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5 Money Moves to Make Before Taking a Mini Retirement

Dan Rafter — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 09:00:06 +0000

We know how retirement is supposed to go: You spend 40 or more years working, and then, hopefully after saving enough money, you retire from the working world in one grand finale.

But what if you could instead take several breaks throughout your career? What if, after working 10 years, you decided to take a year off and return to a full-time job later? What if you decided to do the same thing all over again 10 years later?

That's the idea behind the mini retirement, a small but growing trend among people who don't want to wait until their senior years to pursue goals or just relax, away from work, in a way you can't during weekends or short vacations. You can do anything you want during these miniature retirement periods: travel the world, spend more time with your kids, start an online business, or pursue a hobby. And when the mini retirement ends, you return to work full-time, either at the company you left or a new one.

A mini retirement is similar to a sabbatical, but sabbaticals tend to be one-off breaks, whereas mini retirements are intended to recur throughout your career. A mini retirement may also be used to explore other career paths and make a transition, while a sabbatical often involves going back to the same job you left.

Taking a mini retirement comes with many benefits, but if you're not prepared, it can also put a strain on your financial stability. Here are five money moves you need to make before embarking on a mini retirement of your own.

1. Budget what you'll need

To get an idea of whether a mini retirement is even feasible, you'll need to figure out how much money you'd spend during your break from work. This means factoring in the costs of travel if your plans include taking a long trip. It means considering the cost of health insurance, which you will probably have to pay for on your own once you leave your full-time job. And, of course, it means budgeting for everything from your monthly mortgage payment, to your children's education, to the weekly groceries. Whatever you do, don't embark on your mini retirement without first determining how much money you'll be spending during it.

2. Save, save, save

Once you have an idea of how much you'll need for your mini retirement, you'll need to start stashing money away for it. Depending on your income and your mini-retirement budget, this could take several years. For instance, if you think you'll need $40,000 during your mini retirement, you could plan to save $10,000 a year for four years.

This kind of saving takes discipline. Keep your eye on the goal to stay motivated. It also helps to reduce savings friction by, for instance, having funds automatically deposited into savings every month. (See also: How to Save Up for a Big Travel Budget)

3. Determine your new final retirement goals

A mini retirement can help rejuvenate you during your working days, but it will also change your financial strategy for your final retirement. If you aren't earning a full-time salary for a year or more, your retirement savings simply won't grow as quickly. You'll have to be realistic about what steps you'll have to take so that you will be financially ready for your final retirement.

This might mean saving more money each year. Or it might mean pushing your final retirement back a year or two. You'll have to determine how the pain of taking those steps compares to the benefits you'll receive from a mini retirement.

4. Pay off your debt

You don't want to enter a mini retirement burdened with high amounts of credit card debt. It will be much more difficult to pay down this debt if you're not earning a steady income from work. So, before you leave your job for your break, get that credit card debt down to zero.

While you're at it, clear as many of your other debts as you can, too. You probably won't be able to pay off your mortgage loan, but you might be able to pay off your car loan. Any debt that you can eliminate before taking a mini retirement will help make the transition away from a full-time salary easier.

5. Resolve to rein in your spending

You might have big plans for your mini retirement. But remember, big plans often cost big money. Be realistic about how much you can spend while taking your break from work. The more you spend, the more difficult your transition will be.

It's OK to travel, but you don't have to stay at the most expensive hotels or eat at the costliest restaurants. And if you're staying at home during most or all of your mini retirement, resist the temptation to spend big on shopping trips, movies, and restaurant meals. (See also: 5 Types of Overspenders — Which One Are You?)

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

13 Things I Learned From Renting Out My Home on Airbnb

Carrie Kirby — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 11:00:10 +0000

It's a leap of faith to open up your primary home to paying guests. When I listed my family home on Airbnb while we were traveling, I had to accept the idea of strangers sleeping in our beds, snooping through drawers and closets, and perusing the shows on our DVR. I also had to accept the risk that something might be stolen or damaged. But most nerve-wracking for me was submitting my home to judgment. After each stay, guests are expected to rate my home on a scale of one to five, not just overall, but on cleanliness as well. Having your home and your hospitality critiqued on the Internet can be tough.

The upside, of course, is the money. During one long trip, we earned enough on Airbnb to cover our own vacation lodging. Another trip paid for a new master bedroom set. The unexpected upside has been lessons — good and bad — that I've learned from the experience.

1. It Can Be Profitable if You Live in the Right Area

I've been pleasantly surprised to learn that because we live in the popular San Francisco Bay area, we are able to charge up to $200 a night for a home that would have otherwise been sitting empty. And I was amazed to read that another Bay Area Airbnb'er is close to paying the entire mortgage of a house in the mountains by renting it out, and that fellow Wise Bread writer Mikey Rox bought a second home on his Airbnb profits. My husband and I are now contemplating adding a bathroom to the lower level of our house, with the goal of renting out that area as a studio, even when we are home. We hope the rents will help pay for the project.

2. It's a Lot of Work to Prepare a Lived-In Home for Rental

Before hosting guests who are staying a week or more, I like to provide an empty drawer and some closet space in each bedroom, and generally declutter the house so that the guests can use every surface without being encumbered by all the junk my family usually has around. I knock off to-do list items such as getting a leaky faucet or a sticky door lock fixed, and scrutinize my house for fixable flaws such as scuff marks on walls or grubby shower grout. Then of course, I need to remove and lock up personal documents and valuables. All this takes forever.

Prepping my four-bedroom home for rental typically takes me about 40 hours, meaning that the rental wouldn't even be a very good hourly rate, except for the fact that we enjoy returning to a decluttered home after our trips. On the downside, we sometimes can't find things that I've boxed up and stored away while we were gone.

3. People Are Generally Polite and Honest

Maybe we've just had good luck so far, but we have never come home to find that our home has been blatantly abused. Once I accidentally left a sheet of bank account passwords out — of all things! — and none of my accounts were breached. (Of course I changed all the passwords immediately.) We always have the house professionally cleaned before we return, but the cleaners have told us that the house is usually not terribly messy when they arrive.

4. Some People Are Complainers

A few times, we have had guests stay in our home at a discount in exchange for caring for our cats. They're pretty low-maintenance cats, and guests have enjoyed having them around. All except that one lady, who texted me daily to complain about the cats and various other problems around the house. Her constant kvetching ruined our trip.

5. You Must Be Completely Upfront About Any Potential Problems

In retrospect, I realized that although the guest mentioned above was probably just a complainer in general, one reason she was upset was that I had waited until the last minute to warn her about one potential behavior problem with the cats. She felt blindsided by that.

On the flip side, we received one booking while the central heat in our home was unexpectedly inoperative. Not only did we get in touch to warn the bookers, we invited them over, since they were local, to check out the situation and determine whether the electric space heaters we'd borrowed were adequate. We gave them the option to cancel the booking, of course, but they opted to stay (at a discount) and left us a positive review.

6. Something Always Gets Broken

Despite the fact that people seem to have treated our home pretty gently, it seems some little thing is always awry when we return. A door will have stopped closing properly or a picture has been knocked off the wall and cracked. We've come to expect it as part of the cost of doing business.

7. Something Always Gets Left Behind

Some folks have left useful things in our house — the complainer left a small space heater, even though it was summer when she was staying — and since she never replied to my email asking if she wanted it back, we've enjoyed using it over the years. Others leave things that we don't notice until weeks later and then wonder where on earth it came from.

8. A Few Items Are Usually Moved Around

Although we've never had anything stolen, it's very common to come home and immediately notice something is not in its usual place. Once I searched and searched for the dishpan I always keep in the kitchen sink, finally locating it in the backyard. Naturally, dishes that have been used and washed are often put away in the wrong places. These little things, while not harmful, can be unsettling reminders that others have been using your things while you were gone.

9. You Have to Really Spell Things Out for People

Once I went to a bit of trouble putting together a nice gift basket for guests, with a fancy chocolate and a bottle of local wine. When we returned home, it was still sitting on the counter, untouched. The only explanations for this I could think of were the guests were non-drinkers or on a diet, or they didn't realize this was for them.

Now, I always leave my guests an introductory note and specifically invite them to eat, drink, or use any of the things we've left for them. I also spell out house rules clearly, since things that might seem natural to us — like don't remove the dishpan from the kitchen — apparently aren't universally obvious.

10. People Use Airbnb for More Than Just Vacation Lodging

I've had a request to book my house for a school seminar — which I declined — and another from folks who are between moving out of their old home and moving into a new one. Since Airbnb encourages it, we typically hear from guests why they want to stay in our home, and it's kind of fun to learn that.

11. It's Hard to Get a Lived-In House "Hotel Room" Clean

Although our guests report positive experiences, we always get only four stars for cleanliness — despite the fact that we hire a professional cleaner to go over the house before they arrive, in addition to extra cleaning I do myself. This is a little embarrassing, but not that surprising when you think about it. Many rental houses are practically empty, with just a few cooking supplies in the kitchen. There's nothing in the closets or on the shelves to collect dust. Also, my home is almost 100 years old and the interiors are not up to date. Some surfaces are going to look a little dingy even when freshly scrubbed.

12. It's Hard to Find Lodging With a Lot of Beds for a Family

Most of the people who book our house are families, sometimes multiple generations traveling together. They've told us that our listing is often one of the few houses with enough beds for them available. When I see full-time rental units on Airbnb, I often wonder why more of them don't put a bunk bed or two in a room to increase the bed count.

13. Neighbors Are Probably Watching and Listening When You Rent Someone's Home

Every time we rent out our house, we ask neighbors to keep an eye on things. We never request that they spy on the guests, of course, but we tend to hear about it if the guests say anything about our house to neighbors, or if they do anything weird like put out an excessive amount of garbage on trash day.

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

Eat These 6 Foods to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 10:00:17 +0000

Traveling often means eating foods that are outside of your normal routine, which can be a fun part of any cultural experience. Yet it can also pose a very real challenge when trying to stay healthy. If you're not paying attention, it can be easy to lose track of what you're eating and how much you're eating.

But staying healthy in a foreign place doesn't have to be complicated. Here are six foods (and a drink) you can usually find that will help you stay energized and healthy even when you're away from home.

1. Seasonal Produce

Eating foods that are fresh and locally grown can go a long way toward keeping you healthy on the road. Anything that hasn't been processed and changed from its original form shouldn't have a lot of empty calories or bad-for-you ingredients. Experiment with exotic fruits and vegetables that you can't find back home. It might not be what you're used to, but local fruits and veggies will give you the fiber and vitamins your body needs to function properly.

2. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of those trendy superfoods you've surely been hearing about. It's a species of flowering plant in the mint family native to Mexico. Historically, it was a staple of the Mayan and Aztec diets. You can find chia seeds throughout South America.

Chia seeds are low calorie, but packed with energy, protein, and antioxidants. Plus, chia seeds are full of fiber to help you feel full for longer and aid digestion when you're trying lots of new foods.

3. Healthy Grains

There is a wide variety of grains that are extremely beneficial to your health. Look for whole grains when you choose your bread or pasta. Quinoa is full of fiber and protein. Tabbouleh is very common in the Middle East. You may also find couscous, oats, or amaranth, depending on where you go.

4. Chickpeas and Hummus

Chickpeas are relatively easy to find when you're traveling, all across the western world — in India, Africa, throughout the Middle East, and South America. They are very rich in fiber and especially delicious when whipped into a rich hummus dip that you can eat as a dip for vegetables, chips, or as an accompaniment to a salad.

5. Rice

Rice is an excellent carbohydrate that you can find in many parts of the world. But that's not the only reason it makes this list. Varieties of rice like wild rice and brown rice are complex carbohydrates, which helps you feel full longer.

Rice and beans is a very affordable meal that you'll find in many parts of the world and that's because together, these two form a complete protein.

6. Water

Okay, so maybe it doesn't technically qualify as a "food" per se, but drinking water during your travels is arguably the single most important thing you can do to keep your body healthy and your mind clear.

Dehydration is the cause of many of the most common problems that travelers face, like fatigue and headaches. Keeping your body hydrated will do wonders for your health. It can help you aid digestion and keep you feeling energized.

Pay attention to how much water you are drinking every day and bring a reusable water bottle on your trip so you can always have water with you.

By giving your body a balanced mix of healthy foods and plenty of water, you can help ensure that you are feeling good wherever your travels may take you.

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

5 Questions Couples Must Ask Before Retirement

Dan Rafter — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 09:00:09 +0000

What kind of retirement do you imagine? Do you picture taking a long cruise, traveling to international destinations, and racking up the frequent-flier miles? What if your partner is dreaming about a retirement of lazy days spent reading books, watching movies, and visiting the grandkids?

Those retirements are two very different kinds. And if you and your partner can't agree on a version of your after-work years that satisfies both of you, your retirement might be a stormy one.

Fortunately, you can boost the odds that you and your partner will enjoy your retirement years by asking five key questions before you leave the working world.

1. What Kind of Retirement Do You Want?

This is the most basic of questions, but it might be the most important. Couples need to hammer out exactly what kind of life they want to lead after their working years are over.

When you're working, much of your life is planned out for you. You know when you have to be on the job, for instance. If you're raising kids, your weeks are often filled with band practices, soccer games, and gymnastics meets. You and your partner might not even spend much time together during an average week.

But when you retire? That all changes. Those hours in the office are now hours spent at home. You and your partner need to determine what you want to fill those hours with. You might want to travel and take on new hobbies. Your partner might prefer quiet days with favorite books.

The type of retirement you want also impacts how much money you'll need to save. You'll need more money if you plan to travel the globe and less if you picture quiet nights in your existing home.

If you discuss this before retirement, you might be able to work out compromises. Maybe you agree to take two trips a year. Maybe you agree that you'll investigate a new hobby while your partner plows through War and Peace. But you won't be able to agree on anything if you don't first talk about what your ideal retirements look like.

2. Where Do You Want to Live?

Do you want to stay in your current home? Or perhaps you'd like to sell your home and move into an apartment in the middle of downtown? These are both good choices. But you and your partner need to discuss them before you retire. You don't want to be dreaming of a downtown apartment if your partner is making plans for a new sunroom in your current home.

And what about your grandkids? Do you want to move closer to them? Or do you want to stay put? This, again, is another conversation that you must have before retirement.

3. When Do You Want to Retire?

You might plan on working late into your 70s. Your partner might be counting down the days to 67. Make sure you and your partner discuss when you both plan on retiring.

Your partner might expect that you'll both retire at the same time. Don't make it a surprise that you want to retire earlier or later. The timing of your retirement plays an important role in how much you have to save each year to meet your retirement goals. So talk about this choice early and often.

And if you change your mind? Don't keep it a secret from your partner.

4. How Much Money Do You Need?

This might be the most perplexing question of all to couples. It's also the one that couples need to talk about early in their relationship. Couples need to agree on how much money they'll need each year to live a comfortable retirement. If they don't? The odds are high that money issues will be a constant source of tension.

How much money couples need in retirement varies depending on the lifestyles that they want. Couples who want to travel during their retirement will need more money. Those who want to spend their time visiting their grandkids will need less.

Those couples who plan on living in a pricey seniors' center or an urban apartment building will probably need more money than those who plan to live for as long as possible in a home that they have already paid off.

There are plenty of formulas for determining how much money couples should save during retirement. Your best bet, though, might be to meet with a financial adviser who can help you and your partner work through your retirement goals and determine the best way to save for them.

5. Who Will Do What Chores?

You might have been happy with being the home's main cook if your partner worked longer hours. But what about when you are both retired? Will you still want to handle the bulk of the cooking chores then? Maybe not.

It pays to talk with your partner about who will handle the bills, cook the meals, clean the house, and mow the lawn once retirement arrives. The old ways of splitting these chores might no longer make sense after you both settle into retirement.

Again, not talking about this issue could cause tension. You might not be thrilled to serve your partner dinner if that partner spent all day watching TV or reading a book. So don't be shy about the chores conversation. It might be time to work out a new household schedule.

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

8 Clever Ways to Sample the Good Life

Mikey Rox — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 10:30:09 +0000

Want to live like a prince on a pauper's budget? Enjoy some of the finer things in life without spending a fortune with these hoity-toity hacks.

1. Make Friends With People in High Places

Oftentimes, getting ahead in life is all in whom you know. You've heard it before. Perhaps you've even experienced it — and if you have, good on you, because the outcome of such a situation is, by definition, a positive one.

As such, getting to "know" people is a solid practice to pick up. For instance, whenever I've moved to a new area I make it a point to introduce myself to the bartenders in my neighborhood when I visit a bar or restaurant. I go so far, in fact, to write down their names plus a few defining characteristics so I can remember them next time. After a while (and this never fails) we're on a first-name, "How's your day?" basis, which almost always turns into free drinks or other discounts regularly. I've saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over the years by doing this, and I always repay that courtesy in my tips, as should you.

2. Crash Convention Receptions for Free Drinks

I hated attending conventions and making useless small talk with strangers when I worked in corporate America, but I rather enjoyed the open bar. Turns out I was doing it all wrong anyway — I didn't need that stinkin' job — according to Dr. Murray Grossan, a doctor who attends his fair share of conventions. He suggests crashing the party by grabbing a name tag at the entrance to look official so you can throw a few free ones back before anybody's the wiser.

3. Attend More Gallery Openings for Culture — And Booze

I enjoy art, and I'm an avid supporter of local artists as I've bought numerous pieces over the years to decorate my homes. Enjoying art also comes with perks, like attending gallery openings in your area while enjoying free snacks and wine. Get on the list by visiting a few of your home favorites and provide your email address in their guest book or another place where they cultivate visitors' information. You'll be in like Flynn for the next exhibition.

4. Rent a Luxury Vehicle

I would probably never rent a luxury vehicle myself — I'd be way too afraid that I'd inadvertently destroy it, and I don't feel the need to impress anybody with a flashy car. But if you're a luxury automobile super fan who balks at the idea of a luxury automobile payment every month, renting isn't a bad idea.

"Cars — brand-new — cost an average of $25,000 to $30,000, not including maintenance, fuel, and insurance, and then sit in your driveway 22 to 23 hours a day, typically," says Bradford Hines, personal finance expert and author of AutoProfitz, a book on how to make money buying and selling cars. "This amount of money easily is tripled for a high-end auto like an Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, etc. I use rental car service Turo, a peer-to-peer rental car company, to indulge in the occasional driving of a nice car to get it out of my system, cost effectively letting me not care about driving a 15-year-old Jetta the rest of the time. I recently rented a two-year-old Mercedes E-class for $125."

5. Order Apps for Dinner at the Fancy Restaurant

I enjoy dining out, and for me fancier is better for special occasions and the like. Sometimes though, I can't or won't let myself afford the high menu prices at some establishments. To settle on a compromise between my belly and back pocket, I often pop into higher-end eateries, grab a seat al fresco or at the bar, and dine on lesser-priced apps and salads to curb my hunger. By doing this, I'm able to enjoy the ambience and delicious cuisine without having to forage for my food the rest of the month. You also may even find a night at a multi-star joint that offers discounted specials, which is happening more and more as the restaurant wars continue to heat up.

6. Travel During a Location's Offseason

Frequent leisure travelers know that jet-setting during the offseason is where it's at. That's how I've gotten some of my most memorable vacations to places like Iceland and Costa Rica, and pet-insurance CEO Nick Braun is wise to that tactic, too.

"My wife and I like to take little two- and three-day trips together to have some fun and set the reset button," he admits. "Our favorite thing to do is book rooms at a fancy hotel, like Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons in the off season during the week. Rates are super low and you can pick any table at any restaurant while you're visiting because nobody else is there."

In addition, I highly recommend checking daily-deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for excellent vacation packages — that Costa Rica trip was a steal — as well as visiting the websites of the airlines you like to travel or the one based at your destination. They may have discounts that aren't publicized anywhere else.

7. Daily Deal Your Way to Finer Dining

If you want a heartier meal than appetizers at finer-dining establishments, daily deals also are good for shaving a significant amount off the bill.

"I like to cook food, and I avoid fast food and midlevel restaurants as well for health reasons and their typically uninspiring food," Hines says. "Pricier restaurants with incredible cuisine are something I like to do at least a few times a year to get to 'live.' What I do then is go to Groupon and LivingSocial monthly, look for steep discounts (my most recent was half off) at expensive restaurants, and I let the discount dictate which high-end restaurant I go to, which is fine with me since they all are a fun treat."

Restaurant.com is another great restaurant-savings resource, but by my own estimation it's slim pickins to find buzzed-about eateries on there that people are clamoring to get into. Still worth a look though.

8. Shop for Designer Clothes in Thrift Stores in Wealthier Areas

You may think all thrift shops are created equal, but they're not. Visit a secondhand store in an affluent area and you'll notice the difference. I've been to thrift stores that routinely stock designer brands like Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade, among others — you just have to know where to look.

Frugal-living expert Nedalee Thomas says, "I love expensive designer clothing and shoes but I don't like the price tags that go with it. For that reason I have made a habit of shopping in thrift stores located in wealthier areas. I've made many amazing finds, and the only thing better than knowing how good I look is knowing how little I paid."

Try it out for yourself and see what designers you can bring home at bargain-bin prices.

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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:

Why "Opportunity" Funds Are the New Emergency Funds

Claire Millard — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 10:30:04 +0000

You know your emergency fund is important to your financial well-being. In fact, it's a bit like flossing is to dental health. We know it's important. In fact, we know it is hugely beneficial. But do we do it? Well, no — or at least not like we should.

The emergency fund is a classic example of what has become known as the "knowing-doing gap." These are cases where know we should take action, yet we don't. That's because abstract thoughts about future emergencies — auto repairs or a leaking roof — are hardly compelling. An emergency fund, as vital as it may be, just isn't sexy.

If it's time for you to bridge the knowing-doing gap, and start future-proofing your finances, here's a smart trick to try.

Bridging the Gap

When it comes to an emergency fund, size matters less than habit. If you think that it's not worth starting because you can only spare a small amount, then you're kidding yourself. Small amounts regularly saved do mount up.

In reality, what prevents many people from saving is not a shortage of spare cash, but a lacking desire to build an emergency fund in the first place. After all, if you were really committed to saving, and prepared to fully audit your budget, you could probably find ways to trim your expenses a few dollars a week, or bring in some extra cash on the side.

But saving for an emergency fund is an inherently pessimistic and abstract thing. There is no conclusive rule to tell you how much you should have. You're saving for things that might never happen, and anyway, isn't just thinking about emergencies a little like tempting fate?

Opportunity Fund

The real barrier to saving an emergency fund, often, is in the mind. So instead of saving for an emergency fund, why not shift your thinking into a more positive groove? Decide instead to save an opportunity fund, so that you never need to fear missing an opportunity for want of cash.

How much more would you be motivated to save for some unknown opportunity that might present itself in future? Instead of saving as insurance against the stuff of nightmares, think about saving so you can grab an opportunity when it arises.

It is a whole lot easier (and more pleasant) to think about the opportunities that might come up in the future than it is to speculate about the disasters that might befall us. Imagine these scenarios, both with and without the financial cushion provided by your opportunity fund:

Your dream job comes up, but the salary doesn't stack up. What do you do? Your savings give you choices.
You have the opportunity to start your own business in an area you're passionate about, but starting out means living on less to begin with. Now you can weigh your options.
You decide to study again, and need to flex your finances.
Your best friend is about to embark on some pretty major travel plans, and you really want to join. Guess what? Now you can.
You choose to drop hours at work to care for family, to travel, or to focus on a hobby. Having an opportunity fund means that you can consider different routes.
You need (or want) to relocate suddenly. This could be for a good reason like a new job, love, or family. Don't feel stuck — your opportunity fund gives you the control you need to make the decisions that matter.

While an emergency fund feels like an exercise in damage limitation, your opportunity fund will feel like control, flexibility, and financial confidence. With those motivating factors on side, you are far more likely to make a savings plan and stick to it — even if it means trimming the spend a little elsewhere.

Naturally, once you have saved your financial cushion, it is there for you if an emergency should ever arise. But more importantly it's there as a comfort, an assurance that money worries do not need to be a reason to walk away from a great idea or opportunity. Doesn't that sound better?

What do you think? Do you have an emergency fund? Would you consider using it for a great opportunity instead?

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

7 Apps for the Tech-Challenged Traveler

Nick Wharton — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 09:30:25 +0000

There is an app for everything these days, from apps that allow you to see constellations in the sky, to others that can control the temperature of your house. When it comes to traveling, there are more apps than you could count, but some of them are a bit confusing to operate. Here are seven of my favorite apps that can make travel easier for you, and you don't have to be a tech expert to use them. (See also: 5 Money Saving Travel Gadgets)

1. Trail Wallet

This friendly budget helper is the best app on the market for keeping track of your expenses while on the road. There are a few categories already included in the app, like accommodation, food, and transport, but you can also include your own.

Every time you make a purchase, you can simply input the amount into the app in the local currency. It will automatically convert it into your home currency and create handy pie charts and graphs so that you can see how your budget is divided.

The app is only available for iOS. The first few purchase inputs are free, but to get full use of the app, you'll have to pay $1.99.

2. Packing Pro

We've all experienced that awful moment when we leave the house and then realize that we forgot our most important travel item. The Packing Pro app helps put an end to this by allowing users to create handy checklists of everything that they want to bring on a trip.

Simply create a packing list, then hit the check button as you put each item into your luggage.

The $3 app is only available on iOS.

3. XE Currency

I never leave home without making sure that my XE app is up to date. This simple, yet incredibly useful tool keeps track of multiple currencies for you and converts them into your home currency.

If you're planning a 10-country trip, add all of the currencies from your planned destinations into the app and it will allow you to easily convert any purchases on-the-go. Spending 300 baht in Thailand? Type it into the app and instantly see the equivalent in USD.

The app is free for Android and iOS.

4. TripAdvisor

If you're a TripAdvisor traveler like myself, and you like to know how a restaurant stacks up before eating there, download the TripAdvisor app onto your smartphone before you leave home.

The app doesn't have full functionality when offline, but you can still use its navigation feature and check reviews of different restaurants, hotels, and activities on-the-go. You can download city maps and reviews as well if you plan to use it without an Internet connection.

When using data, the "Near Me Now" function can be very useful for finding top-rated restaurants within a one-kilometer radius.

The app is free for Android and iOS.

5. Navmii

My personal favorite navigation app, this one works without using any data at all. Some maps are available free of charge, while some add-ons and extra maps are available for a small fee.

If you've been using Google Maps for your navigation, Navmii will feel like a dream. It's much more intuitive and easy to follow than Google's BETA navigation feature and the best part is that it doesn't need to use data to give you directions. As each map is downloaded locally to your device, the app is very quick to load and easy to use.

The app is free for Android and iOS.

6. Google Hangouts App

Even if you have the Skype app on your phone, you should consider getting Google Hangouts, too. Why? It generally has better connection than Skype, but the main reason it's better is because you can call almost any number in the U.S. or Canada for free.

So if you're an American traveling overseas, you can call your friends and family without paying a cent! This app can be a huge money saver for frequent travelers.

The app is free on Android and iOS.

7. Vivino

This final app is really just for winos, but it's a very good one to have in your pocket. If you're like me, you like to try lots of local wines while you're traveling, but often the labels aren't in English and you really have no idea what the tasting notes are, or how many awards the winery has won.

With the Vivino app, you can simply take a photo of the wine bottle's label and the app will find the bottle from its archive of over 3 million wines. It will then display reviews from other users (of which there are 14 million), tasting notes, awards and even offer you other wines you may like based on your selection.

It will also tell you where the closest store is to buy the bottle and where you can get it cheaper! This is the world's most popular and most practical wine app.

The app is free on Android and iOS.

What are your favorite travel apps? Share with us in the comments!

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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:

What to Do If You Don't Have Your ID at the Airport

Nick Wharton — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:31:24 +0000

You're at the airport heading towards the check-in line for your boarding pass — or towards the security line if you printed your pass at home. You reach into your pocket for your ID when you realize you don't have it. What do you do?

Don't Panic — You May Still Be Able to Fly

Take a breath, wipe the sweat from your brow, and approach a TSA agent, because there's a chance that you'll still be able to fly. Your chances will vary, depending on what other forms of ID you have, and whether you're flying domestically or internationally, but where there's a will, there's a way.

If you're flying domestically, you're in luck. You'll likely be able to board your flight with little loss of time. If you're flying internationally, there is a chance that you'll still be able to fly, but there will be a significant amount of screening and questioning required before you are let through security without your passport.

You can use many alternative forms of identification to get on a domestic flight. The TSA website says that the following IDs are acceptable:

Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential

According to a poll conducted by The Points Guy, some people have also made it through security with credit cards, smart phone photos of an ID, library cards, Costco cards, business cards, and many other forms of photo ID. (See also: Paying While Traveling: Which Is the Smartest Option?)

If You Don't Have Any Other Forms of ID

Don't worry! In the event that you are checking in without any form of valid identification — whether you lost it or simply left it at home — you may still be allowed to board the plane.

The TSA officer may ask you to fill out a form and include your registered address, first name, middle name, family name etc.

Typically the officer will bring you to a private screening room to have you fill out the form and answer a series of questions. The inquiries are theoretically ones that only you would know the answer to. Some questions you might expect to hear include:

What is the make and model of your car?
In which state was your social security card issued?
What are your home and mobile telephone numbers?
What city were you born in?
What is your passport number?

You might even be asked for the color of your house. After answering as many questions as the TSA officer can throw at you, you will be required to sign a document stating that you answered all of the questions truthfully, and then you will likely be ushered to the front of the security line to continue with the regular security check-in process.

Typically, this additional screening won't take more than 30-45 minutes, but it is still a good idea to arrive at the airport extra early — probably four hours or so — before attempting to fly without ID.

If you cannot answer (or refuse to answer) the security questions correctly, the TSA officer may not allow you through security. In this case, you will not board your scheduled flight, but you may still be able to board another flight at a later date when you find your lost (or obtain a new) passport. You can do this without completely forfeiting the cost of your ticket.

Determine When You Lost Your ID

If you lost your ID days before your flight, go and file a police report for your lost or stolen ID. You can then present this to the TSA officer as a form of ID. This will often better your chances of getting on the flight and is recommended for anyone who has no ID at check-in.

How to Fly Internationally Without ID

You may get through the departure gates without an ID, but the real problem may come at the immigration counter when you land at your destination. It is actually up to the receiving country to decide whether or not they will let you in without a valid passport.

The TSA agent at your departing airport may or may not help you with contacting the receiving country before your departure. If you just fly with your fingers crossed, you may end up being turned back at the immigration table when you arrive.

If the gods are smiling on you and you manage to get through immigration at your destination airport, head straight for the embassy and file for a replacement ID to avoid more bureaucracy and hassle when you leave the country.

Did You Lose Your ID Abroad?

If you lose your ID overseas, you can get a speedy replacement at the local U.S. embassy. To help speed along the process, come with receipts or confirmation of your exit tickets, a police report of the lost ID (if possible), a photocopy or scan of your lost passport, and two passport sized photos.

Typically, a replacement passport can be issued within eight days or less, depending on current demand at the embassy and your particular situation.

Tips to Prevent This Disaster In the Future

Always carry many forms of government ID in your wallet (in case you lose your passport).
Spread all forms of your ID out in different parts of your wallet and luggage. That way, if you lose your wallet, you'll still have some backup photo ID in your suitcase.
Take a photo of all of your government issued ID and save it on your smartphone.
Carry your passport, wallet, and boarding passes in one envelope placed securely in your purse or carry on. Leave other ID in your suitcase.
Never leave your luggage containing your ID unattended at the airport.
Arrive at the airport early, just in case.
Double check! It's simple and easy to say in hindsight, but always check your documentation before leaving your home or hotel.

If you're flying internationally, you may be in a bit of trouble, but don't panic. Try your best to work through the issue in a calm and composed manner. Yelling, cursing, and overreacting won't help your situation.

If worst comes to worst and you are denied the flight, contact your airline right away and explain what happened. Generally, airlines will allow you to transfer your ticket to another flight at a later date. You may have missed your holiday, but you don't have to lose out on your flight cost.

Good luck!

Have you lost your ID right before leaving on a trip? How did you handle the situation?

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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:

Best Money Tips: Fun Ways to Make Money While Traveling

Amy Lu — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:00:19 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found fun ways to make money while you travel, common budgeting mistakes, and steps to a happy new you.

3 Reasons to Get Your Master’s Degree Abroad

Shannah Game — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 15:15:16 +0000

Traditionally, when we think about studying abroad, it is associated with an undergrad degree. But there is a trend emerging for students to get their master's degrees, or even a second bachelor's degree abroad. And not just spend a semester, but many years in a foreign country.

According to the Institute of International Education, more than 46,500 students from the U.S. pursued full degrees abroad in 2011-2012. Experts believe that, on average, this number grows by 5% per year with more and more U.S. students looking for new opportunities and a lower price tag for their education. If you are looking at furthering your education, check out these three amazing reasons to get your master's degree abroad.

Less Debt and Better Living Options

Unless you've been living under a rock, you are keenly aware of the steep price tag to get your education in the U.S. According to Finaid.org, the average cost for a master's degree in 2015 in the U.S. is between $30,000 and $120,000, which varies depending on the type of degree and college you wish to attend. If you already have student loans from your undergrad degree, adding another giant loan on top of that is probably not a great decision.

Also, most international universities have a reputation of graduating students in 2-3 years, compared to the U.S., where an undergrad degree might take 4-5 years, and a master's degree might take 3-4 years. What does this mean for you? Cutting just a year from your educational expenses means that you've got more money in your wallet, and you can get to that career and paycheck you've been studying for even quicker.

If you like the sound of a free degree, look no further than Germany. Germany is the current leader in free education, coupled with a low cost of living, and one of the most popular places around the world for millennial job growth. Germany even has a growing entrepreneurial scene and is investing heavily in those types of projects that originate in Germany. Other than a few small university fees, students can enjoy a free education with classes taught in English.

Germany also has a reputation for high learning standards and a great reputation for students who graduate from their programs. Two of the top destinations to study are Berlin and Munich, where the cities offer great living options, loads of activities, and a great culture to explore.

A few other countries leading the way in free (or low-cost) degree programs taught in English are:

France (high living costs)
Denmark (high living costs)
Finland (high living costs)
Norway (high living costs)
Greece (affordable living costs)
Czech Republic (affordable living costs)

If you are looking to find a country with a degree that will fit your budget, check out Studyabroad.com and simply plug in the country and subject and then you are off to the races.

Exploration

One of the best reasons to get an international degree is to be able to explore the world that is literally outside your door. Studying in any of the European Union countries like France or Germany means that you are just a short train or plane ride away from so many other destinations for weekend or summer trips. Imagine attending a true Oktoberfest in Munich, or sipping wine from a vineyard in France, or seeing the running of the bulls up close and personal in Spain. Seeing the world will give you a much more well-rounded vision of different cultures and ways of life that can only enrich your future career, no matter what it might be.

International Experience

With all this exploration, you will be racking up some serious international experiences. There are many degrees like an MBA, or International Relations, or Conflict Resolution where you can benefit from the experience of studying abroad in a foreign country. You are able to learn their rules and regulations, ways of doing business, and might actually have an easier entry into your career if you plan to stay abroad.

Most students aren't allowed to stay in the country once they graduate without a work visa. However, what better way to make contacts and forge those relationships than when you are studying there? For those of you who want to come back to the U.S. for your career, having multiple years of foreign experience under your belt can be a real resume booster and will make some great talking points in your interview.

Whatever your reason is for going abroad, be it a purely financial decision or your desire to travel the world, the truth is that our world is so interconnected now that having an international master's degree can only add value to your future career aspirations.

Have you studied abroad? Share your experience below!

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

3 Hobbies That Pump Up Your Resume

Brittany Lyte — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 09:00:10 +0000

Time spent away from work on hobbies is immensely valuable — it connects us with friends and family, gives us a sense of purpose and meaning, and allows us to relax, all while developing important skills. Even better, some of the skills our hobbies impart can benefit us in the workplace. Here are three hobbies that help us develop important, resume-boosting skills, without even trying.

1. Blogging

When you apply for a job, there's a good chance your would-be boss, or someone from the human resources department, is going to Google you. One of the best ways to increase your chances of landing an interview — and, eventually, the job — is to differentiate yourself from other candidates in the search results. Setting up and maintaining a professional blog and social media accounts is a great way to boost your image, show off your skills and accomplishments and communicate that you have an interesting, active life outside the office.

Plus, bloggers have a better chance of getting noticed and hired by employers because they are showcasing skills that can immediately be put into use in an office setting — from search engine optimization and social media management to writing and design. But your blog might also offer a peek into your personality. That's important, too, because, in many respects, employers are hiring as if they are choosing between candidates to be their new friend as well as their new worker.

While your blog should be professional — no party pictures or political rants — it should also offer flashes of your love for cooking or affinity for backgammon. The goal is to come across as a smart, motivated, well-rounded person — not a boring, one-dimensional robot.

2. World Travel

So you just got back from a trip around the world, or a summer spent teaching English in Nepal. Maybe you spent a month solo backpacking through South America. Wherever you were, now you're home — and you're ready to find a job. Rest assured, there's no need to try to conceal how you've been spending your time. While carving time out to travel was once considered by many employers to be frivolous, it's now more often seen as an asset. Translation: Your time spent hiking in the mountains, touring war-torn cities, and befriending the inhabitants of remote villages boosts your hireability.

Employers need experienced workers who are comfortable with other cultures, aren't afraid of stepping outside their comfort zones, and have a thirst for familiarizing themselves with the unknown. Did you plan, finance, and budget your own travels? Then you probably picked up some budgeting, finance, and organizational skills. Did you befriend a child in Vietnam using only body language? Well, then, you're skilled at overcoming communication and language barriers. People who travel are often motivated, able to speak another language, and willing to relocate — and these are highly sought qualities in the working world. No two travelers have the same stories to tell, so be sure to use your most awe inspiring ones to differentiate yourself in your cover letter.

3. Team Sports

Participating in a team sport or activity, like club soccer, gives you a deepened sense of self-worth, purpose, and meaning. And it means you know how to play well with others — both on and off the field. Sports can teach you how to work toward a team goal while also chipping away at personal ones. They're a great way to polish your time management skills and learn the importance of commitment. They teach you how to overcome setbacks and learn from your mistakes.

These are the qualities you build while dribbling up and down the court, making strategic passes to members of your team. And it's the stuff your future boss is looking for from new hires. The best place to list sports involvement on your resume is under an "activities" subhead. It's all about the keywords and phrases. Coachable. Dedicated. Accountable. Team player. Expressed properly, any job interviewer will see how your on-the-field skills will translate in the workplace.

Do you have hobbies that enhance your workplace abilities? Tell us about them in the comments below!

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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:

The 3 Best Jobs for Expats and Travelers

Damian Davila — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:00:17 +0000

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only a page," said Saint Augustine.

Americans take this advice to heart. They love to travel so much that they clock in more than 80 million trips abroad every year, and an estimated 8.7 million of Americans live overseas.

But if you're worried you can't indulge your travel bug and still make bank, consider these three best jobs for expats and travelers.

1. Teacher

Back in 2002, I had just completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Alberta (go Bears!) in Canada, and, like many of my fellow graduates, I was hunting for a job. You'd be surprised at the very high demand for graduates from Canadian and American colleges to teach abroad. If your dream is to live in a country for at least a year, then becoming a teacher at a foreign high school, English-language center, or university is a great way to make that dream a reality.

Here are three programs to consider.

JET Program

U.S. citizens with at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university before July 1st of the departure year can apply to become an Assistant Language Teacher teaching English at various grade levels throughout Japan.

Prepa Tec

One of the largest education systems in Mexico is the Tecnologico de Monterrey. Their high school system (better known as Prepa Tec) recruits recent graduates from universities from several countries to teach a wide variety of courses, including English, Mathematics, Science, and Political Science.

Kaplan

The test prep company Kaplan has several partnerships and often needs educators of all levels who are interested in teaching abroad.

One important point to remember is to know who is responsible for applying and keeping your work visa (if required), because that's a process that can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming. Ideally, you want your employer to be the one handling all that paperwork.

2. Online Tutor

If a nine to five schedule or salary in local currency doesn't sound appealing to you, then take advantage of the internet and tutor students back in the U.S. using tools such as Skype, Adobe Connect, or FaceTime (and get paid in U.S. dollars). Additionally, depending on the length of your stay in various countries, tutoring lets you skip the entire work visa process.

There are several sites that allow you to find students interested in online tutoring.

WyzAnt

Expert tutors can connect with students across the U.S. to schedule online lessons. From GMAT prep to Algebra to French, your subject of choice is available at WyzAnt.

Tutor.com

Unlike other online tutoring sites, Tutor.com is looking for applicants that can tutor at least five hours per week. That's great news for those seeking a steady source of income. Tutor.com has a very specific list of subjects that they hire for.

SkillShare

Some instructors have been so successful tutoring on Skillshare that they've been able to quit their day jobs. Even some well-known individuals, such as James Franco, tutored at one time using Skillshare.

Of course, you don't need to limit yourself to just one online tutoring site. By signing up for a couple of them, you can increase your chances of keeping a consistent number of students.

Another best practice is to build your own site to showcase your teaching portfolio and provide student testimonials. It's harder to find students this way, but cutting out the middleman allows you to pocket more per tutoring hour.

3. Freelance Writer

You, too can "pull a Hemingway" and sip wine while working on your next set of articles for an online publication. Depending on your subject expertise and writing ability, you can write for online magazines or blogs.

There are several great blogs out there looking for quality writers. One great starting point to find writing assignments is the ProBlogger job board.

Don't think that the online medium is less demanding than more "traditional" ones. Before submitting your application to any blogging job, make sure to read the job posting thoroughly and understand what is required to apply. Sending an unrequested 31-page college thesis, misspelling the blog's name, or writing an unprofessional email will kill your application.

A word of advice is that you may find that most blogs pay once a month. To avoid a potential cash crunch, you should write for a couple blogs and not just one.

What are other great jobs for expats and travelers?

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

How One Woman Retired at 60 and Traveled the World

Alaina Tweddale — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 17:00:13 +0000

More than half of Americans are worried they won't have enough money to retire, according to a recent Gallup poll. Despite the dismal statistics, there are retirees today who live comfortably on their savings and live lifestyles that many would envy.

Take Joe Stewart, for example, who retired early at age 60 and, in the last year alone, has used her newfound freedom to travel to Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, and Puerto Vallarta. (She has a few more trips on her horizon, too!) According to Stewart, she never had a terribly high income. She started working when she was 16 and, at the height of her income earning years, brought in $60,000 per year. To get where she is today, she started saving early, made frugal life choices, and made the most of what she had.

How did Stewart get to this sweet spot in life and, more importantly, how can the rest of us emulate her success?

Work Hard, Invest Early

Stewart started working when she was 16 years old and put herself through college with the help of a small scholarship. "I never had a lot of money," she says, when discussing that she never felt the need to live an extravagant lifestyle. "I don't spend money on expensive shoes. I shop at Ross and TJ Maxx. I always look great but I don't spend a lot of money on junk."

Instead of splurging on high-end goods, Stewart instead focused from an early age on long-term investing and saving strategies. For those looking to build a solid retirement foundation, her footprint may be one worth following. (See also: 9 Things People Who Retire Early Do)

Open an IRA and Buy a House (And Pay it Off)

In the early 1980s, Stewart and her now ex-husband started funding their individual retirement accounts and consistently maxed out their annual contribution limits. (See also: 10 Easy Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement)

Stewart and her ex-husband bought their first house in 1983. "We didn't spend a lot of money," she says. "Instead we put money into our house." They paid off the original house, bought a bigger home, and gradually increased their monthly payments.

"We paid off a $100,000 loan in six years," she says, "even though we didn't make a lot of money." Stewart describes their careers as administrative in nature. In their two peak earning years, they reached the six figure mark collectively, but they spent many years below that level. (See also: 6 Great Reasons for Paying Off the Mortgage on Your Home)

Invest

Stewart was fortunate to receive corporate stock through a former employer, The Limited (L Brands). "I'll admit I didn't have the foresight to buy the stock when I was working there," she says, explaining that it was offered as a benefit through her corporate retirement plan.

"In 1984 I owned $40,000 worth of the stock. That was a lot of money!" she admits. "In 1985, it was the best performing stock on the market. With that money I paid off our first house, paid for two college degrees, bought all our cars, took two trips to Europe, and remodeled our bathroom."

"I still have [some of] the stock," she says. "That's the power of investing over time." Although, Stewart admits she was lucky it was such a strong performing stock. "Friends will tell me they're afraid to lose money in the stock market. I say they're losing money by not being in the stock market! I lost $100,000 one year," she says, but even so, her investment is still going strong. (See also: 8 Cheap, Easy, and Not-So-Obvious Ways to Invest in a Company's Stock)

Although widely popular today, 401(k) plans weren't readily available to many employees until the early 1990s. In 1992, Stewart opened a plan through her employer, contributed 10% of her income, and gradually increased her contribution amount from there. (See also: 5 Dumb 401(k) Mistakes Smart People Make)

Fund a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Stewart opened an HSA about two years ago and has been fully funding it ever since. She can use her HSA funds to help mitigate health care expenses as she ages.

Keep Expenses Low

Before she retired, Stewart earned about $60,000 per year. Of that, she saved about $800 per month plus her 401(k) and HSA contributions. Today her spending is at the same level as it was pre-retirement, but she's no longer saving.

Stewart knows there's a certain freedom that comes when you're not beholden to your debts. "My car is paid for, my home is paid for. My only expenses are utilities, living expenses, condo fees, and travel," she says. (See also: 73 Easy Ways to Save Money Today)

Don't Sweat Life's Road Blocks

Despite careful planning, life doesn't always unfold as planned. Stewart and her husband divorced in 2004. Conventional wisdom maintains that divorce can cause financial mayhem. Stewart is proof that it doesn't have to. "We split our finances 50/50," she says. "I took the equity from our paid off house and put it down on a condo and then paid that off within four years. The key for me was to be debt free."

Stewart also didn't ask for alimony, even though her ex-husband's income was higher. "Freedom has always been more important to me than money," she says.

Finally, Do What You Love

Stewart is so adept at keeping expenses low that her only real budget buster is travel. To compensate for the expense, she launched a small side freelance writing business. She earns about $10,000 per year, which is enough to cover the costs of her trips.

"My priority is to travel," she says. "I pick up writing jobs here and there but I turn down administrative work and long-term projects." Maintaining flexibility and freedom are more important to Stewart than bringing home a higher income. (See also: 11 Things Scientists Say Will Boost Your Happiness Today)

As Stewart shows, one doesn't have to be financially wealthy to build a happy retirement. Plan early, make wise choices, and be consistent: those are the keys to her retirement success.

What are you doing to prepare for retirement?

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: Traveling When You Have No Money

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:48:35 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on traveling when you have no money, Halloween 2012 freebies, and cutting back on your monthly grocery expenses.

Best Money Tips: Tips for Working While Traveling

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:48:20 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on tips for working while traveling, negotiating for a better deal, and tax strategies for salaried employees.

traveling

5 Money Moves to Make Before Taking a Mini Retirement

1. Budget what you'll need

2. Save, save, save

3. Determine your new final retirement goals

4. Pay off your debt

5. Resolve to rein in your spending

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13 Things I Learned From Renting Out My Home on Airbnb

1. It Can Be Profitable if You Live in the Right Area

2. It's a Lot of Work to Prepare a Lived-In Home for Rental

3. People Are Generally Polite and Honest

4. Some People Are Complainers

5. You Must Be Completely Upfront About Any Potential Problems

6. Something Always Gets Broken

7. Something Always Gets Left Behind

8. A Few Items Are Usually Moved Around

9. You Have to Really Spell Things Out for People

10. People Use Airbnb for More Than Just Vacation Lodging

11. It's Hard to Get a Lived-In House "Hotel Room" Clean

12. It's Hard to Find Lodging With a Lot of Beds for a Family

13. Neighbors Are Probably Watching and Listening When You Rent Someone's Home

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Eat These 6 Foods to Stay Healthy While Traveling

1. Seasonal Produce

2. Chia Seeds

3. Healthy Grains

4. Chickpeas and Hummus

5. Rice

6. Water

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5 Questions Couples Must Ask Before Retirement

1. What Kind of Retirement Do You Want?

2. Where Do You Want to Live?

3. When Do You Want to Retire?

4. How Much Money Do You Need?

5. Who Will Do What Chores?

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8 Clever Ways to Sample the Good Life

1. Make Friends With People in High Places

2. Crash Convention Receptions for Free Drinks

3. Attend More Gallery Openings for Culture — And Booze

4. Rent a Luxury Vehicle

5. Order Apps for Dinner at the Fancy Restaurant

6. Travel During a Location's Offseason

7. Daily Deal Your Way to Finer Dining

8. Shop for Designer Clothes in Thrift Stores in Wealthier Areas

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Why "Opportunity" Funds Are the New Emergency Funds

Bridging the Gap

Opportunity Fund

7 Apps for the Tech-Challenged Traveler

1. Trail Wallet

2. Packing Pro

3. XE Currency

4. TripAdvisor

5. Navmii

6. Google Hangouts App

7. Vivino

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What to Do If You Don't Have Your ID at the Airport

Don't Panic — You May Still Be Able to Fly

If You Don't Have Any Other Forms of ID

Determine When You Lost Your ID

How to Fly Internationally Without ID

Did You Lose Your ID Abroad?

Tips to Prevent This Disaster In the Future

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Best Money Tips: Fun Ways to Make Money While Traveling

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

3 Reasons to Get Your Master’s Degree Abroad

Less Debt and Better Living Options

Exploration

International Experience

3 Hobbies That Pump Up Your Resume

1. Blogging

2. World Travel

3. Team Sports

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