Preliminary estimates of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions for 2020 predict a 10% to 11% decrease compared to 2019.

“That is the single largest drop in annual emissions in the post-World War II era, outpacing the Great Recession of 2009 when emissions dipped 6.3%,” according to the Rhodium Group.

This noteworthy decrease is being credited to the mix of travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While demand was high for certain groceries like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, less time on the road meant a drop in demand for gasoline. The consumption of motor gasoline in the U.S. fell by 24% during the pandemic, according to Climate Action Tracker.

Starting in March, the average price of gasoline was also lower month-per-month compared to the year before, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with the lowest average retail price being $1.938 per gallon in April 2020 versus $2.881 that same month in 2019. Get daily gas price updates from AAA.

Despite these shifts, the rollout of coronavirus vaccines will likely lead to increases in both gas prices and emissions as Americans aspire for a post-pandemic world.

“We expect economic activity to pick up again in 2021, but without meaningful structural changes in the carbon intensity of the U.S. economy, emissions will likely rise again as well,” according to the Rhodium Group.

If you haven’t been driving as much as you used to, follow these tips to keep your car maintained and running smoothly.  

It’s not often that a car model’s name succinctly sums up its strengths. The Ford Escape is an exception.

That’s because this compact SUV actually does make a great escape pod from everyday life. The top-of-the-line Titanium model I tested featured the automaker’s 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that gave it more than enough muscle in normal driving (a 181-horsepower, three-cylinder and a pair of hybrid powertrains are also available), plus an impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.

There’s surprisingly good room throughout the cabin, including a back seat fit for two adults.

My Titanium tester offered the Sync 3 infotainment system, one of best setups out there, along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. Emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist systems come standard.

Taken together, it makes the Ford Escape an ideal getaway vehicle.

Sometimes, when you want to get gone, you may very well want to get long gone. That’s where the Jeep Cherokee comes in.

The Cherokee has what it takes to get you a good ways off the beaten path. While it’s not as rugged as its Wrangler sibling, fitted with one of the optional four-wheel drive systems it will surely get you to that secret fishing hole or mountain-bike trail.

Back on the pavement, the handling and ride quality are remarkably car-like. That said, the Cherokee has a heft that makes it feel larger than comparable crossover SUVs.

Under the hood, there’s a trio of available engines, including two four-cylinders and the stout 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 propelling the top-of-the-line Limited model I drove. Properly equipped, V6-powered Cherokees will let you bring that small camping trailer with you, thanks to a hefty max towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. No matter which powertrain you choose, fuel economy is bound to be a little disappointing.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.

Providence, R.I., also known as the Renaissance City, is the third-largest city in New England, behind only Boston and Worcester. With elite universities, a vibrant art community, fantastic restaurants and brilliantly preserved architecture, the capital of the Ocean State has it all. These are our top 10 favorite things to do in Providence.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

1.

Experience WaterFire. No list of things to do in Providence is complete without WaterFire, the annual installation piece that takes over Providence’s rivers every April through November. WaterFire, by artist Barnaby Evans, consists of over 80 bonfires burning in braziers that snake through the rivers of downtown Providence. During full fire events, when all the braziers are lit, you can explore the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza, an outdoor fair for artists and artisans. If you want to get up close and personal with the fire, try La Gondola Providence, a Venice-style gondola service that sails around the installation.

2.

Take a trip to the past on Benefit Street. This city street in Providence has one of the highest concentrations of Colonial buildings in the entire country. It is a favorite spot for a walk or a little historic exploration, but if you’d rather not explore on your own, the Rhode Island Historical Society offers guided walking tours of the area from May through October. One of the most famous buildings on Benefit Street, the Nightingale-Brown House, was once home to the founders of Brown University. Nearby, you’ll find the John Brown House Museum and a house that inspired an H.P. Lovecraft story.

3.

Also on Benefit Street is the Providence Athenaeum, which first opened in 1838. Both Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft spent a considerable amount of time in the independent library. The Athenaeum is supported by the library’s members and has always been open to the public. Many readings and events are held in the Athenaeum, which prides itself on being a haven for Providence creatives.

4.

Get some authentic cuisine in Federal Hill. This historically Italian neighborhood sits in the very heart of Providence. The main street in Federal Hill, Atwells Avenue, is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Try Enoteca Umberto, Siena and The Avery for starters. The neighborhood is immensely walkable, with cobblestone paths and strings of restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Looking for a new place to eat? Restaurant.com offers reviews and deals for over 20,000 restaurants nationwide. You can even sort for options like outdoor dining and take-out. AAA members can get $25 Restaurant.com gift certificates for just $6.

5.

See a show! The Trinity Repertory Company, known fondly as Trinity Rep, is a Tony Award-winning theater company located in downcity Providence. Trinity Rep was founded in 1963 and has since been named the state theater of Rhode Island. Trinity Rep produces shows with their resident acting company and also offers a plethora of different educational experiences, such as Project Discovery, which introduces theater to young children.

6.

Shop until you drop. In the middle of Downcity, the Providence version of “downtown,” sits the Arcade, the first indoor shopping mall in America. The Arcade was built in 1828, and its three floors were originally filled with shops. Now the first floor is the only shopping area, filled with boutiques and cafes, while the second and third floors are filled with stylish micro-apartments. From the Greek revival architecture to the rich mahogany woodwork, it is a beautiful ode to old Providence.

7.

See some amazing art. The Rhode Island School of Design is one of the best art schools in the country and it’s also home to the RISD Museum, a sprawling art history resource for students and the public alike. The museum’s collection consists of over 100,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints, drawings and more. On a tour of the RISD Museum, you can see works from artists like Monet, Picasso and Andy Warhol, as well as works by local Rhode Island artists.

8.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head on over to the Hope Street Farmers Market for some of the freshest ingredients out there. Every Saturday from May through October, the Hope Street Farmers Market takes over Lippitt Park. While you shop for fresh, locally sourced meat and produce, you can enjoy live music from local musicians. If you’re still in the mood for fresh finds during the winter, head indoors to the Farm Fresh Winter Market, located in a brand-new building in the city’s Valley neighborhood. The market runs from November through April.

9.

Whether you have Ivy League dreams or not, a visit to Brown University is a must. Providence is, after all, a college town. Brown offers self-guided tours of its historic College Hill campus, as well as student-guided tours for those who might hope to attend one day. On your visit to Brown, you can see the John Hay and John Carter Brown Libraries, the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology and the famous Van Wickle Gates. Don’t forget to visit Thayer Street, a playground for locals and students filled with tons of indie and ethnic restaurants, an art house cinema, the Brown Bookstore, vintage stores and more.

10.

Experience all Roger Williams Park has to offer. Named after the founder of Providence, Roger Williams Park’s sprawling 427 acres contain a zoo, a botanical center, a museum of natural history, a planetarium, Japanese and Victorian rose gardens, a boathouse, a “carousel village” and more. One of the most delightful parts of the park is the Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in America. The zoo is home to over 100 animal species, from chickens to cheetahs. You could spend a whole day or even a whole week in this incredible park. AAA members get $10 off select zoo memberships.

Book your next Providence vacation with AAA Travel. 

Whether you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too early to start saving for your retirement. One of the most popular ways to get started is with an IRA savings account.

IRA stands for “Individual Retirement Arrangement” and can be opened directly through the bank, brokerage firm or mutual fund of your choice. (Unlike a 401(k), it is not connected to your employer.)

There are two types of IRA retirement accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs. We explain the differences between the two to help you decide which  plan is right for you.

Traditional vs. Roth IRA Retirement Accounts

Are you eligible to open an IRA account? This will depend on your age and income.

To open a traditional IRA, there are no income limitations, but you must be younger than 70 ½ (or 72 if your 70th birthday is July 1, 2019 or later).

You can open a Roth IRA at any age, but in order to qualify, your yearly income must be under a certain amount depending on your tax filing status. Too high an income could limit the amount you’re allowed to contribute each year – or disqualify you entirely.

The amount you can contribute might also be limited based on your filing status and income. Check the IRS website for the most up-to-date information.

What’s The Big Difference?

Besides the age and income limitations, the biggest difference between IRA retirement accounts is in how they’re taxed. This difference is what will ultimately determine which type of IRA is right for you.

The traditional IRA allows you to claim an income tax deduction (both state and federal) of whatever amount you contributed to your IRA that year. Then, when you make withdrawals from your IRA during retirement, you will pay taxes on those distributions at ordinary income tax rates.

With the Roth IRA, there is no tax write-off for the contributions you make. However, all of your earnings and the withdrawals you make during retirement are tax-free.

Taxes Now or Taxes Later?

So, will you get a better tax deal by paying taxes now on your contributions, or by paying taxes during retirement on your withdrawals?

A traditional IRA is best if you’re currently in a higher tax bracket (above 20%) and you expect to be in a lower tax bracket upon retirement. This is typically true for folks who are currently at the peak of their career and expect to stop working or drastically reduce their income after age 70.

A Roth IRA will be best if you’re currently in a lower tax bracket (below 20%) and expect to be in a higher tax bracket upon retirement. This is typically true for folks who haven’t yet reached the peak of their career and also expect to be high earners past age 70.

You probably have a good guess of which category you fall into. However, since no one can truly predict the future, there’s a strong case to be made for diversifying your retirement savings. Consider investing in both a traditional and Roth IRA in order to spread out your tax burden. (Add a 401(k) to the mix and your retirement plan is golden!)

What If You Need Your Money Now?

Sometimes unexpected expenses arise. A perk of the Roth IRA is that you can withdraw your contributions at any time, both tax-free and penalty free. However, if you want to withdraw your earnings early, you’ll have to pay taxes and penalties unless you’re over age 59 ½ and have had your account for 5+ years, or if you have a “qualifying reason” (e.g., first time home buying, education, medical expenses).

For the traditional IRA, withdrawals after age 59 ½ are penalty-free, and withdrawals made before that will be penalized unless you have a qualifying reason.

What Happens When You Retire?

With a traditional IRA, at age 70 ½ (or 72 if your 70th birthday is July 1, 2019 or later) you must stop making contributions and begin taking “required minimum distributions.” This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re already retired, but if you’re still working and want to keep growing your IRA this could be an issue. (Plus, the taxes you’re paying on your distributions are at your current tax rate.)

In contrast, you can contribute to your Roth IRA indefinitely, and you are never required to make withdrawals. If you’re still working after age 70, this allows you the flexibility to wait until you actually need those funds – or to pass them on to your heirs.

Is an IRA retirement account part of your financial plan? Does the traditional or Roth IRA make more sense for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

The Northeast is home to cities that come to life when the temperatures drop. The next time you need to get away, try one of these locales that would make for a great three-day weekend winter excursion.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please check official websites before visiting for restrictions and operating info. 

Lake Placid, N.Y.

The snowy sports mecca of the Northeast, Lake Placid is more than just the two-time home of the Winter Olympics. It’s a beautiful northern Adirondack village surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and towering mountains with some of New York’s most lavish resorts and spectacular natural wonders.

When booking your three-day weekend, you’ll find absolute luxury at the Whiteface Lodge. This rustic log cabin-style hotel brings the coziness while still offering modern amenities like heated bathroom floors in its suites and a full-service spa. Book at table at Peak 47, where executive sous chef Matthew DeCicco serves up hearty sandwiches, pizzas and other favorites with an assortment of more than 400 wines and local craft beers.

No matter where you stay, you’ll want to visit Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-largest mountain in the state and the location of famous Olympic sites. Hit the slopes or simply revel in its alpine history, including the international sliding sports exhibit, where you can learn about luge, skeleton and bobsled and cheer on racers as they rumble past at Autobahn speeds.

For more outdoor fun, head to nearby High Falls for a snowshoe hike to a frozen waterfall. A chilly outdoor excursion will make that warm mulled wine taste even better when you return to your cabin for some much-needed R & R.

Salem, Mass.

A hotbed for Halloween travel, this historic coastal city attracts visitors eager to learn about its notorious witch trials – with thinner crowds in the winter. But Witch City is also home to a historic seaport, vestiges of a literary legend and the birthplace of the U.S. National Guard.

So much of Salem’s appeal has to do with its history, and its hotels are no exception. Take the Hawthorne Hotel, which has served more than 1 million guests downtown since 1925. Facing the Salem Witch Museum, the historic hotel has two dining options – Tavern on the Green and Nathaniel’s – a steakhouse named after the American novelist and author of “The Scarlet Letter,” Nathaniel Hawthorne, who was born in Salem. Sunday jazz brunch at Nathaniel’s is a must!

Visit the House of the Seven Gables, the inspiration for Hawthorne’s literary masterpiece of the same name. This 1668 Colonial mansion, now a nonprofit museum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also see the Salem Maritime National Historic Site – the nation’s first – which houses historic homes, buildings, wharves and a replica 1797 ship.

A trip to New England wouldn’t be complete without delicious seafood, and you’ll find some – along with a ghost story – at Turner’s Seafood. Legend has it the restaurant is haunted by the ghost of Bridget Bishop, the first to be hanged during the witch trials in 1692.

Visit in February for the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Festival, where you can shop for your valentine, marvel at ice sculptures and nibble on chocolate delicacies.

Portsmouth, N.H.

About an hour north of Boston and five hours northeast of New York City, Portsmouth is a popular summer tourism destination because of its proximity to the coast. But with an estimated 120 restaurants – some sophisticated, some simple – this port city makes for a fun three-day weekend, too.

Lodging choices include the AAA Three Diamond Rated Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, with its convenient downtown location, heated indoor pool and views of the Piscataqua River.

Bundle up for a walk along Market Square, where you can pause along the storefronts of 19th century structures that line the charming streets. On a warmish day, opt for a one-hour walking tour of the Harbor Trail, passing Prescott Park and boutiques and art galleries nearby.

While you won’t get the full garden experience at the 10-acre Strawbery Banke outdoor history museum, you can go ice skating at the site’s Puddle Dock Pond. Open daily December through March, it will help you work up an appetite before you indulge in the city’s seemingly limitless restaurant scene.

Warm up with a beer at the Portsmouth Brewery – New Hampshire’s first brewpub – for handcrafted pints and a lively atmosphere. Of course, with 120 restaurants in Portsmouth alone, you won’t have any trouble finding great eats and good times in any of these three-day weekend winter getaways in the Northeast.

Hitting the slopes? AAA members can save at ski resorts nationwide.

What are your favorite spots for three-day weekends? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel. 

Learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings. 

Ah, the 80s. It was an age of big hair, bigger snare drums and massive musical hits. Test your music knowledge and see if your favorite artist made it into our new crossword.

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

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

It’s every technology lover’s favorite time of year: the annual CES trade show. Sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association since 1967, it highlights the best and newest advances of every stripe in the industry. This year’s show, which ran Jan. 9 to 12 in Las Vegas, was no exception.

While artificial intelligence and its applications featured prominently at CES 2024, new technology for cars and other modes of transportation also filled out the schedule.

The Next Generation of Cars

CES featured more than 600 mobility exhibitors, with displays and presentations on the ecosystem of mobility, global unveils highlighting the future of autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, micromobility, software-defined vehicles and flying cars, according to the Consumer Technology Association. Visitors also previewed the future of assistive mobility and safety systems.

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Tired of struggling with tight turns? The Hyundai EV MOBION has the answer, with wheels that can turn laterally and diagonally, thanks to a new in-wheel technology. Each wheel operates independently, allowing the car to move sideways and make pivot turns. A ground projection system lights up the car’s direction on the ground, and if pedestrians are sensed, it can create crosswalk stripes for them to use.

Cars Do Fly

Up-and-coming cars do more than turn. The Chinese company XPENG AEROHT, an affiliate of XPeng, showcased its eVTOL flying car, a sleek-looking sports car one minute that transforms into a flying machine with fold-out, drone-like wings. The dual-mode cockpit is designed for driving and flying. The car uses cameras instead of side-view mirrors and has a display screen built into the dashboard. And the future is closer than you think; the company expects to start taking preorders at the end of this year and begin shipping in 2025.

Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars have been getting a lot of attention recently, not all of it positive. But the Mobileye company maintains its newest self-driving technology is safer, because it integrates, cameras, radar and laser imaging, detection and ranging (lidar.)

A self-driving EV taxi is already in use. The Zoox Robotaxi, which is built in California, has been giving people lifts on a limited basis in California and Las Vegas. The car has no steering wheel and no pedals and can seat up to four people at a time. With a 133-kilowatt-hour battery, the Zoox vehicles have the power to drive all day. Passengers can charge their phones and customize their music while they ride.

More EVs Coming

With the desire to slow climate change gaining urgency, sessions addressed the gap between consumer interest in purchasing electrical vehicles and actual sales figures as well as the challenges of addressing climate change and its effect on different business sectors.

New EVs continue to roll out with more features. The AFEELA EV from Sony Honda Mobility, which made an appearance at CES, has a sleek design and an impressive onboard computer. Other highlights include 45 cameras and sensors distributed inside and outside of the car. The company expects to take orders beginning in 2025 and start North American deliveries in spring 2026.

For those who want a car with a sympathetic ear, Mercedes-Benz debuted an updated in-car virtual assistant program, called MBUX Virtual Assistant, which is powered by generative AI. It interacts with the driver using one of four emotional profiles – natural, predictive, personal and empathetic. It can store and be ready with the driver’s preferences for music, indoor temperature and other creature comforts.

Other New Gadgets

Coming soon – a 77-inch, transparent, wireless OLED TV by LG. When the TV is on, images appear to be free floating, and when the TV is turned off, the TV vanishes – you can see through to whatever is behind. Users can slide up a screen in the back to give it the look of a regular TV.

To make life easier at home and save on space, how about a combination washer-dryer? GE has one, featuring a ventless heat pump. These types of dryers use less energy than the more common ones. And they are eligible for home energy rebates as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

And you can expect the next generation of laptops to bring AI to your keyboard. The newest PCs with Intel’s new Core Ultra processors have neural processing units, that use machine-learning processes. This keeps work safer and completes it faster with less battery use.

Popularity Grows

This year’s CES hosted more than 4,300 exhibitors, including more than 1,400 startup companies. The event drew more than 135,000 people, with more than 40% attending from 150 countries, regions and territories outside of the U.S., setting a new record.

Are you a tech fan? What gadgets from CES 2024 do you have your eyes on?

This article is for informational purposes only. AAA does not endorse any of the products mentioned.

Featured image: Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the new AFEELA EV at this year’s CES. Photo courtesy of Consumer Technology Association.

In the midst of winter, it’s normal to want dinners that are comforting, filling and delicious. But just because a meal is labeled as “comfort food” doesn’t mean it can’t also be healthy and balanced.

From working with the right ingredients to opting for healthier cooking methods – like baking rather than frying – there’s a lot you can do to eat better.

There’s nothing like a tasty, homecooked meal to help you fight the winter blues. What’s more, you can make life easier with a meal kit delivery service like Home Chef. Whether you prefer meatless meals, recipes that cut carbs and calories or dishes you can whip up in less than 30 minutes, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Calorie-Conscious

Being aware of the calorie content of your food doesn’t mean you have to agonize over calorie tracking and counting. Instead, simply make your calories count by reaching for more wholesome options. You mostly want to avoid foods with high amounts of “empty” calories or with no nutritional value, commonly found in processed foods and sweets.

Ounce per ounce, salmon is a fairly low-calorie protein. This fish boasts other benefits, too. Salmon is low in saturated fats while being high in essential omega-3 fatty acids. “It’s also one of the best sources of vitamin B12,” according to WebMD, and a good source of nutrients like iron, potassium and vitamin D.

When it comes to dinners featuring salmon, there are dishes like Grilled Honey-Mustard Salmon with fresh tomato-dill relish and asparagus, Feta- and Herb-Crusted Salmon with lemony orzo, Blackened Salmon with Avocado-Corn Salsa and black beans, jalapeno and lime as well as Salmon and Raspberry Ginger Sauce with broccoli and zucchini stir-fry.

If you’d rather highlight seasonal ingredients in your meals, but still want to keep things relatively low-cal, consider incorporating winter vegetables like beets, brussels sprouts, kale, sweet potatoes and winter squash. Meals like Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash, Truffled Golden Beet Risotto, Mexican Eggplant Torta, White Bean and Butternut Squash Stew and Greek Zucchini Quesadillas let seasonal winter ingredients shine.

Find more calorie-conscious recipes, here.

Exclusive Home Chef Offer

Take $110 off Home Chef and get fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered to you.

Get Cooking

Under 30 Minutes

On busy weeknights, most people prefer quick and easy dinners. Thankfully, you don’t have to compromise on flavor or nutrition when making a meal in less than half an hour.

Tacos, fajitas and enchiladas are all great vehicles for quick dinners. Smoky Pork Tacos with jalapeño ranch slaw and pico de gallo and stovetop options like Argentinean Steak and Potato Tacos with Chimichurri and Queso Fresco and Pulled Pork Enchilada Skillet with Lime Crema make weeknight dinners easy.

Many tasty pasta dishes are quick, too. Cozy meals like Chicken Thigh Spaghetti Carbonara with Snow Peas, Mushroom and Swiss Beef Cavatappi with Bacon and Green Onions and Italian Sausage Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream and Sweet Corn all take 30 minutes or less to make.

Make life – at least dinnertime – even easier with a meal kit or food delivery service. Home Chef delivers fresh pre-portioned ingredients directly to your door with easy-to-follow recipes that fit your lifestyle. Meals start at just $6.99 per serving and online ordering is simple.

Vegetarian

While protein is an important part of a balanced diet, you don’t need to eat meat every night to get your recommended amount. There are tons of vegetarian dishes packed with a variety of nutrients, big flavors and plant-based protein.

A well-balanced vegetarian diet can boast many health benefits, including “reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Even if you don’t want to go full vegetarian, supplementing a few meals a week with meatless options can help improve your health. Plus, cutting back the amount of meat you consume can be good for the planet, too.

You can get your protein from sources like tofu, quinoa and beans. Tofu is a curd made from soy milk. It, like quinoa, contains all nine essential amino acids while being high in fiber.

Go for tofu-centered meals like a Huli Huli Tofu Rice Bowl with charred pineapple and teriyaki glaze, an Avocado and Tofu Sushi Bowl with carrots, cucumber and spicy mayo or Sweet and Smoky BBQ Tofu Tacos with mexicali slaw and toasted pepitas. When it comes to quinoa, there’s Home Chef’s Cuban-inspired Avocado Black Bean Quinoa Bowl, Quinoa Sweet Potato Burger and Glazed Squash and Quinoa Bowl.

If you feel the winter chills getting to you, reach for a bowl of cozy, filling Butternut Squash Chowder, Sundried Tomato and Kidney Bean Chili, tomato-based Pasta e Fagioli Soup, Baked Double-Cheese Mac or brothy Asian Shiitake Hot Pot.

Discover even more vegetarian recipes, here.

Carb-Conscious

You don’t have to completely eliminate carbs from your diet in order to be healthy either. Carbohydrates give your body energy, so choosing your carbs wisely can go a long way. A carb-conscious diet means incorporating whole grains rather than processed, refined or simple carbs.

When following a carb-conscious diet, go for dishes starring lean proteins like fish, chicken and pork with sides of sautéed or roasted veggies, crunchy slaws and fresh salads. A nice Salmon with Cranberry Chutney and roasted butternut squash, oven-ready Basil Parmesan Chicken with zucchini and grape tomatoes or Pork Tenderloin Marsala with roasted broccoli would all make good choices.

Keep things interesting with some more composed dishes, like Home Chef’s Chipotle-Spiced Pork Tinga Stuffed Peppers with avocado crema and corn, Cozy Chicken and Black Bean Soup with pico de gallo and scallion crema or Sweet Chili Pork Lettuce Wrap with Crispy Rice Noodles – which is also a quick, easy 15 minute meal.

AAA members get $110 off Home Chef in January, February and March. So start 2021 with balanced eats and less stress over dinner and grocery shopping. 

What cozy, balanced winter meals would you like to try? Tell us in the comments. 

From making snow angels to curling up with your favorite book, have some snowy and cozy fun with our winter-themed crossword.

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

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

Have you ever wanted to sleep encased in a room of ice with the temperature hovering at a frosty 20 degrees? 

No? Same. But for those of you who do, you’ll be happy to know that from now through April 11, the Icehotel Sweden is offering up 18 specially designed Art Suites, where you can spend the night swaddled in subzero sleeping bags and surrounded by crystalline ice art designed by artists from around the globe.  

For the past 30 years, the Icehotel – located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 125 miles above the Arctic Circle – has catered to guests who crave cold adventure with two hotels, a restaurant, an ice bar, spa facilities and outdoor activities like snowmobiling and sled dog rides. There’s even a year-round hotel with cold and warm rooms for those (me!) who want a more traditional vacation experience.

 

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For those who can’t visit right now – which, honestly, is most of us – check out our gallery or visit the Icehotel’s Instagram account, where you can check out the Art Suites with the help of some enhanced AI. 

Craving your own Scandinavian getaway? Check out our new Complete Scandinavia tour!

If you’re a Massachusetts resident that wants to buy a new gas-powered car, the clock is ticking. The state has announced its plans to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

It is the first state to follow California, which announced the same policy in September. Several Europeans countries have already instituted a similar initiative.

The policy is part of the state’s plan to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Light-duty vehicles (passenger cars) are responsible for roughly 27% of statewide emissions.

The state believes it needs to intervene for electric vehicles (EVs) to become more widely adapted. It claims that without market intervention, there will be fewer than 500,000 EVs in the state by 2030. But reducing emissions 45% below 1990 levels would require twice as many EVs. (The state’s Net Zero plan specifies an even more ambitious plan of reducing at least 85% of gross emissions, or 90% below 1990 levels by 2050 statewide.)

The state notes that as of today, EVs are not as accessible as traditional cars because of their price point. This problem should be mitigated in the coming years. As technology improves, they will become more readily available and prices drop. In fact, a recent report claimed that with battery pack prices continuing to fall, automakers should be able to sell mass market EVs at the same price as comparable gas-powered vehicles as soon as 2023.

Massachusetts also rightly acknowledges that it needs to invest in EV charging infrastructure. Most EV owners charge their cars at home, but those living in apartments or multi-family homes likely won’t have access to a charging source at home and will need to rely on public charging stations.

Given an average vehicle lifetime of less than 15 years, implementing this regulation would likely result in a near complete transition of passengers cars from gas-powered to electric by 2050. Of course, the rule only applies to new cars. Used gas-powered vehicles will still be available for purchase.

California and Massachusetts may not be alone for long. In an October report by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Governor Phil Murphy’s administration recommended that by 2035, all new cars sold be zero emissions. Furthermore, President-elect Joe Biden has signaled his push for cleaner transportation. His list of Day One Executive Actions includes, “developing rigorous new fuel economy standards aimed at ensuring 100% of new sales for light- and medium-duty vehicles will be electrified.” And in year one, his administration will support the deployment of 500,000 new public charging stations and restore the full electric vehicle tax credit.

Regardless of what you think of these particular policies, the benefits of a complete shift to EVs is undeniable. Massachusetts estimates that if fully implemented, by 2050 the policy will prevent 27 deaths and 1,700 missed days of work (due to cardiovascular and respiratory illness), save $295 million in health costs and create nearly 4,000 jobs to support vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure.

What do you think of this policy? Are you excited about the future of electric vehicles? Let us know in the comments.

Visit AAA’s Electric Vehicle platform for more information on these cars of the future.

Podcasting is often seen as a particularly male pastime, but many of the best podcasts out there are created and hosted by women. For a long time, my podcast feed consisted solely of the genre “two women talk to each other about nothing in particular.” If you’re looking for a new podcast featuring smart, funny women, try one of these girl power podcasts.

True, most of the hosts of these podcasts would chafe at the term “girl power,” but there’s no better word to describe how I feel when I listen to them. These great girl power podcasts get me rearing to go outside and conquer the world.

Call Your Girlfriend

Long-distance BFFs Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman host “Call Your Girlfriend,” a podcast about the intersection of the personal and the political. They talk about feminism, pop culture, politics, bodies and more. “Call Your Girlfriend” invites you into the warm embrace of a truly special friendship, but don’t doubt its feminist cred. Sow and Friedman coined the massively-popular term “shine theory,” and they host biweekly interviews with their “sheroes” and feminist icons.

Recommended episodes: Seeking Justice, Be a Good Ancestor with Stacey Abrams, Give People Money, Alive With Rage in Q3, Friendship Dilemmas

2 Dope Queens

I’ve already recommended this show in the context of the best comedy podcasts, but this list would not be complete without “2 Dope Queens.” Comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams host this live comedy show, populated by stand-up comedians ranging from “I can’t believe I haven’t heard of them before” to “I can’t believe THEY came to the show!” Though Robinson and Williams simply function as the emcees, their comedic back-and-forth is so compelling that you wish they’d stay on stage for the entire show.

Recommended episodes: #49 Karaoke with Michelle Obama, #45 Tig Notaro Gives the Best Advice, #34 Sleepover Accidents, #19 Things Remembered, #15 Hamilton Adjacent

Sooo Many White Guys

“Sooo Many White Guys” is another podcast starring Phoebe Robinson! Robinson interviews subjects who aren’t “white guys” (most of the time). In doing so, she centers the stories of marginalized creators and artists. It’s also really funny.

Recommended episodes: #35 Phoebe and Hannibal Buress are Huge in Norway, #28 Phoebe and Awkwafina Get Matching Tattoos, #18 Phoebe and Abbi Jacobson Order Takeout, #8 Phoebe and Roxane Gay Toast to the Good Life

She’s All Fat

“She’s All Fat” is one of the most joyful body-positive podcasts out there! Hosts April K. Quioh and Sophia Carter-Kahn encourage listeners to “hush those diet-culture whispers” and join them in radical self-love. Quioh and Carter-Kahn are warm, accepting and funny, even when discussing the occasional difficulties of fat girl life. “She’s All Fat” is rife with puns and irreverent jokes about weight, beauty and bodies of all sizes.

Recommended episodes: @ Our Thin Friends, Make it to 2019 Challenge, Fat(suit) Like Me, The Fault in Our Faves, Traveling While Fat, She’s All Fat Goes to the Doctor

The Dream

With just a simple down payment of $1,500, you can change your whole life. Well, not really. That’s just the promise of the multi-level marketing schemes (or MLMs) featured on “The Dream.” Host Jane Marie explores the ins and outs of MLMs and pyramid schemes, specifically how they have targeted women throughout their history. “The Dream” uncovers the way MLMs utilize the language of faux feminism (like “girl boss” and “fempire”) to victimize women on both sides of the transaction. The podcast is almost as addictive as an MLM itself.

Recommended episodes: Listen from beginning to end.

Baby Geniuses

Cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt and comedian Emily Heller are on a mission to know everything! “Baby Geniuses” isn’t really a podcast about feminism, but it is a podcast about two women living their best lives. “Baby Geniuses” recently underwent a significant change, going from a guest-oriented podcast to a podcast that is only about Hanawalt and Heller. They get together, catch up, and then dive into their many segments, including the adventures of Martha Stewart’s fell pony, one-on-one question time and a deep dive into an obscure Wikipedia article. Hanawalt and Heller aren’t afraid of being weird in pursuit of a laugh, like Hanawalt indulging in her obsession with horses or Heller showing up at the Emmys with a “Getty Images” purse.

Recommended episodes: List of Gestures, Goofy, Person, Wikipedia Long Term Abuse, Skunks as Pets, List of U.S. Presidential Campaign Slogans

Do you have any favorite girl power podcasts? Share them with us in the comments below!

Looking for some more podcasts? Check out my Podcast Pulse articles about shows for new listeners, the best comedy podcasts and the best history podcasts. 

For most people, working toward financial security is a daunting task. Maintaining a job and earning a paycheck is a great start, but it’s how you treat your paycheck that ultimately determines your bottom line.

Develop healthy spending habits, invest in savings plans and make the most of your money by making it work for you.

Write Down Your Goals

Taking the initial step is often the hardest part of tackling a new project, especially if your to-do list feels like it’s never-ending. You don’t have to plan out your entire life. However, it’s important to have an idea of your short- and long-term aspirations.

Create a Budget that Supports Your Goals

Develop a weekly, monthly and yearly plan to make sure your budget defines and supports your goals. For example, you will want to set aside a certain amount of money in your budget if you plan on buying a car or a home in five years. The 50-20-30 rule is one way to create a simple budget.

Automate Your Savings

Money saved is worth more than money earned. One of the easiest ways to meet your goals is to set aside a portion of your paycheck automatically through direct deposit. By doing this, it removes the temptation to spend and takes any lack of discipline out of the picture.

Use Sub-Savings Accounts

Placing savings funds into multiple accounts can set you up to save money down the line.

Pay Off Your Debt

In a perfect world, we would all graduate college without debt. Even after paying off student loans, many people continue to struggle to pay down credit card debt. Don’t live a life burdened by debt. Instead, create a payment plan that fits your financial situation.

Leverage Good Debt

Debt is not always bad. Taking on good debt like a mortgage or starting a small business helps to increase your net worth and has lasting value. With the right investments, your debt can become a source of income in the future. Debt is generally considered bad when you are putting money towards something that is depreciating in value.

Review Financial Statements

Erroneous charges happen. Monitoring all transactions is an important step to making wise financial decisions.

Identify Useless Purchases

It’s no secret that we all should be more mindful of what we buy and why. Reducing wasteful spending is the core of restructuring your savings plan. It’s important to identify the areas of spending to trim so you can start sending more of your earnings into an interest-bearing savings account.

Create an Emergency Fund

Life is full of surprises and most people don’t have a ton of cash lying around for when unexpected expenses occur. Creating an emergency fund makes it easier to stick to your budget and reach your financial goals, even with surprise costs. Over time, you can plan towards building a more robust emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of expenses saved.

Start a Retirement Account

Saving goes a long way, especially for your retirement. The earlier you put money in an account, the more you can maximize the compound interest. One of the easiest ways to start saving is if your employer offers you a 401(k) plan. If a 401(k) isn’t available through your job, consider starting an IRA instead.

Invest in a Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a great way to save for retirement and growing your account tax-free.

Leverage Coupons and Promo Deals

Most people fail to make the most of the resources available around them. One way is to take advantage of coupons an discounts as often as possible.

Regular Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Neglecting home or car maintenance can lead to costly repairs. Taking the time to follow your car’s maintenance schedule and paying a little up front can reduce the risk of encountering more costly major issues down the road.

The Best Things in Life Are Free 

Plan in advance to spend less on activities like date nights or going out with friends. There are countless ways to save money by bringing a little creativity into the mix. Catching a free concert in the park or going for bike ride are just a couple of ways to spend time together that won’t cost you a dime.

Dining In

Planning meals at home a week in advance will not only help you save a lot of money on restaurant meals and takeout, it’s also an opportunity to refine your cooking skills. That’s a win-win.

Negotiating

Negotiate whenever the opportunity presents itself. Ask about how you can lower medical bills, insurance or your internet bill. If there’s nothing to lose, why not try to save some extra cash to boost your savings?

Invest in Yourself 

Learn a new language, pick up a new skill or turn your hobby into a part-time business. Continuing to better yourself opens the door for new, exciting and potentially lucrative opportunities.

How do you make the most of your money? Add your tips in the comments. 

Learn how AAA Financial Services can help you reach your money goals. 

Do you like to travel with your pets?

From beaches and dog parks to bars and restaurants with outdoor dining, Florida has plenty of destinations that welcome furry friends. It’s also home to a variety of pet-friendly hotels to rest your weary feet and paws at the end of a busy day.

When you’re ready to travel again, why not enjoy the Sunshine State with your favorite four-legged companion by your side?

Pet-Friendly Beaches

You can enjoy the sun, salt and sand of a number of Florida beaches with your dog in tow.

All beaches in Gulf County – excluding those of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park – are leashed dog-friendly. Off-leash dog beaches include the 2.5-mile Jupiter Beach, Bonita Beach and parts of Davis Islands Dog Beach, which has two fenced-in play areas for dogs and 200 feet of waterfront access.

Public beach access areas at Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches are dog friendly, but your pooch has to be on a leash. Similarly, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island on Florida’s Southwest Coast allow leashed dogs. If you’re in the City of Miami Beach, the only option if you want to bring your dog is Miami Beach’s Bark Beach, located adjacent to North Shore Open Space Park.

Panama City Beach dog playground is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida, while the 22 miles of St. George Island beaches are said to be some of the best in the U.S.

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Restaurants and Bars

Alfresco-style dining is not only relaxing and fun, it often allows you to dine alongside your animal companion. These outdoor restaurants, bars and craft beer pubs are all dog-friendly, with some even featuring a special “yappy hour.”

Find canine-friendly patios at Wine Exchange, Timpano Italian Chophouse and Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery in the Tampa Bay area. In St. Petersburg, there are outdoor sidewalk tables at Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, a full patio at  Bella Brava and outdoor seating at Lucky Dill Deli.

There are many pet-friendly outdoor dining options to find in Orlando, too. For burgers, craft beer and pooch-friendly outdoor seating, there’s Teak Neighborhood Grill. For lunch, dinner, wine and dog-friendly sidewalk tables, consider K Restaurant & Wine Bar. If you’re more of a cat person, there’s the Orlando Cat Cafe, where felines are also available for adoption.

In Naples, you can bring your furry friend on M Waterfront Grille’s veranda and enjoy some bay views, fine dining and live entertainment together. Or, taste the flavors of Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco at Mediterrano’s outdoor tables.

Miami is a pet lover’s dream with plenty of grooming spas, pet boutiques and dog-friendly eateries. You’ll find outdoor patios at Meat Market steakhouse and lounge and GreenStreet Café. There’s also Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, where the James Beard-nominated chef has been known to serve organic dog biscuits to pets in the courtyard.

For a sweet treat, there’s Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, a snack shop with craft sodas, homemade style ice cream and old-fashioned candies for you as well as dog/cat-friendly ice cream pup cups.

Dog Parks

Make your pooch’s tail wag with a visit to a Florida park. Some feature areas of grassy fenced-in fields while others include water features and obstacle courses.

Dog Wood Park in Jacksonville features a 42-acre park, 25 acres of which are completely fenced in. There’s also a two-acre swimming lake, a swimming pond for smaller dogs and plenty of shady areas.

The 23-acre Lake Baldwin Park is roomy, featuring two pavilions, over two dozen picnic tables, benches, a dock and boat ramp. What’s more, dogs can frolic leash-free during certain hours.

Fort De Soto Park Dog Beach and Paw Playground features three acres of fenced-in grassy park space separated for both large and small dogs. Naples Dog Park also features separated spaces for bigger and smaller dogs, along with bag dispensers, washing stations, drinking fountains and a shade structure.

Amelia Earhart Bark Park, located in the Miami area, is over 500 acres with five fenced off areas for dogs. There’s also plenty of fun for pooches thanks to the park’s water fountains, tunnels and other obstacle course-like objects. Find lots of water features at Woofing Waters at Quiet Waters Park.

Barkham at Markham Park in Broward County features three and a half acres, with different areas for large and small dogs (under 25 pounds). Pooches can run off-leash and explore various structures while owners rest under shaded pavilions.

Walking Trails

Canines love a nice, long walk, and there are plenty of great pet-friendly outdoor trails in Florida. Just remember to bring some bug spray and plenty of water for you and your pooch.

Take your dog on a walk you’ll both enjoy at Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve in Tampa. Here you’ll be able to explore 970 acres of beautiful rolling hills, lush oak forests and longleaf pine, via grass and dirt trails. Take both paved and off-road scenic trails through Old Florida to see acres of sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, river swamps and more at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.

There’s also Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway in Tallahassee. This six-mile trail is a favorite of local dog-walkers, mountain bikers, joggers and equestrians. North Bay Trail in St. Petersburg is a paved 6.5-mile trail with great views of the bay, downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks, marinas, wildlife and more. Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale, or “Florida’s Most Beautiful Mile” is another great spot for you and your four-legged friend to get some exercise.

Pet-Friendly Lodging

After a day filled with Florida adventures, you’ll need a place for you and your four-legged friend to rest. Luckily, there are over 1,000 pet-friendly hotels located in the Sunshine State.

Some Ritz-Carlton hotels in Sarasota, Orlando and Miami Beach allow small dogs and cats. Another posh option is the Mandarin Oriental Miami and select Aloft Hotels in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando and Miami.

For more five-star dog-friendly accommodations, there’s AAA Five Diamond Rated Eau Palm Beach, and Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, which welcomes dogs under 20 pounds.

Don’t worry if you have a larger dog; canines of any weight are welcome at Epic Hotel, Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa, Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa and Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, regardless of size and with no extra fees. Mona Kai Vacation Rentals at St. Pete Beach also welcome dogs of all sizes.

For more places to go and things to do with your pet in Florida, VISIT FLORIDA can help. 

Discover pet-friendly destinations wherever you go with this helpful search tool from AAA Travel. 

It’s finally a new year, and it’s time for you to choose a New Year’s resolution. You could set new goals at work, get better at personal hobbies or, perhaps most importantly, improve your personal well-being.

Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or just feel stronger and healthier, it’s a great time to establish good habits, like eating better. Here are a few tips to get you started on making and enjoying meals with nutrition in mind. 

Take Stock

What kinds of foods are you currently eating right now? Are you getting enough (or any) exercise? Go about your day as normal and write down the things you’re eating and doing. This will help you get an idea of where you’re starting from. If the number on the scale is what you’re worried about, this would be the time to weigh yourself and get your starting weight. The important thing at this stage, and the upcoming stages, is not to be too hard on yourself. Slow and steady wins the race, after all.

Call Your Doctor

You should always consult your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise regimen. If your diet causes you pain, exhaustion or discomfort, stop and talk to your doctor about what you’re experiencing. You have to be an advocate for your own body. It can be helpful to keep a journal during this time so that you can track how you’re feeling physically and emotionally.

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Set Goals

One of the most important parts of eating healthy is to set realistic goals and transition slowly. Going from eating normally to a drastic crash diet will likely do more harm than good. If weight loss is your goal, take baby steps. Don’t plan to lose all of the weight in a week or a month – that’s unrealistic and likely dangerous. You’ll do better in the long term if you set a series of small goals for yourself. You can still have sweets and some of your favorite foods, as long as you do so in moderation. Write grocery lists and meals that you can prepare with healthy ingredients – like fresh fruit, vegetables and lean protein.

Meeting with a health or lifestyle coach, like those offered by the Active&Fit Direct™ program, can help you determine what your goals should be for your body. Learn more about lifestyle coaching. 

Cooking and Eating

Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to forgo taste! There are tons of healthy recipes online that are just as yummy as they are nutritious. If you’re not an experienced home chef, now is the time to learn! Cooking for yourself is a great way of ensuring that you’re eating exactly what you want to eat. When you choose the ingredients, you have control over the meal. People who cook at home consume less calories and more nutritious food groups than those who order out. It can also help you get into a routine of thinking more about what you’re putting into your body. Organic ingredients are not a must – but they can make your meal even yummier.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking water is always important. Switching to water instead of sugary sports drinks or sodas can go a long way when you’re trying to eat healthy. You don’t have to force water down your throat if you feel like you’ve had enough, though. And definitely don’t drink water instead of eating a meal. Drink water when you feel like you need to, and you’ll be just fine. Water isn’t for keeping your stomach full or avoiding food – water is for staying hydrated and healthy. Having a cool bottle of water on hand can help you drink more, since you always have it with you. It’s also important to drink water when you’re exercising.

Get Moving

Exercise is a great compliment to healthy eating. You’ll want to eat foods that can help power your body while you’re working out. Exercising also has many similar effects to healthy eating, such as increased energy, stamina and weight loss. The best way to exercise is to find something that you like to do. That way, it’s more of a hobby than a chore.

The Active&Fit Direct program offers digital workouts in categories like cardio, strength, dance, martial arts, mind/body, high intensity interval training and cycling. Try out a bunch of different exercise regimens and see which ones you like best. The best type of exercise is one you’re actually going to do. Try going on long walks, bike rides and runs around your neighborhood. And when gyms open back up again, the Active&Fit Direct program is partnered with over 11,000 fitness centers around the country. That’s a lot of different classes for you to choose from.

Stick to It

So you’ve briefly fallen off the wagon and eaten a cheesecake. So what? The important thing is that you don’t give up. Healthy eating doesn’t mean that every single thing you eat has to be perfect. It means that you’re trying to take care of your body in the long term. Don’t beat yourself up about small things, when what really matters is the big picture. As long as most of the things you eat are healthy and nutritious, you can have a piece of birthday cake once in a while. 45 million Americans go on diets each year, but it’s unclear how many actually stick with them. Small changes over a longer period of time will be more meaningful than big changes that are quickly discarded or forgotten.

Be Good to Yourself

A lot of fad diets encourage beating yourself up, or feeling unsatisfied with your body. But that’s no way to live. You want to eat healthy for a long time, not just until swimsuit season. Try to frame this resolution as a way that you can pamper yourself – only the best for your body! You and your body have already been through so many things together. It deserves a good, home-cooked meal.

Find out how unlimited lifestyle coaching with the Active&Fit Direct program can help with diet, nutrition and more.

What are your favorite healthy foods? Let us know in the comments below! 

The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logo(s) are trademarks of ASH and used with permission herein. Not all services may be available in all areas and the program may be changed (including monthly and enrollment fees and/or the introductory period) or discontinued at anytime.

It costs $279 more to own a car than it did just last year. According to new AAA research, the true annual costs of new vehicle ownership rose 5% in 2019 to $9,561. That’s the highest cost since AAA began tracking expenses in 1950.

COVID-19 has had several effects on the car-buying market. First, of course, is an overall drop in sales due to a number of economic factors. Then there is the issue of inventory, which is limited due to many car manufacturers halting vehicle production in order to switch to manufacturing ventilators and/or adjusting to consumer demand. As a result, dealerships are not offering as many price incentives as they normally would stimulate sales. In fact, the price of a new car has increased.

While many consumers focus on the sticker price, there are many other costs associated with new car ownership to consider. The new figures come from “Your Driving Costs,” which reviews nine categories of vehicles to determine the average annual operating and ownership costs of each. AAA focuses on top-selling, mid-priced models and compares them across six expense categories: fuel prices; maintenance/repair/tire costs; insurance rates; license/registration/taxes; depreciation; and finance charges. Of the six categories, only fuel price and financing dropped in cost from last year.

Depreciation, a measure of how quickly a car loses value, continues to be the biggest expense of owning a new car, especially as sticker prices continue to increase. On average, it accounts for 39% of the total costs for a new car. AAA’s Your Driving Costs found that in 2020, depreciation was up 12% over last year.

Other key findings in this year’s “Your Driving Costs” study include:

• Pickup trucks had the highest overall driving costs while small sedans had the lowest
• Medium SUVs had the highest maintenance and repair costs while electric vehicles had the lowest
• By percentage, the category with the largest increase was license/registration/taxes. It rose 13% to a price of $851 per year.

To learn more, determine your own costs, and download the 2020 “Your Driving Cost” brochure, go to AAA.com/YourDrivingCosts.

For more information on the car-buying process, visit AAA.com/AutoBuying, a comprehensive resource that can help make the process more manageable.

In an era ruled by technology and innovation, it’s easier than ever to live comfortably in your own energy-efficient home. Making a few simple changes will not only benefit your wallet, but can result in a positive cultural and ecological impact for years to come.

Sealing Your Home

Taking the time to insulate and properly seal the hidden air leaks in your home is an effective way to cut costs and create a healthier environment. To maximize home efficiency, seal all the gaps where air can leak in or out, including gaps around doors, windows, vents and more.

Door Sweep

Weatherproofing your home can save you up to 20% of your heating costs. Doors leading from the house to the garage are often not well-sealed. Installing a door sweep to seal the gap is one way to winterize your home that will help prevent air from coming in and out of your home. Stopping this air flow will keep heated indoor living spaces more comfortable and prevent an increase in your energy bills.

Attic Ventilation

Improve your home’s total comfort and energy effectiveness by sealing areas in your attic, one of the most prone spots for air leaks. According to Energy Star, best known for its symbol helping consumers easily identify energy-efficient products, “proper ventilation of the attic with natural air flow keeps the roof deck cool and dry, extending the life of roof shingles and preventing ice dams without using the energy needed to run an attic vent fan. Be sure attic soffit vents and gable vents are not blocked so air flows freely through them.”

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Check Ducts

Checking for holes in your ducts can significantly affect your heating and cooling systems. Look for holes, tears and other signs of leaking ducts and seal them using mastic or metal tape. In typical houses, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts, according to Energy Star. Learn how to improve your home’s duct system.

Light Bulb Replacements

On simple upgrade for a more energy-efficient home is to replace light fixtures and traditional incandescent bulbs.  While compact fluorescent lights and LEDs are more expensive, their efficiency and longevity cost you less down the road.

Turn Off the Light

What’s easier than flipping a light switch? A 75-watt light bulb left on for a few hours a day can total roughly two percent of your monthly electricity bill. Get in the habit off always turning off the lights when leaving a room.

Outlets

Just like light switches, always remember to unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use.

Decrease Water Usage

We often forget how big of a role water plays in our lives. The Environmental Protection Agency recently reported that the average American family uses 300 gallons of water each day. So what can you do? Do little things to cut costs like not letting water run when it is not necessary and scraping dishes instead of rinsing them before loading in the dishwasher. Wait until there is a full load before running your dishwasher and use the air-dry option if available. According to Petro’s energy savings tips, you can use nearly 5,000 more gallons of water a year if you hand wash your dishes. Let dishes air dry to save even more energy.

Home Office Efficiency 

While working from home saves time and money on commuting, it can increase home energy bills. Cut costs by utilizing the power save options built into your devices’ settings.

Air Conditioner Installation

In the market to invest in a new AC system? Keep an energy-efficient home by installing Energy Star-certified units. And just like windows, doors and skylights, have ductless and central air installed by a trained professional. When using your AC system, utilize programmable thermostats for better temperature control and energy conservation.

Replace Air Filters

Old air filters can restrict airflow and cause your home’s heating or cooling system to run longer and waste energy.

Home Heating Systems

Consider turning down the thermostat when you don’t need the heat. Adding insulation and sealing up air leaks will help preserve the heat in your home. Once the time comes to replace your heating system, look for high-efficiency equipment. While the energy-efficient equipment may cost more upfront, the long-term savings in energy and maintenance are worth the investment.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Drafty windows are dangerous for your energy bill. During the winter months, Energy Star recommends replacing your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors that leak air. With proper installation and sealing, your new windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts and reduce fading of interior furnishings. And as the seasons change, also be sure to insulate window units with tight-fitting AC covers, which will prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping.

By taking simple measures and adjusting your day-to-day behaviors and habits, you can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Take the first step to save energy and cut costs by calling Petro. AAA members who sign up as a new customer with Petro Home Services can receive special offers including $200 off any new heating or AC system. Learn more. 

How do you maintain a more energy-efficient home? Share your tips in the comments. 

After almost an entire year of social distancing, being stuck inside will feel especially boring and tiresome this winter. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t grab a bit of sunshine and fresh air. Use any opportunity to bundle up, grab a thermos of hot cocoa or cider and get outside! You may even consider investing in an outdoor heating option.

From patio heaters and hot tubs to outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, you can enjoy outdoor living this winter with a little ingenuity. See how you can start entertaining outside thanks to the warmth of outdoor heating.

Have Fun in the Snow

Northeasterners know the look and feel of quality packing snow. Take advantage of sculptable precipitation to build a snow fort, a colony of snow people or make things interesting by holding a snowman building competition. Use old clothes, the classic carrot and buttons/coal or food coloring to give your snowperson plenty of personality.

When you start to feel chilly, serve up some hot cocoa and warm up near a patio heater or fire pit. When the snow sculpting fun is over, follow up with a snowball fight to really help yourself feel like a kid again.

Roast Marshmallows

It’s never the wrong time for a s’more. This iconic treat is normally synonymous with summer, but it also pairs well with a mug of hot chocolate. Build a bonfire or use a grill, outdoor fireplace or fire pit to stay warm while you toast marshmallows in the middle of winter. Drop a few roasted marshmallows into your hot cocoa to add some smoky flavor.

If wood-burning is not your style, a propane fire pit or fireplace is a safer, cleaner and smokeless option. Petro Home Services can help with all your propane needs.

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Going Bird/Animal Watching

Although some birds migrate south for the winter, there are still plenty of species that stick around through the chilly season. The lack of foliage in winter makes bird watching easier, so now is the perfect time to start.

Spotting cardinals is especially easy thanks to their bright red coloring, but setting out birdfeeders can help draw more birds to your lawn. To get the kids involved, have them make homemade birdfeeders. Depending on where you live and the time of year, you may be able to see other critters, like squirrels, chipmunks and deer, as well.

Taking Wintertime Photography

From icicles and frozen lakes to blanketed tress and falling snow, the Northeast is absolutely stunning during the winter. Make the most of this picturesque season by heading outside to take some photos.

After a fresh snowfall, see what natural beauty you can find in your own backyard. Whether you choose to use a smart device or a more traditional camera to take pictures, your fingers are sure to get cold after a while. Thaw your digits for a bit by stuffing your pockets with hand warmers or heading over to your outdoor fireplace or fire pit and get back to snapping pics in no time.

Enjoy a Winter Pool Party

Summer is probably the season that comes to mind when you think of swimming, but with propane-heated pools and hot tubs, you can extend the available months to swim and soak. Propane heaters are smaller compared to their electric counterparts, and they heat up water much more quickly.

There’s nothing like relaxing in a warm, bubbly hot tub while you watch some wintery snow fall. Feel like the king or queen of your snow-covered castle with an outdoor, heated bathing option and make spending time outside during the winter a truly comforting experience.

Going Stargazing

The bare trees and clear night skies associated with the winter make the perfect conditions for stargazing, and there will be a variety of stellar activity to look out for this winter season.

When stargazing this year, stay warm with a patio heater or head out to the lawn, lay down a blanket and keep cozy with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.

DIY Winter Festival

With outdoors being the safer alternative to indoor gatherings, propane patio heaters are a growing trend. So string up some lights, crank up the outdoor heaters and throw a DIY winter festival in your own backyard. Make a holiday playlist and prepare festive snacks and drinks.

For festival activities, you can play games, build gingerbread houses and make crafts. Invite a few local friends or family members to make your festival feel more authentic.

Whether you prefer spirited wintertime fun or more peaceful seasonal activities, you can stay cozy while spending time outside this winter season. From bundling up and sipping warm beverages to investing in outdoor heating, there’s no need to be stuck inside this winter season.

Petro Home Services offers a variety of outdoor heating services for propane patio heaters, hot tubs, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and more. Best of all, they will schedule you for regular propane deliveries so that you never run out.

Will you be entertaining outside this winter season? Tell us in the comments below.  

More and more people are turning to a snow blower for their snow maintenance needs. Using a snow blower is fast, efficient and doesn’t require as much effort as shoveling, so it’s no wonder that this technology is being embraced by consumers. Whether you’ll be purchasing a new snow blower this winter, or you just want to take better care of your machine, this guide will give you a helpful overview.

The Benefits of an Electric Snow Blower

There are two main types of snow blowers: electric-powered and gas-powered. Electric snow blowers are meant for light snow removal. These are either plugged directly into an outlet with a cold weather extension cord or powered by a battery. These models are a lot lighter to carry than gas snow blowers, and are best for small properties where snow removal is minimal. Electric snow blowers are perfect for seniors and others who can’t carry larger models. They’re best for areas that don’t get a ton of snowfall, so if you plan on clearing out a foot of snow this winter, you might want to choose a different model.

The Benefits of a Gas Snow Blower

Single-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

Gas snow blowers are divided into three types: single-stage, dual-stage and three-stage. Single-stage blowers are ideal for moderate snow and can take care of most accumulations up to 8 inches. But make sure you don’t use a single-stage on gravel surfaces; since it touches the ground when throwing snow, it’ll shoot out bits of gravel on contact.

Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

If you expect heavier snowfall or live on a large property, a dual-stage model is your best bet; these snow blowers are great for managing snowfall of a foot and higher. You can even use them to clear out ice and heavy, wet snow. If you have a large gravel or concrete driveway you need to clear, or live in area with high average snowfall, this kind of model is a great pick.

Invest in a more powerful model like this if you have a lot of hilly terrain to work with, as this is a lot tougher to manage than snow flat on the ground. And if you’re going to be making a lot of wide turns with your snow blower, you might want to look for a model with power steering.

Three-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

Finally, three-stage snow blowers are meant for the heaviest snow accumulations. Chances are you won’t need to invest in a three-stage model unless you work in commercial snow removal, or if your area is prone to extremely heavy winter storms. With each stage, the models become a little more expensive, so choose the snow blower you think you’ll need. Many electric snow blowers will do the trick if you have a small yard, so do some research before purchasing your machine and read about the recommended uses for each model.

Changing the Oil in Your Snow Blower

If you decide to purchase a gas snow blower, you need to remember to change the oil every so often. Make sure to read the instruction manual to see how much oil is recommended for your model, and be sure to double check for any leaks. If you’d rather not worry about replacing the oil and want easier maintenance, consider an electric snow blower.

Essential Snow Blower Maintenance

Aside from replacing the oil, there are a number of parts on your snow blower that will wear down over time and need to be inspected. It’s essential to check your shear pins, which connect the gear case to the auger, to note if they’re missing or broken. You should have a few spare sets of these lying around, just in case they break mid-season. When installing new shear pins, make sure you’re using exact replacements or it could cause damage to the machine.

You’ll also want to inspect your scraper bars and skid shoes; these will wear down as the winter season goes on, so they will need to be replaced as needed to keep the machine functioning properly. The belts are another area you want to keep a close eye on. If you see heavy wear and tear on one of the belts, remove it and replace with a new part, being sure to maintain the same placement.

Storing Your Snow Blower

It’s important to make sure you store your snow blower properly. Because you’ll use it so often in the winter, you might consider leaving it outside. However, you may have trouble starting it if it’s constantly exposed to frigid temperatures. Your best bet is to leave it in your garage where it won’t be too exposed to the elements.

Learn about homeowners and condo insurance from AAA.

Got a great snow blower maintenance tip? Leave it in our comment section.