With the onset of autumn comes an array of brightly colored leaves all along the East Coast. We’ve put together a list of great spots for taking in the gorgeous Northeast fall foliage in New England, New York and New Jersey.

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Peak Fall Foliage 2025

We’re lucky to live in the best region for fall foliage. People travel from all over the country to see the colors of the leaves changing in the Northeast, but we get to enjoy it right in our own backyards. While it varies slightly every year, peak fall foliage is generally around mid-October. See when your state is predicted to peak, according to Smoky Mountain’s national fall foliage prediction map.

Connecticut Fall Foliage Trips 

Route 15

• Do: The Merritt Parkway, also known as Route 15, offers beautiful views. Start your trip in Greenwich and head to the Audubon Center, a 295-acre sanctuary with seven miles of trails. You can also find an assortment of colorful leaves at the Stamford Historical Society, Stamford Museum and Bartlett Arboretum.
• Discover: Make a stop at the Silvermine Guild Arts Center for galleries, exhibitions and music, and then pick your own apples, peaches, pumpkins or flowers at Silverman’s Farm.

Route 7

• Do: The Litchfield Hills have been named by National Geographic as one of the most scenic driving destinations in the U.S., and Kent, one of the towns on Route 7, was named the best Northeast fall foliage town in New England by Yankee Magazine. Don’t miss Bull’s Bridge, a covered bridge that is open to auto traffic, and Kent Falls State Park, which has the state’s highest waterfall and a path that leads to the summit, where visitors will find scenic views. You don’t want to miss the classic red covered bridge on Route 128 in West Cornwall.
• Discover: During your drive, there will be many opportunities to pull over and visit historic sites and cultural institutions, such as the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum and the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum, which has the largest display of steam and gas tractors in the state.

Routes 9 and 169

• Do: Although combining these two routes will involve a fair amount of driving, it’ll be worth it. Route 9 has Scotts’ Connecticut Valley Orchards in Deep River. Route 169 winds through colonial homesteads and historic New England towns. Visitors to the Vanilla Bean Cafe will be able to listen to live music in a 19^th century barn and the Inn at Woodstock Hill, which is dated back to 1816, overlooks Mystic’s Quiet Corner and offers terrific views of the foliage.
• Discover: There are many attractions along Route 9, including RiverQuest, a narrated cruise on the lower Connecticut River. Route 169’s top spots are Scranton’s Shops in South Woodstock, where more than 65 artisans sell crafts and antiques, and the Sharpe Hill Vineyard and Winery.

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New York Fall Foliage Trips

Long Island

• Do: Although Long Island is a popular summer spot, its woods, parks and preserves are top spots for viewing brightly colored leaves during the fall. The North Shore of the island is more wooded, so you’ll likely want to travel along Route 25 heading east for the best views.
• Discover: While leaf peeping, spend some time outdoors at Long Island’s parks, such as Belmont Lake State Park, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve and Heckscher State Park. Keep an eye out for common trees on the island, such as the red maple and black gum.

New York City

• Do: Obviously, one of the best spots for the fall foliage viewing is Manhattan’s 840-acre Central Park, which provides beautiful views of leaves set against a backdrop of the city’s skyline.
• Discover: From museums to landmark buildings where you can view the treetops from way up above, you won’t have any difficulty finding great vantage points in New York City. Save on tickets to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

Westchester County

• Do: One of the best times to take a trip to Westchester County is during peak fall foliage season, when visitors can spot the lovely colors decorating farms and estates. Sunnyside, the home of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving, is a must-visit this time of year.
• Discover: For an outdoor activity that can be combined with leaf peeping, stop by one of Westchester’s parks, such as Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway. If you’re up for a scenic challenge, you can bike the trail to the 560-foot Spitzenberg Mountain at Blue Mountain Reservation.

Dutchess County

• Do: During your visit to Dutchess County, you’ll likely spot leaves with a variety of colors from burnt orange and dark purple to yellow and bright red. With 35 miles of meadows, streams and wooded hills, Rhinebeck is an excellent spot for Northeast fall foliage trips.
• Discover: The county has a number of farms to pair with your leaf-spotting, including Barton Orchards in Poughquag and Cedar Heights Orchard in Rhinebeck.

Ulster County

• Do: A highly recommended spot for fall foliage viewing in Ulster County is the Shawangunk Ridge, where drivers can look over Wallkill Valley and see mountain climbers traverse the sheer granite cliff faces.
• Discover: While you’re out looking at leaves, swing by Minnewaska State Park, which provides space for picnicking. Another option is to take a ride on the Rip Van Winkle II for a two-hour sightseeing cruise that travels down the Hudson River, where you can take in lighthouses, historic sites and plenty of foliage.

Herkimer County

• Do: One of the state’s top draws for leaf-peepers is the Adirondacks, although the northern portion of the county is also a hot spot. The further north you go, the earlier the leaves turn. If you are driving, try to take the Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways, where you’ll see some of the brightest colored leaves in small, quaint communities.
• Discover: Feel like getting some exercise while viewing the fall colors? Take a walk along the winding 153-mile Central Adirondack Trail, through the south-central portion of the Adirondack Park. And Old Forge, a busy tourist locale year-round, is another great pick for viewing red, yellow and gold leaves while walking along its trails.

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Maine Fall Foliage Trips 

• Do: In Maine, visitors can view the foliage from its many hiking trails or lakes, such as Highland Lake or Sebago Lake. The Maine Highlands Moosehead Lakes region is home to the state’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, and offers ample opportunities for leaf peeping along the Bangor waterfront. You’ll also find great views at the scenic Spencer Pond and peaceful, quiet Wilson Pond.
• Discover: Take the kids to the New England Outdoor Center, which offers lodging, restaurants and a number of activities, such as water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife tours and hiking.

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Massachusetts Fall Foliage Trips 

The Berkshires

• Do: Your best bet for a Northeast fall foliage road trip is along Route 2, known as the Mohawk Trail. The road, which travels through the Berkshire Mountains, has several great spots for leaf-peeping. Rocky Mountain Park stretches 2 miles along the Connecticut River and features hiking trails and the popular Poet’s Seat Tower, as well as Shelburne Falls, the famous Bridge of Flowers trolley bridge, and Zoar Outdoor and Berkshire East zip line tours.
• Discover: Pair your fall foliage viewings with a trip to the Mohawk Trail State Forest or North Adams, a liberal arts college town that offers shopping and cultural activities, including MASS MoCA and other galleries. One of the area’s most stunning views is atop the summit of Mount Greylock in Lanesborough.

Boston Region

• Do: Begin your tour in Lexington, where there is not only lovely scenery, but also key spots from the American Revolution. Also, drop by Minute Man National Historical Park.
• Discover: Boston’s Public Garden, the tree-lined Esplanade along the Charles River, the Rose Kennedy Greenway and various neighborhoods, such as Beacon Hill, Back Bay and Bay Village are among the top spots for seeing fall foliage in the city. Of course, the Arnold Arboretum has a variety of trees with stunning yellow, red and orange leaves in the autumn.

Central Massachusetts

• Do: You’ll find quaint small towns and spectacular views along Route 2, including Harvard, home of the Fruitlands Museum and Shaker Village Historic District, and the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, featuring a 7-mile stretch of trails along the Connecticut River.
• Discover: If you visit the Northfield Mountain center, take a canoe or kayak out at Barton Cove or take part in a guided riverboat cruise. The more adventurous can spot fall foliage while rock climbing at Rose Ledge.

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New Hampshire Fall Foliage Trips  

• Do: The foliage peak in New Hampshire can vary from year to year, but it typically begins in late September in the far north, early October in the White Mountains and mid-October in the southern portion of the state. Some of the state’s most gorgeous leaves can be spotted during a drive along the Kancamagus Highway from Lincoln to Conway through the White Mountains.
• Discover: You can find great fall foliage viewing at Bear Notch Road in Bartlett and at the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park.

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New Jersey Fall Foliage Trips

The Woodlands

• Do: A good idea might be to start your trip in Riverside and make stops in Wanaque and Midvale, passing through the Wanaque Reservoir. Some of the best views can be found in Ringwood State Park, where visitors can view leaves on nature trails or by taking a canoe out on the water.
• Discover: While you’re in the area, stop by the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands, which is home to a variety of garden types, including annual, Italianate, perennial and wildflower gardens.

The Pinelands

• Do: A trip to the Pinelands would be recommended for mid-October to early November, when you’ll get a peek at the Northeast’s peak fall foliage for 2023. A good place to start is Red Lion Circle and then travel south to the Atsion Recreation Area, where visitors can boat, camp and fish. Then, travel east to Wharton State Forest, a popular spot for canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, camping and horseback riding. The forest is the largest in the state and one of the most highly recommended in New Jersey for its Northeast fall foliage.
• Discover: While you’re in the area, consider taking a trip to Batsto Village, a historic iron-making town that was once a source for the Continental Army and home of the Batsto Mansion.

New Jersey Mountains

• Do: Pay a visit to Branchville’s Stokes State Forest, where you’ll find hiking paths, picnic spots and scenic views. Then, drop by the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, often cited as one of New Jersey’s most scenic locations. Some of the best views of foliage can be seen while boating along the Delaware River.
• Discover: If hiking is a priority, stop by High Point State Park in Sussex. It has the highest elevation in the state and offers incredible views as well as hiking and biking paths. On a clear day, you can see up to 80 miles.

The Farmlands

• Do: Head southeast from Buena Vista through Estell Manor and Tuckahoe and then stop by the Belleplain State Forest, where you can view oak, cranberry, red maple and gum trees along Lake Nummy.
• Discover: Visit nearby Mauricetown, a historic sea captain’s village that is known for its abundance of antique shops, or Millville, the site of the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, a great place to learn about the state’s glass making heritage. The Museum of American Glass is the largest of its type in the nation. A last stop on your tour could be Parvin State Park, where the shoreline of Parvin Lake is filled with spectacular Northeast fall foliage views.

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Rhode Island Fall Foliage Trips 

• Do: There are several options for leaf-peeping in the Ocean State. In the Newport region, one of your best bets is to wind your way down Ocean Drive, which offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Points of interest include the Cliff Walk (great views of Narragansett Bay and Jamestown Island on this mansion-lined walk) and Fort Adams State Park (with everything from sailing lessons on the water to underground catacombs). In the Providence region, foliage enthusiasts will want to pay a visit to Goddard Park, which is surrounded by miles of stone walls and features horse trails, a beach, golf course and open fields with an abundance of trees.
• Discover: If your trip to Rhode Island takes you to Jamestown, be sure to check out the Rose Island Lighthouse, reached via ferry from Newport, as well as Beavertail State Park and the Watson Farm, which has walking tours and classes, such as painting or harvesting plants. Providence has numerous fall festivals, such as the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, and places to see, including the Providence Athenaeum and John Brown House.

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Vermont Fall Foliage Trips 

• Do: The mountains of Vermont have the largest percentage of maple trees in New England, making the Green Mountain State one of the must-see regions for leaf peeping. One of the top routes for checking out the orange and yellow leaves decorating the landscape is taking the Green Mountain Byway VT 100 and passing through such towns as Stowe and Waterbury. Then, pick up Route 125, also known as Middlebury Gap Road, and travel through the Green Mountain Natural Forest.
• Discover: There are plenty of fun activities you can pair with your fall foliage viewing, including everything from taking a cruise on Lake Champlain to getting great views via a hot air balloon ride in Stowe.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN VERMONT

Do you know of any other good places to see fall foliage in the Northeast? Tell us what we missed in the comments.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Buying a home can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but without the proper guidance and knowledge, first-time homebuyers are bound to run into some confusing issues. If you are thinking of buying a home, or in the process of buying one, this useful guide can help you navigate your journey.

Figuring Out Your Finances

If you’re still in the early stages of the homebuying process, you’ll want to start saving money for a down payment (at least 20% is recommended). And since a credit check is such an essential part of being approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to make sure to improve your credit score ahead of time by working to clear your debts.

Plan ahead and calculate whether you’ll realistically be able to afford paying the mortgage long-term and remember to factor in other expenses such as renovations, appliances and taxes.

Potential homebuyers should never plan their purchase based on a promotion or new job that hasn’t materialized yet.

Working With a Mortgage Lender

When deciding on a lender for your mortgage, compare rates from three or more lenders. This will allow you to study your options and save money in the long run by choosing the best deal.

A pre-approval letter from a lender can give you the upper hand when negotiating with a seller. Essentially, the lender verifies ahead of time that your finances and credit are in good shape, and you can definitely use this to your advantage with the seller.

Get in touch with a AAA mortgage specialist to learn more. 

Choosing a Buyer’s Agent

Choosing a compatible buyer’s agent is an essential part of the homebuying process. Make sure they are knowledgeable about the area you are looking to buy in and have a good track record.

Choosing a licensed agent is also a good choice, because they will have much higher standards for performance. A compatible agent will make the process of choosing homes, negotiating and more, much easier.

Finding the Best Location

The area the home is in should be just as important to a homebuyer’s decision as the property itself. Do extensive research on the community and the nearby stores and establishments that you plan on frequenting. It is also important to research the local school system, even if you don’t have kids, as this can have a major impact on taxes and the home’s value. And of course, research crime statistics to make sure it’s a safe neighborhood.

Picking the Perfect Home

You will have to decide if you want a family home, townhouse or condo. All have their perks; a family home will be more spacious, and you will have your very own plot of land, but a condo offers less home maintenance to deal with.

If you are keen on a certain home, schedule a home visit to find out as much information about the property as you can. Explore every nook and cranny and don’t be afraid to ask your agent critical questions, like if the house is in a flood zone or how long since the roof has been updated.

Homeowners Insurance for First-Time Homebuyers

Homeowners insurance — and finding the best policy for you — should be an important step in any homebuyer’s plan. If the home or your possessions are destroyed or damaged by a fire, natural disaster or other uncontrollable circumstance, insurance can protect you.

Insurance is usually rolled into your mortgage payments through an escrow account, although your lender will likely require you to pay all or some of the first year’s premium upfront before or at closing. Most insurance companies require a home inspection first.

Protect your greatest investment with AAA homeowners insurance. 

Are You Ready?

If your finances are not in order, it is not a good idea to start looking at houses; you don’t want to fall in love with a place you can’t afford. Also, if you are not sure about settling down in one place just yet, it may not be wise to jump into the investment. You might find your dream home listed, but if you are thinking about moving out of state in the next few years, the timing just isn’t right.

If there is any reason that you are not 100% confident in your decision, wait a bit longer. There is no rush. That being said, if you’re ready to settle down, have solid finances and are seriously smitten with a home or location, get your pen ready to sign some contracts!

For ways to save at home, go to AAA.com/HomeServices.

Have any other essential tips for first-time homebuyers? See how AAA can help you buy your first home. 

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

The Northeast is home to some of the greatest museums in the world – with some great AAA discounts to match. Showcasing everything from fine arts to historic artifacts, these museums are at the top of their class.

Plimoth Patuxet

Travel back to pilgrim times at Plimoth Patuxet, a living history museum that recreates Plymouth Colony and the home of the indigenous Patuxet people. Speak with knowledgeable interpreters and completely immerse yourself in this historic site. You can even climb aboard a recreation of a 17th-century ship. AAA members can get up to $4 off admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum

One of the greatest illustrators of all time was from the Northeast, and you can step into his world at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Located in the artist’s hometown of Stockbridge, Mass., the Norman Rockwell museum boasts the world’s largest collection of original Rockwell art. You’ll be able to see original covers of The Saturday Evening Post, the Four Freedoms and more. You can also see works by other major American illustrators. With your AAA discount, you can save on admission at the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan is a landmark institution, showcasing works from the 20^th century and beyond. The iconic building was designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition to the vast collections of modern and contemporary art, the Guggenheim also hosts many special exhibitions and events. It’s not only one of the top museums in New York – it’s one of the top museums in the world. AAA members can get $3 off adult admission.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The USS Intrepid is a massive air carrier docked in New York City. Since 1982, it’s been the home of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. You’ll be able to explore the museum’s vast collection, view original artifacts, see historic footage and discover interactive exhibits. You’ll find the prototype NASA orbiter Space Shuttle Enterprise, the guided missile submarine Growler, the record-breaking British Airways Concorde Alpha Delta G-BOAD and so much more. It’s the perfect museum for people who want to really immerse themselves in sea, air and space history. AAA members can get 25% off general admission.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is one of the greatest museums in the world, featuring folk art, anthropological recreations, geological wonders, dinosaur fossils, a butterfly vivarium, cultural artifacts and more. If you want to visit, remember that AAA members can save up to 25% on admission.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, also known as the MoMA, is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of modern art. Inside its walls, you can experience photographs, paintings, sculptures, performance art, films and more. If you’re inspired, bring a sketch pad and pencil with you. AAA members can save over 20% on admission.

Have you been to any of these museums? What’s your favorite museum in the Northeast? Let us know in the comments below!

You are likely aware of the risks of identity theft and have taken at least some precautions to safeguard your personal and financial information, from using strong passwords to staying alert to scams.

But have you ever considered that your child’s personal information could be at risk too?

Identity thieves are increasingly targeting children, and many parents don’t realize it until it’s too late.

How Does Child Identity Theft Happen?

Unfortunately, monitoring your child’s information is now equally as important — if not more important — than monitoring your own. Child identity theft is on the rise, and since children usually don’t have a credit report, it’s even harder to detect.

Three percent of all identity theft reports for the first half of 2024 involved people under age 19, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Children younger than age 7 may run the greatest risk of identity theft, potentially leading to fraudulent activities, reported one study by Javelin Strategy & Research.

While young children do not have credit cards or bank accounts, if cybercriminals gain access to their Social Security numbers, birth dates or addresses, they can use them to apply for credit cards, loans and even open bank accounts, according to Experian. And undoing the damage can be both stressful and expensive. One estimate from Javelin put the cost to the average household at $1,128, which includes $752 for the fraud and $376 for remediation.

Social Media Puts Children at Risk

The increase in children’s online activity has made them more vulnerable to identity theft. The Javelin study found a direct link between children’s use of social media and the rise in the volume of children whose identities appeared online. Youngsters often reveal their names, addresses and ages on social media, making them even more susceptible to data breaches. Parents should consider restricting their children’s social media and internet use to avoid making their information public, recommended Javelin.

What To Do If Your Child’s Identity Is Stolen

If you discover your child’s identity was compromised, the FTC suggests taking these actions as soon as possible.

• If any accounts were opened in your child’s name, call the companies and have them cancel the accounts and ask them to supply written statements confirming that your child was not responsible.
• Contact the three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) and alert them to the breach.
• Report the breach to the FTC identity theft division.

Invest in Credit Monitoring

One way to help keep secure your children’s and whole family’s identities is with a credit monitoring program, such as AAA ProtectMyID, offered in conjunction with the credit bureau Experian.

AAA’s Complete identity ProtectMyID plan includes child identity monitoring, which tracks your child’s personal information to spot signs of identity theft and suspicious web activity. It also includes social media monitoring, scanning your child’s social media account(s) and alerting you if privacy or reputational risks are found.

“It’s very hard for you to monitor your own stuff, let alone have to set it up for your child, unless you have the child monitoring feature,” said Michael Bruemmer, head of Experian’s Global Data Breach Resolution Solutions and vice president of consumer protection.

Discover more benefits of ProtectMyID.

More Ways to Prevent Child Identity Theft

Be extremely cautious with your child’s Social Security number and only give it out when necessary and to trustworthy institutions.

Freezing your child’s credit is another way to protect their identity. The freeze prevents credit bureaus from releasing any of your child’s information to creditors making inquiries. The process is involved — parents must apply for a freeze with all three credit bureaus and supply extensive documentation about themselves and their child — but it is free and does not impact your child’s credit score when they begin to build credit on their own.

Parents may freeze their child’s credit up until they turn 16. After that, the child can access their own credit reports and manage the freeze status on their own.

Is your child protected from identity theft? Tell us in the comments below.

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Providence, R.I., August 21, 2025 — Vehicle technology designed to let the car steer and brake by itself is far from foolproof in heavy traffic, and humans must be ready to take action to avoid collisions, according to a new AAA Automotive Engineering study.

Researchers evaluated five passenger vehicles with low-speed-capable Active Driving Assistance (ADA) systems, also known as Traffic Jam Assistance, over an average of 342 miles of driving per vehicle in Los Angeles. ADA can automatically brake and steer in certain situations while requiring the driver to supervise the system.

Researchers found:

• Notable events occurred every 3.2 miles or 9.1 minutes. A “notable” event was defined as any situation in which the ADA system failed to handle the driving conditions adequately, as determined by the researcher driving the vehicle.

• Drivers intervened by taking control of the vehicle every 3.8 miles or 10.8 minutes.
• The most common reasons for intervention were:
  • An inadequate response to a vehicle cutting in front (every 9.5 miles).
    • Inadequate lane centering (every 15.5 miles).
    • Failure to resume after a stop (every 24.1 miles).
• Drivers using systems that allow them to take their hands off the wheel still were asked to reengage by putting their hands back on the wheel every 5.5 miles or 15.3 minutes.

“Traffic Jam Assistance promises to offer relief in the most frustrating driving situation: Sitting in stop-and-go traffic. But today’s technology can only supplement, not replace, an attentive driver behind the wheel,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast. “Drivers need to stay alert at all times, especially when things get busy on the road.”

AAA offers the following recommendations for drivers to stay safe on the road:

• Remain engaged and prepared to intervene by braking or steering whenever using an ADA system.
• Eliminate distractions, including smartphones — even when using ADA, drivers may need to intervene frequently in high-traffic areas.
• Select a safe following distance to allow time to react and intervene if needed.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn when, where and how to use your car’s ADA system.

AAA aims to collaborate with industry leaders to enhance testing and expand consumer education about vehicle technology. AAA encourages automakers to focus on:

• Enhancing ADA performance, particularly cut-in response and lane-centering behavior.
• Improving the visibility of alerts to ensure drivers are aware when features are active or inactive.

The U.S. national parks offer incredible opportunities to experience the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.

Track your adventures with a national park passport, available at over 400 National Park Service sites. Each location offers a free stamp to commemorate your visit.

How many will you collect?

Passport to Your National Parks

What is the Passport to Your National Parks?

Eastern National, a nonprofit organization that creates educational products and services to promote support for America’s national parks, created the Passport to Your National Parks program in 1986. Travelers can log their visits to US national parks and monuments in this small spiral-bound booklet, designed to resemble an official passport. The passport contains maps that are color-coded by region, some brief information about each park or monument, photographs and maps.

How do I get my national park passport?

The Passport to Your National Park is available at Eastern National park brick-and-mortar stores found at over 150 national parks and in their online store.

How much does the national park passport cost?

The classic passport is $14.95. A collector’s edition is $32.95. Additional pages, a kids’ edition and region-specific guides are also available.

How do I get my national park passport stamped?

The majority of parks in the National Park System participate in the passport program. Those that do participate have Cancellation Stations where visitors can collect their free “cancellation stamps”. Visitors can also inquire at the park headquarters for information about obtaining a passport stamp.

What regions are covered?

Although the National Park Service is currently divided into seven regions, the Passport to Your National Parks contains the nine regions in existence when the program was initiated. These regions are:

• North Atlantic
• Mid-Atlantic
• National Capital
• Southeast
• Midwest
• Southwest
• Rocky Mountain
• Western
• Pacific Northwest and Alaska

What is the annual stamp set and how do I get one?

Each year, Eastern National releases a set of ten full-color collectible stamps that feature a photo and description of one park per region plus a national stamp. These sets are available wherever the national park passports themselves are sold. The sets cost $6.99, and the passports have spaces allocated for these special stamps.

America the Beautiful Passes

An America the Beautiful pass grants entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A pass covers the entrance and day use fees for the driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle, or up to four adults at locations that charge a per-person entrance fee. Children under 15 have free entrance to these areas. The passholder may also be eligible for a discount on park campground rates and other fees. This benefit varies by location.

What type of passes are available?

Several types of America the Beautiful passes are available, including:

• Annual pass: Anyone can purchase a standard annual pass, which currently costs $80 per year. Members of the US military can receive an annual pass for free.
• Annual fourth-grade pass: This pass is for U.S. fourth-graders, including those who are home-schooled. The pass is free and valid for the duration of the student’s fourth-grade school year, September through the following August.
• Senior pass: The Senior pass, formerly called the Golden Age Passport, can be purchased annually for $20 or as a lifetime pass for $80. The passholder must be a US citizen or permanent resident age 62 or older.
• Access pass: The free Access pass is for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. This pass provides a discount on some park fees but does not always include free admission.
• Volunteer pass: This pass is given free to people who volunteer more than 250 service hours at federal agencies that participate in the pass program.

Where can I get a pass?

Passes are sold at numerous federal recreation areas throughout the country. A list can be found here, though purchasers are advised to call a site to confirm that passes are available.

Plan your national park vacation with a AAA travel advisor. 

How many national parks have you visited? Do you use a national park passport? Tell us in the comments.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

If you own a home, you need homeowners insurance. If you own a car, you need auto insurance. Pretty simple. But when it comes to life insurance, there isn’t one singular event that necessitates it, making it one of the more confusing forms of insurance. How do you know when you need it? Or if you need it at all?

We spoke to Chris Perrier, director of life insurance sales operations at AAA Northeast, about life insurance FAQs.

How do I know if I need life insurance?

“Everyone needs life insurance, but for different reasons,” Perrier said. “Some folks get life insurance when they’re looking to protect assets; some look to secure their family’s future or leave a legacy. Some people even use life insurance in the form of annuities to generate a lasting income.”

Bottom line, everyone should consider life insurance no matter their circumstances: married, single, kids or no kids. Life insurance is a safety net for your loved ones and gives you peace of mind knowing they’re secure if you’re no longer here.

Learn about AAA’s annuity products.

What are your tips for first-time life insurance buyers?

“Before you commit to any one insurance company, it’s important to do some research,” Perrier said. “Make it a priority to work with a great company that has a proven track record and offers great products and services at great prices.”

What should I consider before buying life insurance?

“I would first identify what you are looking to protect. In numerous cases, life events such as purchasing a home, getting married or having a child spurs interest in a policy,” Perrier said. “It is also important to evaluate what amount of coverage would be best for you or your family. Consider whether you are looking for protection for a certain amount of time or something more permanent. Once you have a better understanding of both time and overall coverages, reach out to a specialist to discuss the options that would best suit your family.”

What is term life insurance?

“Term insurance is mostly known as temporary insurance, meaning it will last for only a certain period of time, generally up to 30 years,” Perrier said. “Although it is just temporary, there are some benefits to it — particularly the cost. It is much less expensive than other products, however, it is generally purchased to protect the most valuable assets, such as your home.”

What is whole life insurance?

“Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that often offers cash value accumulation. Although it is generally the most expensive type of life insurance, it is permanent and is designed to be used for final expenses, or to leave a legacy for your family,” Perrier said.

I think I have life insurance through my job. Is that enough?

“In some cases, yes,” Perrier said. “However, you never know if you are going to leave your job, or if your job is going to leave you. It is always great to have some life insurance that you own so you can be sure your family’s financial future is secure. Talking with a life insurance specialist is always the best way to determine how much coverage you have, and whether that’s enough.”

AAA insurance experts are available to answer more of your life insurance questions. Get connected with one of our helpful insurance agents today.

Have more insurance questions? Check out our Ask an Insurance Agent series.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Domestic inventories of both crude oil and refined products, including gasoline, remain at levels considered comfortable for the season – even as Northeast inventories saw a 1.8 million barrel drop in gasoline inventories last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Total domestic gasoline inventories remain higher than last year while the Northeast’s levels are now 55.3 million barrels, which is nearly 3 million barrels lower than this time last year but not so low as to spark supply concerns.

Gasoline demand, meanwhile, remained steady last week, topping 9 million barrels a day for a third straight week, according to the EIA. With refiners producing 9.7 million barrels of gasoline, domestic supply is meeting demand easily – with some extra breathing room.

Adding to the downward pressure on prices is the cost of oil, which remains in the low- to mid-$60 a barrel range. The recent decision by OPEC and its allied nations to boost production has led to markets worrying about an oversupply later this year with some analysts forecasting prices to dip below $60 a barrel by winter.

“Lower oil costs, steady demand and strong gasoline production is a recipe for lower prices at the pump,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “While market conditions are conducive to lower prices through August, it’s important to keep an eye on geopolitical developments and hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean – both of which could upend markets in the short term.”

AAA Northeast’s Aug. 22 survey of fuel prices found the current national average down a penny from last week ($3.15), averaging $3.14 per gallon. Today’s national average price is the same as a month ago ($3.14) and 24 cents lower than this day last year ($3.38).

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Massachusetts	$3.05	$3.05	$3.05	$3.39
Rhode Island	$3.02	$3.03	$3.02	$3.32
Connecticut	$3.10	$3.11	$3.12	$3.44
New Jersey	$3.06	$3.03	$3.05	$3.28
New York	$3.15	$3.16	$3.17	$3.52

*Prices as of Aug.22, 2025

Today, Mississippi and Oklahoma have the lowest prices in the nation at $2.68 and $2.70, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.51 and $4.46 respectively.

If you’ve ever toured the famous sights in Rome on a July afternoon, you know it’s a crowded, sweltering experience. It’s a lovely place no matter the time of year, but there’s no denying that summer in Italy will be hot — and in hotspots like Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast, the lines for tours and attractions will be long.

So, what’s the solution to visiting popular destinations if you prefer a more relaxed experience? Travel experts have an answer: shoulder season.

What Is Shoulder Season?

Shoulder season is a travel industry term for the times of a year when a destination’s visitor numbers are lower, but conditions are still great. Shoulder season is different from the low season when visitation is at its lowest, often due to unfavorable weather or closures of main attractions (like a ski town in the summertime).

In the United States, shoulder seasons typically include spring (with the exception of spring break) and fall. That’s also true of Europe and other four-season destinations. Shoulder seasons may vary when it comes to vacations in the Caribbean or Mexico or safaris in sub-Saharan Africa or India.

Here are five big benefits of booking your next trip during shoulder season.

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Better Prices

One of the most obvious benefits of shoulder season travel? Pricing.

“With less demand and greater availability, travelers can enjoy more competitive rates on flights, accommodations and tours,” said Jodi Abata, a AAA travel advisor in New Jersey.

Some destinations offer discounted packages during shoulder season, to entice business during these slower times, said Thomas O’Hara, a AAA travel advisor in New York.

That means you could get the same hotel room, cruise or tour package as you’d get during summer or winter break — but at a dramatically better price.

Fewer Crowds

In most cases, shoulder season encompasses spring, fall and some winter trips, according to O’Hara. In other words, the times when students are in school. When schools are in session, you’ll find fewer crowds in popular destinations like Italy and France, because families typically postpone big trips until the kids are on break.

Aside from the December festive season and spring break, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean also tend to have fewer crowds during shoulder season. This makes shoulder season a popular time for romantic getaways for adults-only trips.

Shorter Lines at Big Attractions

Shoulder season travelers often get more value for their limited vacation time because they’re not wasting hours waiting in long lines.

“Shoulder season means fewer crowds, which translates to shorter wait times at popular sites and museums,” said Abata. “For example, when I visited Ireland in December, I noticed a sign at Blarney Castle indicating that there could be a 60-minute wait time — but since it was shoulder season, I walked straight in without waiting at all.”

A More Relaxed Travel Experience

Shoulder season trips tend to feel quieter and more relaxed, especially for those “who prefer an adult-centric atmosphere,” said Abata. Once again, the reason is simple: School-age children typically can’t travel during shoulder seasons, so even popular hotels and restaurants are unlikely to be booked up.

Mild Weather

Europe in the springtime and fall can be beautiful and mild. The weather might not give you beach vibes, but sunny, pleasant conditions are perfect for hiking, sightseeing and exploring local markets.

Top Destinations for Shoulder Seasons

Curious which destinations are trending? We recommend keeping an eye on the following places for upcoming shoulder season travel.

• Italy. “Italy is always a top destination, but traveling during the shoulder season has distinct advantages,” said Abata. “Visiting in the spring or fall allows travelers to avoid the peak season’s heat and crowds while still experiencing Italy’s charm.”
• Greece. Honeymooners love the Greek islands like Santorini for their charm, deep blue waters and whitewashed buildings. But there’s no denying that the islands’ popularity drives up prices in the summertime. The seawater won’t be as warm in fall or spring, but Greek island-hopping can still be romantic and memorable.
• Portugal. Like Italy, Portugal’s weather improves during shoulder season. Crowds thin out, too. Expect fall temperatures in the mid-70s and spring temperatures in the mid-60s.
• Popular cruise circuits. “For those who like to cruise, shoulder season also offers an opportunity to visit ports in a less crowded environment,” said O’Hara.

Contact a AAA travel advisor to plan your shoulder season vacation today.

Whether it’s an Alaska cruise, Florida theme park or Broadway show, many Americans are squeezing in one final trip before summer ends. Seattle, Orlando and New York City are the most popular U.S. destinations this Labor Day weekend, according to AAA booking data. And there’s good news for domestic travelers: Flights, hotels and car rentals are cheaper than this time last year.

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “While some families are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.” 

Labor Day Weekend Travel Costs

Domestic roundtrip flights are 6% cheaper compared to last Labor Day weekend, according to AAA booking data. Hotel rates decreased by 11% and car rental costs are 3% lower compared to last year.

Summer fuel prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. As of Aug. 18, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Massachusetts is 36 cents cheaper than this time last year. Gas prices have seen relatively few fluctuations this year, thanks in part to steady crude oil prices. Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last Labor Day.

Internationally, hotels cost 2% less than last year, while flight costs are up 8%, AAA booking data shows. European cities make up most of AAA’s top international destinations, but the No. 1 spot belongs to Vancouver, Canada, as Alaska cruises wrap up a strong season.

AAA’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations

Domestic	International
Seattle	Vancouver, Canada
Orlando	Rome, Italy
New York	Dublin, Ireland
Boston	London, England
Anchorage	Paris, France
Chicago	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Atlanta	Barcelona, Spain
Denver	Athens, Greece
Miami	Edinburgh, Scotland
Las Vegas	Lisbon, Portugal

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car Over Labor Day Weekend 

For road trips, it’s best to leave before lunchtime this Labor Day weekend, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Friday, Aug. 29, to be the busiest day to pick up rental cars. INRIX expects Saturday, Aug. 30, to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips. So, it’s best to leave before 10 a.m. — or plan to encounter some traffic.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date	Best Travel Time	Worst Travel Time
Thursday, Aug. 28	Before 1 p.m.	1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29	Before noon	Noon-8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30	6-10 a.m.	10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31	Before 11 a.m.	Noon-5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1	Before noon	1-4 p.m.

SOURCE: INRIX

AAA roadside technicians responded to more than 380,000 calls for service nationwide last Labor Day weekend, primarily for dead batteries and flat tires. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit complete with jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, extra phone chargers, food, water and medications. Especially over the busy holiday weekend, AAA urges drivers to obey all traffic laws and Slow Down, Move Over, especially emergency responders. Drivers who plan on consuming alcohol or cannabis should designate a sober driver.

You may not have realized it, but your car windows are most likely tinted — just about all cars roll off the assembly line with glass featuring some level of tint. Tinting has several benefits, but darker windows also create safety hazards. Because of this, window tint laws exist in every state.

There’s often a great deal of confusion over window tint regulations, primarily because they differ throughout the country. Some states allow for much darker windows than others. It’s important to brush up on these laws, especially if you’re considering adding additional tint to your car’s windows.

What Are Window Tints?

Window tints are thin, dark sheets of film applied to a car’s glass to help keep light out of the cabin. Most new cars come standard with some level of window tinting but aftermarket window tints are available as well.

Tinting serves several purposes. Most notably, it protects against the sun’s harmful UVA rays, which cause skin cancer as well as damage and fading to the vehicle’s interior. Window tints also help keep the cabin temperature cooler, cut down on glare from the sun and headlights, and provide car owners with a level of privacy and security. Some people simply like the way they look.

But with all these benefits comes one major drawback: visibility. The darkness of window tints makes them more difficult to see through, particularly at night, creating a safety hazard.

Window Tint Laws

Are window tints legal?

Laws regulating window tinting in passenger cars are found in every state. These statutes dictate how much light is able to pass through the glass, a measurement known as visible light transmission (VLT) percentage. The darker the window tint, the lower the percentage. VLT is usually checked as part of your vehicle’s annual state inspection.

The allowable VLT percentage minimum or legal window tint percentage varies from state to state, from 20% in New Mexico to 70% in New York, Rhode Island, California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Iowa and Washington, D.C. Three states (New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont) don’t allow any tinting.

Window tint laws mainly focus on a car’s front side windows, although many states also have rules regarding back side and rear windows. States may allow for more tinting on back side windows, but, if so, usually require a car have dual side mirrors. Rear windows are often permitted to be darker than front side windows, as well.

Nowhere in the country are windshields allowed to be tinted except along the top of the glass pane. How far down the tinting is permitted to extend also varies by state.

Window tint laws can be complicated. For example, Michigan allows any percentage of tinting but only on the top 4 inches of the window. Some states allow tints to include metallic or mirrored elements, but many states ban such products. Further muddling the issue is the fact many states have different tinting laws for sedans than they do for trucks, minivans and SUVs.

It’s best to consult your state’s department of motor vehicles to know the window tint legal limit and what is and isn’t allowed.

Exemptions

Most states allow exemptions to window tints laws for people with medical conditions causing severe light sensitivity. Such conditions include albinism, dermatitis, dermatomyositis lupus, porphyria and drug photosensitivity, among others. If you require a window tint medical exemption, you can apply for one through your state’s department of motor vehicles.

Are Window Tint Laws Applicable if You’re Traveling Through Another State?

When in another state, you’re subject to that state’s laws, including those dictating window tinting. Some states provide exemptions to their tint laws to those just passing through, but others do not. In the latter case, you could be subject to a citation if your windows are too dark. That said, if you explain that you’re only visiting and your windows are in compliance in your home state, you may be able to get off without a ticket.

Have a question or comment about window tints? Share it in the comments below!

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Getting into a car crash isn’t something we plan on. It’s a scenario we’d generally like to avoid. But when it does happen, how do insurance companies determine fault?

Unless the crash you were involved in can be considered no-doubt liability, such as rear-end or left-turn collisions, there will likely be a process you and your insurance company go through to determine who exactly is at fault. We asked a AAA insurance expert how it works.

Contributary vs. Comparative Laws

“There are different state laws that regulate fault, how it’s determined and even whether you can collect from the other party or not,” said Gregory Smolan, AAA Northeast’s vice president of insurance operations.

Whether or not you can collect payment after an accident depends on if you live in a contributary state or a comparative state. Living in a contributary state means that if you’re found to be even a small amount at fault, you can’t collect from the other driver. In comparative states, compensation is awarded based on your determined percentage of fault.  

This map shows contributary and comparative negligence laws by state.

In the Northeast, states like Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York have no-fault insurance, which are laws that require each driver injured in an accident to file a claim with their own insurance company, so that each person is compensated for their medical bills, regardless of who was at fault.

Determining Fault After a Car Crash

“Typically, when a collision happens, the first line of defense is self-reporting,” Smolan advised. There are many times the police are called, and they’ll do an accident report that then goes to the adjuster. Usually, the way the report is written will give you a determination of who was probably in the wrong.”

In many cases, bystanders have a part to play in determining who’s ultimately at fault. “If I’m an adjuster,” Smolan said, “I’ll look at the police report, take statements from our driver and get their version of events. If there are any witnesses, I’d even call them for a statement. But we also have traffic cams now.”

Speaking of cameras, how about dash cams? Are they a hindrance to the fault process, or do they help? Smolan said they’re a great tool to have in your arsenal in the event of an crash. “Certainly, if you’re in a collision and you’re trying to determine fault, a dash cam is video proof just like a traffic cam. It’s totally valid.”

Do you have usage-based insurance? Even better. “Some folks have UBI, so they’re tracking their driving habits on their phones. If you can go back and see proof in those stats, they can help disprove someone else’s accusation.”

Essentially, if you’re trying to build a case, accumulating proof with photos, witnesses and the police report are your best bet. “You may still technically be at fault,” said Smolan. “But at least you’ve produced as much evidence as you can to the contrary.”

Once all the information about the accident has been received and the insurance companies begin their investigation, each will submit a determination of fault percentages. Surprisingly, these percentages aren’t precise and are only an estimate. “There’s no mathematical equation,” Smolan said. A lot of what ultimately determines fault is good old negotiation with the other party. If there is a disagreement with the results and both parties can’t come to an agreement, the situation will be handled by an arbitrator who’ll review all the facts and make a final decision.

If you find yourself in a scenario where the other party involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance, not all is lost. “Check with your own carrier about your uninsured motorist or under-insured motorist coverage to see if you have coverage on your policy,” Smolan said.

Top Takeaways

• First and foremost, make sure nobody’s injured and that your vehicles are in a safe spot before starting the claims process.
• Take pictures of damage and the location.
• Exchange information with the other party and contact your insurance company right away.
• If there are bystanders, get their names and numbers.
• If there is any damage, get the police there to submit a report.
• Don’t admit fault at the scene. “It’s not up to you to determine fault or admit fault at the site,” said Smolan. “Let the process play out.”

Find Out More About AAA Auto Insurance

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Mention Peru and many instantly think of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. While the 15th century Incan citadel’s magnificent ruins and unforgettable views are a mainstay of any Peruvian visit, the country bursts with both natural and man-made wonders to explore, thanks to its more than 15,000 years of history.

Luxury small group journeys by Alexander + Roberts ensure travelers get to experience all of Peru’s culture, history and vibrant contemporary life. Here are some sights not to be missed.

Explore Cuzco and the Sacred Valley

Cuzco, capital of the former Inca empire, preserves many of the traditions of early Peruvian life. Travel to the Sacred Valley and meet women weaving the same way they have done for hundreds of years, using the wool from the native alpacas, llamas and vicunas that gather in the valley. Visit relics from both the Inca and colonial eras, including Sacsayhuaman, a massive stone monument built by the Inca in the 1400s. Another highlight is the circular terraces of Moray, which some scholars believe the Inca used as an agricultural testing station.

Shop the San Pedro Market

Not to be missed, the San Pedro Market in Cuzco fills the streets with endless rows of vendors selling everything from meats, fruits, vegetables and juices to crafts, hand-knit sweaters and fresh-baked goods. It’s also a good chance to sample some traditional Peruvian street foods.

See Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most well-preserved and well-known archaeological sites from the Inca civilization. Located high up in the Andes Mountains, its true purpose remains unknown, but one of the most common speculations is that it was a palace for the emperor Pachacuti. The 200-building complex includes roads, terraces, irrigation canals and temples made of stones that fit together like puzzle pieces, without mortar or pegs.

Among its Peru tour options, Alexander + Roberts offers a luxury train ride from Cuzco to Machu Picchu.

Take a Walking Tour of Lima

After Spain conquered the Inca in the mid-1500s, it ruled Peru for 300 years, imparting the Spanish language and many aspects of its culture. The capital, Lima, was founded by the leader of the Spanish expedition, Francisco Pizzaro, and is rich with the Spanish colonial influence as well as the Inca dynasty.

A walking tour of Lima is a stroll through hundreds of years of history. Not far from the main square is the Lima Cathedral and numerous museums, including the Larco Museum, which features pre-Columbian artifacts and is perfect to visit before exploring Inca sites in the Andes. Make sure to stop by Barranco, a neighborhood home to artists, galleries and cafes.

Also known as the culinary capital of South America, Lima boasts a food scene featuring a mix of indigenous, local and international foods.

Bring Home a Taste of Peru

Cooking classes, such as those offered on Alexander + Roberts luxury small group journeys, go beyond the kitchen. You’ll explore the cultural roots of each dish, learn about native ingredients and even shop like a local with guided market visits.

Visit Lake Titicaca and Learn About Amazon Ecosystems

At an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca, on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world. A wide variety of plant and animal species live in and around the lake, including one of the planet’s largest aquatic frog species. The lake also is home to the Uros people, who live on floating reed islands.

If you’re interested in a jungle trek, pick from assorted guided tours of the Amazon rainforests and consider a stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, one of the most highly regarded eco-lodges in the world. 

Head to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Of course, there is always more to see. Alexander + Roberts offers pre and post excursions to additional locations in Peru and even beyond to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. For example, add an Amazon cruise, which could include a trip through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This huge wetland reserve, Ecuador’s largest, teems with swamps, streams and plants and wildlife along the shores. In the Galapagos, you can explore different islands by boat and view the native wildlife and unique terrain.

Alexander + Roberts offers luxury small group journeys to must-see destinations around the world, including Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean and Middle East, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.

Book your experience with a AAA travel advisor.

All photos are courtesy of Alexander + Roberts.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) tools may feel convenient, but are they helping or hurting your financial future? In this episode of Merging Into Life, hosts Julien and Kiersten sit down with credit expert William Black to explore the pros and cons of BNPL and how new forms of consumer credit are reshaping our approach to debt management. From interest-free offers to BNPL’s sneaky impact on credit score, they unpack what makes these services different from traditional loans and why “frictionless” spending might be more dangerous than it seems. For anyone navigating student loans, car payments or just trying to understand modern credit, this episode is a crucial lesson in financial literacy for young adults.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding how buy now, pay later works. It isn’t always free. Understanding interest rates (even hidden ones) is key.
• New credit reporting rules mean real consequences. Missed BNPL payments can now impact your credit score, even if the purchase was small.
• With multiple due dates tied to different purchases, effective debt management becomes harder, making it easy to lose track and fall behind.
• Building credit wisely starts early. Establishing good habits like paying on time and staying organized builds your credit profile and future borrowing power.
• If you’re struggling, don’t go silent. Negotiating with creditors is possible, and reaching out can lead to support, not punishment

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:03] Julien: I hate to tell his business, but one of my closest friends was struggling to get a mortgage a few years ago. He finally was able to get it done. But as he was telling me some of the challenges that he was having, as it related to his credit score, I could not help but to recall so many of the issues that he had even when he was younger. Like he completely disregarded credit, and he wouldn’t pay his credit card bills, he wouldn’t pay his cellphone bills, back in the day. And, so, all of those little things, like when we were in our 20s, were definitely catching up to him.

[00:00:34] Kiersten: There are not many lessons in life that you have to learn the hard way, but I feel like credit kind of falls in there because it’s such a foreign concept. I was the same way. I understood it, intellectually. I knew I was supposed to follow these rules, pay on time. I did not fully understand how the consequences would ripple through every other decision for as long as they did. And so I was loose. I was reckless. I didn’t have a system. And I learned that lesson the hard ways. Things got very expensive very quickly.

[00:01:10] Julien: Hey everyone, welcome back to Merging into Life, the podcast where we’re helping you navigate real life moments with smarter financial choices, brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m Julian. And I’m Kirsten.

[00:01:20] Kiersten: If you’ve been following this season, you know we’ve talked a lot about the emotional side of money, how it shows up in relationships, and how it affects the way we spend. Today, we’re looking at something that sits right at the intersection of emotion, convenience and risk. Buy now, pay later.

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[00:01:35] Julien: If you’ve ever clicked pay in four at checkout or seen those little pop-ups offering interest-free payments, that’s BNPL, buy now pay later. And while it seems simple, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, especially now with new credit reporting rules that could affect your score, even if you’re only splitting up a $40 hoodie. But it’s not just hoodies. This connects to the bigger financial choices we all make. Financing a car, taking student loans, buying a home or choosing credit over cash. These decisions carry weight, both practically and emotionally.

[00:02:06] Kiersten: We’re also going to look at how credit works and how it shapes the way that we think about money.

[00:02:10] Julien: Buy now, pay later isn’t really new, people have been using their credit cards to purchase products that they need to pay back later for a long time. So I’m looking forward to really digging into this discussion.

[00:02:20] Kiersten: We’re joined by William Black, a former managing director at Moody’s and someone with plenty of experience analyzing how loans work in the real world. So if you’ve ever wondered whether buying now and paying later is a smart choice or a slippery slope, this one is for you.

[00:02:39] Kiersten: Will, thank you for joining us. We gave a little bit of your bio, but if you want to give us some background on who you are and what you focus on, it would be great to start us off there.

[00:02:49] Will: The bulk of my professional career has been focused nearly exclusively on consumer credit. So here we’re talking about autos, credit cards, student loans and mortgages, where we focused on those asset, what we called asset classes, those consumer asset classes as they served as collateral or assets backing securities that are issued into the capital markets. So in order to do that, my team and myself, we had to understand how these businesses operate at a very granular level. As we know, two-thirds of the GDP of the economy’s growth is generated from consumer spending, and a lot of that is done on consumer credit.

[00:03:32] Kiersten: Have you found an easy way to explain how credit and interest rates work to the average consumer?

[00:03:41] Will: Credit is a responsibility that if you’re going to participate in the economy as a consumer, certainly in the U.S., is something you don’t have to participate in credit … but it sure is a useful tool. And whether or not you use credit, and almost all of us do, remember I mentioned credit cards, student loans, autos. We’re going to talk about buy now, pay later, which is a subsector of what I think of as unsecured consumer credit, which is credit cards, generally speaking, and mortgages if you want to own a home.

[00:19:22] Julien: What is the best way to just start building and establishing credit?

[00:19:23] One is just you’ve got to be in it to start building credit quickly. If you’re not in it, meaning if you don’t have credit, you’re still building a credit profile, whether you realize it or not. You’re just probably not helping yourself, because assumptions will be taken about you if you’re obtaining credit by the powers that be. Credit bureaus are tracking things like: What kind of credit do you have? How well are you paying down on that credit? How well are you paying it back? Are you delinquent? No. 2: How much credit a lender is likely to grant. And, No. 3, the cost of that credit will be affected by how high that credit score. The higher, the less chance you are going to default, the lower your APR or interest rate on that loan, which has major consequences. That’s some context I think is important to answer your question a little bit more directly. And that is, I mentioned, get in the ecosystem early, and you can do that somewhat safely. You’re not going to take out a mortgage when you’re a teenager, but what you might be able to get a buy now pay later when you’re buying something online. Just make sure that you pay it off on time. But you do, and once you or get a credit card, you might get what are called secured credit cards.

[00:05:42] Kiersten: I think very few people think about it like an ecosystem, like this critical part of our economy. There are all kinds of types of credit out there, whether we’re talking about credit cards, car loans, student debt, mortgages, and there are more things being invented along the way. I want to talk about buy now, pay later, because there’s a whole generation of people that will only know that as their primary loan or credit source. And I want to talk about what makes buy now, pay later or microloans different, and in some ways, more complicated than the traditional loans that we grew up on.

[00:06:18] Will: You’re right, buy now, pay later has been coming on the credit scene kind of fast and furious. They’re in the headlines. They’re getting a lot of attention. They’re relatively new, and they’re also relatively small. Let me put it into context. I mentioned earlier the main categories of consumer credit. Mortgages being the largest. I’m going to throw some numbers at you, but I’ll try to keep it simple. [There’s] about $13 trillion worth of mortgage, residential mortgage debt, outstanding in the country today. OK. Autos and student loans, 1.6 trillion each, each, outstanding. And credit cards as a category are about, I think, $1.2 trillion of credit card receivables outstanding, balances outstanding. Snapshot. BNPL is as best as I can determine, about $120 billion. It’s about 10% of just of just credit cards. So again, it’s been growing very, very fast. And that’s when we see a high rate of growth attached and you’re seeing new players who are very good at getting attention for their growth. They’re in the FinTech space and there’s a lot of attention given to FinTech. They’re growing fast. I would say that one of the things that BNPL does, they do a few things differently then let’s just compare them to credit cards. They’re both unsecured credit, meaning there’s no collateral backing it. They can’t take anything away after you bought it. Not like a car, like if you don’t pay back your car in 90 days, you’re late 90 days, they’re going to take your car back. So, it’s in that category of, of a loan, same as a credit card. No. 1, where they’re very different and where they were very successful, BNPL companies in general vs. a credit card, is that they were very good at becoming digitally native in the e-commerce ecosystem. That’s No. 1. The other thing that they did very well and are doing very well is they offer a product that is appealing in that it’s advertised as interest-free. Well, that sounds, that’s sounds awesome. Who, who doesn’t want an interest-free loan? And, of course, you and I know nothing is for free. Somebody is profiting from this arrangement, and it’s probably not you. Maybe that’s a bit of a cheap shot, because we can have a conversation and a debate about who’s truly paying for the cost of money, but we can agree that there is a cost to the time value of any loan. And that’s what this is. So who’s paying for that? You can make the argument, well, I’m not paying an interest rate. There’s no interest associated with my BNPL. So I’m paying any interest. That is true, nominally, but somebody’s paying for the time value of that money. And if it’s the lender, then they’re gonna get their chunk of change from the merchant. And the merchant is going to try to preserve their margins on what they’re selling. So, they’re going to charge you more for whatever they’re selling, maybe not you individually more, but they’re going to have to charge more to someone. It’s like squeezing a balloon, right? That, that air is going go somewhere.

[00:09:39] Kiersten: Let’s be real. Student loans can be one of the toughest topics for couples to navigate. Whether you’re paying them off, taking them on for a child or just trying to understand your options, it helps to have support. AAA offers access to student loan counseling and refinancing solutions designed to help members feel more in control of their financial future. Whether it’s guidance or a lower rate you’re after, we’re here to help. To explore your options visit AAA.com/studentloans. Services are available to AAA Northeast members. Availability and benefits may vary by club.

[00:10:14] Julien: I also remember one of the other things that made it very appealing when it started to roll out, what feels like a few years ago, was that it was not originally being reported on your credit report until recently, there’s been some news that now that is no longer the case.

[00:10:33] Will: I write a newsletter called Consumer Credit Matters that’s available on LinkedIn. And I wrote an article about this event very recently. So, you’re right to point out that, initially, whatever performance you did, good or bad, if you paid back your BNPL as on time or whether you defaulted on that BNPL, that credit behavior was not reported to what I mentioned earlier, the bureaus. And, therefore, did not then affect your score. This was causing some friction among the participants. This is a two double-edged sword, right? If you’re a good borrower and using BNPL, and they’re not being reported to the bureaus, you’re not helping your future self build a good credit bureau file and open doors for you down the road. But if you’re not a good borrower, that is, you can kind of escape that ecosystem without any penalty. That has now changed very recently that they will be working with at least some of those BNPL players and developing a statistical way of capturing that data.

[00:11:46] Kiersten: With these BNPLs, it’s like the due date is based on when the purchase was made. And so, the likelihood that you might miss a payment, not because you’re irresponsible, just because you have so many of them is a lot higher.

[00:11:57] Will: The thing you mentioned is an absolutely true truism of BNPL and how it differentiates itself from credit cards. And it makes it more difficult for the best organized among us to keep up with all these bills coming in throughout the month, as opposed to basically every other form of credit that I mentioned. Where you’re getting one bill a month. And often you can have those taken out of your checking account or your saving, whatever account on an automated basis. BNPL hasn’t been as easy. And by the way, it’s partly due to the fact that it started out as this is going to help you pay for this discretionary purchase that has a bigger ticket item than normal and compartmentalize it. And pay, I think, conceptually, in the early years, it was like, I’m going to buy this one thing that’s a little bit expensive, maybe a piece of furniture or something. And I and I get to pay it over four months instead of one month without any interest. That’s that was the thinking. Very attractive, right? And then, it turned into like being really pproliferated, and they’re ever present. And it’s awfully easy and tempting to hit the same button when you’re now maybe even checking out for groceries. Maybe you’re using for nondiscretionary purchases now. That is something that is happening. And yeah, you need to keep on top of it. You miss a payment, it’s going to hurt your credit score. Now how much, I don’t know. But it’s certainly it’s going to be immediate.

[00:13:27] Julien: What’s one thing that you do know for sure that you really just wish every young borrower knew about credit, whether it’s student loans, buying a car or buying now, pay later, what’s the one thing you just really wish every one of them knew?

[00:13:42] Will: You may not appreciate it when you start out, but credit is, as we started with this conversation, it’s a very important dimension of participating for most people. The vast majority of people, when you’re just starting out, it is and will and/or will be a very important dimension of participating in the economy. I guess it’s pretty simple. Pay back your debts on time. And don’t get in over your head. By the way, we should spend a little bit of time talking about getting in over your head, because bad things happen to good people. So, unemployment, health emergencies and divorce, I think are the top three reasons for people falling down in terms of their financial responsibilities. My advice to people there would be don’t go dark with your creditors. As difficult as it may be, get on the phone, or whatever your mode of communication is, with your lender and tell them what you’re going through, and tell them that you need help, and try to work something out. Most lenders, nowadays especially, will listen and offer you something, some forbearance, it depends on your circumstances and how you can substantiate it. So, don’t try to just turtle up, as the expression goes, and hope that this dark cloud will pass and that somehow people won’t catch up to you. Your debts are going to be, if you owe you something, those, those guys are not going to forget about it. I mean, you’re hearing about this in student loans now, right? I mean, I know this is a bit of a tangent, but it’s a good example. You owe a student loan to the federal government. They will come after you in Social Security years and garnish your Social Security if you owe them money. So you can run, but you cannot hide. And maybe you can run for many years, but you cannot hide.

[00:15:45] Julien: So I can’t just move to Belize, start an Airbnb and escape?

[00:15:48] Will: Maybe Belize might be an option. That might be an option. I’m not so sure how long the arms are, but I wouldn’t test it.

[00:15:57] Julien: I’d love to hear a little bit about your podcast.

[00:16:00] Will: I have a newsletter and a podcast. The newsletters, they go by the same name. They’re both called Consumer Credit Matters. And they’re just a platform for me to either discuss with, in the case of podcasts, discuss with market leaders in the world of consumer credit. And so that gives me a platform to either write about or talk about those types of events. Been fun, thanks for asking.

[00:16:24] Julien: No, thank you. Really appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge and understanding and experience on credit with us. And I’m sure all the listeners out there learn something as well.

[00:16:35] Will: Well, appreciate that. It was a wonderful conversation. Thank you so much for having me.

[00:16:42] Julien: You know, I really don’t want to demonize buy now, pay later. It does serve a purpose, but it’s really hard to not see it that way, when you know people are doing it to break up a $8 burrito into three different payments. Like I can understand it if we’re talking about a vacation or if in a case of an emergency. But when you start to see little things and kind of a flippant approach to it, I think that’s where the concern comes in.

[00:17:06] Kiersten: Yeah, my cousins, my younger cousins, almost treat it like a hack. Like it’s something that they know and that like we weren’t allowed to do when we were growing up. And they use it for everything. I think probably the craziest thing that I’ve heard that they use it for is gas. Did you know you could buy your gas now and pay for it later?

[00:17:22] Julien: I didn’t, but I’m not surprised.

[00:17:23] Kiersten: I was like, we used to just not go. Like if we didn’t have gas, we just weren’t going. And then, with all the options that you have between Uber and scooters, I just feel like there’s another alternative to breaking up a quarter tank into four different payments.

[00:17:37] Julien: Yeah, we used to ask for gas money, but I guess you don’t really need to do that if you got buy now, pay later. I love how these three episodes are really kind of connected in a way.

[00:17:48] Kiersten: Yeah, I was thinking about this the other night, and I realized the through line here is: the more invisible money becomes — like Fintech has this thing where they call it frictionless spending, you don’t have to touch physical paper or coins — the more visible money becomes, the more you actually have to think about it. And I don’t think we’ve caught up to that. In all three of our discussions, we’ve talked about the consciousness of money. How you have to think about how you feel before you spend it. How you think about your future purchasing decisions before you select buy now, pay later. And I don’t know that we’re used to doing that because before when it was physical it would just be gone. Like it was just subtraction, and now, it’s got like this calculus and algebra layer, the statistics layer, that is really advanced, and it changes the way that we should be teaching financial literacy and thinking about financial literacy.

[00:18:42] Julien: Yeah, it definitely feels like things are moving a lot faster, and we’re all kind of struggling to keep up with it. Big thanks to William for demystifying the world of credit and reminding us that even small financial decisions can leave a lasting impact.

[00:18:55] Kiersten: If this episode helped you rethink your own approach to borrowing, share it, leave a review, and don’t forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. We’ll see you next time on Merging Into Life.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute financial advice and are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA, and/or its affiliates.

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RESOURCES

Merging Into Life Homepage

William Black | Consumer Credit Matters Newsletter

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Merging Into Life, S1E7: Buying Your First Home

Merging Into Life, S1E19: How to Choose Your First Credit Card

How to Build Your Credit Score

How to Pre-Qualify for an Auto Loan

AAA Answers All Your Student Lending Questions

New Era for College Borrowing

How to Consolidate Student Loans

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*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.

Lots of life events can necessitate a change to your life insurance policy, but in particular, having a child could certainly be considered one of the biggest. It’s also the sort of life event that comes with lots of questions, especially if it’s your first child. So, when it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase a child life insurance policy, you may be wondering what that means and whether it will be worth it in the long run.

Here our experts weigh in and offer advice on the most-asked questions they’ve received about child life insurance.

What is child life insurance?

Just like life insurance for an adult, life insurance for children is an agreement with an insurance company – but in the case of a child ages 17 or younger, a parent, grandparent or guardian serves as the policyholder.

“Child life insurance policies are put together in hopes that the growth that occurs will result in a substantial amount of usable equity to aid in providing substantial living benefits,” said Christopher Perrier, director of life insurance sales operations with AAA.

What are the benefits of a child life insurance policy?

One of the biggest advantages of child life insurance is the feeling of security in knowing that your child is financially prepared for life’s big moments. “Children’s life insurance policies provide continuing coverage as they grow older for things like starting a family or getting married, where the coverage can then provide that much more value to families of their own,” said Perrier.

Having one also guarantees your child will have coverage in the event that they end up developing a health condition later on in life. In addition, you’re locking in a low rate.

“[A] huge benefit of these policies is that when children are young and healthy, the cost of insurance is as low as it will ever be,” Perrier said. “There is no better time to secure a policy to ensure they will always have coverage in place in the event they become uninsurable.”

Child life insurance policies can either be purchased separately from a parent or guardian’s policy, or they can be added as a term rider. Typical life insurance policies for children are categorized as either whole life or indexed universal life.

What is indexed universal life insurance?

An indexed universal life, or IUL, policy offers permanent lifetime protection and the ability to grow in a stock market to increase the interest that’s credited to the cash value in the policy. “The beauty of this policy is that no dollars are actually invested in the index,” Perrier said. “In the event that the market has a down year, there would be no loss of any cash value.”

This kind of policy also has what is referred to as an annual reset, so any gains that are obtained are locked in every year they occur. This way, there’s never a risk of loss but always a healthy potential for growth. “A monthly investment of as little as $50 can result in a huge potential for cash value growth while the child grows up,” Perrier said. That cash value, he advises, could be easily used for college, a down payment on a home, opening a business or any number of life’s big events.

Should you purchase a policy when you’re expecting?

Because insurers consider pregnancy to be a medical condition — a category that can impact your rates — the best time to get life insurance would be before you become pregnant. However, if you are already pregnant, applying as early as possible can help deter any pregnancy-related health factors related to your policy.

Can you purchase a policy for your grandchildren?

Grandparents are welcome to purchase a policy for their grandchildren, said Perrier. “Many clients establish child policies for their grandchildren as a gift when the child is born. While most children outgrow tangible gifts such as toys or clothing, a children’s life insurance policy can be designed to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Get a life insurance quote

Energy Information Administration (EIA) data released last week showed gasoline demand might be crawling out of a post-July Fourth slump.

The agency reported demand rose by 185,000 barrels a day over the prior week to 9.15 million barrels a day – a figure roughly in-line with seasonal expectations, but still 100,000 barrels a day below the comparable week last year.

The EIA also reported a decline in domestic gasoline stocks last week, which reached a two-month low. The largest declines were seen here in the Northeast, where regional supplies fell by 1.8 million barrels to 57.9 million barrels. Despite the drawdowns, Northeast supplies are still considered to be at comfortable levels and sit above the 56.2 million barrels that were in storage this time last year.

“After demand for gasoline fell short of expectations in the weeks following July Fourth, recent readings are much more summerlike,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “The stronger demand, coupled with tighter supply, has put some upward pressure on pump prices.”

AAA Northeast’s Aug. 8 survey of fuel prices found the current national average the same as last week ($3.15), averaging $3.15 per gallon. The national average price is a penny higher than a month ago ($3.14) and 30 cents lower than this day last year ($3.45).

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Massachusetts	$3.07	$3.05	$3.06	$3.44
Rhode Island	$3.04	$3.03	$3.02	$3.38
Connecticut	$3.12	$3.11	$3.15	$3.44
New York	$3.17	$3.16	$3.19	$3.58
New Jersey	$3.07	$3.07	$3.10	$3.32

*Prices as of Aug. 8, 2025

As of Aug. 8, Mississippi and Texas have the lowest prices in the nation at $2.71 and $2.73, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.49 and $4.46 respectively.

The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.

For high school students or any college-bound individual in the process of researching colleges and universities, admissions professionals strongly recommend scheduling campus visits.

If you can’t make it in person, virtual college tours offer a glimpse into student life and campus facilities. One perk is that you can visit multiple campuses across the country all in one day.

Don’t forget, all AAA members have access to our college portal, which includes how-to videos on acing college applications, essays and interviews, as well as financial aid and funding strategies.

Northeast

Hofstra University

Hempstead, N.Y.

What’s the best way to experience Hofstra? This self-guided virtual college tour explores inside Hofstra’s labs, residence halls and production studios, giving viewers access to campus videos, 360-degree photo tours and more. The university is also active on TikTok and their channel is full of funny (and relatable) videos for current and prospective students.

Georgetown University

Washington, D.C.

Georgetown University’s virtual reality walking tour, gives anyone the chance to visit the campus at their own pace, before seeing it in person. This narrated tour has 20 stops around campus, each with 360-degree photography.

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Mass.

In addition to exploring the halls, athletic center and other parts of campus, a bonus of the Boston College virtual college tour is that you can watch a recorded or live panel from faculty and students. The college also has a robust YouTube channel.

Fairfield University

Fairfield, Conn.

While nothing compares to the real thing, virtual college tours are a great place to start. Fairfield University’s virtual tour gives a simple overview of the campus and couldn’t be easier to use, allowing visitors to look around 20 different points of interest in just a few clicks.

College of New Jersey

Ewing, N.J.

The College of New Jersey’s Youtube channel gives prospective students first-hand accounts from current students and alumni, plus behind-the-scene looks of their athletics program and what to expect during welcome week and homecoming.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, N.J.

NJIT offers 45 acres of innovation and excitement. Their self-guided campus tour takes you across the entire campus, giving you an inside look into Greek Way, the Microelectronics Center and the Makerspace, a rapid prototyping and collaboration facility where engineers, architects, designers and scientists can create and test ideas, put theory into practice and turn ideas into reality.

Johnson and Wales University

Providence, R.I.

The Johnson and Wales virtual tour gives an all-access view of its beautiful Rhode Island campus. The college’s YouTube channel also highlights internship opportunities, special events and what life is like at JWU.

South

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Va.

This virtual college tour gives you a narrated look into every aspect of the university. The tour is a student-led effort; undergraduate members of the University Guide Service wrote the script, coordinated the filming and continue to maintain and update the tour, giving you full-access to the campus.

University of North Carolina System

16 universities throughout North Carolina

Take a 360-degree tour of each university on your desktop, laptop, phone or VR headset. The tour covers all of the University of North Carolina’s campuses and state universities.

Texas A&M

College Station, Texas

Texas A&M encourages prospective students to set up a 30-minute video chat or call with current “Aggies.” You can also take virtual tours of the campus, including a 20-minute walking tour hosted by the school’s official tour guides, the Howdy Crew.

Midwest

Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

This self-guided, virtual tour will take you to popular spots across the Columbus campus. Along the way, you’ll learn about Ohio State’s unique history, traditions and what it means to be a Buckeye. The university’s Instagram account also gives prospective students a taste of OSU with behind-the-scenes videos and interviews with current students.

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Mich.

UM students give an insider look of the campus from their point of view. Their YouTube channel also hosts unique series like Michigan students’ vlogs and what summers are like for students who decide to stick around.

University of Chicago

Chicago, Ill.

This virtual tour takes you across the 217-acre University of Chicago campus, which is also a certified botanical garden. The narration is led by students and alumni and boosts over 30 stops around campus, each with 360-degree photography.

West Coast

Stanford University

Stanford, Calif.

Stanford’s online tours include a student-led tour and a virtual campus walk with access to over 30 locations throughout the university including housing, dining, social activities, the quad and more. Stanford also has a podcast highlighting buildings that have benefited from the Stanford Challenge, aimed at seeking solutions to global problems and educating the next generation of leaders.

University of Washington

Seattle, Wash.

You can get an inside look at UW through a series of campus tours hosted on the university’s YouTube channel. It covers everything from commuting, campus life, studying abroad, secret study sports and more.

University of Arizona

Tucson, Ariz.

You can preview the University of Arizona with a six-minute student-led tour video. For more great insight into the life of a Wildcat, check out their Instagram account and YouTube channel.

University of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Cali.

UCLA is one of the most applied-to schools in the nation. Their narrated tour has over 20 stops around campus each with 360-degree photography. You can see and hear students, faculty and staff explain what makes UCLA an amazing place via their YouTube channel.

Need a new computer for college? Start the school year off right with discounts for AAA members from HP and Dell. 

Visit AAA’s College Portal for a customized step-by-step program that will walk you through the college-planning timeline. Inside the portal, you will have access to proven admissions strategies, financial aid options and support needed to build a bright future for yourself or your college-bound kids.

AAA Student Lending is also here to support you and your family with affordable and flexible student loan and refinancing options. Schedule a call to speak with a AAA Student Lending specialist.

So, what do you think of these virtual college tours? Tell us in the comments.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

There are many well-known sayings that hold true, like “don’t judge a book by its cover,” “the early bird gets the worm” and “better safe than sorry.” But is there any truth to the real estate adage that homebuyers should “marry the house, date the rate?”

Let’s look at the thinking behind this homebuying strategy and whether now is the time to put it into action.

What does ‘marry the house, date the rate’ mean?

The “marry the house, date the rate” adage reinforces the fact that you can change your mortgage rate while remaining in the same house.

There is a common misconception that you should always put off purchasing a home when rates are high. This approach may seem financially sound in the short-term, but the delay could cause you to miss out on the home you want to marry.

Instead of waiting an undeterminable amount of time for interest rates to drop, you may be better off acting now. Interest rates are always fluctuating. Your initial rate may be higher than you like, but by “dating” your rate, you can break up with it as soon as a better option presents itself.

“It’s a cycle, and when [interest rates] come back down, borrowers will have the opportunity to refinance to a lower rate,” said Steven Vieira, director of mortgage sales and operations at AAA Northeast.

Get expert mortgage help with AAA.

Is now the right time to ‘marry the house, date the rate?‘

Those with a mortgage should always be dating the rate. Even if the original loan comes with a low interest rate, it is wise to consider refinancing if rates drop even further.

That said, the “marry the house, date the rate” strategy was devised for high-rate times like these. The opportunity to refinance when rates drop provides a built-in safety net that ensures consumers will not be locked into an exorbitant interest rate for the length of the mortgage.

Additionally, despite reaching historic highs, interest rates may continue to increase. This would make waiting to purchase a house a costly delay. Taking out a mortgage today would eliminate that possibility.

“Marry the house, date the rate” can be particularly appealing to renters who have put off homebuying during these turbulent times. Remember, mortgages are essentially savings accounts. Borrowers deposit money each month and when the loan is paid off, they become the owner of a valuable asset – a house. Renters, on the other hand, will never get their money back. By adopting the “marry the house, date the rate” strategy, renters can begin building equity immediately when they might have otherwise been reluctant to take out a mortgage.

Is now the right time to buy a house?

It is not just interest rates that have people concerned. Skyrocketing house prices are also scaring off many potential buyers. At the end of the first quarter of this year, the average sale price of houses in the United States was $512,800, according to the St. Louis Fed.

But there are two important points to remember about current housing prices: They are not likely to drop significantly any time soon, and they could work to your advantage when trying to get into your dream house.

Let us look at the first point. Many potential homebuyers are operating under the premise that a housing bubble is about to pop, which will cause prices to decline. But Vieira cautions that consumers should not hold their breath waiting for this to happen. “It goes back to basic supply and demand,” he said. “The housing stock is the lowest it has been in years. This fact alone will keep prices stable, and we may see increases.”

Secondly, the current market could present opportunities for those looking to purchase a house. High prices and interest rates have discouraged many potential homeowners, leaving them sitting on the sidelines. In turn, those looking to sell their home now have a smaller pool of buyers to choose from. This does more than limit the competition. With fewer options, sellers are more likely to be willing to negotiate price and terms. When all is said and done, buyers acting now may end up finding a better deal today than they would have in a less-turbulent housing market.

Are you ready to “marry the house, date the rate?” Contact AAA Financial Services to start your mortgage application today.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.