle the option to buy it at a set price at the end of the term
or walk away without any financial liability (damage or modifications to the vehicle upon returning it may result in charges). Leases typically are closed-end, but it’s still best that drivers confirm that prior to signing on the dotted line. • Dealer preparation fees: The lending experts at Capital One note that dealer preparation fees are the charges a dealership issues to prepare a car for transfer to the buyer. These fees might cover the cost of washing the vehicle and additional services before buyers take it off the lot. Capital One notes these fees average between $100 and $500, and buyers should know that they are negotiable. • Extended warranty: Car and Driver warns that most extended warranties offered by dealerships cover very little, so buyers should read the terms carefully before purchasing an extended warranty. Extended warranties offered by manufacturers tend to be more useful to buyers. • MSRP: This familiar acronym stands for
the base price plus all of the options listed on the window sticker of the vehicle. • Prepayment penalties: Prepayment penalties penalize drivers for paying off a loan before it reaches maturity. Though the vast
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majority of drivers who finance the purchase of a vehicle will not have prepayment penalties in their agreements, buyers with lower credit scores might. Anyone with such a penalty in the terms of their agreement should try to negotiate it out of the deal. • Term: The term refers to the length of the purchase
or lease agreement. Many leases feature terms between 12 and 36 months, while purchase agreements can feature terms as long as 72 months (six years). Knowing the lingo before buying a new car can increase the chances drivers get a good deal on their next vehicle.
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The basics of EVs for first-time buyers E lectric vehicles are increasingly visible on roadways around the world. According to BloombergNEF, a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets, in June 2022 there were 20 million plug-in vehicles in use across the globe. That’s an increase from only one million in 2016. As more people are drawn to EVs, drivers can exercise due diligence to learn more about them, particularly if they’re considering buying their first such vehicle.
Different vehicle types The term “electric vehicle” encompasses a variety of cars and trucks. The following are some common categories. • Hybrid electric vehicle: These are the most common type of hybrids. They have two power drives, which include a fuel-based engine and an electric motor with a larger battery. A computer determines when electricity or gas should be used. The system utilizes regenerative braking that ensures the electric battery gets a little recharge every time the driver touches the breaks • Mild hybrid electric vehicle: MHEVs use
a battery and electric motor to increase the efficiency of an internal combustion engine (ICE). An MHEV does not run solely on electric power, but the ICE can be turned off and the electric motor used while braking, coasting and stopping. • Battery electric vehicle: BEVs are powered entirely by electricity and will have no ICE or fuel tank. Users charge the battery using an electrical outlet.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle: Like BEVs, PHEVs have an electric motor that is charged by plugging it in. They also have a fuel-based ICE like HEVs. Where they differ is that PHEVs can travel a considerable distance on electric power alone, while HEVs cannot. Driving range The distance EVs can travel before needing to recharge depends on the type of vehicle. Most EVs have a driving range between 50 and 330 miles. Shoppers should determine the “rangeper-charge” for the vehicle to assess if it will fit their driving needs and daily commutes. Drivers who frequently take long road trips may have
to assess if a hybrid vehicle is more practical; otherwise, careful planning may be necessary to accommodate charging along the route. Parking and charging situation Individuals who live in private homes or rentals with access to outlets may be more inclined to invest in EVs. Charging can be done with a standard 120V outlet, but it will increase charging time considerably. Many people opt to have a 240V charger installed in a garage or driveway, which is known as “Level 2 ESVE equipment.” With this type of setup, a charge can be reached in roughy four to 6 six hours, says Valley Clean Energy. Public charging stations utilize a 480V input and can charge
many EV models in about 20 to 30 minutes. Plug-in hybrid vehicles do not typically have fast charging capabilities, however. Reduce maintenance BEVs require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because there are fewer fluids like oil and transmission fluid to change, and far fewer moving parts. EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to electrical systems, including the battery and electrical motor. Hybrid vehicles still require the standard maintenance of gas-powered vehicles. EVs are growing in popularity, so potential buyers can school themselves on these newer vehicles to determine if they’re the right fit for them.
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Rebates can make buying an EV more affordable T he growing visibility of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road is hard to ignore. Whereas EVs were once an anomaly that sparked the curiosity of drivers accustomed to gas-powered vehicles, the cars and trucks that rely on electricity to zoom from one spot to the next are now so commonplace that they can easily go unnoticed. There’s no denying the popularity of EVs, and that figures to increase in the years to come. Drivers who have purchased their share of gas-powered vehicles in the past may not know what to expect when shopping for an EV, especially regarding price. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of an electric vehicle at the end of 2022 was $61,488. That figure might shock many drivers, especially considering that the average price for all passenger cars at the end of 2022 was below $50,000. Sticker shock can set in when buyers first dip their toes into the EV market, but it need not compel drivers to resign themselves to gas-powered vehicles.
In fact, rebates can make purchasing an EV much more budget-friendly than the sticker price of the average electric vehicle suggests. Incentives like rebates can help to defray the costs of EVs, and KBB notes that many states have incentivized the purchase of EVs through various rebates and tax deductions. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Charge Up New Jersey program offers point-of-sale rebates to residents of the state who purchase or lease a new light-duty EV. In addition, the NJBOU offers residents a $250 rebate for the purchase of an eligible Level 2 EV charger. The Garden State is not the only place where drivers can access incentives related to driving, purchasing or leasing an EV. In Arkansas, the Carroll Electric Cooperative allows members to enroll in their Drive Free for a Year Program. That program issues a $30 monthly credit to enrollees’ power bills to cover the cost of charging their EVs. In California, low-income residents
can earn as much as $30,000 in rebates from the federal and state government when purchasing an EV. In Florida, the Orlando Utilities Commission offers a $200 rebate for residential customers who purchase or lease a new electric vehicle. These incentives were available as of June 2023, and KBB maintains a state-by-state list of EV incentives and rebates at kbb.com/ car-advice/electric-vehicle-rebates-bystate/. EV incentives also are available to drivers in Canada. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, the Government of Canada offers point-of-sale incentives of $2,500 to $5,000 for drivers who purchase or lease an EV. Canadian businesses also can benefit from pivoting to EVs. In July 2022, the federal government in Canada launched a $550 million program to help businesses switch to zero-emission vehicles. The Mediumand Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Program provides incentives worth roughly 50 percent of the price difference between an EV and
a combustion vehicle. This program can cover up to $200,000 per vehicle and Electic Autonomy Canada notes it is allowed to be combined with provincial and territorial incentives. The sticker price of EVs may shock
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drivers. However, the costs associated with purchasing or leasing such vehicles can be defrayed through various programs designed to incentivize drivers to switch from gaspowered cars and trucks to EVs.
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What to know about kitchen countertop materials
K
itchens are the busiest rooms in most homes. Kitchens have become more than just places to prepare meals, with many functioning as gathering spaces and even go-to dining spots in homes that do not feature formal dining rooms. So much time spent in the kitchen makes it worthwhile to invest in these popular spaces. Kitchen renovations are high on many homeowners’ to-do lists, and there’s many decisions to make once they commit to redoing the room. When renovating a kitchen, homeowners will have to choose which countertop material they want to install,
and the following rundown of popular options can help simplify that decision. Quartz Quartz is considered a lowmaintenance and durable countertop material. The home improvement experts at This Old House note that quartz countertops are typically 94 percent ground quartz and now come with an honed, sandblasted or embossed treatment, which makes them appealing to homeowners with varying ideas on the ideal look of a kitchen countertop. Quartz can crack if it’s not handled properly, and edges and
corners can chip over time. Rounded edges can minimize the risk of chipping. Costs vary by location and product availability, but quartz typically costs about the same as natural stone.
maintained, can last several decades. Granite also is nonporous, which makes it resistant to bacteria.
Laminate Laminate countertops appeal to budget-friendly Granite homeowners and Consumer Consumer Reports notes Reports notes that they’re that no two slabs of granite easy to install. Home are the same, and that Depot also notes that uniqueness has long appealed laminate countertops come to homeowners. Tests run in a wide range of colors, by Consumer Reports found textures and designs. that heat, cuts and scratches Laminate countertops did not harm granite, though also are durable, which this material, like quartz, helps budget-conscious can crack around edges and homeowners stretch their corners. Granite is a durable dollars even further. material that, if properly Laminate countertops are
easily maintained, though it’s also easy to permanently damage them with knives, so Consumer Reports recommends always using a cutting board when preparing meals on laminate. Butcher Block Butcher block countertops are among the more unique options homeowners may consider. Sometimes referred to as “wood countertops,” butcher block countertops are made from wooden strips that are fused together. The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that butcher block is among the more affordable
materials, but the final cost will be dictated by location and availability. BobVila. com notes that butcher block countertops are highly sensitive to liquid, so exposure to moisture should be limited. Sealing butcher block countertops immediately after installation can help protect against bacteria and warping. Though butcher blocks can be high maintenance, many homeowners find the unique look is well worth the extra elbow grease. Kitchen countertops can define how the room looks, and homeowners have many options to choose from when designing a new kitchen.
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Road trip planning pointers
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ravelers take to the open road for any number of reasons. When traveling on a summer vacation, families may find it’s more affordable to travel by car than to pay for airline tickets for parents and kids. Others take driving vacations because they afford more freedom to move at one’s own pace than air or train travel. Whatever it is that motivates drivers to hit the open road, there’s no denying such trips are more enjoyable when drivers make an effort to plan ahead. With that in mind,
travelers can keep these road trip planning pointers in mind. Choose a nearby destination. Driving to a faraway place may conjure romanticized visions of scenic roadways and heartwarming roadside cafés, but that may only appeal to drivers like retirees who have all the time in the world to get from point A to point B. Family travel is often dictated by how long parents can get away from the office, and in such instances shorter tips make more sense than spending days in the car. In addition, driving tends to be the more economical option when travelers are only going short distances. Parents may think driving to a destination that’s a couple of days away from home by car is more economical than flying, but it’s best to crunch the numbers first. The cost of hotels, meals
and gas to get there and back may negate the cost savings of driving over flying. Develop an itinerary. A trip itinerary does not have to be strictly followed, but it can provide some structure and help ensure drivers get to spend as much time at their desired destination as possible. Identify sights to see and restaurants to visit along the way, which can provide a welcome respite from sitting in the car. Do your best to stick to an itinerary that keeps the car moving toward your ultimate destination. Read the room. Who’s going to be in the car also merits
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ample consideration when planning a road trip. Parents know that young children will need to be accommodated with some in-trip entertainment to make any lengthy road trip more enjoyable for all. But adults also may require some extra creature comforts and accommodations. For example, seniors about to embark on a road trip can identify pitstops along the way where they can use the restroom and even stretch their legs. And if the family pet is coming along, periodic pitstops for Fido to stretch his legs and burn off some energy will be necessary as well.
Ensure you have support. Many automotive insurance providers offer roadside assistance to policy holders. Such plans are generally affordable and can provide a safety net for drivers taking road trips. They can be especially helpful when visiting remote locales. If an insurance provider does not offer a desirable roadside assistance plan, consider a membership in an automotive club like AAA. Planning is a vital component of a successful and memorable road trip, which is something travelers can keep in mind regardless of where they’re going.
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Small renovations that make a big difference
A
room addition can be a worthy project that makes a home more livable. A host of factors will affect the cost of a room addition, but the experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that such a project can cost as much as $150,000. The size of the new room, the location of the home, the materials used to build the room, and a number of variables unique to the existing home will affect the final cost of an addition. An online calculator can provide some basic estimates about the final cost of a room addition,
Inflation and the looming threat of a recession have led many homeowners to emphasize smaller projects.
but homeowners are best served by contacting various contractors and receiving multiple estimates to get the most accurate idea of what the cost layout will be to add a room to their homes. Though the sticker price of a room addition may shock some homeowners, it’s worth noting that such projects provide a good return at resale. In fact, the “Cost vs. Value Report 2021” from Remodeling magazine found that a midrange primary suite addition with an initial cost of $156,741 had a resale value of nearly $86,000.
H The experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that a room addition can cost as much as
$150,000
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ome renovation projects were high on homeowners’ priority lists during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout much of 2020, people across the globe were forced to spend much of their time at home as leaders and governments across the globe sought to prevent the spread of COVID-19. More time at home compelled millions of homeowners to invest more in their properties, thus sparking a renovation boom. By early 2023, the renovation boom that marked the initial days of the pandemic appeared to have burst. In May 2023, the popular home improvement retailer Home Depot reported its sales had fallen by 4.5 percent in the first quarter of the year and that its income had fallen by more than 6 percent from the same period a year earlier. That marked the end of what Home Depot CEO Ted Decker characterized as “a three-year period of unprecedented growth” in the home improvement sector. Home Depot’s decline in sales was attributed to a number of factors, including a pivot among homeowners from large projects to smaller
renovations. Inflation and the looming threat of a recession have led many homeowners to emphasize smaller projects. With that in mind, the following are some small renovations that can have a big impact. • Storage addition: Regardless of where storage is added, be it the kitchen or a home office or a laundry room, extra space to keep items out of view can dramatically alter the look of a home. Unused kitchen walls can be transformed with some inexpensive, easily hanged shelves, while some laundry pedestals with storage drawers can help keep washrooms clear of clutter. • Polish floors: Elbow grease might be the biggest expenditure when cleaning hardwood floors. The wood flooring experts at Bona® advise homeowners to polish their floors once every two to four months depending on how much foot traffic the floors get. A fresh polishing can make floors look brand new and ensures dirt and dust are not hanging around as uninvited houseguests. • Paint: Painting is another
inexpensive option for budgetconscious homeowners who want to update their homes. There’s no shortage of places in a home, both inside and out, where a fresh coat of paint can make a statement without breaking the bank. Fading paint on bedroom walls and kitchen cabinets can be painted over with a fresh coat of the same color or even something more vibrant. Outside, apply a fresh coat to a wooden deck or paint over brick siding to create a whole new look. • Molding: Crown molding can add a touch of elegance to any room. Rooms can be transformed in a single weekend with the installation of new or replacement crown molding. A simple molding installation is a task many doit-yourselfers can handle on their own, while homeowners with less DIY experience may benefit from hiring a contractor to create a layered molding look. Homeowners are pivoting away from costly renovations to more budget-conscious projects. Various less expensive undertakings can transform spaces at a fraction of the cost of more extensive renovations.
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Get the most out of traveling in an RV
T
raveling in an RV is a popular pastime that reached new heights during the pandemic. Though some of that enthusiasm has waned since the world reopened to travel, RV trips remain a very popular prospect across the United States and Canada. According to the RV Industry Association’s April 2023 survey of manufacturers, total RV shipments ended the month with 31,216 units and 109,616 total shipments as of April 2023. Travel Trailers - 5th wheel and Mini (Type C) campers topped the list of consumer preferences for towable and motor home categories. “RV ownership remains one of the most economical ways for consumers to travel while also maintaining control over their costs, which is more important than ever for consumers right now,” indicated RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. Some people may be new to the RV lifestyle and are interested in learning how to maximize the time spent on RV trips across the nation. Following these guidelines can make for exciting adventures.
Plan the route Many scenic roadways traverse the country, and all of them may seem like great places to embark on RV adventures. However, according to Crossroads Trailers, not all roads, bridges and tunnels are RV-friendly. You must pay attention to overhead clearance or narrow lanes that may limit large motor homes and RVs. It’s important to know the height of the RV so you can determine which roadways feature low-clearance bridges that should be avoided. Level your RV Before filling your freshwater tank, it’s important to have your RV on a level surface to ensure you are getting a full tank of water to use for all of your trip needs. Similarly, consider replacing the showerhead in the RV with a water-saving model to help conserve water. Make reservations Even if there are scores of campsites and RV parks along a route, that does not
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necessarily mean there will be available space. It can be challenging to find an open lot during peak season. Don’t leave it to chance; make reservations to safeguard your stay. Adjust driving habits Driving an RV is not like driving other vehicles. An RV is heavier, larger and has a different stopping distance and turning radius than other vehicles. Practice driving your RV before heading out on the open road. Driving the RV too fast also may put you in danger of a tire blowout, and making turns too abruptly can potentially
flip the RV over. Plan for stops One of the benefits of RV travel is that you can take time with your trip. Make as many stops as you like along the way, taking advantage of opportunities to refuel and rest. When traveling in an RV, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that makes for the most memorable trip. RV trips are still very popular, and this affordable way of travel is attracting new converts to the RV lifestyle every year.
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