Americans Love Affair With Vehicles
Americans love their vehicles. Some households use their vehicles to drive their kids to school or to soccer practice and some just use them to get to work and back. We love things that are fast and convenient. It is no surprise that a recent study found by
Autospies.com indicates that American families on average own 2.28 vehicles. Most commonly families have two cars; one for the husband and one for the wife.
That situation can work fine for most American families until the kids grow up. If you are a parent of a teenager, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Around the young age of fifteen to sixteen, teenagers will do almost everything they can to harass their parents to drive a vehicle. For parents, it can be a hard
process because they love their child so much and they are afraid of the dangers of letting their "princess" take the keys to a 3,500 lb vehicle.
Whether parents like it or not, they have to eventually give in and let their child take the wheel of a vehicle. Parents are aware of the costs of owning a vehicle, but lets focus on the positive aspects of letting your teenager drive a vehicle.
1. Your child can drive themselves to school, practice and social events. (More time for yourself)
2. Teenagers learn the responsibilities of becoming a adult. Make your child be responsible for the many costs of owning a vehicle such as insurance, payments, repairs and gas. Also teaches them on how to manager their income.
Often parents will pick a used car for their child. This is always a good idea as long as the vehicle is safe and reliable. However, if you buy a unreliable vehicle, you will have to drive them to work anyways. Be a smart shopper and do not be too frugal.
In 2001, my Dad took me a used vehicle lot and I bought a 1985 Oldsmobile. While it was not in great condition, it was good enough to get me to work and school. The engine sometimes backfired and the upholstery on the ceiling was falling down. I followed my father's suggestion to only drive it to school and work. It was not an ideal situation, but it taught me the value of money and hard work.
After graduating from high school, I got a better job and bought a new vehicle. However, I had to do something with my Oldsmobile. I did not want to spend the time to sell the vehicle and I didn't want to
donate my vehicle to a junkyard.
Donate Your Vehicle to Charity: Get Rid of your Old CarI shared my story because it a perfect situation for
donating your vehicle. I did not have the time to sell my vehicle and I felt that the vehicle had something to offer for someone else. As fast paced life can be,
vehicle donation programs are a lifesaver while helping various charities.
Vehicle Donation Tax Deduction:
Americans also love money. With that in mind, all
charitable vehicle donations include an
IRS tax deduction. After you
donate your vehicle, your vehicle is auctioned off at a charity auction and the sale of your vehicle can be added on your tax return.
Charities Accepting Vehicle Donations:
There are many legitimate nonprofit charities accepting
vehicle donations such as Goodwill, Vietnam Veterans of America, Purple Heart Veterans and Cancer Research. Most
vehicle donation processing centers accept vehicles nationwide. So it does not matter if you live in California or Maryland. Lastly,
vehicle donations include a free tow.
Where Your Donated Vehicle Goes:
After you
donate your vehicle to a charity, the vehicle is auctioned off to ones in need. Some families barely can afford one vehicle, but need to get a vehicle to help other family members get to work or school. Using the story mentioned above as an example, that vehicle is perfect for someone just trying to get a vehicle that can get them to work and back.
Helping Your Family Help Society:
For all the parents out there trying to work full time and raise a teenager; Good luck! It can be a great challenge to do what is best for them and put food on the table. However, keep your eyes open to opportunities to save time and teach to your child that helping society is truly honorable.
