Could Your Next Family Car Actually Be A Truck?

09/30/2018 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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While pick up trucks are still predominantly bought by men, the number of trucks registered to women in the US increased by 67% between 2008 and 2016. Manufacturers have spotted the rising popularity in the vehicle among a broader demographic and are rising to the challenge of creating family friendly trucks. While safety will always be the priority when choosing a family vehicle, many people love the idea of a more surprising choice in the garage. In fact, the future of your family may well ride in an unexpectedly truck-shaped vehicle.

Flat-beds for family life

At one point it was estimated that Americans spend 84 billion hours driving in a year. Any Dad who’s had to taxi his kids from hockey to choir to soccer practice may sympathize. Pickups now have improved cab space so you can at least be comfortable while you’re running family life, plus they offer a good view of the road due to their height and glass coverage. Another clear advantage is the flat-bed space for transporting sports equipment, camping gear or whatever else your kids are into. Pre-owned pickups offer good value, but if you prefer a little luxury, you can now find newer trucks with infotainment systems and soft closing tailgates; perfect for when you need to bring home teenagers plus instruments from band practice late at night.

Pickup power

Traditionally, pickups haven’t been known for their fuel economy, but the marketplace is changing. Major manufacturers such as General Motors are looking at ways to improve the fuel efficiency of their trucks, using smaller, more powerful engines and reducing the vehicles’ weight. Ford is looking to add a diesel version later this year which could be its most efficient diesel truck yet. This is good news when it comes to filling up for those long family road trips or camping vacations. To get the best mileage for your money, choose the lightest truck that will meet your family’s needs.

When it comes to choosing a family vehicle, most parents prioritize safety, reliability and affordability. A pickup truck may seem a surprising choice but for those who yearn to shake up suburbia, it may be just the thing. Increased height and visibility are definite plus points, along with ever-improving interior features and fuel efficiency. If you’re thinking of replacing your vehicle over the next few years, it’s well worth seeing what the truck market has to offer.

Life, Parenting

Taking Care of Your Family’s Finances When Times Are Rough

09/26/2018 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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You can be the most financially organised individual, but sometimes incidents will occur in your life that knock your finances out of check. Perhaps you experience an illness or injury that means you have to take extended periods of time off work. Maybe you are made redundant, or lose your job due to other circumstances. Maybe you just experience an unexpected change in your income. Whatever the reason behind significant changes in your finances, it is important that you deal with them effectively, no matter how rough your circumstances may be. This will help you to avoid sinking into debt or compromising your family’s quality of life. Here are a few steps that you can take to keep things running as you want them to, even in times of difficulty or hardship!

Seek Legal Advice

If you are experiencing difficulties through no fault of your own, you may want to seek legal advice. Perhaps you have had to take time off work because you experienced an injury at the hands of another. Maybe your employer has unfairly dismissed you. Maybe someone has used your finances fraudulently. Whatever the problem, professional lawyers such as those at https://derricklawfirm.com/ will be able to survey your case and determine whether you can claim compensation from those who are at fault. This money could help to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and various other factors that could see you otherwise sink into debt.

Budget

Every family should live by a budget. A budget allows you to determine how much money you have coming in, how much has to go out on bills and necessities, and how much you have left to play with. If at any time you find that your earnings have been reduced, then you need to make sure that you create a new budget that ties in with your new income. If you try to live by a budget that is beyond your means, you can quickly find yourself having to borrow, and you can quickly sink into debt. In order to create an effective budget, make sure that you know your exact take-home-pay. Many people make the mistake of simply assuming that their salary on paper is what they have earned and can use. But you need to remember to take off taxes and other necessary legal payments. Once you have deducted these from your overall salary, you have your take-home-pay. Next, deduct your essential bills, these can include energy bills, finance agreements, and groceries. The amount that you have left after essentials is your disposable income and this is what you have to play with. As long as your spending never exceeds your disposable income, you should stay in the black.

Gather Savings

If you do have disposable income, it’s a good idea to contribute a portion of this to a savings account for the future. You never know when hard times might hit, and it’s a good idea to prepare just in case. By depositing funds in a savings account, you give yourself something to fall back on in times of difficulty.

These are just a few ideas that could help you to support your family financially, even during hard times. So, keep them in the back of your mind at all times!

Life, Parenting

Keep Your Family Safe on the Roads Ahead: Things to Consider When Choosing Your Next Vehicle

09/12/2018 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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There are approximately six million car accidents in the United States every year; therefore, even if you are a particularly diligent driver, accidents happen. In the event of an accident, it is essential that your vehicle is proven and tested to be safe for adults and children alike. It is the driver’s responsibility, whether mother or father, to look after their children and keep them safe. While providing a safe and stable environment for travel is the most important element to consider when choosing your next family vehicle, affordability is also crucial. Affordable payments, insurance, and competitive fuel mileage should be near the top on the checklist of things to consider when purchasing your next vehicle.

SUV: Safe Utility Vehicle

Luckily, U.S. News compiles an annual categorized list of the best family vehicles. Their award-winning formula for choosing the best vehicles includes professional reviews, safety and reliability ratings, cargo space, comfort, and the availability and function of family-friendly features. Over one hundred vehicles were examined and reviewed across a variety of categories, and the Honda CR-V was awarded best compact sport utility vehicle.

The SUV is, in itself, a safe utility vehicle because of the all-wheel drive function. This feature promises a higher safety rating in rough terrains and climates. Dads will feel comfortable and safe behind the wheel on all roads, whether they are gravel-covered in construction zones or when snow, rain or ice covers them. The Honda CR-V will give parents the confidence they need to keep their children safe, regardless of the climate or terrain, because their vehicle’s all-wheel drive transmission system ensures the safest handling in all conditions, whether industrial or environmental.

Safety and Affordability

The average base price in the United States for a 2018 Honda CR-V is 25,000 dollars. While this vehicle is more expensive to buy and insure than many others, particularly smaller cars, it’s satisfaction and safety ratings make it fairly priced. The moment you and your family climb into your new vehicle you will immediately recognize the safety the vehicle provides to both you and other road users, as well as superior levels of comfort. This will make it worth your while to dig a little deeper into your pockets and find a good price and competitive monthly rates.

The CR-V has a five-star safety rating, a 9.7 expert ranking and an 8.3 consumer rating. Most vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive systems are slightly higher in fuel mileage because all of the wheels are turning, causing the vehicle to work harder, burning more fuel; however, this vehicle is top of its class in fuel mileage. This does not mean that it has better fuel mileage than smaller cars, but it is particularly efficient when compared to other SUV’s with all-wheel drive systems.

Safety is the number one priority when purchasing a new family vehicle. While an SUV may be more expensive than a smaller car, it has a safer handling system, collision rating, and the cargo space and leg room to be comfortable for the whole family. This combination makes the Honda CR-V a particularly good choice for your families next vehicle.