Whether the goal is to save money, or you’re looking at ways to simplify your life, trying to cut down to one vehicle can be a wise choice that you should consider. Running a busy household can be pricey, and if you have multiple vehicles, you will have double the insurance, not to mention fuel costs.
For those who want to do their bit for the environment and keep costs to a minimum, here are 5 top tips on how to become a one car family.
Set Goals
Although you may deem it impossible at the beginning, becoming a one car family may be easier than you think. Many families have a future goal of buying their own home, so if you’re looking at ways to save money, getting rid of excess vehicles and sticking to just one is the best place to start. Giving your children the best start in life should be your top priority, so setting financial goals for you and your loved ones will show how beneficial it is to stick with one car only.
Plan Ahead
If you’re serious about becoming a one car family, it’s important that you and your partner plan ahead to avoid disputes. Sitting down with your spouse to review the week ahead will prevent any stressful car conflicts. For example, if you both need to drive to work, while you may find that one of you will need to seek alternative transportation, the money you will save when compared to driving another vehicle could be a huge amount.
Alternatives to a Second Car
Although having a second car tends to be the easiest mode of transportation, there are other options available to you. Carpooling is becoming increasingly popular, so if you have coworkers who live nearby or other families that may want to share trips to your kids’ school, sharing the cost of driving with other riders can save you money and reduce stress levels. We’re all aware of how important regular exercise is for our health, so why not purchase a bicycle and use it to get to and from work?
Consider the Savings
There are many annual savings that you will gain from becoming a one car family. Parking fees, routine maintenance, and replacement of tyres will be halved, as well as your car insurance. When looking for a car insurance quote, make sure you compare deals online to help you find the best car insurance quote for you and your family.
Be Flexible
To become a one car family, being flexible is important. Inescapably, there will be times where your partner may need to use the vehicle at the same time, however, there are other options available to you, such as going out on foot, ringing a taxi, or calling a friend for a ride.
If repairs and fuel costs are taking out large chunks of your monthly budget, becoming a one car family may prove to be one of the smartest financial choices you make.
