Financial Fundamentals Blog

If you’re in the market to purchase a car, you’re likely not thinking about natural disasters and if one has impacted a vehicle. However, hurricanes and tropical storms, such as Hurricane Helene, have left thousands of used cars with flood damage.

Most consumers view a vehicle purchase as a mix of meeting transportation needs while indulging in certain conveniences and fun features of whatever vehicle they purchase. Even though a car purchase is typically a necessity, it’s hard not to have your purchase influenced by your emotional impulses.

If you’re planning to invest in a vehicle soon, you’re likely going to seek financing for your purchase. You’re not alone—in 2022, approximately 82 percent of new car buyers and 40 percent of people who bought a used car sought financing.

The holidays end, and the bills come due. Even if you budget well, the first few months of a new year always feel tight — especially now, when groceries and other goods and services are more expensive because of inflation. When your budget feels crunched, looking for ways to save money and shore up your finances makes sense.

If you’re planning on buying a vehicle soon, you’re likely going to be seeking financing for that purchase. Eighty-five percent of all new car purchases in the United States, and 53% of all used car purchases, rely on some amount of financing to close the deal. Financing can affect how much you end up paying for your vehicle...

When it’s time to buy a new vehicle, auto loans are a popular, low-cost financing option that increases your spending power without gouging your bank account with high interest rates. Despite the convenience and affordability of auto financing, consumers should still approach financing carefully and make sure that their auto...