Buy the Right Bike for You

Biking by the Danube River

Summer is finally in full circle (at lest where I am). It's a lovely time to go around on your bike. 

Now, if you're just in the market for a new bicycle! Good for you, because bike riding is fun, provides economical transportation, and is great exercise. Not every bike is created equally, however, so make sure you pick out the type of bike that will work with your riding style. If you plan to commute to work on your two-wheeler, pick a bike that can handle both dirt and pavement. You’ll also want one that can is visible to motorists on the road, so consider buying a commuter model in a bright color or one that’s accessorized with lights and reflectors. 

 Maybe you’re not a commuter, but you are an adventurous type who likes to pedal up the sides of mountains or through forest and desert trails. If so, you’ll want to buy a bike that is designed for off-roading. Adventurers need mountain bikes with wide tires, lower gears, disc brakes, and full suspension. With this type of vehicle, you’ll be able to grip the surface of rocky trails, gravel, and dirt. If you just want a comfortable cruiser cycle or one that can help you burn calories and get a cardio workout, there are bikes that will meet these needs, as well. Prices vary greatly from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, so do your homework and take some test drives. For more details about bike possibilities, take a look at this infographic.

 
Presented By Bicycle Adventures Bike Tours & Vacations

The Text of Death

Wise Moves When Planning to Secure Used Auto Loan

choose carefully

When you want to buy a car, say a Volvo for instance, but you do not have the cash, stop looking at catalogues that display pictures of svelte brand new cars. Instead, you can secure a used auto loan to buy a used car that costs 50% less than a brand new one.

Buying a used Volvo can be a wise move, because if you are thinking of getting a used auto loan, you can get lower interest rates due to the depreciation of the car. As compared to brand new cars that lose its value by 15-16% every year, the value of second hand cars is more consistent. However, first you need to know what type of used car loan you can apply for.

Types of Used Car Loans

• Purchasing from a used car dealer. The banks easily grant car loan if the borrower is directly buying from a dealer whether it is a used car department, a used car dealership, or a car dealership that sells both brand new and previously owned cars like Mill Volvo car dealers. Banks find this kind of transaction less risky for them thus they provide the borrower with more financing options.

• Buying from a private entity. It is usually difficult to obtain a used car loan for this type of deal because the bank or financing agency finds it more risky. In case the car loan is approved, higher interest rate is involved due to uncertainties in this kind of transaction.

At times, borrowers may find it difficult to secure a used auto loan because not all banks are willing to lend money to buy a car that has been in used for more than five years. Usually, the interest rate is pegged at least 2% higher than the rates given for brand new car loans. If you are already decided on getting yourself a loan so you can buy the car, here are some things you need to do before going to the bank:

• Make sure that the car you plan to purchase has undergone a complete checkup. You do not want to go through the process of securing a loan and paying it only to end up with something that may not outlive the loan. Always perform a test drive and make a thorough inspection before making a deal. This step is very important especially if you are buying from a private party which, unlike in a dealership, does not usually have a warranty clause for the deal. If you are buying from a car dealer, ask for an extended warranty with low rate.

• Check your credit report to find out if you are qualified to apply for a car loan with the bank. Know your credit standing before you apply for a used car loan. Inquire from different banks and financing agencies what car loan packages are available and what other options are offered. Interest rates are different among banks but generally, the basis for approving your loan falls on your credit rating.

Now you are ready to go to the bank and fill out the loan application. The initial step that the bank does is to determine the value of the car. Usually, the loan cannot be higher than the assessed value as determined by the bank. Thus if the car is priced more than the loan value, the borrower can either shoulder the price difference or find a cheaper car that fits the bank loan. 

Buying a car, whether it is brand new or second-hand, can be likened to a roller coaster of emotions. The buyer feels the excitement of getting to choose the car he wants only to become disappointed later because of the entailing costs attached with the car. Despite this, that glimpse of hope remains because thankfully there is the used auto loan that offers reasonable financing schemes to enable him to buy what is truly affordable.

Fleet Factoring Saves Time and Money

Staying on top of invoicing, collections, and growing a transportation company can become overwhelming in just a few short years. What once worked for one or two trucks, can evolve into a nightmare of sorting through paperwork and keeping on top of expenses. By utilizing software that keeps records not only up-to-date, but consistent with loads, management has more time to expand without the worry of fleet factoring.

What is Freight Bill Factoring?

Cash flow problems occur with almost all transportation firms. When factoring out freight bills, an outside company takes on the responsibility of billing invoices and collecting funds. The amount of time and money saved is an advantage to the transportation industry due to the fast and convenient options that these firms offer.

Options for Fleet Factoring

There is much more to fleet factoring than creating invoices and collecting money. The diversity of credit checks of customers, live monitoring, fast online reports, and important notifications, create an atmosphere that could only be served by physical employees. One of the latest features available, is being able to borrow against receivables. There is no waiting on financial institutions for credit approval, evaluating a company's worth and setting up payment plans. The figures for outstanding receivables prove that a short loan can be paid back and growth is never put off.

Reward Programs

Many fleet factoring companies provide incentives to their customers with fuel discount programs and referral programs that pay extra cash. They may even offer equipment leasing and financing to help to grow a trucking business. By taking advantage of programs that have the right contacts, everything can be streamlined and much more efficient.

The trucking industry has evolved into a fast-paced environment that depends on prompt deliveries and on-time payments to drivers and staff. Removing the worry of staying ahead of invoicing and collecting money has become a detail that does not need to exist. The cost of getting started is minor compared to the hassles of paperwork and time constraints. Approval is simple with a good credit standing and the proper insurance and motor carrier authority. With the right fleet factoring company, growing pains will turn into no pains and a bright future.

Upscale Private Transportation For Hire

 

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Public transportation can be unreliable at times and taxis can also cause some hassles for tourists and business travelers. Limousine services provide reliable and professional transportation anywhere in a major metropolitan area.

A traditional stretched limousine has a private back section that can accommodate large groups of people. The smallest limos have intimate rear sections for several people to enjoy. A U shaped seating configuration may be installed in a modern limousine. Such a layout allows all of the passengers to interact and socialize while facing each other. A central table and console may also be featured in a limousine.

The entertainment package of a contemporary limousine includes a flat panel HDTV and multiple premium speakers. The TV can be used to play DVDs or stream TV shows. Satellite Radio is also integrated into a limousine's entertainment package. An example of a limousine service that offers upscale amenities is Premier Limousine Inc.

These days, wireless internet access is a standard feature in premium limousines. Passengers can easily log onto a secure network that is offered via a built in mobile hot spot inside the limousine vehicle. Fast speeds of more than 15 Mbps can be enjoyed while riding in the back of a limo.

Luxurious limousines are equipped with great amenities that are inspired by night clubs and lounges. For example, a small wet bar may come with a mini fridge that's used to store cold beverages and treats. Cocktail glasses can be nicely hung from the top of the mini bar that creates an exciting scene inside a limo. Special lighting effects with rotating disco balls also add a party scene into a limousine.

Button tufted seats with leather upholstery inside limousines are inspired by love seats of trendy night clubs. Even side pillows can be included in a limo to provide more cushioning and comfort for passengers.

For the ultimate privacy, passengers can interact with the limo driver through an intercom. The courteous driver does not bother any passengers during a ride. Chauffeurs also act as personal concierge staff for the valued passengers. Luggage and bags are removed from the trunk and carried over to the appropriate spot upon the request of passengers. Multilingual limousine drivers can also offer personalized assistance and guidance for foreign tourists visiting major cities in the United States. Limo chauffeurs also use the latest GPS systems to bring clients to the right destinations.