So, you’ve made the big decision: You’re going to buy a car in 14 months.
You’ve already decided on a budget, maybe even saved a few dream car photos to your Pinterest board — now all that’s left is figuring out the down payment.
You want to put down $2,000 (a great move, by the way — more on that later). But how are you going to come up with that much cash without selling your soul or your sneaker collection?
Enter: Your daily Starbucks habit.
Yes, this might sting a little. But stick with me — there’s real money here.
💡 The Coffee Math: Where Your Money Is Hiding
Let’s say you’re currently making Starbucks runs 5 days a week at $6.50 per visit. Here’s how that adds up:
👉 $6.50 x 5 days/week = $32.50/week
👉 $32.50 x 4 weeks = $130/month
👉 $130 x 14 months = $1,820
🎯 $1,820 spent on coffee in just over a year.
Listen, I’m not telling you to give up your frothy little cup of joy completely. We’re not here to suffer — we’re here to strategize.
☕ Let’s Cut Back — Not Quit Cold Brew
What if you cut your Starbucks habit down to 2 days a week instead of 5?
👉 $6.50 x 2 days/week = $13.00/week
👉 $13.00 x 4 weeks = $52/month
👉 $52 x 14 months = $728
Still get your fix. Still feel fancy. Still caffeinated.
Now let’s see how much you’re saving:
💰 $1,820 (5-day habit) – $728 (2-day habit) = $1,092 saved
Boom. You’re more than halfway to your $2,000 down payment just by making coffee at home three extra days a week.
🚗 How to Get the Rest
You’ve got $1,092. Just $908 to go.
Break that down over 14 months:
👉 $908 ÷ 14 months = about $65/month
That’s one less takeout night, one canceled subscription, or actually remembering to meal prep.
And remember: cutting back doesn’t mean cutting joy. You’re swapping impulse for impact.
📈 Why That $2,000 Down Payment Matters
Putting money down does a few awesome things:
✅ Reduces your monthly payment
✅ Lowers the total loan amount
✅ Helps you qualify for better loan terms
✅ Gives you a financial cushion against depreciation
It’s like showing up to the dealership with confidence and a pocket full of “I did my homework.”
🏁 Final Sip: Skip the Cup, Secure the Keys
Giving up a few trips to Starbucks isn’t just a sacrifice — it’s a strategy. A smart, simple move that gets you closer to driving away in a car you actually want, without wrecking your bank account.
So next time you fire up your home coffee maker, give yourself a high five. You’re not just saving $6.50 — you’re stacking your way to the driver’s seat.
Now that’s some rich espresso energy. ☕💪
Ford just dropped eight recalls in one day, affecting tens of thousands of vehicles going back to 2020. If that sounds like a lot, it is. What’s even more concerning? Most of these recalls are fixes for problems that were supposed to be fixed in previous recalls.
The good news? No stop-use notices were issued, so these aren’t major safety threats. But if your Ford or Lincoln is on the list, it’s worth scheduling a visit to your dealer to get things checked out. Let’s break down the biggest issues.
Maverick Pickup: Multiple Recalls for the Same Issues
The Ford Maverick was hit hard, with five separate recalls, most of which involve repeating past fixes that weren’t done correctly.
- Instrument Cluster Issues (933 trucks, Aug 2021 – Oct 2023): Some trucks that previously got a recall fix didn’t receive the right software update, leaving the instrument cluster failing to display safety information.
- Brake Light Malfunction (141 trucks, Aug 2021 – Oct 2022): Brake lights may turn on without the driver pressing the brake pedal—a problem Ford was supposed to fix already but didn’t.
- Powertrain Control Module Update (2 trucks, Mar – Apr 2022): These trucks may not recognize a draining battery, failing to activate the alternator, which could lead to a dead battery while driving.
EV Recalls: Mustang Mach-E & F-150 Lightning Affected
Ford’s electric lineup isn’t immune from recall troubles:
- Mustang Mach-E (243 vehicles): High-voltage battery connectors weren’t properly fixed in a past recall, leading to overheating risks.
- F-150 Lightning (950 trucks, 2022-2024): Some battery cells may have a manufacturing defect, potentially causing a short. Ford advises owners to limit charging to 80% until the issue is resolved. If your truck is affected, Ford will replace the high-voltage battery for free.
Ecosport Crossover: Rollaway Risk
The biggest recall affects the Ecosport, covering models built between April 2021 and July 2022.
- Issue: Front axle shafts may be improperly installed, causing the car to roll away even when in park.
- Fix: Ford will inspect and replace halfshafts if necessary.
Hybrid Powertrain Issues: Maverick, Escape, Corsair
- 207 vehicles (across the Maverick Hybrid, Escape Hybrid, and Lincoln Corsair Hybrid) may shift into neutral unexpectedly due to a faulty Hybrid Powertrain Control Module update from a previous recall.
Trailer Brake Issue: Over 10,000 Trucks & SUVs Affected
- A faulty trailer brake controller module could prevent towed trailers from braking when the vehicle does.
- Affects over 10,000 Ford and Lincoln light trucks/SUVs from 2021 and 2022.
- Fix: Ford will provide a free software update.
Final Thoughts: Ford, Please Get It Right the First Time
If Ford had properly fixed these issues in past recalls, this list would be three recalls instead of eight. Instead, thousands of owners now have to make a second (or even third) trip to the dealer.
If you own a Ford or Lincoln, check your VIN against the recall list and get your vehicle inspected. Hopefully, this time, Ford gets the fixes right.
Maserati once had big plans for electric vehicles. Back in 2022, the brand announced it would go fully electric, launching a lineup of Folgore (Italian for lightning) EVs over three years. The plan included six electric models, two of which would be all-new designs, while the rest would be electric versions of existing cars.
Fast forward to 2025, and reality has hit hard. EV sales are slowing, and many automakers are shifting focus to hybrids or canceling EV projects altogether. Maserati is no exception. Instead of six Folgore models, only three have made it to market:
- Grecale Folgore (Electric SUV)
- GranTurismo Folgore (Electric grand tourer)
- GranCabrio Folgore (Convertible version)
Meanwhile, the Quattroporte Folgore has been delayed, and the two all-new EV models? Nowhere to be seen. And now, we have official confirmation: The MC20 Folgore is dead.
The MC20 Folgore: Canceled Before It Even Debuted
Maserati’s plan to electrify its MC20 supercar is officially scrapped due to a mix of low demand and financial struggles.
The news broke via the UK’s Autocar, revealing some brutal numbers:
- Maserati’s global sales plunged 57% in 2024, dropping from 26,600 cars in 2023 to just 11,300 last year.
- Parent company Stellantis pulled a £1.2-billion investment, throwing Maserati’s future into uncertainty.
- The MC20 itself has been struggling—dealers are slashing prices, trying to move models that have been sitting for a year or more.
The verdict? Not enough people want an electric supercar—especially one from Maserati.
What’s Next for Maserati and the MC20?
With the MC20 Folgore gone, Maserati is doubling down on the gas-powered MC20 instead. According to Autocar, the brand will take performance lessons from the GT2 Stradale, refining the 621-hp twin-turbo V6 to make the MC20 even better.
But Maserati’s financial troubles could mean more delays and uncertainty for other models:
- Levante SUV: Next-gen version may arrive in 2027—if all goes as planned.
- Quattroporte: Originally due in 2024, now pushed to 2028 after Maserati killed off the Ghibli to make room for it.
For now, Maserati’s EV ambitions are on shaky ground. The Folgore dream isn’t completely dead, but the future of the brand looks anything but electric.
President Donald Trump’s one-month exemption from 25% tariffs on vehicles and auto parts imported from Mexico and Canada isn’t enough time for automakers to adapt to the ongoing trade war.
After speaking with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, Trump granted the temporary reprieve under the USMCA trade agreement—but experts say automakers can’t shift production quickly enough to avoid disruptions.
Why Automakers Are Struggling
- Complex Supply Chains – Moving production is difficult, especially for companies that depend on global suppliers for key components.
- Factory Relocation Takes Time – Automakers can’t build new plants or reconfigure supply chains overnight.
- Past Disruptions Show the Challenge – Trade policy changes, labor strikes, and the COVID-19 pandemic have all slowed production in recent years.
“Shifting production to the U.S. isn’t something that happens quickly,” said John Paul MacDuffie, a management professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Industry Response
Despite the challenges, Ford, GM, and Stellantis expressed appreciation for the temporary exemption.
- Ford: “We will continue to have a healthy and candid dialogue with the administration.”
- GM & Stellantis: Thanked Trump for the short-term relief.
- American Automotive Policy Council: Praised the exemption for USMCA-compliant vehicles and parts.
Bigger Problems Ahead
Even with the one-month delay, other tariffs are still set to take effect soon:
- March 12: Steel and aluminum tariffs will increase costs.
- April 2: Broad “reciprocal” tariffs will match import taxes set by other countries, potentially hitting automakers hard.
What This Means for Car Buyers
Higher tariffs could force automakers to increase prices, reduce production, or delay investments. If manufacturers can’t adjust quickly, consumers may see:
- Higher vehicle prices due to rising costs.
- Fewer new car options as companies cut production.
- More demand for used cars as buyers avoid price hikes.
“The uncertainty in the auto industry is holding back investment,” said Brett House, professor at Columbia University. “Companies don’t know what the future holds.”
With time running out, automakers face tough decisions—and consumers may feel the impact sooner than expected.
A boycott against Target has begun at the start of Lent, following the company’s recent decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This comes at a tough time for Target, as it also deals with new tariffs and economic pressures.
Target’s Changes to DEI Programs
On January 24, just days into Donald Trump’s presidency, Target announced major changes to its DEI efforts, including:
✔️ Eliminating minority hiring goals
✔️ Disbanding an executive committee on racial justice
✔️ Introducing a new strategy called “Belonging at the Bullseye”
Target stated it remains committed to creating a sense of belonging but wants to adapt to the changing landscape.
Backlash from DEI Supporters
Target is among several Fortune 500 companies that have scaled back DEI programs due to:
✔️ Conservative legal challenges
✔️ Right-wing activist pressure
✔️ Threats of investigations from the Trump administration
However, no company has faced as much backlash as Target.
🛑 Customers have protested online.
🛑 Anne and Lucy Dayton, daughters of a Target co-founder, called it “a betrayal.”
Since Target has a more progressive customer base compared to competitors like Walmart or Tractor Supply, the company is facing greater scrutiny.
Concerns for Black-Owned Businesses
Melissa Butler, CEO of The Lip Bar, a Black-owned makeup brand sold at Target, expressed disappointment but worried that a boycott could hurt minority-owned businesses.
“We don’t want these businesses to suffer,” she said.
Signs of Impact on Target
📉 Fewer shoppers: Data from Placer.ai shows that visits to Target, Walmart, and Costco have slowed, but Target has seen the largest drop.
📉 Lower sales: Target reported a sales decline in February and expects only 1% growth this year.
Tariffs & Price Increases
Target is also struggling with new tariffs imposed by Trump.
🔺 CEO Brian Cornell warned that tariffs on Mexico could cause higher prices on fruits and vegetables as early as this week.
🔺 Target relies heavily on Mexican imports during the winter, making price increases likely.
Cornell acknowledged the “tariff uncertainty” could impact Target’s profits this quarter.
