Lifestyle

8 Tips for Purchasing Your First Boat

Published

5 years ago

April 3, 2021

Purchasing a boat can be an incredible investment. If you love the idea of fishing, sailing, wakeboarding, or participating in another aquatic activity, a boat will give you the freedom and autonomy you need to do it anytime you like. You can use a boat to entertain others, challenge yourself, or just relax on the open water.

But if you’re new to the world of boat ownership, buying a boat for the first time can be intimidating. How can you be sure you’re getting a good deal? Or that you’re making the right choice?

The Goals

Ultimately, we have a few primary goals:

Getting the right boat. You need to get the right boat. There are many types of vessels available, some of which specialize in supporting specific activities. You may want a sailing vessel, a power boat, or a yacht built for entertaining guests. It’s also important that your boat is fully functional and dependable – so you don’t have to pay for repairs or deal with an emergency at sea.
Getting a good price. It’s also important to get a good price. Boats can be expensive if you buy something too big or too overloaded with extra features. It pays to look for deals and try to find the best price.
Ensuring a smooth process. If you’re dealing with a manipulative seller, complex financing, or other hiccups, buying a boat can be both complicated and stressful. We want to avoid that if possible.

Tips for Buying a Boat

If you follow these tips, you’ll be in a much better position to accomplish these directives:

Calculate all the costs of boat ownership. Before you start researching any vessels, take the time to calculate all the costs of boat ownership – and see if there’s room in your budget for a boat. You’ll need to consider the monthly cost of repaying the loan (assuming you get financing), as well as the costs of boat insurance, docking, fuel, storage, and maintenance. Too many new boat owners underestimate the full costs of owning a boat and end up in a financially precarious situation.
Consider why you want a boat. Obviously, you want a boat. But why? What activities are most interesting to you? How much power does the boat need to have? How big does it need to be? Are there any special features that you consider to be a practical requirement? The more you understand about your own motivation, the better decision you’ll ultimately make.
Do preliminary research online. Once you have a solid idea of the type of vessel you want, you can start doing some preliminary research online. Is there a specific type of boat that stands out to you? Are there manufacturers or brands you want to favor or avoid? What do other experts have to say about these vessels?
Be open to used options. It’s tempting to gravitate to new boat purchases, since new boats have the latest tech and the latest features and are possibly more reliable. However, it’s also a good idea to be open to used options. Used boats can be just as reliable as new ones – and they can save you a lot of money. Just be sure to buy from a seller you trust.
Review boats in person (if possible). If you have the chance, head to a local boat show or rent a boat before you buy. Getting a sense for how they look and feel in person can guide you to make a better decision for your personal needs. Just don’t buy at first sight.
Talk to someone with experience. Find an expert in boating and talk to them about your coming decision. You can likely find a mentor or an experienced peer near the docks or at a local boat show. They may be able to give you advice or direction on where to buy.
Research your financing options. Unless you’re buying the boat in cash, you’ll need to review your financing options. Review multiple lenders to find the best interest rates and terms; sometimes, switching from one lender to another can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of the loan.
Inspect the vessel. Finally, when you’re ready to make a purchase, inspect the boat thoroughly – especially if you’re buying used. It’s your last chance to find flaws or signs of neglect that could compromise the value of your purchase.

Buying a boat is a difficult decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or financially ruinous. If you spend time researching the process, reviewing your options, and thinking critically, you’ll end up with a beautiful vessel that perfectly suits your needs – and your budget.

Lifestyle

Donnette Russell-Love on How Policy Changes Are Reshaping the Immigrant Experience in America

Published

4 days ago

January 16, 2026

Michelle Langton

What happens when the rules for chasing the American dream keep changing? For millions of immigrants, the answer is anxiety, confusion, and a constant fight to stay one step ahead of shifting policies that can decide their future overnight.

This is the reality that Donnette Russell-Love, attorney and CEO of Immigration Care Service, faces every day. With a career built on both courtroom experience and compassionate advocacy, she has become a steady guide for individuals and families navigating one of the most unpredictable legal systems in the world.

A Changing Landscape

Over the years, U.S. immigration policy has shifted from being opportunity-driven to increasingly restrictive. Donnette Russell-Love has seen how these changes have reshaped not only the process but also how immigrants are perceived. She believes that leadership plays a major role in setting the tone; each administration influences whether the focus lies on inclusion, enforcement, or deterrence.

Under the current administration, the path to the American dream has become much narrower. There has been a stronger push to limit humanitarian provisions for people fleeing unstable conditions, less tolerance for long-term immigrants with even minor offenses from years ago, and growing efforts to challenge birthright citizenship.

These policies reflect a clear shift in how the United States approaches immigration. For many of her clients, the rules that once offered hope now feel like walls. Yet, her mission remains the same: to help them find a way through, one informed decision at a time.

Guiding Clients Through Constant Change

In an environment where laws and regulations can change faster than people can adapt, Donnette’s approach is built on preparation. She doesn’t just focus on forms and paperwork; she focuses on context. Her process starts with understanding each client’s story, background, and long-term goals. From there, she helps them see not just what’s required legally, but what’s likely to be asked, reviewed, or challenged along the way.

For her, education is the most powerful defense. She believes that informed clients are stronger, calmer, and more confident when facing interviews or hearings. She spends time explaining how new rules apply to their situations and how small details, like old records, travel history, or documentation, can make all the difference.

Her deep understanding of immigration stems not only from her legal training but also from her background in compliance and risk management. These skills have shaped her proactive style, allowing her to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Instead of reacting to policy shifts, she prepares her clients to adapt to them.

Leadership That Balances Law and Humanity

Running a law firm in such a turbulent field requires discipline, empathy, and vision, qualities that Donnette has cultivated over years of leadership. As the head of Immigration Care Service, she manages the balance between legal precision and genuine human care. Her team works closely with clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they receive not only sound legal guidance but also emotional support during uncertain times.

She also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. Her philosophy is that immigration law is not just about policies or procedures, it’s about people. Every case represents a life story, a dream, or a second chance. And while the system may grow more rigid, her role is to help clients see that persistence and preparation can still lead to opportunity.

Moving Forward with Purpose

For Donnette Russell-Love, the work doesn’t end with one case or one victory. It’s about helping her clients understand the bigger picture, that success in immigration is not only about following rules, but about knowing how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

She recognizes that the path to legal residency or citizenship is harder now than ever before. But her message is one of resilience: knowledge and preparation still open doors.

In a time when immigration policies seem to shift with every election cycle, Donnette’s approach stands out for its steadiness and humanity. She reminds her clients and the broader community that while laws may change, the pursuit of hope, belonging, and a better life remains constant. And with the right guidance, that pursuit is still worth every effort.