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EPISODE SUMMARY

Hosts Julien and Kiersten of rich & REGULAR sit down with Certified Financial Planner™ Eoin McGee to unpack the emotional baggage and financial anxiety we carry around money. Together, they explore why money feels so personal and how our upbringing shapes the way we spend, save and respond to financial stress.

From the psychology behind subconscious spending to answering questions like, “why do I feel guilty spending money?” and the stories we tell ourselves about being bad with money, this episode of Merging Into Life offers a compassionate look at how to talk about money fears and how changing your mindset can help you change your habits.

You’ll walk away with practical to stop worrying about money, build new behaviors and feel more in control of your financial wellness.

Listen to part 1 of Julien and Kiersten’s three-part miniseries on financial futures: How To Talk to Your Partner About Money.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Subconscious spending is sneaky and costly. One of the best psychological tips for saving money is keeping a simple spending journal for one week (and reviewing it on paper). This can reveal which purchases add value to your life and which purchases.
• Start small, save consistently. To stop worrying about money, you must become “a saver,” which starts with behavior, not big bucks. Building the habit (even at $5 a week) can change your identity and confidence, reducing financial anxiety.
• Lifestyle creep is real. As your income grows, your spending often expands to match it. The key to avoiding this? Automate savings first, then spend what’s left so your priorities come before your paycheck.
• Money mindsets are formed early, but not fixed. Whether you mirror or reject your family’s approach to money, you can unlearn limiting beliefs that cause money stress and rewrite your financial story with intention. Learning how to talk about money fears is a powerful first step.
• Financial advice scales, no matter your income. The same strategies that work for someone managing $250 work for someone managing $250,000. True financial wellness is not about the number; it’s about the behavior.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:01] Kiersten: I think a lot of my childhood memories set me up to understand how to spend money but not necessarily be financially literate in how money is earned and saved and invested. I had lots of opinions on how to spend. My childhood memory around spending definitely starts in the cafeteria. I don’t know if this is true for all kids and my mom would put out our lunch money on the counter, and every day my brother would grab what we needed, and I remember having that first freedom of choice. I would get basically snacks instead of a meal because I could, and then I would come home starving. But I remember that being my first like shopping experience was in my school cafeteria.

[00:00:42] Julien: Yeah, food. Food’s one of the few things parents allow kids to use their own money and spend, and then they punish them for not making wise decisions. Later on, none of that. I grew up in New York in the 1980s, and we were never poor, but we were always right on the edge. Because my mother worked in Manhattan, whenever I would go to Manhattan, you start to see all the big buildings and really start to see the New York City that I think a lot of people see on television, that’s where you realize, oh, that’s where the money is. So the money’s not where we live. It’s over there in Manhattan in the high rises in the hotels. And so my perspective was always a bit shaped by that. Hey everyone, welcome back to Merging Into Life, where we’re teaming up with AAA Northeast to help you navigate everyday life through smart financial conversations. I’m Julien.

[00:01:29] Kiersten: And I’m Kiersten, and today’s episode is all about what’s going on underneath the numbers, because we’re talking about the emotions of money.

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[00:01:36] Julien: Now, most of us already know the basics like spend less than you earn, save when you can, but that’s not always the hard part. The hard part is why we don’t do what we know we should. That’s where emotions come in.

[00:01:48] Kiersten: Exactly and for a lot of people learning how to feel differently about money is what made it possible to act differently with money.

[00:01:55] Julien: I think one of the most popular phrases with respect to money is, when you know better, you do better. Which brings me to our conversation today. I had a really great conversation with Eoin.

[00:02:06] Kiersten: Yeah, I’m so sad I missed that conversation, but I really enjoyed listening to the episode.

[00:02:10] Julien: Yeah. Eoin McGee is a financial expert, author of How to Be Good with Money, and the founder of Prosperous Financial, where he offers private financial planning with a focus on long-term holistic strategies.

[00:02:20] Kiersten: He’s known for breaking down the emotional and psychological side of money, from financial anxiety and subconscious spending to reshaping your mindset and building habits that last.

[00:02:33] Julien: Can you start by sharing just a little bit more about yourself and what got you interested in learning about finance?

[00:02:39] Eoin: Yeah, it’s actually quite a personal story. When I was two, my dad had a heart attack, and he had a quadruple bypass. And when I was six, he had another heart attack, and he had three stents put in. And then when I was eight, he had another heart attack, and he had a quintuple bypass, which is five of them. And he was only 48 at the time. And he turned to his doctor and his consultant, his cardiologist, and said 48 years of age, in the last six years, I’ve had three major heart incidents, what am I doing wrong? And his doctor sat back and said, the problem is stress. And the doctor asked him, what’s the biggest stress in your life? And dad sat back, and he wasn’t a financial planner, he had nothing to do with the profession I’m in today, but he was very successful in his career. And he kind of sat back. And he said, sure, I want to give up work, but you know what I’ll do, I’ll see if the finances can decide it for me. So I’ll often see if I can afford to give it up. And it turned out that along the way at some stage, I don’t know in the States what you call it, but in Ireland we would have called it in the 80s, an insurance salesman. That guy had reached my dad and had sold him an income protection policy. But basically what it meant for dad was, because on medical grounds he was being suggested that it gives up work. He was able to give up work, and he was on 75 percent of his wages until he was fit enough to go back to work or he hit normal retirement age, whichever came first. And it did take my dad a little bit of time to get his head around it but at 50 years of age dad stopped working. And he was able to look after his health and he was there for me. He was there and he made my breakfast before school in the morning. He started driving the school bus to the football matches. He sat on the board of the committee, the parents association. He was around, but the point was he was there. Something struck me. And when I finished up in college, I was offered a job in a big insurance company that happened to be the same insurance company that sold my dad the income protection. And I was very quickly drawn to the idea that I want to do for other families, what that insurance salesman did for my family, which gave us extra years with that. So in simple terms, what drew me to this, I just want to make sure people get the most out of their money. And it’s because someone else did that for me or did that for my family.

[00:04:57] Julien: It immediately made me think about my nephew, who is in his 40s right now, who has a long, long list of ailments in this having his own struggles all while trying to support four children. It brought me back to what first interested me in talking about finance and wanting to share our personal stories and everything that we’ve learned. My wife and I to help other people in couples, because more often than not, it is some type of struggle or conflict in their life, whether it’s in their relationships or some kind of familiar situation that forces people to come to grips with their spending and the way that they think about money and the way that manage money. Now you talk a lot about subconscious spending, which I’m really curious to hear more about. Can you just explain what that is, and how can we tell when we’re doing it?

[00:05:44] Eoin: So subconscious, there’s a difference between subconscious spending and conscious spending. And the main difference here is subconscious spending is walking into the shop to get a Diet Coke. And that’s conscious spending, you went in there to get the Diet Coke. Subconscious spending is walking out with a Diet Coke and a bar of chocolate, right? You went in to do something, but when you actually walked out, you go, oh, hold on a second, I’ve got two things here, because somewhere along the line, the marketing department got into your head to say, you like this bar of chocolate, get this bar of chocolate, you need to buy this now, right. And that’s a subconscious spend. And I try and bring it down to the lowest common denomination, because there’s lots of subconscious spends we do. Like, walking by your barista in the morning, that might be a conscious spend. I need my coffee to get my day going, right? But is the fourth time you walk by the barista that day, is that habit or is that a conscious spend? What was the difference? Like, we all have somebody in the office or a friend or a partner, preferably not your partner, right, but somebody who is a nightmare to deal with till they have coffee in the morning. Okay, and I think that’s something that they really need to have. But that person can often say, oh no, but it has to be that coffee from that barista, or I can’t get on with my day. And then all of a sudden, they’re making their coffees at home with pods and doing it all, and they survived it. So there is a thing there about where we just spend, because it’s hampers from where we spend, because it is conscious spending. There’s a really good way of recognizing the difference between the two of them. And the way you recognize it is, I would put a challenge out that don’t change your spending for the next week. Keep your spending as it is, okay? But every time you spend, take out your phone and go into the notes section and write down, Diet Coke, $2.50, whatever the dollars is, right? Bar of chocolate,$ 2.00. Pair of jeans, $100. Drinks with the girls after work, $60 or whatever it turns out to be. But every time you spend money, just spend like you always spend, but every time you spend, I want you to write it down. And this day next week, take out your phone, take out a pen and a piece of paper. This is really important to do with a pen a piece paper. Something happens in our brain when it comes to pen and paper. Just goes in a bit deeper. Okay. So write a line, put a line down the middle of the page on one side of the page, put conscious spending, on the other side of page, but subconscious spending. I want you to take everything from your notes section and put it on one side or the other and remember the barista coffee first thing in the morning might have been a conscious spend but was the fourth one. Some people struggle with this a little bit actually and if you change the headings a little to added value to my life or didn’t add value to my life. Okay and once you’ve got those lists put down and again there are certain things and certain circumstances will add value in your life. So for example I do a lot of travel. When I travel, if I’m traveling for work, like, if I’m speaking at an engagement in the US, for example, and I’m over at a conference and I speak at the conference, I really don’t care what the hotel is like. Provided it’s safe, and provided it’s clean, and provided that it’s quiet and I can sleep, I’m happy with the hotel, okay? When I travel for leisure, I want a nice pool or whatever the circumstance, I want it to be nice, right? So, in different circumstances, different things add different value to us, okay. And what I would say is it’s about trying to just take that week as an example and applying what added value to my life, what didn’t add value to it, what was a conscious or what was the subconscious spend. Because once you’ve done that, and you’ve taught up everything on the right hand column, if that’s the way you’re doing it, everything that’s other than the subconscious or didn’t have value to our life, you can calculate how much money did I spend last week on stuff that added no value to your life. Because guess what? If you strip that out of your life next week, your enjoyment of life is still exactly the same, but you’ve identified $50 or $60 out of $80 that you can now go and put to some use somewhere else, whether that’s saving or clearing down debt or building your buffer or whatever it is that you wanna do, you’ve got money there without devaluing what you enjoy out of life or without diminishing the value you put on life. I think that’s a really important exercise. Some people would do it, and they say, oh, do I have to do this from now on? Absolutely not. It’s when you feel that wallet leakage is kicking in again, that you need to jump back in again and do it. Maybe the first time you do it, you might do it five or six weeks later, but then you might do it for five or six months because you feel like you’re on top of it. And you do eventually get become a master of it

[00:10:14] Kiersten: Talking money with your partner isn’t always easy, but sharing a AAA membership is an easy win. From roadside assistance to savings on entertainment and dining, travel and insurance, AAA is one of the few things couples always agree on. And if you’re already a member, consider upgrading to add your partner or family members. It’s a small step that can go a long way in your financial life together. Explore benefits at AAA.com/join.

[00:10:40] Julien: You know, we, I believe, call it value-based spending. It’s just this idea. It’s like a supplementary exercise, and I and I completely agree with you there’s something powerful about writing those things down, and then just try to identify some of those patterns and that tends to identify or at least categorize some areas where you think people really should keep it because these are things that obviously are rated very highly by you but it forces people to go through that kind of pruning exercise to say wow I didn’t realize I spent so much money on things that I am also admitting I’m not adding that much value to my life. What’s really interesting is over time, you start to realize that some of the things that you used to rate or rank really highly, you don’t rank them nearly as highly anymore.

[00:11:24] Eoin: Interesting, though, because I do think that’s actually there’s a piece of research out there that describes exactly what you’re talking about. So if you think about it now, and I’m going to put you on the spot, but is there a particular band or a singer or somebody who you think, I just love them right now? Is there anyone you can think of that you just like if they’re coming to town, you’re going.

[00:11:44] Julien: If I’m being honest, no, because that’s another one of those things that has completely fallen off my radar. But 10 years ago, I would have said there was a band called Lake Street Dive that I would have absolutely loved. And I have paid to go see them perform.

[00:11:58] Eoin: It’s actually proven my point even better now. So 10 years ago, if we had to be having a chat, and I said to you, Lake Street Band, is up to say Lake Street, what you call them?

[00:12:06] Julien: Lake Street Dive.

[00:12:07] Eoin: Lake Street Dive, right? I said you, Lake Street Dive are on tonight. I have the last ticket. And you would have said to me, I’ll buy the ticket off you. I’ll give you $100, $200, $300, $500. We roll forward 10 years. Lake Street Dive playing tonight. You want to go maybe nostalgia, but I’m not paying more than $50 for the ticket. And it’s because our values do change over time. And that’s really important to recognize that. But it’s important to be able to really dive into that to make sure that you keep on checking, not only on yourself, but if you’re in a relationship that you’re checking on the other persons as well, so that your values align with each other.

[00:12:40] Julien: If you’re talking about spending conscious and subconscious spending, I found that people tend to disregard the importance of the value or the power of the little things. What do you think people can learn from small or consistent habit building?

[00:12:55] Eoin: I was speaking at a conference, I do a lot of corporate speaking, right, and public engagements and that type of thing. And I was speak at a particular conference and the audience would have been very heavily reliant on what you guys have called social security or certainly on the lower income bracket, and that was the purpose of being there was to try and help these people change their financial future. And somebody came up to me at the end of the conference and kind of approached me as I was coming down off the stage and said, oh, can I just stop you there for a minute? Yeah, of course. And she said I heard you say something about 12 weeks ago on radio, and I started saving for the first time. And I’ve never had savings in my life. She had 60 euros in savings because she had saved 5 euros a week. And I’ll be honest, I don’t want to sound patronizing or anything like it. But I felt more pride in her than my clients who have millions and millions ready to invest because she was proud of herself. The switch that had changed for her was, I had said those couple of weeks before that you’re either a saver or you’re not. And this idea that people say, I’m crap at saving or I’m a terrible saver, I can’t save, that actually isn’t, isn’t true. You are either a saver or you’re not a saver, and whether you accept it or not, you have made a choice between the two. And what I will always say to people is, if you’ve made a choice and you want to switch that and you want to become a saver, you need to pick an amount of money that you say, the next time I get paid, I’m going to save that amount of the money, and I don’t care how small it is, right? I want you to start at that level, but I want it, in fact, to be so small that if you didn’t achieve it, you’d be embarrassed to tell your best mate or your partner you didn’t do it. Because what you do then over time is you turn up the volume on the savings. So you start at one dollar, you start at five dollars, you started ten dollars. The next week or the next month you get paid, you turn it up just a little bit. Turn it up. Now, the whole point of the story is if you’re saying every time I start saving, it fails. I have to dip into it by the end of the month. I never succeed with it. What you need to do is create the habit first. That’s the important thing. Get the habit going that you are now a saver. And then every week or every month or every time you get paid, you just turn up the volume a little more because the other thing you’re doing there is there’s a law called Parkinson’s Law. So Parkinson’s Law is it’s a rule reading. A rule that says a job will take as long as you give it. So if you’ve got to mow the lawn and you have an hour to do it on Saturday before you need to go out for the evening, you’ll get it done in the hour. But if you start at nine that morning and give yourself four hours, it’s gonna take four hours. Okay, just your job expands to the time that you give. And I believe the same happens with our income, OK? So you’re making $100,000 a year. You’re going to spend $100,000 a year. You’re making $200,000 dollars a year, you’re going to spend $200,000 dollars, because lifestyle creep kicks in. Your lifestyle expands to fill the income that you have. And the only way of reversing lifestyle creep or reversing Parkinson’s Law is to turn up the volume on the savings or the intentional stuff that you do on a monthly basis where it’s putting money into your 401(k) or put money savings or whatever else you’re doing.

[00:16:12] Julien: I completely agree with you. One of the questions that I get, and I would imagine you get it as well, is people place this label on themselves and they just say, I’m just, I am bad with money. That’s just who I am. It’s who I will always be. How do you help people kind of change that story that they’re telling themselves about themselves?

[00:16:30] Eoin: First of all, what I would say is, is your money personality, you’re either exactly the same or exactly opposite to the adults you grew up with, whether that’s your parents or somebody else, right? You’re going to be the same, but the opposite, because you’ll be either attracted to what they were like, or you want to be exactly different to them. And that’s embedded very early on. So the first thing to accept is that some of this is inbuilt from an early age, but just because it’s embedded from an earlier age doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with it for life. Whatever way you are right now, you can make that worse or you can make that better. You can make that choice. If you feel that you’re bad with money and you want to be different, you need to treat yourself like a child. And I’m going to get very deep here, but you almost need to speak to your inner child and relearn the stuff that’s ingrained in you so that you can get better at it, and you can be more conscious of us and more aware of us, and you get better outcomes ultimately is what it is. Money can control us or we can control it. And you can do something very simple today that just tips that balance ever so slightly back in your favor. And then it’s about getting little wins on a regular basis to create massive change over long periods of time.

[00:17:41] Julien: You actually don’t realize that you have really deeply ingrained values and beliefs about money and you’re absolutely correct. A lot of it starts with their experiences at home. I think that’s sets the tone for whether or not you believe in ideas like abundance, or if you believe that money is truly something that is scarce. I want to change gears just for a second here. You mentioned lifestyle creep, and I don’t know that everybody understands what that term means. I’m going to ask if you have any kind of tips on things that people can do to reverse or, you know, avoid lifestyle creep or some of this impulsive spending that we know people struggle with.

[00:18:21] Eoin: Yeah, so lifestyle creep in its simplest form is that when you get a pay rise, you feel, and you should feel like you need to reward yourself. So I’m going out for dinner instead of getting the takeaway as a simple example because I’ve just got a pay rise and I deserve it. And you do deserve it, and you do work hard. And if that’s something that you value and it’s really important to you, allow for that one, allow for it somewhere else as well. If you think about it, do you suffer with lifestyle creep is a question you might be asking yourself when you’re sitting at home listening to this and you’re, why suffer with lifestyle creep? Ask yourself, when is the last time you got a pay rise? And there’d be lots of people who would say, I got a pay rise 12 months ago. How does that feel now? And most people will answer, well, it’s made no difference to me whatsoever. And what’s happened there is, is their lifestyle has increased to fill the amount of money that they have, and they just do nicer things with that money. The way to reverse this, and it’s really clear how you reverse this, when you get to a certain salary level, most of the over-excess spending can be cut back without it impacting your lifestyle. And how you cut that back, you can go through it with a fine tooth comb and find out where is your money going. Do you realize you’re spending X amount of money on delivery food and you’re spending this on that and your holidays and your vacations, as you would call it, are being spent on this? If you just say, I get paid X amount per month, and before I do anything, I’m going take a chunk of that, and I’m going to put it into savings or I’m going to put it into my 401(k) or going to do something with it, I’m gonna take it out of my checking account because once I do that, and I have everything else covered, it’s only the stuff that’s left over in your checking account that you end up spending, and you will then end up being suffering with Parkinson’s Law or Lifestyle Creep. I think that’s really important that if you realize that if you do it immediately and you automate it and you take the money at the start, Lifestyle Creep doesn’t have anywhere to expand into.

[00:20:19] Julien: What kind of emotional roadblocks do you see most people have?

[00:20:23] Eoin: When it comes to money and what keeps people awake at night is uncertainty. It’s around what is next, what happens if inflation doesn’t get under control. It’s a huge problem throughout the world, but it’s the not knowing what’s next, and it’s not understanding how can I prepare today for the unknown future. And it can, it can really send you around in spins and circles. And like, even if you think about it in simple terms, if you’ve got cash and you’re sitting and you have it in your checking account or in your savings account, and I say to a client, everything called the five-year-rule. If you don’t need your money in the next five years, get it out of your checking account and get it into an investment account and whatever you’re doing, just get it somewhere where it’s working hard for you. And then people say, Oh, but what if I need it? What if I need? Well, have you needed it in the last 10 years? No, I haven’t. But what if I do in the next five? I can’t afford to put it away. I can afford to ride out the storms. And it’s the stuff they don’t know, they don’t know which is scaring them the most. There is people out there that are means that will say, I’m worrying doesn’t do anything. It doesn’t make the problems go away. But we do spend a huge amount of time worried about stuff that’s never going to happen. Now, this is a joke. And I just hope I translate probably said and 95 percent of the things I worry about never happen. You see, worrying works. The reality is, most of the stuff we worry about doesn’t happen. There’s so much stuff that consumes us and what I would say rents space in our head that we need to get out of there and it is a blockage when it comes to taking action, whether that action is financial or that action is some other part of your life.

[00:22:05] Julien: I want to close and maybe see if we can do a little bit of myth busting here. Is there a particular belief or a myth about money that you wish more people would just let go of?

[00:22:15] Eoin: Financial future is not predetermined. Now, more than ever, I strongly believe you can create your financial path, financial future, whatever way you want it to be. It’s interesting you talk about the difference between positive thinking and negative thinking, right? And if I say to you, if you think negative, negative things are going to happen. Most people will accept that outright. They would say, oh, yeah, no, I get that. But if I said to somebody, if you think positively, positive things are going to happen. Lots of people will challenge that, say no, they won’t, you can’t imagine a good future and you’re going to get it. But you’ll accept it on the opposite side, negative makes negative, but you won’t accept they’re equal and opposites. So therefore you believe in one, you have to believe in the other. What I love about money is it’s black and white. And what I mean by that is there’s a right answer and there’s wrong answer. But it’s also relative, it’s percentage based. Right, so we had somebody who won a lot of a lottery here last last week, won 250 million euros and a lot of a quarter of a billion, here it’s tax free by the way, right. They won a quarter of a billion, biggest win ever. And the investment advice that person should be getting with 250 million is the same investment advice you should be getting with your 250 dollars because math makes it equal. And that’s one of the myths we need to get over that, oh, it’s only good for the rich or it’s no good for me because I’m not at that level. It’s math and it’s agnostic to what the number actually is because it’s percentage based, and it is either black or white, it is right or it is wrong. That’s it.

[00:23:53] Julien: I really enjoyed this conversation with Eoin, and I especially loved that he shared some deeply personal aspects of his life.

[00:24:00] Kiersten: I really enjoyed that you shared some things as well. You talked about how you used to prioritize concert tickets and now those things aren’t as important to you. And it made me think, do I have anything in my life that way? And it’s actually the opposite. There are things that I didn’t use to prioritize that I do now, like sleep. Like I will spend more money to ensure that I get a good night’s sleep. I have a sturdy sleep routine at home. Any sort of product or pillowcase or sheet set, a cooling fan, all of that stuff is going to hit the cart versus in the past like when I was in my 20s I could sleep on a hay, like a pile of hay. It did not matter where I slept. I could sleep sitting up and now I actually, I need that comfort.

[00:24:45] Julien: Yeah, and it just goes to show, just as Eoin outlined in our conversation, as you change, your values change and those things affect the way that you spend your money. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it is important to pay attention to that and making sure that you are adjusting along the way. Thanks for listening to Merging Into Life, brought to you by AAA Northeast. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

[00:25:13] Kiersten: 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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Flying Business and First Class may still be the dream for many travelers, but now there are options for passengers seeking a step up from economy class at a more affordable price point. A number of airlines have created front-of-the-plane seat categories that offer a few premium perks to make your travel more comfortable. Here are a few options available for those who want to enhance their flight experience. 

Condor

Condor’s Premium Economy Class, available on long-haul flights, offers you a seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the seat in front of you) of 35 inches, a seat width of 18 inches and a recline of up to 6 inches. In Economy Class, the seat width is the same, but the seat pitch is only 30 inches and the recline is up to four inches. You also get a multi-adjustable headrest and footrest, a travel kit and headset, a classic premium menu and a large choice of both nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Delta

Delta is refreshing the interiors of all its aircraft over the next couple of years. You’ll see a modern new design, fresh seating materials and enhanced lighting.

Seats in Delta Comfort+ provide extra legroom with an average pitch of 34 inches compared to an average 31 inches in the main cabin, plus earlier boarding and deplaning and dedicated overhead bin space. During domestic flights in Delta Comfort+, you get a choice of premium snacks on many routes over 900 miles when meal service is not available. On long-haul international flights, you receive an amenity kit. Both main and Comfort+ offer a pillow, blanket, as well as complimentary beer, wine and spirits on long-haul flights.

When flying Delta Premium Select, the seat pitch averages about 38 inches with a wider 19-inch seat compared to 17.2 inches in Delta Comfort+ and main. Plus, there is an additional recline at 7 inches and an adjustable footrest and leg rest on most long-haul international flights. In Delta Premium Select, you receive expedited check-in, security and baggage service, and are among the first to board. This dedicated cabin also offers hot towel service and a beverage and a snack before your meal. An exclusively designed menu includes the ability to preorder your meal up to 24 hours before the flight. You also get a premium amenity kit, memory-foam pillow, a plush blanket, a larger entertainment screen and noise-canceling headphones. 

Lufthansa

The new Lufthansa Allegris travel experience on long-haul flights launched in May 2024 with a large part of the fleet expected to be outfitted with Allegris by the end of 2025.

Depending on the aircraft, the new Allegris Premium Economy seats have a pitch of 39 inches, width of 19 to 19.5 inches and 7-inch recline compared to Economy Class, which has 31-inch pitch, 17- to 18-inch width and 5-inch recline. Its hard-shell design features adjustable headrest, armrest and footrests.

These newly designed aircraft feature larger entertainment monitors for the upgraded cabin. Higher-quality noise-canceling headphones are provided for better audio. The dining experience is also an upgrade with a higher-quality meal typically served on fine China tableware and with a choice of two hot main courses, plus a welcome drink upon boarding and a bottle of water at your seat. A travel kit and cocktail table at the armrest add to the in-flight experience.

You’ll also be able to bring more with you with double the allowance than standard Economy with two checked bags, each up to 50 pounds. Select airports may also have a dedicated Premium Economy desk for faster check-in times.

Singapore Airlines

Wider seats and more legroom are among the pluses of Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy cabin. The seat pitch is 38 inches, the width is 19.5 inches and the recline is 8 inches with a calf rest and footrest. (Economy class offers a seat pitch of 32 inches, a seat width of 18.5 inches and a recline of 6 inches.)

You’ll get priority check-in, priority boarding and priority luggage handling. You can preorder gourmet meals through the Book the Cook service, which allows you to select from a variety of premium meal options before your flight. Complimentary beverages include alcoholic beverages, Champagne and wines. 

In-flight entertainment screens are typically larger, and you’ll get high-quality noise-canceling headphones. The amenity kit for Premium Economy features an eye mask, slippers and lip balm (available upon request). You’ll even get larger, more comfortable pillows and blankets than in standard Economy and a dedicated storage space for personal items.

United Airlines

Select long-haul international flights and some premium transcontinental routes feature United Premium Plus seats. These larger seats offer a 38-inch seat pitch, a width ranging from 18.5 to 19 inches, 6-inch seat recline and a leg rest. You get an enhanced meal service, including upgraded dinnerware with complimentary wine, beer and spirits. Noise-reducing headphones and an amenity kit, blanket and pillow, and larger in-flight entertainment screens are also part of the in-flight extras. At the airport, you’ll benefit from priority check-in, exclusive security lanes, priority boarding and two free checked bags with priority bag handling.

United also offers United Economy Plus on all United flights and most United Express flights. It is located near the front of the Economy cabin and features extra legroom compared to Economy. It has a seat pitch that ranges from 33 to 37 inches, seat width that ranges from 16.3 to 18.5 inches and 3-to-4-inch recline. Economy has a seat pitch that ranges 30 to 32 inches, seat width from 16.3 to 18.5 inches, and 2-to-3-inch recline. Meals and in-flight service are the same as Economy.

You don’t have to fly first class to elevate your flying experience. Get more for your money with one of these more attainable upgrade options.

Book your next flight with a AAA travel advisor. AAA travel services are just one of the free perks of your membership!

Have you flown premium economy lately? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Featured image: United Airlines Economy Plus. Photo courtesy of United Airlines.

Through the muddy thunderstorms of summer and salty roads of winter, the elements take their toll on your car’s exterior, sometimes requiring more than a simple wash to keep it looking its best. A proper waxing helps bring your paint job back to life and prevents further damage. We turned to our pros — AAA Northeast Car Doctor John Paul and Jason Carrara, senior manager of automotive services training — for their top car waxing tips to get your car looking like new again.

Purpose

Waxing your car consists of two components: applying the wax and buffing. Simply put, waxing rejuvenates the paint and polish gives it a shine. Waxing helps maintain the car’s finish, which also means maintaining its value. A waxed car is a protected car. A good coat of wax forms a protective coat over the paint, which will help repel road grime, bird droppings and tree sap. Although if your car gets hit with any of these (or other debris), you should wash it off immediately. The acids can cause permanent damage to the paint.

Preparation

Before you can begin waxing your car, it must be clean. Dirt and grime can mar the finish. To properly wash it, use the two-bucket method, with soap and clean water in one bucket and rinse water in the other. Using one bucket dirties the clean soap water and the grime you just removed from your car goes right back onto the car’s surface. In addition, make sure to only use car wash soap. Dish detergent will strip any wax off your car.

Before waxing, your car should be completely dry. Water droplets will cause the product to streak. You should also wax your car in the shade or indoors, if possible. This will prevent the car’s surface from becoming too hot and drying out the wax. If the wax dries too quickly, it will be difficult to buff off.

Products

Some drivers, especially those with vehicles that have darker color paint, will use a dedicated polish before waxing. Polish before wax will produce a deeper shine.

There are two main types of wax: synthetic and carnauba. Carnauba is a natural wax that produces a deep shine but may not last as long as a synthetic wax. There are also spray-on waxes that are great for a quick touch-up after washing.

The latest product on the market is ceramic coating. This coating provides great protection, but is expensive and generally only applied by a professional detailer.

Process

Once your car is clean and dry, it’s time to evaluate the surface before applying wax. Light paint swirls can be cleaned up with polishing compound. Deeper imperfections may require a more aggressive cleaner/polish. A clay bar can be used with a dedicated lubricant to remove very minor imperfections in the paint.

Spread a small amount of wax onto your cloth or pad. Then apply it to the car using a circular motion and steady pressure. Keep working the wax into the paint until it’s completely absorbed. It’s best to focus on one small section of the car at a time until you’ve covered the entire automobile. Avoid getting wax on any non-painted plastic moldings or trim around the vehicle. This can discolor the plastic and can be difficult to remove once dried.

One of the wisest car waxing tips to remember is to apply as thin a layer of wax as possible. It may be tempting to apply a thicker coat in order to get more shine and depth, but the excess wax will be difficult to remove and become streaky. Instead, if you desire more shine, complete one application, buff that coat off, and apply another very thin coat. Check the instructions on the product’s label to know how long one application of wax needs to fully cure. Usually it’s about 12-18 hours.

Post-Wax Work

Once the wax is applied, it needs to be buffed. This step ensures that the wax fully bonds with the paint. Using a clean towel or microfiber cloth, gently rub the paint until you get the shine you’re looking for. The best results tend to come from using a microfiber towel. The static-charged, woven fibers grab the wax residue and polish the paint while you buff. In addition, microfiber does not shed lint. Make sure to rotate your towels frequently so that you’re always working with a clean side. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

As a general rule, a coat of wax lasts three to six months. Depending on how often you do it, waxing can be a labor of love. However, the benefit of waxing a car is that it will keep your automobile looking great and extend the life of the paint job, thus increasing the car’s value.

Get car waxing tools at NAPA Auto Parts, where AAA members receive a discount. 

Is a well-polished car important to you? Share your car waxing tips in the comments. 

California’s Napa Valley offers a combination of activities, attractions and scenic beauty. A recent trip to the towns of Napa and Calistoga with my husband and our two daughters proved that these elements make the area an ideal vacation spot for families traveling with adult children.

See Napa and other Northern California highlights on the eight-day California Dreamin’ tour with AAA Travel. Book today.

Wine and Dine

Napa Valley is made up of five towns that include Napa and Calistoga, as well as Yountville, St. Helena and American Canyon. Some 58 miles north of San Francisco International Airport, it is home to more than 400 wineries and over 90 tasting rooms.

Nicholas Bunnell, Travel Sales Manager for AAA Northeast, has visited the area twice.

“These trips allowed me to explore the rich wine heritage, offering a blend of wine tasting experiences and gourmet dining,” he said.

Visit Napa Valley, the local tourism board, has an excellent online tool for finding the perfect winery for tours and tastings based on your favorite wine, budget and desired amenities.

The iconic wineries that dot the region were just the beginning of our “family time” activities during our trip to Napa Valley.

We enjoyed “The Evolution of Elusa” 90-minute tour and tasting at Elusa Winery in Calistoga, which is on-site at the AAA Four Diamond designated Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. The maximum tour size is six people, so we were lucky enough to have a private experience with just the four of us. The tour included a golf cart-led drive of the vineyards and a walk through the winemaking and storage facilities. Our time at Elusa ended in the beautiful Tasting Salon, where we sampled vintages accompanied by cheese and other snacks and an informative and passionate take on Elusa’s process.

The historic Napa Valley Wine Train is another way to explore the area’s wineries, this time traveling in one of its restored 1915 Pullman cars. The six-hour Legacy Experience includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a four-course onboard meal, tasting in an open-air car and seated tastings at two wineries in St. Helena.

he Napa Valley Wine Train as a must-do unique dining experience, Bunnell said.

“Having some incredible food and local wines while admiring the beauty of Napa was unforgettable,” he said.

Along with wineries, Napa Valley boasts more than 150 restaurants — 15 of which are Michelin rated, seven total stars. We found the quaint towns of Napa and Calistoga lined with some of these restaurants as well as charming boutique shops. One top dining pick for my family was Scala Osteria in Napa, a beautiful restaurant with high-level service and a Southern Italian menu focused on seafood.

Even if tasting wine is not your interest, there is no denying the beauty of the vineyards with their neat vine rows and the area’s rolling hills, quaint towns and the mountains surrounding them. To see some of these views, walk or bike the scenic paved family-friendly Napa Valley Vine Trail, which is 12½ miles from Napa to Yountville and another 8 miles from St. Helena to Calistoga. The trail will eventually total 47 miles, running the length of Napa Valley from the Vallejo Ferry to Calistoga.

For another walking trail option, the Petrified Forest, a California Historical Landmark in Calistoga, offers guided and self-guided tours of its trails, which are lined with petrified redwood trees that date back 3.4 million years and were first discovered in 1870. The two half-mile trails also feature California native plants and a view of Mount Saint Helena. Dave, our knowledgeable naturalist the day we visited, has been giving tours of the family-owned-and-operated Petrified Forest for more than 30 years.

Get Pampered

We couldn’t miss the opportunity for some spa time, especially in Calistoga, known for its mineral-rich mud. Four Season’s Spa Talisa’s Spa Garden is a great way to try out self-applied mud together as a family while relaxing on the sunning bench.

In Napa, plan for some pampering at the Spa at Silverado Resort. We opted for massages and enjoyed post-treatment time lounging at the spa pool and eating snacks from the Boost Cafe.

Where to Stay

Besides top dining, two PGA golf courses and a full-service spa, the AAA Four Diamond designated Silverado Resort offers complementary fitness classes, tennis, pickleball and bocce, as well as three outdoor swimming pools. It is also only a short drive to downtown Napa and is close to many area wineries.

A California landmark for more than 150 years, Silverado’s signature white mansion was built in 1870. Today, it includes the reception and bar. The resort’s 117 guest rooms and 228 suites are spread out on 300 acres. Its two- and three-bedroom suites are ideal for families of every age with amenities such as full kitchens, living rooms, dining areas and private patios or balconies.

Plan your Napa Valley trip with a knowledgeable AAA travel advisor. AAA travel services are just one of the free perks of your membership!

What’s your favorite multigenerational travel destination? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured image: Courtesy of Visit Napa Valley. Photo credit: Michael Cuff.

Even as gasoline inventories fell by a substantial 3.3 million barrels in the Northeast last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), stocks still sit squarely above levels seen in the past two years and are just shy of the five-year average. The significant drop last week was due in large part to a brief shutdown of refinery operations at Phillips 66’s Bayway refinery in Linden, New Jersey, after severe thunderstorms knocked out power and caused flooding issues. The refinery is a critical source of gasoline for the region. 

Demand for gasoline, meanwhile, climbed last week to 8.967 million barrels a day — an increase of nearly 500,000 barrels a day from the previous week, according to the EIA. The figure is more in line with expectations for this phase of the summer driving season but is not high enough to raise concerns about impact on supply.  

Another factor weighing down pump prices is the cost of crude oil, which settled at a three-week low Friday as markets remain unsure about the strength of the global economy.   

“Typically, a refinery outage like the recent incident at the Bayway refinery in New Jersey could cause price spikes at the pump,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Thanks to the region’s healthy gasoline inventories, the potential price increases did not materialize, and drivers are still enjoying seasonably low prices compared to last year.” 

AAA Northeast’s July 28 survey of fuel prices found the national average unchanged from last week ($3.14), averaging $3.14 per gallon. The national average price was 5 cents lower than a month ago ($3.19) and 46 cents lower than this day last year ($3.50). 

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Connecticut	$3.11	$3.12	$3.18	$3.55
Massachusetts	$3.04	$3.05	$3.08	$3.47
New Jersey	$3.02	$3.05	$3.18	$3.39
New York	$3.16	$3.17	$3.21	$3.60
Rhode Island	$3.01	$3.03	$3.06	$3.42

*Prices as of July 28, 2025 

As of July 28, Mississippi and Oklahoma had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.70 and $2.72, respectively. Hawaii and California held the highest prices in the nation at $4.48 and $4.47, 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.  

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

As the heat turns up, so does the risk of heatstroke.

Warmer than usual temperatures are to be expected in the Northeast during the summer months, although as a result of climate change, the frequency, duration and intensity of heat waves that we experience every year is only projected to increase, according to the World Health Organization.

When the mercury starts to rise into the 90s and push up into the 100s, it can become dangerous to our health, homes, cars and pets. However, it’s important to start thinking about hot car and extreme heat safety, even if there isn’t a heat wave in the forecast, as even a mild, sunny day, can make the inside of a car lethally hot. Here’s how you can guard against the risks.

Health

Soaring temperatures cause your body to strain to maintain normal conditions, which can quickly lead to organ failure and even death in some cases. Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, according to the National Weather Service.

It is often a combination of high heat and humidity that can lead to illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Learn the warning signs of each, and if you experience the symptoms or notice them happening to someone else, act right away. Most importantly, stay cool and stay hydrated.

Populations most prone to heat-induced sickness include the elderly, overweight individuals, infants, children and pregnant women. Outdoor and manual workers are also at higher risk. If you are a business owner with employees that often works in these conditions, such as a contractor, you want to make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place.

Pets, particularly dogs and cats with thick coats and short snouts, can quickly fall victim to heatstroke, as well. Signs include panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, weakness, increased heart rate, lethargy and collapsing. Make sure your pets stay cool and well hydrated, don’t over-exercise them when it’s hot and keep them out of the direct sun.

Protecting Children and Pets From Hot Cars

Heatstroke is the most common non-crash, vehicle-related cause of death in children under the age of 15. Over 20% of deaths result when a caregiver knowingly leaves a child in a car, typically to run a quick errand or let the child finish a nap, according to NoHeatStroke.org.

On a typical 80-degree summer day, the interior temperature of a vehicle increases by 20 degrees in only 10 minutes and reaches a deadly 109 degrees in 20 minutes. On hotter days, the interior temperature can easily reach 120-140 degrees, and cracking the windows has little effect.

And it doesn’t have to be scorching hot outside to get dangerously hot inside a car. Although most hot car deaths occur when temperatures are over 80 degrees, a child has succumbed to vehicular heatstroke in 70-80-degree weather in each of the past ten years.

To prevent hot car deaths, AAA Northeast recommends caregivers practice the following:

• Stop and look at the backseat before exiting a parked vehicle. Make it a habit to check the entire vehicle before locking the doors and walking away. Place personal items, like a purse or briefcase, in the back seat as another reminder to look before you lock. Ask childcare providers to immediately call if your child doesn’t show up for care as expected.
• Lock your vehicle to prevent unsupervised access and a child getting trapped inside. Keep car keys away from children and teach them that the inside of a car should never be used as a play area.

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Statistics about pets dying in hot cars are not tracked as closely, but the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that every year, hundreds of pets die of heatstroke in parked vehicles. In most Northeast states, it is illegal to leave a pet unattended in a parked car.

If you see a child or animal confined in a hot car, act fast and do whatever is necessary to get them to safety as quickly as possible. Immediately notify a nearby business so they can make an announcement to find the potential caregiver, call 911 and wait until help arrives.

Cars

AAA stays busy in the summertime, as breakdowns tend to spike on hot days.

Extreme heat can take a toll on cars and can be especially stressful on engines. Check the coolant and make sure that it is periodically flushed and replaced as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent long-term engine damage and overheating.

Car batteries also hate the heat. Battery fluid evaporates faster in the summer, leading to corrosion. If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician. AAA members can request Mobile Battery Service or take their car to any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to be tested. And while you’re there, have them make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specification and the AC is operating at full capacity.

If all precautions fail, you know who to call.

Check out more summer driving safety tips from AAA.

Home

When it gets to be too hot outside, you want your home to be a place of refuge where you can cool down. To keep the hot air out, Ready.gov recommends weather-stripping windows and doors, installing window air conditioners with insulation, covering windows with drapes or shades, using attic fans and setting up window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to deflect heat outside.

Preparing your home for extreme heat should be part of seasonal maintenance. Aside from making sure your house is as cool and energy-efficient as possible, without proper upkeep, heat can eventually start to take its toll on the structure. In the Northeast, this might include roof damage. Over time, roofing can expand and contract during extreme hikes and dips in temperature, making it susceptible to splits and leaks.

How do you stay cool in extreme heat? Tell us in the comments.

Protect you car, home, small business, pets and more with AAA Insurance.

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

Many people love the whole beach experience — the sea, the sun and even the sand. But let’s be honest: The sand would be a lot more lovable if it stayed at the beach.

Spending hours vacuuming stubborn grains of sand from seats, carpets and all the crevices of your car can take some of the shine off a sunny day.

The good news is, you don’t have to choose between an fun beach day and a clean vehicle. Here are some tips to keep the sand at bay and make cleanup easier.

Sandproof Your Car

• Line your trunk with a garbage bag or fitted sheet with the elastic facing up to trap more sand. This tip comes from Real Simple, which also emphasizes that you can never have too many resealable plastic bags at the beach; they come in handy for everything from carrying home wet and sandy bathing suits to phone protection. For added sandproofing, put sheets or towels on the car seats, too.
• Plastic or rubber floor mats can help contain sand and all you have to do is shake them out when you arrive home.
• Use a mesh beach bag that the sand can slip right through.
• Don’t forget to shake out all towels, clothing and the beach bag before getting in the car.
• Bring a small soft brush with you to take care of extra-clingy sand on your feet before getting into the car. It’s also a good idea to keep a jug of water and extra towels in the car for stubborn sand removal.
• Passengers can sprinkle baby powder on the sand clinging to them, which dries out the sand and makes it easier to remove. NAPA Auto Parts recommends making a DIY pouch with corn starch or baby powder.
• If you’re more of a buyer than DIYer, there are plenty of sandproof products on the market you might want to try. Check out this list from HGTV.

AAA members get discounts at NAPA Auto Parts, online and in select stores.

How To Get Sand Out Of Car Carpet and Interior

• The sooner you can get the sand out the better, so it doesn’t scratch the seats or the interior.
• A vacuum is your best friend. Either take your house vacuum or a shop vacuum and start by vacuuming the seats, in case sand falls on the car floor. Shop vacs are best for this because they have strong suction and are good for messy jobs. Plus, sand could damage the vacuum you use in your home.
• Next, remove the floor mats and vacuum them outside the car. Vacuum the carpet, then put the mats back.
• To get sand out of crevices, try using a paintbrush, cotton swab or toothbrush. If you want to be extra thorough, perhaps at the end of summer, when beach days are in your rearview, you might want to take the car to a detailing shop.

So, don’t fear the sand. The beach awaits.

How do you get sand out of your car? Leave us your tips in the comments.

After four years of surging vehicle thefts, the number of stolen vehicles in the United States fell to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). There were 850,708 vehicles stolen nationwide last year, a 17% decrease from the historic peak of 1,020,729 thefts in 2023 — marking the largest annual decrease in stolen vehicles in the last 40 years. 

Despite the decrease, approximately one vehicle is still stolen every 37 seconds in the U.S. according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, costing vehicle owners billions of dollars each year.  

“Vehicle thefts and break-ins have been far too common in recent years, and typically spike in the summer,” said Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “But by putting the proper protections in place, thieves are less likely to take off with your car or valuable items inside.” 

AAA Northeast recommends the following to prevent vehicle thefts: 

• Roll up your windows and lock your car when parked.  

• Remove the keys and any valuables.  

• Store key fobs as far away from your car as possible and consider putting them in a metal container to prevent a signal boosting attack.  

• Park in well-lit areas and/or areas visible to you or protected by security cameras.  

• Never leave your car running unattended.  

• If your car isn’t equipped with an anti-theft system, consider purchasing security devices for further protection, including: 

• Vehicle immobilizers 

• Steering wheel locks 

• Brake pedal locks 

• Theft deterrent decals 

• Audible alarms 

• GPS trackers 

Immediately reporting a stolen vehicle in the first 24 hours increases your chance of recovery by 34%, according to the NICB. Once you’ve filed a police report, notify your insurance company about the theft. Have information ready including your vehicle’s make and model, license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).  

State-specific data:

In Connecticut, there were 8,725 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024, according to Connecticut State Police. The latest FBI data shows that nearly 40% of vehicle thefts in Connecticut took place from May to August.  

In New York, there were 31,865 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024, according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The latest FBI data shows that nearly 39% of vehicle thefts in New York took place from May to August.  

In New Jersey, there were 16,970 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2023, according to the latest FBI data. Roughly 38% of those thefts took place from May to August.  

In Massachusetts, there were 7,540 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The latest FBI data shows that over 38% of vehicle thefts in Massachusetts took place from May to August. 

In Rhode Island, there were 1,368 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024, according to Rhode Island State Police. The latest FBI data shows that over 35% of vehicle thefts in Rhode Island took place from June to September.  

As a farmers market frequenter, I’ve always loved strolling past each tent’s unique offerings and stocking up on fresh fruits and veggies for the week. But it never occurred to me that instead of going to the farmers market, that the farmers market could come to me. That is, until I learned about CSAs.

What Is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program that’s predicated on the idea that farms and their community members share a mutual interest: supporting each other.

When you join a CSA, you are essentially purchasing a share of a farm’s output for a range of time (typically the growing season, summer through fall). Each week your share is made available for pick up or delivery, depending on the farm, and consists of that week’s bounty — from vegetables and fruit to eggs, mushrooms, bread, flowers, jam and more.

For both farmers and CSA members, the benefits are plentiful. Farmers receive payments early in the growing season, shoring up funds to maintain the growing season without financial worry, and members get to delight in locally grown goodness. Joining a CSA is also a great way to become more sustainable as it encourages local dollars to stay local while helping to eliminate unnecessary food waste. A farm’s surplus that may have been wasted otherwise is instead redirected toward CSA members, helping to nourish the community.

To find a CSA near you, search your zip code on Local Harvest. Each listing gives a summary of the farm, share prices, contact information and more so you can decide which one is the best fit. CSA sign-ups typically begin prior to the season, around March, and can fill up fast so it’s helpful to be ready with your choice ahead of time.

How Much Does It Cost?

Every CSA is different and cost will vary just as much. Some CSAs offer types of shares, like half shares versus family shares, to give options when it comes to pricing and the amount of food you receive. If a share price seems high, remember that there are many variables to take into account, like whether the farm delivers your share to your door, how many weeks are included or if there are any available add-ons to supplement your share. There are many CSAs to choose from, so take the time to find a program that fits into your schedule, budget and lifestyle.

Why It’s Been Worth It

Besides looking forward to what fun, new vegetable will be in our share each week, being part of a CSA has instilled a deeper sense of connection to the food that I eat. Knowing where it came from, how it’s grown and meeting the people who grow it has had a profound influence on how I consume, including how to be more intentional and less wasteful.

I’ve also cut down on grocery store visits. With a variety of produce coming my way each week, I’m only heading to the store for essentials, if at all. Eating with the seasons, supporting local farms and saving money? Win, win.

How To Make Use Of It All  

Sometimes you’ll receive something in a CSA box that you’re not sure what to do with (see: garlic scapes), or maybe you’ve gotten an ingredient a few times now and can’t think of another way to make use of it (ahem, zucchini). Some CSAs get ahead of this by providing recipe inspiration with each week’s box and encouraging members to share any recipes they loved. This way, nothing goes to waste and you try something new.

As you might’ve guessed, we recently received a bunch of zucchini with our CSA share and didn’t know what to do with it. Enter, chocolate zucchini bread.

Watch how it all comes together with other ingredients we got from our CSA below:

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Check out Local Harvest to see the CSAs available in your area.

Buying a house is a major milestone in anyone’s life. Not only is it a new personal chapter, it also signifies you’ve reached a financial goal. After all, a house is the most expensive purchase you’re likely ever going to make.

There’s no question that purchasing a home can come with significant financial advantages. But knowing when you’re ready to buy instead of rent can take some figuring out. Here are a few reasons why buying a home instead of renting may be the right choice for you, as well as some ways to see if you’re finally ready to make the move.

Why should you buy instead of rent?

You can customize your house

Owning your home means you’re free to make any changes you like. Paint the rooms a different color, renovate the kitchen, create an addition. The best part is that these changes don’t just have to be cosmetic; they can also help you financially by lowering your home ownership costs and/or increasing the value of your house. For instance, installing solar panels or adding insulation will reduce your monthly utility bill and potentially help with resale value.

It forces you to save

While we all know we should be saving money each month, sometimes it’s easier said than done. Keeping up with your mortgage, however, forces you to invest in your own home, thus increasing your savings.

Homeowners are required to pay their mortgage each month, a portion of which is used to pay down the principal amount of the loan. The less you owe on your mortgage, the more equity you own in your house. Once your mortgage is paid off, you have the entirety of your home’s value available to you should you choose to sell. If you’re renting, however, your monthly payment goes to your landlord and you have no asset to show for it.

Your fixed mortgage rates won’t increase

If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments will never change, even if inflation and other costs rise. On the other hand, unless you live in a rent-controlled building, your monthly rent is subject to increase every year. Knowing what the bulk of your monthly housing costs will be for years in the future can create financial stability.

Reap the benefits of appreciation

Aside from the obvious benefit of having a place to live, owning a home can also be viewed as a strong financial investment because your home appreciates in value over time. This means you’ll likely make more money if and when you sell.

It’s also important to note that the appreciation occurs on the entire home’s value, not just your down payment, which may make it more appealing than other investment types, such as buying stock. As an example, say you purchased $20,000 in stock. If it appreciated 3.9% in one year, you’d have made $780. If instead you used the $20,000 as a 20% down payment on a $100,000 home, and the home appreciated by the same 3.9%, after one year you would have gained $3,900.

When you should buy instead of rent

Now that we’ve uncovered some of the benefits of owning a home over renting one, we need to know when you should buy instead of rent. While everyone’s financial situation is different, in general, you’ll know you’re in a financial spot to purchase a home if you’re able to secure financing. Lenders will look at your entire financial picture to determine if you qualify for a mortgage. This includes your credit score, income and employment security, and savings. If they give you the green light, you’re likely financially ready to move forward.

Then comes the question of how much you can afford. It’s a good idea to try to save enough for a down payment of at least 20% of the cost of your new house. Anything less than that will force you to pay private mortgage insurance. This is an additional fee tacked onto your monthly mortgage payment that protects the lender in the event you default on the loan.

Another number you’ll want to keep in mind is your debt-to-income ratio. This is a comparison of all your monthly debt obligations to your monthly gross income. The 43% debt-to-income ratio is generally used as a standard guideline for approving mortgages. This means that a homeowner’s monthly debts (car payments, student loans, credit cards, etc.) plus their potential mortgage payments should total 43% of their monthly gross income. If you owe more than this percentage, you may want to pay down some of your debts before seeking a mortgage.

If you believe you’re ready to purchase a home, or just have questions about the process, AAA is here to help. Learn more our home loan services or to speak to a mortgage specialist.

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

After a strong start over Memorial Day weekend, demand for gasoline has since fizzled. Demand over the past four weeks is trending 149,000 barrels a day — which is below the same period last year according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Last week, the EIA reported demand settled at a lackluster 8.48 million barrels a day — a decline of 670,000 barrels a day from the previous week, and 300,000 lower than the comparable week of 2024. 

The weak demand has contributed to a notable buildup in gasoline inventories. Nationally, inventories climbed 3.4 million barrels last week, the EIA reported. Regional supplies in the Northeast grew to 63.1 million barrels in total — 6.7 million barrels above last year. 

Supply and demand dynamics are keeping fuel prices in check even as markets react to geopolitical events around the world that typically put upward pressure on prices. Last week, the European Union said it will impose stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and drone attacks targeting oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan disrupted more than half of the country’s oil production. 

“The dog days of summer are delivering lower gas prices this year,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Pump prices across the Northeast are nearly 50 cents cheaper than last year and in a price range we haven’t seen for this time of year since 2021.” 

AAA Northeast’s July 21 survey of fuel prices found the national average down a penny from last week ($3.15), averaging $3.14 per gallon. The national average price was 7 cents lower than a month ago ($3.21) and 36 cents lower than this day last year ($3.50). 

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Connecticut	$3.12	$3.13	$3.16	$3.58
Massachusetts	$3.05	$3.06	$3.07	$3.50
New Jersey	$3.05	$3.07	$3.14	$3.43
New York	$3.17	$3.17	$3.20	$3.62
Rhode Island	$3.03	$3.03	$3.06	$3.45

*Prices as of July 21, 2025 

As of July 21, Mississippi and Oklahoma had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.71 and $2.74, respectively. California and Hawaii held the highest prices in the nation 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.  

Is there a more quintessential summer experience than hearing the jingle of an ice cream truck, racing out of the house to catch up to it, then devouring a sweet, frozen treat?

People have been performing this seasonal ritual since ice cream truck history began in the early 20th century. Since then, these mobile dessert parlors have become a warm-weather mainstay across the country. But it hasn’t all been rainbows and sprinkles. There have been notable ice cream controversies along the way, and today, operators face an unpalatable future.

Let’s look back at 100 years of ice cream truck history.

The First Ice Cream Trucks

Ice cream trucks trace their roots back more than a century. In 1920, a Youngstown, Ohio, confectioner named Harry Burt devised a chocolate coating that could encase ice cream. He gave the treat to his daughter, who loved the taste but was less enthused by the mess that came with eating it. Her brother offered a solution: put a handle in it. Burt had previously developed a hard-candied lollipop, which utilized a stick handle. By freezing those sticks into the ice cream bars, Burt revolutionized the way we eat ice cream. He called his new creation the Good Humor bars.

During this time, Burt was already delivering ice cream via motorized trucks. But because his new ice cream didn’t need to be served in a bowl or cone, he could sell it directly to consumers on the street. He purchased 12 refrigerated trucks, equipped them with bells and sent the fleet out to hawk Good Humor bars. In turn, Burt became the first ice cream truck vendor in history.

The Rise of Good Humor

It didn’t take long for the company to flourish, thanks to some apt marketing maneuvers. Street ice cream of the time, usually sold from pushcarts, didn’t have the best reputation. It was known to be made of low-quality ingredients and was often the source of food poisoning. To distinguish itself, the Good Humor company’s fleet consisted of sparkling white trucks. Its drivers were outfitted in similarly colored uniforms, not unlike those worn by hospital orderlies. The company took cleanliness and appearance so seriously, it even had a training manual instructing drivers to “get the proper amount of rest each night and eat good food … and always have a clean shave and neat haircut.”

In addition to pristine appearances, Good Humor also benefitted from, of all things, Prohibition, which began in January 1920. Americans sought comfort in this indulgence after the other was taken away. Ice cream consumption rose an estimated 40% during the 1920s. 

Combined, these factors were a boon to Good Humor. The company sold 14 million bars in New York and Chicago in 1932 alone, according to Smithsonian Magazine. By the mid-1930s, Good Humor trucks could be found throughout most of the country. In the 1950s, the company boasted a fleet of 2,000 ice cream trucks.

Mid-Century Ice Cream Trucks

Ice cream consumption boomed following World War II, after wartime dairy rationing was lifted. Americans consumed more than 20 quarts of ice cream per person in 1946, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. This increase in demand led to an influx of competition in the ice cream truck business.

The most notable new entrant was Mister Softee, started by brothers William and James Conway in Philadelphia in the mid-1950s. The pair was working for an ice cream machine manufacturer when they began receiving more and more requests for machines that could be installed in trucks. However, this jury-rigged technique inevitably led to mechanical problems.

“They were taking the ice cream machines and bolting them to the truck,” said Jim Conway, William’s son and Mister Softee’s current vice president. “But for a lot of reasons, that doesn’t really work well. You need shock absorbers, and you need to be able to keep the machine cool.”

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The Conways concluded that ice cream trucks needed to be specifically built for the task. Their employer, however, did not want to invest the time and money needed to manufacturer such vehicles. So the brothers set out on their own to create a better ice cream truck. And that’s exactly what they did, developing a specially designed machine that produced perfectly smooth soft ice cream from the back of a moving truck. The Conways gradually added trucks to their fleet over the proceeding years but soon realized that the more lucrative business would be selling their trucks as franchises. From 1955 to 1970, Mister Softee franchising grew 3,600%.

Good Humor was still going strong during this time. By the 1960s, it boasted more than 85 different ice cream treats. The demise of its ice cream truck operation, however, was in sight. In 1975, New York City charged the company with hundreds of counts of falsifying food safety records in order to hide evidence of bacteria in its products. Authorities alleged that about 10% of Good Humor ice cream sold between 1972-1975 was tainted. The ordeal and the fines it brought combined with factors like declining sales, increased competition and the 1970s fuel crisis led Good Humor to exit the truck business and focus exclusively on grocery store sales.

The History of the Ice Cream Truck Song

Few sounds whet the appetite like the ice cream truck jingle. But the origins of this seemingly benign tune are downright stomach churning. The melody you hear emanating from many ice cream trucks is based off a 19th century folk song called, “Turkey in the Straw,” which itself is a take on an even older British tune, “The (Old) Rose Tree.” In the 1800s, “Turkey in the Straw” was given new, overtly racist lyrics as it was incorporated into traveling minstrel shows. By the 1890s, this new version was commonly heard in ice cream parlors, which often played the popular minstrel songs of the day. When ice cream purveyors began selling their products out of trucks and needed a way to announce their presence on the street, they opted for this familiar song.

To help right this wrong, Good Humor recently partnered with legendary rapper and producer RZA to create a new ice cream truck jingle. The song is available to drivers across the country free of charge.

As for the Mister Softee tune, it too was adapted from an earlier song. The melody is based off that of composer Arthur Pryor’s early 20th century composition “The Whistler and His Dog.” In 1960, Philadelphia ad executive Les Waas put lyrics to the song, which he titled, “Jingle And Chimes.”

The Last Frozen Bite?

It’s difficult to imagine ice cream trucks, once a staple of Americana, not meandering down neighborhood streets on hot summer days. But that could soon become a reality. “[The ice cream truck is] unfortunately becoming a thing of the past,” said Steve Christensen, the executive director of the North American Ice Cream Association.

A crippling combination of rising ice cream costs, inflated gas prices and ever more costly vendor permits have melted much of the profit away from operating an ice cream truck. Add in substantial frozen treat competition and you see why many owners are now finding the business untenable. So, the next time you see an ice cream truck in your neighborhood, be sure to grab a snow cone or two for old times’ sake.

Now that you’ve got ice cream on the mind, read up on the best spots in the Northeast to grab a scoop or two!

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

After a devastating car crash and resulting fire made him a triple amputee, John Morris thought he might never travel again. But now, the Florida resident has flown more than a million miles and seen much of the world using his wheelchair.

“[Traveling with a disability] is always going to be a challenge, but not so much that it can’t be overcome,” Morris said. “The number one word that comes to mind is worthwhile.”

A desire to see his alma mater play in the Rose Bowl prompted his initial trip, from Orlando to Los Angeles, and inspired him to keep exploring. On his blog, wheelchairtravel.org, Morris rates U.S. and international destinations for accessibility and offers tips on how to navigate specific places while living with a disability.

“There’s an incredible demand for accessible travel,” he said.

A Surge in Need

It’s a category that’s on the rise as the travel industry has placed more emphasis in recent years on catering to those with disabilities. Travelers with disabilities make up a large segment of the population – an estimated 70 million people in the United States reported having a disability in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And they’re traveling. From 2022-2024, 25.6 million travelers with disabilities spent an estimated $50 billion on travel, down slightly from 2020, according to the most recent market study by the Open Doors Organization.

Laws like the Air Carrier Access Act – which makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers with disabilities and requires them to provide accommodations — and the Americans with Disabilities Act help make travel easier for those with disabilities; but naturally, unexpected difficulties can come up.

“You’d be surprised how many hotels are not ADA-compliant,” Morris said.

Opening Doors to All Travelers

The good news is that there are many travel agents, tour guides and other resources available to help navigate it all.

The travel company, Wheel the World, offers accessible adventure tours in locations including Easter Island, Chile and Oaxaca, Mexico. Last year, the company developed what is considered the first-ever wheelchair accessible tour of Machu Picchu in Peru.

The National Park Service has also made efforts to make its natural wonders more accessible. Many parks offer ASL interpreters for their ranger-led programs, and many trails, buildings and gift shops are wheelchair-accessible. The Grand Canyon has a scenic drive accessibility permit that allows travelers with limited mobility access to some areas normally closed to tourists.

And for four decades, Yosemite Deaf Services has provided ASL programming and assisted-listening devices to park visitors with hearing impairments.

The company Sage Traveling, founded by manual wheelchair user John Sage, specializes in research and travel in Europe and the Caribbean for people with limited mobility.

“It can be anything from slow walkers, (people with) MS, ALS, full-time wheelchair and scooter users and elderly travelers,” said marketing manager Sena Williams. “Our services are vetted to be 100% step- and curb-free, and all our routes include limited amounts of walking/strolling as well as vehicles with ramps/lifts.”

Travel Tips

Whether traveling with a physical or developmental disability, or with a friend or loved one who has one, here are some tips to help make the journey go smoothly.

Before the trip, consider what your realistic needs are, and make a plan based on those.

Travel almost always comes with unexpected challenges, but you can avoid some unnecessary frustration by putting in additional work before you leave. If you’re thinking about traveling alone, for instance, is it a better idea to ask a friend to come along in case you need help, or to hire a local guide who knows the area well? In some cases, such as with autistic children, doing a “dress rehearsal” practice run-through of what to expect on the trip can help reduce anxiety, recommends the advocacy group Autism Speaks.

Don’t overdo it.

If you know that you or your travel companion are likely to get physically or mentally tired, or overstimulated, schedule time to rest or participate in a more relaxing activity.

A hotel or attraction’s website might say that it is accessible, but what does that really mean?

Call places you plan to visit in advance to verify that they are in fact accessible, and if so, if those accommodations meet your specific requirements. If you need a shower seat in the bathroom, braille reading material in a museum, or a ramp into a historic house, for instance, make sure it’s available before you arrive.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from strangers.

Morris recalls being in Beijing and having no choice but to ask a stranger to push his wheelchair to his hotel late at night because the battery had died and he was alone. It wasn’t his best travel moment, but he learned an important lesson. “The vast majority of people we will encounter are very good people who want to help if they see someone in need,” he said. “It’s in people’s nature to lend a hand, so get comfortable with asking for one.”

Autism-Friendly Travel Tips

Families with children on the autism spectrum face specific travel challenges: Crowded spaces, changes in routine, and unexpected noises and movements can be difficult for autistic travelers. We turned to Stacey Crowley, AAA Travel Business Operations Manager and certified autism travel professional, for some advice.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to airlines and airports.

You really would be surprised at how much they want to help you. I have worked with many autistic families and have been able to work with airports and airlines to do dry runs of going through security and getting on a plane and learning how the day of travel will work. They walk the members through different scenarios so they can help prepare their loved one for the unpredictability that travel comes with

Try to find a travel agent with special certifications. 

AAA Northeast has quite a few travel advisors trained specially and specifically to know all the ins and out of accessible travel, from special needs travel to traveling with a person with autism.

Take some extra time to pre-plan as much as possible. 

Most families that are traveling with a loved one with a disability, whether it be physical or intellectual, find that their travel experience runs smoother the more they pre-plan.

Do you have an accessible travel experience that you would like to share? Tell us about it in the comments.  

Reach out to a AAA travel agent to learn more about accessible travel options today. 

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

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EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Merging Into Life, hosts Julien and Kiersten Saunders of “rich & REGULAR” dive into the complex (but essential!) topic of money and relationships. Joined by psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Abby Medcalf, they unpack how financial conversations can deepen connection, why shame and silence around spending are so common, and how to turn money stress into meaningful dialogue. From first-date red flags to managing money before marriage and the nuances of combining finances, this episode offers practical advice on how to build financial intimacy and stop keeping score in your relationship.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• How to talk to your partner about money openly, discussing how you spend and save, builds financial intimacy and trust, especially when couples approach these conversations as opportunities to learn, not to judge.
• Asking simple questions like “What do you enjoy spending money on?” is a low-pressure way to start early financial conversations and reveal money values before they become friction points
• Shame around debt or spending habits often gets in the way of honest dialogue; reframing your money mindset through self-awareness and empathy makes long-term change more possible
• Conflict over finances is common, but avoiding the conversation entirely is more damaging—timing, tone, and intention matter more than the numbers themselves
• Treating your finances as a shared resource instead of keeping score helps couples move from financial tension to teamwork, especially when managing joint goals or recovering from money stress.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:00] Julien: Our first conversation about money was our first argument about money.

[00:00:05] Kiersten: He’s putting it lightly.

[00:00:06] Julien: Well, it’s true.

[00:00:07] Kiersten: I decided to tell him how much debt I had, which led to another conversation, which led to a breakup. It started out pretty rough and rocky, but obviously we recovered.

[00:00:19] Julien: When I think back to that argument, it was one of the worst days of my life. We wanted to celebrate that we just had a vacation. And that, to me, was just so bizarre. I assumed post-vacation was a time to buckle down and get back to rice and beans.

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[00:00:37] Kiersten: I mean, after 10 days of vacation, to come back and just buckle down. I wanted a smoother landing. In my smooth landing, I was like, all right, let’s go get some drinks. Let’s go out. Let’s go on a date. And you were like, “we just did that, for 10 days.” And so, it led to a much bigger conversation around how we were managing our finances, because, at the time, we were making the same money. So, he’s like, where do you have all of this money to continue to spend at this level? And I was like, “credit cards, duh”.

[00:01:12] Julien: Hello and welcome to Merging Into Life. We are so excited to be partnering with AAA Northeast to guide you through a miniseries all about planning for your financial future. I’m Julien.

[00:01:22] Kiersten: And I’m Kiersten, and we’re the hosts of the “rich & REGULAR” podcast. Together, we’ve paid off over $200,000 in debt and have been helping so many others do the same. Today’s topic is one that we have a lot of experience with, because we do it all the time.

[00:01:35] Julien: Yeah, today we’re talking about money and relationships, more specifically how you can have more effective conversations with your partner around your finances. Our guest today is Dr. Abby Medcalf. She’s a psychologist, author, podcast host and speaker who specializes in relationship dynamics. She brings a rare blend of clinical insight and real-world advice, plus an MBA that helps her talk about money as comfortably as she talks about emotions.

[00:02:05] Kiersten: Thank you, Abby, for joining us. In your own words, can you tell our listeners a little bit about you and who you are and what you do?

[00:02:12] Abby: I have sort of an odd background that I have a master’s in counseling psychology, the MBA and then I have Ph.D. in organizational psychology. So, I have this blend of therapy and counseling as well as business and coaching. And I put that all together on my own podcast and my books, etc.

[00:02:30] Kiersten: One of the things that I love about your work is that you have said that financial conversations can actually improve a relationship, can improve the intimacy and make you feel closer. Why does that happen?

[00:02:43] Abby: When we think about relationships, you know, to have a truly intimate relationship, meaning emotionally close. An emotionally close relationship, you have to have trust, and the only way to have trust is to have vulnerability, and this sort of transparency with how we talk to our partners and what we share. And not honesty, I always separate those two, it’s not about honesty, it is about this transparency, right? It’s real openness. And clarity, and when money, I think for many reasons, you know, there’s people have money shame, different money backgrounds. I think money is often not talked about much. I can’t tell you how many people have come to me and I asked them about money. I’m like, oh, how are you guys doing financially? Where’s the money go? I always ask those questions, and they’ll say to me, wow, you’re the fifth couples council we’ve ever seen and no one’s ever asked us about money? If you think about why people divorce, money is in one of those top categories. So it’s crazy to me that it’s not even mentioned But once you get past that and just keep at it, the close that you know common goals really going towards something together. We are a partnership, right that that to me. It’s the only reason i’m married like why else do it? We are competing in a couple. If we have secrets in a couple, then we’re in a lot of trouble. You know, it’s your turn to take away, take out the garbage. It’s your turn to put up the dishes. It you’d spent money on this. Now I get to spend money on this, all that division and not seeing yourselves as a shared resource is the problem or for keeping score with our partner. If I’m keeping score in a game, I got to tell you I’m pretty competitive. I want to win. And if I’m winning and my partner’s losing, then we’re not winning as a couple. You throw kids in the mix and forget it, right? That is really when the keeping score really starts. And money is just one of the many ways that this shows up. 

[00:04:45] Julien: Kiersten would tell you she can probably tell you maybe five or seven of the things that you said that maybe triggered me and made me think of conversations or hostile conversations. I’m sure you have a term for whatever a financial argument is. I, too, have found it very interesting that there are some things that people would never talk about on the first date. When exactly should people have these first or these early conversations about money? I know I’ve tried it on like the first day, and that part didn’t work. I can’t speak for everyone. Maybe it was me. But what do you think is the right time and exactly how should people be approaching those conversations for the very first time?

[00:05:25] Abby: I think in the very beginning, it’s about observing. I wouldn’t even start the conversation because there’s already a conversation happening. So, what do you usually do on a first date? Often you meet for a drink, or you have dinner or something, right? So, one of the first things I’m watching, I’m thinking of my husband, I was watching, first of all, just what he ordered. If you’re sitting there, if you order a little soup and the other person’s like, I’m having the lobster and whatever, you’re sort of like, OK. This person’s not vibing with where I am right now, right? Did the person mention, “hey, I’m going to treat,” you know, or “hey, I really am hoping that we each pay our own.” And I’m not saying you should test people. Don’t ever do that. If you want to be clear up front, be clear up front. I’m always looking at how people tip. I grew up in the restaurant industry. So, I, and I worked in it for many years. I’m all always about what’s happening with the tip and how, obviously, this person is treating our server and that kind of thing. But that’s not money. That’s just observing, right, how they are in general with who’s around them, how they treat people. You notice first, and then you have the conversations as you go. But I wouldn’t have the conversation necessarily of, you know, how much do you make? I mean, you could. I don’t see anything wrong with that. I think it’s more about how do you like to spend your money? That’s one of my favorite, that was one of my first questions to him. I said, how do you spend money? Like what’s your favorite thing to spend money on? My favorite thing is spend money on his food, because I am a foodie. My Gary hates, he would take a pill every day if he could, no interest in food whatsoever. But that was a great conversation for us, right? My Gary will not spend, I’m not making this up. He will not spend $100 on a pair of sneakers. Like, will not. Like, to him, it’s outrageous. And I’m bougie as they come. But you have to decide. One is not right and one is not wrong. And I always say go into every conversation looking to learn something, not prove something. So, if you can go in with real curiosity, like, you know, what, tell me about your Louis Vuitton. What does that mean to you? And to him, it’s outrageous. And, so, we had to discuss how that would look and what is important to me and why. And it was really great for me to think about why. Like, why is that important? Why do I have all those bags? You know, not to be defensive about it, but to really ask myself about it. Am I trying to prove something? When you can’t go in without being defensive and having money shame about it? And just saying, well, because I like it, what does that even mean? Why did, you know, it’s wonderful to know why you like something. Why is food important to me? Why is anything important to me? You know, what is that? Let’s learn about our partners. Let’s be curious what interests them and you know. So those first money conversations, I would say are like that.

[00:08:08] Kiersten: Love talking about money because it reveals so much, and I think your answer just touched on such an important point that the money itself, the conversation about the money itself isn’t the taboo part. The part where people get it wrong is the mindset.

[00:08:24] Abby: What I hear the most from couples, they’ll say, “oh, he’s a spender, and I’m a saver.” And my first reaction always is everyone is a spender. There is not a person alive who doesn’t spend money. It is this idea of someone’s good with money, someone’s bad with money. These labels that we put on each other and or sometimes ourselves because of our own money shame, right? Because it definitely, if you looked at Gary and I, you would say, “oh, she’s a spender, and he’s a saver.” But he spent, there’s lots of things my man spends money on. Like there’s lots of things he enjoys that I think are crazy, like Spartan races and triathlons and things like that. I would never spend a penny on that, because I’m wearing stilettos right now. I can’t run in those, right? And yeah, his ratio of what he earns to what he saves is higher than mine, and we’ve worked that all out. We’ve talked about it.

[00:09:00] Kiersten: When we talk about the emotional side of money, one thing that always comes up is peace of mind. And there’s nothing more reassuring than knowing your loved ones are protected no matter what. AAA Insurance offers a range of life insurance coverage options to help you plan confidently for the future. Whether you’re just getting started or reviewing your current plan, it’s a smart step toward long-term security. Visit AAA.com/Insurance to learn about the options available to AAA Northeast members.

[00:09:10] Kiersten: There’s been so many times, as you’ve been talking about you and Gary, that I hear Kiersten and Julien, because we are opposites in a lot of the same ways. Even the way that we grew up. I was the one who grew up comfortably. Julian grew up very differently. And we brought a lot of that baggage into our relationship. And once we started to unpack it in front of each other, I actually felt a lot of shame because I struggled with debt, and I struggled with spending responsibly, and I struggled with not believing that there was never going to be an end to the good times and the income and the things that I wanted. So I want to spend some time talking about shame and what you’ve learned from different couples in terms of how to navigate it. Is there a time where shame could actually be useful or helpful? Like should you, is feeling a little bit of shame ever a good thing?

[00:10:02] Abby: No. Because shame is a fear-based emotion and no relationship was ever made better with fear ever in the history of relationships. That’s like people tell me, “well, my anxiety helps me get productive at work.” I’m like, “no, we need another way, right?” I don’t want ever shame to be a motivator. If my butt is looking too big, and I think I got to get back to the gym, and I’ve got to cut down on the Oreos, right? But that’s not from shame. That’s from like, I want to be healthy. I want, like, how I feel in my clothing. So, I wouldn’t want money to come from there either. I would want that to feel like it’s because I love myself that I want these things or that I want to save. One of the things I say a lot is never take action from negative motivation. Always take it from inspiration. Because when we take it from negative motivation, somewhere it starts to fall apart because we transmit that. One of my favorite pieces of research ever in the history of all the research, and I’m a research junkie, is from Timothy Wilson. He found that our conscious brains process information, and this will relate back, I promise. Our conscious brains process information at a rate of 40 bits per second. While our subconscious or unconscious brains process information at a rate of 11 million bits per second. So people don’t hear what you say, they hear what you mean. And we all know we’ve been there where someone was talking, saying all the right things to us, and we were like, “I don’t like this person.” Like I’m getting a funky feeling, right? What’s the problem? It’s because that 11 million bits is picking up on what I call the wobble. There’s something out of sync. And it’s from fear, probably the person’s ego, or they’re trying to manipulate me, or maybe they’re a narcissist, who knows, right? I just know there’s a wobble. I just know that what they’re saying isn’t aligning with something I’m feeling. So, you can think something, right, like I don’t wanna have debt, because it’s a bad thing or it’s, and who would wanna have debt? Debt isn’t necessarily a good thing to have, certainly revolving debt. So, you could say that. But if there’s a part of you that’s kind of like, but is it really so bad? Or if somewhere it’s a belief that my worth in the world is based on my transactional quality of what I have, then that’s a wobble.

[00:12:27] Julien: In our experience, and not just in our relationship, because we were able to rebound after that first financial conflict. Because all this talk about opposites attracting, but I think when it comes to money, when you’re such in opposition in terms of your values, how do you help people to rebound? Right? Like, let’s say they’re listening to this podcast, they are all excited, they go, and they try to have that first conversation, and they don’t want to be like us and have that lead into an argument. But then that person is just resisting, right. Like, how do we help people get over that hump, get over those first arguments?

[00:13:05] Abby: There’s a few questions in there. First one is really, how do you have the money conversations? How do you have any conversation? I always say it’s like painting a room. You know, if you’ve ever painted a room, you know that you spend 90 percent of your time getting the room ready. And if you do that, if you tape off all the corners, if you put a tarp over everything, if you, you know, no one wants to spend the time doing that, right? You know if you sand the walls, if you if you all that stuff, the painting takes 2 minutes and looks amazing at the end. But that’s what you have to do in the conversation. You have to prep yourself first, first and foremost. If you really can’t wait to say something to someone, I usually tell people it’s not the right time to say it. One of my other little slogans, my hubby calls them a therapeutic jingles. I have a lot of these, right? You have connect to correct. So, you have to be connected first if you want to have a correcting conversation. When we’re fighting, I don’t want to do anything for you. Exactly. I really don’t. If you just told me that I spend too much money, and I’m stupid, and I am whatever, which I would never put up with, but let’s say you did. I don’t want to change. But when we’re connected, and I feel this real lovely space and that’s just sort of brewing, and you might say, “can we talk about something?” So, timing and tone, right? Timing is that you’re connected first. And I know a lot of people are like, oh, we’re getting along. I don’t want to rock the boat. And it’s like this. No, this is the only time to talk about it. The only time you should be, right. Then you set your intention. I really want to talk to you about money. And I know money can immediately feel fine. I know my heart is racing just saying it to you. This is where you get very transparent. And it’s my intention to really listen. It’s my attention that I learn something from the conversation. It’s my intention to truly understand sort of your take on money, and I hope you would have that with me. I always say the one and the most pain needs to change first. So, if you’re the one who’s really having the pain here, it’s going to be on you to listen. And when you do that, and it’s my intention that we both walk away really feeling heard, no matter what else, that both of us feel heard. Because I love you, and I want us to have a future, and I know money has to be part of it, and I don’t know how to get there yet. So, I want to figure it out together. Here’s what you do. Here is how you set it up. You know, set up the room to paint. Because having this conversation on the fly, you’re shopping at Office Depot, and all of a sudden, it’s like, “you spend too much money on nothing, “because you picked up the pen with the feathers on it, and they’re like, “you spend too much money garbage.” It’s like this is not your time. This is not time to have the conversation, but that’s what happens. People are like, well, you bought this yesterday. We start keeping score, right? And no one’s winning, no one is winning. So, if you can, you can say, “you know what, I’m going to buy the pen now, and we’ll talk about it later.” Or put the pen back for now and we’ll talk about it later. But either way this isn’t the time or place and that has to do with mindfulness. That’s a whole other thing, which to me, is the No. 1 thing you have to have in your relationship so you know this. But regardless, it’s really about having the intention going in. We go in trying to learn something that proves something that I honor that we have different preferences, and I’d like to learn more about your preferences, just be very clear about where you’re focused. And you will problem-solve better.

[00:16:28] Kiersten: What advice do you give or do you coach your clients with to help them address a fear of conflict or at least see conflict as a necessary part of any financial relationship or relationship in general? Because one of the things that I had a fear response to in our relationship early on was conflict. I had this idea of what a healthy relationship looked like and certainly what a healthy financial relationship looked like, and it was one that was free of conflict. It was one where he handled everything, and I just got to do what I do.

[00:17:03] Abby: By the way, I think conflict avoidance is probably the biggest issue we have today, period. Businesses, personal, everywhere. And the texting in relationships makes me insane. Should never be texting anything but logistics. Texting is not connecting. If you have to use an emoji or a cap to say what you mean, then you should take it off of text. But it’s so easy these days to text, only text logistics. I grew up at a time when we didn’t have phones. Like, I don’t know what to tell you. We lived, we were fine. And I think we were better off in a lot of ways without this like pacifier in our mouth all the time, and that will avoid a lot of conflict right there. But your second thing is that you have to rethink what conflict is. I would say there’s no, I bet you two don’t really have conflict. It is a disagreement. It is not.

[00:17:49] Julien: Not anymore. I mean, yeah.

[00:17:51] Abby: Yeah. But get over the word conflict, you know, just saying it, right, makes you think, ah, I don’t, oh, no, no, no, no, no. It’s about, and I would say if it’s consistent that you’re disagreeing all the time, then yeah, I would say, slow your roll. That’s usually what I say to clients who, you know. If there’s a lot of that kind of back and forth all the time, kind of about everything, slow your roll. You’re going too fast. You’re not, you’re not being mindful in your moments. You’re not thinking enough, because a lot of it you could probably let go.

[00:18:42] Julien: Big thanks again to Abby Medcalf. You know, when I think back to our very first conversation. I really, really wish I had the insight and the temperament that Abby kind of coaches people to have, because I certainly know that we would not have said half of the things that we said during that conversation. I really, really wish that I had the insight that Abby is offering on this podcast because I would not have come in as hot and heavy and ready to bombard you with that conversation so consider this an apology.

[00:19:16] Kiersten: I’ll take it. Yeah, I think what Abby is really good at is reframing what healthy conversations look like even in conflict. It’s like you don’t realize how many times in your life you’re going to have to relearn how to have a conversation with someone that you’ve known and loved for a long time. And this isn’t just true of like romantic partners, even with your family or with your kids, you evolve. And you have to be able to revisit conversations, leave room for places where maybe someone’s changed their mind, or you’ve changed yours. I want to say battle, but that feels like a very aggressive term, but you really have to fight to get to the other side of that conflict, because what’s there is just so rich and juicy and healthy and necessary for the relationship to be sustainable.

[00:20:01] Julien: Yeah, it may start like a battle, but I think once you two get on the same page, then it can kind of turn into a little bit of a dance. You know, you’re moving to the same beat as opposed to conflicting and bumping heads all the time or stepping on each other’s toes.

[00:20:14] Kiersten: And a dance battle sounds way more fun than a regular battle.

[00:20:18] Julien: There’s that part.

[00:20:20] Kiersten: All right, guys, we’ll link to Abby’s financial meeting guide and budget template in the show notes. And if you’re ready to sit down and have that talk with your partner, maybe start with one of her favorite lines, which is, “tell me more about that.”

[00:20:31] Julien Yeah. Thanks for listening to Merging Into Life, brought to you by AAA Northeast. If you like what you heard, subscribe, leave a review and share the episode with someone who needs it.

[00:20:50] Kiersten: 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: Budgeting 101

Love and Life Insurance

Money Saving Habits

Money Mistakes to Avoid in Retirement

Retirement Withdrawal Strategies to Think About

Julien & Kiersten Saunders: rich & REGULAR

Dr. Abby Medcalf’s Relationship Tips and Tools

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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.

Big expenses come at us throughout our lives, sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes planned. Regardless of the circumstance, you’ll need a way to finance these major purchases when they arise. If you own a home, your best course of action may be to do so with a home equity loan.

Home equity loans allow you to use your house as collateral and you can use the money for anything you like. Many people take out home equity loans to finance renovation projects that make their property more valuable.

What Are Home Equity Loans?

Also known as a second mortgage, a home equity loan allows homeowners borrow money against the value of their home.

Home equity is calculated by taking the current value of your residence and subtracting your outstanding mortgage balance. For example, if your house is currently estimated to be worth $500,000 and you still owe $100,000 on your mortgage, then you have $400,000 in home equity. Your loan will be borrowed against this total. Typically, most lenders will allow you to borrower up to 80% of the value of your property minus the first mortgage balance.

Home equity loans usually come with fixed rates. This means that home equity loans will be less expensive over the lifetime of the loan than financing your large expense via credit cards or other loan types. You may also be able to deduct the home equity loan interest payments from your taxes. We recommend consulting a tax advisor for personal tax guidance.

There is some risk involved. If you are unable to pay back the loan, the lender could choose to foreclose on your house. Therefore, you’ll want to be on sound financial footing before taking one out.

How Do Home Equity Loans Work?

Your home equity loan will be paid out in a single lump sum. This comes with its own pros and cons. On the bright side, you’ll have access to all the funds you need right away. But, since you’re not borrowing money as you need it, you’ll have to have a very good estimate of how much money you need to borrow from the start. If your home renovation project costs less than the amount borrowed, you’ll still need to repay the entirety of the loan, usually in monthly installments that begin soon after the money is available.

If you’re unsure of how much money you will need, you may want to consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Just like a home equity loan, a HELOC allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. But instead of receiving all the funds upfront, you can withdraw money as you need it. HELOCs function much like a credit card in that once you reach your credit cap, your balance will need to be repaid before you can withdraw more money.

What Can Home Equity Loans Be Used For?

Home equity loans do not need to be used on your home. The money can be spent on any big expense you need help financing, such as a wedding or business startup. One popular use for them is paying off credit card debt. Credit card interest rates are notoriously high. Paying off your credit card debt with funds from a low-rate home equity loan could save you a significant amount of money in the long term. It will also help consolidate your debt if you owe money on more than one credit card by allowing you to make just one payment every month.

Although funds from a home equity loan can be used for anything, it’s important to note that interest from these loans is only tax deductible if the funds are used on a home renovation project. Consult a tax advisor to see if your project is eligible.

(Note: The interest on the portion of the credit extension that is greater than the fair market value of the dwelling is not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of interest.)

There’s another convincing argument for using the loan on your home: it is a great return on investment. If you use the funds to add an extra bedroom, remodel the kitchen or install a pool in the backyard, you’re increasing the value of your property, which you will own entirely once your mortgage is paid off.

Let AAA help finance your project with a low-rate home equity loan.

Renovations Worth the Money

So, which home equity loan renovations should you consider if you’d like to increase the value of your home? According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, these interior projects provided the best bang for their buck.

• 100%* — New steel front door
• 83%* — Closet renovation
• 80%* — New fiberglass front door
• 74%* — New vinyl windows
• 71%* — New wood windows

*of project cost recovered at house resale.

And these were the projects that gave homeowners the most joy. NAR calculated the joy score based on how happy homeowners were when the work was completed. Ten was the highest score.

• Added primary bedroom suite — 10
• Kitchen upgrade —10
• New roofing —10
• Bathroom renovation — 9.8
• Complete kitchen renovation — 9.7

Have you used a home equity loan to make home renovations? Tell us in the comments.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 and usually hits its stride around mid-August through October. During this time of year, severe weather becomes top of mind as each named storm brings questions of when and where the next one will hit.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an “above normal” hurricane season for 2025, calling for 13 to 19 named storms. Of these, six to 10 could strengthen into hurricanes, including three to five that may reach major hurricane status.

Are you prepared for a weather emergency or evacuation? Take advantage of the calm long before a storm to plan for your family’s safety with these hurricane readiness tips.

To speak to a AAA insurance agent about your storm coverage, schedule an appointment today. 

Sign Up for Storm Alerts 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobile app will send you National Weather Service notifications on up to five locations and locate emergency shelters. You should keep an eye on local news and weather reports as well.

Brush up on how storm categories and other extreme weather terms are defined to better understand what’s in the forecast.

Pack a Bag 

If you have to leave your home on short notice, you’ll want some essentials for you and everyone in your family. FEMA recommends packing things like medications, food and water, clothing and a first-aid kit. Your bag should be easy to carry and kept where you can grab it quickly.

Plan for Evacuation 

State or local officials may issue evacuation notices in advance of dangerous storms. Check with your local department of transportation or emergency management office to familiarize yourself with your area’s evacuation routes.

Keep your car’s gas tank at least half-full and carry a kit of basic emergency supplies including snacks, bottled water, a first-aid kit, flashlights, flares, jumper cables, tools, a blanket and a change of clothes.

Establish a Communication Plan 

Figure out how your family will stay in touch if you’re separated or lose power. You can choose an out-of-state contact for everyone to use and designate a meetup spot.

Get Supplies 

You can build an emergency stockpile over time, but remember to replace items with a limited shelf life, like food and batteries. Your hurricane readiness supplies should include:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food.
• Battery or hand-crank radio and extra batteries.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• A wrench and/or pliers.
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Can opener if your food kit contains cans.
• Local maps.
• Prescriptions and reading glasses.
• Infant formula and diapers.
• Pet food and extra water for pets.
• Important family documents, such as insurance policies and bank account records. Store these in a waterproof container.
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets.
• Cash or traveler’s checks.
• Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
• A fire extinguisher.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Feminine and personal hygiene supplies.
• Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils and paper towels.

Staying Put

If you’re not ordered to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors. Never use a generator or gasoline-powered equipment indoors or in partially enclosed areas. Such equipment should be outside, 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents.

Prepare Your Home 

Powerful winds and floods are two of the greatest dangers presented by hurricanes. Ready your home by reinforcing doors, windows, walls and the roof. You should also bring loose, light objects like patio furniture and garbage cans inside and anchor objects you cannot bring inside, like grills. Trim or remove trees that are close enough to fall on buildings.

To prepare your home for heavy rains or flooding, keep gutters and drains free of debris. If possible, install a water alarm and sump pump with battery and battery backup. Stockpile plywood, plastic sheeting, sandbags and other emergency materials, too.

Remember that flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. You should talk to your insurance agent about purchasing coverage, which might have a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.

Learn the ins and outs of hurricane deductibles.

For more information on hurricane readiness and other safety tips, visit www.ready.gov or download our free hurricane preparedness guide.

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

Hot summer temperatures can damage your car and make driving uncomfortable. You can stay cool and prevent breakdowns by quickly venting hot air, using your air conditioning efficiently, parking in the shade or using a sunshade, and maintaining key systems like your coolant and battery.

Use these tips to keep both you and your car from overheating this summer.

Quickly Cooling the Car

Efficiently cooling the car’s interior can reduce some strain on the vehicle and keep the driver more comfortable.

When you first get in, open the doors and windows to let the hot air out, and then, put the air conditioner on ventilation mode to help expel more hot air. Once the car starts to feel cooler, turn the air conditioner to recirculation and put it on its highest setting.

Starting the car and letting the air conditioning run while it’s parked is not the quickest or most economical choice, although it would do the trick in a pinch. Many newer models also come with an option to prestart and cool the interior from a key or mobile app.

More Ways to Keep Your Car Cool

• Embrace the shade. “Park in the shade or in a garage if you have one, and staying out of direct sunlight may help,” said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.
• Let in some air. Leave your windows open a crack, but only enough to let in a small breeze — and keep out rain and thieves.
• Invest in a windshield sunshade, especially if you can’t avoid the direct sun.

AAA members get discounts at NAPA Auto Parts, online and in select stores.

Why Do Car Engines Overheat?

When a car engine overheats, there is usually something wrong with the car’s cooling system. The car could be low on coolant, which reduces the temperature of the engine as it circulates. Another common cause is a malfunctioning thermostat. It could fail to open preventing coolant from reaching the engine. Another expensive cause could be a failed radiator, which cools off the coolant and blows hot air out of the car.

Make sure the cooling system is ready by having it flushed on a regular basis by a trusted auto repair facility. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, has anti-corrosion chemicals to prevent rust buildup inside the engine. Getting rid of old coolant, flushing the engine with fresh water and filling it with the proper mixture of the coolant formula and water, along with checking hoses and belts, will help a vehicle stand the test of hot summer driving.

What To Do If Your Car Overheats

If your car is starting to overheat, it may seem a bit sluggish. If the temperature gauge shoots up or if you see steam rising from the hood, pull off the road as soon as you safely can.

If you are unable to pull off immediately, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heat. Yes, heat. This will help the engine cool a bit before you can stop.

Once stopped, turn off the engine and call for roadside assistance. Do not touch the hood.

You can request AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7.

Preventing Your Car Battery From Overheating

Consumer Reports has found that heat can weaken your car battery more than freezing temperatures.

Heat does not cause sudden battery failure but weakens a car battery over time. The optimum operating temperature for car batteries is 80 degrees, according to NAPA Auto Parts. But as soon as the car is moving, the temperature under the hood starts to rise.

If the temperature is hot enough, chemicals within the battery that conduct electrical charges begin to evaporate. That vapor can lead to battery corrosion over time, and ultimately, failure. In 2024, AAA reported responding to 1.83 million battery service calls in the summer.

“Here in the Northeast, batteries last about five years,” said Paul. “But in hot weather states, like Florida, Arizona and Texas, batteries only last about three years due to the heat.” 

Ensuring the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean helps to maintain it. Periodically checking the charging and starting systems are a good idea as well.

If your battery does give out, call a AAA battery service professional who will come to you and test, clean or replace your battery. They also will properly recycle your old battery.

Learn more about when to replace your car battery.

What are your tips for cooling your car down as quickly as possible on a hot summer day? Share them in the comments below.

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Excited for your upcoming international vacation? While checking off your to-do list of things to pack, what to wear and documents to bring, don’t forget to exchange some of your U.S. dollars for foreign currency. Having local cash in your wallet can come in handy for meals, tips and other small purchases.

You can save yourself time and money by getting your foreign currency ahead of your trip. AAA foreign currency exchange service makes it easy. Simply visit your local branch to order currency from dozens of different countries.

Not sure how much cash to exchange or where to start? We’ve got you covered with answers to the most common foreign currency exchange questions.

Is now a good time to travel abroad?

There’s so much culture to explore, food to try and new people to meet around the world. It’s always a good time to travel abroad. Of course, it’s always important to do research on your desired destination to ensure you’ll have the best and safest experience.

Is there an ideal time to order foreign currency and how can you get the most value before traveling?

It’s important to plan ahead for travel but we wouldn’t recommend trying to time your trip around the foreign exchange markets. Currency values fluctuate constantly and no one has a crystal ball that can predict whether the U.S. dollar will be stronger next year versus right now. If you are curious whether the U.S. dollar is strong, you can view the dollar index online (symbol: DXY); when that number is higher than in months or years past, the dollar is gaining strength and will offer greater purchasing power abroad.

Once your trip is in the books, it’s a good idea to order your currency while you are still home. Think about how you feel after a long flight — you’re totally exhausted and just want to get out of the airport. The last thing you want to do is wait in line (and pay extra fees) at an ATM or an exchange desk. Foreign currency exchange at AAA usually takes at least three business days to ship, so plan accordingly.

I have a goal and a budget for my trip. How do I estimate how much U.S. currency to exchange and stay within my budget?

Budgeting is key and you want to ensure you are aware of the costs to expect when you arrive at your destination. Bringing some foreign money can put you at ease. At least $100 per person is a good starting point, although you should consider how often you might need cash.

Remember that ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft aren’t guaranteed to be available or even operating in the city and country where you’ve landed. So, it’s best to have cash to buy a train ticket or pay cab fare just in case your technology fails you.

Get more tips on managing your money abroad.

What is the best way to pay for purchases and buy currency when you are abroad?

A mix of cash and credit cards for purchases each day is a smart way to go. It’s great having cash to grab a small bite while you’re running around. There’s also something satisfying about walking into an Italian cafe, placing your euro on the counter and signaling for a quick shot of espresso like a local.

If you need more cash, it’s always best to use an ATM provided by one of the country’s largest, most well-known banks if possible. It’s more likely that the ATM will work properly and accept your debit card. Never use a credit card to withdraw foreign cash from an ATM; most foreign ATMs ask for a pin and your credit card likely isn’t set up to accommodate that. Also, fees and charges on cash withdrawals using a credit card usually are higher.

What do I do with leftover foreign currency? Should I switch it back to dollars or keep it for future use?

It depends on how much currency you have left and whether you need cash immediately. You can certainly switch any paper currency you still have back to dollars. Most exchanges won’t accept coins, so keep them as a souvenir or consider sharing them with the kids in your life to get them excited about traveling abroad one day.

Learn more about AAA foreign currency exchange. It’s just one of many services offered at your local AAA branch.

You’ve Read About it — Now Experience It

Let AAA Travel make your dream vacation a reality. Connect with a travel advisor for free trip planning, custom itineraries, exclusive perks and expert guidance every step of the way.

Call 888-780-5185 |  Find a AAA Branch  |  Contact Online

It’s true, traveling by rail might be slower than air travel. It may even seem a bit old fashioned to some. But when you take a train, the journey can be just as great as the destination. You don’t want to miss out on these top U.S. and Canada rail trips.

Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West

You can see some of the most breathtaking views in the world on Rocky Mountaineer’s classic First Passage to the West route. Over the course of two days, this trip will take you from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Banff, Alberta through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Sights include Fraser Valley, the Coast Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, Kicking Horse River, the legendary Spiral Tunnels and a crossing of the Continental Divide. You’ll have an overnight stay in Kamloops, British Columbia, a small city with great views, and you can enjoy breakfast and lunch on the train for both days of the trip.

The ever-changing landscape of dense forests, soaring mountains, glaciers, canyons and rushing rivers are sure to enchant you. The best part? All Rocky Mountaineer trains feature glass-domed coaches, so you’re completely immersed in the experience.

There are many iterations of the First Passage to the West trip. You could go westward, eastward or tack it onto a longer trip. However you choose to experience it, it’s an unforgettable Canada rail trip.

Rocky Mountaineer: Rainforest to Gold Rush

On Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route, you can experience all the (literal) highs and lows of the Canadian wilderness. This three-day Canada rail trip will take you from Vancouver to Whistler and Quesnel, British Colombia, and Jasper, Alberta.

Along the way, you can see Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Fraser Valley, Cheakamus Canyon, the Cariboo Mountains and the glacier-fed Seton Lake. You’ll cross the sky-high Deep Creek Bridge, explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains and climb Mount Robson – its highest peak. Overnight stays in the ski resort town of Whistler and Jasper National Park round out the trip.

Like First Passage to the West, there are several iterations on Rainforest to Gold Rush from which to choose, whether you’d like to keep it short and sweet or incorporate it into an 11-day vacation.

Grand Canyon Railway

Experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau on the Grand Canyon Railway, a 64-mile U.S. rail trip between Williams, Ariz., and Grand Canyon Historic Village, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

“I think the Grand Canyon Railway is a unique way to see a beautiful part of our country,” said AAA travel advisor Marc Carlson. “The rail is a relaxing way to travel between locations, you get to see the area while traveling and don’t have to drive or go through an airport.”

You won’t just see the Grand Canyon on this trip — you’ll be able to see prairies, pine forests and the high desert. The railway also offers entertainment to its riders, from live musicians to attendants who can tell you about the region and its history. Another entertainment offering is a little more unique — an old-fashioned train robbery by wild west bandits! All in all, it’s a full-day adventure that you’ll never forget.

Amtrak: Coast Starlight

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route takes you along the coast from Los Angeles, Calif., to Seattle, Wash.. The full trip is 35 hours, so if you’re planning to stay aboard, you’ll need a sleeper car.  

Take in gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you wind up the coastline of California. If you’ve ever wanted to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, this is even better. Overall, the route features around 350 miles of coastline. Then, suddenly, you’ll be plunged into the verdant forests and mountain ranges of Oregon and Washington. Head to the observation car to get an even better view.

Amtrak: Adirondack

Looking for something a little closer to home? Amtrak’s Adirondack route, which stretches from New York City to Montreal, Quebec, resumed regular service in 2023.

On this 10-hour train ride, you’ll be treated to views of the Hudson River Valley, the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. A great time to take this train is during fall foliage season, when you can leaf peep to your heart’s content.

With its final stop in the historic city of Montreal, it’s almost like a European vacation — without the hassle of air travel.

Amtrak: Empire Builder

Follow the path of Lewis and Clark on Amtrak’s Empire Builder route that stretches from Chicago, Ill., to either Portland, Ore., or Seattle, Wash. (the route varies). The full trip between Chicago and Seattle is 46 hours and can be taken eastward or westward. If you plan on staying on the train for the entire time, book a sleeping car.

On this seven-state route, you can see sights like Glacier National Park, the Cascade Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains and the Mississippi River. If you want to see the Columbia River Gorge as well, take a train that starts or ends in Portland. For panoramic views, head to the domed glass Sightseer Lounge on the second level.

Have you ever taken any trips by rail? Let us know in the comments below.

Start planning a train trip with a AAA travel advisor. Remember, our travel advisor services are included with your membership (that means no extra charge!).

Featured image: Rocky Mountaineer train traveling along the First Passage to the West Route in Morant’s Curve, Banff National Park. Courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer.

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