Some people love cars and they are happy to spend a lot of money on them. Other people, prefer to spend their money on other things and if you are one of those people, this is for you. Do these four things and you will have a lot more money to spend on things you care about.

1. Shop within Your Budget

One big mistake consumers make all the time is leasing or financing a car that is outside a reasonable monthly payment. Maxing out your paycheck with all of your bills is not a fun way to spend every month and it can get very stressful, very fast. Leases or finance payments are not very “temporary” -- two or three years is a long time to struggle to make payments. It’s much better to have a monthly payment that will allow you wiggle room for unexpected expenses and to put money into savings every month.

2. Take Care of Your Vehicle

No matter the type of car you have, you are going to do yourself a huge favor if you take care of it. Oil changes, checking your tire pressure and regular inspections are so easy to do and they are way more affordable than a huge repair bill for a problem that could have been a quick fix. Not caring for your car or fixing repairs is a much more expensive than regular maintenance.

Taking care of the exterior and interior of your car is important, too. Stains, dents and tears on seats will all cost you when you return your lease or try to sell the car. You should set aside some time every month to spot clean stains, vacuum your interior, wipe down leather surfaces and get a car wash.

3. Drive Safe to Avoid Accidents and Citations

Reckless driving is not only a safety hazard, but it is also bad for your bank account. Traffic tickets and car accidents are expensive and they often lead to an increase in your car insurance premium, so it’s not just a one time payment.

4. If You Get a Ticket, Pay It Sooner than Later

Not paying for a ticket before its due date is a huge waste of money. Parking tickets and traffic citations are already expensive and a waste of money, but they often double in price if not paid for by the due date. It’s just not worth it.

5. Park Smart

Seriously, don’t risk where you park your car. Parking tickets or getting towed can be really expensive. Take the time to park in a spot that isn’t risky. If you know there isn’t going to be any parking near your destination and you will be tempted to park somewhere that you are unsure of, take an Uber pool and save yourself the stress and time of looking for a parking spot and the waste of money from a ticket or tow.

6. Fuel Efficiency

If you are on the market for a new car, there is no reason fuel efficiency shouldn’t be on your list. That doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to a hybrid or a PHEV, but it means consider choosing a car that isn’t one of the worst in fuel costs in its class.

7. Buy Online with NowCar

Unlike traditional dealerships, NowCar doesn’t have hidden fees and we are able to offer competitive prices because we don’t have to cover the costs associated with a typical dealership. Oh, and you won’t pay a dollar for free delivery.