As you plan your next home renovation project, choosing the right contractor for the job is a critical first step in your planning process. You want to make sure you vet the quality of their work in advance, spell out in writing what work you want performed and agree upon the scope of the project, and inquire whether the contractor is properly licensed and insured in case something goes wrong.

Drivers often feel the greatest financial squeeze at the pump, because paying for gas is something you do constantly and gas prices fluctuate. But there are many other costs of car ownership to budget for, and unanticipated expenses are guaranteed to happen.

What are typical costs of owning or leasing a car? How can you prepare for the unexpected? And how can you lower some common costs?

Beyond paying for gas a few times per month, you should expect to pay for the following: