The Allstate Blog » Lindsey

Living Large, Spending Small: Tricking Out Your First Apartment on a Budget

Lindsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:45 +0000

I'm done with college and officially a member of the real world. I have a job and a new apartment. I'm feeling safe and secure from those real-world risks with a new renters insurance policy for my apartment. Now, I just need some new stuff that's worth insuring. I want my new pad to be a cool, comfortable spot to hang out and entertain; I'm so done with living in sorority house squalor. Luckily, I've got $3,000 in graduation gift money saved and, after doing a little research, this is what I'm thinking I'll pick up.

TV

In school, I spent a lot of time watching Hulu on my laptop, but that doesn't feel very adult. I'll need company while I watch hours of reality TV on Sunday afternoons and making my girlfriends huddle around a 13-inch computer screen just isn't going to cut it. These days, and especially around the holidays, it’s not unusual to find a 40-inch HDTV on sale for around $375, which would be a great, affordable addition to my living room and will definitely win me brownie points with my football-crazy boyfriend.

Laptop

My job's not a simple 9-5, and my boss expects a lot from me. Because I want to do my best, I'm going to need to put in some time after hours and on weekends and I'll need a reliable computer for that. It's time to upgrade the 4-year-old fossil I've had since freshman year, and a refurbished laptop looks like the perfect replacement. OK, yes, the fact that I'll look really cool sitting on my couch while typing on it is a contributing factor.

Couch

No more beanbags and blow-up furniture. It's time for a real couch that hasn't been dragged inside from a street corner. I'm thinking about going to that gigantic, Scandinavian furniture store to pick up an ultra-sleek loveseat for just over $300. It seems relatively affordable, but its bold style statement makes it look about three times the price.

Record Player

I'm a huge music lover, but I can't afford a top-notch sound system yet. I could always blast tunes through my laptop, but a $100 record player might be a more interesting aesthetic addition to my living room. Picking one up will also force me to amass a collection of vinyl...which is totally awesome in its own right. Album covers are also a great cheap way to decorate a space if displayed in an interesting way.

Vanity

Being able to relax in my apartment is a top priority, but I'll need to get out and show off my heel collection at some point, too. Prepping for nights out with friends is a process, and I need a chic beauty station to make sure all goes to plan. That's why I'm buying a vanity and stool. It'll look perfect with my bedroom set and it's less than $150. Some people say beauty is pain, but no one says it has to cost a lot.

5 Tips to Manage Student Loan Debt

Lindsey — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:00:27 +0000

College was a great time in my life – but as the excitement of graduation neared, my student loan debt loomed. I owed tens of thousands of dollars for my education; would I be able to afford to pay a monthly bill of hundreds of dollars each month? Would I ever be able to pay it all back? Lots of young adults are in the same boat. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 2011 graduates with student loans owed an average of $23,300—quite a significant sum, especially at such a young age. For many young people, that debt causes a lot of stress, which can affect their physical and psychological health, too. “Money is one of the biggest sources of stress for Americans. And when you’re young, it’s really easy to want to spend your money on pleasurable things and not commit to the things that aren’t as fun, like paying back student loans,” says Eve Adamson, author of 365 Ways to Reduce Stress. Luckily, I was able to find a good job after graduation, but even with a steady income, juggling living expenses and student loan debt can be tricky. When my younger sister graduates from college next year, I will be able to pass on some advice.

Budget

The first step you need to take is to put yourself on a budget. The more money you can sock away each month, the more you’ll have to pay off your student loan debt. Here are some other steps from The Project on Student Debt that helped me manage my student loan debt:

Organize

Keep track of your loans. Be aware of how much money you owe. It’s important to keep track of the lender, balance and repayment status for each of your student loans. That way, you can stay on top of your debt and follow the repayment schedule you established for each loan. You can keep track of your federal loans with the National Student Loan Data System for Students. For your private loans, keep a copy of all the paperwork you receive. Also be aware of the grace period on each of your student loans, so that you can make payments on time. To get an idea of how long it’s going to take to pay off your student loans, use a student loan calculator.

Communicate

Communicate with your lender. It’s important to maintain a dialogue with each of your lenders about your student loans. Part of the lender’s role is to help you establish an executable plan to pay off your loan. That means you should be working with your lender—not against—to pay off the debt. Be upfront about issues that you encounter, and your lender should help you reach a solution and avoid defaulting on your loan. Defaulting, which occurs after you fail to make payments for nine months, can ding your credit score and cause the total amount of money you owe to increase dramatically.

Adjust

Adjust your repayment plan, if needed. Most student loans come with a standard 10-year repayment plan. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the loan in that time frame, discuss alternative options with your lender. One potential solution for federal loans is adopting an Income-Based Repayment plan, which takes your income into consideration and can help make sure your loan payments will cost less than 10 percent of your income. Enrolling in an IBR plan can also mean that any remaining debt, after 25 years of qualifying payments, is forgiven. Talk to your lender to see if this is an option for you.

Prioritize

Start with the most expensive loans. Prioritize and pay off your most expensive loans first. That means starting with the loan that carries the highest interest rate (most likely, it’ll be one of your private student loans). Paying off this loan first will enable you to minimize the total interest you’ll have to pay off over time. So, while the process of paying off your student loans can seem endless, making a plan can make it seem more manageable. How are you handling paying off your student loans? Share your ideas in the comments below. Recommended by the Editor: 3 Ways to Get More from a College Education Saving for College: Where Do You Start? 11 Easy Ways to Get Poor 7 Ways to Stay Motivated As You Get Out of Debt

Is Your Gas Cap on the Left or the Right?

Lindsey — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:00:37 +0000

Last week while driving a rental car, I pulled up at a gas station and experienced the dreaded “Oh no!” moment: I had no idea on which side of my car the gas cap was located. If you’re like me, the initial “Oh no!” is followed by a few moments of awkwardly craning your neck out the window in hopes of seeing (or not seeing) the gas door on the driver’s side. More often than not, however, I guess a side and pull up to the pump – only to back up and circle around when my guess is wrong. Mistaking the gas cap location may seem like a minor inconvenience. But, what if there were a way to always know on which side it were located, without ever exiting the vehicle? Good news: The secret to the gas cap location has been on our dashboards all along. If you are driving a newer car (as many rental cars are), then take a look at the arrow by the gas gauge on your dashboard. Depending on your car, it may look like a triangle pointing to the left or right. What does this mysterious arrow mean? It’s a directional indicator that identifies which side of the vehicle the gas tank is located. For example, if the arrow points to the left, it means the gas cap is located on the left side, so the car should be parked to the right of the gas pump.

Myth Busted

What about in older cars that lack the arrow – can gas gauges tell us on which side the gas cap is located? Older cars still have a gas pump icon located near the gas gauge. The pump icon’s handle either extends to the left or right. So does the handle location indicate which side to pull up next to the gas pump? Unfortunately, this popular Internet rumor has been shot down. Sometimes there is a correlation between the pump handle and the gas cap location, but it appears to be simply coincidence. The side of the handle does not always indicate the side of the gas pump; only the gas gauge arrow does. Not all drivers are satisfied with this explanation of the mysterious gas gauge arrow. Leave it to the Internet conspiracy theorists to think up some crazy ideas about alternative meanings. One Internet rumor claims the arrow will light up if a car is driven a certain distance since it was last fueled. Supposedly, this is a way for rental car companies to determine how “full” the gas tank really is. Sorry, folks, but there’s no truth behind that rumor. Consumer Reports senior engineer Tom Mutchler confirms that the arrow is, in fact, a gas cap indicator. Unfortunately, even knowing the gas tank location can’t always make your visit to the gas station more pleasant. With the national average gas price steadily climbing, drivers are experiencing pain at the pump this year. According to GasBuddy.com, prices are on the rise again after a brief respite earlier this summer. With the national average gas price hovering just above $3.50 per gallon, I wish that I knew the secret to cheaper gas prices, too. But, while the prices stay high, you can help to stretch out the distance between pit stops by taking some simple steps to increase your gas mileage. Did you know what the gas gauge arrow meant? What symbols or controls on your car remain mysteries?

Tips on Sharing Expenses with a Roommate

Lindsey — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:00:19 +0000

With our college days firmly behind us, many of my friends are moving from rowdy, shared houses to quiet apartments of their own. But I’ve lived with roommates since my dorm days and at this point in my life, wouldn’t have it any other way. Who else would sit with me through three-hour marathons of The Bachelor or help bake a late-night batch of brownies on a random weeknight? Yet, living with roommates has its challenges. While I love my roommate like a sister, it can be difficult to get all our bills paid on time. Here’s how we keep track of our shared expenses:

Decide how to split the bills

The day I moved in with my roommate, we had a “family meeting” to discuss our arrangement for bills and other expenses. My roommate, who already lived in the apartment, had most of the utilities in her name from the previous year. I let her know I was willing to take some of them over, but we decided it would be easiest for her to handle all of the utility bills (which includes electricity, gas, cable and Internet) and for me to reimburse her for my half. Then, we spelled out our plan on a roommate agreement I found online, and both us signed it. This might explain why we haven’t had a single argument about our bills (fingers crossed). When my roommate receives our bills each month, she writes the total amount I owe her on a dry-erase board on our fridge. That way, I’m reminded of exactly what I need to pay every time I reach for a carton of milk! To take some of the burden off my roomie, I’m in charge of paying our rent. Just before we moved into our place, one of my co-workers turned me onto Splitwise, a site that allows you to track shared expenses with your roommates and friends. If you supply your roommate’s email address, it will even notify them when they have a payment coming up. This is great because it keeps me from having to hound my roomie when our rent is due, which I’m sure she appreciates!

Share statements and stay organized

In case of any disputes with your roommates or utility companies, keep all of your utility bills and receipts for at least a couple months to ensure everything checks out. We receive most of our bills and account statements online, so my roommate emails me PDFs of those statements and both of us save them on our computers. We store any paper bills we receive in an envelope organizer on our bookshelf.

We receive most of our bills and account statements online, so my roommate emails me PDFs of those statements and both of us save them on our computers.

When it comes time to reimburse each other for rent and utilities, we use our bank’s online person-to-person payment service. That way, we have a time-stamped record of each payment, so we don’t start silly fights about who owes whom $5. Also, once my roommate has paid a utility bill, she forwards me a confirmation receipt or a screen shot showing the payment has been made. That way, we can be certain every bill is accounted for and paid in full.

Remain flexible

When a friend's apartment was broken into, my roommate and I started considering something we hadn’t planned for: renters insurance. We realized we were taking a big risk by not protecting our property, so we gladly added this to our monthly expenses. We’ve been treating our renters insurance payments just like regular utility bills, which has worked out great. If you’re considering renters insurance, you may want to check if your policy will let you add a roommate, as few of them do. Since renter’s rates tend to be pretty low for people our age, most people I know simply pay for their own policies. It took us a little while to figure out the best way to handle our bills. But now that we’ve been living together for almost a year, my roommate and I have our system down to a science—which leaves us plenty of time for reality TV!

Why Saving for Your 401(k) Matters

Lindsey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:18:28 +0000

When I first got my own place, I felt overwhelmed by the mountain of monthly bills I was responsible for. Paying for rent, cable, Internet, groceries, car insurance and student loan payments added up fast—and that’s not including my social tab! So when my company gave me the option of enrolling in its 401(k) plan, I was hesitant to opt in. The last thing on my mind was how my life would look 30 years down the road. And with so many fixed expenses, it seemed impossible to set anything aside on my entry-level salary.

But after talking to a family member who’s a financial adviser, I learned that it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. Here’s why:

1. Free Money from Your Employer

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but it can really add up when your employer sends some extra your way. Many employers will match the dollar amount you put toward your 401(k) —some match 100 percent of your contributions, but most will match a portion of what you contribute. With a match program, not only will you have more money going into your 401(k), the money you do have will accrue more interest.

2. Tax Benefits

Having a 401(k) can lower your taxable income. The contributions you make to your 401(k) happen pre-tax—the income isn’t taxed until the benefits are paid out to you later in life. This allows your money to compound more quickly, which means you save more money in the long run. (I can already see the dollar signs…)

3. Flexibility

If you change jobs, you can usually move your 401(k) over to another retirement account fairly easily. When you’re unsure of where the future will take you, like most of the 20-somethings I know, that’s a huge plus.

4. The Future Matters

You may spend a third of your life in retirement, so in order to maintain a solid standard of living, you’ll need more money than you think. Experts recommend that you start saving at least 6 percent of your salary in your 20s and increase that amount (even if just a tiny bit) every year. If you start saving now, you won’t have to set aside as much later on to reach your retirement goals. While it seemed unimportant at first, I totally get why it makes sense to start saving for the future now. It’s about securing a future for yourself. And there’s nothing like the satisfaction of feeling young, free—and financially responsible.

5 Tips for Renegotiating a Chicago Apartment Lease

Lindsey — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:31:22 +0000

When I first moved to Chicago, I saw my living situation as temporary. I’d planned on finding a less-expensive apartment once I made a few friends and had a better sense of my daily life here. But, when it came time to re-sign my lease, I realized I wasn’t ready to leave. I was always pinching pennies to pay for my modest—but pricey—apartment, so my dad suggested I talk with my landlord about renegotiating my lease terms. I am a pretty good tenant: I always pay rent on time; I'm not disruptive to others in the building; and I have renters insurance. So, I did it. I approached my landlord with the request. And in the end, he was willing to renegotiate my rent—saving me $200 a month! Check out these tips I learned along the way: Do some rent research Compare your rent to listing prices for similar units in your neighborhood. If you think you’re being overcharged, referencing a price list for similar units can help strengthen your position. Here are a few ways you can gather that information (Don’t be shy!):

Word of mouth: If you feel comfortable doing so, ask building mates and neighbors what they’re paying.
Look online: Check any of the dozens of online rental marketplaces for Chicago apartment listings; many let you do hyper-local searches to identify rentals in your immediate neighborhood.
Ask the experts: Talk to a real estate agent or apartment broker for advice and for analysis on nearby rates.

Offer to sign a long-term lease Finding tenants can be a hassle. Your landlord may be more open to negotiating if you are able to commit to a long-term lease. For example, if you agree to renew your lease for another two years instead of one, you might ask for a lower rent in exchange. Renegotiate beyond rent Your rent isn’t the only thing you pay monthly. If you’re looking to resign your lease, now is the perfect time to ask about lease term, security deposit amount, pet deposit, utilities, parking, cable, Internet, etc. If your landlord won’t budge on monthly rent, see if you can’t work something out with one of these aspects of your lease. Work it off Consider offering to help your landlord with the property workload as part of a lease negotiation. Ask if you can do some work around the building, such as general maintenance, landscaping, cleaning the pool or collecting rent from fellow tenants. In exchange for your services and time, you might be able to bargain a rent decrease. But of course, get everything in writing. Put your lease requests in writing Even if you’re on great terms with your landlord, it can’t hurt to have a plan in case trouble arises with your new lease some time in the future. It’s also helpful to know your rights as a Chicago renter. Writing an e-mail or letter leaves a paper trail you can refer to if you need to share information with a third party (like a lawyer). Make sure to include your rationale for requesting lower rent, and don’t forget to keep a copy for your records! Just because you’re new to renting doesn’t mean you have to be afraid to speak up. By doing your research and taking a few proactive steps, you might find extra money in your pocket in the year ahead.

Enjoy the Holidays Away from Home

Lindsey — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:06:25 +0000

The holidays are supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” filled with family get-togethers and never-ending sugar buzzes. So when last year’s work schedule kept me away from home during the holidays, I thought I’d spend weeks moping around Grinch-style. But instead, I decided to make the best of my situation.

With a great city to explore and a few friends around, I was able to soak up some holiday spirit and enjoy the local festivities. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’ll be away from home this holiday season:

Surround yourself with holiday cheer

My mom keeps our home smelling like fresh-baked cookies from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Since she couldn’t be in my kitchen last winter, she sent me a box of homemade treats instead. If you know your way around a mixer and measuring cups, you could ask family members to send a few of their signature recipes and whip up some goodies yourself. During December, I’m also used to living in a house that’s decked out to the nines. Because my decoration stash didn’t come close to the one my family’s been growing over the years, I decided to start a more robust one of my own. I hit the local dollar store for holiday lights and some basic craft supplies, then invited friends over for a night of decorating ornaments and stringing popcorn garland. It was a great excuse to get together—and in just a few hours, I had a festive, cozy place to take shelter from the cold.

Make new traditions

If this is your first year in a new place, being away from your hometown gives you a chance to explore how your new community celebrates the season. The holidays bring out the best in any area, with winter markets, ice skating and other local traditions. No matter how big or small your town may be, this is a great time to bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and have yourself an adventure. Research local events and ask friends or co-workers who are sticking around for the holidays if they’d like to join you. Local blogs, community newsletters and word-of-mouth can be great resources for finding free or inexpensive events going on near you.

Stay connected with family and friends

No matter how far you are from home, there are tons of ways you can communicate with loved ones. Skype, Twitter, Facebook, texting and even the old-fashioned phone call can connect you with friends and family across the country. Last winter, I randomly started a Facebook message thread with some of my college friends, and it turned out to be a great way for us to catch up and boost each others’ spirits—in fact, we’re still using it. The holidays can be a tough time if you’re away from family and friends, but they are also a chance to relax, recharge and start a series of your own traditions. Though I missed home last year, I know I’ll appreciate my family time—and Mom’s famous apple crisp—even more this season. Happy Holidays!

Spruce Up Your Apartment on a Budget

Lindsey — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:59:34 +0000

Since starting my first full-time job, all I want to do at the end of the day is relax on my couch and enjoy the peace of my apartment. But when I moved into my own place earlier this year, my surroundings felt anything but serene: The walls were bare and my furniture was a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs from my parents and former roommates. It felt more like my old dorm room than a home. While this didn’t stop me from enjoying frequent dates with my DVR, there was no denying that my place needed some sprucing up.

By spending the past few months on a decorating mission, I managed to turn my small city apartment into an urban oasis—and stayed within my limited budget. If you’re looking to makeover your place without spending a fortune, here are some tricks I learned about decorating on a dime: Secondhand furniture first I started by scouring the websites of all the major furniture retailers, but it didn’t take me long to realize there was no way I could spend $100 on one chair when I needed four! Then I began rummaging around the thrift stores in my area. Behind dozens of ancient artifacts were several hidden gems that just needed a little work. With a good cleaning and some durable spray paint, these pieces fit perfectly into my décor—and provided fun pops of color in my otherwise boring space. I wouldn’t suggest buying everything for your place at a thrift store, however. Shelving units and dining room sets are often in great shape, but buying a used bed and couch could land you a few unwelcome roommates (yes, I’m talking about bed bugs). If you’re in the market for a couch, start by asking family members and friends if they have any items you can take off their hands—and remember that a good couch cover can do wonders. Function over form During one of my many thrift store trips, I fell in love with a must-have vintage side table. I couldn’t get over its adorable flower-print pattern and asymmetrical style. I knew I should stay practical, so I ended up taking a traditional white table home and threw a floral fabric on top of it. It was the perfect compromise and I’ll be able to use that table in many apartments—and decorating schemes—to come. Fabric can be a cheap, easy way to spice up any piece of furniture. If there’s one thing you choose to splurge on, I’d suggest it to be your bed. I bought a new mattress from a big box retail store and paired it with a slightly used bed frame I found on Craigslist. Now, my only problem is that I don’t want to get out of my comfy bed in the morning! When choosing your bed, or whatever item you decide to splurge on, make sure it’s traditional enough to stay in style for years to come. Remember, if there’s something valuable in your apartment, you’ll definitely want to consider renter’s insurance to ensure it could be replaced in the event of a theft, fire or similar disaster. DIY décor During my search for cheap accessories, I would wander around home stores and think, “I could make that for less!” So, that’s exactly what I did. Adding a fresh coat of paint and colorful knobs gave my old bookcases and end tables a total facelift. I also searched through a bunch of decorating blogs and magazines—they give great tips for creating budget-friendly wall hangings, pillows, artwork and whatever else you think will add some life to your place. Living on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. By figuring out your decorating priorities and staying true to your personal style, you can create an inviting space of your own at a fraction of the cost.

Welcome Back! The Art of Moving Back Home After College

Lindsey — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:25:13 +0000

Standing in the ranks on graduation day, I felt like I was the only one shaking in my cap and gown. Yet, I soon found out I wasn’t alone—searching for a job while struggling to pay rent is a scary prospect for pretty much everyone.

While I went straight from the classroom to a cubicle in a new city, many of my friends lived at home for six months to a year after graduation to ease themselves into adulthood. For those of you contemplating a move back home with Mom and Dad, my friends offered some helpful hints to cope with the curfews, awkward personal questions and outdated ‘80s rock references that come with moving home.

Keep your eye on the prize

It can come as a shock that your days of living off noodles in a cup and sticking to dollar-store shampoo didn’t protect you from taking on the $20,000 in student loan debt the average undergrad earns along with their degree. Keeping financial independence in your sight, like an oasis in the desert, can soften the blow of bunking in your old bedroom. Remember that as a ‘boomerang kid,’ your cost of living is minimal compared to what some of your friends are paying in rent alone, not to mention you get the perk of occasional home cooking. In the meantime, it’s best to start planning how you’ll repay all those loans you’d rather ignore. The Project on Student Debt can point you to online resources that can help you manage your debt before it becomes too overwhelming. Plus, now that your parents are within shouting distance, you’ll have plenty of time to solicit their financial advice.

Say goodbye to some stuff—and insure the rest

Before you pack up and leave campus, consider selling your used items to eager underclassmen. You can make some extra cash and take a ‘grown-up’ step by saying goodbye to things that scream ‘dorm room’ (read: foldable furniture and mini-fridges). And when it comes to Animal House wall art, patio chairs made from cinder blocks and that upside-down tub you turned into an end table, you may want to just throw those away. Whatever doesn’t make it into your new (or old) bedroom can easily be held in storage units. When storing your belongings, especially big-ticket items like electronics or furniture, you’ll want to make sure they’re insured. But some items in storage can only be insured for a limited time or at a low percentage of their actual value—so make sure to triple-check your policy and know what your stuff is worth.

Mind your manners

You might be tempted to revisit the tantrums of your teenage years from time to time, but remember that your parents are doing you a favor by letting you live at home again. Thank them as often as possible, clean up after yourself and try not to freak out when your mom calls you ‘snookums’ in front of your friends. Also, be proactive about your future and work with your parents to create a timeline of your next steps. They have a lot of life experience behind them, so consider asking them to review your resumé or provide a practice interview. And even if you begin to enjoy the old comforts of home, make sure to pound the pavement for potential jobs. Sitting on the couch eating cheese puffs is fun, but I know you’re better than that.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Not-So-New Car

Lindsey — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:24:56 +0000

Clunk! Clunk! Clunk! That was the sound I dreaded hearing most on the highway, and the moment I heard it, I scanned the road for an accident ahead. Then it dawned on me: The noise was coming from my car. It wasn’t the ideal time for my old car to give out—I was hours from home, heading to start my senior year of college, and had my entire life packed into a trailer behind me.

A quick stop on the side of the road revealed that my muffler was on the verge of falling off. Luckily, my car-savvy Dad—my co-pilot that day—wrangled a wire hanger to hold it in place for the rest of our drive. Unfortunately, I don’t always have a mechanic onboard when I’m behind the wheel. So since graduating from college, I’ve made a serious effort to keep my 10-year-old sedan in top shape. After all, this baby’s got to get me through a few more road trips before I can afford an upgrade. If you’re like me, taking good care of your used car doesn’t come naturally. But I’ve found a few simple tricks to help me stay safe and save money on unexpected repairs:

Show your engine some everyday love

A well-kept engine is vital to your vehicle’s health. Though what goes on under the hood may seem like a mystery, a little common sense can keep wear and tear on your engine to a minimum. Driving habits like accelerating slowly, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding high speeds will help keep it running smoothly. Just like people, engines can be climate sensitive. Try not to leave your car running outside once temperatures dip below freezing, and remember that idling for more than a few minutes is bad for your engine, no matter what season it is.

Fill ‘er up the right way

Yes, gas prices do get high, but it can be important to shell out for quality gasoline. Make sure you follow manufacturer’s specifications about which type of gas to use—regular is not the poor man’s premium—and stick to gas stations with policies that ensure proper gas filtration. Also, avoid stopping in when a gas tanker is at the station. Those big trucks stir up sediment in underground reservoirs, which can gunk up the gas you’re about to use.

Keep it clean

Let’s be honest, getting your car washed can make even an old clunker feel like a brand new ride. It also helps protect your car from premature rusting, especially in the winter. But keeping the inside clean is just as important as a spotless exterior. Take care to vacuum and wipe down your seats and floor mats on a regular basis. Residue from spilled sodas could be corroding your interior, and mud from the boots you wore to last week’s music fest aren’t doing it any favors, either. In addition, make sure your window and door seals aren’t sleeping on the job. If these become loose, a rainy day could wreak havoc on your interior. There are inexpensive products you can use to repair these seals, but if you think it’s best to replace the old with the new, you should consult an auto professional. With these few maintenance tricks, I hope to keep my well-worn car on the road for years to come. Who knows, I might even beat the record set by my aunt, who’s helped her ancient red car reach more than 200,000 miles. Visit Allstate.com for more tips on auto repair and insurance issues.

Speak up! Share your car repair stories with us below.

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