Benefits of Motorcycle Ownership

The thought of owning their own motorcycle in sufficient reason to buy one for many enthusiasts. But the simple desire to have your own motorcycle is far from the only reason to get one. If you want to own your own motor bike, but can’t quite justify it to yourself (or to your spouse), read on for defensible benefits to having one that might just push you over your decision making standstill.

No matter if you are going to purchase one that is new or even and older model, these bikes will cost a lot less than buying any automobile. In so many cases, depending on the age and the quality, you shall discover that the price of a motor bike will cost about half the price that you will pay for almost any type of car. This can be one benefit in itself as you will never need to spend thousands of dollars like you would buying a car or any other vehicle.

As most of us are aware the cost of fuel is quite high and still rising. But by driving this type of motor bike you will be able to save a whole lot more money with fueling the bike than it would filling up the gas tank in any kind of car, van or any other kind of vehicle. Of course mileage varies depending on the type and size of the bike and where you ride – out on the highway or in a city with a lot of stops. On average, though, motorcycles will get somewhere between 30 and 60 miles per gallon.

Because of its smaller engine, motorcycles produce significantly lower carbon emissions and use less oil than other larger vehicles like cars and trucks. You’ll ride the open road, the wind in your face, knowing that you’re doing your part to clean the air and reduce greenhouse gasses while having a grand old time on your bike.

You’ll also find that motorbike insurance doesn’t cost as much as car insurance. Good drivers with clean driving records typically find that motorcycle insurance costs a few hundred dollars a year. Compare motorcycle insurance costs with car insurance, which often runs close to a thousand a year.

Maintenance and repair costs tend to be a little lower than on a car, mostly because the parts are usually smaller and less expensive. If you really want to save money, you might think about handling the maintenance yourself. You can take a motorcycle repair class at the local community college. If you do repairs yourself, it can save you a lot of money. Even if you choose to have a professional do repairs for you, you’ll know how difficult a repair is and be in a better position to pay less.

Riding along the roads can sure be a beautiful way of viewing the scenery as there will never be anything blocking your view. It’s also fun and romantic to ride your motorcycle with that special someone, their arms wrapped around you, enjoying the open road.

Motorcycle enthusiasts like to get together for afternoon rides, long road trips and socializing at local hangouts. Joining a club can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Do your research about motorcycle insurance before you buy a bike. The type of cycle you buy can greatly impact your ability to get affordable motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance rates will also depend heavily on your driving record.

Shopping For A Checking Account

If you are thinking of opening a new checking account, the first thing you need to know is that they’re not all alike. Most people just assume that a checking account is a checking account. They do not take the time to analyze them to understand the terms which are available so to get the best deal possible. Even though all these kinds of accounts do work alike, the terms that are offered through the banks and credit unions will vary. Here is what to look for in a checking account.

In many cases people assume that all checking accounts are equal and will go ahead and open an account that may not even be in the best interest to them at all. You can avoid future disappointments by taking a little time to think over how you use your checking account and what features are available.

Writing down a list of the things that you would like to have with your account just might save you aggravation and money in the future. Here are a few of the more common features, some of which you may want and some of which you definitely won’t want.

Most banks and credit unions have a stated policy regarding holding funds deposited by check. For example, you might deposit a local check into your account. Your bank might put a hold on the funds, or a portion of the funds, for three business days. But if you deposit a check from a foreign bank, your bank might put a seven day hold on the funds. If you don’t need access to your funds immediately, you probably don’t mind this. But if you regularly deposit funds and need access to them right away, this practice could present a problem, especially if your deposits come from out of state banks. This would be the case if you process checks from customers and need the funds fairly quickly for payroll or other time sensitive expenses.

So long before you make a decision to open up this kind of account, be sure to take the time to learn all of the policies of the bank in regard to the holding of checks and do arrange for a no hold checks from the employers, pension payments, investment money, etc. If the bank rejects to offer any guarantee you these accommodations, then perhaps it is time for you to consider finding yourself another financial institution to have your account with.

Minimum balance requirements are important too, depending on how much you regularly keep in your account. If you are able to, you might consider an account with a fairly high minimum balance requirement. These type of accounts often offer interest on your balance. But be careful. If you drop below the minimum balance even once, all your interest earnings could be wiped out. Another thing to consider is will you be able to get any over draft protection. This means that if you write a check for more than the balance available in your checking account, your bank will cover it. In essence, it’s an unsecured short term loan for the shortfall.

If you’re looking for a new checking account, don’t just go to the same bank you’ve always used, assuming that all checking accounts are the same. There are many differences in features and fees between one bank and the next. So never assume that they are all the same and if you are not at all comfortable with the term of your account, then look for a financial institution that offers a better arrangement that you can be quite satisfied with having in regard to a checking account.

Find internet checking accounts and learn about their features online. If you have kids, you’ll be interested in children’s bank accounts as well.