Programs That Can Help Veterans Afford a Car
Transitioning back to civilian life is often a hard process. You may need to find a place to live, a place to work and struggle to adjust to a new routine. One thing that would make your life easier was if you had a reliable form of transportation. Luckily, there are some great veteran benefits programs out there that can make it easier for veterans to afford a car.
Veteran’s Affairs Automobile Allowance
If you were injured during your service, the first place you should contact is your local VA office. Through their Automobile Allowance program, you may be given money to get a car, so that you don’t have to pay any out of pocket expenses. As of October 2016, you can receive up to $20,235 for purchasing a car – an amount that will help you afford a very reliable new car. Qualifying injuries for this program include the loss of a hand or foot, burn injuries, or vision impairment. If you’re unsure if your disability qualifies you for the program, the best thing you can do is reach out to your VA office.
Progressive’s Keys to Progress
Another great program is run by Progressive, called Keys to Progress. Through this program, Progressive has donated more than 700 vehicles to veterans and veteran organizations. Every November, Progressive hosts a large one-day event in which they give away cars. Progressive begins reviewing applications for anyone wanting a car beginning in May, so if you’re interested in applying, you can learn more about the program here, including the eligibility requirements.
Navy Federal Credit Union
When you want to buy a car, this typically means taking out a loan. If you do this through a bank, you may face some heavy interest rates that can make the car hard to afford. Often, a better option is to go through a credit union. Credit unions are like banks, except the members are the owners. Credit unions typically have a requirement for joining, such as living in a certain area or having a certain type of job. If you’re a veteran though, you can join the Navy Federal Credit Union. Through this organization, you can obtain a low-interest auto loan, along with some great other benefits.
United Services Automobile Association
Part of owning a car is paying the insurance on it, which is yet another expense. Veterans should look to the United Services Automobile Association, as they can help you get affordable car insurance. On top of that, they can even help you get a car loan if you need it, and find you various discounts from car manufacturers. This is a great service to turn to for all your car buying needs.
Private Lenders
Speaking of discounts, many private lenders offer discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. When shopping for a car, you should check out the fine print. You may notice several discounts available for veterans, which will significantly lower the price of the car. If you don’t see any discounts listed on their website, it doesn’t hurt to ask a sales representative if they have anything available.
In addition to discounts, some private lenders also offer help in other ways. They may accept lower credit ratings, offer a lower interest rate on the auto loan, or even require less of a down payment. Each of these can help veterans afford their next car purchase, so talk to the lender to see what they can do for you.
However, you should also be a little wary of private seller discounts. You should always investigate each discount thoroughly before accepting it – you never know who might be trying to scam you.
Extended Warranties
Finally, you should consider getting an extended warranty on your car. These are particularly useful for veterans who might not have enough money saved up to pay for a sudden car expense. An extended warranty will cover things like mechanical breakdowns after the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Finding an extended warranty is easy, just search online for a warranty that matches the model of the car you are getting. For example, if you are purchasing a used Kia, you could visit a site like –https://gogetolive.com/extended-car-warranty/kia/.
Make Use of the Help Available to You
There are many programs out there designed to help veterans. If you’re unsure of how you’re going to afford your next vehicle, you should explore what options are out there for you. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many organizations are willing to make it easier for you to get a car, and before long you’ll be driving around in a reliable car.
By Debbie Gregory.
The Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix) is a national 501(c) 3 nonprofit founded by veterans dedicated to support and honor the U.S. military community, veterans and their families.
Since 2008, Vet Tix has provided veterans, service members, caregivers and the family members of those killed in action with more than three million free tickets to major sports games, concerts and a diverse mix of other ticketed events. And because they’re a non-profit, individual ticket holders and businesses can receive tax deductions for their donated tickets.
So, if you’re looking for some fun things to do before summer is officially over, check out Veteran Tickets Foundation.
Here are some of the events remaining for August:
August 15: Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Houston Astros – MLB
August 16: Washington, DC: Washington Mystics vs. Los Angeles Sparks – WNBA
August 16: Portland, Maine: Goo Goo Dolls’ Long Way Home Summer Tour with Phillip Phillips
August 18: Rochester, New York: Nitro Circus Live
August 19: San Diego, California: Fleet Science Center
August 24: Evansville, Indiana: An Evening with Olivia Newton
August 23: Anaheim, California: Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers – MLB
August 24: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – MLB
August 31: Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals – MLB
To become a Vet Tixer and request tickets to these and hundreds of other events, visit VetTix.org to create a free account. Once you’ve verified your military service, you can review hundreds of upcoming events across the country. Other than a very small delivery fee, all the tickets are free! If you have tickets to donate, click here.
Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and their families.
By Debbie Gregory.
Do the post-New Year’s blues have you feeling down? Are you in need of a pick-me-up? We all know that laughter is the best medicine, and the world famous Laugh Factory has been dishing out this medicine since 1979. Supply & Demand Comedy will be administering the chuckles and belly-laughs at the Laugh Factory on Sunset Blvd. for three shows this February.
Supply & Demand Comedy’s limited run will take place on February 4th, 11th, and 18th at 8:00 PM. Each show features its own array of talent and style.
The Wednesday February 4, 2015 show will feature: Steve Hofstetter (the host of Laughs on FOX), Erik Griffin (Comedy Central series “Workaholics”), Danny Jolles (popular in New York and LA), Tommy Johnagin (who is slated to have his own show on CBS), Iliza Shlesinger (the youngest person and only female to hold the title of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”), and Michael Malone (album “Thirty One” coming out in February).
The Wednesday February 11, 2015 show will feature: Steve Hofstetter (the host of Laughs on FOX), Nicholas Anthony (writer for upcoming CBS show ‘The Inspectors”), Taylor Tomlinson (talented SoCal comedian) and more.
The Wednesday February 18, 2015 show will feature: Steve Hofstetter (the host of Laughs on FOX), Mary-Lynn Rajskub (from the FOX show “24”), Camila Cleese (popular LA comic), Jenny Zigrino (one of Comedy Central’s “Comics to Watch”), and Carlos Alazraqui (“Reno 911” star and voice acting legend…seriously, look him up!)
The Laugh Factory is supporting the Supply & Demand shows in a big way, encouraging their funniest and most famous comedians to drop in and perform surprise sets.
For each Supply and Demand show, the first fifty tickets are free. After that, they go on sale for $5, $10, $15, and $20 as the show sells out. Ticket sales are limited to four per order. If you have more than four people in your party, you will have to place multiple orders. Be sure that you are among the first fifty people to sign up in order to get your free tickets.
To get the free tickets, visit http://www.ComedySupply.com
Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.
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