Car Negotiation Coach

When it comes to backing up my computer I’m both fearful and lazy.  I’m fearful because computer crashes and viruses are devastating.  I really can’t afford to lose my important files, but I also can’t afford to take several days to repair my computer and try to recreate those files.  And on average, it seems like I suffer some sort of catastrophic failure once a year.

Along with that, I’m lazy!  Even though I know a crash will eventually happen (I’m a Windows guy after all), backups have always been such a pain in the ass that I dread the work associated with them.  My old method of back-up was to burn a couple DVD’s and store them in a shoebox in my closet.  But I could never fit my whole hard-drive on two DVD’s so I was always picking and choosing which folders to save.  And I didn’t want to overwrite my latest DVD version, so I had to figure out which was my oldest DVD and use that.  Needless to say the process took a couple hours and I would always procrastinate.  I wanted to do it every month but usually it happened every six months.

Then I learned about online backup services and I’m no longer fearful or lazy!  And since you can pay anywhere from $60-300 a month to online backup providers, I figured it would be a great topic to talk about on this blog.

What is an online backup?

Instead of manually backing up the files on your PC to a DVD, you back them up the cloud through the Internet.  To set up it up, you choose which directories you want to save and set a schedule.  It takes about 5 minutes.  Then, periodically (like twice a day), the backup program connects to the provider and sends encrypted copies up all your important files to their servers.  If your computer ever crashes, you go to their website, sign in and you can download all your files.

My Online Backup Requirements

Everyone has different things they need in a backup provider.  Here’s what I found to be the most important factors for me personally:

• Automated backups – so I can “set it and forget it”.  You want something that runs in the background on a schedule so that you don’t even notice it’s running.
• Locked file support – Not all backup solutions allow you to save files that are currently open.  I use Microsoft Outlook for everything in my life and it’s the main thing I want backed up.  But Outlook is always open when my computer is on, so if I can’t back it up, I’m not interested.
• Versioning – I want a provider that saves multiple versions of a file.  That way, if I screw something up today, I can still retrieve a better version of the file from a week ago.
• Storage Space – For me 50GB was enough for all my music and data files without causing me to have to pick and choose which files should get saved.
• Something Cheap – I want the biggest bang for my buck.

Which Online Backup Service Did I Choose?

I was able to review a variety of backup services using this online backup service comparison. I tried out a few services and found them either too expensive, difficult to setup, or didn’t meet all my requirements above.

I ultimately decided to go with MozyHome and was not disappointed. The price is $5.99 per month and I got a month free for signing up for a year.  This is probably the best six bucks I spend each month.  Since I installed it, I don’t even notice when it’s running.  But I get a feeling of relief when the message pops up and says, “You’re computer has been backed up successfully.”  I definitely sleep easier without worrying about what might happen if I push off my manual backup for another month.

Do you use a back-up provider? If so, which one?  And while you’re here, check out a few posts from my friends.

22 Things You Should Always Haggle For (Len Penzo)

Asking for a Discount Can be Fun! (Squirrelers)

5 Negotiating Tips You Can Use Almost Anywhere (Bargaineering)

Negotiating Tips to Save on Your Next House (Life and My Finances)

Energy Smart Car Buying (Financially Consumed)

5 Useless Car Options To Avoid When Purchasing New Car (Money Green Life)

Dear America, I Bet You Buy More Cars Soon (Money Mamba)

Identity Theft Insurance (Canadian Finance Blog)

Is it better to be an employee or an entrepreneur (Wealth Informatics)

Red Flags When Finding Freelance Programmers on Freelance Websites (Don’t Do It Yourself)

Today I’ll explain how to save thousands and buy a new car at the best possible price in this short video. You can find email samples to send to car dealers, car price services, and a spreadsheet to track car dealer responses in my free guide: How to buy a new car at the best possible price.

Every year around Halloween I take a break to write about one of my favorite topics, ZOMBIES!!!  This will most likely be the last year I do this as we all know the world will end in 2012.  By the way, if you haven’t done it already, make sure you have the right car to drive through hordes of undead and a secure place to hole up for the apocalypse. 

This year, I’m quite pleased to notice that zombies have broken through to mainstream TV.  The Walking Dead on AMC has done wonders for zombie awareness.  Now that I’ve said that, my next comment will probably piss off all the recent converts to zombie culture.  Compared to most zombies movies, the Walking Dead on AMC is mediocre, at best!  I’ll admit, I don’t miss an episode, because heck, it is zombies on prime time, but the characters are torture.  There’s way too much slow moving interpersonal drama and not enough gut-clenching fear, intense action scenes, post-apocalyptic gangs, mercenaries, and cannibals.  And most of the zombies make me laugh!  That’s ok in a zombie-comedy, but these zombies are meant to be scary.

But since the Walking Dead was able to whet your appetite for the sweet taste of human flesh, I must applaud them.  And now I’d like to introduce you, fresh zombie lover, to the classic zombies films you’ve been missing.  [CONTINUE READING]

How do you know what to pay for a new car?  Most people never really know.  They do a little haggling and hope the price they got was a fair deal.  But now that TrueCar is on the job that guess work is gone.  TrueCar collects statistics from car sales across the country and shows them to you so you know exactly what to expect.

Before you read about how TrueCar works, let me start out by telling you it’s possible to beat TrueCar prices.  They do offer a fantastic tool to find low priced cars, but you should not stop price hunting after getting their “Best Local Price”.  More on that later, but first…

What is TrueCar?

TrueCar provides guaranteed car price quotes with a twist.  They enable consumers to see exactly what other people paid for new cars in their local area.  This gives you an answer to the most commonly asked car buying question, “What price should I really pay for a new car?”

Unlike other car quote  services, TrueCar has access to real-time market data and they use it to help you understand what to pay.  When you enter a make and model, they’ll show you a clever chart like the one above that reveals dealer cost and what’s considered a good deal.  In negotiations, this information is extremely valuable whether you buy a car through one of TrueCar’s network of dealers or not.

TrueCar Review

Here’s what I like about TrueCar

• You get haggle-free, guaranteed price quotes on new cars and trucks from local dealers in your area.  Other services will put you in contact with local dealers, but you won’t find the same layer of cost transparency and upfront pricing.
• Their Price Report shows you the actual car cost, average price paid, and what constitutes a good deal in a clever graph. This is similar to Edmunds True Market Value® which I explain in this Edmunds Review.
• Their Price Report also includes a “flexibility score” of how much negotiating room a dealer has on that model.

Here are the only things I don’t like about TrueCar

• Their advice is to take your “Best Local Price” to the dealer (which is usually quite good), but to not bother negotiating the price any further.  A TrueCar Price Report will certainly help you get a fair price, but by itself may not get you the absolute best price.
• They only put you in contact with three local dealers.
• Dealers quote a price through TrueCar on a model, color, and options, but may not actually have that configuration in stock.
• They don’t help you find the best car financing or get the most trade in value for a car which are huge aspects of a car purchase and can cost you a lot of money if not handled properly.  But then again, you’re on your own for these items when using any car price service, so I can’t fault TrueCar too much for leaving them out.

How to Really Use a TrueCar Price Report

For most people, simply getting a TrueCar price report and using it at a local dealership is enough to get you a fair price on a new car.  However, I like to take it a step further and see if I can find any dealers willing to give me a better deal.  I use the price report as a guideline of what I should pay for a car, but I still try to beat that price.

After you have a target of what you should pay for a new car, use their service to locate dealers and get price quotes.  Then email each dealer and ask them if they’re willing to beat the best price you’ve received so far.  Don’t be surprised if you are able to get even more savings than the low price you were quoted online.  You can use the emails and car buying tips I’ve included in my free car buying guide: How to buy a new car at the best possible price.

Other Tips for Using TrueCar:

• There’s a small, almost hidden button underneath the price that says “Edit Options”.  Use this to configure the car the way you want it.  Make sure you input all your desired options BEFORE requesting a quote.  You want to be certain dealers all quote you based on the same set of options.
• TrueCar only puts you in touch with three local dealers and I suggest contacting 5-8 to get truly competitive pricing.  However, it’s easy to find other local dealers by combining TrueCar quotes with quotes from another service like Edmunds or other car quote services as well.
• If you get to the dealership and they do not have the exact configuration you were quoted, don’t get sucked into paying a higher price.  The Price Report you receive will be for a specific trim and options package, but dealers don’t always carry cars in stock for every possible configuration.  So before you go to the dealership, make sure the dealer provides you with a specific VIN number, price, and list of options.  If they try to add options and increase the price, consider checking with other dealers for what you want.
• Don’t forget that a good car price is only half the battle.  Once you get to the dealership be prepare to negotiate car financing and the price of your trade-in as well.

You’ve probably seen the stereotype of many families going from convertible coupes to minivans once they decide to grow a family. The fact is, if you have a smaller family, a minivan may not be for you. Just like with homes, you shouldn’t buy more car than you need or can afford. If you plan on keeping your family to 2 kids or less, you may have to do a different type of search for your family vehicle.

Safety

The number one most important thing to consider when you’re choosing a car for your family is safety. You want to keep your family safe while driving, whether it’s an accident, bad weather, or just a seemingly safe ride. You should check consumer reports for car safety awards and start your search there, to see which cars will do the best to protect your family from harm. These reports will include how the car handled in rear end, head on, and jackknife collisions, as well as blind spots and if its car seat compatible.

If you have small children, child lock will be an important feature, and possibly even window locks. See how prospect cars did in road tests, which may include extreme weather conditions and accident avoidance. Also, don’t forget to do some research regarding any recalled vehicles before making your decision.

Comfort

Even for a small family, space is going to be essential. Obviously, any two seater is out of the question, but if you have a 4 person household, you probably don’t need a third row of seats. Enough room for everyone to have a seat is important though, and you may want to look into sedans instead of coupes if the family travels together often.

More cars are being manufactured with families in mind, so they’re leaving a lot more room for the kids to sit in the back seat without kicking your chair or being cramped when they hit a growth spurt. Some cars even have some entertainment features that can make the ride more comfortable, like a DVD player and TV, a storage area to keep games and toys, or even seat warmers for those cold drives. And dual climate control can be a dream.

Reliability

Debating between an older model and a brand new car? Consider the reliability of your family vehicle. You’ll want to make sure you won’t spend a lot of time at the auto shop doing repairs outside of regular oil changes and maintenance. It’s important to choose a car that has a good CarFax history and will continuously get you from point A to point B without stalling, sputtering, or breaking down. The last thing your family needs is a car that needs elbow grease and a prayer every morning before you know if you’ll be able to drive it or not. Not saying that you should get the latest model, but it’s probably best to stay away from cars that are more than 10 years old.

Mileage

Even for a small household, family members may all have to be at different places at different times. Maybe mom is at home while dad is at work and the kids are at school. You can accrue 25-50 miles per day making necessary trips, and even more if you’re running errands, visiting family members or taking a family trip. When you’re choosing your car, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting great gas mileage.

Stay away from turbos and V8 engines, which are gas guzzlers and will hurt your pocket every time you’re at the pump. Fuel efficient vehicles that have mileage of 23 miles per gallon and above are your best bet.

Cost

One of the final deciding factors in your search for the perfect family car is the price. Budget how much you’re willing to spend each month and be sure to include insurance, gas, and maintenance when establishing your budget. When looking for a lender, check with your local bank or credit union first and then look for loans online.  When you get to the dealership see if they can beat your outside rates or if they have any financing specials. Be sure to check your credit yourself before having dealerships run your credit so that you know ahead of time what to expect. You don’t want a lot of inquiries on your report, so make sure all your credit checks are performed within a short period of time.

This post is brought to you by MoneyChoices where you can compare cheap car loans.

Whether buying a new car from the dealership or a used car through a private sale, knowing how to identify a lemon car is essential to finding the best deal on a reliable car. Many tools are available to help you, like car history and reliability reports and physical inspections. Use the following guide to learn how to spot lemon cars before you buy with three simple steps.

1. It may be a lemon if… car reports reveal a turbulent past
Two main types of car reports are available to help you identify a lemon car: a car history report and car reliability report.

You can access a car history report online for around $20. Using the car’s VIN, this report lists past accidents, damage from fire or flood, and whether or not the car has a rebuilt or salvage title. It can also alert you to potential fraud like odometer rollbacks or title washing (when a car is branded with a rebuilt or salvage title, then taken to another state where the title is not recognized).

A car reliability report is also useful in identifying potential lemon cars. Consumer Reports publishes car reliability statistics annually. The report lists the best and worst used car models and rates them in 17 trouble areas. Be sure to read this report and bring it with you to the dealership so you can make a smart choice before you commit to buying.

2. It may be a lemon if…the car fails a visual inspection

Before buying a vehicle, taking a close look can help you identify a potential lemon car. Starting with the exterior, look for the following things that can indicate prior damage and repairs:

• Dents
• Chipped windows or paint
• Mismatched parts
• Uneven welding and gaps between body panels
• Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) sticker
• Black, blue or white smoke from the exhaust pipe

Warning signs of lemon cars from an interior inspection can indicate high mileage, prior accidents or flood damage, and may include:

• Damaged seat belts (frayed or melted)
• Cracks in the dashboard
• Worn accelerator and brake pedals
• Missing knobs and handles
• Electrical problems
• Mildew odors

If you’re buying the car online, ask the seller for detailed, up-close pictures of the interior and exterior to check for the above warning signs.

3. It may be a lemon if… recall work wasn’t completed
Previous automotive recalls may not be immediate cause for concern when buying a used car – but if the car hasn’t had the recommended repairs you should find out why. One malfunctioning car part may lead to other issues down the road if not fixed. Look at any technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the vehicle. Automotive manufacturers issue these bulletins and list common problems for a specific model. You can find recall and TSB information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you’re in the market for a new or used car, it’s important to know your rights. Lemon law regulations vary by state, but can help protect you in the event you buy a defective vehicle. Even if your new car turns out to be a lemon, it’s still important to stay protected on the road with reliable automobile insurance until you receive a refund from your lemon law claim. Get an online car insurance quote to find affordable rates on coverage that fits your needs.

For millions of college freshmen across the US, the past month has been filled with new experiences. Moving away from home for the first time, learning to cook and do laundry, selling body parts to cover the cost of textbooks….

Yeah, that last one isn’t exactly on the list of things to do on campus. But after completing both college and graduate school, I know all too well how unprepared most college students (and their parents) are when it comes to paying for books. Even if your high school required book fees, you were likely paying less than $50 for the privilege of borrowing textbooks for the year. College, on the other hand, requires hundreds of dollars for books – and you’ll only need them for one semester.

Luckily there are several ways to lower the expense of textbooks. Some are probably familiar to you, but I also picked up a few lesser known tips while I was busy accumulating student loan debt enjoying my college years:

Wait until you’ve attended a few classes to buy your books.

Instructors rarely (or never) assign book work during the first week of classes. This is because they’re busy going over the syllabus and course expectations. It’s also because they know most people won’t buy books until they’re sure they don’t want to drop the course.

When you get your syllabus, check the course outline to see exactly how often you’ll be using the required texts. If you’ll only be tested over 3 chapters, it might be easier to borrow the book from the library or make copies of the chapters (provided the book’s copyright allows reproduction, of course). Also, some instructors assign multiple textbooks but only teach from one of them – talk to people who took the class last semester to find out what you actually need.

Share books with a classmate or roommate.

If you know some people in your classes (and if not, get to know them!), you can work out arrangements to share textbooks. For example, if a class requires two books, you can each buy one of them and swap as needed. If there is only one required text, chip in half the money and take turns using the book.

Obviously this can be risky – what happens if you need the textbook and your classmate just went home for the weekend? Or what if the other person loses or damages the book? For most people, though, sharing books is a great way to save money. You can also make new friends if you own the book they need.

Look for digital versions of your textbooks.

Most college students own a smartphone, tablet, or at least a laptop capable of displaying ebooks. If your textbooks are available in digital form, you can often get them much cheaper than a print copy. This does eliminate the possibility of selling your books back at the end of the semester, but some websites (like Amazon.com) allow you to rent books on your device for a specified period of time, lowering the costs even further.

Consider buying the previous edition of the book.

Online retailers often allow you to view a book’s table of contents online. If your instructor wants you to buy the new (expensive) 9th edition of a book, be sure to take a look at the cheaper 8th edition. Often, the changes between editions are minor – I once had an older copy of a Sociology textbook where the only difference was the order of the chapters!

Buy your books online.

This one should be a no-brainer. Campus bookstores mark up the price of textbooks quite a bit to make a profit. You can save hundreds of dollars just by ordering from an online bookstore or retailer, even when you factor in shipping costs.

Online stores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Half.com, Bigwords.com, and CampusTextbooks.com are just a few of the vendors offering highly discounted college textbooks.

On a related note, ALWAYS buy used books when possible.

When I was in college, I was obsessed with buying new books for courses related to my major in social work. “These are professional resources!” I told myself. “I’ll need these after I graduate!”

A few months ago, I donated about 40 textbooks to my alma mater after lugging them from house to house in boxes ever since graduation. I never touched a single one of them – the information was much less applicable to my career than I expected, plus it was outdated.

Saving on College Textbooks

The main reason for attending college or graduate school is to further our knowledge and prepare for a career. Obviously, class time and studying should be valued above any other aspects of the college experience. However, it’s not necessary to overspend on textbooks to benefit from your years of study.

The tips above would have saved me hundreds of dollars throughout my college years if I had learned about them sooner. I hope they can be of help to you or your college-aged children in their quest for higher education.

In our current economic crisis, no one wants to overpay for goods or services. In fact, many of us have even shunned the notion of paying full price, preferring to wait for discounts or sales. TV shows like Extreme Couponing and Pawn Stars have opened a whole new world of possibility for shoppers across the nation – not only is it socially acceptable to save money on the things we need, but it’s also becoming a necessity.

Some things in life are non-negotiable. Taxes, for example, don’t provide much room to  haggle. You won’t find a coupon to reduce the costs of employer-sponsored health insurance. And you definitely can’t talk your way out of paying for college – if you fail to make the payments on federal student loans, the government WILL come find you.

But what about the things we can negotiate? How does one become skilled at paying less without coming across as a jerk or cheapskate?

Learning to Negotiate

Getting a deal on a particular good or service is an art form. That’s not to say we should strive for cheating the system; I’m simply saying that most of us are not natural negotiators. It takes practice to successfully convince someone to give you what you want at a lower cost.

In order to maximize your chances of saving money, you need to spend time learning how to negotiate properly. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Do some research. If you want to buy a particular item at a discount, you first have to figure out how much it usually costs. For example, if the going rate for piano lessons in your area is $100 an hour, you aren’t likely to talk someone down to $10 an hour. Your talking points need to be realistic and based on facts.

2. Make a list of necessary vs. unnecessary components. If you’re shopping for a pair of running shoes, you may not need iPod connectivity or super advanced arch support. However, it’s easy to be distracted by these “extra” features while shopping if you haven’t made a firm decision about what you really need.

3. Determine your idealistic and maximum prices ahead of time. Keeping your research in mind, choose the price you hope to pay as well as the maximum price you’re willing to pay for an item. I may hope to find a house for $65,000, but if that’s not possible, I may be willing to pay as much as $75,000. Knowing my limits will prevent me from agreeing to spend more than I want.

4. Know the small details. Tell me which argument sounds more convincing: “I want this lamp at a 40% discount because I don’t want to pay full price,” or “I’d like 40% off because this lamp it’s from last year’s line. Plus it’s a floor model with a small chip in the base.” When you can present concrete reasons why you deserve to pay less, you’re more likely to get what you asked for.

5. Be direct…. When a store employee asks, “Can I help you?” this is your opportunity to save time and effort. If you respond, “Well, I think I want a blender,” you’re going to kick yourself later when you leave the store $50 over budget. Instead, tell them exactly what you want: “Yes, I saw a 3-quart blender in your circular that’s on sale for $29.99. Could you tell me where to find it?”

6. …But don’t be rude. Raising your voice, calling names, or making threats are excellent ways to fail in your negotiations. The minute you show disrespect, you have proven that you are ruled by emotions. For someone who works on commission, this is a dream – people who become emotional are often easily swayed by sales tactics.

7. Become a broken record. Salesmen and store clerks will offer all kinds of convincing reasons why you should pay more, but this is no time to lose your gumption. In a calm voice, respond with comments like, “I understand. But I am still only willing to pay $85 for this side table,” or “You make good points. However, this model still contains more features than I’m looking for.”

8. Be willing to walk away. This is where numbers 1-4 come in. If you have researched how much a roof repair should cost, and you’ve determined what type of shingles you need as well as the maximum you’re willing to pay, stick to those parameters. Don’t agree to spend extra money – there are other roofers in business, I promise. When you sense that negotiations aren’t going as planned, thank the person for his/her time and move on. They may call later to agree to your terms, and if not, you can find someone who will (as long as you’re being realistic).

9. Pay with cash whenever possible. When you pull out a credit card to make a purchase, people may assume you can’t really afford what you’re buying (whether or not that’s true). It’s much easier to negotiate when you can point at a car and say, “I’ll write you a check for $9000 right now,” versus applying for dealer financing. If a salesman senses that you are spending beyond your means, s/he is more likely to fight your negotiations every step of the way.

10. When you’re successful, thank the merchant profusely. I don’t just mean thanking them with words (that’s a given). If a store or individual gives you a good deal, thank them with your repeat business and word of mouth as well. It’s fun to congratulate yourself for scoring a great deal, but remember that the seller had to give a few concessions to make it possible.

Have you ever used these tips to negotiate a purchase? Are there any I missed? Share your stories in the comments!