There's only a week left in 2021, and there's no better way to end the year than by giving back. I know the holiday season can be busy, but I encourage you to make time to volunteer or donate before the year is up.

Buying an automobile does not happen every day, and that adds a layer of unfamiliarity to the process. Researching the best cars available and securing a car loan presents a specific set of challenges.

Shopping for and buying used cars is not something most people do every day, which means the task can be quite daunting – especially if it's your first time trying to find the best used cars and a great car loan to go with it. To make sure you get a fair deal on the used car of your choice, prepare yourself for the search, negotiation, and financing process by considering the following used car buying tips.

If you're contemplating a car purchase, you are likely looking for ways to save. After all, spending several thousands of dollars on a vehicle is not something to do without careful thought. One way you can save is through timing your car purchase. By buying your car and getting a car loan at the right time, you can save substantially. Here are the secrets to helping you save through proper timing on your car purchase.

When you head to a car dealership and start looking at the window sticker for cars that catch your eye, you may be confused by the many different prices you see listed. One of those, the MSRP, is an important figure for your future car purchase negotiations.

It happens every year, without fail, someone brings me a Christmas gift, and I have nothing to give them in return. So, of course, I'm immediately filled with guilt, make up a story about how I left their gift at home, and run out and buy them something last minute.

Here's How to Make Sure You Don't Overpay for Your Car and Car Loan

Everyone wants to get the best price on their next car purchase. Finding a car with the right price is the first step, but you'll also need to carefully consider your loan. An auto loan calculator is a helpful tool to use as you analyze car loans. This tool allows you to input the vehicle's price, loan term, and interest rate, as well as other fees and costs, to see both the monthly payment and total cost of the loan over its lifetime. By using it well, you can avoid overpaying not only for the car itself, but also for the loan. If you've never used an auto loan calculator before, these tips will help you make the most out of this tool.

The surging real estate market shows no signs of slowing down, and that creates opportunities and challenges for buyers.

Buying your first home is an exciting time full of many emotions. You are ready to strike out on your own and become a homeowner! This time is also full of lots of important information, and sometimes you can feel a little overwhelmed.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, you've probably made your list and checked it twice to make sure that you have the perfect gifts for all of your loved ones. Or, if you're like me, you're just now starting your holiday shopping. Either way, if you still have gifts to buy, local holiday markets are the perfect place to look.

One of my favorite things about holiday markets is having all of my favorite local shops in one place. I love shopping locally and try to do it year-round. However, if I'm looking for many different items, it can be time-consuming to drive from shop to shop when a mall or department store has everything under one roof. That's the beauty of holiday markets; they're like the malls of local businesses.

Although sometimes it's easy when you're in a time crunch to load up your Amazon cart with everything you need and have it on your doorstep in two days, I would encourage you to head over to a local holiday market before you do. They may have the perfect gift that you've been searching for, and by shopping with them, you get to help a neighbor provide for their family.

Below is a list of some great holiday markets popping up in the area this season. Be sure to set a budget before you go, though, because there will be so many phenomenal goodies, and it'll be easy to overspend.

Holiday Market in Valor Park
Each Saturday in December, 12pm - 4pm
Farrow Parkway in Market Commons

Inaugural Wicked Holiday Market
Each Saturday in December, 12pm - 5pm
Wicked Tuna