Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/602151
B E AT T H E W I N T E R B L U E S Car-Buying Tips In the market for a new or used car? The end of the year is considered the best time to make a deal. But what to buy? • K N O W T H E V A L U E O F Y O U R T R A D E - I N . • P L A N T O N E G O T I AT E . Invoice shows what the dealer paid for the car. The Monroney sticker on the car window shows the base price, manufacturer's installed options, MSRP, etc. Sticker price is the dealer's suggested retail price. Dealers may be willing to bargain 10 to 20 percent on their profit mar- gin — usually the difference between MSRP and invoice price. • F I N D T H E R I G H T F I N A N C I N G . The loan offered by the dealer may not be the right one for you. • S H O P A R O U N D . E ducators seem to have their favorites. The Iceology buyer survey found that "Education/ Teacher/Professor " is the No. 1 occupation held by Subaru owners. "Our cars and our brand appeal to educated professionals and also people who do a lot of research into which car to buy," explains Alan Bethke, CMO of Subaru of America. "Educators fit right into that category." Members should use the NEA Auto Buying Pro- gram, a free service offering guaranteed savings on new cars (an average of $3,221 off manufacturer's suggested retail price) and discounts on used cars through local, prescreened dealers. See bit.ly/1wUDTs4 for details. • C O N S I D E R Y O U R N E E D S , including car usage, desired features, fuel economy, safety, reliability, purchase and main- tenance costs, and resale value. • N E W O R U S E D ? Do the math. Not all used cars are the same when it comes to depreciation, warranties, repairs, etc. It's usually easier to get a lower interest rate loan on a new car. S T R I K E A P O S E . Falls are more common when it's cold outside, so stretch muscles to help prevent injury. T U R N O N A C O M E D Y. Laughter increases feel-good endorphins, reduces stress levels and boosts immunity. G E T Y O U R D . Vitamin D boosts immunity and helps outmaneuver depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. 1 2 3 YOUR WHOLE LIFE Tips and trends for a smarter, healthier you Stay mentally and physically strong with these tips, courtesy of NEA Member Benefits at bit.ly/1XKiwcy. 14 cta.org