Financial Tips to Do Better

There's no doubt about it – summer is here. We live in a state full of beautiful scenery, and if the heat's getting to you, maybe it's time for a little getaway.

Road trips can turn stressful in a heartbeat, especially if you're bringing the kids along – but don't worry, I come from a family of six, so I know EXACTLY what to do to make things stress-free.

Whether you're headed to the beach or the mountains or you're off to forge a new path, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a stress-free road trip. You'll be glad you followed these tips.

Before You Hit the Road

Check, Check Is This Car On?

The last thing anyone wants is to get fifty miles from home, only for the engine to start spewing smoke.

Before you even pull out of the driveway, you should give your car a check – avoid sudden breakdowns and costly repairs while on the road. 

Here's a list of things to check before you depart:

• Oil and fluid levels (coolant, brake, transmission, windshield washer fluid)
• Tire pressure, tread levels, and alignment
• Brakes and brake pads
• Battery health
• Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
• Air conditioning

Scheduling a quick trip to your favorite mechanic for an inspection will cost you far less than unexpected repairs or tows along your journey.

Need a more in-depth checklist? Read our Financial Tip to Do Better: This Is the Ultimate Car Care Checklist Made for Your Budget

Uh, is that Covered?

You did your double checks, and you're ready to go – but you can only prep so much; what happens if your car still breaks down? Double-check your insurance policy before you drive off, especially if you're traveling a long distance or out of state.

Confirm the following details about your vehicle coverage:

• Does your coverage change for out-of-state travel? Some insurance providers may limit or modify policy benefits in response to other state laws.
• Does your plan include roadside assistance or towing?
• Can you add temporary coverage for the duration of your trip?

Consider enrolling in services like AAA, adding roadside protection to your policy, or temporarily increasing your coverage during your travels. Time to review your auto insurance? Make an appointment with Atlantic Insurance!

Are We There Yet?

You have your destination in mind – but how are you going to get there? Do you want to take the scenic route? The fastest? The most fuel-efficient? Are you looking to avoid interstates or toll roads? Or hit all the coolest side stops and attractions?

If you'd rather wing it and want to enjoy the open road, it can still be helpful to ask yourself these questions and consider which priorities are most important to you and your passengers.

Want to Splurge?

Road trips come with extra expenses no matter how thoroughly you plan. From fuel costs and preparation expenses to attraction tickets and lodging, the costs add up. But you don't have to empty your savings or rack up high-interest credit card debt to make memories with your friends or family.

• No Hassle Loan:  Get financing quickly and easily without high-interest credit cards or payday loans. Avoid the headaches and hold-ups with an Atlantic No Hassle Loan.
• Credit Cards: While credit cards are the most convenient form of payment, not all cards are created equal. Most traditional cards from big banks and sponsored by retailers come equipped with extremely high interest rates. Find the right one for your trip – just in case!

Hit the Open Road

Is the Tank on E?

Gas prices can vary widely from state to state and even from city to city – look for good deals without running the tank empty.

Follow these tips to help you save:

• Avoid filling up in major tourist areas, where gas prices and other costs are often inflated.
• Use apps like GasBuddy or AAA's Fuel Finder to locate the best prices along your route.
• Choose refuel points with fun activities nearby to make the most of your break times. Discover affordable or free attractions, parks, and walkable downtown areas to explore.

Snack Time

Look, who doesn't love a good gas station bag of chips? They call out to you, begging to be eaten. What they don't tell you is how expensive they are. Gas station snacks and fast food can drain your travel budget faster than you believe. Pack your car with snacks before you pull out of the driveway to minimize costs and frequent stops along the way.

Pack everything in an organizing bin or small box and stow it somewhere easily accessible for passengers.

Keep Track of Your Spending

Road trips are filled with spontaneity. From roadside attractions to exploring new towns, there's always something fun to do. Don't let these impromptu stops drain your budget. Keep your finances in check with our Digital Banking tools.  

With our mobile app, you can easily:

• Track transactions
• Transfer money
• Locate ATMs
• Set up e-Alerts & notifications
• Pay loans & bills

TLDR:

Have a stress-free journey by checking your car's health, reviewing your insurance, and choosing the ideal route. Manage costs by finding affordable gas, packing snacks, and using Digital Banking tools to track expenses. Make unforgettable memories without breaking the bank!

We're Here to Help!

As you get ready for your summer road trip, remember that a little extra prep work goes a long way. By mapping out your journey and creating a travel budget, you can ensure that your summer road trip is safe, fun, and affordable. Drive safely and have fun!

If you want to learn more about how the credit union can help you afford the summer vacation you've been dreaming of, we're happy to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-834-0432 to speak with a team member today.

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The Atlantic Financial Tips to Do Better strives to deliver informative, relevant, and sometimes fun financial information. If you enjoyed this article, please forward it to a friend.

Each individual's financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.