Latest news with #Musson
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I Have Driven Over 250 Car Models: These Are the 3 Best and Worst for Your Money
With so many models and options on the market, choosing the right car for your money isn't easy. The wrong choice leaves you trapped in a money pit, draining your finances with repair costs, poor gas mileage and lack of options to recoup your investment. But the right car purchase serve you well for years with affordable upkeep, great fuel economy and strong resale value. Find Out: Check Out: To help you get the most bang for your buck, we spoke to Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with to get her opinion on the car models she thinks are the best value, as well as which are the worst. Best Values Honda Civic The Honda Civic is a compact sedan with great fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of up to 36 mpg combined for models with the 1.5L turbo engine. The base model 2024 Honda Civic LX has a starting MSRP of $23,950. Don't let the small size fool you — the Civic's well-designed interior gives you plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Its strong resale value and low maintenance costs make it a smart choice for those seeking a dependable and economical vehicle. 'They have very few problems even when they reach high mileage,' said Musson. 'They're luxurious at a budget price.' Good To Know: Honda Odyssey If you're looking for a minivan, the Honda Odyssey is a great pick. The cavernous interior provides comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and the powerful V6 engine delivers smooth performance while still achieving a respectable 22 mpg combined. The starting MSRP is $38,240, and it will serve you well for over 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance. 'The Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey are two of the most reliable vehicles,' said Musson. 'Their safety features make you feel secure.' Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback is a rugged midsize SUV with all-wheel-drive capability and solid fuel efficiency at 29 mpg combined. The roomy interior carries a lot of cargo. Subaru is also known for its durability — you should expect it to last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. 'Subaru Outbacks are great buys for your money,' Musson said. 'The all-wheel-drive standard feature is hard to beat. The interior has a great, user-friendly design. They're workhorses and will provide reliable service for years.' Worst Values Ram 2500/3500 Diesel If you're in the market for a truck, you may want to think twice about the diesel engine RAM 2500 or 3500. You might be drawn to the macho image of heavy-duty trucks, but diesel engines require more expensive maintenance and repairs. 'One of the worst vehicles for your money is a Ram diesel,' Musson said. 'The parts on a diesel truck are ridiculously expensive. Not every mechanic will work on a diesel, so your options for repair shops are limited. The parts fail, and you'll need repairs frequently.' But what makes these trucks a bad value is their poor fuel economy. With an estimated 15-20 mpg combined, you'll spend big bucks at the pump. Diesel fuel also tends to be more expensive than gas, which will add up over time. Land Rover Range Rover Another worst buy, according to Musson, is the Land Rover Range Rover. While they're undeniably stylish, she says they're a maintenance nightmare. 'Their starting price is high, so you'd expect reliability,' said Musson. 'That's not the case though. They're one of the least reliable vehicles, and they're frustrating when parts start breaking down.' The starting MSRP for the 2024 model is $107,400. For most buyers, these luxury SUVs just aren't worth the financial pain. Ford Focus The Ford Focus has been a popular choice for car buyers on a budget for a long time. Ford has recently stopped making the Focus. You might be tempted to get an even better bargain by picking up a used one. But even for the price, they underperform consistently. One of the main issues is poor reliability. 'Skip the Ford Focus,' said Musson. 'It's a budget car to begin with, so at least you're not spending a ton on the purchase price. However, it's the kind of car that just has a lot of annoying problems like window electronics that stop working and a noisy ride.' You might get a great deal upfront, but the high likelihood of costly repairs and low resale value make it a poor choice. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth This article originally appeared on I Have Driven Over 250 Car Models: These Are the 3 Best and Worst for Your Money
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 German Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025
Auto experts had a lot to say when it came to which German car models to avoid. Electrical issues, oil leaks and brake malfunctions are just a few of the problems that came up when budget-conscious experts discussed German cars. Next time you're looking for a new vehicle, here are the German car brands to avoid, according to top auto experts. Check Out: Read Next: BMW The sleek and luxe BMW brand has been a status symbol for years, but some car experts say, no matter how good these cars look, you're better off without them. 'The most common issues on BMWs are oil leaks, cooling system failures and failures on the turbocharger,' said Alex Black, chief marketing officer and auto expert at EpicVIN. Black said the electronics are another frequent issue with BMW, particularly drive failures and digital gauge faults. Black said that BMW's with N20 and N55 engines (which are commonly seen on the 3 Series and X3) usually start to break down within the 70,000 to 100,000 mile range. 'They are sport vehicles, but to stay reliable, they need to have strict maintenance. Skimping on a couple of services can mean very expensive repairs later on,' Black added. For You: Audi Like BMWs, Audi's are frequently driven by the upper crust, but Black said to not let that persuade you. 'Audi cars have issues with electrical and sensor faults as they age, especially cars from 2010 to 2018. A lot of the faults occur once the warranty runs out, which comes as a shock to most owners,' Black explained. Black said that he sees a lot of claims for Audi's with faulty infotainment, frozen power windows and sensor faults. Because it's a luxury car that's made overseas, these repairs can be very pricey. Customers are often paying a lot of out of pocket costs to keep Audi's running as they get older. Mercedes-Benz Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with and called out Mercedes-Benz vehicles for consistently breaking down after five to seven years. 'New Mercedes-Benz cars are generally reliable, but after exceeding 50,000 miles, they tend to experience issues with their electrical systems failing,' Musson said. 'Since many of the mechanical parts run based on electrical information, the problems can very from the infotainment system glitching to the car not starting.' Volkswagen Musson said VW's are practically known for their failing electrical systems, but that's not where the issues end. 'The transmissions also have a reputation for being prone to problems. They are hard to repair. Dealership shops may be the most able to fix problems, but they're also the most expensive,' she added. More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region This article originally appeared on 4 German Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Key Signs You'll Never Make It to the Upper Middle Class
What middle-class American doesn't want to level up and be upper middle class? To turn the upgrade down would be like opting for coach over business class on a long flight. But, unless you land a windfall inheritance, such leveling up isn't easy. Most middle-class folks will stay middle class for their whole lives and often it's not their fault; they're held back by external systemic forces such as job insecurity or discrimination. Find Out: Read Next: But there's no shortage of people who want to be upper middle class but stay middle class simply because they're not being proactive and responsible. Consider the following six key signs you'll never make it to the upper middle class. You'll see that you probably have more control over this than you think you do. Budgeting can be a bore and a chore, especially if you're not used to it, but it's critical for all of us. Nobody who wants to move up the economic ladder can afford to not budget. 'Budgeting provides a roadmap to achieving your goals,' said Melanie Musson, insurance and finance expert at 'If you don't budget, you may have a goal of becoming upper middle class, but you'll flounder wherever your status currently has you. A budget can help you understand where you're overspending and can cut back on so that you can build your wealth with what you can save.' Learn More: Millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and again, we must have some compassion and recognize that a lot of people are cornered into this lifestyle not by choice but by circumstances. That said, there are plenty of us who are guilty of living paycheck to paycheck because we overspend. 'You will never get ahead if you spend everything you have,' Musson said. 'One of the key elements to building wealth is saving and investing. If you don't do that, you will never become upper middle class.' Musson recommended shifting your spending habits today by putting a freeze on buying nonessentials. 'Then, you can build on your saving habits when you get a pay raise and keep your same budget so that you can save your extra income,' she said. Most of us need to earn a living and it's not as though every single job out there leads to a bountiful career abundant in raises, promotions and bonuses. Some not-so-great jobs just don't lead to better jobs and if you get stuck in a dead-end job, you're unlikely to ascend to the rungs of the upper middle class. It's time to get serious about making a plan and possibly pivoting. 'If you have no clear path forward in your current job, it's time to broaden your prospects and look for something that offers a clear career path,' Musson said. 'Before you quit your job, decide what type of position would fit your expertise, but also challenge you. If you need to get a certification, start working on it to improve your chances of getting a new job. Then, start applying. Don't be discouraged if you try and don't get a job right away. Keep trying.' Bad things happen and when they do, they can set us back financially. If you aren't prepared when a life disaster strikes, you could go into debt and get stuck for years. 'One job loss or medical emergency can wipe out fragile savings, forcing credit card debt that compounds over years, locking you out of the wealth flywheel,' said Patrice Williams Lindo, CEO at Career Nomad. 'Build a six- to 12-month emergency fund — but also create income resilience by developing additional income streams and upskilling in recession-resistant sectors.' A 2024 study by The Zebra found that Americans are keeping cars they bought for longer periods of time than in the past — an average of 12 1/2 years. But you could stretch it even further. Most new cars are designed to last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles which is about 15 to 22 years. If you're purchasing a new car more often than is necessary, you could be chaining yourself to a forever middle-class lifestyle. 'A new car can cost $1,000 a month,' Musson said. 'If you're middle class, that's a large portion of your paycheck and too much to spend on a depreciating asset. A new car may give you the appearance of being upper middle class, but it will keep you from getting there. Instead, opt for a car that's five years old and has already lost about half of its value. Then, drive it after it's paid off and start allocating what you're not paying for a loan payment toward saving for your next car.' Your mindset and perspective can play a role in class mobility. If you think in terms of your income and not your net worth, you're not setting yourself up for success. 'People need to shift their mindset from, 'How much do I make?' to 'What am I keeping and investing?'' said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, PhD, economist, CEO and president at Avrio Institute. 'One of the most common financial traps is focusing solely on income rather than building wealth. Too many people correlate a high salary with upper middle class. Without disciplined saving and investing, income becomes a treadmill rather than a ladder. Track your net worth growth. Max out tax-advantaged retirement accounts and prioritize asset accumulation.' More From GOBankingRates 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses This article originally appeared on 6 Key Signs You'll Never Make It to the Upper Middle Class
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
8 Ways To Stretch Your SNAP Money If Benefits Were To Ever Get Cut
Millions of Americans rely upon the supplement nutrition assistance program (SNAP) to help them afford their groceries. SNAP has experienced cuts in the past and could face future cuts. Whether President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' reduces the federal funds that go toward SNAP, or other policy changes affect these benefits in the future, SNAP cuts can be worrisome. Find Out: Read Next: In addition to adding a burden to already struggling families, cutting SNAP benefits has larger consequences to the economy, according to Marie Maysonet, insights director at NielsonIQ. 'Last time benefits were reduced, we saw significant drops in spending across many categories, highlighting the ripple effect on the economy. With inflation still a major concern, another reduction in benefits could deepen these issues.' If SNAP benefits are cut now or in the future, what can the average American who is already struggling financially do to stretch their budget or find alternative sources of support? If you ever wanted to start reducing your meat intake and eat more veggies, this could be a good opportunity. A reduction in SNAP benefits may require a change in eating habits, according to Melanie Musson, a finance expert with 'Potatoes and beans are inexpensive and can be added to bulk up a meal's fiber, carbohydrates and protein,' she pointed out. Adding these side dishes to your meals can help stretch more expensive foods. Check Out: Those kinds of foods also lend themselves to 'large batch' cooking, Musson pointed out. 'Preparing large batches of soups, casseroles or stir-fries helps families repurpose leftovers into new meals,' she said. Additionally, freezing meat and produce in meal-sized portions right after purchase prevents spoilage and supports better planning, according to George Carrillo, the former director of social determinants of health for Oregon state and current CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. 'These small changes can make a limited food budget last much longer,' Carrillo said. Don't simply shop at the closest grocery store if your food budget is tight; find the most affordable ones, said Aaron Razon, a personal finance expert with Coupon Snake. 'The same food item bought from different stores can cost significantly different prices. The point is that comparing prices across stores and considering factors like quality, quantity and sales is a great way to find the best deals.' Many stores offer loyalty programs, discounts or promotions that can further reduce costs, as well, he said. If you've been loyal to a brand just because it's familiar, now is the time to try generics or 'off-brand labels,' Musson recommended. 'In many cases, off-brand foods are indistinguishable from their brand-name counterparts.' Generic or store-brand foods often cost significantly less than the big-name counterparts. While federally funded programs may be seeing cuts, there could still be state and local resources to check out. Razon suggested looking to food banks and organizations that collect and distribute food to those in need. For example, in his state of Pennsylvania there are programs like Feeding Pennsylvania, Food Connect group, 412 Food Rescue Pittsburgh, soup kitchens and food pantries. Carrillo pointed out that some states also offer enhancements like Double Up Food Bucks, which match SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables. 'Counties often partner with nonprofits to provide grocery vouchers, food boxes and local food distributions. Seniors can use the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, and families with young children can access WIC.' He also suggested that local SNAP-Ed offices and human services departments are reliable places to find up-to-date information on available programs. Many public schools and other local agencies, like libraries, provide free meals during the summer. 'Check with your local administration. Sometimes you have to sign up for meals, and other times you can walk in. The meals are for school-aged children,' Musson said. Don't forget to take advantage of any grocery store or coupon apps, particularly because they'll allow you to accrue points that you can use for discounts or free items, Musson said. Cash back apps like Ibotta or Fetch allow you to earn money back on your purchases, Razon said. Don't forget to look to your community for support, too, Carrillo said. 'Community gardens, food-sharing groups and neighborhood fridges provide additional ways to access healthy food,' he said. Other options include apps like Too Good To Go, which helps reduce food waste by offering surplus food at discounted prices; potlucks with friends or neighbors to reduce expenses while building stronger connections; learning food preservation techniques like canning, freezing or drying to extend the life of fresh produce and cut down on waste. 'Many SNAP-Ed programs and local extension offices offer classes on these skills,' Carrillo said. While cuts to an already tight budget are unwelcome, there are ways to survive a financially lean period. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on 8 Ways To Stretch Your SNAP Money If Benefits Were To Ever Get Cut
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
3 SUVs That Will Break Down More Than the Average Vehicle
Not all SUVs are built with long-term reliability in mind, and some models are more likely to leave you dealing with unexpected repair bills. 'While some are known for their exceptional reliability, others are prone to frequent breakdowns and costly repairs,' explained Ruth Calkins, general manager and car expert at Findbyplate. 'This is just one of the reasons buyers shouldn't be easily swayed by the physical appearance or feature of an SUV when deciding to buy.' Trending Now: Find Out: If you're shopping for a dependable ride, these are three SUVs experts say tend to break down more often than the average vehicle. The Land Rover Range Rover isn't cheap. Kelley Blue Book shows a starting MSRP of over $109,000 brand new, but 'it costs a lot of money to buy new, but it loses value quickly because of how problematic ownership can become,' Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with wrote in an email. One of the most frustrating issues is with the infotainment system, which often malfunctions, as well as electrical issues and air suspension failures. 'Engine problems can result in repairs that take weeks to restore the vehicle's operational status,' Musson added. Consider This: The Volkswagen Taos is notorious for its engine issues, which are expensive to repair. According to Edmunds reviewers, maintenance issues are frequent, and the vehicle has unreliable electronics and some have faced costly repairs early on in ownership. 'Fuel system problems can cause drivers to run out of gas because the gauges malfunction, preventing them from accurately indicating the fuel level,' Musson wrote. 'The brakes often wear out quickly,' she added. This leads to frequent brake service, which can be costly. While it's known for off-roading, it doesn't mean the Jeep Grand Cherokee is reliable overall. 'Jeep, as a whole, has a reputation for breaking down,' Musson said. 'With the Grand Cherokee, different model years tend to have varying breakdown issues; however, there are consistently recurring issues that affect reliability and are frustrating for owners to have to repair.' This doesn't apply only to the newest model. 'There is also a serious concern with the fact that the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been recalled 11 times by NHTSA, over various safety concerns including issues with airbags, electrical systems, suspension and steering,' Calkins wrote. 'This recall points to potential gaps in the design or manufacturing of this vehicle, that may compromise its reliability as well as safety.' More From GOBankingRates 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 This article originally appeared on 3 SUVs That Will Break Down More Than the Average Vehicle
