Lazy Man and Money

8 Ways To Fight Inflation On Your Car Costs

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Marketwatch’s marketing team reached out me and asked if they could contribute some car tips for readers. I read Marketwatch almost every day and I bet many of you do too. I asked them to put together an article that should be able to help almost reader. We’re doing step one and just keep driving our 9 and 10 year old cars.

With inflation on the rise, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your spending. One area where many people tend to overspend is with their cars. Whether it’s paying for gas, car insurance, or routine maintenance, the costs of owning and operating a car can really add up.

I’m a big fan of budgeting so that I can give a place to every one of our hard earned dollars. But after the pandemic, those dollars started disappearing faster than I could track them, and one of the biggest areas that was eating our budget was car expenses.

My husband picked up a part time job to help combat some of the rising costs, and suddenly our gas card payment was 5x its previous balance and showed no signs of slowing down. Thankfully, we’ve worked our budget and found ways to keep fighting inflation on car costs. With a little intention and research, you can do the same!

1. Wait to Buy a New Family Car

In order to fight against inflation and the rising cost of cars, we have decided to wait to purchase a new family car. We currently have two cars, but both are over ten years old.

We had been thinking about upgrading to a newer, bigger model to fit our growing family but with prices continuing to rise, we decided it was best to wait. In the meantime, we are keeping an eye out for good deals on used cars, using a car loan calculator to see how much we should budget for a car payment, and saving up a downpayment for when that perfect car comes up.

2. Choose a Less Popular Car Make and Model

The cost of a car is one of the largest expenses a family will face. With the price of a new car averaging around $30,000, it’s no wonder that many families are looking for ways to save money.

We are choosing to look for less popular car make and model for our family car. That Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Bronco look beautiful, but by downsizing to a Jeep Compass or Ford Expedition, we will be able to cut our car payment in half.

While the Compass may not have all the bells and whistles of the Grand Cherokee, it can still provide plenty of features for a fraction of the price. Because of this simple choice, we will be able to save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of our car.

3. Shop Around for New Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums can be a big expense, so it’s important to shop around and compare rates before renewing your policy. I found out that by switching insurance companies and taking advantage of newcomer discounts, you can save significantly on car insurance rates.

I was recently up for renewal on my car insurance and decided to explore my options. I compared rates from several different companies and ended up switching to Progressive.

I was able to save over 50% on my premium and actually increase my coverage limits! If you’re due for a renewal soon (or even if you’re not), I encourage you to compare rates and see if you can find a better deal.

4. Set Up a Car Savings Fund

After one shocking car repair bill that took up my extra spending money for the month, I decided to start a car sinking fund so that next time, I’m prepared instead of panicked.

A car savings fund can help you cover unexpected expenses, such as a flat tire or an unexpected increase in your insurance premium. It can also help you save up for a new car if your current one becomes too expensive to maintain, or in my case, too small to fit the children.

Setting aside even a small amount of money each month can make a big difference in the long run. I put $50 a month into my car savings fund. While that may not seem like a lot, the average person spends around $1,000 a year in car repair expenses, so I figure having $600 in savings will be a great start toward that.

5. Get a Gas Card or Rewards Programs

Gas prices these days are more fickle than my mood in a house full of toddlers. My husband has used a gas credit card since I’ve known him and has saved 5 cents a gallon every time he fills up. I always thought all credit cards were bad, so I avoided them. However, after seeing how much less he was spending on gas, I decided to become an authorized user.

Gas credit cards typically offer discounts on gas purchases, making them a great way to save money at the pump. And another option is to get a club membership to somewhere like Costco or Sam’s Club to use their gas rewards programs. By signing up for a gas rewards program, you can earn points towards free gas or discounts on gas purchases.

6. Get Your Car Regularly Checked and Tuned-up

This one is hard for me, because I like to pinch pennies and cross my fingers that nothing will go wrong. But, repairs are inevitable with cars, especially when you ignore check engine lights and put off oil changes and tire rotations.

Regular tune-ups and oil changes can actually help you to save money in the long run. By keeping your car in good condition, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road.

Additionally, I learned that regular maintenance can help to improve your gas mileage. This means that you’ll save money every time you fill up your tank.

Although car care may require a little bit of up-front investment, it will pay off in the long run. So next time your check engine light comes on, don’t ignore it – take your car to the mechanic for a tune-up.

7. Shop Around for Auto Repairs

I like going to the same repair shop because I know the guys and they know my car. However, I’ve learned that getting comfortable costs. Now, I choose to take my car to multiple repair shops to get the best quote. My husband has also learned to become a DIY car repairman by watching YouTube videos and learning to complete simple car repairs instead of paying someone else.

While the average cost of a basic oil change has remained relatively stable, the cost of more complex repairs has increased significantly. For example, the average cost of a transmission repair has risen from $1,500 in 2013 to $3,000 in 2018. This trend is likely to continue, as the cost of parts and labor continue to increase.

One way to fight against these rising costs is to shop around for the best price. Many independent repair shops offer competitive prices, and some even offer discounts for customers who pay cash.

Another option is to try to repair the car yourself. With a little research, it’s often possible to find a YouTube tutorial that will walk you through the process step-by-step. While this option may not be suitable for everyone, it can be a great way to save money on auto repairs.

8. Consider Alternative Transportation and Take a Walk

With 2 little boys, we go to the park a lot. In fact, probably the main use of my car is taxiing us to and from the local park. Lately, we have chosen to walk to the park, and the boys actually enjoy it a lot more than loading up into car seats. And in turn, we save on gas money and get in a couple hundred more steps for the day.

If you live close to your work or school, try walking or riding your bike instead of driving. You may be surprised at how much money you can save by leaving your car at home. In addition, walking or biking is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.

By following these simple tips, you can save a lot of money on your car costs.Gas prices, auto repairs, and maintenance can all be expensive, but there are ways to fight inflation and save money on all of these things. All it takes is a little creativity, hard work and research.

How High-Risk Drivers Can Save Money on Car Insurance

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Last week I was in Washington DC to support my wife’s Veterans Day event at the White House. (I didn’t get to go, but she says the White House Lenox china is excellent. To make up for some missed time (and give me a little time to catch up) the folks from Marketwatch are here to provide you a little weekend reading.

Drivers with less than perfect driving histories often face higher car insurance rates. But there are ways to save money on car insurance if you know how to shop around. Here are some tips that can help high-risk drivers bring down their premiums and find the best car insurance for them.

What Is a High-Risk Driver?

Although it’s not an official legal or insurance category, a high-risk driver is generally someone with a poor driving record. This group can include drivers with:

  • DUI or DWI convictions: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in every state. If you’ve been convicted of DUI, your car insurance rates will likely be high.
  • Traffic tickets: Drivers with a history of traffic violations tend to be at higher risk.
  • Multiple at-fault accidents: At-fault accidents that result in property damage and bodily injury are also high-risk factors. Insurers specifically look at your accident history in the past three to five years.
  • Driving without a license: Having a suspended or revoked license is another high-risk factor. In some states, it’s also a crime. Depending on the reason for the suspension, you could fall into the high-risk category.
  • A poor credit score: Insurers often check your credit report when you apply for car insurance. If your credit score is low, it could mean higher rates.
  • Multiple claims: Newer drivers are often given higher rates due to inexperience. It can also affect experienced drivers if they make too many claims. Car insurance companies may view many claims as a pattern and increase your rates.

Why High-Risk Drivers Pay More

When you apply for car insurance, insurers may use your DMV record to generate an “insurance score.” This score is an indicator of how likely you are to file claims. Typically, insurers look at the past three to five years of your driving history. A high insurance score will increase your premiums. For instance, someone with an accident on their record can pay 30% more for auto insurance.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance If You’re a High-Risk Driver

First, you need to ask your insurance company about its policy. Some insurers use credit scores to determine car insurance premiums rather than driving records. Another insurer may offer discounts for drivers who take a safe-driving course.

If you need to shop around for car insurance, remember that some insurers will charge a high rate from the start. Other companies may offer insurance rates to high-risk drivers. However, they may add conditions. For example, you may need to stay accident- and violation-free for a period, usually 12 months.

After that time has passed, you can contact the company and tell them that your record is clean. You may then be able to get a better car insurance rate with that company.

When shopping around for quotes, call at least three companies to better compare car insurance quotes. Give yourself ample time to compare car insurance rates, as well as to find the minimum liability limits you need for your state.

Reading customer reviews iis also an important part of the car insurance shopping process.

In most cases, getting cheaper car insurance as a high-risk driver is possible. But you have to be patient. Shop around for the best rates, take any safety courses or training you can, and give yourself enough time to stay accident-free.

Additional Tips for Lowering Your Car Insurance

Here are some additional steps high-risk drivers can take to find discounts and save money on car insurance:

  • Ask about discounts and promotions: Before you sign up, find out if the insurer offers any discounts based on your driving record or other factors. Make sure that the insurer you’re comparing rates with is offering discounts. If you’re not sure, contact the insurer and ask about any available discounts that would apply to your policy.
  • Raise your deductible: Raising your deductible can lower your premium payments. Although it’s not for everyone, increasing the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in is a good way to lower your premiums.

Find a Better Car Insurance Company

If you have a high-risk driving record, you can lower your rates by following these tips and tricks. It might seem like the odds are stacked against you but don’t give up just yet. The right auto insurance is out there.

Are These Popular Side Hustles Really Worth Your Time and Effort?

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The following is a guest post from Martin of Studenomics, where he shares advice on everything from finding the best renter’s insurance to getting paid to drink coffee with Airbnb Experiences.

I’m all about side hustles because I know that we all want to make more money to have more options. There’s only so much wealth that you can build with extreme frugality. At some point, you have to increase your income.

More money means that you get to pay off your debt faster, save more money, and do more in life.

You just don’t want to waste your limited time and energy on something that won’t bring in any money since so many side hustles lead nowhere. This is why we’re going to take an inside look at popular side hustles and look at which side hustles are worth the effort these days.

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Why Homes Should Invest in Solar Energy

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Solar Energy

The following is a guest post from a reader named Greg Petersen. I have been so busy homeschooling kids and going crazy in isolation that I haven’t been able to get into the flow of writing. I also find it very hard to write on personal finance topics when there are so many things that are more important. However, I was so impressed at the research and references to my other solar articles that I felt it was worth running. At a time like this, I doubt too many people are consider solar energy, but if you have some time on your hands to do the research now, maybe it will make sense when things look better.

The news about the polar shift and different natural catastrophes being experienced in different parts of the world has made the idea of going green and going off the grid seem a lot more appealing. With climate change and other man-made destruction identified as the possible reasons for the earth’s outcry, many people are seriously thinking about using clean energy.

The constant earthquakes in different parts of the world, the sudden drop in temperature in Afghanistan, and bushfires in Australia are all indications of how serious the earth’s condition really is. These global catastrophes are not something one person can solve. Instead, these concerns need a more urgent, unified effort from the people of the world.

If you are still not convinced of the urgency of going green and shifting to solar energy, here are some points of contention that might sway you in the right direction.

Solar power is environmentally-friendly

One common but underrated fact about solar energy is that it’s a green and clean energy source. This means that when you shift to solar power, you are significantly reducing your carbon footprint. With solar power, nothing hazardous is being released to the air that might pollute mother nature. And since solar energy does not release greenhouse gases, it does not use other resources. Given these factors, one can say that solar energy is 100% environmentally-friendly and safe.

In addition, solar power is also self-sustaining. If you install solar panels on your roof, you are on a path to contributing to the earth’s sustainable future. Plus, your home will offer proof of your personal commitment to mother nature.

Solar energy paves the way for a cleaner renewable power source that not only benefits homeowners but also the environment. Compared to other alternative sources of energy, solar power reduces the local and global carbon footprint, significantly contributing to the efforts of reducing greenhouse gases. This energy source is known for its favorable impact and advantages to the environment.

In the U.S. electricity is mostly generated from natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels. The process of extracting and converting fossil fuels into viable energy sources is not only expensive but also detrimental to the environment. Solar energy, on the other hand, is abundant and free. If you could capture all of the sun’s energy for an hour, you could produce power for the entire world that would last for a year.

If you invest in solar energy, you take a proactive stance in reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. In the process, you’re pursuing a more consistent and abundant energy source — the sun.

Solar energy helps limit the emission of greenhouse gases

If you generate electricity using solar power instead of natural gas or coal, you can dramatically decrease the volume of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases are produced through fossil fuel burning, leading to the rise in global temperatures and climate change. The latter contributes largely to public health and environmental issues; including ecosystem changes, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

If you go solar, you can help reduce the rising demand for fossil fuels while shrinking your carbon footprint and limiting your greenhouse gas emissions. A single home that opts for a solar energy system can create a measurable impact on the health of the environment. The U.S. Energy Information Administration stated that an average home using solar panels in Connecticut consumes 8,288 kWh of electricity every year. If that home was switched from fossil fuels to solar power, the homeowners could reduce emissions significantly and create a positive effect on the environment equal to planting 150 trees a year.

The average electricity use in New York homes is at 7,248 kWh per year. If these homes switched to a cleaner energy source like solar power, they could reduce the carbon emissions that result from burning more than 5,000 pounds of coal every year.

Solar energy helps decrease cardio and respiratory health issues

One of the most persuasive reasons why one should invest in solar energy is its effects on our health. With such a clean energy source, you can expect that there will be less air pollutants. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), with more people shifting to a solar power system, there would be lesser emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and other particulate matter. Aside from this, NREL also found out that solar power helps decrease cardiovascular conditions, respiratory problems, and chronic bronchitis. Worker productivity will also increase as people experience less illness.

With solar power you can go off-the-grid

Compared to electricity, solar panels are less costly. Traditional electricity significantly relies on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. These substances are all detrimental to the environment. They are also not sustainable energy resources. As a result, the market for energy resources is volatile, with prices fluctuating violently all through the day.

If you choose solar electricity, your independence from electricity will be boosted further. If you invest in a 4KW-size solar system, a common size for domestic use, you can spare yourself from the ever-fluctuating utility prices. With a cheap and clean electricity source, you won’t feel guilty enjoying your appliances all day long. After all, the sun will never increase its consumption rate. The sun will give you the energy security you need.

The moment your solar panels are installed securely on the roof of your house, technically, you already reached the status of a person that’s energy-independent. Plus, the storage systems of your solar battery will allow you to safely store electricity for use during rainy days and nighttime.

Underutilized land can be used with solar power

If after all that has been said you are still not sold on the idea of installing your own solar power, think of the unused lands that have been left unattended. With solar energy, you can transform these untended lands into areas that can be used to generate more solar power.

Energy shortage is a worldwide phenomenon. Especially now that the threats of natural calamities and disasters are almost everywhere, the topic of energy sufficiency is more than timely. And since everyone is using electricity, it is time to join hands in a collective effort to capture more solar power.

People can harvest solar power in large quantities from solar farms. A 45-acre farm is able to provide electricity in more than 2,500 home volume of energy. The amount of solar energy that can be sourced here is more than enough to power a town, city, state, or even country. People and nations will no longer have to suffer from high-priced electricity costs and unclean energy sources that will end up destroying the environment.

Enjoy a lower energy bill

If you don’t want to go completely off the grid, you can still benefit from a solar panel-powered home. The generation of solar power happens primarily in the afternoon when the sun is up. More solar power can also be generated during summertime. This is the perfect answer to the high energy need during this time of the day and season of the year. It’s in the afternoon when it’s so hot that most homeowners turn on their air conditioners.

Solar energy is valuable in the sense that other energy production methods like natural gas plants that are used to meet the highest energy demands end up being overly expensive. Before the new utility pricing scheme was introduced, homeowners were charged with a flat rate for electricity. This means it doesn’t matter what time of the day they used electricity, they pay a fixed monthly rate. If you install and use a solar power system during this time, you can’t really feel the benefit. It’s like the cost of installation of your solar power system offsets the cost of your electricity bill.

Fortunately, a vast majority of the utility companies in the U.S. now adapt a new pricing scheme that charges homeowners different rates for different hours of the day. The ratio behind such a scheme is to reflect the actual electricity production cost at different times of the day. This means that you will be charged higher rates in the afternoon when the demand for electricity is at its peak, and lower rates during the night. The extent of the benefit you enjoy as a solar power system owner depends on when you use your electricity the most. This investment is most beneficial to those living in areas that implement varying pricing schemes over different seasons of the year due to seasonal demand fluctuations. Those who consume more electricity during summer will feel the most benefit from solar power.

Sell solar-generated energy to electrical companies

Apart from a significantly lowered bill, you can also get a credit from the utility company if you sell your extra solar-generated power to utility companies. Net metering plans are common in the U.S. This is where residential consumers are allowed to use the solar power that they put into the grid to offset their use of power at other times. A home is selling power to a utility company when the power that the house puts into the grid is greater than the amount of electricity their household consumed. Your monthly bill will be the basis for your net energy consumption.

As you already know, the net metering mechanism enables utility customers to feed their saved-up and unused solar electricity back to the electricity grid. To fully take advantage of this benefit, you need to educate yourself on the varying net metering policies and regulations across the states. You can also refer to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) or get in touch with the office’s local utility companies to get more specific and thorough information.

A Portland homeowner, for example, saves about $17,000, on average, if they use solar energy for more than 20 years. If you live in Boston, in the span of over 20 years of solar power usage, you can save around $43,000. If you live in Los Angeles, in the same period, your savings can spike up to more than $50,000. To get an estimate of how much you can save, check with DSIRE.

Added home value

Another benefit of using solar energy is the potential increase in the value of the home. Generally, it’s safe to assume that solar panels will raise the market value of most homes. As already discussed above, the homeowner can forever benefit from lower electricity if they buy a house that’s powered by solar energy. Next, there’s a global trend toward green living and this also means there’s an equally increasing demand for houses that are powered by sustainable and clean energy sources that emit smaller volumes of carbon. Lastly, if you buy a home that is already powered by solar energy, the investment will be financed through the mortgage for the homebuyer. Because it’s possible to finance a mortgage for houses with solar panels already installed, this is easier and possibly more affordable than buying a house run by traditional energy sources and choosing to invest in solar panels later.

Take advantage of tax subsidies and grants

Lastly, another worthwhile advantage of going solar is the tax grants or subsidies offered by the state government. You may have already heard of the campaigns run by federal and state governments encouraging homeowners to switch to solar energy. If you do, the government offers a tax grant or subsidy to assist you in having your solar power system installed. The rationale behind these financial incentives is to encourage more homeowners to use solar panels. The final cost of the system after it is installed can be less than its sticker price. Additionally, tax credits are also given for homeowners who use solar power, which can decrease your tax bill.

One thing you want to do is check with your home insurance (such as Allstate Insurance) to make sure that your solar panels are insured. You want them to be safe from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other acts of nature.

Your First Home Comes With Your First Mortgage – Here’s What You Should Know

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buying a home

Recently, I had a Twitter interaction that has had me thinking of going back to the basics in an attempt to reach some readers who may be towards the beginning of their personal finance journey. Around the same time, I had a guest post hit my inbox covering a topic that I had long forgotten – buying my first home. Enjoy this post from Lazy Man and Money reader, Ivana.

If you’re anything like me, you consider the purchase of your first home a milestone in your adult life. After all, nothing quite says “I’ve made it” better than owning a home of your own, and it signals a kind of stability that wasn’t really there in your younger years.

Of course, to get that far, you’ve got to get approved for a mortgage (unless you’re independently wealthy, and if so, I congratulate you). When I first went through the process, I hadn’t the faintest clue what I was getting myself into – and that’s a scary thought because my mortgage represents the largest single debt on my personal ledger.

As it turned out, I learned a great deal from the process. I just wish someone had sat me down and given me the lowdown on what to expect before I jumped in head first. If you expect to be in a similar position soon, you’re in luck. Here are some of the important things you need to know about getting your first mortgage, but didn’t even know to ask.

Lay the Groundwork, or Suffer the Consequences

The first bit of wisdom that I’ll impart here may seem obvious to some, but it never occurred to me before I applied for my mortgage: check your credit reports (all three, I’ll explain why later). The reason I say this is that your credit report may be hiding some surprises that you’d rather not encounter while sitting in front of a loan officer. In my case, I found out from my mortgage specialist that Experian was under the impression that I owed Verizon Wireless about $550 from an account I had closed in 2001. Interestingly, Equifax and TransUnion had no record of the balance.

It turned out that Verizon had not closed my account when I requested it, and instead let the balance continue to build until they sent it off to a collections agency. That agency had never contacted me and only reported the “debt” to Experian. The good news is that I was able to get it worked out and it didn’t impact my ability to qualify for a mortgage, but the lesson is clear: don’t let the fact that you’ve never paid a bill late fool you into thinking your credit reports are accurate. Make sure everything’s right in advance, and also do everything you can to lower your debt-to-credit ratio. Be aware that lenders extend the best offers to applicants with FICO scores of 720 or higher, so that’s where you’ll want to be before applying.

Choose a Mortgage, Don’t Let One Choose You

Another thing that I hadn’t considered when looking for a mortgage was just how many options there are. Seriously, if you’ve never shopped for a mortgage, you’ll likely be astounded by how many lenders there are out there. What’s even more shocking is that you’ll feel like you need an advanced degree to tell the difference between all of the mortgage products you encounter.

So first things first – learn all of the lingo and as much as you can about the various available mortgage types before you try to tackle a mortgage comparison on your own. You’ll need to understand not only the way interest rates work, but also what kinds of fees may be part of the loan (origination, title search, insurance), and any other closing costs that might (or might not) get rolled into your loan. Be aware that it’s going to seem like lenders go out of their way to make it difficult to compare these products, with opaque documentation and the like. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re in over your head. Use a mortgage broker if you must. Whatever you do, make sure you understand your mortgage before you sign it – you’re going to have to live with it for a while.

Look Out For Gotchas

The last major thing I wish I’d been counseled on before getting my mortgage was all of the various little considerations that go into the mortgage package you’re offered. I call them “gotchas”, only because if you don’t understand what they are before you take out your mortgage, you don’t get a do-over. First, you’re going to want to make sure that your lender has approved you for a mortgage you can actually afford. That means informing them about your real monthly expenses as opposed to just what’s on your credit report. For example, if you have financial obligations like supporting an ailing parent, child support, or any other ongoing monetary responsibility, speak up! Remember that it’s the lender’s job to look out for their own interests – not yours.

Second, scour the details of your mortgage offer to look for things that may come back to bite you later on. The biggest one I encountered is known as a prepayment penalty. This common little trap is the lender’s way of extracting their pound of flesh from the borrower, come what may. The idea is, you’re bound by contract to only pay back a certain amount of your mortgage within specific timeframes. It exists so you won’t be able to save on interest by paying down your principal when you’re flush with cash. The thing many don’t realize, of course, is that such an arrangement doesn’t only apply to unexpected financial windfalls.

It also means (depending on the language in your agreement) that you’ll get hit with the penalty if you sell your home (since you’d be paying down the mortgage with the proceeds). It could also mean you can’t refinance if interest rates improve without paying the penalty, too. And if you’re thinking it’s no big deal, consider that the typical prepayment penalty is equal to 80% of six months’ worth of interest, which can be a hefty sum. The good news (if there is any) is that prepayment penalties typically phase out after one to three years, but if you’re subject to one, it may mean you’re trapped in your mortgage for that amount of time even if you have an emergency and need to sell your home.

Welcome to Homeownership

If you’ve made it this far, that should mean you’re at least twice as prepared to go out and get a mortgage than I was the first time out. Don’t rest on your laurels, though. What I’ve covered here is by no means encyclopedic – far from it. On the contrary, getting a mortgage is one of the most complex and consequential financial decisions anyone can make, and they come in all shapes and sizes.

That’s why the best bit of advice I could ever give to anyone who’s about to look for their first mortgage is to take their time. Do as much research as you can beforehand because the more you understand in advance, the less daunting the process will be. The results will be better, too. After all, the last thing in the world that anyone should want is to have the home of their dreams come with the mortgage of their nightmares. With any luck, I’ve done a bit to spare you that fate – the rest is up to you.

Editor’s View

My own experience was helped quite a bit by the support system I had. My mother was right there with me. My older brother was buying a house around the same time. One of my best friends, who I had lived with previously had recently bought his first house. My real estate agent was the spouse of a good friend. My closing agent was a groomsman at my wedding. It was almost impossible to imagine a better “Dream Team” of support.

Despite all that, I was still very nervous. So if you feel nervous, that’s to be expected. I hope you can surround yourself with at least a few people who have a lot of experience.