Local NAACP Chapter in Florida to Issue Travel Advisory for State

 

Florida's Hillsborough County chapter of the NAACP is working on issuing a travel advisory for the state. The move follows the recent controversial laws implemented by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

This travel advisory is intended to bring attention to current Florida legislation, say NAACP leaders in Hillsborough County.

"Just educate yourself on what is really going on and why," said Yvette Lewis, the president of the Hillsborough County Chapter of the NAACP. Lewis and other NAACP members agreed over the weekend to ask the NAACP's national office to consider issuing a travel advisory for Florida.

Lewis explained that under the travel advisory, people are discouraged and warned about visiting or relocating to the state.

Florida has made a number of controversial legislative decisions within the last few months, ranging from rejecting an advanced placement African American studies course in high school because state leaders and  DeSantis argued it contributed to a political agenda to a law imposing that books must not contain any bias when it comes to race, culture or socioeconomic status.

The Hillsborough NAACP chapter says it will hear from the national chapter this month.


Information from Know Your Rights Camp was used in this report

6 Tips for Cutting Vacation Costs

 

Another travel season is upon us, so you might be wondering how to take some nice trips without breaking the bank. Using proper planning, smart research and a flexible attitude, you can travel cheaply and still have an experience worth remembering. 

Here are a few tips:

1. Cut transportation costs

Before planning your trip, have a rough budget in mind. A vacation calculator can help. If you know how much you're willing to spend on airfare, this map can give you ideas for destinations that are within your budget.

Traveling cheaply isn't just about cutting costs — it's also about getting the most out of what you spend. You may discover, for example, that the $400 you thought could pay only for a flight within the U.S. can actually take you to Paris and back.

If your travel dates are flexible, you may find an even bigger selection of places you can afford to visit. If you've already picked a destination, changing the departure dates could lower your airfare.

Setting up alerts for when prices drop should also be a part of your strategy. Try apps such as Yapta or Hopper, which will send you price notifications on flights you're tracking. (Booking fees may apply.) You can also follow Twitter handles like @theflightdeal or @FareDealAlert for limited-time deals. If you find a price you like, scrutinize the airline's baggage policy before booking. Some offer cheaper ticket prices, but have strict carry-on requirements or tack on sizable fees for overweight and oversized luggage.

If your destination is within driving distance, consider hopping in a car instead of on a plane. Use a trip calculator, like this one, to make sure it's worth the tradeoff. Add in the cost of renting a car, if necessary.

2. Compare lodging options

Finding a cheap hotel room can be tricky and takes a bit of effort. Start by shopping around on sites like Expedia, Priceline.com and Kayak to find hotels in the area, and then search for hotel promotion codes online. Contact hotels directly to negotiate a lower price. Also consider staying in a hotel outside the center of the city and looking for last-minute deals.

If you're open to alternatives, skip the hotel and book a room through a site like Homeaway and OneFineStay. Not only could those be more affordable, but often you'll stay with a local resident who can point you to cheap restaurants and activities that aren't in travel guides. Hostels can also be a money-saver if you're OK with bare-bones accommodations and potentially sharing a room. Keep in mind that they may have age restrictions.

3. Eat wisely (and not just healthy)

Many travelers underestimate the costs of meals, snacks and tips, says guidebook author James Kaiser. He advises bringing your own food or buying it at a store when you arrive at your destination to save money.

That doesn't mean you have to skip restaurants altogether and haul groceries around. Dining out is one of the most enjoyable parts of travel. The trick is knowing when to indulge and when to save.

Start by looking at your itinerary. Break down your meals each day and identify the times you want to splurge. Then look for ways to save money on the other meals. For example, you can avoid inflated prices at the airport by bringing food and an empty water bottle that you can fill once you're past security (passengers are prohibited from bringing more than 3.4 ounces of liquids, per container, in carry-on bags at U.S. airports). For breakfast, pack energy bars so you can save time and money in the mornings.

Your spending will likely fluctuate from day to day, so remember to adjust your budget to avoid overspending.

4. Research your currency options

If you're traveling abroad, find out if the country you're visiting is plastic-friendly. If so, a debit or credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees could be your best bet. Otherwise, research your currency exchange options to avoid the poor rates and numerous fees common at airport kiosks. Those will shrink your vacation fund before you've even had the chance to unpack.

Visiting your bank or credit union to exchange money before you leave may be the best option. Assuming it has that currency, you'll likely get better exchange rates and lower fees. And, just in case you end up needing more cash once you're abroad, ask if your financial institution has international branches or a partnership with a bank overseas. If so, you may be able to withdraw cash from those ATMs with low or no fees.

5. Get a prepaid phone or SIM card

A cell phone can be useful for navigating new cities, as well as staying connected to travel companions and life back home. But for international travelers, it may also come with data roaming fees. You'd save the most money by ditching the phone during your trip, but that may not be realistic. Your best option will likely be buying a prepaid phone once you arrive or having your carrier unlock your phone, if possible, so you can use a foreign SIM card when you land.

6. Keep souvenir spending in check

Like everything else, set a budget for souvenirs. Also consider doing some research on the best souvenirs and shops, so you'll have a sense of what you might buy and the prices to expect.

If you find yourself on the verge of an impulse purchase, try an abbreviated version of the 72-hour shopping rule, in which you put off buying something for three days to see if you still want it. That amount of time is probably impractical when you're on vacation, but if your schedule allows you to return to the store the next day or even later that same day, you may find that you can easily live without that $150 wool sweater from Iceland. You were only going to wear it once, anyway.

Information from NerdWallet was used in this report

2023 Mazda CX-9: A Midsize SUV with a Little Zoom

With great driving dynamics, a roomy interior and attractive styling, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a formidable competitor in the mid-size SUV market. 

Featuring seating for up to seven passengers over three rows, the CX-9 has 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded down.

Under the hood, the CX-9 features a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. Fuel efficiency for the CX-9 is rated at 20 mpg city, 26 highway.

And while Mazda no longer uses the "Zoom-Zoom" tagline, the driving dynamics for this model certainly can evoke that reaction. The CX-9 offers crisp handling, sure braking and powerful acceleration. 

The CX-9 is available in five trim levels: Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring and Signature. 

Pricing for the CX-9 starts at around $39,000 and ranges to around $49,000. 

If you're in the market for a sporty-looking put versatile midsize SUV, the Mazda CX-9 makes a lot of sense. 

How to Trade in a Car You Haven’t Paid Off: Expert Advice

 

If you are looking to trade in a car that’s not paid off, we offer advice and tips on how to go about it. We’ll also provide a checklist and tips to help you get the best deal on your trade.

Things to Consider When You Still Owe Money on A Car

The first thing you’ll need to do is determine how much you still owe on your current auto loan. It’s best to check with whoever is financing your loan to get the exact payoff amount. It could be different from what you see on your most recent statement or payment book due to interest calculations or possible prepayment penalties and other factors.

Next, understand that if you owe more on the vehicle than it is currently worth, the dealer will likely shift that amount into the payments of your new vehicle. As an example, if you owe $15,000 on the car but it is worth only $12,000, that $3,000 difference will be added into the financing of your new purchase.

“What you owe on your trade vs. what it is worth are two different things,” said Charles Cannon, general sales manager at a BMW dealership in Texas. “A lot of times, clients want what they owe on their vehicle.” But that might not match the vehicle’s actual value, Cannon said.

When Should You Wait to Trade

Generally, trading in a vehicle does not fetch as much value as selling it outright. So if you can contain your desire for a new car for a few more months or a year or two, the added equity can be beneficial.

“When you have negative equity, it’s usually a good idea to wait until you’ve paid off more of the loan before trading in your car, particularly if you bought a new car,” said Tilly Haines, an automotive analyst with Seeker, a digital marketing firm.

Or if you’re able to sell your car and get closer to the amount of your payoff, you might make out even better. But keep in mind that selling a car can be somewhat of a hassle that involves advertising it, showing it to people you might not know and haggling with your buyer to reach a price that both parties can live with.  

Trading for a More Expensive Car vs. A Less Expensive Car

Trading for a more expensive car than the one you currently own (and still owe on), just increases your debt, which you might be wary of. Adding your current negative equity to your new purchase “might sound like a good idea,” Haines said. “But unless you’re buying a cheaper car, it’s actually not, as it’ll mean you owe more than the new car is worth straight away, and you’ll be back in negative equity.”

How Soon Can You Trade in a Financed Car

This again depends on how much negative equity you are willing to add on to the debt of your new car purchase. Experts advise paying off more of your current loan before trading in for something new. 

How to Calculate the Cost of Trading a Car with a Loan Balance

Having positive equity on your current loan, that is, you owe less than the car is worth, makes it easier to trade in than when you have negative equity. “If the value of the car is more than what you owe, the dealership will accept the trade-in and take on the debt owed for the car knowing that they can still sell it for a profit,” said Jake McKenzie, an analyst with Auto Accessories Garage. But if you owe more than the car is worth, “a dealership may still allow a trade-in, but what you owe on the vehicle will be tacked on to the price of your new car and effectively transferred to the new loan,” McKenzie said.

How to Find the Value of Your Car

On Autotrader.com (https://www.autotrader.com/instant-cash-offer) you can easily enter some information about your vehicle and instantly receive an accurate assessment of your car’s value. The site uses data from a range of sources such as consumer information, depreciation costs and dealer transactions, to give you a snapshot of your car’s value. 

Calculating Money Owed and Trade

First, you’ll need to find out exactly how much you owe on your current vehicle. Check with your lender to get the most accurate figure. Then, using a car valuation tool such as the one on Autotrader.com (https://www.autotrader.com/instant-cash-offer), determine your car’s worth.

How to Trade in a Financed Car

-       -  Determine how much you owe on your current car (payoff amount) by consulting your lender

-       -  Check to see your car’s valuation using the tool on Autotrader.com

-       -  Select the new car you want to buy

-       -  If you owe more on your current car than it is worth, expect to have that difference added to the loan amount of your new purchase

Buying Guide: 8 Tips for Purchasing a Used Vehicle

 

According to automotive sales data, used car sales continue to be strong nationally. With more than seven million motorists on the road in Georgia, knowing the steps to buy the right pre-owned vehicle can lead to a longer car life and cleaner air for all.

It's important for consumers to do proper research to ensure their time and money are well spent in the car-buying process. 

To that end, Georgia’s Clean Air Force, in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), offers eight important tips to help motorists expertly choose a pre-owned car or truck.

• Set Guidelines. Before purchasing a pre-owned automobile, create a list of your specific needs, familiarize yourself with vehicles you’re interested in and establish a budget.
• Get a Free Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). Georgia’s Clean Air Force’s website provides a summary of the most recent vehicle inspection reports to inform motorists of the vehicle’s latest valid, passing emissions inspection: www.cleanairforce.com/motorists/vir-reprints/.
• Request a Carfax Report. Carfax reports provide the vehicle’s history, including whether the car has been involved in an accident or a range of other negative events.
• Research the Dealer. Before buying a pre-owned vehicle, make sure you know who you are purchasing from. By researching dealers, you can eliminate untrustworthy sellers or those with negative comments.
• Make Contact and Schedule a Test Drive. Calling the seller is a great way to verify the car’s information and schedule a test drive. A test drive can tell you if the car is the right make and model for you and provides further insight into its condition.
• Obtain a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Hire a trusted professional to perform a pre-purchase inspection.
• Complete an On-Board Diagnostic Test. An on-board diagnostic test determines what kind of repairs need to be performed on the vehicle. The test scans for codes that are linked to specific damage services and any preventative maintenance services.
• Factor in Location. Metro Atlanta has a 13-county emissions testing area that requires a passing test every year. Anyone residing outside of metro Atlanta’s 13-county emissions testing area are not required to provide a passing test at the time of sale, as 13-county sellers are required to.

Buying Guide: What's a Base Model?

 

If you have any experience with new-car shopping, you may have run across the term “base model.” If you’re not sure what that is, allow us to explain.

What Is a Base Model?

A base model refers to the most no-frills version of the car you are buying. While other versions, or trim levels, of the car might have more “goodies,” the base model is typically cheaper because it doesn’t have some of those amenities.

Think of it the same way you’d think of buying a pizza. The cheapest pie probably has cheese as its only topping. Want pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and more? Then you’re moving up from the “base” model pizza to higher trim levels, with of course, a higher price tag.

In the market for a new car? View these tips for negotiating the best price.

Automakers usually designate the different trim levels of their vehicles with suffixes on their names. For example, the Kia Forte, a compact sedan, has five trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Live, GT, and EX. The FE is the base model of the Forte. Each of the other models has varying levels of advanced equipment and amenities.

Sometimes automakers use no suffix on the names of their base models, or, as is the case with the Mazda3, they offer a straightforward breakdown of the trim levels. The Mazda3 comes as a Base, Select, Preferred, or Premium model.  

Amenities on today’s vehicles include such wide-ranging features as larger, more powerful engines, heated and/or cooled seats, backup camera, and self-parking technology, among many others.

Base models can sometimes differ slightly in appearance from higher trim levels, with fewer design cues on the exterior or interior. Think regular headlights or taillights, as opposed to those with a fancy design. Or regular steel wheels, rather than higher-end alloys.

Get helpful information on how to buy a used car.

Base Model: To Buy or Not to Buy?

The biggest argument in favor of buying a base model, obviously, is the amount of money you save. If you don’t care about getting some of the amenities mentioned above, you’ll do fine with the base model.

However, the resale value of base model vehicles is lower than that of models higher up the trim level rankings. So if you think you’ll sell the vehicle or trade it in somewhere down the line, that might be something to think about.

With Spring and Summer Road Trip Season Approaching, Pay Attention to your Tires

 

As spring and summer road trip season approaches, one important area to pay attention to is the condition of your vehicle's tires. Here are a few tips for making sure your tires are up to par for your getaway.  Check Your Tires: The Coin Test – Honest Abe May Not Know What is Best for Today’s Drivers Consumers have long relied on the U.S. penny to check tire treadwear depth. If the top of Lincoln's head is obscured by the tread when the penny is inserted in the tread this indicates the tire is within legal tread depths and that tire’s ability to grip the road is not greatly reduced until the tread wears to 2/32 of an inch of remaining depth. This quick and easy test provides a general snapshot but may not paint a complete picture. Consumers often check tire tread depth using the penny test. If the top of President Abraham Lincoln's head is obscured by the tread then the tire has about 2/32 of an inch of remaining tread and technically is within legal tread depth to maintain grip in dry conditions. If you can see his head (above), it is time to replace your tires. However, the test may not work for all, especially those who frequently drive in wet conditions. On rain-soaked roads – a frightening hazard for many this year – experts recommend a minimum of 4/32 of an inch of tread depth.  A typical passenger car tire has about 20 square inches of total footprint surface and begins with about 1/3 of an inch of tread depth. While 2/32 of an inch of tread may be enough to maintain grip in dry conditions, the scenario changes with road conditions. Experts now say it's a good idea to replace tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch of remaining tread depth if rain and wet roads are a concern, and 5/32 of an inch for snow-covered roads. Tests have shown how shallow treads reduce wet braking traction, increase the risk of hydroplaning and increase stopping distances.  According to researchers, most street tires that have been properly stored and maintained have a useful service life between six to 10 years. If you aren't sure when your tires were installed, the manufacture date code is on the tire. It is the last four numbers in the DOT sequence. Ex. In this image 5122 indicates the tire was made in week 51 in year 2022.   Like Vacations, Nothing Lasts Forever, and Tires are no Exception Most motorists look at tread depth or miles driven as key indicators, yet few consider or monitor the age of their tires. In most cases tires will wear out before they age out. But with many logging fewer miles behind the wheel during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, experts recommend consumers consider age when checking their tire’s roadworthiness.   There are no definitive replacement age benchmarks because many factors – environmental and storage conditions, usage frequency, and tire care – can affect how slowly or quickly a tire ages. Despite manufacturers using anti-aging ingredients in tire rubber compounds, tires are perishable. The rubber loses elasticity and thus grip but may look perfectly acceptable and be devoid of the usual visual indicators such as cracks and chunking – where rubber sections break off. Age also affects the tires’ structural integrity, creating a potential hidden danger that could lead to the tire rubber separating from the inner layers of fabric plies and steel cords.   Experts say most street tires that have been properly stored and maintained have a useful service life between six and 10 years. Check your tires’ date of manufacture or your old receipts, as it might be time for replacement.  Content from Tirerack.com was used in this report