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.

Hitting the road can be a nice way to travel. You can leave when you like, choose your route, stop when you want to and avoid airplane food and airport security. Just make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you go.

Drowsy Driving Risks

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 6% to 11% of reported motor-vehicle crashes and 16% to 21% of fatal crashes likely involve drowsy driving. Fatigue impairs your driving skills, affecting your judgement and reaction time, just like being drunk, drugged or distracted.

And while the majority of Americans know it’s risky to drive drowsy, most do it anyway. In a recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 60% of adult drivers and 85% of teen drivers admitted to getting behind the wheel while sleepy.

Missing even a couple of hours of sleep can increase your risk of a crash. So, what’s a road tripper to do?

Sleep to Prepare

The tactics that we usually employ to stay awake (think: turning up the volume on the radio, drinking coffee or putting the windows down for fresh air) are merely short-term solutions that will eventually fade. The only way to effectively rid yourself of drowsiness is to get a good night’s rest before any road trip, long or short.

Time it Right

Late morning, late afternoon and early evening are when we’re most alert, according to the NSF, with drowsy-driving accidents most likely to happen during early morning and late-night hours. Time your drive for your most wakeful hours, and make sure to take a break every two hours or 100 miles.

Buddy Up

Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving.

Mind Your Meds

Pain relievers, antihistamines and other medications can make you drowsy and impair your ability to drive. Pay attention to those warnings on the label and time your dosage accordingly.

Nap-a-Latte

Sleep expert Michael Breus suggests this trick for getting the most out of a rest stop nap: First, avoid eating any heavy foods. Next, quickly consume your caffeinated beverage of choice. When you finish your last sip, set your alarm and take a 20-minute nap. The caffeine will hit your system in 20-25 minutes.

Seek Out Nap-Friendly Stops

It’s recommended to schedule a break from driving every two hours or 100 miles, but multiday trips require much longer stretches of rest. Try to choose a hotel with rooms away from the street. Bring your own pillows, white-noise options and keep the blackout curtains completely closed.

Know when to pull over. If you find yourself repeatedly yawning, unable to keep your eyes open, driving too close to the car in front of you or drifting into other lanes, it’s time to pull off the road and get some rest. You just might save yourself from being one of the 6,400 people who die each year in drowsy driving accidents.

Have you ever caught yourself getting sleepy behind the wheel? What are your tricks for staying awake and alert on long drives? Share with us in the comments.

(Illustration: Gary Hovland)

You wouldn’t think about drinking and driving, so why would you text and drive? Looking at your phone instead of the road could have the same tragic result. Taking just five seconds to read a message is like driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded.

Dangers of Texting and Driving

Distracted driving in the U.S. cost 3,308 lives in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These figures were released as the NHTSA launched its new Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and alert the public to stepped-up enforcement. Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts drivers’ attention from the road, and the biggest culprits are texting and talking on cell phones while driving.

The dangers of texting and driving remain a growing traffic safety problem according to the most recent Traffic Safety Culture Index. The survey, conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found 93% of drivers believe typing or reading on a hand-held cellphone while driving very or extremely dangerous, but 38% admit to reading and 27% admit to sending a text or email while driving.

Just because you are stopped does not give you the green light to look at your phone. Using a hand-held device is illegal while driving and while stopped at a red light or stop sign in most states. And many drivers aren’t aware of the “hangover effect.” AAA Foundation researchers found that the brain does not reacclimate to the task of driving for up to half a minute after using smartphones or voice-to-text vehicle infotainment systems to send text messages, make phone calls or update social media. This could lead to inattention blindness, where your eyes are on the road but you’re not actually seeing what’s in front of you, which puts other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians at risk.

How to Avoid the Dangers of Texting and Driving

AAA encourages all motorists to eliminate distracted driving by following these tips.

• Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation.
• Know where you’re going. If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving.
• Pull over. If you must call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first.
• Ask passengers for help. If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message.
• Be a good passenger. Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
• Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.
• Everyone should prevent being intexticated. Just as drivers need to pay attention, so do pedestrians and bicyclists. Never call, text or play games while walking or cycling.
• Activate Do Not Disturb or Driving Focus. Setting up these features on iPhone or Android device will prevent calls and texts from coming in while you’re driving.

@aaa_northeast

Current mood: activating do not disturb mode. 🛑🤳 🚘 *Made for teens by teens. . . #aaanortheast #100deadliestdays #texting #textingstories #safetyfirst #teendrivercheck #backtoschool #donotdisturb #dndtiktok #dnd #drivers #safetycheck #backtoschoolcheck #massachusetts #newengland #seekonkhighschool

♬ original sound – AAA Northeast

How to Set a Phone to Do Not Disturb

The key to staying focused is to try to forget you even have a phone.

How to Set Do Not Disturb on iPhone

1. Swipe down from the top right of your home screen to reveal the Control Center.
2. Tap the Focus button. This automatically turns on Do Not Disturb. To turn off, tap again.

Driving Focus

1. Go to Settings > Focus > Driving.
2. Under Turn on Automatically, tap While Driving and select Automatically. This will stop incoming calls and texts when motion is detected.

How to Set Do Not Disturb on Andoird

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Tap Do Not Disturb.

Driving Mode

1. Go to Settings > Google > Personal Safety.
2. Turn on Silence Notifications While Driving.

For more information on distracted driving and to take the pledge to put your phone down while driving, visit AAA.com/DontDriveDistracted.

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

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)

Is there a better way to celebrate Halloween than turning off the lights, curling up on the couch and watching a scary movie?

From horror classics to recent hits – and a few not-so-scary options – check out these Halloween movies that take place or were filmed in locations throughout the Northeast.

All of the films on this list have an average score above 50%, according to Rotten Tomatoes. The only exception is “The Amityville Horror,” which we just had to include. 

Maine

Many of the films inspired by Stephen King’s stories take place in the most northern point of the U.S.

“Cujo” (1983) 

When a rabid, killer canine traps a mother and her young son in their car on a hot day, escape seems nearly impossible.

“Pet Sematary” (1989)

After moving, a family learns of an eerie pet cemetery in the woods by their new home and its uncanny ability to bring the dead back to life.

“The Mist” (2007)

When a strange fog rolls over a town following a storm, it unleashes a barrage of deadly creatures, trapping the townspeople in a grocery store.

“It” (2017)

Here’s one of those times where a remake outperformed the original; the 1990’s “It” was not as well-received by critics or audiences. Both versions take place in the fictional Derry, Maine, and tell the story of kids haunted and hunted by an evil, shapeshifting creature called Pennywise. You may also want to check out the 2019 sequel, “It: Chapter 2.”

Lower New England

From Salem witches to psychics and hauntings, lower New England has helped set the scene for a number of memorable Halloween movies.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993) 

Beloved by children and adults, this not-too-scary Halloween flick about three soul-stealing, sister witches has become somewhat of a cult classic. Taking place in Salem, Mass., “Hocus Pocus” is fun, creepy, quotable and takes place on Halloween.

“The Witch” (2015)

Set in 1630s New England, this film tells the story of a family wrecked by paranoia and the possibility of witchcraft after their youngest – a baby – disappears. The epitome of a slow burn, this film’s eeriness builds all the way to the end.

“Beetlejuice” (1988)

When a recently deceased couple summons Beetlejuice to help them scare a living family out of their house, they quickly question his dark methods. This creepily quirky movie by Tim Burton is a double-hitter; it took place in Connecticut but was actually filmed in East Corinth, Vt.

“The Dead Zone” (1983)

Director David Cronenberg, the king of the body horror genre, set this horror-thriller about a man with psychic abilities (played by Christopher Walken) in New Hampshire.

“The Conjuring” (2013) 

This film, “inspired by true events,” follows a family living in Rhode Island as they are haunted by spirits and must seek the help of paranormal investigators.

“The Witches of Eastwick” (1987)

The lives of three women (played by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon) are forever changed when a mysterious character (played by Jack Nicholson) rolls into their small New England town.

“The Lighthouse” (2019)

A horror-drama by Robert Eggers (the same director as “The Witch”), “The Lighthouse” stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two lighthouse keepers fending off insanity. The movie is set on a remote New England island back in the 1890s.

New Jersey

The Garden State is responsible for one of the most iconic Halloween movies.

“Friday the 13th” (1980) 

Another slasher, this film — and starting point for the numerous Jason Voorhees sequels and remakes — follows a series of murderers at a campground where a young boy accidentally drowned. This film is set in the fictional Camp Crystal lake in New Jersey, but it was filmed in several locations across the state, including Camp NoBeBoSco in Hardwick, Hope Moravian Cemetery and others.

“The Prowler” (1981)

Fitting under the “slasher film” category of horror, this movie follows a group of college students as a military-clad killer wreaks havoc on their small New Jersey town.

New York

New York has produced the most horror films of all the states on this list, offering a sense of setting to scary movies old and new.

“Ghost Busters” (1984) 

Here’s a Halloween movie that will have you laughing, thanks to the comedic talents of Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis as their characters try to defend New York from spirits.

“The Amityville Horror” (1979)

Based on real murders, and some supposed supernatural activity, this movie shows a family whose dream house becomes their worst nightmare. While the real Amityville house sits on Ocean Avenue in Long Island, the house filmed for the movie is actually in Toms River, N.J.

“Funny Games” (2008) 

What’s interesting about this film is that it’s a frame-by-frame recreation of the 1997 original from Austria. This version was filmed in Brooklyn and Long Island and depicts the story of a family who falls victim to two sadistic men.

“Sinister” (2012) 

This film lives up to its name. It follows a writer who, after discovering films of family murders in his attic, tires to uncover their secret. Some of these darker scenes were filmed in locations on Long Island while the rest was shot in Los Angeles.

“Sleepaway Camp” (1983)

Another teen slasher, this movie follows the shy Angela Baker who’s stuck at a summer camp as fellow campers and staff start dropping like flies. It was filmed in several New York locations.

“Cloverfield” (2008) 

Following a group of New Yorkers, this movie uses “shaky cam” to show first-person recordings of terrifying, alien creatures wreaking havoc and destruction on NYC and its inhabitants.

“Sleepy Hollow” (1999) 

Based on Washington Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this Tim Burton movie is scarier than his previously mentioned “Beetlejuice,” featuring the ghost of a murderous headless horseman as it haunts Sleepy Hollow.

“Sisters” (1973)

Here’s a work from a director who knows how to do horror and suspense. This film from Brian De Palma is part of the Criterion Collection, a group of films honored for their cultural, visual and thematic importance. “Sisters” follows a journalist who swears she sees her neighbor viciously murder a man.

“Gremlins” (1984)

In this not-so-scary pick, a father buys his son a strange pet called a “mogwai” from a shop in Chinatown. When the rules for taking care of the creature are broken, mayhem befalls the town of Kingston Falls, N.Y.

“The Exorcist” (1973) 

This supernatural horror follows a young girl as she’s possessed by a terrible evil. Once considered the scariest movie of all time, this movie was filmed in several locations, one of which was New York’s Goldwater Memorial Hospital on Roosevelt Island in East River, N.Y.

“Jaws” (1975)

Though it takes place during the summer, this adventure-thriller about a killer great white shark terrified audiences. The film’s fictional setting, Amity Island, is actually Martha’s Vineyard.

“A Quiet Place” (2018) 

This mix of horror, sci-fi and thriller tells the story a family forced to live in silence to avoid being hunted by bloodthirsty monsters. It was filmed in locations throughout New York, including a bridge in New Platz.

Fun fact: The film’s sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II” (2020), was also filmed in upstate New York.

“Get Out” (2017) 

This horror was filmed in Alabama, but the story takes place in a New York suburb. Following main character Chris as he meets his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, things go from uncomfortable and odd to downright disturbing. This film is a true must-see and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

“Rosemary’s Baby” (1968) 

This film is part of the Criterion Collection and a true horror classic. Shot entirely in NYC, the film follows the pregnant Rosemary as she begins to suspect her unborn child is something evil.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania brings us the oldest film on the list as well as some other classics.

“Night of the Living Dead” (1968)

Arguably the first ever “zombie” movie, George A. Romero wrote and directed this horror classic about seven people trapped in a farmhouse as they fight for their lives against the living dead. It was filmed in Pittsburgh and is part of the Criterion Collection.

“Dawn of the Dead” (1979) 

This zombie-packed sequel to the previous entry, “Night of the Living Dead,” was shot in Pittsburgh, including the Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, Pa. Following an outbreak of carnivorous zombies, a television studio staff and SWAT team members all fight to survive.

“The Crazies” (1973) 

When a manmade, insanity-causing virus takes over a small Pennsylvania town, the results are gruesome. An interesting note about this film is that its 2010 remake actually scored higher. The remake, however, was filmed in Georgia and Iowa instead of Pennsylvania.

“The Blob” (1958) 

The oldest movie on this list, “The Blob” is also part of the Criterion Collection. A horror classic, this film features a gelatinous creature that consumes everything it touches, including people. Shots of the preyed-upon town were filmed in Phoenixville, Pa.

“Creepshow” (1982) 

Directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King, this movie is an anthology telling five horrifying stories. Filming locations included Pittsburg, Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania spots as well as Ocean County, N.J.

“The Sixth Sense” (1999) 

Shot mostly in Philadelphia, this film tells the story of a young boy who can see and talk to the dead. Though its twist ending has been widely known for quite some time, this iconic film is still worth a watch (or re-watch).

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) 

This Academy Award winner and Criterion film follows the story of a young FBI agent as she interviews the cannibalistic Dr. Hannibal Lecter to gain insight about a new killer on the loose. Some scenes were filmed in Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania locations, while others where shot in Virginia and the Bahamas.

Whether you prefer classic, recent or not-so-scary Halloween movies, there are plenty of options when it comes to horror movies from the northeast.

What are some of your favorite Halloween movies that take place in the Northeast? Tell us in the comments.

This article has been edited and expanded to include suggestions from our members.

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.

On the checklist of car maintenance items, headlights often fall to the bottom. We don’t pay them much attention until one burns out and we’re suddenly left with only a partially lit view of the road ahead. This is not only a dangerous situation, it’s illegal. Here’s how to take care of your headlights so you can safely see.

Clean your headlights.

We clean our windshields all the time. Whether it’s dirt, mud, or nine zillion bugs during a long road trip, windshields get dirty. Since we are looking directly at that mess it’s easy to notice when the windshield needs a little cleaning. Whatever is happening to your windshield is also happening to your headlights, so give them a good cleaning, too.

Some cars have built-in headlight washers so you can press a button and give them a bath without stopping. If your car doesn’t have this feature, then clean off your headlights the next time you stop for gas. It only takes a few seconds to make sure your headlights are clean enough to do their jobs so you can see the road.

Check headlight alignment.

This is tricky because it’s something that can be hard to notice. Your headlights might seem like they’re pointing straight ahead even when they’re out of alignment. Driving over potholes, across rough pavement, and especially off-road can knock your headlights out of alignment giving you a less than perfect view.

This isn’t something you can check yourself, but the professionals at a repair shop can do the job easily. Whether they seem aligned or not, have your headlights checked the next time you’re in for an oil change or any car repair. The service person can determine if they’re aligned correctly and make the necessary adjustments if your headlights are off kilter.

Clean fogged or yellowed lenses.

Most headlight lenses are made of a material called polycarbonate plastic. It’s a durable material that resists scratches, but over time, exposure to the UV rays of the sun causes polycarbonate lenses to oxidize. This results in a yellow or cloudy lens. The bulb behind that lens may be bright, but the oxidation on the lens keeps the light from getting to the road and hampers visibility. Have you ever tried to fix this problem on your own?

You can easily clean off this oxidation to improve your view and your car’s appearance. Your local auto parts store has a variety of headlight cleaning kits designed to make old headlights look as good as new. It’s simply a matter of applying a specially formulated polish to the lens and rubbing off that outer later of oxidation. Once your headlights are again shining bright, consider applying a UV-resistant coating to the lenses to keep them from getting cloudy again.

Repair surface scratches and peeling.

Headlights become scratched over time as a part of normal wear and tear. Rather than leaving the damage on your headlights, take a few minutes to remove the scratches. Much like removing the oxidation from plastic lens, removing scratches from the surface can be done with a simple kit as a part of regular car maintenance. It involves sanding the surface smooth and then polishing it back to its original shine. The kits are inexpensive and the process is a quick one.

Peeling is more complicated and can eventually cause damage to the interior of your light, particularly the electrical system when water gets inside the headlight. If you notice the surface of a headlight peeling or flaking, then take it in for repair before it causes more expensive damage. A quick visual inspection of your headlights should be a part of regular car maintenance to ensure your car’s overall good health.

Check for condensation.

If there is condensation inside a headlight or, even worse, a pool of water, then this needs to be repaired immediately. The moisture interferes with the quality of light and it can cause corrosion over time. This isn’t car maintenance you want to tackle on your own.

Have a professional repair the problem. It may be costly, but not as costly as letting it go. Remember, your lights are run buy your electrical system and water and electricity aren’t a good combination. A small leak left unchecked can cause major electrical problems and increase your repair costs. Get any water or condensation in your headlights checked out right away.

Don’t ignore dimming headlights.

If your headlights seem dimmer than usual or if you notice them dimming and brightening when you’re driving, then you need to have them checked. Dimming headlights are caused by several different problems, none of which should be ignored.

A corroded ground wire is one of the most common causes of dimming headlights. The ground wire connects to your car’s chassis and can become dirty and corroded, which will disrupt the flow of electricity to your headlights and make them dim. Other possibilities are a bad alternator or loose alternator belt. If these parts fail you could find yourself in need of roadside assistance. If you have dimming headlights, don’t wait to have the problem diagnosed.

How often do you check your headlights? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn about AAA Approved Auto Repair, Roadside Assistance and more.

Plan your next adventure with a AAA travel advisor.

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

Graduating from high school or college is a big accomplishment and a milestone worth celebrating. If you want to give a graduate something they’ll never forget, consider an experience gift.

Maybe you’re the one who just graduated, and you want to treat yourself by broadening your horizons. No matter who is turning the tassel this year, these are some of the best experience gift ideas for a new grad.

Live Events

Is there a concert that your grad has been wanting to go to forever? Maybe a hit Broadway show or a favorite sports team? AAA members can access special discounts for tickets to concerts, Broadway shows, music festivals, comedy shows and more. Just try searching your grad’s favorite artist, from Taylor Swift to Usher. You can also get discounted tickets to sports events like baseball, basketball and football.

Classes

More classes? Your grad might appreciate it more than you know! Encourage them to cultivate their hobby or passion project with local art and music classes. Or help them meet people in their city with low-stakes courses that encourage teamwork. Some great options include pottery, golf, martial arts, cooking and dancing. Check out what’s available near your grad and see if any of them are gift-worthy.

If they’re interested in fitness, you can get them a subscription for Active&Fit Direct, which includes over 12,500 gyms, 12,000 on-demand videos and one-on-one wellness coaching.

Or keep them inspired with access to thousands of books on topics ranging from memoirs to motivation with an Audible subscription. AAA members get a two-month free trial with two free bestsellers or new releases.

Travel

Being well-traveled is an education in itself.

New travelers may prefer guided tours, where a local expert is the one leading the way. Guided tours also make thoughtful experience gifts, since they take care of all the stress associated with planning daily itineraries, hotel stays and more. Reach out to a AAA travel advisor to discuss options and start planning.

After all their hard work, you might want to give your grad a chance to kick back and relax. There’s no better way to get some much-needed rest and relaxation than by going on a luxurious cruise. Whether they’re in search of Caribbean fun in the sun or a European river journey, there’s a cruise for every type of traveler.

Want to immerse your grad in the world of fantasy and fun before they have to get back to reality? AAA members can get discounts to theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and more. You can get them the gift of thrills and chills while saving on tickets.   

More Ideas

Check out our list of gifts to get your grad financially ready.

You can also never go wrong with flowers. Save up to 20% on 1-800-Flowers.com orders. For more gift ideas, visit AAA.com/Discounts.

Do you remember what you got when you graduated? Would you have preferred an experience gift? What are you planning to do for the recent grads in your life? Let us know in the comments below.

One cent is not worth much anymore, but you still can have hours of fun with a fistful of coins (even pennies) at some retro arcades in the Northeast.

Stop by the oldest penny arcade in America in Rhode Island or the nation’s largest arcade in New Hampshire. Good luck and keep a steady hand!

Need a ride? Rent a car.

Connecticut

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DEEP 6 Arcade

New Haven, other locations

The owners’ original mission here was to save pinball machines from landfills, and as they repaired more and more, their surplus grew and they decided to invite people to play. Now with more than 130 game rooms in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, Deep 6 hosts competitions, offers open play periods and features classic games. Machines take everything from a dime a play to a dollar coin for four plays.

The Pinshack

East Hampton

The Pinshack offers a constantly rotating collection of classic pinball games. For $15, visitors get unlimited gameplay.

Massachusetts

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Joe’s Playland

Salisbury

This 100-plus-year-old arcade located right on Salisbury Beach features a mix of classic and new games. Besides pinball, it offers Skee-Ball, air hockey, pool and redemption games. Players can swipe a card for electronic game play and earn e-tickets, or go the traditional route with quarters and receive paper tickets.

Versus

Boston

Get ready for a full lineup of arcade, pinball and video games as well as a wide selection of pub food. Only patrons aged 21years and older are permitted after 7 p.m.

New Hampshire

American Classic Arcade Museum 

Laconia

Established to promote and preserve the history of coin-operated arcade games, the American Classic Arcade Museum starts with the pre-electricity machines of the early 20th century, travels on to the penny arcade era and the demise of the arcade industry in the late 1980s. But this museum is not just for browsers – as the owners put it, if you have a favorite pinball game, it’s probably here, and they say they have some of the rarest games on Earth.

Upstairs from the museum is Funspot, which proclaims itself the largest arcade in the world and is home to more than 600 games. Its sci-fi-themed Pinball Outpost includes classic and contemporary games. Modern ticket games to earn prizes are available and the retro games are only a quarter to play. Funspot also hosts weekly pinball leagues.

Squiggles

Campton

Squiggles is home to more than 20 vintage arcade games, including “Back to the Future” and Dungeons & Dragons pinball machines. Located in an historic mill building dating back to 1826, an onsite store stocks toys, gifts, gadgets and more than 100 kinds of candy. Sqiggles is old school, and all games operate with quarters. Quarter and change machines are available, but there is no ATM on site. A cash for card is available from the store.

New Jersey

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The Lucky Snake

Showboat Hotel, Atlantic City 

This huge arcade has a pinball gallery as well as go-kart racing, video games, competition games, redemption games and attraction games. Food and beverage options are nearby.

Morristown Game Vault

Morristown

Ready for a trip back in time? Located in a former bank, the Morristown Game Vault securely houses more than 110 retro arcade games and pinball machines. But not everything is retro; instead of quarters, players get wristbands and are charged based on the number of hours they play. Game Vault also keeps track of high scores on all its arcade and pinball games. Names are listed on the website and displayed on the arcade wall using a projector.

New York

Robot City Games and Arcade

Binghamton

Claiming to be the biggest arcade in New York with 125 games, including 31 pinball machines, Robot City is the place to get your retro on. Pinball games dating back to 1974 are ready for action as are classic video games. Hundreds of video games also are for sale.

Game On

Lake Gove and Riverhead

Game On calls itself an authentic arcade with an ’80s and ’90s feel. Boasting more than 100 games, players pay $15 to play all day. One adult is required to supervise every three children under age 13.

Rhode Island

Spring Lake Arcade

Burrillville

If you are driving in or near Rhode Island, don’t miss Spring Lake Arcade, America’s oldest penny arcade, just an hour from Newport. And YES, they do have machines that take pennies. Not all do, so come prepared with a pocketful of change. A blend of old and new, about half the arcade floor space has games from every decade going back to 1920 and the rest is filled with current games that are updated every year. Locals get a discount; admission is $5 for Burrillville residents and $8 for non-residents.

Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration

Pawtucket

The museum’s mission is “to foster a love and appreciation for history, science technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through interactive pinball exhibits.” Museum programs educate the public about the need to preserve pinball machines and celebrate their contributions to art, history, science and technology. But of course, playing is important as well. Visitors pay $10 for the day to play about 85 different pinball machines as well as arcade games.

Do you have a favorite retro arcade? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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!

For 10 years, Amelia Desiata has ventured into the worst weather on the East Coast to repair flat tires, hook cars to tow trucks and replace car batteries. While women are scarce in her field, she is proud to represent AAA on the roads.

How did you get involved with this type of work?

Amelia: I was always interested in the automotive field. My uncle told me about an open house at AAA, and I thought, “why not try it?” Once I started training, I learned how every vehicle is different, whether it comes to changing a tire or changing a battery. I drive each truck the company offers, from the battery truck to a flatbed.

What do you like about your job?

Amelia: I get to go out and help others, and I like knowing I did something good for someone else.

How do you cope with the rain, snow and cold weather?

Amelia: I’d rather work in winter in the rain and snow. You can always put layers on – in the summer, it is hard to cool down. And in the winter, it’s good to go home to hot chocolate!

What would you say to other women thinking about being a roadside technician?

Amelia: You just need to go in with the right attitude. You have to be strong-willed. The guys on the job are more than helpful. They are there for me as needed and very welcoming. I also have the greatest support system; I’m married and have a 15-year-old son.

Request AAA Roadside Assistance, 24/7.

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

Saving money. It’s something that we all mean to do, but for one reason or another, often don’t. By focusing more on the expenses we need and a less on the indulgences we want, saving can fall to the wayside. Savings challenges make it easy to visualize and commit to reaching your goals.

These challenges are designed to help you save money over a specified period of time. Savings challenges come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak. One common type is a 52-week challenge, which requires saving a set amount of money each week over the course of a year. You can start small, saving $5 a week, then gradually move up to larger sums each week.

Aside from accumulating money for a specific financial goal, savings challenges force you to be conscientious of your expenses and spending habits. In turn, you can evaluate what goods and services you can live without and where you may be spending more than you should.

To help you on your journey, we’ve devised savings challenge worksheets for four major purchases that you’ll almost certainly need to save for: a house, college, a car and travel. By following our 52-week savings challenge, you’ll be able to bank an additional $4,400. Depending on your situation and lifestyle, that should be enough to cover a family vacation or a down payment on a car. It can also take a chunk out of your student loan debt or help fund a down payment on a new house.

Saving Money For a House

Pay Off Student Loans Faster

Saving For a Car

Saving for Travel

Once you’ve completed your savings challenges, head right back to AAA. We can help you secure low-rate mortgages, auto loans and student loans, and book that once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

If your spending is out of control and your debt is increasing each month, it’s time to get back to the basics of budgeting.

Does even the mention of the word “budget” stifle your lifestyle? Keep an open mind because sticking to a budget doesn’t have to be an anxiety-ridden experience. Think of it this way: A novice baker wouldn’t attempt to whip up a souffle without first consulting a recipe. Your budget is your recipe for a successful savings plan.

Before you start cooking up money making schemes to earn fast cash, learn about how you can set up and stick to a budget even in the face of temptation.

Setting up Your Savings Plan

Creating a budget in the most generic terms comes down figuring out your net income minus your expenses. How much money do you have coming into your household after taxes and other deductions, including your health insurance and 401(k) contribution? Subtract that amount by your fixed and variable expenses.

Fixed expenses are your rent, mortgage, real estate taxes, insurance, car payments and debt. Cutting back on these expenses is trickier than budgeting your discretionary bills. But, in theory, you could rent a cheaper apartment or refinance your home loan, so it’s not impossible to reduce fixed expenses.

Variable expenses include groceries, vacations, entertainment, dining out and other bills that vary in cost from month-to-month. These expenses are easier to trim, provided you have the willpower to cut back.

Budgeting Goals

After you’ve ironed out your income and expenses, identify your financial goal. Why are you budgeting? Maybe you want to lower your debt. Eliminating debt should be a priority considering the interest you incur.

Establish a clear budget goal with a deadline to achieve it. Let’s say you want to pay off your student loans. How much of your discretionary spending do you need to cut to have extra cash to pay off your student loans within two years? Having a clear goal will enable you to keep focused on your savings plan when impulses to spend arise.

You may also want to reconsider refinancing your loans. This could help you save money over the lifetime of the loan if you are able to secure a lower interest rate. Or you could simply restructure the loan in a way that lowers your monthly payments, freeing up cash to put elsewhere.

To help you stick to a set budget and savings plan, track everything you buy. Bank account statements are useful to evaluate where you’re overspending. Write down your expenses, type them in an Excel sheet or use any other method that will keep you accountable to you savings goal. There’s also the budget app Mint, which is like having money manager with you to pay your bills and track your cash.

Sticking to It

You’ve set up your budget, now how do you stick to it and avoid dipping into your savings or using credit cards? On the journey to saving money there will be temptations. One night you may be invited to an expensive restaurant with friends when you’ve already budgeted to eat leftovers at home. What do you do? Another night your favorite rock band is reuniting at Madison Square Garden and the only available tickets are $1,500. Or suppose you’re invited to a destination wedding in Mexico. You could say adios and use credit cards or pull cash from your emergency savings. But short-term gratification is just that: short term.

Budgeting is about sacrifices and deciding between your wants versus your needs. This means eliminating impulse spending. You want to enjoy a meal at a ritzy restaurant with your friends, but your budget doesn’t allow for it. Make compromises. Skip paying for pricey appetizers, dinner, drinks and dessert with your friends. Instead stop by early just for drinks or ask your buddies to make dinner at your place on another night. As for that rock concert, watch a show on TV and put the money toward your debt.

Declining a wedding RSVP can be complicated, especially if it’s a close friend or family member. Weigh your finances carefully. How long will it take you to pay off the trip? Will it be worth it a year later when you’re still paying it off? When in doubt, always make smart decisions that benefit your savings goal.

Resist Temptation

It’s easy to get sidetracked from your budget when you feel deprived. Sticking to a budget means getting out of debt and ultimately having more freedom. So reward yourself along the way to keep up your spirits. Pad your budget to allow for little rewards like a reasonably-priced dinner, a morning coffee or a movie night. You risk failing completely if you’re extremely frugal. A sustainable budget, much like a diet, has to be a slow lifestyle change.

To further resist temptations, unsubscribe from retailer newsletters and emails. Being bombarded with enticing advertisements for new shoes, jewelry clothes and vacations can deter you from your goals.

Do you have any budgeting tips for your fellow AAA members? Let us know what works for you in the comments section below.

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

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

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

Regularly review statements

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

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

Breaking it all down

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

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

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

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

Track by store

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

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

Stuff those envelopes

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

Use an app

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

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

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

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

Use a spreadsheet

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

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

How to keep track of personal expenses with daily expense tracking

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

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

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

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

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

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.