Is there a “woman tax”? By some account, women pay over $1,300 more annually than men for everything from deodorant to sneakers to health care. They’re not the only group that pays a premium, though. Men are charged thousands more than women in auto insurance over their lifetimes, and there are indications that African-Americans and Hispanics pay more for homes than other ethnic groups. Doesn’t all of this seem sorta illegal?
Studies have shown that poor people tend to pay more for auto insurance. Guess who else pays a premium? People who own small, inexpensive cars—a group that also tends to be poor.
Low-income drivers are routinely charged higher auto insurance premiums than well-heeled car owners. But why should the poor pay a premium when it comes to premiums? Is the system inherently unfair? Or are there valid reasons why poor drivers tend to represent bigger risks for insurers?
Also, wanna start making more money? Consider making a bet with a friend, in which the person who earns the most next month will get a free dinner—courtesy of the loser.
Don’t be impressed when a car dealership manager offers to throw in a few free oil changes on a new car purchase. General Motors is upping the ante in buyer incentives by including MetLife auto insurance coverage for a full year on new vehicles bought in the Northwest.
Everybody knows that if you’re a good driver, you’ll pay less for car insurance than a person with a history of fender benders. But there’s another less obvious factor that dictates your car insurance rates: your credit score.
This week’s roundup also features tips from a couple who manage to throw a wedding for mere $2,500.
You probably spend more on beer, cable, pets, day care, and health insurance than you think. And you wouldn’t believe what some couples will spend on their wedding day.
Resolutions made as a new year arrives tend to come in two main categories, with a goal to do something that’s good for you, or to kick some bad habit. There’s also a third category of resolutions—one that resolution-makers should probably keep to themselves.
If you drive infrequently, you could save a bundle from paying by the mile, rather than a flat amount for coverage over a specified time period. One study, in fact, says that the average driver would save $270 per car with a mileage-based insurance policy.
Take a look at insights that’ll help you negotiate, shop smarter, and get the most out of your local library, along with lists of stuff that’s overrated, stuff that’s cheaper than you thought, and stuff that you can always get for less than the retail price.
