How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew by Erin Bried

fit. Likewise, if you plan on just driving short distances in your sunny, warm neighborhood, you probably don’t need a huge gas-guzzling SUV. Your wants may be different from your needs, but you’ve got to address your needs first.
    Step 2: Get educated. Whether you’re buying your car new or used, it’s important to know the going prices. Luckily, thanks to the Internet, you no longer have to subject yourself to a dealer’s tap-dancing to get some real numbers. Just check the local dealers’ going prices at Edmunds ( www.edmunds.com ) or Kelley Blue Book ( www.kbb.com ), or call or email them directly. However you get in touch, state the year, make, model, miles, condition, and warranty of the car you’re interested in, and ask for the going price. You’ll get a sneak peak at not only the price tag of the car, but also the personality of the seller. Buy only from someone who makes you feel comfortable. If a salesman insults you, intimidates you, or condescends to you, don’t give him your business.
    Step 3: Take a test drive. Once you’ve chosen a car you like, take it out for a spin, and drive it more like Mario Andretti than your old uncle Mario. Really put the car through its paces. Hit bumps, climb hills, take sharp curves, drive fast on the highway, and test the brakes on the side streets. Don’t forget to try all the bells and whistles (sunroof, radio, heated seats), too, before returning the car to the dealer. Then, however much you love this set of wheels, keep it to yourself, hand over the keys, thank the seller, and walk away. Test-drive more cars, if you want.
    Step 4: Negotiate a deal. Once you know exactly the car you want, call around and get a real price from three dealers, letting each one know that you’re ready to buy and are shopping around. Then leverage whatever power you’ve got. Do you have competing offers? Do you have five kids and plan on buying them all cars when they turn sixteen? Do you have the luxury of waiting for a year-end special instead? Be nice but firm, and don’t get suckered into paying for things you don’t want or need.
    Step 5: Seal the deal, always knowing you can walk away at any moment. You’ve got to be equally prepared to do either.
    More Handy Tips
The best time to buy a car is on the last Monday or Tuesday of the month. Not only will the lot likely be less crowded, giving you the salesman’s undivided attention, but many salesmen try to meet a monthly sales quota to earn a bonus. If they’re short, you might get a better deal.
Before buying any used car, get the vehicle’s history at www.carfax.com , if the dealer hasn’t already done it for you. It costs thirty-five bucks, but it’ll tell you if it’s ever been in any major accidents.
Be as flexible as you can on the extras, and you’ll be more likely to get a better price.
If you don’t have the bucks to buy a car right now, consider leasing one instead.
Always trust your gut.

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“Don’t buy a house on the bank of a river.”
—F RANK W ALTER
    H OW TO B UY A H OUSE
    Step 1: Assess whether you’re ready. It’s a good time to buy a house if you have money in the bank (ideally, 20 percent of the purchase price, plus six months’ of savings), more money coming in steadily, good credit, and a mind to stick around town for a while. If you’re on the fence about any of these, there’s no shame in renting. After all, there is something to be said for flexibility and the ability to call the landlord when something breaks.
    Step 2: Know what you need. Write down everything you require in a new home, including the location, size of the property, amenities, and condition. Consider the school district if you have kids, your commute to work, the air quality, crime rates, taxes, storage, and outdoor maintenance. No matter how passionately you feel about it, a pool with a waterfall and a wet bar are not necessities. You can always install those things later.
    Step 3: Get