By Steven W., busy dad and our family blogger

Bringing your first newborn home from the hospital can be a daunting task for new parents. In particular, dealing with car seat installation can be frustrating, at best. Here are some tips to help get you and your car seat prepared.

Before the Big Day

1) Get the car seat, now

You will need a rear-facing infant car seat to take your newborn home from the hospital.
Don’t wait until the last minute to buy it and install it. Get one somewhere around week 30, or sooner.

Steven’s Tip: I recommend getting the type that detaches from the base. That way you can get a sleeping baby out of the car easily, without waking him or her up.

2) Do a dry run of the car seat installation

• First, read through the installation guide to give you an idea on how to install the car seat, but don’t expect everything to be crystal clear. You may want to visit the car seat manufacturer’s website, in hopes that they have a helpful installation video. If your car has LATCH anchor points (and most newer cars do), plan on using them. Otherwise, use the seatbelt method.
• Next, give yourself an unrushed hour to try to install the car seat the first time. After connecting all of the connectors, buckles, and tethers, pull the belts until snug, but do not tighten them. Take a step back and make sure the installation is right, none of the belts or straps are twisted, and give them all a good wiggle and tug.
• After you are convinced everything is right, then start tightening each of the straps. Put a knee on the car seat and lean your weight into it as you tighten the straps. You want it to be snug-fitting installation.

3) Do the final car seat installation

Now evaluate the installation. Does it look right? Do you have any questions? Take a break, and consult the installation guide and website over the next week.

The next weekend you may need to take it completely out, make some adjustments, and install it again. Don’t worry about it, this is why you are starting early! Again, give yourself an hour. (After installing car seats dozens of times, it still takes me 15-20 minutes to put one in!)

TOP TIP: Get an expert opinion.
If you want an expert’s opinion, many states offer car seat evaluation appointments with the highway patrol or at local seat inspection stations.

Eventually your car seat will be all set for the big day, and even if that day arrives a little sooner than planned, you will be ready.

4) Make an Emergency Information card

Make and put an emergency information card on the side of the car seat. A simple 3×5 card with the child’s name and some emergency contact phone numbers will give you peace of mind.

5) Fill out the warranty card

This is the one and only warranty card that I fill out. You want to be the first to be notified if there is a safety recall on the car seat. This happens more often than you would expect.

On the Big Day

6) Bring the car seat into your room, early

Early in the morning on the big day that you will be taking your newborn home from the hospital, take the car seat out of your car and bring it into the hospital room. This shows the nurses that you have the required car seat, but more importantly, the car seat will adjust to room temperature and also give you an opportunity to test fit your newborn.

7) Test fit your newborn

A few hours before you will be checking out of the hospital, put your newborn in the car seat for a test fit. Adjust the straps as necessary for a snug fit, then take your newborn back out.

Now when the big moment arrives to leave the hospital, you will easily be able to put your newborn into the car seat with a minimum of hassle or delay. Congratulations!

The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional advice. These tips are from people who have shared their real life advice; always check with appropriate professionals you trust in making your purchasing or life-related decisions. 

By Steven W., our newest guest blogger!

A dad with two young kids, Steve has great everyday advice that can make everyone’s life just a little easier. Welcome Steve!!

While most emergency kits are kept in the trunk, there are a few key items that should be carried in the glove box, to help prevent an unexpected situation from becoming a major inconvenience. Fast access to these items may even prevent a dangerous situation or emergency from occurring.

1) Car power adapter for your cell phone

Your cell phone is great for getting directions, for calling a tow truck, or for reporting an accident. Always carry the car power adapter in your glove box so you won’t be caught with a weak battery when you need to use your cell phone the most. When you get a new cell phone, always buy the car power adapter. Consider it required equipment, not optional!

2) Twenty dollars cash, plus some quarters

Unexpected toll bridges or toll roads are minor nuisances if you have cash on hand. But if you don’t have any cash, they can be a major headache. Twenty dollars is also the price of an emergency gas can with one gallon of gas from most gas stations.

3) Paper and a pen/pencil

Paper and a pen or pencil should be in within easy reach of the driver, perhaps in the door pocket. This is handy for writing down license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, or street names in case you witness an accident or road rage. Unfortunately, when calling 911 from your cell phone, the hold times could be lengthy (depending on the time of day and where you are) before you can actually talk to the operator, so it is best to write the details down while they are fresh in your mind.

**Better yet: Print out WHN’s easy-to-fill-in accident forms and store these in your glove box!

4) Plastic grocery bag

Keep a plastic grocery bag rolled up in your glove box, to be used as a motion sickness bag, in case you are in traffic and can’t safely stop when an occupant is feeling sick.

5) Disposable camera

A disposable camera with a flash can be used for taking accident damage photos in daytime or at night. You may want to take a photo without getting out of your car, if necessary, so easy access is required.

If you are using a rental car on a trip, pack these items in a small bag and take them with you. Your odds of needing directions or encountering an unexpected toll bridge are much higher when you are in an unfamiliar area.

While no emergency kit will prepare you for the wide variety of situations and emergencies, a few key items kept readily at hand can be a big help.

• For a larger emergency kit list, go here.

Thanks Steve! Have a topic suggestion for Steve or other bloggers? Post it in the Comments section below!

By Evelyn Fernandez, Roni Deutch Tax Center

Car accidents are an unfortunate fact of life and like most things, car accidents also have potential tax implications. Below are some helpful hints to decoding the tax treatment of accidents, also known in the tax world as “casualties”:

What does “casualty” mean?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a casualty “as the damage, destruction, or loss of property resulting from an identifiable event that is sudden, unexpected, or unusual.”  A car accident is a deductible loss as long as it wasn’t caused by willful negligence or a willful act on your part or someone acting on your behalf.

Proof of Loss

To claim and deduct a casualty loss, you’ll need be able to name and prove the following:

• The type of casualty suffered (car accident, fire, storm, etc.) and when it occurred
• That the loss was a direct result of the casualty
• That you were the owner of the property, or if leasing the vehicle, that you were contractually liable to the owner for the damage
• Whether a claim for reimbursement exists for which there is a reasonable expectation of recovery (think insurance claims)

So how can you prove this? By keeping records. Keep copies of:

• photos of the accident
• police report of the accident
• insurance claim files
• car ownership papers

WHN TIP: Hold on to these records! These are vital in case of an audit to show proof of loss.

Figuring a Loss

To determine your tax deduction for a car accident you must first figure out your loss. Here are the steps to figuring out your loss:

1. Determine your adjusted basis in the vehicle (the original cost of the vehicle) before the accident.
2. Determine the decrease in fair market value (FMV) of the vehicle as a result of the accident.
   • How do you find the FMV? There are various books available from automobile associations that could be useful in figuring out the value of your vehicle (e.g. Kelley blue book).
   • These values are not official, but may be useful in determining the value and suggesting relative prices for comparison with current sales and offerings in your area.
3. From the smaller of the amounts you determined in (1) and (2) subtract any insurance or other reimbursement you received or expect to receive.

If this is too much to handle, contact a local tax preparer to tackle any questions you might have.

Thanks to Evelyn! Have a comment or question? Post it in the Comments section below.

Oil prices hit another all-time high again today meaning gas prices are also soon to rise again.

If you’re still driving, here are some top gas mileage tips from our favorite car mechanic and expert, Lauren Fix, The Car Coach:

Around the country, high school boys and girls are getting ready for the biggest event of their lives…so far. Prom!

My prom experiences were pretty happy ones: a lot of laughter and dancing but a lot of awkward posing for photos, my first painful memory of high heels and not-so-pretty dresses.

One pre-prom memory though, sticks out more than others. Right before my first prom, I took part in a “mock car crash” demonstration at my high school. Designed to warn kids about the dangers of drinking and driving, the “mock crash” is a simulation of what a real-life accident situation might look like. The non-profit organization Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) explains the scenario here.

Talking to kids about driving can be tough but thankfully, there are some great sites with expert tips and resources:

1. Set a good example. In a study by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Liberty Mutual, nearly 60% of high school students said that the way their parents drive is the way that they will drive. Leave the cell phone off, don’t eat while driving and follow the rules.

2. Learn the laws. Some states have restrictions on cellphone use while driving for teenagers. Read the laws here.

3. Do some talking. AAA has some great info for parents on talking to teens about driving (look for the Parent Guidelines link towards the bottom of the page). TeenDriving.org also has some good information.

Have a driving tip or prom story to share? Post it in the Comments below!

Welcome to the last day of our Car Care Month Series!

We’ve gotten your car ready for the summer, prepped you and your car for driving and even (hopefully) helped you keep car costs down. But what about when the unexpected occurs and you find yourself in a car accident? What then?

Learn about the steps you’ll need to take after a car accident now before it happens:

1. Print out our Help - Car Accident page and forms. These are tips directly from police officers and other drivers who’ve been in an accident. Keep the forms in the glove compartment for easy access.

2. Also put a disposable camera, pen and paper, and the number for your insurance agent in the glove compartment along with these forms. Documentation is HUGE after a car accident and can make a big difference on your auto insurance claim.

3. Choose a mechanic and body shop now rather than later. This will ease your mind after a car accident, knowing you’ve selected a good mechanic rather than just going with the first one you’ve found. NOTE: Some car insurance companies may prefer you work with certain mechanics - ask your insurance agent now about what you’ll need to do after an accident.

That’s it for our Car Care Series! Have a car care tip you just can’t live without? Post it in the Comments section below!! Have a great weekend! 

Welcome to Day #3 of our Car Care series - read Day #1 and Day #2!

Cars can be quite expensive toys and utilities to have: insurance, parking, maintenance, gas…it really starts to add up!

If you’re pinching your pennies, here are a few extra tips to save a few more greenbacks:

Cutting Car Care Costs 

1. Keep your car well-maintained. Just like your would for your own health, taking extra measures now can prevent extra wear and tear down the line. Having the oil changed regularly at $30 every so often can save you a $5000-$10000 engine replacement down the line. Read Day#1’s blog entry for a easy to-do list to get your car back in shape.
2. Need to replace a car part but want it cheap? One reader suggested searching the “junkyard” or used car parts sites online - these parts can sell at half the wholesale price. Just purchase the part, have it delivered to your auto mechanic (let them know!) and have them install it for you - you can save big if you find great deals!

3. Set up a meeting to review your auto insurance policy with your agent. Make sure you’re not under-covered or over-covered. Not sure what to ask? We’ve got a great list to get you started…

4. Practice safe driving. Many auto insurance policies offer discounts to safe drivers and some offer discounts after the completion of defensive driving programs, so ask your agents about your options.

5. Save money while driving. Gas is certainly getting to be more expensive and those prices aren’t dropping anytime soon. The number one tip? Check your tires. “When tires aren’t inflated properly, it’s like driving with the parking brake on, and can cost a mile or two per gallon,” according to the Car Care Council. So next time you head to the pump, pump a little air into your tires if needed. Read more tips here.

Welcome to Day #2 of our Car Care series! Missed Day #1? Read it here.

Now that you’ve got your car all checked out, it’s time to hit the road, right? Not so fast!

Spring weather brings along a lot of road hazards - do a quick brush-up on your driving skills with these top tips from mechanics and safety experts:

1. Make sure you’re well-rested and alert. According to a 2005 Sleep in America poll, 37% of respondents (representing 103 million U.S. residents) reported that they had fallen asleep while driving during the preceding year. Learn the warning signs of drowsy driving…

2. April showers? Get your car and your mind ready to face the elements. Top tips on driving in the rain from mechanics and fellow drivers…

3. Make your own car emergency kit. You never know when that roadside emergency’s gonna happen…

4. Got kids? Use the correct safety seat for your child and install it properly - local hospitals or fire and police departments in your area might offer free car seat safety inspections. Talk to your kids about proper seatbelt usage as well as staying safe in and around cars.

5. Do all your administrative tasks BEFORE driving. Make all your phone calls, eat your food, put on your makeup, read and memorize the directions or look at the map BEFORE hitting the road. Inattention or distracted driving is the number one cause for accidents - if an important phone call comes in, pull over to take it or wait until you reach your destination.

6. Do a last-minute run through before hitting the road. To be really safe, check:

• all four tires
• test the horn
• tail lights, brake lights, indicator lights, headlights
• mirrors and windows
• gas and oil gauge
• windshield wipers and fluid

7. Have a great drive!

Welcome to another WhatHappensNow.com blog series!In honor of National Car Care Month, we’re cruising through the top tips to help your car run a little smoother and what to do should you run into a few speed bumps.

First things first: Tackling those pesky car maintenance tasks!!

1. Check your owner’s manual or your car’s maintenance schedule. You know that booklet shoved in the back of your glove compartment? Pull that out and give it a read. It should have a list of the suggested maintenance tasks and when to tackle them.

2. Don’t feel like doing all that work? Have a site remind you instead! We highlighted a “Neat Site” called ServiceBeacon.com back in February - it’s a free and easy-to-use program that helps you keep track of your car’s regular maintenance needs like when to check your timing belts, when to get your tires rotated or how long it’s been since your last oil change. Visit their site here.

3. After checking your schedule, you’ll probably be due for a few important tasks so call your auto mechanic to make an appointment. HINT: Car mechanics are least busy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so try for those days if you can. More car mechanic tips here.

4. Lastly, while you wait for your appointment, run through a few maintenance tasks on your own to save a few bucks or to add to the repair list for the mechanic. Don’t know much about cars? Ask a knowledgeable friend to come over and help you out. Look for:

• Any weird sounds or smells coming from any part of the car, especially the engine
• Check your fluid levels - your oil and your coolant
• Inspect your engine (be careful!!). Look at the condition of your belts and your hoses
• Check to see if your lights all work properly - tail lights, brake lights, head lights, indicators (this is where your friend can come in handy - have them stand outside and check while you test them out)
• Check your tires for wear and tear, check the tread and also check the air pressure

5. Need more? We’ve got some additional maintenance tips from top mechanics here.

Bloggers Marc and Angel have a list of the top ten phone numbers you should have in your cell phone just in case. You just never know when you might need them!

• 10 Handy Numbers to Save in Your Mobile Phone [Marc and Angel via Lifehacker]

Also, this brings to mind another blog post from a while back:

• Four Professionals Everyone Should Keep on Speed Dial

Still in need of additional contact lists to have just in case? Print out these handy emergency contact lists to keep a hard copy of your contact numbers - store them near your landlines at home or at work.