cars

Feel that chill in the air? Old Man Winter is coming. Whether you live in Washington D.C. or Washington state, chilly weather is nature's way of telling you it's time to check up on a few things: your home, your car, your wallet and even yourself. So as you prepare for winter, here are a few tips to help ensure you and your loved ones stay safe, dry, snug and warm. Your home 1. Drain Read more...

Three men are talking one day and the conversation turns to sharing their possessions. They agree they don't have aproblem lending things, though one man says, "There are three things I would never lend to anyone: my toothbrush, my car and, of course, my wife." The second says, "I'd lend my toothbrush if someone really needed it. I could always buy another. But I agree, I Read more...

Q: Dear Tax Talk, How do I calculate the rate of depreciation for a $110,000 car? -- Rachel A: Dear Rachel, Normally the cost of an asset used for business purposes is written off over its useful life. Depreciation is calculated on an accelerated basis for most personal property (as opposed to straight-line depreciation for real property). Useful lives are assigned depending on the Read more...

With gas prices zooming up and down like a roller coaster and financial cutbacks continuing, many drivers are looking for ways to save a few bucks. Whether it's reassessing your insurance needs, reducing fuel consumption or simply putting off that new vehicle purchase for another year, here are 10 good ways to save money behind the wheel. 1. Drive your car longer. The easiest way to save Read more...

With a constant threat of gas prices rising and individuals looking to be more "green," car shoppers are putting fuel efficiency higher on their list of considerations. That's good news for automakers that have invested across the board in developing fuel-efficient models, including a fast-growing number of gasoline-electric hybrids. A new generation of the Toyota Prius went on Read more...

The government's "cash for clunkers" program, officially called the Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS for short, is in full swing, but only some consumers will be able to participate thanks to the eligibility requirements for potential buyers, their current vehicles and the vehicles they plan to buy or lease. The program was designed to help consumers buy or lease a more Read more...

While the government's Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS, popularly known as "cash for clunkers," has spurred new car sales in the past week, it's not the only way to save money on a new car. There are currently plenty of ways to get into a new set of wheels for the least amount of money possible. And, if you trade your vehicle under the CARS program, all of these discounts can be Read more...

Q: Dear Dr. Don, My husband thinks that taking out a home equity loan for car is a wiser thing to do than getting a car loan. I beg to differ! Roughly five years ago, I bought a brand new Altima from my credit union at 4.9 percent interest. It was a five-year loan that I managed to pay off in four years. I know a home loan is tax-deductible, but in the long run is it better than simply taking Read more...

Lease trades, when a person takes over someone else's lease, are proving increasingly popular with drivers who are looking for creative ways to get out of their current cars and into new ones. This might happen in an economy of severe job losses, like today's environment, when the lease holder can no longer afford the payment. Or it could simply be a cheaper alternative for drivers who need a Read more...

Q: Dear Driving for Dollars, I'm behind in my car payments and have been making half of the payment each month. What can I do to avoid getting repossessed? -- Steve A: Dear Steve, A vehicle repossession will seriously affect your credit and make it difficult for you to get any type of loan in the future, so call your lender and talk to someone right away. Any lender is more interested in Read more...