The United States is currently facing somewhat of an economic crisis, and saving any little bit of money can significantly help your financial future. As the nation faces serious threats of a recession, money-conscious citizens should take every action that they can to spend less, earn more and save as much as possible. Careless and irresponsible spending habits can quickly and easily place a person in a metaphorical economic ditch, and it can take months, or even years, to dig oneself out.
Surviving the country's current economic situation has been difficult for everyone, but the nation's financial crisis is probably most problematic for recent Pittsburgh college graduates or entry-level job-seekers who are living with low salaries, little or no benefits and a plethora of expenses. How can a recent college graduate or person in his or her 20s in the Pittsburgh area possibly survive this monetary predicament? Between the regular costs of rent, mortgages, car payments, insurance premiums, student loans and other miscellaneous expenses, it can be nearly impossible for young people to stay afloat.
Buying a reliable used Pittsburgh Toyota car, like the Toyota Camry or Toyota Avalon, is one of the many ways that recent college graduates or twenty-somethings can save money and spend less. Pittsburgh Toyota cars are considerably less expensive than new cars, do not depreciate as quickly in value as new vehicles and can still provide a young buyer with several years of dependable driving.
Before purchasing a used Toyota car, like the Toyota Camry or Toyota Corolla, young drivers should explore the many different options that lay before them. It is no secret that certain brands of automobiles have more solid reputations than others. Foreign models like the Toyota Camry or Toyota Corolla, have over an 80% reliability rating. Certain used and new car dealerships, like Greensburg Toyota, help car purchasers find the best car deals on models like the Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Echo, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius or Toyota Yaris.
Young car buyers will save more money over a long period of time if they purchase an automobile that is dependable, reliable and possesses a solid reputation. You can read consumer reports on Toyota car models like the Toyota Echo or Toyota Corolla, on a number of Web sites, like www.edmunds.com. While you may be tempted to buy a swanky, new car model with a variety of extra capabilities, many new vehicles come equipped with a variety of unnecessary additional features that simply add more money to the model's overall price.
Many car dealerships, like Greensburg Toyota, are fully aware of the difficulties that young people face when first graduating from college or working in entry-level positions. These dealerships will gladly work with twenty-somethings who are attempting to find the best deal possible on a reliable Pittsburgh used Toyota car or truck.
If possible, it is smart to pay for your new Toyota car, truck or SUV in cash. Avoiding taking out a loan from a local bank will help you save significant money on interest charges.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
A Look at How Vehicle Size Affects Safety on the Road
The mantra that 'bigger is better' is certainly leaving our vocabulary when it comes to cars. No longer is oversized, gas guzzling SUVs in vogue. Instead, smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles are all the rage. However, these fuel efficient, easy-to-maneuver offerings aren't necessarily the safest on the road.
Whether you're buying a truck, an SUV, or a subcompact, all cars must adhere to strict safety regulations. While this helps provide drivers with a certain level of safety and peace of mind regardless of what vehicle one may purchase, a Honda dealer Los Angeles say it doesn't necessarily guarantee the level of safety you'll receive in real world driving. This is why it's important to do your research before heading to the dealership to truly gauge how safe a car may be. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to do exactly that.
Perhaps the best resource for safety information is the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). This nonprofit is supported by the insurance industry, and does extensive safety testing on just about every vehicle on the road. In addition to gauging the safety of a car's design and how well its safety features work, one Westminster Toyota dealer says the IIHS also does a number of studies to find trends when it comes to vehicle safety. For example, the data below indicates Highest Rates of Driver Death rates between the years of 2001 and 2004.
One factor that this study found is that size and weight plays a large role when it comes to safety. Although today's advanced safety features help minimize fatality rates in any size vehicle, real world driving has plenty to do with plain physics, which Auto Body Pittsburgh can certainly agree with. This is why many of the vehicles with the highest fatality rates were small cars, while the vehicles with the lowest fatality rates were larger cars.
Recent years has seen auto safety change dramatically. In fact, Kia dealers Denver have seen dramatic changes in Kia vehicles alone. First the advanced safety features are very much mainstream. Even seat belts are used more than just a decade ago. But speeds have also increased over the years, as the national speed limit used to be only 55 mpg. With greater speeds, but safer cars, physics is playing a larger role in car accidents and in fatalities.
Even more recent research conducted by the IIHS shows that the highest personal injuries occurred among smaller 2005 to 2007 model year vehicles. While the data is a bit daunting, and is often a concern among Toyota dealers Anaheim, the question then becomes, should you buy a larger car to protect your safety?
Overall, the rate of fatalities has not gone up as more consumers have abandoned larger vehicles in favor of smaller cars. This is an important consideration according to Hyundai Albany when wondering whether a larger car will guarantee your safety. All indicators show that smaller cars are getting safer, despite the higher rates of fatalities.
Regardless, when considering a new vehicle, one Pittsburgh Kia dealer always reminds customers that it's important to consult the IIHS or NHTSA websites in order to find how the vehicles held up in crash test reports. The most popular vehicles will certainly have crash information, while low volume vehicles will not have any data if there is low sales volume. However, most of the new models rank well, and usually receive four or five star ratings.
Ultimately, in the coming years, Saturn Denver believes that technology will play an increasingly larger role in new vehicle safety. It's new technology that allows new subcompacts such as the Honda Fit to have a top crash test rating. Electronic stability control, front and side airbags, and a slew of other now common safety features are relatively new, and were not even available on the Chevrolet Blazer in the study referenced above.
As more technology becomes infused into the vehicles we drive, regardless of size, it's likely that we'll be able to minimize or reduce the severity of crashes. However, that being said, good driver behavior will never be substituted by the most advanced safety features.
Whether you're buying a truck, an SUV, or a subcompact, all cars must adhere to strict safety regulations. While this helps provide drivers with a certain level of safety and peace of mind regardless of what vehicle one may purchase, a Honda dealer Los Angeles say it doesn't necessarily guarantee the level of safety you'll receive in real world driving. This is why it's important to do your research before heading to the dealership to truly gauge how safe a car may be. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to do exactly that.
Perhaps the best resource for safety information is the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). This nonprofit is supported by the insurance industry, and does extensive safety testing on just about every vehicle on the road. In addition to gauging the safety of a car's design and how well its safety features work, one Westminster Toyota dealer says the IIHS also does a number of studies to find trends when it comes to vehicle safety. For example, the data below indicates Highest Rates of Driver Death rates between the years of 2001 and 2004.
One factor that this study found is that size and weight plays a large role when it comes to safety. Although today's advanced safety features help minimize fatality rates in any size vehicle, real world driving has plenty to do with plain physics, which Auto Body Pittsburgh can certainly agree with. This is why many of the vehicles with the highest fatality rates were small cars, while the vehicles with the lowest fatality rates were larger cars.
Recent years has seen auto safety change dramatically. In fact, Kia dealers Denver have seen dramatic changes in Kia vehicles alone. First the advanced safety features are very much mainstream. Even seat belts are used more than just a decade ago. But speeds have also increased over the years, as the national speed limit used to be only 55 mpg. With greater speeds, but safer cars, physics is playing a larger role in car accidents and in fatalities.
Even more recent research conducted by the IIHS shows that the highest personal injuries occurred among smaller 2005 to 2007 model year vehicles. While the data is a bit daunting, and is often a concern among Toyota dealers Anaheim, the question then becomes, should you buy a larger car to protect your safety?
Overall, the rate of fatalities has not gone up as more consumers have abandoned larger vehicles in favor of smaller cars. This is an important consideration according to Hyundai Albany when wondering whether a larger car will guarantee your safety. All indicators show that smaller cars are getting safer, despite the higher rates of fatalities.
Regardless, when considering a new vehicle, one Pittsburgh Kia dealer always reminds customers that it's important to consult the IIHS or NHTSA websites in order to find how the vehicles held up in crash test reports. The most popular vehicles will certainly have crash information, while low volume vehicles will not have any data if there is low sales volume. However, most of the new models rank well, and usually receive four or five star ratings.
Ultimately, in the coming years, Saturn Denver believes that technology will play an increasingly larger role in new vehicle safety. It's new technology that allows new subcompacts such as the Honda Fit to have a top crash test rating. Electronic stability control, front and side airbags, and a slew of other now common safety features are relatively new, and were not even available on the Chevrolet Blazer in the study referenced above.
As more technology becomes infused into the vehicles we drive, regardless of size, it's likely that we'll be able to minimize or reduce the severity of crashes. However, that being said, good driver behavior will never be substituted by the most advanced safety features.
Pittsburgh Auto Insurance - Find The Lowest Rates
Pittsburgh auto insurance ads are omnipresent in virtually all media forms imaginable. The ads promise an out-of-the-ordinary shopping experience by avoiding the fixed-price norm of everyday items, and selling insurance at a customized price which caters to your personal taste and needs. Since rates vary by insurance company, you can actually save money if you do a bit of scouting first.
To help them decide on the right insurance price, insurance companies often use statistical data to compare you against the typical person. From this initial finding, they then proceed to examining key factors such as the kind of driving record you hold. For every violation you incur, expect a corresponding increase on your premium.
There are ways for you to save money by balancing your savings with asset protection. If your assets are substantial, increase your liability limit. Liability coverage worth several hundred thousand dollars should amply protect your assets. If your assets are limited, try reducing your coverage limits for bodily injury and physical damage. If your car is already paid off, consider eliminating physical damage coverage from your plan. Of course, the risk with this move is that you may lose your car in the event of an accident.
A lot of insurance companies may offer dicounts which you can easily convert to savings: anti-theft usage, mileage and towing services at low fees which your yearly AAA dues cannot match. You can save even more money by simply insuring your home with the same company as your auto insurance.
Many factors need to be considered in order to come up with a specific amount for your auto premium. Information about these factors and their priority status among insurance plans can aid you in selecting the right insurance company.
To help them decide on the right insurance price, insurance companies often use statistical data to compare you against the typical person. From this initial finding, they then proceed to examining key factors such as the kind of driving record you hold. For every violation you incur, expect a corresponding increase on your premium.
There are ways for you to save money by balancing your savings with asset protection. If your assets are substantial, increase your liability limit. Liability coverage worth several hundred thousand dollars should amply protect your assets. If your assets are limited, try reducing your coverage limits for bodily injury and physical damage. If your car is already paid off, consider eliminating physical damage coverage from your plan. Of course, the risk with this move is that you may lose your car in the event of an accident.
A lot of insurance companies may offer dicounts which you can easily convert to savings: anti-theft usage, mileage and towing services at low fees which your yearly AAA dues cannot match. You can save even more money by simply insuring your home with the same company as your auto insurance.
Many factors need to be considered in order to come up with a specific amount for your auto premium. Information about these factors and their priority status among insurance plans can aid you in selecting the right insurance company.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Top 7 Crossovers For Affordable Functionality
Just a couple years ago, sport utility vehicles dominated the shopping lists of new car buyers. Specifically, buyers wanted large SUVs, and sales of Tahoes, Expeditions, and even Hummers flourished. But times have changed, and the 'bigger is better' mantra is now a thing of the past.
But even despite a rapid change in consumer demand, the general love of the sport utility did not completely vanish. Instead, the feelings were simply redirected to a new form of SUV - the crossover. Consumers realized that the crossover vehicle had just about everything they wanted; the space and versatility of a SUV, with the car-like driving dynamics and fuel economy of a car. American drivers also came to realize that the crossover was designed for the urban driving, and not the Rubicon, which to the surprise of many former Tahoe owners, is actually a good thing.
Let's take a look at some of these magical crossovers that truly offer the functionality, fun, and frugality that was never quite achieved with the larger sport utilities of recent years.
Volkswagen Tiguan
While it may still be a new comer to the segment, the Volkswagen Tiguan was worth the wait. Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (the same engine in the sporty GTI), the Tiguan is plenty peppy, while delivering a commendable 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. The turbo four is also mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, drivers from Dartmouth Volkswagen to Volkswagen Saint Louis have found a roomy, well-appointed interior with excellent quality materials throughout. There's even an oversized panoramic sunroof that adds plenty of light to the interior. For those who want entry level luxuries and European styling, the VW Tiguan is worth a look.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has remained a popular compact crossover since its inception, but the most recent model offers much more than previous generations. Perhaps the biggest difference between the current Forester and its predecessor is the styling. With more modern, yet conservative lines, more buyers at Massachusetts Subaru dealers and other locations are likely to notice the Forester. Plus, with an available turbocharged boxer engine, the Forester offers the performance to match its new-found good looks. With sportiness, versatility, and also safety, assured, the new Subaru Forester is quickly rising to the top of many crossover buyers' shopping listings.
Nissan Rogue
Car-like driving dynamics is one of the major appeals of the crossover, and in those terms, the Nissan Rogue doesn't disappoint. Hartford Nissan drivers have noted that the steering is quick, and the four cylinder engine never feels underpowered. The Rogue is offered with a continuously variable transmission as well, delivering power and efficiency. With all-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance, Tacoma Nissan dealers stress that the Rogue also offers excellent all-weather driving capabilities. Passengers in the rear quarter may find the Rogue to be a bit cramped, but up front there is plenty of room. The Nissan Rogue also gets 27 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
Mazda CX-7
The Mazda CX-7 is the largest crossover of the group, and certainly shouldn't go unnoticed. Although is offers ample room, the CX-7 is nimble and quite, and is among the sportiest compact crossovers available. The turbocharged engine offers ample power according to Pittsburgh Mazda car buyers, while also delivering 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg city. Mazda Sugarland drivers have also been attracted to the Mazda since it provides a very car-like demeanor in city and freeway driving. If you like the curvy, athletic looks of this Mazda, you'll also like the interior which also offers distinctive style and excellent fit and finish.
Ford Escape
If you have more conservative tastes, and prefer a crossover that still has boxy, truck-like styling, you're in the luck! The Ford Escape offers the styling that's reminiscent of the larger Explorer or Expedition, while also providing excellent on road manners that one would expect from this segment. With a powerful four cylinder that delivers outstanding fuel economy (22 mpg city, 28 mpg hwy), the Ford Escape is also unique in that it also offers a powerful V6 option, and even a hybrid model which delivers the best fuel economy in its class and has excited eco-conscious consumers among Newark Ford dealers. With many reports claiming that Ford vehicles are on par with Toyota and Honda in terms of reliability, the latest Ford Escape promises to offer more practicality than you may think.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V may be a more familiar nameplate than others in this list, but it remains among the most competitive and most desirable compact crossovers available. Why? Well for starters, Birmingham Honda dealers say the Honda CR-V simply does everything well. Although it's not the fastest, nor the largest, the CR-V offers strong mileage, decent performance, ample versatility, and incredible value and reliability. The CR-V is also a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which Honda Long Beach is proud to promote to potential CR-V shoppers. If you're looking to get the most for your money, the Honda CR-V could be your best choice.
Toyota RAV4
Last, but certainly not least, the Toyota RAV4 was one of the first compact crossover vehicles available when it first debuted. Since then the RAV4 has become larger and more powerful, with available third row seating and an optional V6 engine. Although it offers loads of power, Long Beach Toyota dealers stress that the Toyota RAV4 still achieves competitive mileage, with 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. Despite plenty of newer models to choose from, such as the aforementioned Tiguan, many buyers at a Westminster Toyota dealer have still been drawn to all that the RAV4 offers.
But even despite a rapid change in consumer demand, the general love of the sport utility did not completely vanish. Instead, the feelings were simply redirected to a new form of SUV - the crossover. Consumers realized that the crossover vehicle had just about everything they wanted; the space and versatility of a SUV, with the car-like driving dynamics and fuel economy of a car. American drivers also came to realize that the crossover was designed for the urban driving, and not the Rubicon, which to the surprise of many former Tahoe owners, is actually a good thing.
Let's take a look at some of these magical crossovers that truly offer the functionality, fun, and frugality that was never quite achieved with the larger sport utilities of recent years.
Volkswagen Tiguan
While it may still be a new comer to the segment, the Volkswagen Tiguan was worth the wait. Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (the same engine in the sporty GTI), the Tiguan is plenty peppy, while delivering a commendable 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. The turbo four is also mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, drivers from Dartmouth Volkswagen to Volkswagen Saint Louis have found a roomy, well-appointed interior with excellent quality materials throughout. There's even an oversized panoramic sunroof that adds plenty of light to the interior. For those who want entry level luxuries and European styling, the VW Tiguan is worth a look.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has remained a popular compact crossover since its inception, but the most recent model offers much more than previous generations. Perhaps the biggest difference between the current Forester and its predecessor is the styling. With more modern, yet conservative lines, more buyers at Massachusetts Subaru dealers and other locations are likely to notice the Forester. Plus, with an available turbocharged boxer engine, the Forester offers the performance to match its new-found good looks. With sportiness, versatility, and also safety, assured, the new Subaru Forester is quickly rising to the top of many crossover buyers' shopping listings.
Nissan Rogue
Car-like driving dynamics is one of the major appeals of the crossover, and in those terms, the Nissan Rogue doesn't disappoint. Hartford Nissan drivers have noted that the steering is quick, and the four cylinder engine never feels underpowered. The Rogue is offered with a continuously variable transmission as well, delivering power and efficiency. With all-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance, Tacoma Nissan dealers stress that the Rogue also offers excellent all-weather driving capabilities. Passengers in the rear quarter may find the Rogue to be a bit cramped, but up front there is plenty of room. The Nissan Rogue also gets 27 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
Mazda CX-7
The Mazda CX-7 is the largest crossover of the group, and certainly shouldn't go unnoticed. Although is offers ample room, the CX-7 is nimble and quite, and is among the sportiest compact crossovers available. The turbocharged engine offers ample power according to Pittsburgh Mazda car buyers, while also delivering 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg city. Mazda Sugarland drivers have also been attracted to the Mazda since it provides a very car-like demeanor in city and freeway driving. If you like the curvy, athletic looks of this Mazda, you'll also like the interior which also offers distinctive style and excellent fit and finish.
Ford Escape
If you have more conservative tastes, and prefer a crossover that still has boxy, truck-like styling, you're in the luck! The Ford Escape offers the styling that's reminiscent of the larger Explorer or Expedition, while also providing excellent on road manners that one would expect from this segment. With a powerful four cylinder that delivers outstanding fuel economy (22 mpg city, 28 mpg hwy), the Ford Escape is also unique in that it also offers a powerful V6 option, and even a hybrid model which delivers the best fuel economy in its class and has excited eco-conscious consumers among Newark Ford dealers. With many reports claiming that Ford vehicles are on par with Toyota and Honda in terms of reliability, the latest Ford Escape promises to offer more practicality than you may think.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V may be a more familiar nameplate than others in this list, but it remains among the most competitive and most desirable compact crossovers available. Why? Well for starters, Birmingham Honda dealers say the Honda CR-V simply does everything well. Although it's not the fastest, nor the largest, the CR-V offers strong mileage, decent performance, ample versatility, and incredible value and reliability. The CR-V is also a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which Honda Long Beach is proud to promote to potential CR-V shoppers. If you're looking to get the most for your money, the Honda CR-V could be your best choice.
Toyota RAV4
Last, but certainly not least, the Toyota RAV4 was one of the first compact crossover vehicles available when it first debuted. Since then the RAV4 has become larger and more powerful, with available third row seating and an optional V6 engine. Although it offers loads of power, Long Beach Toyota dealers stress that the Toyota RAV4 still achieves competitive mileage, with 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. Despite plenty of newer models to choose from, such as the aforementioned Tiguan, many buyers at a Westminster Toyota dealer have still been drawn to all that the RAV4 offers.
New college grads wrestle with health insurance
Graduating senior Meredith Johnson's wake-up call came when her University of Pittsburgh roommate realized she'd waited too long to schedule the dentist appointment to remove three impacted wisdom teeth. She couldn't get in until after graduation, when she'd have a diploma but no Individual Health Insurance . EasyToInsureME your online individual health insurance source
"She said she didn't know how to pay for it," said Ms. Johnson, 22, who concedes she hadn't given Individual Health Insurance much thought before that.
Now, after moving back home to Lower Merion, Montgomery County, Ms. Johnson is working part-time as a waitress, a job with no benefits. When it comes to insurance, she admits, "I have a low-grade panic going."
Carrie Potter, 21, who graduated from Point Park University Saturday, says she's "horrified" at the prospect of having no job and no health insurance. She wants to work but says she may have to look at graduate school instead.
"I would do that only for the health insurance, which is a sad reality," she said.
Down the street, meanwhile, soon-to-be graduated Emily Dearring, 23, plans to move home with her Mom in Columbus, Ohio, until her Art Institute of Pittsburgh degree helps her land a graphic design job. Needed dental work, which forces her to wear a retainer, will have to wait.
Graduation from college can mean the commencement of big worries anytime.
This year may be particularly tough because, while landing a good job maybe at the top of the graduates' worry list, health insurance is close behind. The Kaiser Family Foundation reported last year that adults 19 to 29 have the highest uninsured rate of any age group.
Part of the reason is that the U.S. health-care system is based on insurance being provided by employers. In the best of times, entry-level jobs with insurance benefits are uncommon, and often coverage doesn't kick in for a few months. This year is not the best of times.
When a group of Western Pennsylvania universities, colleges and community colleges held their annual job fair at the Pittsburgh Indoor Soccer Arena this spring, fewer than half the usual number of potential employers came.
"A lot of them were just talking to people. They weren't there to hire anyone," said Tony Linnan, co-director of career services at Slippery Rock University.
Preliminary results from a student survey earlier this month by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found 19 percent of undergraduate seniors who applied for work had a job lined up after graduation, compared with 25 percent a year ago.
The standard fallback position for new graduates has been to stay on their parents' insurance, costly by itself, but that assumes parents still have their jobs. Even if that's true, some graduates say they don't want to be a continuing financial burden to their families.
"I want to be grown-up. I want to be on my own," said Ms. Potter, who has three younger siblings still at home in Shaler.
What are the alternatives? EasyToInsureME.com offers insurance for $2 per day from the 2nd largest health insurance company in the country
Point Park this year is offering short-term medical insurance for new graduates through Illinois-based Marsh CampusConnexions that allows its graduates to continue their school health coverage for 12 months, renewable for two additional years.
Monthly premiums are typically less than $150 plus a $500 deductible. The plan covers treatment for injuries including hospitalizations. Routine doctor visits are not covered.
Individual plans are another option for new graduates. Online insurance broker EasyToInsureME can connect local graduates with high-deductible ($5,000 to $10,000), low-premium ($35 to $55 per month) policies.
The Internet company also suggests graduates consider several factors, such as talking with an insurance agent if they have a pre-existing chronic condition, becoming familiar with insurance terminology and considering short-term insurance plans that typically last six months to buy time while job hunting.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's adultBasic health plan for the uninsured, which covers routine doctors' visits, hospitalizations and emergency room visits for accidents, has a waiting list of more than 200,000.
Those who meet income requirements and are on the waiting list can get the same coverage if they can pay on average a $330 monthly premium until a spot opens, said insurance department spokeswoman Rosanne Placey. Once in the program, monthly premiums average about $35.
Compared with COBRA payments, that may sound like a good deal. But it's not something a new college grad necessarily wants to think about.
"It's the adult stuff. It's the stuff your parents do," said Ms. Johnson. "It's one of those things you'll have to save for that's not a fun thing. It's not like saving for a car."
"She said she didn't know how to pay for it," said Ms. Johnson, 22, who concedes she hadn't given Individual Health Insurance much thought before that.
Now, after moving back home to Lower Merion, Montgomery County, Ms. Johnson is working part-time as a waitress, a job with no benefits. When it comes to insurance, she admits, "I have a low-grade panic going."
Carrie Potter, 21, who graduated from Point Park University Saturday, says she's "horrified" at the prospect of having no job and no health insurance. She wants to work but says she may have to look at graduate school instead.
"I would do that only for the health insurance, which is a sad reality," she said.
Down the street, meanwhile, soon-to-be graduated Emily Dearring, 23, plans to move home with her Mom in Columbus, Ohio, until her Art Institute of Pittsburgh degree helps her land a graphic design job. Needed dental work, which forces her to wear a retainer, will have to wait.
Graduation from college can mean the commencement of big worries anytime.
This year may be particularly tough because, while landing a good job maybe at the top of the graduates' worry list, health insurance is close behind. The Kaiser Family Foundation reported last year that adults 19 to 29 have the highest uninsured rate of any age group.
Part of the reason is that the U.S. health-care system is based on insurance being provided by employers. In the best of times, entry-level jobs with insurance benefits are uncommon, and often coverage doesn't kick in for a few months. This year is not the best of times.
When a group of Western Pennsylvania universities, colleges and community colleges held their annual job fair at the Pittsburgh Indoor Soccer Arena this spring, fewer than half the usual number of potential employers came.
"A lot of them were just talking to people. They weren't there to hire anyone," said Tony Linnan, co-director of career services at Slippery Rock University.
Preliminary results from a student survey earlier this month by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found 19 percent of undergraduate seniors who applied for work had a job lined up after graduation, compared with 25 percent a year ago.
The standard fallback position for new graduates has been to stay on their parents' insurance, costly by itself, but that assumes parents still have their jobs. Even if that's true, some graduates say they don't want to be a continuing financial burden to their families.
"I want to be grown-up. I want to be on my own," said Ms. Potter, who has three younger siblings still at home in Shaler.
What are the alternatives? EasyToInsureME.com offers insurance for $2 per day from the 2nd largest health insurance company in the country
Point Park this year is offering short-term medical insurance for new graduates through Illinois-based Marsh CampusConnexions that allows its graduates to continue their school health coverage for 12 months, renewable for two additional years.
Monthly premiums are typically less than $150 plus a $500 deductible. The plan covers treatment for injuries including hospitalizations. Routine doctor visits are not covered.
Individual plans are another option for new graduates. Online insurance broker EasyToInsureME can connect local graduates with high-deductible ($5,000 to $10,000), low-premium ($35 to $55 per month) policies.
The Internet company also suggests graduates consider several factors, such as talking with an insurance agent if they have a pre-existing chronic condition, becoming familiar with insurance terminology and considering short-term insurance plans that typically last six months to buy time while job hunting.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's adultBasic health plan for the uninsured, which covers routine doctors' visits, hospitalizations and emergency room visits for accidents, has a waiting list of more than 200,000.
Those who meet income requirements and are on the waiting list can get the same coverage if they can pay on average a $330 monthly premium until a spot opens, said insurance department spokeswoman Rosanne Placey. Once in the program, monthly premiums average about $35.
Compared with COBRA payments, that may sound like a good deal. But it's not something a new college grad necessarily wants to think about.
"It's the adult stuff. It's the stuff your parents do," said Ms. Johnson. "It's one of those things you'll have to save for that's not a fun thing. It's not like saving for a car."
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