Welcome to the latest Financial Friday Round-Up, our weekly column filled with the best things for you to read, watch or listen to regarding finance around the web. Below are some articles on buying a car online, the cheapest small towns in the country, a recent rental car shortage, and more.
12 Cheapest Small Towns in America
If you want to live frugally and find yourself drawn to the charms of small-town living, you will want to read this list from Kiplinger of the twelve cheapest charming towns in the country. Whether it’s the sense of community or the light traffic, these towns from Michigan to Georgia will fit anyone who wants to live a little easier.
After the Banks Leave
The rise in online banking has meant foot traffic in banks has declined by 35% in the last five years — a shift the pandemic just accelerated. An interesting episode of the Planet Money podcast this week examines the ripple effects this movement to virtual banking might have on communities.
From Carvana to Craigslist: Is Buying a Car Online a Good Idea?
New companies like Carvana are drawing car buyers away from the old ways of traveling lot-to-lot and into an entirely virtual car shopping world. While these new ways are more convenient, Money has taken the time to ask: is it worth it? Check out this piece for the pros and cons of shopping for vehicles online.
A ‘Perfect Storm’ is Causing Massive Rental-Car Shortages, and Prices are Skyrocketing up to $700 a Day in Popular Destinations
Travel increases over the past few weeks have put a strain on rental-car inventory and resulted in a shortage which will surely affect people as more Americans get vaccinated and start to go on trips. Be wary that prices have spiked due to the shortage; check out this piece from Business Insider for more information.
Check out our other Financial Friday Round-Up posts for more great reads!
Financial Friday Round-Up: April 4 – April 8, 2021
Financial Friday Round-Up: March 15 – March 19, 2021
Financial Friday Round-Up: March 8 – March 12, 2021
