I love playing monopoly with my kids.. And I really do think it forces them to tackle some real financial questions.. They have to decide, "Can I Afford It"?.. And consider the pros and cons of Investing vs. Holding Cash reserves.
The best part is that kids can start playing as early as 6 or 7 years old.
Oh, I love places like that! I went to a restaurant the other night that actually had a game menu -- the waiter would bring you whatever you requested.
Great ideas...I really like the one about putting your face on your site. There have been many times that I thought I found the right person only to be sadly mistaken. It could have all been avoided with a picture!
Thanks for the tips! The Family Services non-profit runs the women's shelter in our area and they tend to want new stuff (mainly toiletries) but it is great to keep up with what your local needs are. I would never have thought about the animal shelter being able to use old sheets, as new or almost new stuff (only) tends to be in high demand elsewhere. Finally, I was wondering what to do with old trophies from my childhood -- what a great way to reuse them and benefit a youth organization.
Basing on the picture you've painted for us, it really all depends on your needs for which one is better. Additionally though, for credit union, the best part is that you as a member will have a say in how you believe is best to manage the money as investments.
I use an excel sheet to calculate my budget every year. There's a free version online so you don't need to purchase Microsoft Office. I start with my annual net income, and divide it into different spending categories (fixed and variable). Starting out, you don't want too many categories, because it can be overwhelming. I check my budget every 2 weeks on pay day to verify I'm on track and in case any emergencies pop up. When you see everything on paper, it makes a huge difference mentally. I keep a copy of my budget in my bag/purse which controls any inclination to overspend.
In addition to donating to Thrift Shops consider Women's Shelters for household items. Most shelters will take pots, pans, canisters, bowls and other necessary kitchen items including small appliances in working condition.
Your old towels, pillows, blankets, pillow cases and sheets are welcomed at the local animal shelter--regardless of the condition. They make beds for the animals and the animals take the bed with them when they are adopted.
Old trophies and medals are often accepted by youth organizations who can easily replace parts and reuse.
Another great article by Wisebread! One of the prime sources of the debts that we are dealing with is because of irresponsible use of credit card. Try to stop unnecessary usage of credit cards. Cut back on unnecessary bills like spending on a extra coffee, restaurant foods etc. Build an emergency fund. I think one of the important steps toward getting debt free is making a proper budget in the beginning of a month and following it throughout the month. You should have a proper spending and saving plan. Don't let the debt monster spoil your relationship with your near and dear ones. Just remember no matter how hard the situation is right now, you could overcome it with your sheer determination.
I use the basic vinegar/water/spray bottle combo to clean mirrors and windows. Especially in the bathroom, this cuts through hair products, fingerprints, etc., very nicely.
Works like a charm just do not rub it in. Rubbing will only create scratches in the lenses. I ysed a small paintbrush to apply it the rinsed off under warm water followed immediately with applying liquid handsoap to rub off all excess. I had to redo to get out small area left behind.
My husband and I have 2 dogs and 10 cats. Other than getting them all fixed (so there are no more puppies or kittens coming!), we buy our clumping cat litter at Krogers for 40 pounds for $10. It is the cheapest litter that I have found out there. We also feed our pets high quality foods to avoid illness and vet visits.
I chose a dog I could groom myself. She' s s rescue pup with short hair. I trained her using YouTube videos for guidance and advice. She is a great companion,walking pal and guardian. Pets aren't free but I am happier with them than without them and my happiness is important. It's a win, win at our house.
The next step might be picking up a side gig of some kind. Do you have anything you're not using? Ebay it! Do you enjoy crafting? Start an etsy store and make some money out of that hobby! What about freelance writing if craft isn't your thing?
Also, if you aren't using your car much, why not sell it? You're probably paying a lot of money just to cover registration/insurance/parking/tolls - maybe car sharing programs/public transport might be an option?
As the owner of three dogs -- a Cocker, a Beagle and a Foxhound -- the main way I save money is buying good quality dog food in volume at places like Costco. I train them myself, exercise them a lot to keep them active and healthy. I give them baths and trim their nails, and make sure they are all up to date on vaccinations. They all get regular preventive care at the vet. I feed my dogs just enough to keep them happy and healthy, but am careful not to overfeed them, a common problem with animal lovers who equate good care with giving them too much food, which can lead to overweight and disease. By just slightly underfeeding a dog, you can make up for it with healthful treats throughout the day, as long as the dogs do something to earn it. Dogs bring a lot of joy into your life.
while i would love to spend tons of money on my cat, it's just not feasible. i make sure i get the club cards for the stores we shop at (both petco & petsmart) and try to use the coupons they send out (but only when it's things he really needs!). his nails are clipped at home and we make sure to keep up w/his grooming by brushing him & using spray on shampoo, so that's not a cost. also, for items the vet recommends, i look around online to find it for the cheapest price instead of buying it directly from there, as it's always much pricier at their office!
I had to cut out the Pet Insurance when it became obvious I was paying for something with no benefit - only $55 covered from an over $300 visit? I wasn't going to pay $40 a month for that privilege anymore... And since our bills and income have gotten worse, we have to comparison shop for food. Overall, though, my awesome Husky hasn't been terribly expensive or difficult - she eats dry food, is OK with a sitter or boarding at the vet instead of a "pet hotel" when we're out of town, and has not had much in the way of medical issues.
I have a roommate. I don't eat out. I always use a shopping list. The last time I was in a gym, I was subbing for a gym teacher. I walk at the mall across the street. I do my own hair and have it cut at the cheapest salon using a coupon and a senior discount. I polish my own finger and toenails. I drive a 14 year old car and drive as little as possible. All my prescriptions are generic. I borrow dvd's from the library. You get to a point where there is just nothing more to cut down on.
I love gardening, and eating fresh, homegrown fruit/vegetables however now living in a condo I cannot garden due to lack of a yard. So thanks for the informative post!
Great article bringing up a huge point: People need to get out of debt! However, as some comments mentioned, there is all kinds of debt, and not all can be eliminated the same way.
What about private student loans?! About 8-10 million people have them, and account for $150 billion in total outstanding student debt.
And there are few options to get a lower rate on these loans after graduation.
That's why the Credit Unions put together a viable debt elimination strategy for private student loans: The cuGrad loan, with rates as low as 4.75%
We have various pets including mammals and reptiles. For the dogs and cats; we do the grooming and cut their nails. We take them to the vet for their annual checkups and vaccinations, and we try to keep them as healthy as can be with preventative measures. They exercise on a regular basis, are not over weight, and we feed them a good quality kibble.
As for the reptiles; we raise their own feeders so we don't have to purchase them. We have their lights on a timer and we give them our leftover greens to supplement their diet.
My friends and I went to this cool little bar that was stocked with old games like Jenga and pictionary. We had a blast playing and didn't spend much on drinks because we were all so into the games that we only had 2 or 3. I've also done trivia a few times at local bars, and it's seriously a fun time!
I've heard the vodka secret before, but I've never actually tried it. I have, however, used vinegar to get the stench out of a dishwasher at my old apartment. It worked pretty well. I love the smell of coffee when it's brewing, but I'd rather use something like the homemade potpourri as an air freshener.
While most of these seem pretty concrete, I think the toughest one would be to find for/life balance. Even if you're not traveling, I don't know how well I'd manage working as a freelancer or for myself because I don't do well without a strict routine. Having said that, traveling the world and experiencing life outside of your comfort zone seems like one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself.
I love playing monopoly with my kids.. And I really do think it forces them to tackle some real financial questions.. They have to decide, "Can I Afford It"?.. And consider the pros and cons of Investing vs. Holding Cash reserves.
The best part is that kids can start playing as early as 6 or 7 years old.
Oh, I love places like that! I went to a restaurant the other night that actually had a game menu -- the waiter would bring you whatever you requested.
Great ideas...I really like the one about putting your face on your site. There have been many times that I thought I found the right person only to be sadly mistaken. It could have all been avoided with a picture!
Thanks for the tips! The Family Services non-profit runs the women's shelter in our area and they tend to want new stuff (mainly toiletries) but it is great to keep up with what your local needs are. I would never have thought about the animal shelter being able to use old sheets, as new or almost new stuff (only) tends to be in high demand elsewhere. Finally, I was wondering what to do with old trophies from my childhood -- what a great way to reuse them and benefit a youth organization.
Basing on the picture you've painted for us, it really all depends on your needs for which one is better. Additionally though, for credit union, the best part is that you as a member will have a say in how you believe is best to manage the money as investments.
I use an excel sheet to calculate my budget every year. There's a free version online so you don't need to purchase Microsoft Office. I start with my annual net income, and divide it into different spending categories (fixed and variable). Starting out, you don't want too many categories, because it can be overwhelming. I check my budget every 2 weeks on pay day to verify I'm on track and in case any emergencies pop up. When you see everything on paper, it makes a huge difference mentally. I keep a copy of my budget in my bag/purse which controls any inclination to overspend.
In addition to donating to Thrift Shops consider Women's Shelters for household items. Most shelters will take pots, pans, canisters, bowls and other necessary kitchen items including small appliances in working condition.
Your old towels, pillows, blankets, pillow cases and sheets are welcomed at the local animal shelter--regardless of the condition. They make beds for the animals and the animals take the bed with them when they are adopted.
Old trophies and medals are often accepted by youth organizations who can easily replace parts and reuse.
Another great article by Wisebread! One of the prime sources of the debts that we are dealing with is because of irresponsible use of credit card. Try to stop unnecessary usage of credit cards. Cut back on unnecessary bills like spending on a extra coffee, restaurant foods etc. Build an emergency fund. I think one of the important steps toward getting debt free is making a proper budget in the beginning of a month and following it throughout the month. You should have a proper spending and saving plan. Don't let the debt monster spoil your relationship with your near and dear ones. Just remember no matter how hard the situation is right now, you could overcome it with your sheer determination.
I use the basic vinegar/water/spray bottle combo to clean mirrors and windows. Especially in the bathroom, this cuts through hair products, fingerprints, etc., very nicely.
Works like a charm just do not rub it in. Rubbing will only create scratches in the lenses. I ysed a small paintbrush to apply it the rinsed off under warm water followed immediately with applying liquid handsoap to rub off all excess. I had to redo to get out small area left behind.
My husband and I have 2 dogs and 10 cats. Other than getting them all fixed (so there are no more puppies or kittens coming!), we buy our clumping cat litter at Krogers for 40 pounds for $10. It is the cheapest litter that I have found out there. We also feed our pets high quality foods to avoid illness and vet visits.
I chose a dog I could groom myself. She' s s rescue pup with short hair. I trained her using YouTube videos for guidance and advice. She is a great companion,walking pal and guardian. Pets aren't free but I am happier with them than without them and my happiness is important. It's a win, win at our house.
Sounds like you're doing a great job so far!
The next step might be picking up a side gig of some kind. Do you have anything you're not using? Ebay it! Do you enjoy crafting? Start an etsy store and make some money out of that hobby! What about freelance writing if craft isn't your thing?
Also, if you aren't using your car much, why not sell it? You're probably paying a lot of money just to cover registration/insurance/parking/tolls - maybe car sharing programs/public transport might be an option?
As the owner of three dogs -- a Cocker, a Beagle and a Foxhound -- the main way I save money is buying good quality dog food in volume at places like Costco. I train them myself, exercise them a lot to keep them active and healthy. I give them baths and trim their nails, and make sure they are all up to date on vaccinations. They all get regular preventive care at the vet. I feed my dogs just enough to keep them happy and healthy, but am careful not to overfeed them, a common problem with animal lovers who equate good care with giving them too much food, which can lead to overweight and disease. By just slightly underfeeding a dog, you can make up for it with healthful treats throughout the day, as long as the dogs do something to earn it. Dogs bring a lot of joy into your life.
while i would love to spend tons of money on my cat, it's just not feasible. i make sure i get the club cards for the stores we shop at (both petco & petsmart) and try to use the coupons they send out (but only when it's things he really needs!). his nails are clipped at home and we make sure to keep up w/his grooming by brushing him & using spray on shampoo, so that's not a cost. also, for items the vet recommends, i look around online to find it for the cheapest price instead of buying it directly from there, as it's always much pricier at their office!
I had to cut out the Pet Insurance when it became obvious I was paying for something with no benefit - only $55 covered from an over $300 visit? I wasn't going to pay $40 a month for that privilege anymore... And since our bills and income have gotten worse, we have to comparison shop for food. Overall, though, my awesome Husky hasn't been terribly expensive or difficult - she eats dry food, is OK with a sitter or boarding at the vet instead of a "pet hotel" when we're out of town, and has not had much in the way of medical issues.
I have a roommate. I don't eat out. I always use a shopping list. The last time I was in a gym, I was subbing for a gym teacher. I walk at the mall across the street. I do my own hair and have it cut at the cheapest salon using a coupon and a senior discount. I polish my own finger and toenails. I drive a 14 year old car and drive as little as possible. All my prescriptions are generic. I borrow dvd's from the library. You get to a point where there is just nothing more to cut down on.
I love gardening, and eating fresh, homegrown fruit/vegetables however now living in a condo I cannot garden due to lack of a yard. So thanks for the informative post!
Great article bringing up a huge point: People need to get out of debt! However, as some comments mentioned, there is all kinds of debt, and not all can be eliminated the same way.
What about private student loans?! About 8-10 million people have them, and account for $150 billion in total outstanding student debt.
And there are few options to get a lower rate on these loans after graduation.
That's why the Credit Unions put together a viable debt elimination strategy for private student loans: The cuGrad loan, with rates as low as 4.75%
Here is the product sheet: http://www.custudentloans.org/our-loans/cugrad-private-student-loan-cons...
Dress like a clown.
We have various pets including mammals and reptiles. For the dogs and cats; we do the grooming and cut their nails. We take them to the vet for their annual checkups and vaccinations, and we try to keep them as healthy as can be with preventative measures. They exercise on a regular basis, are not over weight, and we feed them a good quality kibble.
As for the reptiles; we raise their own feeders so we don't have to purchase them. We have their lights on a timer and we give them our leftover greens to supplement their diet.
My friends and I went to this cool little bar that was stocked with old games like Jenga and pictionary. We had a blast playing and didn't spend much on drinks because we were all so into the games that we only had 2 or 3. I've also done trivia a few times at local bars, and it's seriously a fun time!
I've heard the vodka secret before, but I've never actually tried it. I have, however, used vinegar to get the stench out of a dishwasher at my old apartment. It worked pretty well. I love the smell of coffee when it's brewing, but I'd rather use something like the homemade potpourri as an air freshener.
While most of these seem pretty concrete, I think the toughest one would be to find for/life balance. Even if you're not traveling, I don't know how well I'd manage working as a freelancer or for myself because I don't do well without a strict routine. Having said that, traveling the world and experiencing life outside of your comfort zone seems like one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself.
You're welcome! And thank you for the great post!