Beating Broke

How to Find Repossessed Cars for Dirt Cheap (Without Getting Scammed)

March 20, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Are you looking to buy a car on a budget? Finding repossessed cars usually priced below market value can be a smart money move. Banks, credit unions, or government agencies that reclaim vehicles due to missed payments are usually looking to sell quickly and for a discounted price to recoup costs. This can be a great opportunity for buyers. However, navigating this market can be tricky if you don’t know where to look or how to protect yourself. So, how do you avoid scams and find the best deal? Here we’ll share how to find repossessed cars without getting ripped off.

How to Find Repossessed Cars

Finding repossessed cars isn’t difficult, but avoiding scams is paramount. It’s easier than ever to find a great deal because of the rise of third-party sellers and online auctions, but not all sources are reliable. For example, scammers try to lure buyers with prices that seem too good to be true or misrepresent a vehicle’s condition. To protect yourself, stick to reputable platforms and verified sellers. Here are a few options to consider.

1. Auctions

Government, bank, and police auctions are a good place to start when looking for repossessed cars. These entities are eager to sell off cars at a discounted price to recover their losses quickly. You can call your local bank and ask about upcoming auctions. You also can check sites like GovDeals and Auto Auction Mall for listings.

2. Online Repossession Platforms

Dedicated sites offer listings of repossessed cars from banks and lenders. These platforms allow you to browse, bid, and purchase repossessed cars from anywhere. Make sure you visit verified platforms like RepoFinder, AutoBidMaster, or Copart. These platforms provide vehicle history reports, condition details, and photos. Make sure to read the fine print before placing a bid and understand things like buyer fees.

3. Licensed Auto Brokers

Brokers have access to exclusive auctions and handle the process for you. They have access to exclusive repossessed car inventories and can help you find, inspect, and purchase vehicles at lower prices. This can save you time, money, and ensure legal compliance. Make sure to search for reputable auto brokers with positive customer reviews and the necessary licensing. You also should understand their commission structure. Most brokers charge a flat fee or a percentage of the purchase price.

How to Avoid Scams

When you’ve found a car that you’re interested in, you should continue to do your research to make sure that you avoid scams. First, research the seller and make sure that the platform or institution is verified and reputable. Next, you’ll want to inspect the car and arrange for a pre-purchase inspection if possible. You also can shop with someone with auto knowledge who can look over the car. You’ll also want to check the title and make sure it is clean. You’ll want to avoid any cars marked as salvage. Lastly, avoid any too good to be true deals. Scammers usually lure buyers with unrealistically low prices.

Have you purchased a repossessed car? How did you find it? Let us know about your experience.

The Lazy Person’s Guide to a Wealth Creation Plan That Works

Can’t Afford Therapy? 6 Affordable Mental Health Options Without Insurance

March 18, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a therapist, but don’t have insurance, you may be wondering, “How much is mental health therapy without insurance?” Without insurance, therapy can cost you hundreds of dollars per session. Additionally, some therapists don’t take insurance and are entirely self-pay. If you can’t afford therapy, there are still options available to you to get the mental health services you need. Here are 6 affordable alternatives if you don’t have insurance.

1. Sliding Scale Therapists

Some therapists will offer a sliding scale based on your financial situation if you don’t have insurance. These sessions can range anywhere from $30 to over $100 per session depending on your income. Fees and sliding scales vary by provider, but some therapists may offer payment flexibility. You can use sites like Psychology Today to find therapists that offer a sliding scale.

2. Online Therapists

Another option for mental health therapy without insurance is to use online platforms like BetterHelp or Open Path Therapy. These platforms usually charge a weekly or monthly fee for therapy and vary depending on how many sessions you require. Many therapy platforms also offer financial assistance if you can’t afford the fees. There are also several self-help apps that you may find beneficial like Calm that can help you with relaxation techniques, guided meditations, and more.

3. Community Clinics

Community Mental Health Centers are publicly funded clinics that often offer low-cost or free mental health services. These centers provide care to everyone regardless of your ability to pay. To find a health center near you, use the HRSA Find a Health Center Tool

4. Support Groups

Support groups are often free of charge and a wide variety of options are available based on your needs. You can find peer-led groups with national organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), and Mental Health America (MHA). Your local places of worship and community centers often host free support groups as well.

5. Hotlines

If you are in need of immediate assistance and don’t have health insurance, you can utilize free mental health hotlines. Crisis hotlines like 988 or text services like Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) provide free, confidential support 24/7.

6. Employee Assistance Programs

Your employer may provide mental health programs. These often include free, confidential counseling sessions. These sessions are usually short-term and have a limit on how many sessions you can have. If long-term therapy is required your EAP may be able to make referrals for low-cost options.

How Much Will You Pay?

In summary, how much is mental health therapy without insurance? This all depends on the provider, your finances, and the resources available to you in your community. However, there are options available to you that will fit your budget and get you the help you are seeking.

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The Lazy Person’s Guide to a Wealth Creation Plan That Works

March 13, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Planning your financial future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. What if you could create a wealth creation plan quickly and easily? With these practical hacks, you’ll have a clear financial roadmap in no time. Here’s everything you need to know to build a plan that works.

What is a Wealth Creation Plan?

A wealth creation plan is a strategic plan detailing how you intend to grow and manage your financial resources over time. It outlines how to earn, save, invest, and protect your wealth to achieve financial security and long-term goals. While this may seem like a lot to include, there are several shortcuts you can take when creating your plan.

What Are The Steps to Making a Wealth Creation Plan?

Using these steps you can easily create a wealth plan that works:

Analyze Your Current Situation: In this section of your wealth plan, you should calculate your net worth, income, and expenses.
Define Your Goals: You should include your goals in your wealth creation plan including short-term, medium, and long-term goals. This should include milestones like homeownership and retirement, for example.
Determine Your Income Growth Strategy: Your income strategy should include all the ways you intend to bring in and generate money such as investments, salary, or business ventures.
Define How You Will Save and Budget: Come up with a budget and saving strategy that will work for your current situation.
Detail Your Investment Plan: Here you should outline what kind of investments you will pursue.
Outline Risk Management: Risk management includes your emergency fund, insurance, and diversified investments.
Create a Monitoring and Adjustment Strategy: Different phases of life may call for your wealth plan to be adjusted. Your plan should outline how often you will review your progress, rebalance investments, and include new goals.
Include a Legacy Plan: As far as legacy planning, this includes your will and estate plan.

How to Make Creating a Wealth Plan Easier

Use Templates

When creating your actual plan, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s perfectly acceptable to use ChatGPT to create a template. Some AI is geared toward helping you create a financial plan. If you’re short on time, this easy hack can make creating a wealth plan very easy.

Get The Help of a Financial Advisor

If your money is a little more complex, enlisting the help of a financial advisor can be beneficial. They can help you understand your finances, create your wealth plan, and work toward goals. Plus, hiring a financial advisor can save you significant time and energy.

Do you have a wealth creation plan? What does it include?

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