Tips To Staying Safe On The Road New Years Eve

New Years is a time to say goodbye to the past year and welcoming the New Year ahead so enjoy the celebration but be cautious as New Years is notorious for drunk driving and you want to keep you and your loved ones safe. The party could start days before New Years Eve at an office party or happy hour at a pub so it’s imperative that everyone be on high alert at anytime during the holiday season. Being sober does not mean that the other driver is so following these tips could make your New Years a safe one:

1) If you’re hosting a party – Provide a bowl where guests can put their keys before the party begins and ensure that no one leaves your home with their keys while they’re intoxicated. Provide a room where drunk guests can stay the night to sleep it off. Provide taxi chips for your guests and if finances are an issue, assign a designated driver to pick up and drop off guests to their front door.

2) If you’re attending a party – Leave your keys with the host if you drove to the party. Have a family member or friend be designated driver or have someone who is the designated driver and not attending the same party to pick you up on their way home. Research ahead of time companies that will come pick you and your car up and drive you home this way your car is there for you in the morning.

3) If you’re the driver – The best way to keep you and your loved ones safe is to be behind the wheel. Be aware of your surroundings and be aware of all the other drivers on the road by being really alert while driving.

4) If you’re a pedestrian – You’re at an elevated risk as well. If you’re walking, please stay clear of busy streets and stay off them if you can. If you've been drinking, have a buddy walk with you so you can have extra eyes to help watch your surroundings for drunk drivers and so that you’re not getting lost while being intoxicated and alone.

Public transit is also another safe option but be sure to always have a family member or friend with you to keep you safe this New Years Eve. Be safe, keep warm and enjoy your New Years celebrate. Happy New Years to you and your loved ones from Prudent Value Cars.

Car Break Ins During The Holiday Season

Christmas and New Year is a busy time of year. Busy malls, lots of traffic, snowy weather conditions, just a lot of hustle and bustle of people trying to make the holiday come together but it’s also the time of year where car break ins are more common.

Everyone should enjoy the holidays and not experience the violation and frustration of having your car burglarized or stolen. You should become more aware during this time and simply remember the following tips:

Don’t forget to lock your doors. Burglars scout malls looking for easy targets and the opportunity to steal cars and some burglars are so experienced that they can steal your car within a minute.

Don’t leave items in plain site. Leaving your newly purchased items visible only helps the burglar be more efficient in their crime. Don’t forget not to leave any items visible even if you think that it’s not a worthy item because what may seem unworthy to you may be worth something to someone else. Place all your belongings in your trunk.

Try and park in a well lit area where there is more traffic. Of course this proves to be more difficult during the holiday season as the parking lots are completely full and with shoppers and their busy minds, no one is really paying attention to other people’s vehicles but it’s always a safer bet to try.

Close your car windows. This may be less common as the weather is not great for keeping your windows down but it also makes it easier to forget should you roll down your window. You may have needed some air or had a cigarette and wanted to air out the car, just become aware and remember to fully close all windows. Even the smallest crack in your window will give the burglar an advantage over the car next to yours that has their windows rolled up.

These simple steps will help deter the burglar from breaking into your car. Prudent Value Cars wishes you and all your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season!

How To Increase Your Chance Of Getting Approved For Bad Credit Car Loan

Getting a car loan can be challenging especially if you have a bad credit history, but it shouldn't stop you from getting a car loan. Bad credit car loans are obtainable, they are just harder to get than a good credit car loan. Here are ways to increase your chance of getting approved for your car loan:

1) Work on your credit score – Your credit score is the most important factor to determine the amount of interest you will pay. Request your credit report and look for any discrepancies, information that should be updated such as addresses and request for it to be updated this way you have an accurate report when dealing with getting a bad credit car loan. Also, bringing your credit report along with you when getting a car loan will show the lender that you’re well informed and on top of your finances. If possible make the effort to eliminate your smallest, most recent debt and this will show the lender that you’re serious about getting rid of your debt and improving your credit.

2) Save for a down payment – Showing your lender that you have money for a down payment demonstrates that you have good saving habits and the less of a risk you are for them. Also, the bigger your down payment, the less your monthly payments are going to be. When you’re able to manage your monthly payment, the greater your chances of increasing your credit score and improving your financial situation. If you’re choosing payments that you’re not able to maintain and doesn’t fit your budget, you’re setting yourself up for more financial hardship. For a higher chance of getting approved for your bad credit car loan, it’s also wise to purchase your vehicle from a dealership that offers financing to bad credit loans and better yet, choose one that will report your payments to the credit report and help rebuild your credit.

3) Prove a monthly income – Loan companies have to ensure that you have the ability to pay back your loan. To qualify you must have full time employment of at least one year, a computerized paystub, earning at least $15 an hour, a current bank statement and preferable two references. You should educate yourself on the guidelines for the lender you choose so that you are prepared showing again that this is a serious commitment to you.

Following these steps will align you with a lender that is willing to give you a chance to rebuild your credit history. Overcoming financial hardship is no easy task but choosing the right vehicle for your budget and making your payments on time will make you a survivor.

Affordable Vehicle Financing In Toronto After Bankruptcy

Getting vehicle financing when you have good credit is not a difficult task. With good credit you can get car financing from any bank and their only concern will be whether your income supports the payment that comes with your vehicle. Not everyone is in this ideal situation. Buying a car after bankruptcy can prove to be very challenging. The bankrupt status on your record will tell lenders that you’re not a dependable borrower. Many people overcome their bankrupt status and go on to have a strong credit profile.

Buying a Car after Bankruptcy

Many bankruptcy people fear that they can no longer get the financing they need for any type of loan, whether it is a car loan, personal loan or home loan. Today there are lenders that are willing to work with you to get the perfect car loan for you. Having an affordable vehicle is important but it’s extremely important to get the best financing for your situation.

The key is to find a reliable lender who specializes in loans to people with bad credit. These lenders can be found anywhere, through dealers, networking and online, however, you must be extremely careful for scams. Using good judgement is vital in your quest for the most affordable car financing for you.

Auto financing after bankruptcy is not that difficult a process and a lot of bankrupt people get these loans. A car loan after bankruptcy is a great way to help build back your credit history. You simply have to find the lender that is dedicated to help you come out of your financial slump.

So start your journey towards financial recovery.

How To Purchase A Vehicle In Toronto When You Know That You Have Bad Credit?

Knowing that you have bruised your credit is one thing, but facing the idea that it is time for a new vehicle when you have bad credit can be paralyzing. It has become much more challenging for clients with credit difficulties to qualify for affordable vehicle financing at dealerships.

One thing you will need to keep in mind when you start shopping is that the more money you have as a down payment, the higher the likelihood of qualifying for a car loan in Toronto. Lenders like to see this because it shows that you have more of a stake in the vehicle because you have invested in it. Also you will have a lower car payment.

Lower mileage vehicles are more attractive to lenders. The lower the vehicle mileage the more valuable the vehicle and the less likely you will be to have car problems during the term of the loan. Large, expensive car repairs that occur with later model vehicles, while having car payments is one large reason average individuals default on their car payments.

Here are some tips if you have bad credit and want to purchase a vehicle in Toronto.

1. Choose a vehicle that is 3-4 years old with less than 50,000 kms. You will still be able to take advantage of the power train factory warranty on most vehicles and this will give you a vehicle that will last beyond your loan payments.
2. Do not stretch your loan payments over longer than 48 months. You want the vehicle to still be worth something once you pay it off.
3. Try to raise at least 25% down payment and this will ensure that you keep your payment low and will increase the likelihood of a car loan approval.

For more information about purchasing a vehicle when you have bad credit please visit www.prudentvaluecars.com

Prudent Value Cars Video Blog – One Stop For The Loan You Need and The Car You Want

Prudent Financial Services has been specializing in repairing credit through open, affordable and same day loans in Metro Toronto and the GTA since 1984. We have helped thousands of people who have had undischarged as well as discharged bankruptcies, proposals almost paid off and people with bad credit histories in the past who have resolved most of their debt. In 2004, we created Prudent Mortgage Corporation. In 2008, we opened our own indoor auto dealership across the road. Prudent Financial is now a one-stop centre for all your financial needs -- personal loans, car loans and home equity loans.

Drive in confidence with a Prudent Value Car.

My Car Just Hit 100K, What Should I Do?

You may think that if your vehicle has 100K that it’s ready for the junkyard. Although some cars may be ready for a trade in at this point, many cars can last twice that long with no major work needed. The design of a car has dramatically improved so with regular checkups and maintenance, your car can run smoothly for a long time.

There are many cars that drive past the 200K mark. The key to your cars longevity is all in the owner’s manual. It’s important to follow the schedule of the owner’s manual rather than the schedule of the dealership.

Think about how much money you can save in the long run with no car payments for 10+ years. Here are some tips that you can do to help your car make it past 100K:

· Keep your tires inflated properly and remember to rotate them.
· Start it up properly.
· Come to a complete stop.
· Regularly change the air filter.
· Maintain proper coolant levels, proper fluid checks and oil changes.
· Don’t ignore your dashboard warning lights.
· Look for any warning signs.
· Find a mechanic that is reliable.
· Keep your car clean.
· Be a good driver.

There is a satisfaction in knowing that you have a vehicle that is dependable and will take you anywhere you want to go. Why should you get rid of a car that is in good running condition? Remember that most of the years taken off the lives of our cars are due to our poor driving habits and those same habits can end up costing us thousands of dollars in repairs that could have been prevented.

There are many factors that could influence the decision to buy another car. If your car is no longer reliable and is costing way to much in repairs than it’s actually worth then it may be time to look into purchasing a new car. Prudent Value Cars only sells top quality pre-owned cars with low kilometres.

To view inventory visit www.prudentvaluecars.com/inventory.html

Are You Buying A Car Online?

More and more we are using the internet to make purchases. Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime but would you make this major purchase online? How safe is it to buy a car online? What do you need to know to buy a car online?




What are the advantages of buying a car online?
Purchasing a car online does have some advantages. It can definitely save you time. To surf the internet for a car requires less time and effort. The internet also offers you more choice. With just a click of a button you can search more choices and options that you may not have visiting your local dealer.

What are the disadvantages of buying a car online?
The disadvantages definitely outweigh the advantages of purchasing a car online. A car is a major purchase and the last thing you want to do is become a victim of fraud. Making purchases online is a big avenue for people from all over the world to get victimized so you’ll want to make sure that you’re purchasing your car from a reputable source. There is also the danger of not having the vehicle delivered or there may be problems obtaining the title. As you are not able to test drive the car, be wary that the photo you are viewing online may not be the vehicle that is being sold or it could be the same vehicle years ago. Serious interior problems such as electrical can not be seen from a photo. There may be hidden fees that are not listed on the site.

 So what are some of the things you can do to improve your odds of buying a safe car online:

1) Do plenty of research on the dealer. Look to see if the site offers feedback. Read reviews and comments made by previous purchasers.
2) Know the car’s market value. Get online pricing from other online resources and remember that if the price is really too good to be true, it just might be.
3) Get a vehicle history report.
4) Contact the seller and ask as many questions as you can regarding the vehicle.
5) Get all promises in writing.
6) Never pay in cash. You want a record of everything should something go wrong.
7) Research extra costs. Know all the costs that may be associated with travel and shipping. Research all costs for title, registration and taxes.

Take the time to ensure that you’re taking all the necessary steps to make it a safe and reliable transaction. For more valuable tips and information or to view the Prudent Value Cars.

Buying a used car in Toronto

There are so many questions you ask yourself when you’re on the market looking for a quality used car. What to look for in a used car? Where to look for a used car? What type of car is right for me? There are many factors to consider when purchasing a used car to make the buy a lot easier for you.

Cars are one of the biggest investments that you will make which in most cases calls for you to borrow money from a bank, credit union or other financial institutions. Buying a used car can save you a lot of money. When you purchase a new car, you’re paying for the car being new and this doesn’t necessarily mean that a new car does not have any problems. New cars can have manufacturing defects or problems with poor design leading to a recall. A new car also depreciates in value the minute you drive out of the dealership and is only worth about 70% of the original value after just a few years.

The best place to start when buying a used car is to set a budget, make sure you stick to it and shop around for the best interest rate before you purchase.

When purchasing a used car, the cheapest car doesn't mean you’re getting the best deal. Your ultimate goal is to find a car that is in good condition for a reasonable price. The value of a vehicle really depends on the cars condition. You may have two cars to choose from that are the exact make and model, one may have been religiously maintained and one poorly maintained.
Your best choice here is to pay the extra money for the car that was properly maintained leading you to save more in the long run.

Do a lot of research. Ask a lot of questions. Check the odometer reading. Check the body for rusting. Take a road test...etc. The internet is also an effective tool for researching market value, pricing and to also find dealerships that sell used cars.

Buying A Car In Ontario

Prudent Value Cars sells only top quality, pre-owned cars and trucks with low kilometers  Most of the time, if you don’t see the car you want, let them know and they can usually get it for you. They also finance cars from any dealer of your choice. You can also apply for same day financing at their loan center.

Using The Dealership Or Independent Repair Shop

In order to retain your car’s value and to keep it running smoothly, you need regular maintenance. It’s also inevitable that at some point you will need some type of repair work done whether it’s minor or major. The burning question is should you use the dealership or should you use an independent repair shop?

When you should use the dealership
Every time you purchase a new car, the dealer will often recommend their dealership mechanic and for certain repairs such as manufacturer recalls or warranty work, the dealership is obviously the place to go. It’s also wise to use the dealership when you have a hard to diagnose problem with your vehicle. If you’re under the impression that using an outside garage violates the car’s warranty, it’s usually just a ploy to get and keep your business.

When you should use an independent repair shop
Getting your work done at a dealership can be very expensive. Even when a cheap special for oil changes or scheduled maintenance work is displayed, you can usually find you can get the work done cheaper at an independent shop. One of the main reasons for this is because dealerships have more overhead. They also tend to have better customer service because they are smaller than your dealership and need your repeat business. Sometimes these local repair shop mechanics are more qualified as they have knowledge of all the auto part components and on many different types of vehicles as well.

Finding a good independent shop
Whether you’re choosing a shop for its location or convenience, you’ll want to make sure that the mechanic you’re going to is ASE certified. These are mechanics that are certified for their quality and knowledge. The best way to find a great repair shop is through networking with family, friends and co-workers. You may want to get a better understanding of the shop you’re hiring by asking questions like how many years of experience they have and how long they’ve been in business.

Repair shops may advise you that you should get an oil change or major tune up more often than necessary so it’s wise to have a manufacturer’s manual and stick to their schedule unless your vehicle is not running well. This will help you save money in the long run and a great way to shave off your budget.

Zero Tolerance Alcohol Level For Novice Drivers

All drivers, beginner or experienced, know that we should never drink and drive. If you’re a young driver you need to be aware, be disciplined and responsible because the penalties for drinking and driving are now stricter for the younger drivers.

As of August 1st, 2010, a new “zero tolerance” law came into effect in Ontario. This law makes it illegal for a driver 21 years or younger to drive with any amount of alcohol in their bloodstream regardless of their class of license. The goal is to teach our young drivers at an early age that road safety and responsibility is a priority.

Four years ago a law similar to this was introduced in Manitoba and it was reported that there was a significant decrease in the youth death rate.

Although there is a lot of controversy over the new law, the truth is that when you mix someone who is a new drinker as well as a new driver then it becomes really risky for all drivers and passengers on the road.

Penalties for being caught are:

· A 24 hour suspension
· A 30 day license suspension if convicted the 1st time, 90 day suspension for 2nd offense and cancellation for 3rd.
· Up to $500 in fines.

We should also not forget that along with the above noted penalties comes the fact that your insurance rates will also increase.

With Halloween and the holiday season approaching, there may be many social events taking place where alcohol will be available to you, so be pro active and evenly dispense designated driver duties within your group.

For more valuable information, please visit www.facebook.com/prudentvaluecars

Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

Let’s face it, unless you live in sunny Florida winter can be rough and can certainly be rough on our cars. There are numerous things to keep in mind when winterizing your car so here’s some advice on what you can do to get your car ready for the cold season.

TIRES – Making sure your tires are ready for the winter season is the most important thing to take into account. It’s the only part that touches the road so you’ll want to make sure that the tread on your tires are in good shape followed by checking that they are aligned and rotated. Sometimes it may not be enough to have tires checked, you may need to replace them with snow tires for the season depending how bad winter is.

HEATER AND DEFROSTER – Making sure that your heater and defroster is working before the winter hits won’t only ensure your comfort in the car but will ensure that you’ll have good visibility through your windows.

WIPER BLADES – Replace the windshield wiper blades and fill up on windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir. Don’t use plain water as it’ll freeze.

BATTERY – You can jump start your car in the middle of a blizzard but why not avoid that if you could. This is a great time of year to make sure the connections are corrosion free and that your battery has all the water it needs.

KEEP AN EMERGENCY KIT IN THE CAR – Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car.

These are some things you may need.
· A warm blanket
· An ice scraper
· Rock salt or sand
· A tire inflator
· A flash light
· Snacks
· Jumper cables
· Extra warm clothes like gloves, boots and scarves
· A small shovel


Hope this simple reminder helps keep you safe throughout the winter months. For more valuable tips and information, visit www.prudentvauecars.com

Beware of the New Car Loan Financing Trap.

When you visit a new car dealer the entire experience is designed to make sure that you leave with a vehicle.

From the showroom to the shiny new cars to special offers and more… sales people wait for you to arrive so that they can make a sale. Only one problem, the most affordable new vehicles are domestic and range from $20,000 - $30,000 in price after tax and freight.

Let us be finance people for a moment and look at a number like $25,000. If we divide $25,000 by 60 payments (5 years) at 0% Interest you are looking a monthly payment of $420 per/month at NO interest. Now who would finance a customer at 0% interest. This is the subject of our article.

· Many new car makers advertise low APR financing but if you read the fine print you will learn that they will also demand large down payments and involve very short term loans (no longer than three years of financing).
· Those who offer 0% leases, tag large buyout at the end of the lease.

So what happens if you don’t want to lease and can’t afford extremely short term financing to qualify for the low APR rate?

The dealer still has financing options that they will try to sell you. For those who cant afford a large payment and don’t want to lease, well now the dealer can send the application out to banks and finance companies. Banks and finance companies will not finance you at 0% interest and most car loan rates start at 7%. The only way to achieve the lowest payment is to stretch out the loan term and new car dealers will try to sell you new car financing up to 84 months, which is financially irresponsible.

The best thing to do is take a deep breath, take your time and do lots of research. If you don’t know what kind of vehicle you want, visit some quality pre-owned vehicle dealers. They will have the inventory to allow you to test drive lots of different vehicles. Consider a low mileage pre-owned vehicle. This can reduce the cost of the vehicle by up to 40%. Dealerships like Prudent Value Cars carry lots of newer vehicles with less than 50,000 kms. "We offer financing that considers our client’s financial goals".

Car Accessories That'll Make Your Life Easier

Your car becomes a very important part of your life from the moment you get it. You always want your vehicle to be at its best. We want our cars to be safe, reliable and a part of who we are. As a driver, we want to increase our vehicles functionality. We get oil changes and car washes but sometimes we need just a little more to make life easier. There are so many car accessories out there that can do this for us.

Let’s take a look at just a few car accessories out there on the market and how they are convenient in our lives.

Remote car starter – With winter just around the corner, you may already be dreading bundling up to go scrap the ice and snow off our cars. With the push of a button from the comfort of your own home, you can have your car defrosting while you finish getting the kids ready for school and then be able to transfer them out to a warm car. Depending on your preference and price range, there are many models out there that carry added features.

Global Positioning Systems – GPS systems are more popular than ever. Their main purpose is to ensure that you are never lost but they also provide the added bonus of tracking your vehicle should it ever be stolen or lost in the mall parking lot. It may also come with a panic button which could keep you safe in a hijack or accident situation. GPS systems are not just limited to your car but can also be used for motor homes, boats, watches, mobile phones and more.

Vehicle Parking Sensors – These parking sensors can reduce reversing accidents by 75%. It has been reported that the number of children harmed by parking accidents is equal to the amount harmed in auto accidents. It allows you to park your car more accurately reducing the chances of getting your car nicked and can reduce maintenance cost by reducing damage caused by hitting curbs and other obstacles.

There are so many car accessories out there and many may be a waste of money for you but there may be some car accessories out there that can and will make life in the car easier for you and your family.

For more valuable information and tips, please visit www.prudentvaluecars.com

The Basic Need to Know Changes to Auto Insurance

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is the provincial regulator of insurances and they have introduced reforms to auto insurance with some reduced benefits and extra charge options that have come into effect September 1st, 2010. You may have already received some information in the mail from your current insurer. If you are not aware of the changes, here are the basics to review.

Through reduction of claims cost, the new changes are an attempt to stabilize the current trend of increasing premiums in the long term, expedite the medical assessment process as part of an accident benefit plan and to provide you with more options and flexibility to purchase coverage that best suits your needs and budget. These changes will affect drivers buying a new policy or renewing an existing policy as of September 1, 2010.

What questions should I be asking my broker?

· What am I paying for?
· How much of my benefits have been reduced from before?
· How much did those reductions save me?
· How much does it cost to restore my benefits?

Other than reduced benefits and extra charge options, here are just a few other key changes that were also made:

· Prohibiting use of credit scores in giving quotations for your auto insurance rates.
· Accidents where you are 25 per cent or less at-fault will no longer affect your premium.
· If you have a minor injury due to an auto accident, your medical and rehabilitation accident benefits are limited to $3,500 regardless of the coverage level you have selected.

For more details on the changes made to automobile insurance in Ontario visit the Financial Services Commission of Ontario website and speak to your insurance professional.

For more valuable tips and information, please visit us at www.facebook.com/prudentvaluecars

Prudent is a one stop shop centre!!!

In 2008, Prudent Value Cars opened our own indoor auto dealership but we are also a one stop centre for your financial needs such as personal loans, car loans and home equity loans. Prudent Financial Services has also been specializing in repairing credit through open, affordable and same day loans in Metro Toronto and the GTA since 1984. We are the Leader in loans to people with bad credit histories!

Which premium gas versus regular gas

We don’t need to waste another penny without good reason. We need to educate ourselves so that we don’t fall into the trap of wasting our hard earned money. We love our cars but we also need our money. There are many ways to waste money on your car and one of those ways is choosing premium over regular gasoline. Here’s why:

Majority of cars are designed to run on regular gas. Your owner’s manual will tell you what grade to use. If it says regular then use regular. You may have heard that premium gas is purer and contains detergents that cleanse your engine or it gives their car more mileage and power. This is simply not true. The only thing that premium gas accomplishes is taking your money and putting it in the pockets of the impoverished oil company executives.

Premium gas does not increase the performance of your cars engine because higher octane doesn't provide better performance for cars designed to run on regular gas. The octane rating between the fuel grades does not indicate how much power the fuel will deliver. All grades of gas contain roughly the same amount of heat energy.

A higher octane means that the fuel is less likely to cause your engine to “knock”. This occurs when fuel ignites before it should disrupting the engines operation but electronic knock sensors are now common and have nearly eliminated engine disruption. A grade higher than the maker of your car recommends is not necessary and is simply just a waste of money. It may seem like cents at fill up but over time it adds up and can cost you over $200 extra a year.

For more valuable information and tips, please visit http://prudentvaluecars.com/index.php

Surviving a family road trip

With the summer season coming to an end, you may be planning a long weekend road trip with the family. Travelling as a family is a great way to spend quality time together but when the drive is long and the kids are bored, it can be an extremely stressful situation for everyone.

Try these following tips to make your road trip with the entire family a great experience.

· The biggest lifesaver for a road trip is definitely a portable DVD player. Make sure you have a small selection of movies, pillows and blankets for each child so they’re comfortable.
· Bring along a camera so when the kids get bored, get them to snap some pictures of everyone making funny faces. Even the most stressful trip will become a memory that you can laugh about later on.
· If the kids continue to ask the dreadful “Are we there yet”, pass them a map and help them figure out the route and guess how long it may take to get to the destination. Knowing how to read a map is a valuable skill in life.
· Keep kids entertained along the way by playing games such as I Spy or The Alphabet license game. You can sing songs together as a family. Make up games as you go along. Let each child pick a game to play so they’ll be more interested in playing. Stop at the dollar store prior to leaving and buy a package of pipe cleaners and get the kids to use their imagination to create something out of it.
· Make sure to pack healthy snacks and don’t forget the bribe snacks for emergency situations. For adults, bring a thermos as most rest stops will fill your thermos full of coffee for $1 or so.s Don’t forget wet naps, drinks and sanitizer for pit stops to the restrooms.
· Kids can’t sit for long periods of time so if your road trip is an extremely long one, plan ahead to stop at a pool or park to have kids burn off some energy.

Family trips can be chaotic but rewarding. If you keep these tips in mind, you can ensure a happier road trip!

For more valuable information and tips visit http://www.prudentvaluecars.com/

A Prudent Success Story!

Prudent Financial gets great satisfaction from our success stories. Here is a letter from one of our customers we would like to share with you. If you have a success story you would like to share, Prudent Financial would love to hear from you!

Fourteen years ago, i had a horrible car accident in which i was seriously injured and was not able to make payments on any of the money i owed. I had to declare bankruptcy. I was devastated and at my lowest point. I was refused a loan everywhere. The only company to give me my second chance was prudent. It helped me re-establish my credit. Subsequently, i established my own insurance business, which is now flourishing. I have resurrected myself financially, own my own house, and have investments with rrsp’s and a wide variety of insurance products. I will always be eternally grateful to Prudent Financial for assisting me in my desperate hour of need.


Meyer B.
We are glad to have helped Arnold.
All the best
Prudent Financial
http://prudentvaluecars.com/

Announcement!

IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE! Prudent Financial Services is proud to announce we have officially launched our all new website.

Our site is filled with useful tools and links to make managing your money easier.

Need a credit report? Click through our Useful links section
Use our Budget worksheet to manage your personal finances
Buying a car? Request your car proof history report
How much should you spend on a home? Find out through the Mortgage Calculator

And we’ve gone social! Join us on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and BlogPages for daily scoops on saving your money with free movies, restaurant freebies, great outdoor activities for the whole family across the GTA as well as all the essential financial facts you really must know – and often don’t!

And much, much more.

Go ahead, check out the link below and take a peek for yourself.
http://prudentvaluecars.com/

Had a payday loan lately? Find out how much more you could have saved with Prudent

Please feel free to leave comments on any of our Social Networking Sites as we're eager to get your feedback!

Finances can be challenging

Are you constantly ignoring your telephone calls to avoid the collectors? Are you stuck in a payday loan trap? Are you left with little to no money after paying for all the necessities in life such as food? These are all common financial challenges that may lead to chronic health issues and too many of us eventually endure. What can you do to stop this from happening to you? We need to financially educate ourselves so that we feel empowered to make lasting changes in the ways we manage our personal finances.

How do I educate myself?

There are so many reasons why one would neglect their finances. We need to figure out what’s stopping us from taking control of our finances. Here are a few points to remember:

• Try to always keep in mind the impact that financial instability can have on yourself and your loved ones.
• Stop making excuses and change your thought pattern. Instead of telling yourself that you get discouraged when you look at your finances, tell yourself that it’s not the money but the way you feel about money that causes you to get discouraged.
• You should keep track of all your spending by creating a budget and don’t forget to include all miscellaneous spending.
• Financial burdens can affect your sleep so know that repeated nights of no sleep will impair the function of your immune system and can lead to more chronic illnesses. Helping yourself stay focused on your finances and knowing that your working towards financial health is a good start.

Life is stressful enough without the added stress of finances. Whether you’re stuck in a payday loan trap and/or have a bad credit history that you need to rebuild, start with the tips above and seek help and alternatives such as Prudent Financial Services who is the leader in loans to people with bad credit histories and will help restore your credit.

With the prices of food and fuel on the rise, we need to stop facing the brunt of financial mismanagement now! This will require effort but the goal to secure a better future for you and your family is nothing in comparison.

Good luck on your road to financial health! For more valuable information, please visit us at http://prudentvaluecars.com/

Buying a great vehicle from a great dealer

Car dealers sell their vehicle depending on the supply and demand for that particular make. A vehicle is mainly worth what someone is willing to pay for it and people will pay above selling price for a vehicle in high demand.

There’s a lot more than simply negotiating with a seller. You must do your homework, research the vehicle you’re interested in. Find out what similar vehicles are selling for factoring in the mileage, year, condition etc.. It’s not always an easy task but with just a little patience, you’ll be able to come up with an pretty close estimate to the actual value.

Keep in mind that when purchasing a vehicle for a really great deal doesn’t mean that you’re purchasing junk. Sometimes a salesman will cut their commission just so they sell the vehicle to get rid of the stock. No matter who you’re purchasing a car from, you have to expect some negotiating which is why researching before you go into the showroom is necessary.

You should research your financing options. Compare interest rates through financial institutions, banks, loan companies or the dealership.

Prudent Value Cars offers same day financing at our loan centre. Prudent also finances cars from a dealership of your choice. Prudent Value Cars vehicles are top quality, pre-owned cars and trucks with low kilometres. We offer flexible financing
for all kinds of credit and zero down for qualified customers.

To view Prudent Value Cars inventory, visit  http://prudentvaluecars.com/

The Skinny on Nearly New Vehicles

Buying a nearly new vehicle is so much easier today than it used to be. A two to four year old used car can offer the customer the same reliability, performance, style and comfort that a new car can. Cars are built much better nowadays so a four year old car drives a lot like a new one, PLUS it sells up to 60% less than a new vehicle.

Dealers now offer the consumer another level of protection in the form of certified used vehicles. These are nearly new cars that meet specific qualifying standards. These vehicles have been carefully inspected, serviced and are backed up by extra warranties. The consumer can also purchase additional after market warranties.

One of the biggest changes these days are how cars are bought. You can now shop online for a car from all across the country. Shoppers should be more cautious when purchasing a vehicle using this route.

It is extremely important to do your research before you buy. Prudent Value Cars offers top quality, pre-owned cars and trucks with low kilometres. Please visit our inventory at http://www.prudentvaluecars.com/inventory.html.

Why it's smart to think Prudent Value Cars

About Prudent

Prudent Financial Services has the most affordable loans to people with bad credit histories in the GTA. Prudent has been specializing in repairing credit with open, affordable, same day loans to discharged and undischarged bankrupts, people whose proposal is almost paid off ,or people with paid off debt who still have bad credit scores. Since 1984 Prudent Financial Services has been specializing in repairing credit through open, affordable and same day loans in the GTA.

In 2004, Prudent created Prudent Mortgage Corporation and in 2008, Prudent opened their own auto dealership which now makes Prudent a one stop centre for all your financial needs.

Why you should choose Prudent Value Cars

• Top quality pre-owned cars with low kilometers and premium safety checks
• 30-day free bumper-to-bumper warranty on all mechanicals. If something goes wrong, we fix it. Also, one-year powertrain warranty.
• Certification and emission
• Full history reports of cars we sell
• Flexible financing for all kinds of credit
• Premium Safety Checks
• Important credit repair services offered at Loan Centre

Also, if you don’t see the car you want, most of the time we can get it for you. We also finance cars from any dealership of your choice!

Drive with confidence in a Prudent Value car. Visit our inventory at www.prudentvaluecars.com/inventory.html

Car check list before a long road trip

You may feel that your car drives well and is in great running order but that doesn’t necessarily mean your car can withhold a long road trip. You need to make sure your car is ready to go the distance and want to avoid any mechanical problems if possible.

Here is a checklist on things to go over before your road trip:

Check under the hood

It’s always best to change the oil before any long road trip. You want to check the transmission fluid, coolant, battery, hoses and belts. Your engine will work harder on a long road trip and you’ll want to make sure there are no cracks in the hoses or belts.

Check your tires

Check the tires, suspension and the steering. Make sure you have the right tire pressure. Recommended pressure should be indicated in the owners manual. There is a safe limit of the tread wear, if the tread is below this limit, it is unsafe to drive. Take a trip to your reliable mechanic a couple weeks prior to your trip to check steering and suspension. This will leave you enough room should there be a need to get work done. Also get your mechanic to check the CV joints.

Check equipment

Check your lights, horn and wipers. A spare set of wipers should be on your list to bring along. Check the window washer fluid and also carry a gallon along with you on your trip. Check the AC and heater and make sure there are no noises. If there is, have your mechanic take a look to confirm all is okay with the heating and cooling system.

Check your spare tire

A spare tire and a jack are definitely needed. Check to make sure that the spare tire has air. The jack and the lug nut wrench must be the right size for the car.
Don’t forget an emergency kit while travelling long distance and enjoy your ride.

For more valuable tips and information please visit http://prudentvaluecars.com/

Common things that ruin your car.

Regular car maintenance and taking car of your car is very beneficial to the longevity of your car and will help you save dollars in car repairs, however, here are some common things that people do that can actually damage their cars.

Not coming to a complete stop before shifting – A lot of people make the mistake of shifting the car into drive before the car comes to a complete stop. This wears out your car’s transmission and puts a lot of stress to your drive shafts.

Not using your parking brakes – When you park on a hill and don’t use your parking brake, you’re actually putting all the stress of your car on the transmission. Emergency brakes come in handy in many situations. Get in the habit of using your parking brakes every time you park.

Riding the brakes down a hill – This is a very common mistake because it feels like the safest way down the hill. Braking the entire way down the hill will heat up and wear out your brake pads and cause problems with your tires. The best way down the hill is to break and let up off the brakes.

Revving your car during the winter – Revving your car when you start it may be the quickest way to warm up your car but your actually causing damage by doing this
frequently. The car should be left idling for about 30 seconds in order for the oil of the engine to lubricate and get through the engine.

Neglecting bad car sounds – When your car makes a sound, pay attention as it’s trying to tell you something. Ignoring these sounds can actually become worse and worse until it is a major problem and a major dent in your wallet.

A lot of the time we do these things without realizing it so take the time to change bad habits before it causes damage to your car. Taking car of your car is a great way to save money.

For more valuable information and tips, please visit http://prudentvaluecars.com/

Finding the right used car for you!

Purchasing a car is a big decision. There is no perfect car but when you factor in your needs rather than your wants, you’ll discover the perfect used car for you. This article will give you just three simple tips to help you find the car that fits YOUR needs.

1)How will your car fit into your lifestyle? - We all want to drive a fast sports car but realistically this is usually not the best fit for your lifestyle. Do you need to accommodate children and need a lot of cargo space? Do you value environmentally friendly vehicles? How long is your commute? Do you want a manual or automatic transmission? What safety features do you need? Do you need your car to fit into a garage space? Before you begin the car buying process, determine what kind of car is best suited for you in your life.

2)What is your price range? – You need to know how much you can spend on a used car before you start to look. If you decided that $10K is the most you can afford, then stick to this and don’t get pressured into spending more than what you can afford.

3)What kind of cars are you interested in? – Research the many different vehicles through the internet. Find out the safety ratings and what other owners thought of any specific car. Research how many miles the car gets per gallon of gas. You can get a better feel of the type of vehicle you require and the pricing of cars you may be interested in.

At this point you should have a good idea of all the cars that interest you. Don’t let superficial options like colour and interior be a deal breaker for you. Enjoy this process.

For many years, car buyers have been visiting local dealerships to find the car they want. In these internet ages, you can now search for your perfect used car online.

Visit our Prudent Value Cars inventory at http://prudentvaluecars.com/

How to sell a car!

Although selling your car privately is not as common as it used to be, it is the best option to make extra cash. Trading in your vehicle for an insulting sum and then finding that it’s being sold for double the price is frustrating. You may have an extra vehicle that is no longer needed and you could use the extra cash; whatever the reason you have decided to sell it yourself.

There are advantages to parking your car on your driveway with a for sale sign posted on the window,however,modern technology gives you access to thousands of interested parties through the internet. For a small fee you can sell your vehicle on sites such as Auto Trader and Ebay. There are also resources such as Kijiji and Craigslist where you can post your vehicle at no cost to you.

Your first step is to check the online ads to see what the asking prices are for vehicles like yours. Take into consideration their mileage, the condition and their location to help determine your selling price. Leave some wiggle room in your pricing so you don’t have to go lower than what you’re willing to accept.

Prior to advertising your car, you’ll want to make sure that it looks as attractive as it can. Buyers will know within seconds whether they’re interested in a car. Clean out the trunk and interior. Make sure your car is washed, waxed and detailed. Have all your maintenance records ready to show the potential buyers.

To create your Ad, you’ll want to list all the highlights of your vehicle. List the make, model, the year, mileage, your location, price and a contact phone number. You may also want to post a picture of your car.

When it comes time to sell your vehicle, note that buyers will evaluate you as well when deciding if your car is for them. Make sure you make them feel comfortable and be confident when answering their questions and/or concerns. If you’re not getting any buyers, then you may have to be more flexible with the price.

Selling your car takes commitment and time but the payoff is money in your pocket.

For more valuable tips and information http://prudentvaluecars.com/

When it's time for a new car!

You may have grown to love your vehicle. You may have maintained your vehicle properly, changing the oil and getting routine tune ups but we all know that cars don’t last forever. Deciding to let go of your car is not always easy but here are a couple of factors to help you determine if it’s time for a new car.

The Cost of Repairs – If you’re spending close to or more on repair costs than the actual value of the car then it’s definitely time to buy a new car. Naturally, the older the car the more wear and tear there will be and your car will start to require more trips to the mechanic. Your alternator may start to fail, your transmission will start to skip. Take into consideration the amount which is spend on repairs over the year to help give you get a better sense of how much your older vehicle is costing you in repairs.

Is your car safe? – The road can be a very dangerous place and you may be driving a problematic car and not know it. If you’re feeling insecure about your safety when you get into your car then it’s time to start shopping. The last thing you need is to be stuck on a highway with a toddler in the car or pulled over on the side of the road with no reception on your cell phone.

There are many reasons why a person may want a new car. With fuel costs constantly increasing it may no longer be practical for you to continue with a vehicle that is a gas guzzler. If you add up the amount of fuel that you spend a month, you may find that you are spending a lot more than you would for a monthly payment.

Even if your car is not financially draining there are other indicators for a new car. Whether there is a birth of a child and you need to change from a 2 door vehicle to a minivan or your children are now grown and you’d prefer a 2 seater, the time has come for a new car.

Although buying a new car may give you great pleasure, it almost always makes more financial sense to buy a used car. The benefits of buying a used car may include:

• Lower purchase price.
• Lower depreciation.
• Lower insurance premiums.

With used cars, the previous owner has absorbed the biggest portion of the depreciation cycle. A new car loses about 40% of their value almost immediately.

Prudent Value Cars has top quality, pre-owned cars and trucks with low kilometres and have been servicing the Metro Toronto and the GTA area since 1984. We offer flexible financing for all kinds of credit and zero down for qualified customers.

Visit our inventory at http://prudentvaluecars.com/ to find the car you need today!!!

How to prevent your car from being stolen or broken into.

You don’t have to drive the most sophisticated of cars for your vehicle to be a target to theft. Older cars are actually sought out more because they lack the security that the newer cars are fitted with.

The longer it takes to steal a car, the better the chances are it won’t be stolen. You can’t stop a thief from stealing your car but you can definitely make your car less appealing by following a few simple tips.

Keep valuables out of sight – Most cars are stolen for simple reasons.

1. The keys are left inside,
2. There are bags left in plain view or ...
3. Valuables such as wallet left on the dashboard. Put all valuables in the trunk or glove box.

Never leave your car unattended – Car alarms are becoming harder to bypass so unattended cars are becoming bigger targets. Even if you’re leaving your car for just a few moments, remove the key from the ignition and lock the doors.

Park in well lighted areas – Thieves like to steal in the night and do not want witnesses so try to park in the brightest area or in an attended parking lot.

Lock all doors and windows – People still forget to lock their days and even on the hottest of

days, roll up your windows. The smallest opening can make your car an easy target for theft.

Install Car alarms and indicators – You want to make the thief aware that there is an alarm system installed. Use alarm stickers on windows but leave out what type of alarm is installed. Use LED indicators so it’s more visual for the thief. Your car alarm should be loud enough to attract attention when it goes off.

A separate battery for the alarm system – The first thing a thief will do is try and cut the battery cable as the car alarm is tied into the battery. Use a hidden 12V motorcycle battery for the alarm system.

Although following these steps will not provide 100% protection from theft, they will make your vehicle less attractive to the thieves.

For more valuable vehicle tips and information, please visit http://prudentvaluecars.com/

What to do when you're in a car accident.

Car accidents, even the small ones can be a traumatic event. There is no doubt that you will feel scared, jittery or frustrated. You may not be focused on what just happened. Unless you or any others involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention whereas you should dial 911, you will need to work through the fear and compose yourself. What you do at the scene of the accident can play a big role in the resolution of the case.

Here is a list of things to do when in a car accident:

· Stop the vehicle. Leaving a scene of an accident whether it’s your fault or not, could have you charged with hit and run.
· Avoid too much conversation about the accident. Do not admit to any fault or liability. You want to discuss details with the police or your insurance agent only.
· You may not have a camera on hand but if you’ve got a cell phone with a camera, take pictures of the vehicles involved, the location and any debris surrounding the accident. Take pictures of any other damages on the other vehicle that could not have happened in this accident.
· Gather as much information as possible. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got the names, addresses and phone number of the driver and all passengers. Get a description of the other vehicle involved. Don’t forget the other driver’s license plate and insurance information. It may also be wise to get any witnesses information, collect the date and time of the accident and also record the location.
· Cooperate completely with the police. You never want to argue and lose your temper with the police or with the other party involved. Doing so may result in you looking guilty.
· As soon as possible, contact your insurance company and file a report with them.

It’s important to know what to do when you’re in an accident before it happens, so keep your checklist and review it from time to time.

For more valuable tips and information, please visit  http://prudentvaluecars.com/

How to save gas and money.

As we approach summer months gas prices are on the rise. It’s the time of year when we do the most driving. There are many things you can do aside from buying a more fuel efficient car that can help cut down on gas expenses. Here are some tips to help you conserve gas and money.

1. Less acceleration – A car consumes more gas as it accelerates. You will not get anywhere any faster with that extra speed. Drive the speed limit. Try taking off smoothly and slowly when leaving a stop light. It’s not a race, the fastest person across the intersection is just wasting more gas. Drive the speed limit. Keep at a steady pace, if you’re stuck in traffic try to use the brake less by paying attention to the cars ahead of you and keeping at a good distance.

2. Revving is not cool – Revving your engine just stresses the engine especially when the engine is cold but even if its warm, you’re wasting gasoline not to mention the wear and tear on the engine.

3. Turn off your air conditioner – This is a tough one especially if you’re living in Arizona. When your air conditioner is running you get much worse mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until your car gets cool and then use the fan to circulate the cool air. Don’t run the air conditioner while your windows are open. Turn off the air conditioner 5 minutes before you get to your destination and try to park in a shaded area. Remember to open your window at low speeds and using your air conditioner at high speeds gives you better fuel economy.

4. Check tire pressure – Under inflated tires increases fuel consumption so check the air pressure on your tires more frequently. Keep your tires on your car inflated to the manufacture’s recommendation.

5. Idling is not for the car – Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. When you turn a car on, it uses a bit of gas but when your car is idling, it uses a fixed amount of gas over a period of time. If you foresee your car idling for more than 1 minute, you should consider turning your car off. Pay attention to those times you’re waiting in line or waiting in a driveway.

6. Don’t fill up when the price is high – If you need gas and the price is high, fill with what you need and then return when the gas price drops if at all possible. Filling up at high prices only let the gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gas. Study the gas patterns of your area. Quite often gas prices go up on a Friday going into the weekend. If that’s a consistent pattern make a habit of filling up on Thursdays.

7. Keep your car tuned up – Cars that are not maintained and are in poor running condition use more gas.

"We hope that these tips will not only help reduce emissions but will leave you with extra change in your pants pocket. Looking for a late model, reliable vehicle? Check out our inventory at http://prudentvaluecars.com/

Keeping your car engine clean.

Not only can a clean engine increase the resale value of your car should you consider reselling it but it’s also a great way to keep watch for any service issues and also ensures that your used car will run smoothly for years to come AND let’s not forget how good it will look when you open the hood of your car.

Before you start you must take these precautions – Refer to your vehicles service manual for any cleaning instructions or precautions for your particular engine. Always wear good eye protection when using chemical agents like engine degreasers and you MUST disconnect your vehicle’s negative battery cable.

To begin, you should start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes and then shut it off. This is done in order to soften up collected grease and grit in your engine compartment. Remember that your engine should be warm and not hot. You should be able to hold your hand to the engine without burning it.

You will want to cover all electrical and mechanical components beneath the hood to protect them from water damage. You will also want to tighten all caps, the power steering cap, the windshield washer fluid cap, battery filler caps etc.. It’s a good idea to cover the distributer, coil, air intake/air filter and oil dipstick/breather with plastic baggies sealed with rubber bands.

An engine degreaser is a great agent that will help remove the grease from your engine parts. Spray all over the engine and engine compartment with a non petroleum based degreaser. Using a degreaser too often can cause the rubber to break down, especially if it is petroleum based. Citrus based degreasers may require a little extra elbow work but they are worth it. They will not harm the paint or the finish on aluminum components and are biodegradable. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Wait 3-5 minutes before you scrub the heavy dirt with a towel or brush. Once the whole engine is clean, rinse thoroughly with water.

Remove the plastic baggies and dry off any collected water. You may want to start the engine and let it warm up in order to dry off any moisture in the engines sensitive components.

You can apply a thin coating of non-silicone lubricant to all hinges, throttle cables, cruise control cables and top off all fluids.

Your hard work has now paid off and you’ve got yourself a shiny engine compartment.

Go to http://www.prudentvaluecars.com/ for more useful information!

Removing your car from winter storage.

Getting your car back on the road is always a little trickier than storing it properly. It’s a job that most car owners must deal with but here are some pointers on how to get your car ready to hit the road again.

Change the oil and oil filter. If you’ve changed the oil before putting the car away, you’ll be in good shape when it’s time to start it up again after a long winters storage but before starting the car, check the oil level on the dipstick first and then recheck it again once the car has been idling for a few minutes.

Remove the spark plugs and squirt a small amount of motor oil into each cylinder to pre lubricate the engine. We know that access to the plugs may be difficult in some cars but this is critical to and helpful in prolonging your engine life.

When storing your vehicle you may have disconnected the battery so you’ll obviously need to reconnect the battery if this is the case. If the car has been stored for a year or more, you may need to purchase and install a new battery.

You’ll want to check the tire pressure before getting your car on the road. It is critical to have properly inflated tires as this ensures the best possible contact between the tire and the road. Read your owners manual to find out the proper pressure. Properly inflated tires will also improve gas mileage.

Check all vital fluid levels including coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and so on..

Also, you may want to check underneath the car to confirm that there are no leaks that need attention.

Drain and properly dispose of any gas in the tank. This may seem like a terrible waste but bad gas means trouble.

Now you can give your car a good wash and wax, don’t forget the inside and enjoy your ride!

Visit us at www.prudentvaluecars.com for more information.

Why purchasing a used car is a good idea?

Does everyone deserve a new car? The answer is ABSOLUTELY, however purchasing a quality used car from Prudent Value Cars will save you money in more ways than one and here are some ways how:

Used cars are priced significantly lower than newer cars so not only will you save money on the purchase price of the car when but you will also save money over the entire time you will own the vehicle. Prudent Value Cars only sells top quality pre-owned cars with low kilometres and premium safety checks.

Every used car that is sold by Prudent Value Cars has 30 day free bumper to bumper warranty on all mechanical. If something goes wrong, we will fix it! There is also a one year powertrain warranty.

Insurance rates are also generally lower for older model cars than for new vehicles.

A new purchased vehicle will lose it’s depreciation by approximately 30% the moment it is driven off the lot. Prudent Financial will ensure you are driving away with a top quality car by providing you with a full history report of the vehicle you are purchasing.

Prudent also offers flexible financing and is a one stop shop that offers all kinds of credit for car loans, personal loans and also home equity loans.

Please visit our website at www.prudentvaluecars.com