When you’re a kid, Halloween is all about the costume. As an adult, it’s all about the ambiance.

Creating – or should we say crafting – the perfect spooky vibe for your home is a great way to immerse yourself in the season, thoroughly enjoying all there is to offer this time of year. From reusing and recycling to tapping into your imagination, the perks of getting crafty with your Halloween decor are endless. To get the creative juices flowing, here are eight of our favorite Halloween crafts and spooky foods to try this fall.

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Spooky Foods

Spooky Chocolate and Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

If you enjoy the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, these skull-shaped cookies are scary good. Start by preparing chocolate shortbread dough. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, whip up the peanut butter buttercream recipe below.

Once the dough is ready, roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness and use a 2- to 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles for the faces. Pinch the sides of each circle with your thumb and index fingers to form a skull shape. For the eyes, use a tiny round cookie cutter or the small end of an extra-large piping tip, as shown in the video above. Cut out the nose and mouth with a knife. Each face will develop its own unique personality as it bakes!

Make half of the shortbread batch with faces and the other half plain, then sandwich them together with the buttercream after baking (350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes). Makes about two dozen cookies.

Peanut Butter Buttercream (makes about 1 cup)

• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar  
• Fine salt, to taste (optional)

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, blend together the peanut butter and butter. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated. Add salt to taste, if desired.

Boo! Brie Board

A cheese board is always a good idea, but it’s even better when it’s spooky. This creator starts by cutting a wheel of brie lengthwise and using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out the shape on one side. On the other, jam is spread over the cheese to create a contrasting background before the ghost outline is placed on top. Next, they create a mummy out of soft cheese and strips of salami and tiny witches’ hats made from chocolate sandwich cookies and Hershey’s Kisses.

Ghoulish Strawberries

Who could pass up a chocolate-covered strawberry shaped like a ghost? These gems are easy to make and require only three ingredients: strawberries, white chocolate chips and black icing.

First, melt the white chocolate chips in a saucepan on low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. On a flat surface lined with parchment paper, create swoops of white chocolate that generally resemble an animated ghost’s “tail.” Repeat for however many strawberries you plan to dip. Next, dip each strawberry fully into the white chocolate and place on top of each swoop. Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened (about 15-30 minutes) then use black icing to draw two eyes and a mouth.

Marshmallow Ghost Cups

Turn your favorite iced beverage into a Halloween treat in seconds with this adorable idea from creator debtrette. All you need is some marshmallow creme, a black marker and a clear disposable cup. Scoop a generous amount of marshmallow creme onto the back of a large spoon and place it on the inside of your cup, trying to create a ghost-like shape. Once you have as many marshmallow ghosts as you can fit, use a black marker to draw eyes and mouths on the outside of the cup. Then fill it up with your drink of choice (something pumpkin spiced, perhaps?) and you’re good to go.

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Zombie Dirt Cups

An irresistible combination of pudding, whipped topping and chocolate sandwich cookies, these zombie dirt cups have it all – including worms. After layering these base ingredients until you’ve reached the top of the cup, adorn your chocolate “graveyard” with sugary zombie hands, headstones, bones, plastic spider rings and a shovel spoon to really drive the theme home.

Halloween Crafts

Air-Dried Clay Ghost Tealights

Once a staple of elementary school art projects, air-dried clay is making a comeback as one of the easiest ways to DIY all kinds of things like earrings, magnets and, in this case, sweet little ghosts.

Creator teawithteenie starts her process with a rolling pin, empty glass bottle, ping pong ball, some water, a sponge and a sculpting tool. After rolling out the clay, she cuts out a circle relative to the size of the ghost she wants to make, then uses the ping pong ball atop the empty glass bottle to create its shape. After making two holes for eyes, let the clay dry for 24 hours. Once fully dried, place atop a battery-powered tealight as a real flame is not recommended.

Papier-Mache Vintage-Style Jack-O’-Lanterns

If you want your Halloween decor to have a retro edge but can find only modern options, try this clever papier-mache hack to get the same look.

Using a store-bought plastic jack-o’-lantern, start by brushing Mod Podge over its outside surface and then cover with a layer of paper towels. Create any raised details during this step, like eyebrows or cheeks. Next, soak two to three cardboard egg cartons in water for three hours before blending them to create a pulp. Squeeze out any excess water and add half a bottle of white glue to create your papier-mache mixture and apply to the entire lantern. Let sit in the sun until dry (about two hours). Lastly, paint your vintage jack-o’-lantern however you see fit!

Tangerine Jack-O’-Lanterns

A perfect spooky craft to enjoy with kids, these tangerine jack-o’-lanterns make use of the fruit’s rind and can be hung as a garland or on their own to hold small handfuls of candy.

To make, slice off the top of the tangerine and carefully remove the fruit inside, keeping the rind intact. Stuff a paper towel inside the husk to give a backing and make it easier to cut the eye, nose and mouth holes with a razor or sharp knife (this part’s for adults only!). Make two additional holes on either side of the rind for the lantern handle. Replace the paper towel inside with aluminum foil and bake the lanterns at 200 degrees for two to three hours. Once thoroughly dry, use a small piece of twine to loop through the side holes creating the handle.

Which of these Halloween crafts are you going to try? Let us know in the comments!

Retirement is a big milestone in life, and one that deserves to be enjoyed to its full extent. To get the most out of your retirement years, it’s important to maintain your physical, mental and oral health, and insurance will help you do so. 

You may not know where to start when determining which dental coverage is best for this new phase of life, but luckily Delta Dental of Rhode Island makes it easy for AAA members in Rhode Island to have affordable, quality care.

Here are three reasons why continuing to have dental insurance after retirement is an important choice to make.

Aging Changes Our Teeth And Gums

Cells renew at a slower rate as we age, which means older adults are more at risk for certain oral health conditions such as dry mouth due to prescription medication side effects or certain health conditions. When salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, it can increase the risk for problems tasting, chewing, and swallowing, mouth sores, gum disease, tooth decay and yeast infection in the mouth (otherwise known as thrush).

Receding gums due to periodontal disease is also common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay. Not brushing and flossing every day, not receiving regular dental care, smoking, diabetes or a weak immune system are all conditions that put older adults at risk for developing periodontal disease.

Without a competent dental insurance plan, these conditions may be left to fester and ultimately put you at risk for a range of side effects from uncomfortable to deadly.

Most Dental Care Isn’t Covered by Medicare

It seems like a safe assumption to make that once you retire, Medicare will cover general dental work like cleanings, fillings and dentures — but unfortunately that is not the case. Medicare only covers certain dental procedures that one would receive in the hospital, leaving your basic oral health in limbo.

With an individual plan through Delta Dental of Rhode Island, you can get coverage that compares to the insurance you’re used to through your place of employment.

Those With Dental Insurance Get Checked More Often

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, folks with dental insurance are much more likely to visit a dentist on a consistent basis than those without, as paying out-of-pocket can be costly. Easy accessibility to routine dental care through individual dental insurance is the simplest way to maintain your healthy smile – and be prepared for the unexpected.

With Delta Dental of Rhode Island through AAA Northeast, AAA members living in Rhode Island can stay covered and worry-free through their golden years. Explore the benefits and enroll now.

When it comes to prime leaf peeping spots, the Northeast boasts destinations above the rest. Literally. From state parks to historic sites, climb one of these towers for a different perspective of the changing autumn colors. And as a bonus, learn some area history on the climb!

If you’re in search of the best places to view fall foliage, these are some of the “top” destinations.

For more foliage fun, scroll down to play our fall-themed Wordrow.

Castle Craig Tower at Hubbard Park

Peak Drive, Meriden, Conn.

Those driving along Connecticut’s Interstate 691 have probably wondered about the round stone tower standing tall above Meriden. Next time, plan a detour to visit Castle Craig, located more than a thousand feet above sea level on the city’s East Peak. Castle Craig opened to the public in 1900 and is located in the 1,800-acre Hubbard Park.

An interior stairway leads to an observation platform atop the tower that affords sweeping views of the Sleeping Giant Mountain range, the buildings of New Haven, and on a clear day, even a glimpse of the Long Island Sound.

Good to know: You can hike to the tower or drive on a road open from May 1-Oct. 31, weather permitting.

Heublein Tower

1 Summit Drive, Simsbury, Conn.

Built in 1914 as a summer home for the family behind A.1. Sauce, the 165-foot-tall tower offers panoramic views of Connecticut, Massachusetts and beyond.

“I say, why go to Vermont when you can just come to the tower?” said Jay T. Willerup, the president of the board of directors of the Friends of Heublein Tower.

Now part of Talcott Mountain State Park, there’s a 1 1/4-mile hike to the structure. Take the stairs to the top floor observatory, and on the way, get a glimpse of a dining, living and bedroom floor, which appear much as the Heublein family might have used them.

The paneled and windowed observatory, once used as a ballroom, offers 360-degree views.

You can see Mount Tom and Springfield, in Massachusetts, and Connecticut’s Bradley Airport, according to Willerup.

Good to know: The third week in October is typically peak leaf peeping time at the tower. Open seasonally.

Monument at High Point State Park

1480 State Route 23, Sussex, N.J.

To really appreciate the Garden State in autumn, you need to climb to the highest elevation possible, which can be found at High Point, the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge, rising 1,803 feet above sea level.

Once you’re there, check out the Monument at High Point, completed in 1930 to honor New Jersey’s war veterans. Climb the tower’s 291 stairs to the top for a view of the Pocono and Catskill Mountains, the Wallkill River Valley and more.

You can walk, hike or drive to the monument, part of the larger 16,171-acre High Point State Park which offers seasonal outdoor activities including hiking and walking trails, camping, fishing and boating.

Good to know: The monument is open weekends in September and October.

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory

711 Fort Knox Road, Prospect, Maine

When it comes to the best place to view fall foliage, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge has a height advantage. Here, visitors can ogle the landscape from the highest public bridge observatory in the world. Take a 42-story elevator ride to the glass-enclosed, three level observatory which offers views that span 40 miles (on a clear day) in every direction, including the Penobscot River and Bay and the distant western mountains.

Although considered a modern marvel – it opened in 2007 – there’s a rich sense of local history delivered through interpretive panels. Back on terra firma, explore the adjacent Fort Knox, a preserved military fortification which was established in 1844.

Good to know: The Observatory and Fort Knox are open through Oct. 31. Admission is required. All visitors must enter through the Fort Knox State Historic Site.

Perkins Memorial Tower

Perkins Memorial Drive, Stony Point, N.Y.

Constructed in 1934 as the crowning touch to Bear Mountain State Park, this 40-foot-tall tower located 2 miles up the mountain’s summit, served as a weather station and fire lookout until the 1950s. On a clear day, you can see north to the Catskills and all the way south to the top of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. The view spans four states – New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

There is no elevator, so be prepared to climb, but the ascent on wide steps is not difficult. Each landing offers interpretive displays and photos which describe the view and bit of the history of Bear Mountain State Park.

Good to know: You can hike or drive to the tower via Perkins Memorial Drive, a steep, winding road, which may close due to weather. Call 845-786-2701 before you go. The drive and tower are open April 1-Nov. 30. The state park was damaged in a summer storm and some parts of it may remain closed to visitors. Check the website (linked above) or call ahead.

Tower of Victory

84 Liberty St., Newburgh, N.Y.

Located high on the west shore of Hudson River, the tower opened in 1887 on the site used by Gen. George Washington as his headquarters during the American Revolution.

It was commissioned by U.S. Secretary of War Robert T. Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, to honor Washington and to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the disbanding of the Continental Army.

Today, visitors can climb a spiral staircase inside the 53-foot-tall limestone structure to take in views of the Hudson River, Mount Beacon, the Hudson Highlands and West Point in the distance. Just imagine when the site was an important defensive position for Washington’s army.

The tower is part of Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, the nation’s first publicly owned historic site, which opened in 1850. Take a tour of the onsite museum and adjacent Hasbrouck House where Washington and his wife, Martha, were in residence from 1782 to 1783.

Good to know: Tours of the tower are by appointment only, so call ahead to book: 845-562-1195. Open through Oct. 29.

Pulpit Rock Tower

Neptune Drive, Rye, N.H.

This eight-story concrete tower is a relic of WWII, built by the U.S. military as a coastal observatory, one of 14 on the New Hampshire coast. Pulpit Rock is the only surviving tower. Soldiers once patrolled its observation deck, nearly 100 feet above the shoreline, looking for enemy ships in Portsmouth Harbor and its naval yard. Today, take in the peaceful views of the harbor and sea coast.

Good to know: Tours are only given a few times each year by the Friends of Pulpit Rock, although private tours can be arranged by appointment by emailing friendsofpulpitrocktower@gmail.com. For info on scheduled tours, follow on Facebook.

Play Our Fall Foliage Wordrow!

What do you think is the best place to view fall foliage? Have you been to any of these towers? Tell us in the comments.

Check out more ways to view fall foliage throughout the Northeast.

Need a ride? Rent a car.

Featured image: Monument at High Point. (Courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection)

Each year, the transition from summer to autumn brings the much-anticipated return of colorful foliage, sweater weather, football season and all things pumpkin. However, the beginning of fall also comes with potential driving risks, including slippery roads, decreased daylight, fog and sun glare. Autumn weather can be unpredictable and conditions can change drastically within a matter of minutes.

Prepare yourself and your vehicle for the changing seasons with the following tips to help you drive safely in the fall.

How to Drive Safely in Darkness

As the days get shorter, you will likely be driving in the dark more.

• Be sure to keep your headlights clean and in proper working order; dim or misaligned headlights can decrease your visibility.

• Always watch for pedestrians walking, jogging or biking through the streets; they may be difficult to see at night if they are wearing dark clothing.

• Be mindful of children walking to and from bus stops in the morning and afternoon.

• Fall is also an active breeding time for deer, so travel slowly if you live in a deer-laden area. If you see a deer cross the roadway, expect others to follow, as they often travel in groups.

Cold Weather

• Fall weather can change rapidly from warm to cold, causing roads to ice over overnight. Drive slowly and brake gently when driving across overpasses and bridges, as these surfaces tend to frost over before others. Be aware of spots where black ice forms on the roadway and drive carefully through these areas.

• Check your tire pressure daily. Extreme changes in temperature will cause your tires to expand and contract, which may lead to a loss of tire pressure. Before starting your vehicle, clear away any frost on your windows and check that your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

Driving in Fog

With cold autumn mornings often comes fog.

• When driving in foggy weather, set your headlights to low instead of high. High-beam headlights bounce off of fog and reflect back at you, further impairing your ability to see the road. Low beams, however, aim down toward the roadway and improve your visibility.

• Slow down and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you so that you have ample time to stop if necessary.

Glare

Autumn’s sunrises and sunsets can cause a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lights or the roadway.

• To combat glare, clean your windshield inside and out to remove any dust particles, streaks or smudges. These can become magnified when illuminated by sunlight and impact your visibility.

• Avoid using washing and waxing products that increase your car’s shine. These products magnify the sun’s glare on your car, which may cause the light to reflect into your eyes and blind you for a few seconds.

• Keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle at all times to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. If you frequently drive at night, consider purchasing lenses with anti-reflective coating in order to reduce glare from streetlights and headlights.

Wet Conditions

Fall is notorious for wet weather. Wet leaves pose a risk to motorists since driving on them is like driving on ice.

• Before starting your car, remove any leaves from your windshield to prevent them from getting stuck under your wiper blades. Also, be sure to replace windshield wiper blades if they show any signs of wear. Neglecting your wipers can limit your vision during poor weather conditions and leave you in a dangerous situation.

• When driving during heavy rain, slow down, especially around turns. Wet conditions increase the time it takes your vehicle to come to a complete stop, so keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

• Avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel or slamming on the brake pedal, as these actions may cause your car to hydroplane. If you feel that you are losing control of your vehicle, steer straight and gently release the gas pedal until you feel the tires make contact with the road surface again.

More Fall Driving Tips 

• Never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves. Doing so may cause a fire to start from your vehicle’s exhaust system or catalytic converter.

• Never drive over a pile of leaves; small children often play in leaf piles.

• Changing temperatures and weather conditions create potholes, and leaves on the roadway may make it difficult to see them. Always be sure to slow down and avoid driving over leaf-covered areas, if possible.

• Check that your spare tire is correctly inflated and has a proper tread. Having an under-inflated spare could leave you stranded if you happen to get a flat.

Whenever you need a hand the road, AAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7. For help after a crash, be prepared with car insurance through AAA Insurance.  

AAA members can save on automotive replacement parts and accessories at NAPA.

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IN THIS EPISODE

Usually, when we hear about people driving impaired it’s because of drugs or alcohol. But did you know that getting behind the wheel when you’re tired is just as dangerous? Drowsy driving is impaired driving, and we often don‘t even know we‘re doing it.

In this episode, Jennifer Pearce will talk about how she lost her sister, Nicole, in a crash caused by a driver falling asleep. Now a victim’s advocate for traffic safety, Pearce discusses the risks of pushing ourselves to drive when we are tired.

You’ll also hear from Alec Slatky, AAA Northeast’s managing director of public and government affairs, about how AAA is working to better understand and prevent drowsy driving.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[3:24] – Jennifer Pearce talks about the dangers of drowsy driving and losing her sister
[10:51] – How does lack of sleep affect driving? We explore how drowsy driving compares to driving while impaired
[13:33] – The dangers of distracted driving

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:00]
Amanda Greene: Just a heads-up before listening. This episode concerns the dangers of drowsy driving, including loss of life and can get emotional. It’s a serious but important subject. In fact, I remember a time when I got a call from my husband a few years ago. My husband was driving home late at night from a meeting that was two hours away. He had stopped for gas, and I remember feeling like he was way too tired to continue driving on. He knew he was tired, I knew he was tired, but he just wanted to get home. And after talking for a few minutes, I came to the conclusion that he was just too drowsy to keep driving. So I said, “Go get a hotel, stay the night, come home tomorrow.” And he resisted for a minute because he wanted to sleep in his own bed, the cost of a hotel. But once he agreed, I could hear the relief in his voice. He got a room, he got home safe. And I’m so glad that we made that decision because all too often we as drivers don’t even think to make that call.

Welcome to Merging Into Life where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Green. Today we’re going to talk about the dangers of drowsy driving and how to make sure we never do it. We’ll speak to one of AAA Northeast safe driving experts, Alec Slatky, about how to be alert and stay safe on the road. But first, Jennifer Pearce. She knows firsthand how devastating the effects of drowsy driving can be. Her younger sister, Nicole, died in 2008 when the driver of the car she was in fell asleep at the wheel and crashed.

Jennifer has been a victim advocate for traffic safety ever since because we know not to drive drunk or impaired. Speeding is dangerous and so is driving while distracted, but just as dangerous though less talked about, is drowsy driving. So, Jennifer is going to share her story with us and it’s heartbreaking. But Jennifer does this work to help other families avert disaster through education and awareness because as you’ll hear, one of the biggest problems with drowsy driving is that we often don’t even know we’re doing it.

Hi, Jennifer. Thank you so much for joining us today.

READ MORE

[00:02:24]
Jennifer Pearce: Thank you for having me.

[00:02:25]
Amanda Greene: Could you tell us a little bit about your sister and what she was like?

[00:02:30]
Jennifer Pearce: She was brilliant. She was smart, straight A student, very well liked, very empathetic. She was an athlete. She was interested in her church and community service. She was just really a great human being and she was very loved, not only by me, but she has a lot of friends that are still very tight today that honor her on a regular basis still. Whatever they’re doing, she’s always still present with them. And I think because of who she was in life, her death is more impactful in some ways. This is horrible to say, but she’s kind of a great poster child for traffic safety because she did everything right usually. She was even president of Students Against Drunk Driving in high school, so she was around the ideas of destructive decisions, and still something like this could happen. And I think that that’s important for people to know: that you don’t have to be out there doing the wrong things on a regular basis for you to find yourself in a situation one day. It only takes one time, one day to lose your life.

[00:03:35]
Amanda Greene: Can you tell us about the day that the tragic accident or crash happened?

[00:03:41]
Jennifer Pearce: Yeah. Well, first of all, let me start with addressing why people in traffic safety don’t want to call it an accident. They want to call it a crash, and the reason is because it’s very preventable, right? Accidents imply that there was nothing you could do to prevent your circumstances. In the case of drowsy driving, there’s absolutely things that the driver can do to make sure that they’re not involved in that kind of crash. So, that’s the first thing. And then as far as Nicole’s last 24 hours, she had gone to a party. I think all the other students that were in the car were also at that party. They had stayed up sort of late the night before. I think they were dancing, listening to music or whatever. And then they had all decided they were going to go skiing the next day and they drove from Virginia Tech to Snowshoe early in the morning.

I think they were all pretty decent skiers, so they were skiing Black Diamond runs, which is physically exerting. They had gone and eaten and then got back in the car. Because they had all stayed up late they had all fallen asleep in the car. And then the driver did as well. He drove off the side of the road hitting a tree impacting Nicole’s side of the car. All four boys had significant injuries and were hospitalized, but Nicole was the only one who succumbed to her injuries. And my family, we were all in different places, so we all were driving from different areas of the Northeast towards this hospital, and we were getting updates somewhat regularly. About 20 minutes outside of the hospital, we got a call that she didn’t make it. And so none of my family members got to say goodbye.

[00:05:33]
Amanda Greene: Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. So over time, you took your pain from this awful tragedy and turned it into a message to help others. How did you find the courage to do that?

[00:05:47]
Jennifer Pearce: My mom was sort of the driver in this. She wanted other people to know that this was a thing. We, almost right away, within a few months, started giving out coffee and pamphlets about the dangers of drowsy driving on rest stops on 95 as a family and as her friends. We would take over these rest stops a couple of times a year and just stop drivers and tell them all about the drowsy driving issues on the road. We would get a lot of truck drivers. We’d get a lot of people. We’re from Maryland, so there were a lot of people traveling the East Coast Corridor on 95 and a lot of snowbirds coming back and forth, but when we were out at the truck stops or the rest stops, we were anecdotally finding out that the numbers were significant.

Everyone knew of someone that was impacted or they themselves had fallen asleep. I think that is what drove us to talk about it more because it wasn’t being talked about. Even if we just saved one life, that was one family that didn’t have to go through what we went through, and we knew how significant that could be to that one family.

[00:07:02]
Amanda Greene: We hear about a lot of other different kinds of impairments, but do you think people don’t think of drowsy driving in the same way?

[00:07:08]
Jennifer Pearce: Yeah, there’s a lot of reasons around that. I think one, there’s a psychology around sleep. Somehow we’ve sort of made it cool to power through without sleep. It’s not something people talk about. It’s not only a public safety issue, but also a public health issue. There’s studies out that say that they’re working towards all kinds of cures for diseases, and there’s all kinds of talk about health and food and water, but sleep, which is a necessity for life, is not really talked about. And if anything, when it is, it’s sort of cool to not sleep or to stay up and binge-watch your favorite show and then go to work or push as many things in your life as possible. I call it busy shaming. We shame people to be busier and busier, and that’s sort of the accolades you get in life. That’s a problem, right? That people have empty tanks when it comes to sleep.

But then when it comes to driving, either people are completely unaware that drowsy driving is deadly and that the numbers are significant. Or they have this mentality that even if they know they’re tired, that they have superhuman strengths around sleep because they do it all the time in other areas of their life. So it’s an issue. Most people I talk to have no idea how much of an issue it is on the road.

[00:08:29]
Amanda Greene: What would you like listeners to take away from your story?

[00:08:33]
Jennifer Pearce: I think sometimes people are willing to risk their own life and they think they’re invincible. But when you put yourself in that scenario and if something should happen to you, it is life altering for everyone that loves you. We are fundamentally different, every single person in my family for generations, right? I have nieces and nephews that are too young to remember Nicole, that are affected to this day. We have friends of hers that are affected to this day because of her crash. My parents will never be the same. My siblings and I will never be the same. It’s life altering. And I hope that if you’re willing to put yourself at risk, that you would think twice about doing that to somebody else in your family, your loved ones. And I hope if they take anything away from this podcast that the next time they get in the car or behind the wheel, they think about that. And that again, covers all traffic safety issues. It’s not just drowsy, distracted, drunk, prescription drugs. All those things can have the same impact on a family.

[00:09:43]
Amanda Greene: Thank you so much for coming on and sharing Nicole’s story and remembering her and honoring her in this way and raising awareness in this way because it is an important message that everyone needs to receive.

[00:09:57]
Jennifer Pearce: Thank you for having me. I appreciate it. Thank you for spreading the word.

AAA Defensive Driving Courses

[00:10:03]
Amanda Greene: Jennifer’s heartbreaking story is just one example of what’s at stake when it comes to road safety. Now let’s look at the scope of the problem.

[00:10:14]
Alec Slatky: I’m Alec Slatky. I work here at AAA Northeast in our public affairs department. I’ve been here 10 years trying every day to do what we can to make the road a safer place.

[00:10:25]
Amanda Greene: One of those things is studies around traffic safety. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety did a study on drowsy driving. It found that people are not a good judge of how tired they really are. When drivers rated their level of drowsiness as low, most of them, a full 75% were in fact moderately or severely drowsy. In the study, how were you able to determine how tired the participants actually were?

[00:10:54]
Alec Slatky: There were two measures of drowsiness. One was subjective, just how drowsy people said they were on a nine point scale. The other was objective that looked at how often was a driver’s eyes closed in a certain period. And a lot of the times when people said they weren’t very drowsy, that objective measure found, no, you’re pretty drowsy. Your eyes are closed more often than we would like when you need to be looking at the road.

[00:11:21]
Amanda Greene: Wow, that’s really fascinating and I feel like this is something that isn’t really talked about a lot. There’s a lot of conversation and advocacy surrounding drunk driving, even distracted driving, but drowsy driving is just not something that you hear about. Why do you think that this isn’t discussed with the same level of seriousness or as often?

[00:11:43]
Alec Slatky: I think there are a few reasons. I think the first is that the crash statistics don’t accurately reflect how prevalent drowsy driving is. So if you look at the police reports on crashes, they’re going to say about one to two percent of crashes are related to drowsy driving, which makes sense. If you’re drowsy and you get in a crash, you’re probably going to have some adrenaline pumping, and you’re probably not going to tell an officer, “Hey, I was falling asleep before the crash.” You might not even realize you were falling asleep before the crash. But we’ve done studies that look at in- camera video and other crash reports that are very, very thoroughly investigated and found that drowsy driving is way more prevalent than statistics would lead us to believe. In fact, about one in six fatal crashes is related to drowsy driving. That’s way, way more than the estimates we have from crash reports.

[00:12:38]
Amanda Greene: Do your findings say that it is a similar level of impairment as distracted driving, drunk driving?

[00:12:44]
Alec Slatky: It is a similar level of danger to drunk driving because if you get the recommended, say, seven to eight to nine hours of sleep a night, I mean, that’s great. If you get a little bit less, your crash risk is elevated. And then if you get significantly less, the risk goes way up. So if you get four to five hours of sleep in a night, your crash risk is about four times what it would be if you got the recommended seven plus hours, that’s like a drunk driving risk. And then if you sleep less than four hours in a night, it’s about 11 times the crash risk, so that’s an even more impaired drunk driver. I think it’s very important to set an example for your family, for your friends, that it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to take a nap.

I can remember a time when I was up on a college visit. We had left Friday night, my dad and I, we drove five hours up, probably got to a hotel at 1:00 a.m. We went on the college tour the next morning, and then we were heading down. And after an hour or so, my dad said, “I’m pulling over and taking a nap.” So then he switched over. I got the keys. I was driving for maybe a half hour, and I said, “I’m tired. I’m pulling over.” And we both napped in the parking lot of a rest area for probably a couple hours, and then we got home safe. And I think that was a good example for him to send to me that you don’t need to push through it, you can pull over. You can keep yourself safe. And that’s a lesson that clearly I remember to this day, and I think it’s something that’s worth sharing with friends and family as well.

[00:14:20]
Amanda Greene: So I think a common thing to do is grab a coffee or something with caffeine for a little boost. What’s your take on that?

[00:14:27]
Alec Slatky: The evidence shows that caffeine gives a small boost, but it’s not going to cure the reality that you are drowsy. And all the other tricks, having the windows down, blasting the AC, chewing gum, blasting the radio, none of those things have any evidence that they work in any substantial way. Maybe the benefit is for 20, 30 seconds, but after that you’re back to square one.

[00:14:53]
Amanda Greene: So the only thing that really works is pulling over to a safe location and taking a little nap?

[00:14:59]
Alec Slatky: Naps are golden. I think people should make sure they’re in a safe place, absolutely. But if you take a half hour nap, an hour nap, there’s every reason to believe that you’ll wake up and you’ll be refreshed. Ideally, you get enough sleep that you don’t need the nap, but if you do need one, it’s really the only thing that’s going to seriously help you.

[00:15:21]
Amanda Greene: Other than drowsy driving, what are some other driving habits that are very dangerous?

[00:15:26]
Alec Slatky: Obviously, impaired driving is bad. People know distracted driving is bad. But what they might not realize about distracted driving is that it’s not just when you’re driving. Our foundation did some research and found that if you say look at a phone while you’re at a red light, you’re checking a text, you think you’re being safe by doing it while you’re at a red light and stopped, your reaction time is actually impaired for up to 27 seconds after that distraction ends. So even though you might put the phone down, the light turns green a couple seconds later, and then you speed off, your mind is not necessarily fully recovered from the act of looking at the text.

[00:16:06]
Amanda Greene: So, if I’m at a stoplight and I check my text messages – which I think I would’ve considered that safe – I’m still distracted even after I put it down and the light has turned green because what, I’m lost in thought about it or determining how to respond?

[00:16:19]
Alec Slatky: Exactly. And one of the clearest measures of distraction is reaction time. And the study found pretty clearly that the reaction time penalty for being distracted, it didn’t end when the distraction ended. So your mind is still going to be on something related to that text, even if you’re not consciously thinking of it necessarily, your brain still might not be back to what we would hope is normal driving mode.

[00:16:46]
Amanda Greene: Okay, focus on the road and make sure you get enough sleep. That sounds easy enough.

[00:16:50]
Alec Slatky: It’s easy to make substantial changes in your habits that let you drive more safely. And I probably did that when I started working at AAA because it was my job to go through the newspapers every morning to see what articles were out there about transportation and traffic safety. And every day, here’s an article on page 27, three paragraphs, driver critically injured. Page 10, driver killed in a crash. Page 12, pedestrian killed in a crash. Unfortunately, it’s so common that it’s not front page news, but it kills so many people and injures so many people across this country that we’ve got to make at least whatever changes you can make as a driver.

[00:17:36]
Amanda Greene: How often should you take breaks during a long road trip?

[00:17:40]
Alec Slatky: We recommend every two hours or a hundred miles or so, but really whenever you need to, in addition to that, is very appropriate.

[00:17:48]
Amanda Greene: During which hours of the day are drowsy driving crashes most likely to occur?

[00:17:53]
Alec Slatky: Late night and overnight are the times when drowsy driving is most common.

[00:17:58]
Amanda Greene: True or false, teenagers experience more peer pressure and are therefore more likely to drive drowsy.

[00:18:05]
Alec Slatky: Teenagers are more likely to drive drowsy, but I feel like everyone experiences peer pressure and we want to make sure nobody is on the road while they’re falling asleep.

[00:18:16]
Amanda Greene: Can you name one activity that people might not consider distracted driving, but would still definitely cause distraction?

[00:18:24]
Alec Slatky: Talking on a hands-free cell phone is something that might not take your eyes off the road, it might not take your hands off the wheel, but it certainly will take your mind off the task of driving.

[00:18:35]
Amanda Greene: Speaking of, what’s the safest way to handle a phone call while driving?

[00:18:39]
Alec Slatky: To not. Send it to voicemail. Have that alert on if you get a text that says, “Hey, I’m driving and I’ll get to your message when I’m at my destination.” If you can pull over to a parking lot, that’s great. If not, wait until you get to wherever you’re going because that’s how crashes occur when you take your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.

[00:19:00]
Amanda Greene: Thank you, Alec, for joining us today and sharing all kinds of road safety tips to help us have better safe driving practices. And thank you to Jennifer Pearce for coming on and sharing her story. So the thing to remember, even if you aren’t driving is to get enough sleep. If you are getting behind the wheel and you have any of these symptoms – having trouble keeping your eyes open, you’re catching yourself drifting from your lane or all of a sudden you realize you don’t remember driving the last few miles – do the right thing and pull over. You’ve been listening to Merging Into Life where we navigate life’s milestones, one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast, with assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Green. If you’re learning as much as I am, follow us wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review. We’d love to know what you think. Email us at podcast@AAAnortheast.com.

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

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RESOURCES

AAA Defensive Driving Courses

How to Avoid Drowsy Driving on a Road Trip

Bad Driving Habits and How to Fix Them

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Study on Drowsing Driving

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Want to Learn More? Drop Us a Note

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

If you’re over 60, you probably have already noticed changes in your eyes. You may be holding your phone further away to read your texts. You might have a little trouble reading the menu in a dim restaurant. Or you may be noticing even more concerning changes. Your eyes are aging, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for declining vision.

Go beyond standard eye care with Altus Vision™ through AAA Northeast, an affordable, accessible way to get vision coverage in Massachusetts.

How Your Eyes Change

Like the rest of our bodies, our eyes change as we go through life. Many people over 40 experience presbyopia, the medical term for age-related farsightedness. This makes it more difficult for people to see things up close, and can turn everyday activities like reading, sewing or working at the computer into a struggle.

It may also become more difficult to see while driving at night. Taking a driving course for seniors may be helpful to deal with this issue.

With Altus Vision™, AAA Northeast members in Massachusetts can rely on a comprehensive vision plan that offers exams, savings on glasses and much more.

Increased Risks

Aging comes with some increased risks to your eye health. Here are just a few you should be on the lookout for.

Cataracts happen when the lens inside of your eye becomes cloudy, and they can be treated with surgery. Your vision may be blurry, or you may be seeing double.

Glaucoma is a disease that can damage the optic nerve, and it’s the leading cause of blindness for people over 60.

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, occurs when your retina’s macula is damaged. You may lose your central vision, while your peripheral vision may seem normal.

All of these risks are serious and can be caught early with regular eye exams. AAA members in Massachusetts can maintain regular eye care, affordably, with Altus Vision™.

Eye Care Is Health Care

Did you know that routine eye exams can also detect a variety of general health conditions, including: 

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease
• Thyroid disease
• Cancers of the blood, tissue or skin
• Vitamin deficiencies

That’s another great reason to take advantage of the added protection offered by a vision plan. 

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Little changes can make a big difference for your eyes. One small way to keep your eyes healthy is to protect them from UV rays while you’re out and about. Sunglasses or a baseball cap are perfect for minimizing exposure.

Another simple trick is to maintain your health beyond your eyes. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking. These behaviors can help mitigate the risks of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And, of course, the best thing you can do for your eyes is to get regular, comprehensive eye exams. Some eye conditions, like glaucoma, aren’t immediately noticeable in your day-to-day life. It takes an ophthalmologist to really see what’s going on. In addition to keeping your eyes healthy, eye exams can also show early signs of other health concerns, like diabetes or stroke.

If you need corrective lenses, wear them. Straining your eyes over time can cause painful headaches and won’t help your vision in the long run. Just make sure your prescription is up to date.

Altus Vision™ provides AAA Northeast members in Massachusetts a vision plan with features that go beyond standard eye care, in partnership with VSP® Vision Care, the largest vision benefits company in the US. Enroll now.

The picturesque island of Aruba beckons with its warm, dry climate, velvety white sands and crystal-clear azure waters, creating an enchanting haven for vacationers.

Situated alongside the islands of Bonaire and Curacao, Aruba lies comfortably south of the hurricane belt, putting travelers’ minds at ease. In fact, it hardly ever rains and maintains a sunny 80 degrees most of the year. 

Speak to a AAA travel advisor about booking one of these luxurious Aruba resorts with Pleasant Holidays. They’ll take care of the planning and set you up with exclusive discounts and other member benefits.

Where to Stay in Aruba

Embassy Suites by Hilton, Aruba Resort

This family-friendly resort is located between Aruba’s famous Eagle and Palm Beaches and offers beach access through a private tunnel. Guests can choose between rooms and suites.

JOIA Aruba by Iberostar

Iberostar plans to open it’s newest property by the end of 2024. Located on Eagle Beach, the resort boasts 240 suites and interior designs inspired by nature and the ocean.

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Boasting signature Ritz-Carlton style, here you can enjoy five restaurants, a luxurious spa and 320 spacious, luxury guest rooms, including 55 suites.

Riu Palace Antillas

This 24-hour, all-inclusive adults-only (18-plus) beachside resort is the perfect place for a celebration. Guests can save up to $690 on wedding and honeymoon inclusions, plus themed parties.

More to Love About Aruba

• More than 90 nationalities and ethnic groups, including European, East Indian, Filipino and Chinese call the island home.
• Considered the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean, Aruba offers incredible exploration opportunities for divers of all skill levels.
• The unique crushed coral and shell composition of the beaches’ powdery white sand keeps it cool, making it perfect for barefoot beach walks.
• Big payout at the casino? Take it all home – Aruba has no taxes on gambling wins.
• Sustainability fans will be happy to know that the island is at the forefront of the green energy movement. Aruba anticipates all its power coming from renewable sources within the next decade.

To learn more about the resorts mentioned and start planning your Aruba vacation, reach out to a AAA travel agent today.

Safety should always be the top priority when behind the wheel, but drivers should be especially alert, aware and defensive on days when conditions are not ideal.

Always obey traffic warnings and stay off the roads when directed; however, if you do find yourself on the road when hazards are heightened, here are a few safe driving tips to keep in mind.

Headlights and Hazard Lights

We all know to put our headlights on when it gets dark, but they should also be used during adverse weather conditions. In fact, many states require headlights to be on whenever wipers are in use. Studies show that driving with your car’s headlights on all the time can reduce fatal frontal crashes by 10%.

Low beams are more effective in the rain and fog. The light from high-beam headlights bounces off water and reflects back at you, further diminishing your visibility. Remember to also periodically check your headlights and clean the lenses. Clouded or yellow lenses can reduce the amount of lighting dispersed by nearly 80%.

In most cases, hazard lights should only be used during an emergency, such as if your car has broken down or you have to pull over to the side of the road. This helps warn other drivers of a temporary hazard. Using your hazard lights while driving on the other hand, can distract or confuse others on the road. Many states prohibit the use of hazards while driving. If you truly feel conditions warrant the need for hazard lights, consider stopping and waiting out the weather, as the low visibility may make driving too dangerous.

Slow Down, Move Over

First responders play a vital role in keeping drivers free from harm as well as ensuring that roadways are running as smoothly as possible. In order to do their job, they are often forced to work just a few feet away from speeding vehicles.

Slow down, move over laws aim to keep police officers, firefighters, roadside technicians and other first responders safe. These laws, versions of which exist in all 50 states, direct drivers approaching a vehicle with its emergency lights illuminated to exercise caution, slow down and, if possible, move over and away from the emergency vehicle.

When to Go Slow

Driving too fast under any condition is both dangerous and far too common. Roughly half of all drivers report going more than 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway, according to AAA’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index. In turn, speeding contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities.

When driving conditions become hazardous, such as in the case of storms or reduced visibility, driving slower becomes even more important. Traveling at a lower speed helps you control your vehicle, come to a stop more quickly and provides you with more response time. You should also increase your following distance in these conditions.

Even if driving conditions are ideal, certain situations call for reduced speeds, such as navigating winding roads. Tight turns are difficult to execute at higher speeds. You should also slow down when approaching a blind corner so you can react to oncoming traffic.

When to Stop Driving

Sometimes the best decision is not to drive at all. If conditions are too hazardous to drive safely, pull over and wait until the storm or other event is over. Rest areas are the best options. If you are forced to stop on the side of the road, pull off the road as far as possible, keep your seat belt fastened and turn your hazard lights on to ensure other drivers can see you.

Bad weather is not the only reason to stop. If you feel drowsy, find a safe place to park and take a break. Sleep deprivation slows reaction time, decreases accuracy of responses and leads to long lapses in attention. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers who lack adequate sleep have significantly elevated crash rates, and that the estimated crash risk associated with driving with only four to five hours of sleep is similar to the risk of driving with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or slightly above the legal limit of 0.08.

Visit AAA.com for more driver safety tips.

Thanks to TikTok and YouTube, it takes less than 10 minutes for a homeowner to learn how to replace a toilet, install a window or build a secret passageway behind the bookcase in the living room.

If only it were that easy to hire a general contractor.

It takes time to find the right fit for a major home renovation project. But hiring a contractor without thoroughly vetting them first is like giving a complete stranger a wad of $100 bills and hoping they come back with groceries.

You might think it would get awkward as you pepper a prospective builder with questions about his or her work history and safety practices, but there are answers you deserve to know before any money changes hands.

Hesitance or reluctance to answer your questions is also a sign that you might be dealing with an unscrupulous crew. Start with these questions as you embark on your quest to find the right contractor for your home renovation project.

What can you tell me about your company?

While internet reviews of a company can be helpful, they could also be written by employees or rival businesses. Give the company a fair shake by meeting with the owner or project manager. Ask for a few customer testimonials, preferably something recent and another from a few years back. Ask how long the company has been in business and find out if the company is a member of the area chamber of commerce.

Can I see your license?

Ask for proof that the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. If a contractor is unable to produce these documents, do not hire them. That is not a risk you want to take.

The contractor should have both general liability insurance, for damage to your home, and workers compensation insurance, in case a worker gets hurt on your property. If the contractor does not have insurance, you could be held liable for damage to the house or an injury to a worker. Your homeowners insurance might pay the claim, but that could result in higher rates or make it difficult for you to get insurance in the future.

How much?

Obviously, price plays an important role in the contractor you choose, but don’t let it be the only factor. What you want is someone who can do quality work at a fair price. Seek at least three bids and ask each company to provide an itemized list of expenses so you can see exactly how your money will be spent. Confirm that the list accounts for every aspect of the project, including building permits and trash removal. Homeowners can also use resources like HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide to view the average price of what other homeowners have paid for similar projects in your area.

Can you give me a timeline?

Unexpected issues might come up, but an experienced contractor should be able to give you a timeline for the job. Ask for firm start and end dates and make sure they account for change orders and cleanup, too. If you decide to hire the company, verify that the dates are included in a formal legal document. You should also establish how the contractor would contact you — and vice versa — during the workday, after hours and when you need to make a decision.

What permits are required?

In most states, building permits are required for everything from demolishing a wall and changing a window to replacing a roof and installing a fence. A permit is essentially an agreement that the builder will adhere to construction codes. The contractor should offer to pull all the necessary permits for the job, which will save you time and the headache of answering complicated questions from the building inspector. If a contractor gives you a hard time about the permits, consider someone else.

Who will be in my home?

Big projects take time, and during those days or weeks, workers may be inside your home when you are not. If the contractor is not the foreman who will run the project, ask to meet that person and make sure it’s someone you trust in your home when you are not there. Ask what an average work day is like and if they will have other projects going on while working on yours. It is not unreasonable to ask for a set schedule of the hours they plan to work as well as regular progress reports as the project moves along.

Do you stand by your work?

Ask what kind of warranty the contractor provides for his or her work. Insist on a written warranty — rather than a verbal agreement — for parts and labor. An average warranty for labor is a minimum of one year, according to HomeAdvisor. Many contractors will visit your home six months after the project is complete to fix anything that has gone wrong. Some will visit again in a year.

What is your payment schedule?

This will likely depend on the size of your project. For smaller jobs, where the contractor and homeowner have agreed on an hourly charge or fixed fee, it is normal for the payments to be made upon completion. For larger projects, the contractor should provide a detailed payment plan (known as a draw schedule).  The draw schedule lists when payments will be due based on when certain phases of the project have been completed. Be leery of a contractor who asks for a huge advance to begin the project. For large jobs, contractors typically require a down payment of 10%, according to HomeAdvisor. Never pay more than 50%. Never pay with cash, either. A check or credit card is a much better option.

With these questions answered, you should be able to make an informed decision about the contractor you want to make your home renovation project a beautiful reality. Of course, before you sign anything, make sure everything you agreed upon is in writing in the contract.

Have a question about how a home renovation project could affect your insurance? Go to AAA.com/Insurance.

A good cup of coffee is subjective. Some prefer it black, while others chant “extra, extra” like old-time paper boys when placing their orders. The fact is we might not all agree on how to take our coffee, but we certainly have no shortage of options to argue over in the Northeast. From exceptionally fresh coffee roasteries to nitro brew on tap, we have it all – but this one’s for the paper boys.

These coffee drinks go way beyond just cream and sugar. Some even push the boundary of what can still be considered coffee. And that’s just how we like it.

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Banana Split Latte

Find it at: The Nook Coffeehouse

East Greenwich, R.I.

Don’t be fooled – this isn’t your average banana-flavored latte. Here, the banana split latte has the advantage of a multidimensional flavor profile thanks to black sesame tahini, which perfectly balances the would-be overpowering and sweet banana syrup. What’s left is a smokey, nutty and almost bananas foster-like taste that keeps you sipping until the last drop.

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Beetlejuice Brew

Find it at: Mykonos Cafe & Bakery

Millbury, Mass.

Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. That’s us ordering this drink over and over again. Made with rich mocha syrup, iced coffee and mint cold foam, it’s reminiscent of grasshopper ice cream, but better, because caffeine. Although it’s a limited-time special made for the new movie sequel, Mykonos Cafe has plenty of creative offerings to choose from like the Teddy Graham Cold Brew, Honey-Bee Latte and even Cadbury Cream Cold Brew. Pair your drink with a yummy treat out of the well-stocked dessert case, and you’ve got yourself a perfect morning.

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Butterfly Pea Latte

Find it at: Remi43 Flower & Coffee

New York City

This beautifully blue latte is right at home among the floral dreamland that is Remi43, a cafe and flower shop in one. With its subtle earthy flavor, butterfly pea flower is more often used in tea brews but creates a well-rounded profile when used with espresso. Besides its striking color, butterfly pea flower is also known for being anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants.

Ice Spice Latte

Find it at: Presto Strange O

Warwick, R.I.

Like the rapper it’s named after, this latte is a fan favorite. It’s got a lot going on: Three base flavors – pumpkin, gingerbread and cookie butter – mixed and generously topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel drizzle. But everything comes together harmoniously under its piled-high dome lid. The creativity doesn’t stop there: Presto Strange O also has themed lattes for each zodiac sign offered during their month, like the Age of Aquarius latte, comprised of pistachio and honey flavors with salted honey cold foam on top.

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Rainbow Cookie Latte

Find it at: Riposo Coffee Roasters

Rumson, N.J.

A tribute to the almond-flavored Italian dessert, the rainbow cookie latte from Riposo Coffee Roasters has the taste down to a science: Espresso shaken with chocolate and almond syrup blanketed with raspberry almond cold foam and topped with cocoa powder and an actual rainbow cookie. Perfection is hard to achieve, but this might be it.

Spumoni Latte

Find it at: Over Easy Kitchen & Espresso Bar

Marlboro, N.J.

Coffee and ice cream were just made for each other. Our evidence? Affogatos, actual coffee ice cream, and this spumoni latte. Offered seasonally, this latte is created with a blend of pistachio, strawberry and mocha flavored syrups and includes two shots of espresso and green and pink cold foam on top. For the fall, they’re whipping up a Pumpkin Pie Chai made with pumpkin syrup and chai tea topped with pumpkin spice cold foam and turbinado sugar.

Taro Latte

Find it at: RaonJena Coffee & Dessert

Glastonbury, Conn.

Taro, a root vegetable native to Southeast Asia, takes center stage in this latte from RaonJena Coffee & Dessert. Although seemingly unorthodox to pair coffee with something that closely resembles a potato, taro has a unique flavor that is often described as nutty and even vanilla-like. Naturally purple-hued, taro also makes the latte an eye-catching shade of lavender. Available hot or iced.

Which extra coffee drinks did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

It used to be one was the loneliest number at sea – and you paid a price for it! But today, solo cruising has never been more welcoming or affordable.

The solo cruising trend started making waves years ago, but post-pandemic it turned into a tsunami. Modern sensibilities coupled with an urge to see the world without delay, even if that means going it alone, have altered the horizon for travelers who rightly view cruising as an easy way to strike out on a solo trip. Embracing the trend, cruise lines have responded with new-builds and retrofitted ships to accommodate solo passengers.

Book a cruise with AAA Travel.

Solo Cruising

Bear in mind, a solo cruise isn’t the same as a singles cruise. Those embarking all by their lonesome aren’t necessarily looking for love. In fact, many are married, so it’s a misconception to even assume solo cruisers are single. The trend also spans different age groups.

However, aside from wanderlust, you can count on one common denominator among travelers: Nobody likes the dreaded “single supplement” – cruise lingo for the surcharge an individual incurs when occupying ship cabins traditionally built for two paying passengers. This fee can be as much as 100% of the per-person fare, which basically amounts to solo cruisers footing the bill for phantom cabinmates. For some, it’s a gangway bridge too far.

Norwegian Solo Cruises Set the Bar

Norwegian Cruise Line deserves kudos for recognizing the solo trend early and doubling down on it. All the line’s latest ships feature a complex of studio cabins purpose-built for solo cruisers, alleviating the need for single supplements. Equally noteworthy, the cabins are clustered around an exclusive, key-entry Studio Lounge that provides a social gathering place for solo cruisers and perks such as complimentary snacks, cocktail hours and a host to help organize activities.

For solo cruisers concerned about feeling left out or lonely, the setup delivers a surefire safety net. Plus, the studios’ chic design (think mood lighting, integrated furnishings and smart storage) adds a certain cachet. These are thoughtful spaces, not throwaway areas with individual cabins squeezed in. Still, all studios are inside accommodations (some with corridor windows or virtual portholes that reveal exterior views via LED screens). And, they always sell out fast.

The popularity of its studios prompted Norwegian to up the ante this year with the introduction of solo staterooms, including ocean view and balcony categories, across its entire fleet. When announcing the new options, in addition to its own data, the cruise line cited mind-blowing stats, including a Radical Storage study reporting a 267% increase in online searches for “solo travel” between 2020 and 2022.

More Cruise Lines With Solo Cabins 

Norwegian isn’t the only line rolling out the welcome mat. Cunard used a multimillion-dollar refurbishment to add solo staterooms. Most adorn its flagship, Queen Mary 2, which sails regularly from a local homeport in New York.

Holland America prides itself on a hospitable record concerning solo cruisers, pointing to inclusive activities (even soirees with professional dance partners) and now purpose-built solo cabins on the newest pinnacle-class ships.

Celebrity boasts a perfect upward graph for increasing solo spaces, some sporting the line’s innovative “infinite veranda” (a retractable wall-to-wall window that transforms the entire living area into a veranda).

Elevating the luxe quotient, Oceania’s latest ships feature perk-laden, concierge-level solo veranda staterooms. Oceania also added solo staterooms to four older ships.

Even family-focused Royal Caribbean touts solo cabins. Some connect to standard staterooms, producing a perfect granny-suite. Princess jumped on the trend, too. Sun Princess, which launched this year, is the first in its fleet designed with solo cabins.

Riverboats rarely contain solo cabins, but American Queen Voyages does offer a few. On the other hand, riverboats, expedition vessels and luxury lines tend to be the best bet for reduced or even waived single supplement deals. Usually, these smaller ships also provide included shore excursions, always a great way for solo cruisers to safely explore destinations with others and bond over the shared experiences.

The Perks of Going on a Cruise Alone

The crux of cruising’s appeal to solo travelers is that it delivers the best of both worlds. You can travel independently, but amid the security of a larger group. The cruise line handles logistics, so the ship becomes a familiar touchstone while discovering unfamiliar destinations. Once you pick an itinerary. They facilitate the big stuff, and you fine-tune the experience.

Since you’re traveling solo, that means consulting a party of exactly one … you! No negotiating different schedules and opinions when deciding what to do. Enjoy guilt-free freedom to pursue personal interests, try new things on a whim or just do nothing at all. The independence can be self-enlightening.

Onboard, dip in and out of activities. Looking for sublime me-time? Enrichment lectures, spa treatments and endless sea-gazing await. Want more interaction or maybe a thrill? Join classes on anything from mixology and music to yoga and scuba diving. Or, on the biggest boats, try skydiving, go-kart racing, ziplining and more. Along the way you’ll meet like-minded passengers if you’re interested in socializing.

Cruising even makes dining – a stressor for some solos – easy. While you can opt to eat alone, both traditional dining (at an assigned table with the same people at the same time every night) and anytime dining (at whenever, wherever, with whomever) allow you to sit with others. Simply ask to join a large table. Plus, some specialty restaurants promise a communal vibe. You’ll find chef’s tables, teppanyaki and meal experiences that unfold like shows. For example, Celebrity’s Le Petit Chef utilizes 3D table animation to take diners on a culinary romp. Many lines facilitate group tables for solo cruisers, too.

Usually there are solo meetups and some solo-specific programming, such as a group pub crawl. Technology has eased the way for solo cruisers as well, with online forums to connect passengers prior to departing.

A solo cruise can be deliciously self-indulgent and so rewarding. You’ll feel empowered, having conquered a bit of the world on your own. If you’re unsure at first, don’t fret. Cruises are friendly. You’re on a one-of-a-kind experience, but you’re all in the same boat.

Did you know your AAA membership grants you access to your own travel team? Plan your cruise with the help of a trusted AAA travel advisor. Call 866-423-5585 to start planning today!

Proper car care can improve your vehicle’s performance, keep you safe on the road and save you significant amounts of money.

We’ve rounded up our top car maintenance tips to help you get started.

Washing and Waxing

Keeping your car’s exterior in good condition isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. Regular washing can help maintain the vehicle and keep its value, thus saving you money now and earning you more money later should you try to resell it. Once your car is clean, you’ll want to keep it that way. Waxing forms a protective coat over the paint, which will help repel road grime, bird droppings and tree sap. 

Here are a few tips to properly wash and wax your car:

• Move your car out of direct sunlight and make sure it is not hot to the touch.

• Get the vehicle good and wet to wash off any accumulated dirt, grime and other debris.

• Use a dedicated car wash soap, not hand or dish soap that can strip off the car’s protective wax.

• Use the two-bucket method. One bucket will have the clean, soapy water, and the other is where you’ll drop the dirty water.

• Dry your car with a microfiber cloth. Once dry, spread a small amount of wax onto your cloth or pad. Then apply it to the car using a circular motion and steady pressure. Work the wax into the paint until it’s completely absorbed.

• To buff, use a clean towel or microfiber cloth, gently buff the paint until you get the shine you’re looking for. This step ensures that the wax fully bonds with the paint.

• And though you’re focusing on the exterior, don’t forget to get around to cleaning the car’s interior as well.

Headlights

Unless the bulb burns out, headlights are probably the last thing you think about when it comes to car maintenance. But headlights can begin to deteriorate after as little as three years. AAA research found that deteriorated headlights produce only 22% of the light output (low beam) that new, original headlights provide.

AAA recommends routinely checking headlights for discoloration, such as a yellowed or cloudy appearance. If it’s difficult to see the bulb through the lens, have the headlights replaced or restored as soon as possible.

Battery Maintenance

Most of the roadside assistance calls AAA Northeast receives are for battery issues. But many of these issues can be avoided with proper car maintenance. These tips can help to keep your car battery in top shape and ensure you don’t get stuck in your tracks.

• Drive your car for at least 30 minutes once per week to maintain a full state of charge. Shorter drives can discharge the vehicle battery over time.

• Battery terminals require regular removal and cleaning in many environments. Periodically disconnecting the car battery to clean its terminals with water, baking soda and a specialized terminal cleaning brush can help extend its life.

• If you accidentally drain the battery and need a jump-start, your battery needs to be recharged properly on a battery charger, likely for several hours or more. Years ago, we may have let a car run for an hour or so to recharge the battery, but this will not properly recharge batteries in today’s cars, and you will likely find yourself stuck again with a no-start after turning the car off.  There is no set amount of time that can be relied upon to recharge a battery by running its engine. Trust AAA Car Battery Service to test your battery and charging system, or anytime you need a jump.

• All car batteries will eventually die. The average battery life in the Northeast is between three to five years. As they age, batteries should be checked yearly, ideally before cold temperatures hit.

Oil and Fuel

Your car needs several different fluids to run. Two of the most prominent are fuel and oil.

You may not give much thought to the gas you put in your car, but there are numerous types of fuel available. Choosing the right one can improve your vehicle performance and potentially help the environment. Opting for the wrong one can seriously damage your car.

In the past, it was recommended to change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles; however, today’s engines are built to go 5,000 miles or more between oil changes. To get the proper schedule for your car, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation in the vehicle owner’s manual.

Regardless of how often you need to change your oil, you should still check the vehicle’s oil levels every month. Fortunately, checking your oil is one of the more basic car maintenance tasks.

Here’s how you do it:

• Make sure the engine is cold or has been turned off for at least 10 minutes.

• Locate the dipstick, which will have a hook or ring on it, and pull it out. Wipe off any oil with a clean, lint-free rag so you can see the markings.

• Put the dipstick back in place and pull right back out again and look at the markings.

• If the oil reaches the high line where it says full, then you’re all set. If it’s down at the bottom line, then you’re running low and need to add oil. Add oil until the level is up to the full or safe mark without overfilling.

Tires

Tires are the only parts of the car that touch the road, so their importance cannot be overstated. A tire that is worn down or not properly inflated could have disastrous effects on the roadways. Additionally, proper tires – in good condition – improve your car’s fuel efficiency, which will save you money.

A few things to consider when checking your tires:

• Take a good look at each tire to see if there are any visible signs of damage. These include tears, bulges, bumps or wayward nails stuck into the tread.

• Check tire pressure and use the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure as your guideline.

• Keep a close eye on tire pressure when the outside temperature shifts. As a rule of thumb, when the temperature drops 10 degrees your car’s tires can lose between one-half and one pound of air pressure. Add or reduce the air in your tires to stay at the manufacturer’s recommendation.

• Check tire tread by using a quarter. If the tread does not touch the top of Washington’s head, then you have less than 4/32 inch of tread and your tire should be replaced.

Have an electric car? Get tips on how to keep it in top shape on AAA’s EV Platform.

If you have any other basic car maintenance questions, ask our Car Doctor John Paul. Or you can always head to a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility and leave your car needs to the pros.

AAA members can save on automotive replacement parts and accessories at NAPA.

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

The first children’s museum opened its doors in Brooklyn in 1899. Since then, children’s museums have steadily grown in sophistication. These museums help children engage in learning through play. They also offer ongoing classes and provide venues for family entertainment, making them important community centers.

We’ve rounded up 12 of the best children’s museums in the northeast, each with its own unique vibe and offerings. While we list admission price ranges, please note that these museums have membership programs which may prove more affordable than single tickets for repeat visits. Most of these museums also provide free or reduced-cost day passes through their local libraries. These passes often are booked well in advance, though, so plan ahead.

Need a ride? Rent a car.

Children’s Museums in Connecticut

EverWonder

Newtown

Admission: $3-$10

This museum focuses on (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning through play. The hands-on displays on wind, water, gravity and motion might appeal most to children 5 and under. Unlike many other children’s museums, the layout of EverWonder is divided into smaller rooms, which may be especially appealing to those prone to sensory overload.

Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium

Bridgeport

Admission: $15-$18

This newly renovated and expanded museum offers a cutting-edge STEM play experience, with permanent exhibits dedicated to the exploration of space science and physics, as well as an awe-inspiring planetarium. For children not obsessed with outer space, there are more generalized play areas, including a hospital for teddy bears.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Norwalk

Admission: $16-$20

This hands-on science and natural history museum features exhibits geared toward older children who like to learn through play. Highlights include a multimedia television production experience that puts kids in front of and behind the camera, a paleontology dig site for dinosaurs and a lab to explore the energy-generating capacity of moving water.

Children’s Museums in Massachusetts

Boston Children’s Museum

Boston

Admission: $22

The Boston Children’s Museum offers something for kids of all ages. Highlights of the three-floor landmark include a large room dedicated to water play, an enclosed climbing maze and animatronic dinosaur displays. In good weather, check out the nearby playgrounds by the Charles River.

EcoTarium

Worcester

Admission: $14-$19

Visiting EcoTarium is like being at several museums at once. The large children’s museum includes hands-on displays to learn about natural history and science, enclosures to observe otters, owls and a mountain lion and a preschool room – a “mini-Worcester” where little ones crawl, climb and play. In good weather, the museum also offers a large outdoor play area and an open-air train ride to survey the extensive grounds.

Wenham Museum

Wenham

Admission: $8-$10

This cozy play-based museum offers many opportunities for open-ended, tactile play and to learn about New England history. Highlights include a panoramic model-train landscape, as well as a preserved 17th century living room. This hands-on museum is best suited for energetic toddlers and young children.

Children’s Museums in New Jersey

Imagine That

Florham Park

Admission: $7-$22

This children’s museum provides plenty of opportunities for freeform, imaginative play. Highlights include a supermarket display, a climbable pirate ship and a full-size cab of a fire truck within a kid-sized firehouse. Little ones will find plenty of possibilities for play here.

Liberty Science Center

Jersey City

Admission: $26-$31

“Epic” may best describe this 300,000-square foot museum, which houses the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium and a skeletal display of a blue whale. Other highlights include an 80-foot touch tunnel to navigate in pitch darkness, and a vast, suspended climbing place space. Liberty Science Center has exhibits catered to kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.

Children’s Museums in New York

The Long Island Children’s Museum

Garden City

Admission: $16-$18

This intimate children’s museum is dedicated to play for younger children, with revolving and permanent exhibitions, live theater and art spaces. The museum’s exhibits are colorful and well-designed to invite sensory exploration, and there are opportunities for outdoor fun in good weather.

Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie

Admission: $14.50

Located in a bright-yellow building overlooking the Hudson River, this cheery museum is structured to encourage open-ended exploration through play. The hands-on displays are designed to capture the imagination and spark the creativity of small children, although older children may begrudgingly have fun, too.

Westchester Children’s Museum

Rye

Admission: $12-$18

A perfect rainy-day activity located just steps from the beach, this museum provides opportunities to play and learn for younger children. Highlights include the 48-foot-long Pixel Wall, with pegs for making a constantly changing mural of colorful artwork and a larger-than-life Erector-like set, for older children who are into building and design.

Children’s Museum in Rhode Island

Providence Children’s Museum

Providence

Admission: $16

This smaller museum is perfect for entertaining little ones for a morning or afternoon, with indoor and outdoor play structures and opportunities for hands-on learning. Highlights include a water play room and a room for creating magnetic mazes and shaping tubed structures that utilize wind power.

Save on museums and more with AAA Tickets.

Featured image: Courtesy of Stepping Stones Museum for Children

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IN THIS EPISODE

Getting the garbage out on time for pickup, staying on top of the dishes, exercising regularly … these are all small but mighty everyday accomplishments. However, few small tasks are as satisfying or as impactful as creating a budget that actually works.

So, what is the easiest way to start a budget?

In this episode, Ashley Bove, workplace financial consultant with Fidelity Investments, shares simple and straightforward budgeting 101 pointers for beginners. Listen for tips on how to allocate for living expenses, save, build an emergency fund, repay debt and stop living paycheck to paycheck, while still having money leftover each month for yourself.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[1:47] – Ashley Bove’s key to budgeting: the 50/15/5 rule
[10:32] – How to start the budgeting process
[11:44] – How to balance paying off debt while saving up

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WATCH ON YOUTUBE

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:00]
Amanda Greene: Hey, what should we have for dinner tonight?

[00:00:05]
Amanda’s Daughter: Hibachi.

[00:00:06]
Amanda Greene: Oh, that does sound really good. But I meant, what should we make for dinner tonight? We should probably eat at home.

[00:00:12]
Amanda’s Daughter: But it’s so good. And then you won’t have to cook.

[00:00:15]
Amanda Greene: Oh, that’s true. And today has been a really long day. Wait. No, we just went grocery shopping. We need to cook dinner at home tonight. Should we do tacos or pasta?

READ MORE

[00:00:24]
Amanda’s Daughter: My favorite: tacos.

[00:00:26]
Amanda Greene: Okay, tacos it is. Let’s go make them together. You almost had me there for a minute.

[00:00:31]
Amanda’s Daughter: Tacos.

[00:00:33]
Amanda Greene: Welcome to Merging Into Life, where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. Today we’re going to talk about budgeting. Getting the garbage out on time, staying on top of the dishes, exercising regularly. When I manage to do these things, I feel like I’m winning at life. But I would argue that none of them compare to the glorious satisfaction of staying on top of my money. Having a realistic budget and sticking to it feels amazing. It can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. So to make things easy, I’m talking to Ashley Bove. She’s got simple, straightforward ways of tracking what’s coming in, what’s going out and how to get it all under control.

Ashley is a workplace financial consultant with Fidelity Investments. She’s worked with tons of people to wade through the financial and emotional difficulties of making and not breaking the budget. I want to note that the following conversation contains great guidelines and best practices when it comes to budgeting, but does not constitute financial advice. Thanks for being here, Ashley. Let’s take it from the top. What are the key components of a good budget?

[00:01:47]
Ashley Bove: So, we’re going to go back to elementary school with buckets and blocks and start at the beginning. You want to have a bucket for each expense in your life, and we can categorize them. It’s so funny because ‘budget’ is such a scary word. But once we sit down [with clients] and go through it and really look at it, 45 minutes later, they leave and you can just see the relief. So, the way that I recommend to my clients to budget is a 50/15/5 rule.

You look at your take-home pay and you want to make sure that your essential expenses – your housing, your food, your car, everything that’s essential to your life – is less than 50% of your take home pay. So there’s your 50 bucket. Then, 15% should be going into retirement, and that is including an employer match; the goal is to have at least 15% to try to reach a year being contributed to your retirement accounts, whether that’s through a workplace plan or an account on the side. And then 5% should always go to emergency savings with three to six months living expenses. If you’ve already reached that three to six months emergency savings, just a general savings.

[00:03:07]
Amanda Greene: So that’s 50%, 15% and 5%, and that leaves us with 30% to do what with?

[00:03:13]
Ashley Bove: To do whatever you need to do. That is your spending money. If you want to take 10% and put it away so you can have a girls’ night out or have a night out, that’s for you. If you want to put that towards a vacation fund, that’s for you. If you have debt and it’s more than your monthly minimums. Your monthly minimums would be included in your essential expenses because that’s part of your bills, but any money over those minimums, that’s part of that extra 30.

[00:03:41]
Amanda Greene: And you’re saying every dollar should have a job, but I feel like I get lost in the area of miscellaneous. I live in an area of miscellaneous. So tell me more.

[00:03:53]
Ashley Bove: Yes.

[00:03:53]
Amanda Greene: Do you have money assigned as miscellaneous?

[00:03:56]
Ashley Bove: Yep. So that is completely on an individual level. What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing? What makes life exciting for you? Every dollar does have a job, but you have to make sure that you’re enjoying your time. You work hard. Yes, retirement is important, paying off debt is important, but if you don’t give yourself a little bit of leniency to have fun and to enjoy what you’re passionate about, you’re never going to be able to stay on budget because it’s going to get to a point where you’re so exasperated and so stressed that you don’t have an outlet to be able to bridge that gap. You need that. That is where that 30% comes in. So, if you dedicate a portion of that to debt, you dedicate a portion of that to a vacation fund, or maybe gifting is something that you enjoy doing, it brings you joy. And that is another area. There you go. That’s where that miscellaneous comes in.

[00:04:56]
Amanda Greene: If you’ve never had a budget before, how do you get started?

[00:05:01]
Ashley Bove: The first step to any of this and what I recommend to everyone– and I hear the sigh of, oh gosh, whenever I say this – pull your bank statements, pull your credit card statements. Everywhere you have spent in the last 90 days, you have to pull. You look at every expense, and this is the worst part. I know you are not alone if this is intimidating and scary, but you cannot move on if you don’t do this step. So pull your 90 days of statements from anywhere that you’ve spent and you have to literally categorize every single thing that you spent on. So you went to the grocery store X amount of times, you spent this much each time in three months. This was the balance for that. You went to dinner and you went out to dinner X amount of times. This is how much you spent. That was the balance for that.

And once you have that, you’ll see exactly where your money is going. You’ll see what’s important to you at that point because it really puts it out there for you. And that’s where you now start to break it down. Okay, I spent $600 on going out in three months at restaurants. Clearly that’s something important. I’m going to budget $200 a month towards going out. And there you go, now you have that bucket. Whether you take that money and you put it into a separate checking account, whether you take it out and leave it on you as cash or whether you put it in envelopes – it’s completely up to you – whatever is going to have the biggest effect on you and the most lasting impact that you will actually follow through with it.

[00:06:27]
Amanda Greene: Sticking with it seems like a difficult part. Do you have any advice about sticking with it?

[00:06:32]
Ashley Bove: It’s hard. Nothing about this is easy, but in the long run it’s so beneficial. And for your mental health alone, to feel like you have it under control and to feel secure, it’s worth it. So my advice as far as sticking with it is having the self-control to make sure you do, to know that at the end of the month you can breathe a sigh of relief. And if you are in a place where you hate that feeling of, I don’t know where my money’s going, I am stressed. Can I afford this? What if this happens? Just having that cushion and knowing that mentally you’ll be in an okay space if you do this, is worth everything. And that motivation after the first month or two should be enough to really push that budget to stick.

[00:07:22]
Amanda Greene: I don’t know if this is too specific, but you know certain expenses are coming every single month. You have your rent or your mortgage, you have your car insurance, maybe a car payment, your cell phone, groceries, you know which ones are coming every single month. But what about the ones that are, I don’t even want to say unexpected, but those too. What about when your child wants to play a sport that’s maybe a seasonal thing? How do you file those into the budget when it’s not a regular monthly occurrence?

[00:07:50]
Ashley Bove: That’s where you would look at where you’re currently budgeting and take away from a different bucket that is on that miscellaneous side, reduce expenses on the essential side, if possible. Or, if you’ve already had your savings account with that three to six months living expenses, maybe take a little bit away from that. It’s just to afford that short-term loss. So it’s not something that you want ongoing. If it’s an ongoing unexpected expense, like your child is starting to become a star gymnast and you need to pay for a gymnastics program for the next 18 years, that’s different. That’s an ongoing expense. That would now go into your essential expenses category. And you have to tweak where your money is going in other places to make up for it.

[00:08:32]
Amanda Greene: It doesn’t matter if you’re making a little or a lot or somewhere in between, you should know where your money’s going.

[00:08:37]
Ashley Bove: Absolutely. And your spending is always relative to what you’re making. So someone who’s making $50,000 a year versus someone who’s making $200,000 a year, their budget is going to be very similar, they’ll just have larger amounts and higher bills in the $250,000 category as opposed to the $50, 000. But everyone needs housing, everyone needs insurance. These are standard bills that everyone has.

[00:09:02]
Amanda Greene: : So your tips for creating a budgeting routine that’s really realistic enough to stick to really depends on preference. Some people are going to like sitting down with a spreadsheet, others might want to stuff envelopes.

[00:09:16]
Ashley Bove: I am a digital person. I like to open my banking app and say, ‘Okay, I have X amount of dollars in this category. I have X amount of dollars for this.’ So I am kind of bank based. So every two weeks when I get my paycheck, it goes into my checking account and then I have it automatically put a set amount into the other accounts based on what my budget is for those. That’s my way. It’s kind of like a cash stuffing, just not physical. So it’s more digital.

[00:09:45]
Amanda Greene: Are there any methods that you see work really well for someone who’s just getting started, maybe opposed to someone who’s really mastered this already?

[00:09:52]
Ashley Bove: Keep it simple. That’s what I would say about budgeting for beginners. You don’t need 17 different categories of budgeting to be able to master it. It’s only 30% that you really are doing yourself, everything else is fixed. That 50, 15 and 5, that’s a fixed amount. So you want to keep it simple. We don’t need a category for nails, and then a category for hair and then a category for going out. It all goes under personal spending. As your bills become higher and as your priorities change, those categories will change. So you want to keep it general so that you don’t get overwhelmed and that it isn’t too much.

[00:10:32]
Amanda Greene: Where do people get stuck in the beginning?

[00:10:35]
Ashley Bove: ‘I don’t make enough.’ That’s what I hear. ‘I don’t make enough for my lifestyle and everything’s expensive.’ And it’s 100% true and I sympathize with that, I understand that. But you will be so surprised that when you actually go through everything, and I hate this, it sounds so cliche, but getting that $5 coffee – yes, it’s fine if it’s budgeted for – but when you’re doing a $5 coffee four or five times a week, you’re at over $ 100 a month, that’s a bill. That’s a bill.

But there are a lot of people that come back and just say, ‘You know what? Life is short. I work hard. I want my coffee.’ And to that, I say, absolutely, you deserve that coffee. You have 30% of your take home budget that you can find an amount to dedicate to that coffee. But that’s it. You want to make sure that at the end of the month you didn’t spend your entire budget on coffee and now you’re stressed out because you didn’t get to go out to dinner with friends or you didn’t get to buy a gift that you wanted to. So it’s really your priorities.

[00:11:35]
Amanda Greene: Truly. That’s something we’ve started saying in our house: We can’t do it all. So where are the priorities?

[00:11:41]
Ashley Bove: Exactly.

[00:11:45]
Amanda Greene: In your opinion, what’s more important? Paying off debt or saving money?

[00:11:49]
Ashley Bove: Paying off debt. You always want to pay your minimums. But the hierarchy of saving is what we call it, or the hierarchy of budgeting, is to make sure you have that three to six months living expenses saved. That is priority. Once your three to six months living expenses is saved, you want to then put as much as you can towards retirement because that’s in the market, it’s growing. Once you’ve hit that ceiling where you’re doing at least the employer match, if you want to then pay off debt, you can. Anything that has over a 6% interest rate is going to be your priority, which right now is pretty much everything. So the interest rate on debt right now is extremely high. Anything over 6% is a priority. That’s what you want to pay down. So to answer your question, yes, paying off debt is important, but it’s equally important to make sure that you are in a space where God forbid something happens tomorrow, you can afford it.

[00:12:43]
Amanda Greene: Ashley, when is the best time to start budgeting and saving? And don’t say when you were younger.

[00:12:50]
Ashley Bove: Yesterday.

[00:12:52]
Amanda Greene: Yesterday. What do you see to people who feel like they’re too late to this party?

[00:12:57]
Ashley Bove: Oh, it’s never too late. It’s never too late. Let’s get started today.

[00:13:01]
Amanda Greene: Can you give an example of the difference it would make to start investing earlier, maybe a 30-year-old who’s listening to this right now, versus someone who does start later though?

[00:13:11]
Ashley Bove: The biggest thing is compounding. But the more you save and the better position you put yourself in, the more you will end up having at the end. So if you think about it, if you invest $100 today and you are young, you’re 30 years old, you have a lot of time before you need that $100, that $100 will grow. Even at 5% per year, it’ll continuously grow. And because you had 30 years of that balance continuously growing at 5% per year, at the end, you’re going to end up with – I’ll just throw a number out there – say $500,000. Now, if you start later, say you are pre-retirement, you’re close to retirement or you’re close to needing that money and you put in $100. If you only have five years for it to continue to grow, you might be at a couple thousand dollars. So the number gets bigger every single month, every quarter, every year. And that interest continues to build, your money starts to work for you. The longer you have, the better. But there is no better time than today to start that process.

[00:14:14]
Amanda Greene: And I imagine seeing it grow is also very fulfilling and exciting, almost as exciting as maybe buying $100 pair of shoes that you really wanted. But knowing that you’re going to be set up later in life could maybe give you that same thrill if you’re watching it grow, right?

[00:14:28]
Ashley Bove: Yes, absolutely. And it’s so funny, I have a teenager, so I have a 14 year old who had her first job last summer babysitting. And she was so upset with me, we opened up a Roth IRA and I said, ‘You’re earning money, we’re going to put a little bit away. Not all of it, just a little.’

[00:14:45]
Amanda Greene: ‘Mom.’

[00:14:46]
Ashley Bove: Oh, she was so mad. And it’s funny, so that was last summer and she forgot about it. And we didn’t put much in there, I think it was $100, nothing crazy. And this summer, she’s starting her job and I pulled up the account and I said, ‘Okay, what are we budgeting to put in there each paycheck?’ And the account said it was up to $137 or something. It had grown. And she was like, ‘Wait, I thought it was only $100.’ And I was like, ‘No, it’s grown, Rosalie. That’s what’s exciting about it.’ And she was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can afford the backpack I want.’ I was like, ‘No, you can’t.’

[00:15:21]
Amanda Greene: ‘I’m leaving it in there.’

[00:15:21]
Ashley Bove: It’s going to grow. Even just that little amount, seeing that difference and starting young, it made an impact.

[00:15:31]
Amanda Greene: She’s lucky to have you showing her the ropes to start young because it’s easy to be excited about your paycheck and want to just spend it all. But for her to actually have seen it grow year over year, that’s thrilling.

[00:15:43]
Ashley Bove: My biggest piece of advice if you are looking to sit down with an advisor is find someone you connect with. So it is not a one fits all rule. It is not a one fits all personality. Getting into this business, people are like, ‘Oh, you deal with numbers, how intimidating, and math.’ And I always say, this is a people business. I am in this not because I love to see a positive bank balance at the end of the month for clients – which obviously I do – but I love to see, and what internally fulfills me, is seeing someone come in nervous, of course, and then leaving the appointment.

And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been hugged, I’ve been given thank you cards because it’s just the weight of that stress and having that plan being put into place and just having that camaraderie, having someone that has your back in a lot of ways and wants what’s best for you and is in a judgment free zone. This is not a numbers position, this is a people position. And at the end of the day, that’s all it is, that’s what sitting with a financial planner is, it’s someone who wants you to maximize your dollars for the best of you.

[00:16:53]
Amanda Greene: And not everyone has been given the tools to know how to do that.

[00:16:56]
Ashley Bove: Exactly. My biggest piece of advice along with that is to look at it, whether it’s quarterly, whether it’s semi-annually or whether it’s annually, stay on top of your plan. And if you need to make adjustments, make adjustments, but always have a plan in place.

[00:17:10]
Amanda Greene: I love the way you radiate positivity about the budget. This is really nice and I feel like I have homework to go and do. Thank you so much for coming on today and sharing all of your knowledge in this area. It is very helpful and I feel like I need to go make a spreadsheet now.

[00:17:26]
Ashley Bove: I love it. Absolutely. Thank you so much for having me. It was a complete joy.

[00:17:34]
Amanda Greene: This has been so helpful. First things first, take a good look at what you spend. Pull up your accounts from the last three months and see where your money went. Half of it should be going to necessities, 15% should go towards saving for your future and 5% goes toward an emergency fund. If you have debt, prioritize paying off the bills with the highest interest rates. And like most things, it’s easy to let it stress you out, and it will if you don’t do something about it. So give it a try. Sit down and take a look at where your money goes. Knowing is half the battle and it will be such a relief. Ashley says, ‘The time to start is yesterday.’ And I wish I knew all of this when I was younger. So why wait? Dolly, come here. Can you answer a few questions for me?

[00:18:19]
Dolly: Hello.

[00:18:20]
Amanda Greene: Are you ready, my girlie?

[00:18:22]
Amanda’s Daughter: No.

[00:18:22]
Amanda Greene: If you make money at your lemonade stand, should you spend it all on candy?

[00:18:27]
Amanda’s Daughter: No, I would save it.

[00:18:29]
Amanda Greene: All of it?

[00:18:30]
Amanda’s Daughter: Yeah.

[00:18:31[
Amanda Greene: Let’s start with 15%. We can put it aside for you and you’ll still have some money to spend now. What about if you want candy, should you borrow money to buy it or save up and buy it with money we have?

[00:18:44]
Amanda’s Daughter: Save up.

[00:18:48]
Amanda Greene: Yes, I agree. It’s way more fun to earn the money first anyway. If you do happen to borrow money from your sister, when should you pay it back?

[00:18:56]
Amanda’s Daughter: July.

[00:18:58]
Amanda Greene: Why in July? It’s best to pay it back as soon as you can because paying off your debt is important. When do you think the best time to start saving is, now or later?

[00:19:09]
Amanda’s Daughter: Never. Now.

[00:19:11]
Amanda Greene: Now is correct. What’s the best way to keep track of how much money you have?

[00:19:18]
Amanda’s Daughter: Keep it in your bank and don’t use it.

[00:19:21]
Amanda Greene: Sounds good to me anyway, as long as you’re paying attention to what you have. Is it more affordable to make dinner at home or eat at a restaurant?

[00:19:29]
Amanda’s Daughter: Make dinner at home.

[00:19:30]
Amanda Greene: It is much more affordable to eat at home, and that’s why we’re having tacos here tonight. But you do have a birthday coming up, so why don’t I put aside some money for us to go get hibachi on your birthday?

[00:19:43]
Amanda’s Daughter: Yes, I can’t wait. Thanks, mom.

[00:19:47]
Amanda Greene: You’ve been listening to Merging Into Life, where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast with assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. If you’re learning as much as I am, follow us wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review, we’d love to know what you think. Email us at podcast@aaanortheast.com.

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

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RESOURCES

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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.

Autumn in New York’s Hamilton County is special. The winding roads, foliage-covered mountainsides and lively small towns with cozy lodgings offer a fall full of big experiences and endlessly vibrant scenery.

Take a road trip to see the region’s brilliant autumn colors, discover miles of hiking trails and savor seasonal flavors. For breathtaking views from above, you can climb one of the area’s seven historic fire towers.

Leaves and So Much More

Visitors often come to Hamilton Country to ogle the foliage and then discover so much more.

To fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty all around, consider camping. From state-owned parks to the backwoods, there are lots of choices, whether you are pitching a tent or parking an RV. Lake Eaton in Long Lake, for example, provides showers, bathhouses, canoe and boat rentals and easy lake access, as does state park Lake Durant Campground, also with showers and toilets as well as close proximity to the Northville-Placid Trail and smaller trails nearby.

The Adirondack Experience fall foliage report is updated regularly throughout the season, so don’t forget to check before you visit!

Paddling and Small-Town Life

With warm days and cool nights, swimming season may be over, but the weather still is perfect for viewing the scenery from a glimmering lake. Canoes, kayaks and other boats are available for rent or purchase at many of the lakeside marinas.

Take time to hike through the woods to discover waterfalls. For a challenge, try hiking up Blue Mountain. You might also want to take part in the Fire Tower Challenge and earn a badge for climbing all seven of Hamilton County’s fire towers. Originally used as lookouts for forest fires, the towers offer unparalleled views of the landscape.

Spend time exploring the small towns in the area, many of them perched along lakes, and enjoy their parks, shops and restaurants. Stroll through downtowns and check out locally owned stores. Blue Mountain Lake is home to Adirondack Experience, a museum filled with stories and exhibits about life in the Adirondacks in 20 historical and contemporary buildings spread over 121 acres.

Inlet offers a charming downtown, public beach and draws waves of snowmobilers in the winter. The town of Raquette Lake, is located on its namesake, the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks.

 

The Great Camps

Raquette Lake is home to Great Camp Sagamore, the former wilderness refuge of the Vanderbilt family from 1901-1954. Many of America’s wealthiest families built rustic estates, complete with the comforts of their urban mansions, in the Adirondacks to escape the heat of city summers. Great Camp Sagamore is open for tours and overnight stays.

Not far away is Great Camp Santanoni in the town of Newcomb, which opened in 1893. Home to Albany banker Robert Pruyn and his family, the camp is located on the Santanoni Preserve, which comprises almost 13,000 acres of the state’s Adirondack Forest Preserve and boasts 5,000-plus square feet of porches facing Newcomb Lake. Unlike the other Great Camps, Santanoni was a working farm for years.

Festivals, Exhibitions and More

Fall also is a time for festivals and exhibitions, live music and enjoying nature’s bounty. Farmers markets are scheduled throughout the season.

Mark your calendars for the ADK Lakes Theatre Festival, which runs through September 29 and dust off your antlers for the Great Adirondack Moose Festival September 27-29, where you can participate in a moose-calling contest and celebrate the return of the mighty moose to the Adirondacks.

Book a Columbus Day cruise on Raquette Lake Oct. 14 aboard the W.W. Durant, a steamboat-style ship. Later in the season, you can get into the holiday spirit at the Annual Country Christmas Tour, Nov. 22-23, featuring hand-crafted items from the Adirondacks.

Don’t wait until the leaves fall, book your Hamilton County vacation today.

®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.



If you’ve ever watched trees in a storm, you know that it can be scary.

A sunny day can turn into a violent and windy thunderstorm in a matter of minutes. Menacing black clouds creep in quickly, bringing strong winds that push the trees around, swaying them back and forth and carrying away leaves and small branches with ease. Hurricanes, though more predictable, can come on just as fast and with even more force.

Trees are used as a gauge for defining how powerful a storm is, not only to the average person, but in meteorological storm categories and wind measurement. The intensity of a storm can be determined by observing the wind in the trees, how it moves the branches and if it is strong enough to uproot even the grandest of oaks.

It’s a helpless feeling when uncontrollable forces of nature are at work and all you can do is cross your fingers that a heavy branch or tree won’t fall on your home or car. Of course, if you ever do experience tree storm damage, your insurance can help.

Prevention

Structural damage caused by branches and trees falling in a storm is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims during hurricane season, as well as in the winter due to blizzards and heavy snow.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to perform regular maintenance to your home and property to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This includes pruning and trimming tree branches that are weak or hanging over your house and removing dead or dying trees. Hire a professional to take care of the big jobs ahead of hurricane season as part of your seasonal home maintenance in the spring.

Insurance Coverage for Tree Storm Damage

First and foremost, if a tree falls on your home, evacuate immediately, make sure everyone is safe and call 911. If you can do so safely, cover up any openings caused by the fallen tree with a tarp or something similar.

“If a tree hits your home or other insured structure, such as a detached garage, your standard homeowners insurance policy covers the damage to the structure, as well as any damage to the contents,” according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Keep in mind that poor maintenance is taken into consideration when reviewing claims. If your insurance company determines that storm damage could have been avoided by proper upkeep, such as failure to remove a dead tree, it may not be covered.

Living Arrangements

In some cases, the destruction may be so bad that your home could be deemed unsafe to live in and you may need to make other living arrangements. “Your home insurance may also help you cover additional living expenses if you need to reside elsewhere while repairs are being made,” said Jodi DeSantis, vice president of insurance for AAA Northeast.

Car Coverage   

If a tree falls and causes damage to your vehicle, it will be covered if you carry comprehensive – sometimes called “other-than-collision” coverage, on your policy. Policy deductibles (the out-of-pocket limit that you are responsible for paying) will apply.

Power Loss

Imagine stocking up on bread, eggs and milk before a storm, just for it all to go to waste because of a power outage. Falling trees and branches often cause prolonged power losses, but many people don’t realize that they may be able to get reimbursed for the cost of lost groceries.

Check with your insurance agent to see if you have food spoilage coverage on your homeowners policy. If not, it is relatively inexpensive to add. “It is well worth the dollars. And most insurance carriers will waive your deductible when this coverage is utilized,” said DeSantis.

If you do experience a power outage, maintain the temperature of your refrigerator or freezer by keeping the door closed as much as possible. Once power is restored, check all your refrigerated foods for freshness; if there is any doubt, throw it out!

Get more tips on how to handle a power outage.

Neighbors’ Trees

What if a neighbor’s tree falls and damages your property? Because a healthy fallen tree is considered an act of God, the person who sustains the damage is the one who will file the insurance claim and be covered by their insurance. However, your neighbor may be held liable if the tree was knowingly in poor condition or deteriorating. Just another reason why it’s important to stay on top of tree maintenance.

Storm Damage Tree Removal

If a tree falls on your property and causes structural damage, repairs as well as tree removal may be covered by your insurance. If the fallen tree does not hit a structure, there may not be coverage for debris removal, except in certain situations like if the tree is blocking a driveway or handicapped ramp.

Have you ever experienced storm damage from trees? Tell us about in the comments.

Discuss homeowners insurance with a AAA Insurance agent today.

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

People tend to lump all electric vehicles into one pile, but consumers may not realize different types of EVs have varying degrees of electrical dependence, including models that could appeal to those who are reluctant to go all-electric.

Despite efforts by state and federal governments to promote electric vehicle sales, many buyers remain hesitant to transition from traditional gas cars. According to AAA’s latest EV survey of drivers in the Northeast, range and charging infrastructure remain primary concerns.

AAA research has found that consumer interest in EVs lacks enthusiasm nationwide, however, 1 in 3 drivers would consider purchasing a hybrid.

Understanding EVs

Part of what keeps drivers from committing to an EV is simply not knowing their options, even when it comes to the basics. For example, it’s common for people to miscalculate how an EV will fit in with their personal driving habits.

“Most people drive fewer than 100 miles a day and almost every EV on the market today can cover their daily needs without stopping to charge,” said March Schieldrop, senior public affairs spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “When someone buys an EV, one of the big realizations is that they almost never rely on public charging and nearly all their charging occurs overnight at home.”

Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery charge, might be more of a concern for long trips, but even then, planning ahead can help.

Many are also unaware of the different types of EVs and how they operate. What is the difference between a battery electric vehicle and a hybrid? Or a hybrid versus a plug-in hybrid? And what do charging terms like Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and supercharging mean?

Electric cars require a bit of homework, so we’ve compiled this explainer to help. You may still be on the fence now, but an EV could be in your future.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order in December 2021 for the U.S. government to end the purchases of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, but “mass adoption will take time,” said Schieldrop. “The average car on American roads is now more than 12 1/2 years old. Even if gas-powered cars are no longer sold in this country in 10 years, it will take decades for every car on the road to be an EV.”

Power/Current

Lithium-Ion Battery

The type of battery used in most EVs due to its high energy density and ability to be continually recharged.

Alternating Current (AC)

An electric current that continually changes direction. It is the standard electrical current in homes.

Direct Current (DC)

An electrical current that flows in one direction. It is the type of current that comes from a battery. When being charged by AC, EVs convert the power to DC to replenish their batteries.

Regenerative Braking

A system found in most EVs that captures the energy created by braking and transfers it to the car’s battery. 

Different Types of EVs

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A type of car that uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for improved fuel economy. Hybrids do not require an external charging source to charge. The gas engine generates enough electricity to charge the battery while driving and also gets a boost from regenerative braking.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A hybrid that can also be charged externally. Plug-in hybrids get some of their charge from regenerative braking, but as the name suggests, can also be plugged into a power source. They can travel as far as 40 miles on electricity alone.  

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

A vehicle powered entirely by an externally charged electric battery.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Powered by hydrogen, these environmentally friendly cars produce no harmful emissions, just water vapor. They’re available in limited markets due to lack of infrastructure.

Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)

A vehicle that emits no exhaust gas or other pollutants while in use, which inclues all of the above.

Charging

Level 1

The slowest form of charging, Level 1 is usually done at home using a standard 120-volt household outlet. Level 1 charging takes several hours to fully replenish an EV battery. Never use a Level 1 charger with an extension cord.

Level 2

Level 2 charging is significantly faster than Level 1, adding roughly 20 to 50 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers must be professionally installed for residential use. Most public charging stations are Level 2.

Level 3

Also known as DC fast charging, Level 3 is capable of high-power energy transfer that can replenish an EV battery to 80% in a half-hour.

Supercharger

Tesla’s proprietary EV charger can add up to 200 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes, according to the automaker. This fast-charging standard is called the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Tesla owns and operates a network of more than 35,000 superchargers across North America.

Bidirectional Charger

A converter that changes the car’s DC energy back into AC electricity so it can power something else, like appliances, another EV or even a house. This also requires a device to disconnect the house from the electrical grid so it can be connected to the vehicle.

Connectors

SAE J1772

Also known as a J plug or Type 1 plug, this five-pin connector is widely used in North America and supports both Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.

CCS1

The CCS1, which stands for Combined Charging System Type 1, features a seven-pin configuration, integrating the SAE J1772 connector with two additional pins, allowing it to support both AC and DC charging. 

CHAdeMO

This connector, which is used for DC fast charging, is found on models from Asian manufacturers.

NACS Adapters

Select EVs other than Teslas can connect to Superchargers using an NACS adapter. However, many major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz have recently adapted the fast-charging standard and will be transitioning all new EVS to come with built-in NACS charge ports.

To learn more, visit AAA’s EV website.

Applying for a mortgage loan can be a dream come true or a real wake-up call. The difference is how well you prepare.

Getting your ducks in a row before applying for the biggest loan of your life is important if you want homebuying to be the wonderful experience it should be. It’s not something you can do overnight, either.

Becoming a quality mortgage candidate is something that can take years. Here are some of the steps you should take.

Have a Good Track Record

One of the best ways to show you’re prepared for a mortgage loan is through strong credit. The basic principles of building good credit are: always pay your bills on time, be careful about opening and closing new lines of credit and don’t use a high percentage of your available credit.

A good way to know how you’re doing is to review your credit report. Every consumer is entitled to a free copy of his or her credit report once a year from each of the nation’s three leading credit repositories. Click here for details on getting your report.

Scores Aren’t Everything

Credit scores are numbers that help tell lenders how likely borrowers are to consistently make loan payments. There are some credit card companies that offer customers free access to their scores. It’s important when reviewing these scores to remember that there is no single credit score.

FICO is one of the most popular credit scores, but it might not be the figure a lender is using to determine your credit worthiness. Lenders use a variety of algorithms to determine applicants’ credit scores, and they can vary depending on the type of credit you’re applying for.

Think of your credit score as more of a ballpark estimation of your credit worthiness versus a cold, hard figure.

Having a low credit score can have varying degrees of consequences. If your credit is too low, your mortgage application may be denied. If your credit is good, you may be approved but at a higher interest rate than someone with excellent credit. Some credit scores may also limit your eligibility for loan programs. Mortgages through the Federal Housing Authority, for example, tend to have lower credit thresholds than traditional mortgages.

Work It

A steady income goes a long way toward proving you’ll be able to make payments on your mortgage loan. Applicants with consistent work histories often fare better than those who have recent gaps in their work histories.

Be Realistic

Don’t overextend yourself. Lenders typically will allow your monthly debt to go up to 43% of your gross monthly income. But consider your lifestyle. If you have upcoming expenses like college for a child or possibly a new car purchase, you may want to dedicate less toward a mortgage payment..

Save, Save, Save

Borrowers who make large down payments are often seen as lower risks than borrowers who make small down payments. In fact, homebuyers who aren’t prepared to put 20% down should be prepared to pay for mortgage insurance. It’s a fee often added to your monthly mortgage payment like homeowners insurance, and it protects a lender in the event a borrower defaults. If you don’t think you can put aside even a small down payment, like 3.5%, you may be eligible for a government-insured mortgage program that permits relatives to gift you money for a down payment.

Get Organized

You’re going to need quite a few documents to close on your mortgage. Getting all your paperwork together as early as possible can help. Have at least have two or three recent paystubs, tax returns from the last two years and bank and debt statements.

For faster, more personalized service to secure your mortgage, consider using a mortgage broker with AAA.

Learn more about AAA mortgage loans and other home loan services. 

Visiting the Northeast in autumn is the best time to enjoy the cool, crisp air, fall-themed foods and the most vibrant changing foliage.

When planning a trip around leaf peeping in New England, where you stay matters. With excellent locations, amenities and price point options, a hotel by Wyndham has everything you need. With a collection of 25 trusted brands, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts welcomes travelers for all types of trips, from airport layovers to beachfront getaways and everything in between.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in and around New England this fall, here are our top Wyndham properties to book.

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth

Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine is one of the first states where the leaves begin their fantastic color transformation. The Hawthorn Extended Stay is situated perfectly near gorgeous Acadia National Park and charming downtown Bar Harbor – both must-see locations. Guests enjoy free breakfast during their stay, a heated indoor pool, free Wi-Fi and convenient distance to both local airports, so getting there is a breeze. This contemporary hotel is also dog-friendly*, so bringing your furry friend along to enjoy the foliage is no problem at all.

Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill

Boston

Not only is Boston’s central location ideal for a range of leaf-peeping destinations within the region, but it’s also one of the most picturesque cities to see in the fall. Make Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill your home base, situated in the heart of the city with proximity to some of Boston’s top attractions like award-winning restaurants and TD Garden. Valet parking**, pet-friendly rooms* and a rooftop pool only scratch the surface for the thoughtful amenities you’ll enjoy during your stay.

Wyndham Newport

Newport, R.I.

While enjoying your leaf-peeping adventure in Rhode Island, the breathtaking scenery is just the start. Book an idyllic New England escape at the Wyndham Newport, where hospitality takes center stage. Enjoy inspired local fare at the onsite restaurant, take a dip in the heated saltwater pool, relax beside the outdoor firepits or sunset patio in the evenings and get to where you need to be downtown by shuttle – for free.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lake George

Lake George, N.Y.

Although not technically part of New England, New York is on many leaf peepers’ lists. As you explore the region, head to Lake George to catch waterside views of the leaves. A comfortable stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites provides free parking, free breakfast, a fully equipped gym, basketball court, hot tub, game room and more. Newly opened in 2023, this modern hotel allows you to make the most of your stay in Lake George as it’s merely minutes away from popular restaurants and activities like wineries, horse racing and plenty of family fun.

Going somewhere else this fall? Explore Wyndham Hotels & Resort’s locations worldwide. AAA members save 10% or more on hotel stays.*** Book now by calling 800-789-4103 and mention you are a AAA member or visit WyndhamHotels.com/AAA.

*Additional pet fee may be charged

**Additional valet fee may be charged

***Restrictions apply.