Getting your first car is an extremely exciting time in your life. It’s time to celebrate and have fun. It’s also a time for some serious responsibilities. Having a car is a big step in life. One of the duties is getting your car insured. There are several options available, each with their own pros and cons, and you need to make a choice based on your own wants and needs and one that fits best in your life.

One question to ask is whether you should get your own insurance or go on your parent’s insurance plan.

Every teen needs to have some sort of insurance to drive a vehicle in the United States. You may wonder if it is cheaper to get your own insurance or go on your parent’s insurance. The fact is that the numbers show that it is much less expensive to go on your parent’s insurance. In some states, the amount of savings is a staggering $5000 when you get a single policy. In most states, it is $3053, It breaks down to an average that teens will pay $4623, but for coverage on your parent’s insurance to get the same coverage, it is $1570. The average difference is $3053. This is based on the website www.nerdwallet.com, and you can save money in all 50 states in the United States. In some states, the savings are enormous.

The bottom line is you can enjoy massive savings going onto your parent’s insurance.

There are some great car discounts at top auto insurance companies that teens can get, and you will be excited to see the savings that you can get by doing some simple things.

Take a defensive driving course.

The young inexperienced driver who takes some type of driver training course is 43% less likely to get a ticket than those who did not receive a training course. They are 14% less likely to get into an accident and 19% less likely to get into an accident that results in injury and death. You could get a discount of up to 10% for drivers under 21 who have completed a course that is approved by an insurance company.

Get Good Grades

You will be surprised to know that good grades can give you a significant discount. Students with an A or B average are 33% less likely to be involved in a crash during their first year they are driving compared to those who have C or D grades.

You must meet these requirements
-Have at least a 3.0 average
-Make the Deans List
-Make the Honor Roll
-Are home schooled and are in the top 20% of those who take the PSAT, SAT or ACT

Discounts can range 10% all the way up to 25%

Don’t take a car to college.

Those who go to a school that is more than 100 miles away and leave their car at home, and only drive when at home can get a 7% discount

Sign a driving contract

-Always wear a seatbelt
-Never text or eat while driving
-Call for a ride if impaired
-Pay off any traffic or driving tickets
-Maintain good grades
-Contribute to the cost of car maintenance, gas, and insurance

Discounts can vary by state.

There are certain types of cars that are better for teens to drive. These are the things to look for in a vehicle when you are a teenager.

Low horsepower

Teens will get the temptation to drive fast. Having a powerful car will make that even more tempting. So getting a low horsepower car is beneficial for a teen. You can always get a bigger, more powerful vehicle when you have been driving a few years. It is better to be safe then have a fancy high powered car.

Electronic stability control

This feature will help the car remain stable on curves, slippery roads. You will be able to maintain control easier and driving in inclement weather, like snow and ice, will be easier. This feature will help the car maintain stability, and it reduces fatal car crashes by 49%. That is a high safety average you can count on.

High Safety ratings

The best cars for teens have the highest safety ratings for all aspects of the vehicle.

The best cars for teens are used vehicles that have a lower insurance rate. 83% of parents purchase a used car for their children.

Getting your license is exciting, but there are a lot of things to consider. Driving safely and following all the rules are paramount to your driving success. And they are also vital to getting affordable car insurance. Driving safely under your parent’s insurance is the best way to go financially, and following the tips here will give you the best start in your driving career.

If you’re a recent high school graduate and plan on moving out of your parents house and into your own studio, here are some key tips as a first time renter.

When you think about getting your first apartment, does it fill you with glee? Are you sick and tired of living with your parents and ready to strike out on your own?

More than one-third of Millennials would choose a long-term rental over buying a house. It’s a great way to save money on home repairs and property taxes. 

Renting is also a good idea if you’re planning to relocate in a few years, or if you are saving to buy a home.

If you’re a first-time renter, this article’s for you. We’ll give you an insider’s look at renting an apartment along with some pro tips for getting a good deal. 

Start Saving ASAP 

Any list of key tips for first-time renters has to start with money. You’re going to need a lot more than you think to make your big move. 

In general, you’re going to need: 

• the first month’s rent 
• a one-time deposit equal to the first month’s rent
• a deposit for utilities like gas, electric, and water
• an emergency fund equal to three months’ worth of living expenses

If you would like to have a pet in your apartment, you may have to pay a pet deposit or a monthly fee. 

It seems like a lot of money, and it really is. Depending upon the cost of rent in your area, you may have to save more than $5,000 to be move-in ready.

That’s why it’s vital to start saving for your move as soon as possible. If you can put away $100 per week, you’ll have $5,000 in less than 12 months.

Make a List of Must-Haves 

Everyone has a list of requirements when it comes to renting an apartment. You might want to have on-site laundry or a pool, or you might want to be near public transportation. 

As you start to search for apartments online, take the time to look at their lists of amenities. You might really like an apartment online, only to realize that they don’t have air conditioning, wi-fi, parking, or storage.

Some apartment buildings make you pay your own utilities, while others have you covered on gas and electricity. Having utilities included means that you don’t have to worry about the cost of heat, a nice bonus if you really like the apartment. 

Before you move in, though, make sure that you know which utilities you’d have to pay. Some places want you to pay quarterly for water, sewer, or trash services. 

First-time renters can save money by renting a studio apartment. Studios tend to have one large room with a separate kitchen and bathroom, the perfect size for one person.

They often include the cost of gas and electricity, allowing you to cut down on living expenses. 

Figure out the Roommate Situation 

You never really know someone until you live with them, so taking on a roommate or two can be a risky maneuver. Sharing expenses, however, could drastically improve your financial outlook.

Before you move in with a friend or random stranger, take the time to talk about your expectations for cleaning, buying food, and splitting bills.

If you can come to an agreement about those three things, you have a good chance of staying friends for a long time. 

Living with people can be difficult. Noisy roommates can interfere with you studying or sleeping, jeopardizing your job – or your future career. 

If you’re a morning person trying to live with a late-night podcaster or musician, you might look into renting a studio. Not a studio apartment, but an offsite studio space for rent that would allow them to practice and record away from home. 

Overall, the most important thing to remember about living with roomies is that everyone must have their own space with a door that locks. You may be tempted to get a smaller apartment and convert the living room into a bedroom.

The problem with that scenario is that one person’s stuff is more susceptible to theft from outside visitors. Privacy is key to a good apartment-sharing situation.

Decorate, Decorate, Decorate!

Once you decide whether you want to live with roommates and sort out the amenities, it’s time to put down your deposit and move in. 

While you may be tempted to buy furniture online, you may be able to get a better deal with a local furniture store. They can often spread out your payments over the course of six months to a year, which is a spectacular way to build your credit. 

Once you’ve invested in a couch, a bed, and some basic kitchen gear, it’s time to hit the thrift shops. You will be amazed at what you can find there, including gently-used: 

• bedsheets
• towels
• bookcases
• plates
• books
• clothing

Thrift stores may also have cool posters, throw pillows, and tapestries. It’s one of the best ways to save money if you’re a first-time renter, and it also helps the environment.

Thrift stores are great places to find high-quality vintage furniture that’s both beautiful and functional. Take your time and buy furniture that you’re going to have for years to come. 

Pro Tips for First-Time Renters

Before you sign your lease, there are a few more things you should know about renting an apartment.

First, you may be able to get a rent discount if you move during the off-season. In addition to locking in a lower rate, you may be able to get the first month for free. 

Second, you may not have to pay the pet deposit. Talk to your landlord about waiving the fee for a well-behaved cat or dog. If you can’t get the deposit waived, you may still be able to get the monthly fee reduced.

Finally, always trust your instincts. If you don’t feel safe in the apartment’s parking lot or in its hallways, look for another place to move. Your personal safety and comfort are most important. 

Now that you know everything about becoming first-time renters check out the rest of our blogs! We have info on gadgets, dating, and new music!

The day you obtain your driver’s license marks a major milestone in your journey towards independence. Once you have it, you can legally hit the road with pride and confidence, knowing that you now have the freedom to travel when and where you want to – though that will probably depend on your parents’ jurisdiction, at least for a few more years.

Before that happens, two obstacles lie ahead of you, namely the written exam and the infamous driver’s test. Many aspiring motorists have taken on the challenge and failed. Many were unsuccessful more than once. But with the right knowledge and a bit of careful preparation, you can effortlessly pass both tests on your first attempt.

Think about it this way: how many licensed drivers do you think are on the road today? According to Statista, there are currently around 225 million licensed drivers in the United States. It’s safe to say that not all of them are professional driving instructors. If that was the case, we probably wouldn’t have so many accidents.

So, to alleviate the stress and ensure that you’re in the right mindset come test day, here are three tips that will help you pass your driver’s license test the first time.

Practice

Driving a car is one thing that you can only get better at with practice. There are things that you’ll learn in the driver’s seat that you simply can’t get from reading. The more time you spend driving, the better your feel for how the car responds to your input will become. You’ll also develop a greater understanding of the car’s shape and size.

This is key to your success, as knowing the exterior of your vehicle and its relation to your position is important for the test. Try to log as much time as you can behind the wheel and consider enlisting the help of an expert to oversee how you drive and identify where you can improve.

It would be wise to avoid solely taking advice from an older friend or family member, as they may have developed some improper or outdated driving habits that don’t align with the expectations of the test. Opting for a professional will also help you obtain the right answers to any questions you may have about the test and driving in general.

Prepare

Of course, being prepared will go a long way in making you feel more comfortable during each stage of the test. It will also help you adapt to unexpected situations, such as different weather conditions or changes in traffic. You don’t want to be frantically searching for the windshield wiper stalk if it rains or slam the brakes on when an ambulance tries to pass.

As for the written exam, it’s simply a matter of studying, studying, and studying some more. That’s not to say you should subject yourself to information overload but do run through every aspect of the test that you struggle with until you’re confident that you know it well.

Consider reading a step-by-step plan that will help you prepare in the best way possible. In addition to studying, you can also take mock tests to get a feel for what the real thing will entail. These days, you can even download an app that will allow you to easily practice for the test on the go whenever you have a few minutes to spare. 

Know Your Car

Ensure that you’ve chosen the right car for the test. It should be a model that’s mechanically sound, easy to maneuver, and preferably smaller in size. Perhaps your starter car will do. If not, consider borrowing a car from your driving instructor. Once you have the right car, you should take the time to learn it inside-out.

You should confidently know the location and functionality of each component. Take the time to get a good feel for the brake and gas pedals, as this will help you avoid slowing down or accelerating too aggressively. Again, it’s important that you understand the dimensions of the car, such as the distance between the front bumper and where you’re seated.

Conclusion

By applying the above tips and taking the time to adequately prepare for your test, you can head to the DMV with peace of mind knowing that you’ll pass on your first attempt. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help if there’s something you don’t understand.

For many teens, the death of a grandparent is their first experience with loss. Grief affects people in different ways. Some teens may feel angry, others devastated, and yet others may be numb or in disbelief.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a loved one. The most important thing is learning how to heal and move on.

Understand the Five Stages of Grief

Many teens who lose a grandparent will go through the five stages of grief, but you may also experience other emotions.

The five stages of grief include:

• Denial and isolation
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

You may not experience these stages in this order, or you may not go through certain stages. You may go through these stages at different points in your life. Many people never reach the acceptance stage simply because we are not afforded the time to properly grieve a loss.

It’s common for bereaved grandchildren to feel:

• Emotionally numb, or to have difficulty crying. This does not mean that you are not affected by the loss. It just means that it is taking some time for you to accept that it is real.
• Alone or forgotten. You may feel like your friends and family don’t realize how much you are hurting. You may feel that your parents and your surviving grandparent are receiving more support than you, and that others don’t realize that you also need help.
• Guilty for not spending more time with the grandparent. You may have so many questions or things you’d like to say to your grandparent.
• Anxious about death, particularly if this is your first time experiencing a loss. You may feel anxious for the safety of your loved ones.

Take a Time Out and Talk About It

Many people will tell you to keep busy after the death of a loved one, but it’s important to instead take time out to process and work through your emotions.

If you try to rush right back to school, you may find it hard to be in the present moment and to pay attention to the work. Give yourself at least a day or two to work through the initial shock and grief.

Stay close to your family, and talk about your emotions. Sometimes, talking through it can help you process what you’re feeling.

Understand the Estate Settlement and Probate Process

The death of a loved one is difficult enough as is. The last thing you want to think at such a time is the legal steps that need to take place.

As a teen, you won’t have to worry too much about the logistics of making funeral arrangements or having to deal with the probate process or hiring a probate attorney. Depending on your family’s preferences, you may be asked to be present during the reading of your grandparent’s last will and testament. During the reading, you will find out what you inherited from your grandparent, if anything.

Support Your Family

Be there for your loved ones. Understand that you are all grieving the loss of your grandparent. Check in on your loved ones. Ask how they are doing, and provide as much support as you can to those around you.