tips

How Bond Prices and Yields Work

Tim Lemke — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 08:30:14 +0000

When we talk about investing, we frequently talk about stocks. Stocks are likely to make up a the bulk of your investment portfolio during the majority of your investing years.

Bonds, which tend to be less risky but also less rewarding, are more important as you get closer to retirement. However, bonds can be a helpful part of your investment mix at any age, and it's important to understand how they work — even if you don't own many of them right now.

Let's examine bonds and why we should pay close attention to them these days. (See also: 5 Crucial Things You Should Know About Bonds)

How government bonds work

A bond is simply a vehicle that governments and companies use to borrow money. People buy bonds, and in exchange, receive interest payments. Our country would barely be able to function without bonds.

For the sake of this discussion, let's focus on government bonds. The U.S. government floats many different securities, but the most common are the 30-year and 10-year Treasury bonds. These bonds pay interest every six months, and the principal of the bond — often referred to as "par value" — is paid in full after 30 or 10 years.

There are also popular securities called Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). The principal of a TIPS can go up or down depending on the movement of the Consumer Price Index.

U.S. Treasuries are very popular worldwide because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which has historically always repaid its debts.

Yield and price

If you plan to hold onto a bond until it matures, you'll likely want to take a look at its yield, which is simply a calculation of how much money you'll make on the investment. So for example, let's say you have a $10,000 30-year bond with an annual interest rate of 5 percent. This would mean you'd get $500 per year. This is the bond's annual yield. It's also referred to as the "nominal" yield.

There's another factor that determines how much money you make from a bond, and that is price.

Let's say that the owner of the $10,000 bond above chooses to sell the bond before it matures, for $9,000 — maybe because the issuing company is struggling to stay afloat, or because interest rates are about to see a substantial rise. The buyer of the bond will still continue to get interest payments based on the face value of the bond ($10,000). These interest payments are fixed.

Thus, the buyer is receiving the same payments, but because the buyer paid less for the bond, the yield is 5.55 percent. ($500/$9,000=0.0555, or 5.55 percent).

When a bond is selling for more than its issue value, we often hear people say it is trading "at a premium." If it is selling at less than its issue value, it is selling "at a discount."

Generally speaking, people seek to find bonds selling at a discount, because they result in a higher yield.

Why prices rise and fall

The price of bonds is very closely impacted by interest rates. The prevailing interest rate — that is, the interest rate on bonds being issued at that particular time — can make any other bond seem more or less attractive to investors.

To illustrate this, let's say you hold a 30-year bond with a 5 percent interest rate, but rates have been rising and now average 6 percent. Because your bond now has an interest rate that is lower than the prevailing average, it's less attractive to investors. Thus, if you want to sell the bond, you may have to lower the price to ensure investors can get the same yield.

The opposite is also true. When interest rates are falling, any bond with a higher interest rate becomes more attractive and can demand a higher price.

Inflation is known to indirectly impact bond prices because it is accompanied by higher interest rates.

Bond prices are also indirectly impacted by the performance of the stock market. When the stock market is doing well, people tend to flock to stocks and their potential for higher returns, which in turn depresses demand and prices for bonds. But during times of economic distress, investors will often flock to the relative safety of bonds and this can cause prices to rise.

Why it matters now

Treasury yields have been on the rise in 2018, with the interest rate on a 30-year Treasury growing from about 2.8 percent at the start of the year to 3.1 percent as of the end of May. The yield on the 10-year Treasury is more than 2.9 percent, compared to 2.4 percent at the start of 2018.

There are many reasons why yields have increased, but generally they have to do with confidence in the economy and in the stock market. Treasury yields rise inversely to prices. Thus, a high yield suggests that demand for bonds is weak and that's depressing prices.

The trend is only expected to strengthen. The government is predicted to issue a lot of new bonds in 2018 as it looks to cover the cost of new tax cuts. Having more bonds in the market will lower demand for any individual bond, so prices will fall and yields will rise.

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This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

What Artists and Fans Should Know About Tipping Sites Like Patreon

Samantha Stauf — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 08:30:11 +0000

The internet has built an ever-evolving community where budding artists, musicians, and actors can create digital content for the masses to enjoy. We live in the age of YouTube celebrities who earn millions of dollars in income in a single year. It's an arrangement that provides benefits for both the creators and the consumers of the content.

However, the YouTube marketplace, in particular, has shifted recently. In 2016, YouTube announced new advertising guidelines that limited what types of content could collect ad revenue. And over the past few years, major brands have chosen to pull their ad content from YouTube to prevent their brands being associated with "incendiary" or controversial content.

The end result is that many creators don't earn as much from ad revenue as they used to. That shift has led to a new norm for amateur and professional artists — fans financially backing the YouTuber's they follow with their own money.

Understanding the value of the content, many fans help fund the projects of creators. In order to facilitate that exchange, creators have turned to crowdfunding and tip services like Patreon. It's the digital version of the street performer collecting tips in his busker hat. (See also: 6 Ways Peer Lending Can Boost Your Wallet)

Patreon and similar services provide a platform for content creators to connect with fans and collect tips that have been pledged every month. Patreon is the main tip service that individuals with online side-hustles use. A few alternatives to Patreon are Liberapay, Gratipay, and Tipeee.

How does Patreon work?

Fans and artists sign up for accounts, which allows fans to easily give artists they enjoy monthly tips. Patreon and other tip services don't own the content. Access to the services doesn't require a contract that prohibits other forms of ad or brand deals.

The creator is given an account where they can:

Interact with their fans.
Track the growth in pledges over time.
Analyze data on their content's performance.
Create fan rewards for different levels of support.

Fans are given an account where they can:

Manage their pledges.
Interact with creators.
Keep track of new content and posts released by the creators they support.

What's the cost?

Nothing is free. The good news is that neither the fans nor the creators pay a direct yearly or monthly membership fee.

Patreon is a business that functions by collecting fees from fan pledges to creators. The amount that Patreon collects from the pledge before it is delivered to the creator is based on how much money in pledges is collected from the fan each month.

So, say a fan pledges $10 on Patreon, the creator can expect to receive around $9 (about 90 percent).

Where does the other 10 percent go? Patreon keeps 5 percent. On top of that, around 5 percent in transaction fees are removed from the tip.

If the pledge comes from a fan that lives in the European Union, creators should also expect to see that a Value Added Tax (VAT) has been removed from the pledge. Due to that fact, an artist located in the EU shouldn't need to pay any additional VAT tax for Patreon income.

Taxes for creators

Professionals that use a tip service should expect to pay taxes on the income. In the U.S., the income is taxed if it's over $600.

Don't try to dodge paying the taxes on the tips received. This isn't an under the table tip that you can get away with not paying. Patreon will have all creators fill out either a W9 Form (U.S. residents) or a W-8BEN form (Non-U.S. residents). The income paid out to each creator will be reported to the United States International Revenue Service.

Artists in the U.S. who earn more than $20,000 in pledges will receive a 1099-K form at the end of the year. If they don't quite hit that threshold, Patreon will email a report that details their income earned. New U.S.-based creators who make content as a side-gig or a freelance career should keep in mind that they might be required to file their taxes each quarter. (See also: What Freelancers and Side Giggers Need to Know About Income Taxes)

Taxes for nonprofit artists

Creators who are legally recognized as a not-for-profit might not need to pay income tax on the pledges received. They should, at the very least, keep track of all donation pledges received through Patreon and any reward given in return for the donation.

Taxes for fans

Donations made to charitable campaigns by not-for-profit artists are tax-deductible in some countries. In the U.S., in order to file a charitable donation as a tax deduction, the patron needs to deduct the value of a reward or gift received for the donation.

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This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Budget When You Rely on Cash Tips

Mikey Rox — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 08:30:11 +0000

If you work in the service industry, the majority of your income likely comes from tips — and that can present difficulty when trying to budget your money responsibly. But just because it's not easy doesn't mean it's impossible. You can keep your cash flow in check if you have the right tools and systems in place.

Track every dollar you make

The first step to getting on track financially — even when your tips fluctuate from shift to shift — is to account for all of the cash you make over a period of time. You won't get a good idea of what to expect from month to month from just a couple weeks' worth of income, so it's best to monitor your tips over an extended period, ideally two to three months. This sampling should provide a decent basis on what you can expect to average throughout the year given that your place of employment is relatively consistent in terms of traffic. It may be a better idea to sample a slow period so you have a real bottom line as opposed to an inflated sense of income during a rush like the holidays.

Natasha Rachel Smith, personal finance expert at TopCashBack.com, offers a suggestion to put this plan in place.

"Write down how much you make in a journal or spreadsheet after every shift for 10 weeks to get an idea of your average weekly income," she says. "Although that amount will fluctuate depending on the economy, low or high seasons, and service quality, by averaging 10 weeks' worth of pay you can get a fairly reasonable and realistic idea of your typical earnings."

Create (and stick to) a budget based on goals

Once you have an idea of how much you can expect to bring home on average per month, it's time to budget your income so all your bills are paid on time — and so you're not stressed out and trying to scrounge up cash for a car payment at the last minute. To do this effectively, says finance expert Kevin Gallegos, vice president of Phoenix operations for Freedom Financial Network, create a budget based on goals.

"Whether your goal is to save on weekly grocery bills, have time to train for a marathon, save for retirement, or take a vacation to China, write down the goals and build your budget with the goals in mind."

In the budget, be sure to include a line item for savings in the "expenses" area, and treat it as a mandatory item to be paid. But, it can also be a variable expense — establish a percentage of your take-home pay that you'd like to put toward your goal after every shift.

"Ten percent or more is ideal," Gallegos says, "but if it's less than that, choose the number and stick to it."

Start a system for envelope budgeting

An easy way to delegate your funds to the bills you need to pay — especially if you don't want to make daily deposits to your checking account (which I don't recommend anyway because the only agency who will benefit from that paper trail is the IRS) — is to start a system of envelope budgeting. With this system, you add the regular cash you earn to envelopes designated for specific expenses, like rent, groceries, and student loans. By divvying up your cash after each shift, you can see in real-time how much you've saved and how much you still need to contribute to cover your general life expenses. This is also a good way to cut back on your "extra" expenses because live tracking will keep you informed on whether you can spare the money or not.

Separate your singles if you can afford it

If you can afford it, and provided you aren't only paid in this denomination, tuck away all one-dollar bills into a jar or container instead of spending them.

"Dollar bills will accumulate faster than change and it will give you a jar-fund to use when low on money or for the small, fun things in life," Smith says.

Look for patterns to keep your finances balanced

After a while, you'll be able to observe patterns in your income — a slump during the winter months or an uptick around a holiday, for instance — as well as determine a typical monthly minimum income level. By minding these patterns and building your budget around them, your finances should stay fairly balanced throughout the year so you're not stuck in the lurch because you were naive to expectation.

Gallegos suggests holding on to receipts and keeping a spending log.

"Many people find it eye-opening to see how much they spend each day," he says. "It's very similar to writing down everything you eat when trying to lose weight. Review carefully on a weekly basis to spot areas where you can cut back, and to become more familiar with your spending patterns."

Establish a "floating fund"

Another idea of Gallegos' that you may not have heard is the "floating fund," which establishes an absolute baseline of sufficient savings to cover expenses such as quarterly estimated self-employment taxes and an emergency fund.

"Common wisdom suggests keeping six to nine months' living expenses in an emergency fund at all times," he explains. "This fund then can also serve as a 'floating' fund to pull from during leaner times, for replenishment as income increases. It's key to think of the funds in this way — not just to pull from, but to replenish."

You will need to train yourself to pull from — and replenish (the hard part!) — these funds on a regular basis to make this work.

Send financial windfalls directly to savings

When you earn or receive extra money — from a large event you work, a gift, or even a yard sale that you host — get in the habit of saving rather than spending that extra money. If you make this standard protocol whenever you come into unexpected cash, your savings will increase quicker.

Don't make any major financial commitments

The last thing you want to do if your income fluctuates is overextend yourself unnecessarily. Business can decline unexpectedly or you could lose your job altogether. These unfortunate circumstances can put you in a precarious predicament financially — perhaps even driving you into a deep debt situation that could impair your life for many years into the future.

"Stay away from accruing debts or taking out loans if you're living on a tip-based income," Smith advises. "This is because your earnings are unpredictable and you could find one bad week creates a financial avalanche, simply because you didn't make enough money to cover a car payment or a credit card's minimum repayment."

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Financial Basics Every New Grad Should Know

Matt Bell — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 08:00:11 +0000

If you're a recent college grad, congratulations. As you settle into your first job, you'll probably have more money flowing through your life than ever before.

Take a minute to think of your financial potential. Let's say your starting salary is $45,000. If you're 21 years old, earn a 3 percent raise each year, and work until you're 70, you will have made nearly $5 million by the time you retire! (To use your actual salary and change other assumptions, use this lifetime earnings calculator.)

Here are seven ideas for making the most of your financial potential.

Plan to succeed

To be intentional about your use of money, you need a plan. That's right, you need a budget — or as I prefer to call it, a cash flow plan. Today, free tools such as Mint.com make the process relatively painless.

There are three key activities involved in using a budget: planning, tracking, and adjusting. First, figure out how much of your income you need to allocate to housing, food, clothing, and all the rest of your expenses. Your income will determine how much you have for discretionary spending on, say, entertainment.

Then, keep track of your expenses. You can jot them in a notebook or spreadsheet, or link a tool like Mint to your checking account and credit cards, so it can do much of the tracking for you.

Don't be discouraged if you don't hit your numbers each and every month. Your assumptions may have been unrealistic. Plus, your goals and circumstances will change, so the amounts you allocate for various categories will need to be adjusted over time as well.

Put some away

The key to building wealth is to set aside a portion of every dollar you earn for saving and investing. There are two separate types of savings that are important.

First, there's an emergency fund. In life, stuff happens. An important way to avoid going into debt for that stuff is to have some money set aside in savings. Financial advisers often recommend your emergency fund have enough to cover three to six months' worth of essential living expenses.

But when you're just starting out, you probably have relatively few breakable moving parts in your life. For example, renting an apartment is less financially risky than owning a home. If that's you, having three months' worth of expenses in savings is probably enough.

The second type of savings is for periodic expenses. These are expenses that occur every year, but not every month — things like a semiannual car insurance premium, end-of-year holiday gifts, or a vacation. Take the annual total of each of these items, divide by 12, and then put that much in savings each month. That way, when the expense comes due, you'll have the money already set aside.

Invest for your future

A little bit of money invested each month for a long time and at a decent rate of return will eventually turn into a lot of money you can use for retirement. Using our earlier assumptions (age 21, starting salary of $45,000, and a 3 percent annual raise), if you invest 10 percent of your salary (a good target) and generate an average annual return of 7 percent, by the time you're 70, you will have built a retirement nest egg of $2.7 million!

Bottom line? If your employer offers a workplace retirement plan, such as a 401(k), sign up as soon as possible. And don't miss out on any matching money.

Keep your biggest expense under control

Aim to spend no more than 25 percent of your monthly gross income on housing — even better if you can keep it to no more than 20 percent. If you own, that's the combination of your mortgage, insurance, and property taxes. If you rent, that's the combination of your rent, insurance, and utilities.

Keeping your housing costs within that range will give you the margin you need to save, invest, and enjoy financial peace of mind.

Avoid a car payment

Vehicles depreciate in value quickly, so avoid financing them. If you can't pay cash right away, see if you can go without a car, at least while you save up for one. That may be viable if you live in a city with good public transportation. If not, get the least expensive used car that's highly rated by Consumer Reports.

You're not looking for something flashy. You're looking for a car you can pay off quickly and keep for a long time. By the time you need to replace it, the combination of your savings and the value you'll still be able to get when trading in your current car should enable you to afford a nicer car.

Choose your bank or credit union carefully

Too often, people choose where to open a checking account based on which bank has the best promotion. Once you go to the trouble of setting up online bill-pay with your utilities, insurance providers, and others, the hassle factor involved in changing banks goes up a lot. So, choose carefully.

If you use an ATM frequently, you'll want a bank with lots of ATM locations. And you'll probably want a bank that doesn't charge a fee for a low balance.

Get a credit card

Having a credit card in your own name will help you start building a credit score, which is beneficial for everything from getting a job to paying the least for insurance. (See also: How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score)

If you don't have a credit card already, see if you could get one through your bank. If not, a retailer may be more willing to approve you — but retail cards are notorious for having high interest rates, so make sure you pay off your bills quickly. If you still have trouble, look into getting a secured card. With a secured card, you'll have to put down a deposit, which will usually be equal to your credit limit.

Just be sure to be responsible. That means using your credit card only for preplanned, budgeted expenses, recording any charges in your budget right away, and paying the balance on time and in full each month.

If you take the steps and build the habits described above, you'll give yourself the best possible chance of making the most of your financial potential.

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This article is from Matt Bell of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Countries Where You Don't Have to Tip at Restaurants

Nick Wharton — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 08:31:10 +0000

Maybe you hate tipping and want to plan your vacations around countries where it's an unheard of concept. Or perhaps you're interested in how other cultures handle tipping and if the service is affected by the custom. Whatever your motivations, it's good to be aware of the places where it's unexpected to tip, those where it's uncommon but appreciated, and the ones where it's considered an outright insult. (See also: This Is How Much to Tip in the U.S.)

1. Japan

Japan is a country built on traditions that stretch back centuries and which can still be seen clearly in everyday life. Respect, courtesy, and politeness are basic principles in society, and good service comes as standard without the expectation of extra compensation.

Japan quite simply doesn't have a tipping culture, so trying to leave a gratuity could result in a fair amount of confusion. That confusion will inevitably lead to attempts to give you back your change, and could even open up the potential for causing offense. Avoid an awkward situation with a heartfelt thank you instead.

2. China

China is such a vast country with such a diverse history that many aspects of life differ drastically from region-to-region. The food, the landscapes, and even the language vary depending on where you are. But one thing that remains largely the same is that tipping is unexpected and unnecessary.

Similar to Japan, China has no tipping culture traditionally, though in some of the big, international destinations it is becoming more common, largely thanks to overseas visitors. In Hong Kong and Macau, restaurants will often include a 10 percent service charge. If you feel you got exceptional service you may want to leave a little something extra.

I lived in a relatively unknown city called Yangzhou for one year, and when I first arrived, my North American habits meant that I was frequently leaving tips without really noticing. I soon realized that this was not a custom in Yangzhou, and often the waitstaff would chase me down the street to return my change to me!

3. French Polynesia

This collection of magical tropical islands in the South Pacific Ocean might be an overseas collectivity of France, but the tipping rules are slightly different from the country that oversees it. Tipping traditions here stem from Tahitian traditions rather than the French customs.

In France, a service charge is included in the price of meals, and is required by law to be passed on to the staff. Additional tipping is not an obligation, but is accepted as a gesture for good service. In French Polynesia, no tip is required ordinarily, though if one is expected it will usually be clearly indicated with a note on the receipt to say that it would be appreciated.

4. Switzerland

Switzerland is a country whose identity is heavily influenced by the countries surrounding it, with French, German, Italian, and Romansch all considered official languages. Its tipping customs are unique to Switzerland, though, as there is no expectation to leave a gratuity for any services received.

Unlike in many countries where tipping is ingrained in the culture, staff in the service industry in Switzerland are generally paid a decent basic salary. This means they aren't reliant on tips to bolster their wages. Any service charge must be clearly stated on your bill by law, and any tips here tend to be confined to the change left over from payment. (See also: How to Get Cash While Traveling Abroad)

5. Brazil

Tipping in Brazil is not common practice, partly because culturally it's not been done, but also because a 10 percent service charge is usually automatically added to your bill.

Having said that, tips here are genuinely appreciated, even if they're not relied upon. Many customers tend to round up to the nearest real rather than waiting for small change, and don't be surprised if service staff do this as well when giving you your change back. Use your discretion as to when to give a tip, but remember that waiting service is a well regarded profession here and anything you do leave will be well received.

6. South Korea

South Korea is a country that manages to seamlessly merge age-old tradition with cutting edge modernity. Its vibrant capital Seoul is a mammoth metropolis with a thriving food scene, futuristic architecture, and streets full of trendy fashionistas. Outside of Seoul there's an abundance of stunning natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

Regardless of where you are in South Korea, tipping is generally not expected, though it may still be appreciated in certain settings such as more westernized restaurants. In some instances it can even be considered as an act of pity rather than generosity, and may be refused. The easiest option is to simply not tip.

7. Denmark

This stunning Scandinavian country, like many others in this region, is well renowned for its egalitarian social policies. Its relatively high minimum wage means that service staff are well compensated for their work. Add to this the fact that a service charge of 10 percent is more often than not included in your final bill and it goes some way in explaining why tipping is so uncommon here.

Don't feel obliged to leave a tip, but if you do receive great service, a tip is taken as a token of your appreciation. It's also more common to tip in higher end establishments than it is in cafes or bars, but still not considered a requirement. Five to 10 percent is sufficient if you do decide that you want to leave something.

In the U.S., tipping is such an ingrained part of the culture that it can feel strange not leaving a gratuity, particularly when you've received great service. But whether you feel comfortable resisting leaving a tip or not, it's important to follow the customs and traditions of the places that you visit.

What you consider a harmless and even generous act could be seen as completely the opposite and cause offense to the intended recipient. Be respectful, and if in doubt, feel free to discreetly ask what the expectation is.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Only Money Advice You'll Actually Listen To

Sarah Winfrey — Tue, 02 May 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Financial advice is not a one-size-fits all thing. Certain money tips — even those you read on this site — just won't apply to you. Don't get disheartened if this is the case. The trick is finding advice that you can directly implement in your own unique life circumstances. That's the advice you'll listen to, use, and benefit from the most.

How do you go about finding this best advice?

Advice that suits your lifestyle

Whatever financial advice you take has to align with your priorities, interests, and how you want to live. Otherwise, it probably won't work.

If you're a die-hard foodie, for example, trying to follow money advice that says you should cut out all food indulgences probably feels like torture. Or, how often do you hear money pros advise you to eliminate your morning latte? If you're a coffee lover, that often-touted tip is probably a total turnoff.

That's not an excuse to completely disregard anything you don't want to hear — you may be able to sacrifice more of those splurges than you realize at first. But you'll need to tailor the advice to fit in at least some of those things most important to you, or you won't follow it at all.

The same thing applies to your general lifestyle, too. For instance, there are a number of financial gurus out there who advocate a cash budget system. My husband and I have read all of this. We understand why cash works, how you're likely to spend less if you have to hand over paper, and how the system has saved people's financial lives.

But the advice just doesn't work for us. We don't have easy access to a fee-free ATM or a bank branch. We don't like carrying cash or having it around the house. We choose our credit cards consciously, based on benefits.

So, we don't take that advice. We know it won't work for us, so we don't waste our time trying to force it. On the other hand, we always use our credit cards responsibly and pay them off each month, because that does work for the life we live. (See also: 5 Simple Ways to Never Make a Late Credit Card Payment)

Advice from a person you can respect

It doesn't matter how sound the advice is. If you can't respect the person giving it, you won't follow it.

When you're looking for someone to listen to about money, don't just look at what they say — look at who they are. At the very least, make sure the person seems to have integrity, that they practice what they preach, and that they are well respected within their community.

Your best friend may be a great person, but if she's always in debt, she's probably not the best person to give you savings suggestions. Relatives may have their own agendas and biases that make their advice unsound for you.

Although professionals aren't infallible, they are disinterested parties that can usually give you objective advice. If it's a professional whose advice you read or hear about in the media, make sure they've got adequate credentials — either they've had personal experience in the subject they're talking about, or better yet, they have certifications that show they've studied the subject intensively.

If it's a professional you pay, those certifications are even more important. And be sure to understand how they're being compensated (are they fee-only, or commission-based?) so you know whether they are being financially swayed by anything other than your best interest. (See also: Who to Hire: Financial Planner or Financial Adviser?)

Advice in the right media format

Financial advice is available in almost every medium, so choose the one that's easiest for you to digest. After all, you have to understand and implement the advice in order for it to be valuable.

Some people like their financial advice in bite-sized snippets. If this is you, read a blog or website that features easy-to-read articles about money. If you prefer reading longer arguments and counterarguments, find a personal finance book.

Maybe you don't like to read at all, but would instead rather watch or listen. No problem: Check out a podcast or browse YouTube. Trust me, what you need is out there, you just have to search for it. (See also: The 8 Classic Personal Finance Books You Must Read)

Advice that's memorable

Financial advice doesn't just need to be a good fit for you — it also has to be something you can easily remember and use on the fly. If it doesn't stick in your brain, it's not going to help you with your finances. You'll forget you ever read or heard it, and go right back to your old money ways.

What makes advice memorable depends on — you guessed it — you. Do you like humor? Find some advice that's doled out with wit. Prefer deep thought? Find a financial philosopher. Like facts and figures? There are analysts and advisers who will run those numbers for you.

Trust me: There is solid financial advice out there for you that fits your preferences and lifestyle. You just have to find it.

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This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Ways College Grads Can Get Ahead in the Job Hunt

Mikey Rox — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 08:30:13 +0000

It's a dog-eat-dog post-college world out there for new grads. It was when I graduated in 2003, and I hear the same grumblings today from next-gens looking for work.

While I can't promise that any of my advice will get you hired, I can ensure that it'll at least help you get your professional endeavors off on the right foot. As such, consider these ways to get ahead in the job hunt.

1. Explore entrepreneurship while you're still in school

Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, but I do recommend it to everyone. I started my first business while I was still in college, which eventually evolved into a successful media business. That has, in turn, provided me with the financial and recreational freedom to pursue other interests and revenue streams.

More than that, though, trying to become your own boss at a young(ish) age, even if you don't quite know what you're doing yet, will never be considered a failure. At the very least, you'll gain skills than can help you in future prospects, learn how to interact with customers, and make connections networking with other professionals. This will give you a major edge over your contemporaries.

2. Volunteer to enhance work ethic and build references

Volunteering, especially right after college, looks great on a resume because it lets an employer know that you're committed to a cause. It's not just about listing the noble charities to which you've given your time, but rather how you turned these opportunities into in-the-field, ethic-building ventures. The experience will undoubtedly help you make contacts and build references who will sing your praises when called upon. Of course, seeing the world, meeting and helping people, and gaining a sense of purpose and self are pretty cool, too.

3. Pursue internships to gain industry experience

I held two internships at a time in college because I knew I wanted to work in media, specifically journalism. Unfortunately for me, I fell in love with a college that didn't offer a journalism major, and that meant I had to make up the difference — big time.

One of my internships was writing news for an ABC-affiliated AM news-radio station, while the other was writing about music for a local magazine. Each of these internships provided me with vastly different skills, but they both prepared me for applying to my first paid writing positions. I went into those jobs better prepared, perhaps, than other candidates.

Alexis Chateau, founder and managing partner of her own eponymous public relations firm, credits internship for her success. In addition to the internship, she suggests taking on spec assignments for free to show potential employers what you've got.

"College students should take on pro-bono work, to build their portfolio, if they work in an area that requires it," she says. "An impressive portfolio can open up almost any door in business."

I can personally vouch for this tactic. When I started my journalism career, I wrote many articles for free just to get published. When I had enough clips that showed that I was a capable and cognizant writer, editors responded in kind by hiring me for work.

4. Connect with prospective companies online

If there are particular companies at which you're interested in working, follow them online so you can get a better idea of what they're all about. When you go into an interview with something smart and relevant to say about the company, you won't go unnoticed by the interviewer.

"These days, smart companies are using their social media to have a dialogue with the public, and this dialogue is a great way for people to figure out a company's core values, their mission, and the language they use in order to connect with them, and present yourself as an ideal candidate," explains Carlota Zimmerman, a New York-based career coach and success strategist.

Zimmerman suggests also liking the company's Facebook page, as someone through the grapevine may notice and reach out. It may not be that easy, but any potential connection is a valuable connection.

5. Clean up your social media

This is the digital age, when everyone and their mother has a social media presence. Chances are, if you're fresh out of college, you've got a few things floating around your Facebook or Instagram account that may not paint the prettiest picture of you to an employer. And believe me, your prospective employers will be looking.

Before you even send out your resume, do a deep clean of all of your social media accounts. Scrub embarrassing posts, delete or untag yourself from unflattering photos, and double check your privacy settings. Then, view your profile publicly to see what information is still accessible. A tedious process? Yes, but so is unemployment. (See also: 7 Easy Ways to Clean Up Your Image on Social Media)

6. Tap into your personal network for professional tips

Nearly every single adult you know is a professional with years of experience in their field. Some of them have had the same jobs forever, and some of them have changed careers frequently. No matter the case, these folks can be helpful not only in the advice they can provide, but they may also be able to point you in the right direction of employment.

Kristine Thorndyke, who landed a full-time gig in Los Angeles before she graduated, offers advice on how to apply this principle within your own college community.

"Join a club or school committee based around a particular skill or interest you intend on pursuing in the future," she says. "For example, if you are a business major, see if there are any groups or committees that meet up or, oftentimes, a designated business fraternity. These kinds of groups usually have access to professionals in the field you intend on pursuing and can help coordinate meet and greets with these professionals or alumni."

7. Take advantage of your school's career services resources

When I was looking for a job in Manhattan, I was willing to take all the help I could get. Enter Career Services at my alma mater. These centers provides free resources that not only help students write proper resumes, but also facilitate conversations between alumni and new grads based on field of interest, skill level, and more. My own Career Services connected me with the right people so I could start putting out feelers and getting a handle on what my options were.

"Reach out to alumni from your school and ask them out for a coffee to 'pick their brain,'" Thorndyke suggests. "Oftentimes, this alumni has connections or ties to companies that are hiring and will be impressed that you were driven enough to meet and learn more about the kind of work they do and their insight and/or suggestions for you."

8. Practice how to give a good interview from start to finish

Interviewing for a job is an art form. There are a million things that go into giving a great one, from how you dress to your follow-up thank-yous. As with everything else, of course, practice makes perfect — and you have ample time to hone your skills since, ya know, you're currently unemployed. (See also: How to Answer 23 of the Most Common Interview Questions)

Thorndyke advises, "Interview with a professional career counselor. It's the best way to figure out how to most effectively convey your thoughts and accomplishments before the big interview. Oftentimes, it's difficult to get any honest feedback from HR or interviewers about notes on your qualifications or interviewing ability from a gig you were declined an offer from."

An interview counselor can point out where you need to improve before the rejections become a trend.

9. Learn how to write a resume that will get you noticed

First, let's start with the number one thing you shouldn't do with your resume: Do not send the same one to every job prospect, regardless of industry or field. Your resume should be specifically tailored to the job you're seeking. If that means changing it 57 times a week to make sure it's relevant to each prospect, that's what you need to do. Secondly, it needs to stand out. There are lots of ways you can do that, but the highest on the list is providing details about past accomplishments opposed to generic lines like, "Provided marketing assistance to the director of sales." (See also: 10 Resume Mistakes That Will Hurt Your Job Search)

You know what HR people do when they read resumes full of bland descriptors? They slam dunk it into the circular file and move on to the next one.

10. Put your GPA on your resume

Maybe I've been out of college for too long, but I don't remember including my GPA on my resume — or anybody ever suggesting I do so. But Chris Kolmar, co-founder of Zappia.com, makes a good point about adopting the practice, at least for the first couple years after graduation.

His logic?

"Any good hiring manager will ask for it because it's a decent predictor of success right of out college," he says.

Not gospel, but it certainly won't hurt.

11. Start your job hunt months before graduation

Looking for a job well before you graduate doesn't always work, but getting a head start never hurts.

"I secured a job in public relations three days before graduation because of this," explains Alyssa Pallotti, an account supervisor at Montner Tech PR in Connecticut. "I began applying, participating in phone interviews, and meeting potential employers in person as early as the beginning of my final semester. This allowed me to tweak my resume, cover letters, and interview style based on feedback from those companies. Therefore, my overall presentation and nerves were refined by the time I was actually eligible to take on a position."

Yes, job hunting takes work — and that can be an overwhelming prospect when you're still dealing with school — but don't put this off. It could potentially save you months of job-hunt headaches.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Mental Tricks That Will Help You Hate Winter Less

Kentin Waits — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:00:10 +0000

I'm no stranger to winter. Raised in Iowa, I'm all too familiar with the extreme whiteouts and wind chills that start in November and don't reliably end until early April. It's the kind of weather that makes my nose hair freeze and my face hurt. But over the years, those of us from colder climates develop creative ways to thrive in winter's grip. If you find yourself tiring of the season, take heart and take heed! Here are seven mental tricks that might help you learn to love winter — or at least hate it a little less.

1. Understand Winter's Benefits

The purpose of cold winter months isn't simply to drive us all crazy with cabin fever. The long deep-freeze kills disease-carrying insects, interrupts the migration of invasive species, and slows the growth of nuisance vegetation. Ice buildup along lake shorelines even helps reduce soil erosion and protect wetland areas. At those moments when you feel frustrated by the frigid temps, remember — there's a beneficial cycle at play in nature.

2. Embrace All Things Domestic

Tired of winter interrupting your normal routine with freezing temps, snow, and icy roads? Maybe it's time to dominate domestically. Make a list of projects you can tackle and easily complete each week. My own list includes pricing items for a summertime yard sale, shredding stacks of personal paperwork, scanning and saving old family photos, and finally learning how to bake something — anything — from scratch. After two or three months of projects, I'll be more organized, more capable in the kitchen, and a few steps closer to spring.

3. Hang Out With Winter Enthusiasts

Misery loves company. If you want to beat your cold weather woes, don't look for the like-minded. Instead, seek out those folks who flourish in winter. With a little coaxing, you may find yourself enjoying the season with friends who love snowboarding, ice-fishing, or whiling away entire afternoons playing giant Jenga at a local pub.

4. Get Oh So Cozy

Roughly translated from Norwegian, "koselig" means "coziness." Instead of fighting winter, do what the Norwegians do: Shift your thinking and give in to the spirit of the season. On those cold winter nights, wrap yourself in a down comforter, enjoy a steaming mug of cider, and binge-watch a TV series or lose yourself a good book. (See also: 50 Fun Things to Do When You're Stuck Inside During Winter)

5. Indulge in Little Luxuries

Acquiring more stuff isn't the path to happiness, but a few strategic luxuries can help take the frost off winter. Treat yourself to some scented candles, good wine, high-end chocolate, or a monthly massage. While you're at it, spring for a temporary subscription to a video on-demand service like Netflix or Hulu to pass the time. (See also: 8 Little Luxuries That Go a Long Way)

6. Let the Light Shine In

Though it's a commodity during winter months, natural light is an essential mood lifter. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day, repaint dark or drab walls, clear clutter away from windows, and flood your space with as much natural light as possible.

7. Plan a Spring Fling

Having something to look forward to can make cold winter months seem like a mere blip on the calendar. Schedule a warm weather trip and countdown your departure date with an app like Days Until or Countdown+. Then, spend those snowy afternoons planning your itinerary, reserving a hotel, refining your vacation wardrobe, and finding new ways to squirrel away extra fun money. Spring will be here before you know it.

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Is There Such a Thing as a "Safe" Investment?

Tim Lemke — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 11:00:07 +0000

Safety. We all look for it in our investments, while also seeking out the highest return. As we get older, safety becomes more important as we get closer to retirement age.

Is there such a thing as a truly "safe" investment? The short answer is that no investment is 100% safe. But there are certainly some investments that are better than others at protecting your hard-earned savings.

Let's examine some of the most common "safe" investments and learn how good they actually are at shielding you from financial losses.

1. Cash

You may not be able to stomach the ups and downs of the stock market, and don't want your money tied up in bonds or other fixed-income investments. So you just hold on to large quantities of cash in a basic savings account, a money market account, or certificates of deposit.

Why It's Safe

Cash won't dive in value if the stock market crashes. You can get a predictable return from interest by keeping it in a bank account. And you can access it any time you need it.

Why It's Not

If you have a lot of cash, you can actually lose money in the long-term if there is inflation. But most importantly, putting too much of your investment portfolio in cash will make it hard for you to accumulate the kind of wealth you'll need for a comfortable retirement. Cash is also easy to access, which means it's too easy for you to spend.

2. Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are generally issued by companies that don't usually see a lot of volatility, but will pay out a healthy percentage of their income back to shareholders. Dividend stocks are often used by older investors or anyone looking to boost income without a lot of risk.

Why It's Safe

Good dividend stocks will pay out a consistent amount to shareholders each quarter, and it's usually a better return than bonds. By nature, dividend stocks won't go way up and down in price like other stocks, so they aren't as vulnerable to big market downturns.

Why It's Not

They are still stocks, and any stock is potentially vulnerable to market swings. Even dividend stocks will lose value in a down market, so it's still possible to lose money. On the flip side, dividend stocks won't rise in value like other investments when the market goes up. Moreover, dividends are never guaranteed; a company can cut its dividend at any time if its revenues drop.

3. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)

TIPS are popular investments because they allow you to invest in bonds while seeing the value of the investment rise along with the rate of inflation. They are a common part of many retirement portfolios and can be helpful in diversifying holdings.

Why It's Safe

Investing in U.S. treasuries is about as safe a bet as you can get, as the U.S. government has always paid its obligations. And TIPS have the added benefit of rising in value along with consumer prices, so you're never at risk of losing your investment due to inflation. You are protected even if there is deflation, because in that case, the price at maturity will revert to the price at purchase.

Why It's Not

TIPS aren't great investments for building wealth. There are other, better investments that offer a combination of safety and growth. TIPS are also vulnerable to interest rate moves, just like most bonds.

4. Gold

We've seen gold hailed as a "safe" investment because it's considered a hedge against inflation and a protection against a major economic disaster. History has shown that those who held on to gold during times of crisis held onto their wealth.

Why It's Safe

Gold can protect against inflation and historically has been known to retain its value even during disastrous times. That's why gold became a popular investment during the recent debt crisis in Europe, for example.

Why It's Not

Many financial experts note that gold's reputation as a hedge against inflation is often overstated, and gold has been known to lose value. It is also no less volatile than stocks, and generally does not have the same return on investment. In other words, it's not as "safe" as you think, and you won't necessarily get wealthy by holding onto it.

5. REITs

A real estate investment trust (or REIT) allows individual investors to own shares of real estate without the hassle of being a landlord. REITs trade like stocks, and can also be included in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

Why It's Safe

REITs are generally pretty stable investments, especially if the company has many long-term leases. REITs also usually pay out a hefty dividend.

Why It's Not

Real estate can still drop in value, especially if the REIT you buy is focused on one sector of real estate. Moreover, because REITs don't have to pay corporate-level income tax, dividends from REITs are taxed at the normal income rate, not the dividend rate paid out by other stocks.

6. Target Date Mutual Funds

Most brokerages offer mutual funds that start off with an aggressive investment mix and then get more conservative as the investor ages. These are a popular "hands off" part of many portfolios.

Why It's Safe

These funds are designed to build value during your younger years and protect your retirement nest egg as you get older. When properly managed, you'll be able to hold onto more of your money when you are close to retirement, even during down markets.

Why It's Not

Generally speaking, targeted mutual funds come with higher fees than many other funds, and that can cut into your overall earnings over time. And while the funds are comprised of more conservative investments as you approach retirement age, they are still prone to the ups and downs of the stock market in the earlier years.

7. Peer-to-Peer Lending

In recent years, companies such as Lending Club and Prosper have allowed individual investors to profit from the debt of other regular people. These platforms match investors up with those looking to borrow money. Individuals can invest based on their own risk tolerance. (See also: How to Make Money With Prosper)

Why It's Safe

The most popular peer-to-peer lending sites report a fairly low default rate on loans. This means that those who purchase debt are likely to generate a solid return. Lending Club reports that the median adjusted net annual return is 5.1% for those who have purchased at least 100 notes.

Why It's Not

There's always a risk of loans defaulting, especially if you don't buy quality loans. Buying risky loans, or failing to diversify your loan portfolio, can lead to less-than-stellar returns.

This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

These Checklists Will Make Your Life Better

Brittany Lyte — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:00:05 +0000

List-making is highly utilitarian. But did you know that this primitive practice can also improve your health, jumpstart your motivational juices, and boost your memory? It can achieve a great many feats beyond the simple task of ensuring that you remember to buy all the right groceries during your trip to the market. Here are six tremendously beneficial lists you ought to be incorporating into your life. (See also: How to Organize Your Paperwork in Just 10 Minutes a Week)

Every Single Amazing Thing You've Ever Seen or Done

Studies show that penning your positive experiences can actually improve your health. So why not put this simple science to good use? Your first kiss, your college graduation day, that time you went skydiving over the Pacific Ocean. Not only will jotting down these triumphs and epic adventures help you to feel better physically, you'll also get a jolt of excitement just thinking about them.

One Enormous To-Do List

It may seem daunting. All those unfinished tasks staring you back in the face might even stir up a wave of anxiety. But studies have found that the simple act of crossing off an item on a checklist is enough to trigger a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction — no matter how big or small the task at hand. So don't be afraid to load up your to-do list! Tackle it knowing that you'll feel more and more fulfilled as you work your way down.

Handwritten Lists to Acquire New Knowledge

The study tips and tricks you picked up in the classroom can benefit you in the real world, too. In fact, there are many occasions other than the night before a big exam that you will want or need to memorize new information. Remember the set of statistics you had to spout out at that recent board meeting? Or the oceanic science you needed to learn to earn your scuba diver certification? As it turns out, one of the best ways to absorb a new information set such as these is to physically jot it down using paper and pen.

Scientists have discovered that our ability to recall facts and ideas at a later date is heightened when we write them down the old-fashioned way. Add to this another bit of science. By organizing the information you want to learn in list form, prioritizing that list, and then sticking to it, you define what it will mean to be, "finished studying," thereby improving your odds of achieving knowledge retention success. All too often we approach the task of learning something new without taking the time to delineate exactly what or how much or how long we ought study in order to consider the task complete. By working your way through a list of study material, you'll stay organized and keep yourself feeling motivated as your check your way down the list.

Multi-Step Tasks That Are Complicated or Foreign

A study of Michigan hospitals found that using a checklist can virtually eliminate common infections in intensive care units. As it turns out, the principle behind these findings stand true outside the operating room, too. Checklists can be used to reduce errors and improve safety in any situation where you're attempting to execute a multi-step procedure correctly. Whether you're setting out to bake a cake or change a flat car tire, a checklist can help ensure that you cover every step. After all, that brand new tire won't do you much good if you forget to tighten up the lug nuts.

List Your Stressors

Everyone feels stressed out from time to time. Next time the feeling strikes you, make a list of everything that is occupying your mind or distracting you. After you quantify your stressors, take a moment to identify which items can be delegated to others and which items must actually be completed by you, and then assign each item a due date. You'll likely find that many of the tasks weighing you down don't need to be done immediately, and some of them can even be delegated to others. This realization can help ease your stress and make you feel more optimistic about conquering all of your to-do's. Be sure to create a new list for those items that must be completed in the future, planning to make sure that each one will be wrapped up in time.

Everything You Want to See, Do, and Accomplish

Popular to the point of cliche, the bucket list — a list of things one wants to do before he or she kicks the bucket — is often overlooked. Alas, it is a powerful thing. The trick, of course, is to prevent your list from becoming a thing of fantasy by actually committing to crossing off a great many of the items on the list. Exciting memories, relationship-bonding activities, and self-improvement activities are the stuff of most bucket lists, and all of these things can make life feel more fulfilling. Ultimately, a bucket list — a thoughtful one that you actually set out to complete — can make for a life well-lived.

Any other checklists that would make life better? Share with us!

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This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Reasons Alone Time Is Good For Your Soul

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:15:11 +0000

My friends, family, and significant other? They are fabulous. We get along great, and I love being around them... most of the time. As a self-proclaimed introvert though, I have to admit that my alone time is just as precious to me. There are countless fun things to do alone, and while it's nice to have company, sometimes it's extremely refreshing to appreciate life from a perspective that's entirely your own.

I recently went on a weekend getaway in Southern California with just myself, a beautiful new 2015 Ford Mustang, and miles of open desert road. Whether it was the fresh air and warm sun or the endless hours of freedom I had at my fingertips, I came out the other end of my adventure feeling like a new person. If you're able to, take some time to yourself — whether it's just an for hour or for an entire trip — and see what it can do for you. Here are more reasons why alone time is good for your soul.

1. Being Alone Gives You Time to Think

Life can be crazy sometimes — crazy good, crazy bad, or just crazy busy — and it's easy to get caught up in your hectic week or month and forget to allow yourself time to process things. Being alone gives us the time we all need to reflect on important events and to organize our feelings about the things that have happened. Without this, we can get overwhelmed with all we are trying to juggle mentally, and this can cause extra anxiety and stress.

2. You Can Get Creative

There's nothing like putting on headphones, listening to your favorite songs, and getting down to work. It doesn't matter if you're a writer, an artist, a musician, or a software engineer; we all have creative outlets and we all need to nurture them as much as we can. Being by yourself gives you the motivation and the opportunity to open your mind and explore new ideas, then put those ideas to good use.

3. You Can Recharge

Being around people is both exhilarating and exhausting. It means having to constantly be alert and aware of what's going on around you and in conversations that require your full attention. Socializing at work and with friends is definitely a positive thing, but it can also be draining. When you're alone, you can use that quiet time to recharge and regroup. It's essential to do this so that when you're around people again, you feel refreshed, more energetic, and ready to interact.

4. You Get to Know Yourself Better

Spending time alone means taking your thoughts and feelings into account above anyone else's, and when you do this, you get to explore your personality in depth. The more time you get to know yourself, the more you'll find out just how awesome you are.

5. You Become More Independent

When you're alone, you don't have the option of depending on other people for their opinions, advice, or help. You call all the shots, and even though that can be scary sometimes, it also means you become more reliant on yourself — and this is a great thing. Being independent means being self-assured, so that you can bring that confidence to the table when you're with people, too.

6. You See and Hear Things You Wouldn't Otherwise

We often make idle conversation with people just to fill the silence, but when we're quiet, we can hear and see things we don't notice otherwise. We are able to appreciate the small things in life because we don't miss them when they happen, and being alone can help you pay more attention to those important moments.

7. You Get to Do Whatever You Want to Do

You don't have to make compromises with anyone on where to eat, what movie to watch, or what sights to see on a trip. You can spend all the time you'd like to doing exactly what you want to do, and while having company is sometimes welcome, going on your own private adventures can be just as exciting and fulfilling.

8. You're More Productive

It's easier to get more things accomplished when you're free from distractions — including people — and taking some time to yourself to put all your efforts into getting things checked off your to-do list can be extremely rewarding.

9. You Appreciate the People in Your Life

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Taking some time away from the people in your life can help you realize how important and valuable they are to you. This break can renew your excitement for spending time with the people who you care about the most, and you will return from spending time alone happier and more enthusiastic about seeing them.

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Need an excuse for more alone time? Here are nine reasons it's good for you.

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This article is from POPSUGAR Smart Living of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Make These 6 Relationship Moves Now or You'll Regret It in 20 Years

Amanda Meadows — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:15:19 +0000

There's no science to relationships. That said, communication is key to keeping you and your significant other together and happy in the face of everyday setbacks. If the goal is to grow old together in matching rocking chairs, then make these six relationship moves or you'll regret it in 20 years. (See also: Avoid These 5 Pitfalls When Moving in Together)

1. Speak Up and Say No

Being assertive with your wants and needs is just as important as being compassionate and considerate of your partner's needs. This goes for both big and small topics: You don't like carnations, but you keep getting them on your birthday. You grin and bear it through The Big Bang Theory, because it's their favorite show. Your partner wants kids and you don't. Your partner wants a house in their home state someday and you don't want to move. This is also true with intimacy preferences. If you've tried something in bed enough times to know you don't like it, speak up — sexual incompatibility is a chief cause for many breakups and divorces. It's better to address it now.

What this prevents: A sense of obligation to do something you don't like. If it goes long enough, resentment and hostility will bubble up to the surface. Your partner will also be upset, because you didn't articulate your wants and needs in the first place.

2. Delete Your Dating Apps

We all know someone in a relationship who still flips through OKCupid and Match, or swipes through Tinder or Grindr after a beer or two. Why are you still there? If you don't think the relationship is working out, then it might be time to end it. Most people in a committed relationship would expect their partners to at least ignore those websites and unsubscribe to their emails. At the end of the day, you put yourself in a position that calls your trustworthiness into question.

What this prevents: Possibly unwarranted accusations of cheating. If you're not in an open or poly relationship, you could lose your partner's trust.

3. Schedule Date Nights

Ugh, date nights, right? They sound as if they would suck the romance out of your currently stable and happy relationship. However, after a few years, there's always a slump. Every couple faces it and wonders, are we still in love? You get so comfortable that you forget to celebrate each other and the love that you share. Ideally, couples would automatically set aside one night per week (or at least per month) as a special date night. It could be any date ritual that is important to you. It's fun to dress up a little and go somewhere to show each other off.

What this prevents: Boredom, loneliness, and the dreaded "We never go anywhere!" fights.

4. Sort Out Your Finances Together

No one likes doing this. Instead, we make assumptions and hope for the best until a surprise comes our way. This is a recipe for disaster if you're planning to be in a relationship for the long haul with someone. Even if you aren't married, you should be upfront about debt, savings goals, budgets, and spending habits. Be willing to share and take advice from each other. If anyone has a decent chance at helping you improve your finances, it's a loving partner who shares your goals.

What this prevents: The unwelcome surprise that your partner has $100,000 in student loan debt, which will exacerbate the already stressful fights over spending, bills, and savings down the road.

5. Share a Hobby

It's always a good idea to share activities that remind you why you liked each other in the first place. Do you both collect art? Do you both enjoy hunting? Do you both want to learn a skill? Find an affordable and fun thing that you can enjoy together on a basic level, as friends. Because friendship is the solid base of any romantic relationship. Share opinions and help each other grow at your chosen skill. This might sound like a recreational "elective," but consider how much closer sharing a passion or collaborating toward a goal could bring you together.

What this prevents: Lack of shared purpose beyond the household, which can lead to resentment and estrangement. Or, having fights about one partner being "too into" a hobby that excludes the other.

6. Know When It's Over

There are a myriad of reasons why you could want to end a relationship. Perhaps your life goals don't mesh, or one of you won't go to couple's therapy, or you're no longer having sex. If something is a dealbreaker for you, you have to declare it as such. If you've already talked through your needs in an open and compassionate way many times before, with no results, you need the courage to end the relationship, because it's what's best for both of you. Don't hang on waiting for a force majeure to occur. That's how people remain in relationships with abusive or emotionally absent partners. No one deserves that.

What this prevents: Feeling trapped in a stagnant, unloving, or toxic relationship for years.

What are you doing to keep your relationship fresh and strong for the long haul?

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This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Chill Your Sunscreen and 25 Other Beach Trip Hacks

Mikey Rox — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 11:00:26 +0000

Hittin' the beach before summer ends? Not without perusing this list of fun-in-the-sun hacks that'll make your seaside trip easier, breezier, and much more comfortable.

1. Wipe Away Sand With Baby Powder

Sprinkle it on your body to dry up the sand then brush it off.

2. Use a Corkscrew Anchor to Keep Umbrellas From Flying Away

Because I don't want to be the annoying jerk on the beach who can't properly secure his umbrella when even the slight gust of wind blows through, I picked up this nifty corkscrew anchor to keep my shade firmly in place. It has never failed me.

3. Use High SPF Lotion as Your Base and Spray for Touch-Ups

You'll get more all-over, longer-lasting protection out of the rub-on sunscreen than the spray. Cover your body with the lotion before you leave the house, then follow-up with sprays throughout the day.

4. Put Your Cell Phone in a Plastic Baggie to Protect It

I've found that those snack-size baggies are the perfect fit for iPhones, in particular.

5. Place a Tarp Under Your Beach Sheet or Blanket

You'll have an easier time shaking the sand off the tarp (it'll just slide right off, in fact) than trying to get it out of your blanket or sheet.

6. Place a Shower Curtain in a Large Hole in the Sand

When the water rushes in to fill it up, you'll have an instant pool for the kiddies to play in. This is an especially good idea for those who aren't very keen on swimming in the ocean — like me.

7. Stash a Few Grocery Bags in Your Gear for Your Trash

Use them throughout the day to keep your trash from blowing all around and so you don't have to keep walking to the trash cans every 30 minutes.

8. Put Meat Tenderizer on a Jellyfish Sting

Most meat tenderizers contain papain, which helps break down venom proteins. Wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes so it doesn't start to irritate the skin itself. (Vinegar works, too.)

9. Create a Sand-Free Zone With a Fitted Sheet

Lay the fitted sheet facedown on the sand and use your beach gear to fill in the elastic corners. Instant sand barrier.

10. Use a Balloon to Clear Your Ears

Kids have water in their ears? Bring a balloon to the beach and let them blow it up to help unclog waterlogged ears. Works just as well for you, too.

11. Use a Child's Wagon to Load up Your Gear

A child's wagon — particularly the Playskool brand — has wide plastic wheels that roll through the sand easily. Load up your gear and make the trek to your sandy oasis a hands and hassle-free experience.

12. Use a Frozen Sponge as a No-Drip Ice Pack

Freeze a wet sponge and place it in a plastic bag before putting it in a cooler to keep your refreshments chilled. No heavy ice or water to dump or lug later.

13. Place Valuables in a Clean Diaper That's Wrapped Like It's Dirty

Only the most desperate of beach thieves will attempt this heist. A friend of mine also told me that she wraps her valuables in a clean pair of underwear and places that in a Ziploc baggie. "Even left out in the open no one has ever stolen my panties, but they've stolen my friend's cash/cards that were just inside their totes," she said. Both tips are solid.

14. Use a Soft Paintbrush to Brush Off Sand

If you don't have baby powder around, pack a clean, soft paint brush to whisk the sand off your body.

15. Sturdy Your Umbrella With a Sand and Water Mix

This method of digging a hole for your umbrella then securing it by filling in the hole with a 50/50 sand/water mixture comes from an Eagle Scout — so you know it's legit.

16. Avoid Sunscreen Marketing Tricks

"Sport" and "For Kids" high-SPF sunscreens are the exact same product with different labeling. Compare the cost of the two and buy the cheapest.

17. Place Valuables in a Clean, Empty Sunscreen Bottle

If diapers or underwear aren't your preferred methods of theft deterrence, go with the more modest route by placing valuables inside a used sunscreen bottle.

18. Freeze Water Bottles as Ice Packs in Your Cooler

This trick works threefold: Your food stays cold; the ice melt stays contained; and you have cool, fresh water to drink later in the day, making your cooler much lighter to carry back.

19. Pack Fresh Fruits and Veggies Along With the Junk Food

Your idea might be to pig out on junk food on your day at the beach, but you might find yourself craving for cool, fresh fruits and veggies once you start playing in the water and baking in the sun. You can keep the chips, of course, but pack healthier alternatives — cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and more — just in case.

20. Leave the Expensive Sunglasses at Home

Have you ever been to a beach where it looks like everyone is walking the runway? Totally not worth it — especially when you can look just as good for less and without ruining your stuff. This especially applies to sunglasses. Leave your pricey pair at home and take the cheapies with you. If you lose or scratch them, you won't mind as much.

21. Pack the Bug Spray, Too

Everybody remembers the sunscreen, but many of us often forget the bug spray. I've had several annoying days at the beach because of biting flies that a little bit of DEET would have controlled.

22. Make a Mini-Emergency Kit and Place It in a Plastic Container

Put a few Band-Aids, wipes, aloe gel, sanitary products, and other first aid-type items in a plastic container, like GladWare, so everything stays clean, contained, and organized.

23. Make Ice Cubes Out of Aloe Vera Gel

Soothe your sunburn even more by placing aloe vera gel in ice cube trays in the freezer and rubbing those frozen blocks on your skin. (Or, ya know, just don't get sunburned — which is highly recommended!)

24. Cool Down With Chilled Sunscreen

Place your sunscreen in the fridge or cooler before applying for a jolt of refreshment.

25. Use a Laundry Basket to Clean Beach Toys

Instead of washing beach toys individually, place them all in a plastic laundry basket and rinse them off in one fell swoop at a washing station while the water drains from the sides.

26. Add a Flotation Device to Your Keys

Attaching a floatable keychain or cork material to your keys is a great way to ensure that your keys don't sink to the bottom of the ocean if you accidentally drop them. To minimize any potential hazard further, only take your car key to the beach while locking your other valuable keys in the car.

Do you have more beach hacks that you'd like to add? Please share in comments!

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Tipping

Alaina Tweddale — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:00:08 +0000

'Tis the season to be jolly, but instead I often find myself stressed when I realize I have no clue how much to tip my hairdresser. Or my housekeeper. Or my garbage collectors. If you're like me, you have a list of people you want to thank for helping to make your life easier throughout the year. If you're also like me, you have no clue about what gratuity levels are considered typical, stingy, or even generous.

That's why this year I reached out to a couple of highly regarded experts to get the inside scoop. Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas says, "The first rule of thought is to gift and tip within your budget. No one wants to see you struggle to tip through the holidays if you have just lost your job, or you are having trouble paying the rent."

"Tips are subjective," adds Jodi RR Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting in Marblehead, MA. "Tips are dependent on your relationship with the individual and the norms for your area, as well as your budget."

With that in mind, here are some helpful guidelines from the experts to help you (and me!) navigate gratuity gifts as the year comes to an end.

Home Services

These are the people who help out around the house, so you have more time to earn money to hire people to help out around the house!

Babysitter: Cash or gift card equivalent to one or two night's pay. I talked to someone who used to sit for my kids and she told me, "It's nice to know you're appreciated. A small gift is a nice token of appreciation and helps keep a sitter loyal to a family."
Nanny/Au Pair: The equivalent of one week's salary and a handmade gift from your child. "A live-in nanny or a nanny that spends most of the day with your children is invaluable," says Gottsman.
Housekeeper: A cash gift equal to one week's pay. "If you use a service, and you don't see the same person on a regular basis, or the person is brand new," says Gottsman, "you may not feel obliged give a tip at all. If you have a relationship with the person(s), or they come weekly, consider a gift card per person or a tip equivalent to one visit."
Pet Sitter: One day to one week's worth of service. "Our pets are our family and someone that takes care of them while we are on a trip, or walks the dog on a regular basis is worth their weight in gold," says Gottsman.

Apartment Living

You'll want to keep happy all those folks who make apartment living nice.

Doorman: Between $20 and $200. (This range seems huge to me. I've never lived in an apartment with a doorman so I'd love to hear those of you who do ring in on this one.)
Custodian/Superintendent/Handyman: $20 – $100. "If they have saved you in the middle of the night when your toilet was overflowing or jumped your car more than once when you forgot to turn off your headlights," says Gottsman, a holiday tip would be helpful."
Parking Attendant: $10 – $50
Landlord or Building Manager: $50 (cash or gift card)

Homeowners

While homeowners don't typically have doormen to tip, they do have a host of service providers to gift.

Garbage Collector: Between $10 and $25 per crew person. In many areas, tips left taped to the trashcan lids can be stolen (I've had several friends tell me this happened to them.) If you miss your crew during the day, Gottsman suggests arranging to drop the gift off at their corporate office.
Lawncare: $10 per crew person.
Snow Removal: $10 per person.
Pool Cleaner: One week's pay.

Work

These gifts are more personal than those traded during the office Secret Santa.

Your Boss: $0 or a group office gift. "It's not necessary to give your boss a large or expensive gift," says Gottsman. "Consider an office gift pool or bring a tray or holiday goodies for the office."
Your Office Assistant: A bonus, gift card, or small gift.

School

Show teachers and staff you appreciate all their efforts to educate Junior (even if Junior doesn't).

Your Child's Teacher: Many schools encourage parents to contribute to a class gift. If your child's school doesn't, consider a small gift with a note and/or a handmade gift from your child. A teacher friend of mine told me, "I always love and save handwritten notes. If they come with a gift or gift card — to anywhere at all — that is appreciated, too. But, it's the notes that keep me going."
Classroom Aide: If there is not a group classroom gift, a small gift with a note and/or a handmade gift from your child.
School Lunch Attendant: $20 per attendant, if you have a child with special dietary needs, and school policy allows such gifts (check with your child's school office to be sure). Says Gottsman, "A lunch attendant who is vigilant when it comes to your child's food allergy is worth their weight in gold."
School Secretary: A small gift or gift certificate.

Personal Care

The people who keep you and your family looking good should know you appreciate their work, too.

Hairstylist: The cost of one session or a gift. "Hair stylists become our confidants," says Gottsman. "It would be uncomfortable to arrive empty handed the last week of the holiday season."
Shampoo Attendant: A small gift or $5 – $20.
Manicurist: The equivalent of one visit or a gift.
Massage Therapist: The equivalent of one session or a gift.
Personal Trainer: The equivalent of one session or a gift. According to Gottsman, "Personal trainers often double as counselors. A tip of one service or a gift that has personal significance would say happy holidays."
Pet Groomer: The equivalent of one service or a basket of treats from your pet.
Personal Healthcare Nurse: The equivalent of one week's pay.

Gift Wrap Your Gifts, Too

When preparing your holiday gratuities, Smith says, "Tips should be crisp, new bills placed in an envelope with a card or note of appreciation." For the financially strapped, Smith suggests a heartfelt note of thanks along with a thoughtful and inexpensive gift like homemade cookies. Gottsman agrees and offers further suggestions like a pot of fresh herbs from your garden or a basket of scones with homemade jelly.

When to Skip the Tip

Gottsman also suggests adjusting your tips according to level of relationship and frequency of service. "Everyone has different lifestyle preferences and providers," says Gottsman. "One person may use a hairstylist once a week while another person may visit the salon every three months. If you don't see them regularly and they can't remember your name, you may opt to skip the tip."

If the relationship is solid, though, Smith says that skipping the tip is akin to telling your service providers they're not valued or to imply they've done something wrong. If a gratuity is not in your budget for this year, consider the alternative suggestions above. However, "when your finances are fluid again," Smith suggests, "please do tip them."

Anyone we forgot? Who else do you tip during the holiday season and how much? Tell us about it in the comments below. And have a happy holiday!

This article is from Alaina Tweddale of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Saving Money on Back to School Shopping

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:04:06 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on tips for saving on back to school shopping, scoring a bigger raise, and the secret to happiness.