Before investing your money in a bank, you should know that not all savings accounts are created equal.

It seems simple enough to understand the functions of a savings account. Money goes into a savings account and builds interest. Easy, right? But finding the best types of savings accounts to maximize your savings requires a bit of research, especially these days when brick-and-mortar banks are competing with high-interest earning online banks. Know all the facts about your savings account options to grow your money and keep it safe.

Choosing among types of savings accounts

There are many types of savings accounts. You’re probably most familiar with standard checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts are used to pay everyday expenses such as groceries and gas. You can pay bills from a checking account by writing checks or using your debit card.

Savings accounts, on the other hand, are intended to store money for an emergency or future purpose. To discourage people from tapping into their personal savings funds for everyday expenses, banks typically limit the number of withdrawals customers can make per month. The money parked in your savings account is meant to sit and earn interest that compounds daily, monthly or annually, depending on the bank.

When scouting banks for the right savings account, you have to ask yourself what’s most important? Do you want an account with a low minimum balance and no maintenance fees? Maybe you have a larger investment and want a competitive annual percentage yield? Your answer will depend on how much personal savings you have accumulated. Shop around at different banks or credit unions to see what’s on the market.

Types of savings accounts – Online banking

The low overhead fees at online banks mean these types of savings accounts typically offer the highest APY rates, but you may have to forego traditional banking services, free ATM access and in-person customer service. Whereas a traditional bank may offer 0.01 percent APY rate, you can find online savings plans with 1.15 percent or 1.20 percent rates. Currently the national rate for a savings account is 0.06 percent, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In the simplest terms, APY is the interest you earn on your savings over a year. Accounts with daily or quarterly compounding interest are generally more beneficially to customers who want to grow their savings.

On the downside not all banks, including online ones, are required to be FDIC insured. So you’ll want to make sure your investment is safe.

Savings promotions

Banks want your business and they’re willing to compete for it. First-time customers can profit off of bank promotions – literally. Many accounts offer new customers cash rewards to open accounts. Deposit $5,000 or $10,000 in a new savings account and banks are willing pay you between $150 or $300. You can even find banks that will give you 1 percent cash back on gas and grocery purchases or higher APY interest rates for the first year your account is open. Look around to get the best banking perk for your buck.

What’s a money market account?

Money market accounts operate similarly to personal savings accounts, but depositors must maintain a higher balance to keep them open. Minimum balance requirements range from $500 to $50,000. On the plus side, the interest rates for money market accounts are higher. According to the FDIC, the national average is 0.14 percent. Access is another benefit of a money market account. Customers can make a set number of withdrawals per month and access money by writing checks or using a debit card.

Is my money safe?

The FDIC insures the money you deposit into checking, savings and money market accounts. This government agency, which is independent from the bank, was established in 1933 following the Great Depression to protect consumers when banks fail. Deposits are insured for up to $250,000 at an FDIC-insured bank. Items in safety deposit boxes, however, aren’t covered under the FDIC.

At a credit union money is insured under the National Credit Union Administration for up to $250,000. Depositors with more than $250,000 should consider divvying their money between banks to make sure it’s protected. Research your bank on the FDICs BankFind search engine to make sure it’s insured.

Hidden banking fees

Suppose you’ve decided on a bank account that appears to have no minimum balance requirement and no maintenance fees, but after the first year you’re hit with charges. Be on the lookout for hidden fees for maintenance, minimum balances, foreign transactions, getting paper statements and early account closures.

Often banks will waive fees for customers who sign up for direct deposit or make a minimum number of debit card transactions per month.

Wherever you park your personal savings is ultimately your decision. The lesson is to do your homework before opening an account and always read the fine print before committing to a bank.

Did we answer every question you have about savings accounts? If not, ask us in the comments section below and the financial services experts at AAA will get you an answer.

Many travelers enjoy both experiences with river cruises preceded by or extended with guided tours through awesome destinations.

The following is an example of such an itinerary. It combines a river cruise itinerary with a tour of popular spots in Belgium and the Netherlands, among other countries.

Brussels, Belgium

The Manneken Pis statue is a cheeky city landmark. Check it out, snap a photo, then take a leisurely stroll around the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.

Brussels and Waterloo, Belgium

Be sure to appreciate the contrast between the Brussels’ Chinese and Japanese pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium. At Waterloo, learn about Napoleon’s historical defeat. Visitors can immerse themselves in the action through the Panorama  – a 360-degree depiction of the battle – and by climbing 230 steps to the top of the Lion’s Mound for sweeping views of the battlefield and surrounding countryside.

Ghent, Belgium

Cross the Pastoral Flanders region to Ghent – aka the City of Flowers. There, you’ll want to see St. Bavo’s Cathedral, particularly its masterpiece of an altar, and the Castle of the Counts, aka Garvensteen, which dates back to the 12th century.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is home to cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century’s Golden Age. Enjoy Market Square, dominated by a 262-foot-tell belfry tower, and explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. In the evening, head to Ypres where buglers perform a moving tribute to those killed during World War I.

Maredsous Abbey, Belgium

In Belgium’s French-speaking Walloon region, picturesque country roads lead to the neo-Gothic Maredsous Abbey, towering over the Molignée Valley. Dinant, on the River Meuse, is just a short drive away. The Citadel and Collegiate Church’s onion-domed bell tower dominate the skyline.

Bastogne, Belgium

Head to Bastogne for the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during World War II. You can visit the Bastogne War Museum, too, for a further look into World War II.

Luxembourg

A popular stop on a river cruise itinerary is sightseeing in Luxembourg City, particularly for scenic views over the Petrusse Ravine from Pont Adolphe. Stroll through the old town to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke, and visit the grave of Gen. George S. Patton, who is buried at the Luxembroug American Cemetery and Memorial, in Hamm, with soldiers who fought alongside him.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Marvel at radical modern architecture in Rotterdam and see the impressive market hall and the Erasmus Bridge.

The Hague

The Hague is the elegant government center of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century and a vibrant metropolis. See Mint Tower and a floating flower market before driving across Dam Square. Take a canal cruise then get ready for your cruise. Amsterdam is a popular departure point for many river cruises.

Cologne, Germany

Another favorite stop on many a river cruise itinerary, Cologne has many treasures to explore. History buffs will enjoy Old Town and the city’s iconic UNESCO-listed Gothic Cologne Cathedral, while beer connoisseurs can check out a brewery to taste the traditional local brew of the city, Kölsch. Art-lovers can head for Museum Ludwig, a great contemporary museum. If you visit around the holidays, be sure to check out Cologne’s Christmas market, which combines tasty local food with festive lights and handmade crafts. It’s one of many on the Rhine River.

Koblenz, Boppard, Germany

Take a walking tour Koblenz or take an aerial tram ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offers dazzling views of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Be sure to get a close-up look at Marksburg Castle, and, depending on your interests, walk around the wine village of Boppard or cycle from Koblenz to Boppard.

Rüdesheim, Germany

The spectacular, UNESCO-protected Upper Middle Rhine is a 40-mile-long stretch of the river lined with castles. Explore Rüdesheim and its famous Drosselgasse – a narrow lane lined with taverns and shops – before enjoying a wine tasting at the 14th century Castle Vollrads. Travelers can also soar up to the Niederwald Heights on a gondola, followed by a hike.

Speyer, Germany

Experience the medieval town of Speyer. See its compact and historic center boasting the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then learn about unique wine vinegar aperitifs at the Doktorenhof vinegar estate.

Strasbourg, France

The Alsatian town of Strasbourg boasts a UNESCO-designated city center with a magnificent Gothic cathedral and charming half-timbered houses, making it a common river cruise itinerary destination. See the sights on a canal cruise through the Petite France district, and, if time allows, check out Old Town to try pastries and coffee enjoyed by locals.

To learn more about AAA vacation packages and to search for or book a trip with a river cruise itinerary similar to the one outlined above, go to AAA.com/Vacations. 

Tell me: When you’re on vacation, which type of vacationer are you? Are you taking early morning hikes, exploring throughout the day and eating modestly? Or are you sleeping in, lounging throughout the day and indulging in the finest foods and drinks? I’m more of the latter myself, but if the first sounds better to you, wellness travel might be right up your alley.

There are so many ways you can participate in wellness travel, but first — what exactly is it?

What is wellness travel?

American scientific research institute SRI International defines wellness travel as any “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being.”

As fancy as that sounds, your trip doesn’t have to be a super-expensive spa retreat in the mountains to be considered a wellness vacation, nor do you have to be a health nut to take one.

Wellness travel includes trips taken primarily with wellness in mind, and trips not specifically for wellness, but still include activities that promote mental, physical or spiritual health. These activities can be anything from kayaking to meditating to taking a cooking class.

Essentially, wellness traveling is about doing what’s best for yourself. Maybe that means choosing to eat healthy while on your family trip to the Florida Keys, or maybe that means taking a solo tour of the islands of Indonesia to connect with nature. Self-care means something different to me than it does to you — wellness travel is much the same.

What’s new in wellness travel

With the self-care industry in bloom, thanks to millennials, there’s no stopping wellness tourism from taking off this year as well, and the travel industry has taken notice.

Many hotels have introduced wellness upgrades to their rooms. Some new properties of Westin Hotels and Resorts, for example, will have WestinWorkout rooms, which will include the guest’s choice of a treadmill or stationary bike, as part of their Move Well program.

For those who don’t want to sacrifice their usual workout routine while onboard a cruise ship, many cruise lines have introduced fitness classes, gyms and even health assessments to their cruise packages. MSC Cruises’ Wellness Experience is one example of a program dedicated to guests’ wellness.

Much is happening in the way of food, too. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in North Miami Beach, Fla., uses organic, ethically sourced food so their guests can feel good about what they’re eating. Health and Fitness Travel predicts that more resorts will follow in Carillon’s footsteps and give back to their communities by using food from local farmers.

Innovations like these are perfect for travelers who aren’t traveling primarily with wellness in mind, but appreciate the chance to make healthy choices while on a typical vacation.

How to satisfy your wellness travel bug

There’s always room for improvement, and nothing is more important than improving our health. If a full wellness getaway is what you need, here are just some of the exciting options available to you.

• Cycling tours provide an unconventional way of sightseeing. Tour countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, while challenging yourself physically and connecting with the open road.

• Spiritual and holistic health retreats provide the tools you need to reach your wellness goals, guided by holistic therapists, fitness trainers, wellness educators, spa therapists and more. Such retreats exist all over the world – from the U.S. to Europe and Asia. Each location presents different opportunities for your growth.

• Adult summer camps, like Carmel Valley Ranch in California, let adults escape from the stress of ordinary life and remember what it was like to be a kid. Spas, sports and gym facilities, hiking trails, gardens, swimming pools, hot tubs, treetop suites and more help guests unwind and focus on self-care.

• Yoga retreats take you to countries like Cambodia to practice yoga and mindfulness amidst the region’s natural beauty guided by master yoga teachers.

• Wildfitness retreats are for those looking to improve their physical health and reconnect with nature. The focus is on “re-wilding,” or reconnecting with nature by eating organically, moving freely and resting according to your body’s needs.

• Sleep enhancement retreats, like this trip to Thailand from Kamalaya, help you re-establish healthy sleep patterns and address issues such as sleep apnea. If you’re willing to shell out the cash for an expensive trip, sleep enhancement retreats may be what you need to rejuvenate.

What do you think? Are you up for a bit of wellness travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ready for some R&R? Book your next vacation with AAA Travel.

Missing prescriptions can be costly and dangerous, so we put together a few medicine reminder tips to help you stay on top of your doses.

Although there aren’t any exact statistics on how many people forget to take their prescriptions, according to Consumer Reports, most studies show 45 to 55 percent of Americans fail to adhere to their daily medication regimen.

Take a look at the following medicine reminder tips to save yourself from the trouble of missing a dose.

Make it a part of your day

Incorporating your medication into your daily routine is an easy way to form good habits. If you take a walk every morning, make it a point to take your medication before you leave. Tying your medicine into your daily activities will eventually make it an automatic practice.

Use physical reminders

You’re likely to forget your medication if it’s tucked away in a closet or cabinet. If it’s safe to do so, keep your prescriptions visible and use a helpful container like a pill box to stay organized.

Pill boxes, available in all sizes and colors, are pill reminders for those who have trouble staying on top of their prescriptions. Invest in a box that organizes your pills for each day of the week. Some even split each day into morning and night for added organization.

A monthly medicine reminder calendar is another effective visual aid. Plot your daily prescriptions for the next month and mark off each day as you go. You could also use a whiteboard to map a schedule, complete with the name of each medication, when you need to take it and what it treats.

Set electronic reminders

Use your phone, tablet or computer to stay on schedule. This could be as simple as setting an alarm on your phone or laptop as a daily pill reminder.

Or, opt for a more sophisticated electronic tool, like one of the many free pill reminder apps available for smartphones. You can enter all of your prescription information and the app will keep track for you, sending you notifications when it’s time to take each medication.

Some of these apps include:

Mango Health Medicine Manager By Mango Health / For iOS & Android / Free

Mr. Pillster By Whisper Arts / For iOS & Android / Free

Round Health Medication Tracker By Circadian Design / For iOS / Free

Check out which app works best for you, then let your phone do the remembering for you.

Ask for help

If you’re still struggling to stick to your prescription plan, ask for help. Look to family and friends for assistance, and if your prescriptions are overwhelming, talk to your doctor about ways of simplifying your medication regimen and to learn what you should do if you miss a dose.

Know your stuff

Finally, learn all about your medications. The list can grow long, but you will create a stronger mental connection with your prescriptions if you know why you need them and what they treat.

One way to do this is to create a list, chart or spreadsheet of all of your prescriptions to serve as a pill reminder: include their names, uses, prescribed dosage, what time they should be taken, the number of refills remaining and side effects.

Understanding each medications use and possible side effects is essential for not only staying on track, but also for staying safe. Side effects are often dangerous in more ways than one. One of the most dangerous and least recognized is when we are behind the steering wheel.

 Be road wise 

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, prescription drugs are the most prevalent of all drugs found in drugged drivers involved in fatal crashes (46.5 percent), and the percentage has continually increased since 2005.

As the average number of prescriptions dispensed to Americans yearly goes up, it is more important than ever for drivers to check the potential risks of their medications. Whether you take daily blood pressure pills, antidepressants or are simply trying to remedy a passing flu, get informed before getting behind the wheel. Did you know that you could be charged with driving under the influence of certain legal medications in some states?

Medications proven in studies to increase the threat of being in a traffic crash include some antidepressants, shown to increase crash risk by up to 41 percent, and Diphenhydramine, an ingredient commonly found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Diphenhydramine can severely impair the ability to follow at a safe distance and maintain speed and lane position; a single dose can have the same effect on driving as being above the legal blood alcohol limit.

Roadwise RX, a free tool developed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, allows drivers to quickly and easily learn how their prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs can impair their ability to drive safely. Along with side effects and driver warnings, it outlines potential interactions with other medications and foods.

If you are concerned about if your medicines side effects can lead to impaired driving, you can bring your confidential Roadwise Rx results to your doctor to optimize dosage and timing. Don’t try to self-regulate. Drowsiness, sudden pains, and other side effects are not always easily fought. Understand the possible dangers of your medicine before driving.

Get informed with AAA’s prescription tool, RoadwiseRX. You can also learn how you can cut costs on your prescriptions with AAA here. 

Do you have any other medicine reminder tips that work for you? Tell us in the comments!

With so many moving pieces to think about, retirement planning can get overwhelming.

Should you focus on paying down your mortgage, or investing more in your 401(k)? At what age should you start collecting social security? Should you relocate to another state that has a lower cost of living?

If these questions feel stressful, it would be better to answer this one question first: Do I want to spend the time researching how to retire online, or is it worth it to hire a retirement planner?

Bringing in a professional can eliminate much of the stress and help you feel more confidence in your decisions. However, if you’re open to the DIY approach, there’s now an abundance of free resources to help you plan things on your own and learn how to retire online.

Read on for a closer look at the pros and cons of each approach, and to learn which choice is right for you!

The case for DIY planning – How to retire online

Hiring a professional may streamline your planning process, but all the essential information you need to plan your retirement can now be found on the internet (if you’re willing to do the research). Learning how to retire online has never been easier.

For the self-motivated DIYer, using resources dedicated to helping you find out how to retire online is:

• Inexpensive: The vast majority of online retirement information and calculators are free to use!

• Private: You won’t need to share your financial information with strangers.

• Efficient: Online calculators will show results instantly, you won’t have to wait around for a financial planner to run the numbers and call you back.

• Flexible: If your circumstances are unusual or unconventional, you may have an easier time tinkering with your plan than a professional who’s used to dealing with the status quo.

• Empowering: Wise decision-making requires thorough research! The more you understand the nuts and bolts, the greater confidence you can have in your decisions.

Get started with DIY retirement planning 

If you’re not interested in hiring a retirement advisor, and you’re excited about creating a DIY plan, here are some tools to help you start planning to retire online:

• Retirement calculator

• Retirement planner

Remember: the results a calculator gives you are only as good as the information you’re feeding it. A successful DIY plan relies on you doing thorough research to ensure the assumptions and numbers you use for your calculations are as accurate as possible.

The benefits of hiring a retirement planner

When planning for retirement, you’ll need answers to some tough questions, like how much money will you really need in retirement? And what is a safe withdrawal rate for your portfolio?

The advantage of hiring a retirement planner is that they can give you personalized advice for your specific circumstances.

A good advisor will use their in-depth knowledge of financial planning, estate planning, and social security to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones. They’ll look holistically at your finances and preferences to create a strategic plan ensuring steady income throughout your retirement.

It takes time and energy to learn the complicated rules of 401(k)s, IRAs, and social security. You can skip the learning curve by hiring an expert who already knows the tricks for maximizing cash flow and minimizing taxes.

What to look for in a retirement planner

If you’re not the DIY type, feel overwhelmed by financial planning, don’t have the time to spend on research or want an outside perspective, hiring a retirement planner may be the best fit for you.

As you search for a qualified professional, here are some key characteristics to look for:

• Fee-only: A “fee-only” advisor who charges a flat fee for their services will cost you less in the long run than if their fee is based on commissions or a percentage of your assets. This will also ensure they’re making recommendations that benefit your portfolio and situation as a whole.

• Credentials: Do some research to make sure they have legitimate experience and certifications.

• Broad expertise: Look for someone who has expertise not only in investment accounts, but also in social security, Medicare, and the tax code.

• Great references: Ask your trusted friends and family if they’ve worked with an advisor they’d like to recommend. Hire someone who has great reviews from both new and long-term clients.

What’s your best fit? Do you plan to find your information for how to retire online, or will you hire a retirement planner?

Learn more about how to save at AAA.com/Financial. 

The appeal of river cruise vacations has never been greater. Chances are you know someone who is planning a cruise or just got back from one and you’re probably curious. What’s all the fuss about, you wonder? In a word, ease.

The same “unpack once but see multiple destinations” experience that fueled the growth of ocean cruising over the past two decades has launched a thousand river ships (or so it seems—there are several hundred in Europe alone), with top players such as Viking River Cruises and CroisiEurope offering 62 and 50 ships respectively.

That means there are more choices than ever. So which cruise line do you go on? Which river? And what is the best time of year? Here are 10 frequently asked questions about river cruise vacations to help you decide.

Where can I take a river cruise?

 The majority of river cruise vacations are available in Western and Eastern Europe, where fabled rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine meander through some of the continent’s top cities as well as its most picturesque countryside.

You can cruise through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Romania, Portugal and Italy, as well as from St. Petersburg to Moscow in Russia. There’s also Asia, where you can cruise the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Yangtze in China; South America, for cruising the Amazon in Peru and Brazil; and Egypt, on the legendary Nile River.

And don’t forget the United States, where history-rich paddlewheel journeys on the Mississippi and nature- and food-and-wine-based cruises on Oregon’s Columbia and Snake Rivers are growing in popularity.

How many passengers can river cruise boats accommodate?

 It varies, but most vessels in Europe are designed to carry between 80 and 190 passengers, with ships in Asia and on the Nile and the Amazon average 30 to 50 passengers. Some smaller boats, typically the French variation of “barge” cruising, accommodate as few as a dozen guests.

I’ve heard the cabins are quite small. Are they?

 Yes, out of necessity. The ocean is wide, most rivers are not. River cruise vessels have size limitations, which means that cabins can indeed be cozy (some as tight as 128 square feet), especially in the least-expensive categories. Does cabin size matter to you?  If so, double-check square footage before you book (Avalon and Scenic are known for having spacious cabins, while Uniworld’s and CroisiEurope’s are on the snug side) or consider upgrading to a suite, which are typically twice the size.

Are river cruises all-inclusive?

 Many are. Lines offering an all-inclusive experience – meaning all (or most) alcohol, excursions and gratuities are in the upfront cruise fare – include Uniworld, Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Scenic, CroisiEurope and Tauck.

When is the best time to cruise?

 It depends on where you’re going and what you’d like to see. To see the tulips in Belgium and Holland, you’ll need to cruise from late March to late April and to experience the famed Christmas markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Hungary and the Czech Republic, you’ll have to visit from mid-November to late December. The prime season in Europe is May to August (book early as these dates sell out well in advance), while the Mekong and Irrawaddy are best explored from November to February (dry season when temperatures are cooler). The Amazon has two seasons: high-water (December to May, when more tributaries are navigable) and low-water (June to November, when it’s hotter and more jungle trails are accessible).

 How should I choose a river cruise line?

 You can choose based on your budget (see below for price ranges), the offered itineraries (almost everyone is on the Rhine, Danube and Seine, but not everyone is in Portugal or Russia) or the design style that tickles your fancy (Viking Longships and Scenic vessels are known for sleek, contemporary interiors while Uniworld and AmaWaterways are old-world lavish). Do some research by checking the lines’ websites and reading recent passenger comments on cruise review sites.

 What should I pack?

 Daytime dress on almost all European river cruise vacations is casual: blouses and polo shirts paired with pants, shorts and comfortable sneakers, sandals or walking shoes along with sun hats, sunglasses are a necessity for navigating cobblestone streets during peak season, as are warm coats and winter boots for Christmas market cruises. At night, casual elegant attire with a few dressier elements (cocktail dresses and dinner jackets) are appropriate.

What is the food like?

 Again, it varies from line to line. But most river cruise companies endeavor to bring a taste of the region’s cuisine onboard so guests can savor local flavors and specialties (oysters and cider in Normandy, for example). Breakfast and lunch are typically served buffet-style, while dinner menus are à la carte. Some lines are known for delivering a sophisticated epicurean experience (namely Uniworld, AmaWaterways and Scenic in Europe and Asia and Aqua Expeditions in South America and Asia) while others focus more on classic fare that appeals to broader tastes.

How long is the typical river cruise vacation?

 You’ll find that most river cruise vacations fall into the 7-to-10-day range, but some can be as short as three or four days (on the Amazon, for instance, and CroisiEurope also offers short European itineraries) or as long as 24 days (from Amsterdam to Bucharest, which visits 20 cities in eight countries).

How much will a river cruise cost me?

 River cruise fares tend to be a bit pricier than ocean cruise fares. At a minimum you can expect to pay about $1,500 per person for a week of cruising and up to $4,000 on a premium luxury line. Longer cruises (14-24 days) command fares of $5,000-$10,000 per person.

 Do you have any other questions about river cruise vacations? Ask us in the comments.

Find deals on river cruise vacations with AAA. 

How much money will you actually need in retirement? Figuring out your “magic number” can feel overwhelming.

There are all sorts of retirement tips out there. Traditionally, the rule of thumb was to save 70-80% of your current income for each year of retirement, but now some advisors say 90-100% is more realistic, due to increased travel spending and health care costs.

In reality, everyone’s circumstances are unique. The best thing you can do to plan your retirement savings is to create a retirement budget tailored to your personal needs.

So we’re walking you step by step through the process of how to create a personalized budget for your retirement.

Step 1: Review your expenses

Estimating your monthly expenses, both fixed and variable, is the first step in creating your retirement budget. Some expenses will decrease or disappear, while others will increase in retirement.

If you don’t already track your monthly spending, review your bank or credit card statement.

To create your budget, you can break out your spreadsheet skills or search for a premade template on the internet.

How will your spending change in the future? Here are the main budget categories to get you started:

• Housing: Will you downsize, pay off your mortgage or rent? Will you still pay property taxes and maintenance costs?

• Transportation: How much do you pay each month for gas, insurance and parking? Will you need the same number of cars in retirement? Do you pay to commute via train or bus every day? What will your transportation needs be during retirement?

• Dining out: Do you plan on eating out more, less or about the same after retiring?

• Cable/internet/phone: Will your needs change in retirement? Many people are cutting costs now by switching from cable TV to a streaming service.

• Clothing: Will you shop less when you’re no longer dressing for the office?

• Travel/hobbies: Will you be taking more trips? Investing in hobbies you always wanted to try? Spending on travel typically reaches its peak in the early years of retirement.

• Gifts: To what degree will you spoil your grandchildren?

• Charitable gifts: Will you give more to your favorite charities, or will you switch over to donating your time?

• Healthcare: This is one of the biggest expense categories for seniors, yet people drastically underestimate what they’ll spend. Remember, you can switch to Medicare at age 65, but it will not fully cover your medical expenses. Your health care costs will (unsurprisingly) increase as you age. Research premium costs and consider purchasing long-term care insurance.

• Savings: Will you continue to save money each month, or will you fully transition from saving to spending?

• Taxes: Will you be in a higher or lower tax bracket? Don’t automatically assume “lower.” If you’re no longer claiming exemptions for a mortgage or dependents this will raise your taxable income. Also, up to 85% of your social security can be taxed depending on your overall income.

Step 2: Review your sources of retirement income

Once you’ve calculated your expected annual expenses in retirement, take a look at how it matches up with your expected annual income.

You can use this compound interest calculator to estimate the growth of your retirement savings accounts 401(k)s, IRAs, etc. You should also include your expected social security amount, any rental income, and wages from part time work.

Tally your income sources in a spreadsheet.

To calculate your “magic number” for retirement savings, multiply your expected annual expenses by 25 – this assumes a yearly withdrawal rate of 4%, allowing your nest egg to last indefinitely. So if you plan to live on $40,000 a year, you should save $1 million by the time you retire.

Will you be able to afford your ideal lifestyle?

Step 3: Adjust your retirement budget as needed

If your nest egg falls short of your ideal budget, you may need to adjust your current spending habits in order to save more before retirement, or adjust your retirement lifestyle expectations.

Here are some ideas for saving money now and in retirement (while still having fun!):

• Cook delicious meals at home.

• Enjoy free concerts, art galleries and local events.

• Take advantage of senior discounts.

• Shop for gently used items instead of buying them brand new.

• Travel in the off season, travel domestically and purchase international tickets only when you find the best deals.

• Pay off debt now so you can save big on interest.

• Move to an area with a lower cost of living.

How much do you plan to save for retirement? Have you created a personalized retirement budget yet? Tell us in the comments.

Learn more about how to save at AAA.com/Financial. 

There are a lot of myths out there around planning for retirement needs. Some are based on assumptions that used to be true, but most are just plain false. And these myths are so common, you may even believe some of them yourself.

Unfortunately, acting on these false assumptions can have real, negative consequences for your life post-retirement. So today we’re setting the record straight and debunking seven common myths about planning for retirement needs.

Social Security will be enough 

Why bother saving for retirement? Social Security has got you covered … right?

Not so fast! If you’re banking on Social Security as your main or only source of income in retirement, you’ve got an unpleasant surprise coming.

The Social Security program was never designed to be more than a safety net. It’s a great resource for supplementing your savings, but it’s not a replacement for your savings.

On average, Social Security benefits will only replace 40 percent of your pre-retirement income, and as little as 25 percent if you were a higher earner ($100,000+) during your career.

Retirement will only last 10 to 15 years 

It used to be reasonable to expect only 10 to 15 years of retirement, but with advances in medical care and technology, people are living well into their 80s and 90s and even to 100. If you retire at age 65, you should be prepared to fund at least 25 to 30 years of retirement.

My inheritance will be enough

Think your inheritance will fund your retirement?

Remember, people are living longer than ever. There’s a strong chance you’ll retire before your parents die, or that they’ll end up spending much of your inheritance on their own health care and living expenses.

This is not a gamble you want to take. Do the smart thing by taking real steps to save and plan for your retirement needs.

Medicare will cover all my health care needs

Sorry, this isn’t Scandinavia. Medicare is a great safety net, but it only covers the basics.

You’ll have to pay out of pocket for routine things like dental care, eye care and hearing aids, as well as long-term home health care, extended nursing home stays, and specialized prescription drugs.

Studies have shown you’ll still be responsible for about half of your health care expenses, and couples typically pay upwards of $250,000 for medical care over the course of retirement.

Investing in supplemental medical insurance and long term care insurance is a wise move for your retirement preparation.

I’ll start planning for retirement needs late in life 

Mortgages and college funds may seem like top priorities, but the longer you wait to save for retirement, the less you can take advantage of compound interest.

At age 25, if you put $5,000 in an IRA with a 7 percent rate of return, and never added a cent to it, you would have $74,800 by age 65. If you waited to open the same account at age 55, after 10 years you would only have $9,800.

Remember, it’s much easier to take out a loan for college than a loan for your retirement.

My spending will decrease when I retire 

Think you’ll only need 70 percent of your current income during retirement?

It turns out spending typically increases with retirement, as many retirees travel and engage in an active lifestyle. Then in later years spending on travel decreases, and expenses due to health care costs and inflation increase.

You can calculate a more realistic income target by creating a retirement budget based on your unique situation.

My taxes will be lower when I retire 

If you plan poorly and have a much lower income during retirement this myth may come true.

However, with good planning your income will likely be similar to what you have now, but minus the tax breaks you currently enjoy like deductions for dependent children, mortgage payments, student loans, and retirement plan contributions.

Many people also have the misconception that Social Security is tax-free. Depending on your income level, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits could be taxed.

Have you bought into any of these retirement myths? What are you doing now to plan for your retirement needs?

Learn more about how to save at AAA.com/Financial. 

If you’re like most of us, your dreams for retirement probably include some much-awaited travel plans. You’ve got places and experiences you’re eager to cross off your list, but although you now have unlimited vacation days, the reality is you probably don’t have unlimited funds.

When you’re dealing with a fixed or reduced income in retirement, figuring out how to fund your retirement travel can feel daunting.

And though it does take some planning and creativity, the good news is that there is a whole host of ways retirees can stretch their budget when it comes to travel!

Read on to learn our top retirement tips for how you can make your travel dreams come true.

1. Do your research

If you’re willing to put the time in, you can save big by finding the best deals. Check out AAA Travel if you have a specific destination in mind, and if you want to find the hottest deals available. It can also pay to visit an airline or hotel’s site directly. Sunday is typically the best day to shop for tickets (this is when fares are lowest) and Friday is the most expensive.

2. Be flexible

The beautiful thing about retirement travel? You can travel whenever you please! Book your trips in the off-season or “shoulder season” when prices are at their lowest. International flights on weekdays are typically cheapest, and the best days for domestic flights are usually Tuesday through Thursday.

3. Last minute deals

If your flexible schedule lets you leave on short notice, check out the last minute travel deals that might pop up.

4. Visit affordable countries

Thanks to the dollar’s exchange rate, some destinations have a much lower cost of lodging, food and travel than others. Steer clear of expensive destinations like France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Israel and Australia, and instead enjoy bargain deals in Portugal, Greece, Peru, Guatemala, Thailand and Cambodia (to name a few). A stronger dollar can equal more luxurious accommodations, dining and experiences for your trip.

5. Mix price points

Instead of packing in multiple expensive foreign trips, plan one foreign trip and pad out the rest of your travel for the year with cheaper domestic trips.

6. House swap

Have friends or family who own property abroad? Enjoy free lodging by doing a house swap or sit (though you’ll miss out on hotel amenities).

7. Extend your stay

Instead of a one-week trip to Rome, why not take three weeks and visit Florence and Naples as well? Your costs will increase slightly as you pay for more lodging and entertainment, but you’ll get to experience multiple cities while still only paying for one major round trip flight. You can even book your arriving and departing flights out of different cities to maximize your travel experience and get the best prices.

8. Discounts & reward programs

Are you earning free airline miles yet? Many airlines, rental car and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can help you save big, and some also offer discounts for seniors. Consider signing up for a travel credit card.

9. AAA benefits

Your membership with AAA gets you discounts and benefits on airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, entertainment, restaurants, retail and more. (Click here to book travel and browse discounts). Plus, AAA Premier members also have access to our Concierge Service, Global Travel Emergency Assistance, Travel Accident Insurance and Trip Interruption Benefits.

10. Downsize

Do you need to live in a five bedroom house with two cars in the garage? When you reduce your everyday cost of living, you’ll free up more cash to spend on travel plans. If you’re heading out long term, you may even want to sell or rent out your home.

11. Embrace thrift

Instead of eating out every meal, visit the local markets to buy food. Instead of splurging on a deluxe hotel, just try to find a more affordable place to lay your head down between vacation adventures.

12. Go carless

Forego the cost of renting a car by visiting cities that are walkable and have great public transportation. (Bonus points: book a hotel room in a trendy neighborhood near the city center.)

13. Volunteer

Love the outdoors? Volunteer with the National Park Service as a campground host or nature guide (many positions include free housing or an RV hookup). You can find other travel-volunteer opportunities through Peace Corps’ 50 Plus initiative, Projects Abroad and GlobeAware.

14. Start saving now 

Don’t wait for your retirement, start your travel fund now!

We want to hear from you! What are your top tips for funding retirement travel? Tell us in the comments below!

Learn more about how to save with AAA. 

Tiny houses are the hip new thing, and they’ll continue being the hip new thing for the foreseeable future.

The tiny house movement is still going strong and shows no signs of fading any time soon. For the uninitiated (or those without access to home and garden channels), tiny houses are minuscule, compact cottages (usually on wheels). Most of them are smaller than a studio apartment in Manhattan – but they’re stylish, portable, environmentally friendly, affordable and ingenious. If you’re not ready to take the plunge and buy a tiny house just yet, tiny house rentals could be just the type of vacation destination for you.

Over the past few years, tiny house rentals have been cropping across the country, from simple house-shares to established resorts and tiny house villages. They’re trendier than trailer homes and they have more creature comforts than cabins.

Some tiny house villages are run by tiny house manufacturers, like Tumbleweed, which operates rentals across the country in addition to the tiny houses that it builds and sells. One of their tiny house villages, Leavenworth, is nestled in the Cascade Mountains in Washington state. Open year-round, this Bavarian-themed village is ideal for outdoor activities from fishing to hiking to winter sports. This cluster of tiny house rentals looks almost like a miniature village in the Alps.

If you’re looking for something a little more beachy, head on down to Florida’s Tiny House Siesta, situated near Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota. This technicolor strip of tiny houses mainly functions as a place to crash after a long day at the beach. The houses are decorated with beachy, Floridian touches, like the pink and green pastels of the Flamingo House.

A bit closer to home is A Tiny House Resort, nestled in the Catskill Mountains, about two hours away from New York City. There are nine different tiny houses to choose from, each with its own unique style. Owner Bob Malkin’s relationship with scale began in 1979, when he and Phylis Prinz opened “Think Big!” a retail store featuring oversized pop art sculptures.

I got in contact with Bob to talk a little bit more about the tiny house phenomenon and his own tiny house resort. The following interview is edited for length and clarity.

Your AAA: Where did you get the idea to open a tiny house resort?

BM: I’ve been in the waterfront vacation rental business for about 15 years, but my daughter is into luxury RVing, staying in luxury RV resorts around the country. We got together and thought about doing vacation rentals with tiny houses on a stream, with woods and maybe an organic vegetable garden. We’ll have a new type of resort two hours away from NYC. We try to provide anything that anybody would want.

Your AAA: What is the relationship, do you think, between your Think Big sculptures and your tiny houses?

BM: Scale! I think there’s fun in scale. There are people who collect miniatures – I collect giants! Today, people are looking into cutting down on size. A lot of people are selling their homes and buying tiny houses.

Your AAA: Why do you think tiny houses have gotten so popular recently?

BM: I think it’s become a movement for people who own homes, still have a lot of taxes to pay, maybe finished with their mortgage – that started people thinking: How do you live smaller and less expensively? How do you live simply? People are trying to live more simply, because of the environment as well.

Your AAA: Did you build all of these houses?

BM: We had them designed for our specs. You don’t need, for example, a lot of closet space on a vacation. We have room for other things. We have full bathrooms, flush toilets, electricity, AC and heat, propane. We have hens and ducks laying eggs. We have hiking trails on the property, a heated pool. We try and have everything that somebody could need for a wonderful getaway.

Your AAA: Which tiny house at the resort is your favorite?

BM: Oh, the Mizu. It’s just for two people, but it’s almost all glass, looking out on the water and the trees.

Your AAA: Do you live in a tiny house?

BM: No, but I just went from a 3,500-square-foot house to a 1,200-square-foot house!

Your AAA: Do you think tiny houses are better as permanent homes or as vacation homes?

BM: I think it’s vacation homes. I myself would find it very hard to live permanently in a tiny house – but who knows, maybe in a few years! People have stayed here a number of times and just love it. We’ve had guests come four times. They come with a boyfriend, and then they come back with the whole family.

Would you vacation in a tiny house? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan and book your next vacation with AAA.

So, you’re a foodie looking for the perfect New England getaway. With gorgeous ocean views, forested mountains, historic towns and fascinating attractions, there’s already a lot to love about Connecticut. But have you heard about the Connecticut food scene?

From Hartford to Mystic to the tiny borough of Bantam, the Constitution State is experiencing a flourishing culinary revolution you won’t want to miss. With a wonderful roster of established gems, plus up-and-coming restaurants that are making waves, Connecticut is a foodie’s delight.

What’s for lunch?

If you’re hanging out in the New Haven area, pizza is the obvious choice. Boasting some of the best thin crust pizza joints in the country, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza and Modern Apizza are all must-visit spots for pizza lovers.

Pan-Asian fans and noodle slurpers should check out Mecha Noodle Bar, a local chain featuring adventurous pho and ramen, plus a variety of steamed bao and dumplings.

If you’re on a hot dog pilgrimage, Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand in Cheshire has been serving up authentic Connecticut dogs since the 1920s. Or check out Super Duper Weenie in Fairfield, famous for its specialty dogs like the New Englander and the Chicogoan.

Need a sweet treat? Check out family-owned Donut Crazy, which has multiple locations around the state serving up over 45 varieties of donuts, with flavors ranging from traditional to full-on crazy.

From the sea

No trip to Connecticut is complete without indulging in some fresh seafood. Head down to Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London and snag yourself a mouthwatering lobster roll. Served hot with drizzled butter or cold with mayo, you might have to try both to pick your favorite.

For an afternoon or evening by the water, check out Mystic’s Red 36 featuring a raw bar plus classics like fish and chips. Wait time during the summer can get long, so grab some drinks and relax on the enormous waterfront deck.

In New Haven, James Beard-nominated Miya’s Sushi has been serving up delicious, environmentally sustainable sushi since 1982. Creativity and adventure are queen at Miya’s, with Japanese small plates and sushi rolls featuring invasive species (and wax worms).

Crazy for bivalves? Check out Hummock Island’s oyster tour. Take a ride on the boat, then get a shucking lesson from the experts and enjoy a tasting of oysters fresh out of the water.

Farm-to-table

Get an upscale locavore experience at Arethusa Al Tavolo in Litchfield County. Ranked as one of the top 100 restaurants in America by users of OpenTable, Al Tavolo serves up gorgeous dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from the award-winning Arethusa dairy farm.

For your grass-fed, free-range fix, visit Grass & Bone in Mystic, a butcher shop and restaurant specializing in locally raised animals. Buy beautiful cuts of meat from the glass counter to take home or order the mouthwatering rotisserie chicken or roast beef sandwich.

Grass & Bone’s sister restaurant, Oyster Club, also in Mystic, specializes in “farm-and-sea-to-table.” The daily menu showcases locally sourced seafood and artisan ingredients from nearby farmers, bakers, brewers and cheesemakers.

For a sweet experience head over to Weston’s Red Bee Apiary for a tasting of single-origin honeys and to learn about the secret life of bees.

To drink

Embark on the Connecticut Wine Trail, featuring 25 wineries across the state. Visit Chamard Vineyards and enjoy the French bistro, live music and yoga, take a cooking class at Jones Family Farms, and stop by Gouveia Vineyards for the gorgeous views.

Hops more your style? The Connecticut Beer Trail includes an impressive 68-plus breweries, with more on the way. Check out the sour/wild program at Two Roads Brewing, sip a relaxing flight by the Branford River at Stony Creek Brewery, then visit New England Brewing Company for the most highly rated brews in the state.

Cider lovers can swing by New England Cider Company for a variety of styles (including hopped and barrel-aged), sample unique small batches at Spoke + Spy Ciderworks, and enjoy the amazing flavors at Crazy Cock Cider.

Fine dining

For a fancy night out, visit The Whelk in Westport, a cozy spot where you can choose from a beautiful array of seafood small plates and entrees. Or stop by Kawa Ni (also in Westport) for Japanese small plates and ramen in a warm setting.

Get your authentic Italian fix in Georgetown at family-owned Aranci 67. The pasta is handmade and the burrata is top-notch. Relax and sit back for a multicourse experience that will feed your senses and your belly.

For mind-blowing New American, check out the AAA Three Diamond Rated Millwright’s in Simsbury, which serves an elevated take on traditional New England flavors and dishes. The airy dining room is housed in the historic Hop Brook Mill and overlooks a rushing waterfall.

Plan your next Connecticut trip with AAA and check out www.ctvisit.com to locate more amazing Connecticut food.

What’s your favorite thing to eat in Connecticut? Tell us in the comments.

Daily expense tracking is essential to determining where your money is going and how much you have available to spend. Few people are strangers to checking their bank accounts and wondering what happened.

Small purchases (such as a coffee on your way to work) can quickly put a dent in your monthly budget if you’re don’t know how often you’re upgrading your beverage from a drip coffee to a venti caramel macchiato. But with daily expense tracking, you can craft a reasonable monthly budget and plug up leaks in your spending.

The key is to determine how to keep track of personal expenses, which can be done a few ways.

Regularly review statements

Even if you’re not planning on putting together a monthly budget, it’s a good idea to regularly review your bank and credit card statements. That way, it’s possible to identify errors as they happen while assessing and reducing fees.

Just as importantly, checking your statements allows you to have a clearer picture of your cash flow, identifying what money is coming in and what money is going out.

Listen to Our Podcast

Pay off your debt and get your finances in check.  Listen to Episode 10 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: Budgeting 101.

Tune In

Breaking it all down

Sitting down with your bank and credit card statements can be overwhelming if you don’t have clear spending categories. A lack of categories also makes it hard to establish a budget that will hold up month after month.

Your spending categories will generally fall into one of two camps: fixed expenses and variable expenses.

Fixed expenses include your cellphone plan, utilities, insurance, rent and so on – these are costs that don’t fluctuate much from month to month.

Variable expenses, like groceries, gas and date nights, are more prone to monthly changes. They’re often the best places to identify – through your daily expense tracking – areas to save.

Track by store

If you want to know where your money is going but aren’t willing to make daily expense tracking a new hobby, you could divide your budget into frequently visited stores rather than by types of consumer goods.

So, instead of having a grocery budget and tracking your expenses that way, you can have a Stop & Shop budget. This way, when you pick up cleaning and school supplies there, you don’t have to separate those items from your grocery budget.

Stuff those envelopes

If you tend to use checks, credit cards or debit cards, there will be a paper trail to help you better understand where your money is going. But if you use cash, you can try the old-fashioned envelope method for tracking your spending. With this method, you stuff envelopes with money for certain categories such as lunch or clothing at the beginning of each week and then use only that money for the designated category. Mvelopes is a mobile app that can add some modernization to the envelope system approach to budgeting.

Use an app

The most popular way of tracking your expenses is probably in your pocket or purse right now – your phone. There are numerous apps to help you track your expenses and establish a monthly budget. Many of the basic budget apps are free, though they do offer premium features to paid subscribers.

One of the best aspects of using budget apps is that most can directly connect to your bank or credit card accounts. If you are worried about apps having access to your financial transactions, you can also opt for an app that allows you to manually input your spending.

Some budgeting apps you can try include Dollarbird, Fudget and Mint.

Though the user interfaces and features differ app by app, all allow you to track your spending habits. Mint, for example, allows you to create budgets with different spending categories and warns you when you reach the limit.

Use a spreadsheet

If you’re a spreadsheet person, you’ve probably skipped the “use an app” section and have already started color coding your expense categories on Excel. But before you get too far ahead, know that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel here; there are plenty of free budgeting templates you can adapt to your needs.

Nonetheless, if you do want to make your own budget spreadsheet, don’t miss the opportunity to steal a few tips from Business Insider’s Libby Kane. Once she got her spreadsheet up and running, it only took about three minutes each morning to input her spending from the previous day.

How to keep track of personal expenses with daily expense tracking

No matter what system you use for your daily expense tracking, the key is to stick with it for at least a couple of months.

After two or three months, you’ll be able to review your expenses and ask yourself questions about your spending habits, such as: Should I really be spending as much money at Starbucks as I do on healthy food? The answer isn’t as important as coming to terms with the fact that you do spend a lot of money at Starbucks.

However, what’s most important is that you now have enough information about your spending habits to create a reasonable budget and answer the ultimate personal-finance question: Where does all my money go?

What’s your most effective system for daily expense tracking? Let us know in the comments!

Click here to learn about AAA’s financial services, including the AAA and Discover Deposit Program.

Retirement preparation is hard work! You’re figuring out your finances, budget, housing … and whether or not to look for a new job.

While you may be ready to leave your career, there are multiple reasons to browse retirement jobs – like boosting your monthly income, staying active or contributing to the community.

Whatever your reason, we’re making your search a little easier by narrowing things down. Here’s our roundup of the seven best part-time retirement jobs out there.

The 7 Best Part-Time Retirement Jobs

1) Consultant / Freelancer

You may be ready for fewer hours and less commitment, but you still love what you do and have valuable knowledge from decades of experience.

Whatever your area of expertise (marketing, management, bookkeeping, law, etc.) becoming a consultant or freelancer in your industry is an easy way to transition into part-time work. Plus, you’ll be able to charge a higher hourly rate than you could in a full-time position, a great advantage if your goal is to have extra cash each month.

To get the ball rolling, do some networking within your company to see what types of projects you could consult on, or reach out to small businesses that need the services you’ll provide.

2) Driver

If you’re itching to leave the confines of office life and want the power to set your own schedule, driving professionally could be a great job for retirement.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are always recruiting and typically offer generous signup bonuses for new drivers. You can also check out food delivery services like GrubHub, Caviar and DoorDash (or your local equivalent), or apply for more traditional positions, like driving a school bus or airport shuttle.

 3) Retail

Whether you’re interested in fashion, cooking, reading, the outdoors, gardening or sports, chances are there’s a nearby store that’s hiring (maybe even your favorite store!). Working retail is a convenient way to get part-time or seasonal hours, as many stores need to take on extra help during the holidays.

If being a salesperson sounds intimidating, consider that retail is usually less about being pushy and more about connecting people with things that they need. Like helping someone find a book they’ll love, the right seeds to plant in their garden or a dress that flatters their figure.

4) Tutor / Teacher

Are you an excellent writer? A whiz at math? If flexible hours are the top priority for your retirement job, tutoring could be a great option. There are opportunities for teaching and tutoring at every level, from K-12 to college and adults and seniors who want to explore a new hobby.

You can find tutoring jobs online through Tutor.com and Care.com, or get in touch with local schools and community centers.

Teaching may bring to mind traditional school subjects like history and Spanish, but it could also be an opportunity to engage with your talents and interests. Imagine teaching art classes at your local library, organizing a cooking class through Meetup.com or leading a knitting class at a retirement home.

5) Caregiver

If you’re ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of business life, consider becoming a part-time caregiver when you retire. Many working parents prefer a nanny over day care for their baby or toddler, and there’s a big need for after-school care and transportation for grade school children.

And if nannying isn’t your thing, consider eldercare instead. Many seniors are able to live on their own but need transportation to appointments and assistance with chores like shopping, cooking, laundry and housekeeping.

You can find caregiver jobs through your local community and at sites like Care.com and ElderCare.com.

6) Pet Sitter

Are you an animal lover? There is a huge demand for pet sitters and dog walkers, especially in cities.

Professionals working long hours may not be able to dash home in time to take their dog out. And even if you live in a small town or rural area, pet owners still need someone to care for their cat or iguana while they’re on vacation.

You can find pet sitting jobs through your friends, and through sites like Petsitter.com, Sittercity.com and Care.com.

7) Fitness Instructor / Coach

If you’re high-energy and love to stay active, consider becoming a fitness instructor or coaching your favorite sport. These are jobs that will help you stay fit during your retirement while also giving back to the community.

Coaching basketball or tennis at a summer camp is a great opportunity for both part-time work and mentoring. Or you can help others improve their fitness by leading yoga or swimming classes at a YMCA.

Some activities require a certification, but a quick Google search should reveal local and online programs available.

What are your retirement plans? Tell us your dream retirement job in the comments below!

To find out how AAA can help you save for all sorts of life changes and milestones, visit AAA.com/Financial and AAA.com/Insurance. 

Providence, R.I., is known for its rich culinary heritage and thriving foodie scene. After all, the capital city is home to Johnson & Wales University, which churns out creative chefs at a hearty clip.

Explore the Renaissance City via your taste buds with our picks for charming restaurants. Bon appetit!

GRACIE’S

The food, service and ambiance at this AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurant are sublime, with a farm-to-table menu that changes seasonally. Recent dishes include a tasting plate of winter vegetables with Brussels sprouts, sauteed bok choy and roasted carrots with tabbouleh, and herb-marinated swordfish. Don’t miss the three-course dessert menu; executive pastry chef Melissa Denmark makes all the desserts in-house.

AL FORNO

In a city filled with legendary restaurants, this is perhaps one of the most well-known, gracing the banks of the Providence River since 1980. Perhaps you’ve heard of grilled pizza? The toothsome treat was said to be invented at this stalwart eatery, where you can get one topped with crispy calamari, pea green pesto, mushrooms, pepperoni or margarita-style with pomodoro sauce, cheese, fresh herbs and olive oil.

PERSIMMON

Cutting-edge cuisine and friendly, top-notch service are the order of the day at Persimmon. (In true Rhode Island speak, it’s located where Rue de l’Espoir used to be, with an updated decor that’s fresh, airy and bright.) James Beard-nominated chef Champe Speidel serves up smaller plates of veggies, fish, meat, chicken and game, as well as homemade pastas, so diners can sample a little of everything.

POT AU FEU

Pot au Feu has been serving up classic French cuisine in the city’s financial district since 1972. Its brick-walled bistro is cozy, unassuming and elegant, with muted lighting, linen tablecloths and bottles of wine lining the walls. It was said to be a favorite of Julia Child, and really, if you’re a French restaurant, does an endorsement get any better than that? It’s known for its pot au feu – a French Sunday dinner dish of beef and chicken braised with onions, carrots and potatoes.

Hungry for more food stories and restaurant reviews? AAA.com/Food

Whether you visit for vacation or business, you’ll quickly realize that this neon-lit desert city excites and entertains like no place else on earth. In Sin City, you’ll find everything from over-the-top shows and celebrity chef-owned restaurants to surprisingly good shopping and stunning scenery at nearby Red Rock Canyon. Oh, and if you like to gamble, you’ve come to the right place. Of the many, many things to do in Las Vegas, here’s what we love most.

Things to do in Las Vegas

1.

When planning a trip that’s chock-full of quintessential Las Vegas activities, getting tickets to a show should be at the top of your list. Music legends Celine Dion, Elton John, Diana Ross and Cher all regularly perform in Vegas. Jennifer Lopez and Brittany Spears have both received rave reviews for their residencies in Sin City. And if you were a Wayne Newton or Donny and Marie Osmond fan back in the day, they’re here, too.

2.

 Daring to look down (while sipping Champagne and not feeling dizzy) during the 30 minutes it takes each pod on the 550-foot-tall High Roller observation wheel to complete one rotation is a cool kind of thrill. But that’s a cake walk compared to some of the other blood pressure-raising things to do in Las Vegas, particularly the three thrill rides on top of the Stratosphere Hotel. Big Shot, Insanity and X-Scream send you up and down, spinning and teetering back and forth high above the Strip. Are you brave enough to ride?

3.

Visit quirky museums. At the Mob Museum, dedicated to the town’s organized crime past, you can get your mug shot taken and pose for a photo in the electric chair. The Neon Museum is a photographer’s playground with over 200 gaudy Vegas signs saved from the trash heap. And the Pinball Hall of Fame is another fun blast from the past, featuring row and rows of playable vintage arcade games that the whole family will enjoy.

4.

Before you head to the shows or a casino, dine in one of the many celebrity chef-owned restaurants, including Alain Ducasse’s Rivea at the Delano and Giada from Giada De Laurentiis at the Cromwell Hotel, both of which have great food and amazing views. For something more casual, try Bobby’s Burger Palace from Food Network star Bobby Flay, located right on the Strip.

5.

The hotel pool scene here goes beyond just cabanas and DJs. You’ll find marble statues at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis and a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool at Mandalay Bay Beach.

6.

The Fountains of Bellagio at the Bellagio Las Vegas – which spout plumes of water as high as 460 feet in the air, synchronized to 30 different songs – are, amazingly, free. The water show happens every 15-30 minutes depending on the day and time. For an excellent vantage point of the fountains from above, head across the street to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.

7.

 Despite all of its man-made glory, Las Vegas is surrounded by a gorgeous desert landscape. Appreciate it up close at Red Rock Canyon, located just 20 minutes away by car. It’s a scenic drive you’ll never forget, far from the bright lights and casinos of the strip.

8.

More than 100,000 couples get married in Vegas annually. Some recite their vows in front of Elvis, others in gondolas at The Venetian – making bride and groom spotting a recreational sport.

9.

Hopefully you’ll have good luck at the casinos because the Strip has some seriously good shopping – check out the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and the Shops at Crystals in the CityCenter complex.

10.

One of Vegas’ most exciting day trips is to take a helicopter sightseeing excursion to the Grand Canyon. Seeing the canyon by air is an exciting way to appreciate America’s most famous natural wonder. If you’re heading to the Grand Canyon by car or if you just want to head out on a nearby day trip for a break from all your other typical Vegas activities, visit the Hoover Dam – one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world. Visit AAA.com/Hertz for car rental information.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Las Vegas? Tell us in the comments.

Looking for a variety of great lodging options in the area? Find and book great hotels in Vegas. Call 1-800-873-8283 to speak to a AAA travel counselor today or click here.

You may need to be smart to get into college, but what many college students don’t often think about is how much they don’t know about lending, loans and other financial topics – all of which they will become very familiar with soon enough.

Here’s a breakdown of some important lending terms. Share it with the college students and recent grads in your life as a prep course for some of the real-life lessons ahead, or review yourself if you need a refresher.

401k

One of the most frequently used methods of planning for the future, 401k accounts allow workers to set aside some of their income to be used in retirement. The IRS limits how much workers can put away in a given year, though older workers may be able to take advantage of catch-up provisions with higher annual contribution ceilings.

Collateral

Lenders need to recover investments if borrowers stop paying. It’s why banks and financial firms can repossess vehicles and foreclose on homes – collateral on auto loans and mortgages.

Interest

Interest is the cost incurred by borrowing money. When you open a savings account, for example, the borrower (the bank) often pays you (the lender) back with interest on your deposit, based on current lending rates.

Interest is calculated as a percentage of how much has been borrowed. Credit rating is one of the biggest determinants behind an interest rate. These ratings, generated through credit bureau reports, help a lender gauge how likely a borrower is to repay a debt. Borrowers with higher scores often benefit from lower costs compared with current lending rates, though a fantastic credit rating isn’t a silver bullet. Lenders also place significant weight on a borrower’s ability to pay by examining information such as debt-to-income ratio.

A tip for college students: If you take out student loans and request deferred payments, interest may build until you start making payments.

IRA

Individual retirement accounts are a popular way to plan for the future. Funds from a traditional IRA are taxed upon withdrawal while funds from a Roth IRA are taxed prior to deposit, meaning the funds are tax-free upon withdrawal. Both are subject to annual contribution limits.

Minimum Down: Most loans require a down payment. Minimums vary based on the types of loans, though making larger down payments almost always lowers borrowing costs.

Mortgage

Most people who want to buy a home need money to do so. A mortgage is an agreement between a buyer and lender, and a common lending, loans topic. Lenders agree to give buyers the money they need to purchase property, and borrowers, in turn, agree to repay the loan with interest based on current lending rates at the time of closing. If the borrower fails to make timely payments, lenders can recoup their investment by taking ownership of the property.

There is a lot to consider when looking into a mortgage. The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends weighing the size of the loan, the interest rate, closing costs, the annual percentage rate, the type of interest rate (fixed or adjustable), the loan term and whether the loan has features like pre-payment penalties.

Pre-Payment Penalties

Most loans, including federal student loans, don’t have fees for paying off loans early. But make sure to check before signing the dotted line of you want to have the ability to pre-pay on loans without incurring extra costs.

Return on Investment

Your return on investment is how much you’ll get back compared with how much you’ve invested. Make sure borrowing money is worth it. College students should research post-graduation incomes in their fields to see if their educational investments are worth the costs.

CD

A certificate of deposit is a dependable investment that’s protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and provides a set rate of return after a pre-determined period of time. Typically, the longer the investment period, the higher the return. Some investors purchase CDs with different lengths of maturity to keep their funds liquid, a strategy sometimes called laddering. There are often early withdrawal penalties.

Term

Term is an important part of lending. It’s the length of time it takes to repay loans with minimum payments. Longer terms usually mean lower monthly payments, but higher borrowing costs.

And one final tip for college students – you may qualify for federal student loans with income-based repayment options. If so, you may be able to settle a loan by making minimum payments for a period of time regardless of whether you repay everything you borrowed. Learn more about AAA’s student lending services.

Are there any important terms missing from this story? Let us know in the comments. Click here to learn more about AAA Financial Services. 

Island-hopping during a European vacation used to be something you did only in Greece, but Croatia and the 1,200 islands that line its aquamarine coast have quickly become the up-and-comer in the world of top-tier beach destinations.

The buzz is partly because Croatia has hosted “Game of Thrones” film shoots, but mostly it’s because Americans are starting to find out about what has lured travelers for centuries: perfectly clear seas and a rugged landscape.

The pristine water that laps against Croatia’s jagged, thousand-mile coastline is some of the clearest in the world, a product of the coastal mountains that trap the Mediterranean’s clean, warm air and keep agricultural runoff spilling toward the interior of the country.

Most of the beaches are made up of rocks or pebbles, but a fair amount of sandy stretches can also be found. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a European beach vacation, said Jeanne Oliver, who runs CroatiaTraveller.com.

“Because the coastline is so long, and there are so many islands, it’s just really pleasant for the beach,” said Oliver, who started covering Croatia in 1996, right after the war that broke up Yugoslavia. “You have a lot to choose from, and of course you have the Adriatic sun.”

With apologies to the hundreds of other worthy options, here’s a look at some of the best beaches in Croatia.

Saplunara, Miljet Island

Two sandy beaches can be found along the little Saplunara Bay at the eastern tip of Miljet Island. It’s accessible by car, but what keeps crowds down is that it’s about 10 miles from where the ferries drop off passengers. “People there are very careful of the island,” Oliver said, calling this beach her personal favorite. “Part of the island is a national park. It’s sandy and generally gorgeous.”

Zrce, Pag Island

One of Croatia’s most popular beaches has also become one of Europe’s most recognizable, in part because it transforms at night into a thumping open-air club that attracts international DJs. But during the day, the island of rocky beaches is as peaceful as they come. The beach itself is a treeless crescent with a view of the towering mountains of the mainland. Rent or bring an umbrella for some shade, then decide if you want to stick around for the club set.

Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik

A quick bus ride from the captivating walled city of Dubrovnik brings sunbathers to Sveti Jakov. Walk down a long stairway to find a tranquil strip of pebbly sand that’s rarely crowded. Off in the distance, the outline of the Old Town is visible, but it feels much farther away from civilization. Unlike many other beaches on this list, this one comes with a bar and restaurant, sunshades and showers. You won’t want to hike back up the 160 steps.

Znjan, Split

Conveniently located near Split, Croatia’s biggest coastal city, Znjan Beach is a great option for families thanks to its wide beaches and ample parking. In different parts pebbly, rocky or sandy, this beach makes up for the tricky walking with plenty of amenities and clean water. There is a play area for kids, plus a few bars, a restaurant and water activities like rental kayaks and kite surfing. A newly built access area also helps people with mobility issues get into the water.

Cikat Bay, Mali Losinj

A beautiful sandy beach lines this shallow cove, where very few English speakers go because there is no airport on the island. “It’s not as well known as it should be,” said Oliver. This island provides a cultural bonus in the form of a fantastic museum dedicated to a single priceless artifact. The Museum of Apoxyomenos was built onto an existing palace to display a bronze sculpture from Ancient Greece that was found in the seabed just off shore. It depicts an athlete removing oil, sweat and sand from his body after an event.

Brela, Dalmatian coast

The town of Brela on Croatia’s southern coast features a long string of narrow beaches lined with overhanging pine trees. The Punta Rata peninsula juts out into the Adriatic with gravel beaches on both sides, providing a setting that both Forbes magazine and the Huffington Post have listed as among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. “One part of it near the town is where everybody goes, but the farther you walk, it gets a lot less crowded,” Oliver said. “And there are these very sheltered coves and gravely beaches.”

Mala Klombarica, Istrian coast

The stretch of waterfront at the very tip of the Istrian peninsula, near Pula in the country’s north, stretches the definition of the word “beach,” but it’s no less spectacular. The dramatic rock formations that abut the sea are fun for ambling, but many also make great spots for lounging in the sun. There’s also a bar hidden in the bushes. Numerous other rocky coves with options for water sports are nearby in the Prementura National Park, which is a great day trip in itself.

Have you ever experienced the coast of Croatia? Tell us your story in the comments below.

Want to explore great options for traveling to Croatia? Visit our travel section at AAA.com.

Are you on the hunt for a new podcast? Is your podcast search getting a little confusing? Whether you’re a podcast junkie or a newcomer to the medium, it can be hard to tell which podcast you’ll really enjoy. There aren’t really trailers for podcasts – just a tiny icon and a brief summary. Enter the podcast search matchmaker. Just find a movie or TV show that you’ve fallen in love with recently, and you’ll see a podcast that is perfect for you.

If you like “Orange is the New Black,” you’ll love “Ear Hustle.”

“Orange is the New Black” is about fictional prisoners in a fictional prison, but “Ear Hustle” is the real deal. With the help of visual artist Nigel Poor, inmates Earlonne Woods and Antwan Williams report on life inside San Quentin State Prison. Throughout the podcast, Poor, Woods and Williams examine the prison’s racial hierarchy, rules for conjugal visits, parole hearings and more. “Orange is the New Black” viewers will be especially interested in “Episode Four: The Shu,” “Episode Seven: Unwritten,” and “Episode Eight: Left Behind.”

If you like “Alias Grace,” you’ll love “Criminal.”

Netflix’s recent adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s “Alias Grace” is famously based on a historic true crime story. Sure, “Alias Grace” has some blood and guts, but it’s more interested in the mental and emotional machinations behind a murder. “Criminal,” a podcast by Phoebe Judge, is similarly interested in the stories behind the crimes, and the interior lives of those who committed them. “Criminal” runs the gamut of crime stories throughout time, from recent cases to historic oddities. Episodes that might be of particular interest to “Alias Grace” fans include “Secrets and Seances,” “Jolly Jane,” “Carry A. Nation” and “In Plain Sight.”

If you like “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” you’ll love “Call Your Girlfriend.”

“Full Frontal” is beloved for host Samantha Bee’s unapologetic feminism and biting sense of humor. Searching for the same tone can help you on your podcast search. On “Call Your Girlfriend,” friends Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman have a similar no-holds-barred ethos. They talk about feminism, pop culture, politics, bodies and more. In addition to their one-on-one conversations, they also interview movers, shakers and feminist trailblazers biweekly.

If you like “Outlander,” you’ll love “Stuff You Missed in History Class.”

In Starz’s “Outlander,” based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, protagonists Claire and Jamie get themselves involved in increasingly historic events. It’s an exciting show all on its own, but becomes even more fun when you have some historical context. “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” hosted by Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey, is a tour through the forgotten corners of history. The episodes are heavily researched, and Wilson and Frey are funny and engaging storytellers. “Outlander” fans will particularly love “The Jacobite Rising of 1745,” “Elizabeth Blackwell, America’s First Female M.D.,” “Bloomers and Beyond: A History of Underwear” and “Jamaica’s Maroon Wars.”

If you like “Making a Murderer” you’ll love “Serial.” 

“Making a Murderer” is a docu-series about Steven Avery, who has been accused of a heinous crime and seems to be persecuted by his neighbors in Manitowoc County. Similarly, the first season of “Serial” is the story of Adnan Syed, who has been convicted of murdering his high-school sweetheart, Hae Min Lee. But did he actually do it? Reporter Sarah Koenig gets involved in the case to find out. Both “Making a Murderer” and the first season of “Serial” struggle with questions of innocence, memory and the elusive nature of truth.

If you like “American Horror Story,” you’ll love “Lore.”

Ryan Murphy’s campy anthology series, “American Horror Story,” is about American ghost stories come to life, and it can also help you on your podcast search. Aaron Mahnke, the host of the podcast “Lore,” investigates the true stories behind our tall tales. His resonant voice and purple prose drag listeners into a world of vampires, haunted dolls, cannibals and ghosts. “American Horror Story” fans will be drawn to “Episode 53: Trees and Shadows,” “Episode 50: Mary, Mary,” “Episode 46: Dark Conclusions” and “Episode 34: All the Lovely Ladies.”

If you like “Get Out,” you’ll love “Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood).”

Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” is equal parts social criticism, horror and satire. On the podcast “Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood),” hosts Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan and James III engage in social criticism through movies with black male protagonists, while cracking jokes and occasionally facing the horror of a terrible movie.

If you like “Shark Tank,” you’ll love “The Pitch.”

“Shark Tank” is a show that brings families together to yell at the TV. It’s a sort of beauty-pageant version of capitalism…or a freak-show version, rather. “The Pitch” has a similar premise to “Shark Tank” in that it invites entrepreneurs to peddle their wares in front of a panel of angel investors. The investors, Daniel Gulati, Jillian Manus and Phil Nadel, hear one pitch per episode, then decide whether or not they will invest. The great thing about “The Pitch” is that it gives more insight into the investors, the entrepreneurs and the product. “Shark Tank” viewers will love “#21 Metabrew,” “#6 Guru Games” and “#2 iMirror.”

What great podcasts have you stumbled across on your podcast search? Let us know in the comments below!

Cold temperatures, snow and ice – plus all the chemicals used to treat slippery roads – hammer your car all winter. Here are some things you can do to help your vehicle once we roll past the worst of the wintry weather.

Kick the Tires

Tires lose air pressure as the temperature drops. Check the air pressure and inspect tires for bulges, cracks and bruises on the sidewall, which could lead to a blowout. You can find the recommended levels on the doorjamb sticker or in the owner’s manual.

Wash Me!

Wash your car regularly to get rid of road salt and other chemicals that cling to the undercarriage and cause rust. If the rubber on your vehicle’s wiper blades leaves streaks behind, replace them.

Go with the Flow

Take some time to get to know where the fluid reservoirs are in your car. Check the owner’s manual. While you’re there, fill up the washer fluid and learn how to check the level of other ones like coolant and motor oil.

Go Undercover

Get under the car and see if anything has damaged the exhaust system or other major parts. If you suspect serious damage, consult a professional.

Get more tips on how to spring clean your car. AAA.com/CarsTrucks