Article Archive
Explaining Mortgage Insurance
June 01, 2017. AAA Staff
Q. Can you explain mortgage insurance? A. Mortgage insurance, sometimes referred to as private mortgage insurance or PMI, protects lenders against borrowers who default on their loans. Any borrower who puts down less than 20 percent on a mortgage should expect to pay mortgage insurance, which is often paid on a monthly basis with other…
Friendly Spots for Solo Trips
June 01, 2017. AAA Staff
Traveling solo has its advantages. You’re free to set your own itinerary, and you don’t need to convince anyone else about whether a destination is worth visiting. That said, it’s understandable that a solo sojourn, especially your first, can be a little intimidating. If you’re a bit apprehensive about going it alone, consider these destinations….
Pet Allergies: When an Itch Means Something More
June 01, 2017. Nick Tavares
Ever think your pet might be allergic to you? While that may be a rare scenario, it’s increasingly clear that cats and dogs, like their human companions, can have allergies. Cornell University’s Baker Institute for Animal Health classifies potential pet allergies into three categories: atopic dermatitis caused by pollen, dust, mold and other natural irritants;…
Tips on How to Use a Roundabout
June 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz
Some drivers hate roundabouts. But a circular intersection benefits drivers in many ways. It reduces traffic congestion and lessens the types of crashes that kill or injure people by about 80 percent, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Of course, all that goes out the window if you don’t know…
Iceland: Close By, But Worlds Away
June 01, 2017. Kim Foley MacKinnon
It’s not hard to see why Iceland has become such a popular travel destination.
3 Questions to Know If You’re Ready to Buy a House in 2017
May 06, 2017.
Here are three questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering whether 2017 is the year you’re ready to make such a commitment.
When It’s Time for Kids to Get Their Own Insurance
May 01, 2017. AAA Staff
Here are some considerations to weigh when it’s time to leave the familial coverage nest.
Test Drive: 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring
May 01, 2017. AAA Staff
With a starting price of just $21,945, the 2017 Mazda6 is one of the least expensive midsize sedans on the market, yet is hands-down one of the most fun to drive. For 2017, the Mazda6 now has its vehicle dynamics control system, G-Vectoring Control, as standard equipment, as well as numerous sound-absorbing materials for a…
Howie Mandel’s 1969 Chevy Bel Air
May 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz
Canadian-born Howie Mandel is an actor, comedian and television personality known for hosting the popular game show “Deal or No Deal.” After beginning his career in stand up, Mandel starred in the Emmy Award-winning medical drama “St. Elsewhere” before creating the hit animated series “Bobby’s World.” Watch him on the new season of “America’s Got…
Keep an Eye on These 3 Car Parts As Your Car Ages
May 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz
Even the most reliable cars depreciate over time. Here are three parts to keep an eye on as your car ages. Water Pump This part circulates coolant throughout the engine to prevent overheating. It’s a moving part, so it’s prone to wear and tear; in this case, leaky seals, bad bearings and issues with the…
Curb Appeal Tips to Help You Sell Your Home
May 01, 2017. AAA Staff
Summer is a hot season for home sales. In fact, after a slight dip in May, home sales tend to climb well above the annual average in June and July, according to Trulia real estate listings. Curb appeal is always important, perhaps more so in summer when snow can’t hide patchy lawns and untrimmed hedges….
Walk This Way to a Healthier You
May 01, 2017. Nick Tavares
A daily walk is a simple, healthy habit. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, maintains a healthy weight and strengthens bones and muscles. Here are some ways to boost the benefits of your stroll. Warm up and cool down While walking is a low-impact exercise,…
3 Fun Backyard Games for Pets
May 01, 2017. Nick Tavares
Daily playtime is vital to your dog’s physical and mental health. Get creative with your backyard games this spring and try some of these suggestions from Kurgo, a pet travel, toy and outdoor products company. AAA members save up to 20% on Kurgo products. Flyball Flyball is actually a competitive team sport for dogs. To…
Touring Tuscany the Italian Way
May 01, 2017. Alex Lobrano
“I’ve dreamed of visiting Tuscany for years,” wrote Sheila, one of my oldest friends, from Sydney, Australia. “I know you’re busy, but it would be wonderful if you could meet me there, because then we could have a real catch-up that goes deeper than just a dinner – and I selfishly want to take advantage…
Car-Inspired Gifts Mom Will Love
May 01, 2017. AAA Staff
Another Mother’s Day is upon us and figuring out what to get mom year after year can be a daunting task. Why not get her something creative, beautiful and offbeat inspired by the automotive world? Harveys Seat Belt Bags These purses and bags made from cool-colored seat belts caught my eye many years ago. I…
Beyond the Leis, Hawaii Truly Pops
April 18, 2017. Erik Trinidad
Having been to almost every state in the USA – I’ll get to you one day, North Dakota – it dawned on me that I’d never been to Hawaii. Pop culture had conditioned me to think of the 50th state as a paradise where women wore hula skirts, men wore Hawaiian shirts, and tourists wore…
Test Drive: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
April 01, 2017. AAA Staff
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, a five-passenger sport-utility vehicle, comes in two trim levels and has two engine choices: a 2.4-liter engine in the base model and a more powerful 2.0-liter engine as an option in the base model and standard equipment in the limited models. The Santa Fe can be ordered in front- or…
Ricky Whittle’s 2005 Dodge Ram
April 01, 2017. Roberto Cruz
Born in northern England, actor Ricky Whittle is a former model who has starred in hit TV shows including The CW’s “The 100” and “Mistresses” on ABC. His latest show, “American Gods,” based on the award-winning fantasy novel, premieres this month on Starz. What was your first car? My first car was a red 2005…
Make Delicious Smoothies 3 Ways
April 01, 2017. Nick Tavares
For a healthy snack, try blending up one of these satisfying smoothies. Green: Pineapple green smoothie This lean, green healthy snack packs in nutrients and flavor. EatingWell.com created this smoothie with almond milk, pineapple, banana, chia seeds, Greek yogurt and baby spinach. The result – a tasty drink full of essentials like protein and fiber….
Favorite Childhood Foods Reinvented
April 01, 2017. Dana Laverty
If you’re feeling nostalgic, try these “grown-up” versions of childhood foods and feel like a kid again! Gourmet grilled cheese Betty Crocker ups the grilled cheese game with this beer-battered recipe. Hickory-smoked bacon, provolone and cheddar cheese, and an ale-based batter reinvent a childhood staple for grown-up taste buds. For a sophisticated twist, try adding…