5 Ways To Breathe New Life In Your Wardrobe On A Shoestring Budget

March 7, 2018 Leave a Comment

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Looking into your wardrobe, you sigh as you realize your clothes collection has either become unfashionable or no longer fit to wear. It’s a feeling many of us have, especially when living on a shoestring budget. We consign our days to window shopping, looking at the dress wear that we wished we could own, but only if we had the money. So what can be done about it? Is it really possible to replenish your wardrobe and still pay the rent? The answer is yes! Check out our essential tips below, helping you to look good, despite your meager budget.

 

Tip #1: Compare prices online

 

So what if you can’t afford to shop at some of the more expensive stores online or on the high street? Prices do fall, eventually, and you can often find a bargain online, especially when you look on resale sites, and there are regular sales happening on the high street all the time. Sometimes it pays to wait, and while you may not always keep up with the very latest fashion trend, you can still buy something that suits you at a discounted price.

 

Tip #2: Don’t ditch your old clothes just yet

 

When going through your wardrobe, there may be items of clothing you can no longer fit into. This is a shame, especially if it’s an item you are particularly in love with. While you could give it away to a charity shop or a friend, you could also alter it to finally make it fit you again. There should be a clothes alteration store near you, so look for places near you, such as one of the Stitch It zipper repair and clothes alteration stores, and salvage some of your ill-fitting outfits.

 

Tip #3: Have a clothes party

 

A great excuse to get together with your mates, a clothes party is also a great opportunity to try on each other’s outfits, and swap and share them. So, if you have been eyeing up that lovely outfit in your friend’s wardrobe, organize a social gathering and give that pretty garment a new home! Perfect, especially when your friends share your personal fashion style. And you can all have a good knee up and have fun modeling each other’s outfits as well.

 

Tip #4: Sell your old clothes

 

There’s little point having outfits in your wardrobe that you never intend to wear again, so if your best mate turned up their noses at that lime green dress you shared at the clothes party, you may as well consider selling it instead. There are some online sites, such as Material World, who will pick up your outfits from you, and offer you a trade-in price. There are others, such as eBay and Craigslist, where you can advertise your clothes and charge your own prices. With the extra cash, you may be able to buy that new dress from Zara you always wanted.

 

Tip #5: Head to the menswear department

 

While this is a bit of a stereotype (though probably true), women spend more time buying clothes than men. Clothes stores and manufacturers capitalize on this, charging women exorbitant prices while selling men’s clothes for less. The cheek of it! Still, don’t get down about it, as there are some items of menswear that look great on women, so follow the link and widen your options.

 

Bottom line

 

It is possible to breathe new life into your wardrobe, so we hope you find our tips helpful. Let us know if you have any further advice for our readers – perhaps you have found a great online store that sells fashion at bargain prices, for example, or you may have found a style that will look good on anybody, regardless of budget. Give us a shout and do us all a favor. Thanks for reading, and happy (cheap) shopping!

Filed Under: Budget, Clothing, Family

Making Money With The Environment In Mind

February 28, 2018 Leave a Comment

There’s a lot of ways to make money in the world. Some are obvious, like working a regular job and bringing home your paycheck every week or so. Some bring in a side income, like selling off your junk on Ebay, or completing tasks for people in your city for a few good bucks at a time. However, there’s another way you can make some good money whilst serving everybody’s interests at the same time: being environmentally conscious. A business that works for the environment as well as itself can be extremely profitable, and more of them are needed in the world. Here’s a few good ways you could set up your own company that works to save the outside world whilst keeping your inside world comfortable.

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Being Energy Efficient

 

If you’re already running a business, chances are you’re using a lot of technology to keep it going for another day. And that probably means you’re paying a hefty sum of your profits in bills for electricity, and losing a lot on lighting alone! However, simply swapping out your old bulbs for the energy efficient variety can cost you at least $20 less each month.

 

Some of the biggest businesses out there have pledged to lower their carbon emissions by half before the year 2020, and seeing as we’re only 22 months away from that now, it’s time to get serious. Install energy efficient equipment, such as printers in the office and refrigerators in the break room, and you can save hundreds each month on less wasted heat and light output.

 

You could even find a different way to power your shop or your office by installing solar panels on the roof, which can mean thousands less in your electricity bill each year. So simply put, the point here is to save money to make more money with better resources behind you.

 

Removing Waste

 

Waste is something everyone produces, and when it comes to regular rubbish versus recycling, it can be hard to dispose of everything correctly. And this is where your company can step in. Simply having a couple of trucks to your name can mean you’ll make thousands in simply removing waste safely and efficiently.

 

And waste management doesn’t even need to have a physical element to it, if you’re more of an online or nomadic business model take yourself back to your roots by removing e-waste, which can consist of old documents and files, and old technology. On the other hand, you could simply put your profits to a better use by investing in waste management stock, which is currently at an alltime high and thus carries little risk for a person to put to good use.

 

Making money with the environment in mind is soon going to sweep the globe. More and more people, from the younger and older generation alike, are finding new and improved ways to power themselves and their businesses. Make sure you’re a part of the future generation with your business practices.

Filed Under: Budget, Home

20 Ways to Save Money on Everyday Items….

February 12, 2018 Leave a Comment

Growing up money was tight, I learned at a very young age you had to work hard for everything you want in life. This also taught me the importance of money. Saving it, making it and especially how to spend it.

After marriage and graduating college money issues were not as “tight”, but I still took those young values I learned with me and it has paid off!

Here are ways I like to save money!

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  1. Cell Phone bill – I had AT&T for years, I would call every so often and explain that I will have to cancel my account since the prices were constantly going up. It wasn’t until a blog conference that I recently found out Cricket is owned by AT&T. I did my research and found out they use the same towers and covered the same area. So I switched from a 160.00 for two lines to 100.00 for four lines.
  2.  Cable bill – I hated writing the 124.00 a month check to Directv every month so I did a little research and sure enough if you call them when they have promotions and ask for it, you can cut your bill to half of what it is. I now pay around 60.00 a month. The only reason we keep it is the husbands wants the SEC channel.
  3. Filters – Changing out your air conditioner/heater filters often will help save on the electricity bill. The more clogged they are the more the air conditioner/heater will have to run.
  4. Shop wisely – When I am browsing in a boutique, I usually take a picture of the tag of something I really, really, like 99% of the time I can find it online way cheaper than in the store!
  5. Dollar Tree – This place will save you 5.00 – 10.00 a week if you shop there first. I buy all my cards and gift bags from here and every now and then you will find something on your grocery list there for a dollar!!
  6. Wash your sheets – Keeping your bed clean will help you not to get sick as much. Besides the fact that clean bed is amazing!
  7. Coupons or Sales– Check for printable or app coupons before leaving to shop, plan meals around what is for sale that week. Regardless of how great the coupon is, only buy what you will use.
  8. Bulk – Take a calculator with you, if it is a lot cheaper to buy it in bulk then do it. I love when something in bulk is on sale and I have a coupon, I stock up!
  9. Budget – Make and stay on a budget regardless!! This is important to learn, I remember weeks when I would say we are going to have a “leftover” night or let’s find a meal at the “Dollar Store”. Really what I meant is that is all we could afford but wanted it to seem like a fun activity. Staying on the budget meant getting creative.
  10. Electricity – It is important to seal off any air leaks or making sure your home is insulated to reduce the electricity bill.
  11. Intrest Rate – Negotiate those as often as possible.  You will be amazed at how willing a company will be to work with you if you make payments timely.
  12. Pyramid payment – This took us several years to master but now I am happy to say we are debt free! You take your smallest bill rather if it is a 300.00 jewelry store account or 500.00 hospital account and you pay extra until it is paid and continue this until everything is paid off. We paid cash this year for my new Cadillac and it sure felt good!
  13. Savings – Regardless if you put 5.00 a week away, make sure you start and have a savings account. You need something to fall back on when you have an emergency!
  14. Education Degree – The more education you have or can receive the more you make in life, as a general rule. Try and get some type of degree even if you can only take one class a semester. There are so many grants and aids that can help you with this.
  15. Church – Most churches have a ton of really fun free activities you can do as a family. Church communities love to help out.
  16. Yard Sales – I can’t tell you how many times, my new wardrobe consisted of my latest yard sale finds. Most yard sales have clothes really reasonably priced. I clothed my children for years from yard sale finds.
  17. Garden – Plant a small garden of veggies your family likes. If you don’t have room for a garden put them in a pot, people love fresh veggies and it is a great way to give to others.
  18. Fix broken items – If there is an issue with something like a vacuum or dripping water faucet, fix it immediately. You will save money in the long run by taking care of it right away.
  19. Money saving sites – Shop sites like slickdeals.net before making online purchases to see if there are any great deal or prices. I recently found a 99.00 gift that I wanted to get my grandson for his birthday on there for 25.00 at a certain store. I was so excited!!
  20. Ebates – If you download Ebates to your dashboard every time you shop online it will pop up and tell you how much $$ you will make from the purchase not only that but it will find if there is any money saving coupons out there. I use it for every purchase and get a check in the mail!!

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These are a few of my favorite ways to save money! I am sure there are a ton more ideas and would love to hear yours!!

Filed Under: Budget Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Affording A Family Car

February 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

When your family expands you might find that the two seater convertible you bought when you were 20 just isn’t practical anymore. It can be stressful trying to find a car which is large enough for your family as well as economic on the road.

The price of a large family car can be pretty steep, and because of this you can end up with a massive loan to pay back alongside all of your other bills and family costs. It can mount up so much that you question whether you can afford a car at all.

But not to worry, we have some ways you can afford a car for your family without having to worry about anything…

Scrappage

Some car manufacturers will give you the chance to put your old car up for scrappage in return for money towards your new vehicle. This is a type of funding that has been around for years and it will make buying a new car much easier for you and your family. Simply give your car in and they will offer you up to a couple of grand for the scrappage, which you can put towards a family car of your choice.

Government Grant

One of the bonuses with the rise of the electric car is that the government are encouraging people to buy them. The reason for this of course is that many countries are now trying to do all they can to reduce CO2 emissions and make the world more sustainable. It means that if you find an electric family car, you could be given a government grant in order to buy it. It can cover up to 35%of the cost of the car!

Part Exchanging

A very popular way that people use to save money on a car is to part exchange their old vehicle. This involves essentially selling your car to the dealer in order to get a discount off the full price of a new car.

Use Finance

These days many people decide to use a finance deal in order to pay off their car. This means that the value of the car will be split up into a term of approximately 3-4 years, and you will pay a chunk of this each month and finish the loan with a balloon payment if you want to keep the vehicle at the end. If you don’t, you can use the value of the car to put towards a new one.

Bad Credit Car Finance

The idea or getting a guaranteed personal loan might be a little bit of a pipe dream if you have bad credit, however there are some schemes which you can use to buy a car even if your credit score isn’t too great. This is a great option if you have fallen a little on hard times and have a bad credit rating. It means you still have a chance to purchase and own a car for you and your family.

Filed Under: Budget, electric car, Uncategorized

What Would You Do If You Inherited A Fortune?

October 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and daydream about what life would be like if money was no object and you could do what you will with it? Maybe getting the surprise of a lottery win or inheriting a family fortune from a long lost relative. It does happen, so it’s fine to start thinking about how you would spend it hypothetically, isn’t it? I thought it would be nice to take a moment to think of some of the ways you could put that money to good use. I’d love to hear what you would do if life changed for you.

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Extend and/or revamp your home

 

Inheriting some cash doesn’t necessarily mean you move home. You may love the street you live on and your current property, but of course, there will always have been jobs you will have wanted to do, or extensions and improvements you will have wanted to make, so why not use the money for this? Getting in touch with websites like milliondollarmakeovers.net.au could be the ideal place to start. Improving what you have means that you don’t’ have the upheaval of a new area, but still get to enjoy the finer things in life. Ne kitchens and bathrooms, a whole new set of furniture to furnish your home, it could be absolutely amazing.

 

Purchase the new place to love into or abroad

 

Perhaps you want a new place entirely, wanting to move into a bigger house or change the area you live for somewhere more upmarket, an inheritance or lottery win could give you the opportunity to do that. You could even consider a holiday home abroad somewhere. Maybe a country that you love to visit, or a place that has guaranteed good weather all year round.

 

Go on the ultimate holiday

 

I think one of the first things people consider when they come into some extra money is a holiday. There may be a big long bucket list that you have full of destinations you want to see and experiences you want to have. If you don’t have a bucket list this website https://personalexcellence.co/blog/bucket-list/ has some great suggestions on how to compile one. The money you have inherited could give you the opportunity to go on an amazing holiday. Maybe even taking an extended break from work and seeing the world. Round the world cruise, anyone?

 

Imagine a never ending shopping spree

 

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about heading to the shops and buying something new? The phrase “the credit card is going to take a beating” won’t even be necessary to you if money was suddenly no object. Of course, it isn’t always about buying things and filling you life with things, but certainly knowing you can afford things as and when you need it can be a huge weight off your shoulders.

 

The car of your dreams

 

Finally, why not take a spin in the car of your dreams? Many people have a car manufacturer they would like to own, or a certain type of car, so now could be the ideal time to make that purchase?

 

I hope that this has given you some food for thought if you find yourself in the comforting position of an inheritance or lottery win. How would you spend it?

Filed Under: Budget, Educational, Home

Honest To Blog! Making A Career As A Blogger Is Easier Than You Think!

October 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

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A lot of people find themselves fantasizing about a job where they get to have total control over everything from their working hours to where they work. Of course, for a lot of people, it doesn’t seem possible that it could ever be more than a fantasy. However, since the rise of the internet, a lot of things have changed in regards to just how much control you have over your career. One of the most significant ways in which people have been able to take control of their careers is through blogging. Blogs are becoming more and more popular and show very little sign of slowing down anytime soon. Because of that, it’s easy to want to look to blogging as a way to earn money doing something you care about. However, it can often seem like a bit of serious challenge. With that in mind, here are a few things that you can do to get a leg up on the competition and start making money as a blogger.

 

Get your tech chops up

 

Blogging is, first and foremost, a digital platform. Sure, things like magazines involve a lot of the same writing skills, but there are a lot of other things that you have to consider pretty carefully. Whether it’s learning more about the platform that you’re using for your blog, or taking some Microsoft Excel training classes, it’s important that you’re as computer literate as possible. Being aware of how to use these kinds of software is going to help you in everything from your accounting to promoting the blog itself.

 

Learn to promote yourself

 

You could have the best blog on the planet, but it’s not going to matter one bit if no one knows about it. Promoting your blog and getting it out there can be one of the biggest challenges that you face as a blogger. Luckily, there are a few simple things that can help you get people reading your blog without spending huge amounts of money on a large scale marketing push. Social media is one of the very best tools in your arsenal. Being able to promote your blog for free in a way that can potentially reach millions of people all over the world is something that you simply can’t afford to ignore.

 

Make your writing engaging

 

Unsurprisingly, there’s one thing that is more important than just about anything else when it comes to building a career as a blogger: you have to be able to write. Now, this isn’t just a matter of making sure that your spelling and grammar are correct at all times, though that is important. The most important thing is to make your writing as engaging and dynamic as possible. Every sentence to make the reader want to move on to the next one. Ever post should take them deeper down the rabbit hole of content on your blog. If you can’t use your writing to connect directly with your readers, your blog is never going to succeed.

 

Of course, just because you do these things doesn’t mean that you’re going to find instant blogger success. But if you’re willing to put the work in, you’re going to be able to find a career path that offers you far more freedom and control over your life than you ever expected.

Filed Under: Budget, Educational, Family

Top Tips To Save Yourself Some Cash This Christmas

October 24, 2017 Leave a Comment

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As magical as the Christmas Period is, it isn’t half expensive at times. You may not want to think about it yet, but Christmas is right around the corner, so you may want to start thinking of ways to save yourself some cash during the festive period. The most expensive parts of Christmas are the extra energy we use to heat the house, the extra food we buy for Christmas dinner, and, of course, the gifts. Hopefully, the tips below will help you to avoid spending too much money during the winter months.

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Energy

 

Shop Around – The most obvious way to save money will always be to shop around (which is why this tip is going to be featured a lot). You might want to consider doing some research on different energy companies to help you to find ones that are the best value for money. There are lots of comparison website online that should be able to help you out. While gas is the most obvious place to save some money, due to the extra heating, you must remember that you will also start to put up Christmas lights soon, and the earlier nights will mean that you have your normal lights on more, so you need to try to save on electricity too.

 

Add Insulation – It’s a well-known fact that heat rises, meaning that most of the heat being lost from your home will be being lost from the roof. To lower the amount of heat loss, you may want to consider having some roof or loft insulation installed. This will mean that you have to use less gas, as less heat will be being lost from your home, which is certain to save you a lot of money. Similarly, you might also want to consider double glazing windows, to avoid heat loss through your windows.

 

Only Use What You Need – Are you one of the many people that turn the heating on for the whole house, rather than simply the room that you’re sat in? If you are, you may want to stop doing this, as it’s a waste of energy and money. Similarly, avoid leaving on lights that aren’t in the same room as you, and unplug appliances that you’re not using, such as televisions and games consoles, as they continue to use power, even in standby mode.

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Food

 

Use Cheaper Alternatives – Turkey may be your go-to bird for Christmas, but it’s not the cheapest available. Instead, consider buying a chicken or duck, or simply buy a turkey breast, instead of the entire bird. You might also want to consider making a smoked salmon pate, and serve it with breadsticks, either earlier on in the day, or later at night, when you’re watching the Christmas TV, instead of the smoked salmon that you usually serve with dinner.

 

Shop Around – It’s back again! Search through the websites of several different supermarkets to try to find the best deals on Christmas food essentials, such as the bird, the vegetables, and even a bottle of wine or two. You’d be surprised how big the price difference can be from one store to the next, so it pays to put in a little extra effort.

 

Buy A Bigger Bird – This might seem counterproductive, as a bigger bird is sure to cost more than a smaller one. While this is true, you should think of the bigger picture. People tend to cook a lot of vegetables for Christmas dinner, most of which is wasted, as it’s hard to reuse vegetables. Your bird, on the other hand, can continue to be reused a few days after Christmas day. You could have it on a sandwich, in a curry, with salad, and as part of a variety of other meals, which saves you money on other food.

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Gifts

 

Stick To A Budget – It can be incredibly easy to overspend on gifts at Christmas, so it’s important to come up with a budget and stick to it. If you have more people to buy for, you will have to spend a little less on each gift. If you have fewer people, you can splash out a bit more. You might want to save up throughout the year so that you know that you have enough money to cover all of your gifts. This will make budgeting a lot easier, as you can see exactly what you have to spend.

 

Encourage Secret Santas – If you have a group of friends to buy for or a lot of siblings, bring up the idea of Secret Santa. This means that you will only have to buy one gift, so not only will you be able to save a lot of money on all of the other gifts, but you will also have the money to be able to buy that individual a more elaborate gift. This will also reduce the stress of having to come up with ideas for gifts for a lot of people.

 

Shop Around – This is the last time, I promise! Like with you Christmas food, you’d be surprised how many stores sell the exact same thing for completely different prices during the Christmas period. That bath set that you were thinking of getting your Aunt is probably a lot cheaper elsewhere and is sure to be even cheaper online. Start thinking of Christmas gifts earlier on in the year, as stores sometimes raise the prices during the Christmas period.

 

Christmas is expensive, there is no doubt about that, but you need to remember that it’s not money that matter during Christmas. If you don’t have the money to go out and buy elaborate gifts, then don’t. You could always do a Rachel and Monica and bake cookies instead, which is much more meaningful and much cheaper. Your loved ones will be much happier to spend time with you, than having you spend your money on them, so enjoy your family time, and follow these simple tips if you need help saving a little cash here and there.

Filed Under: Budget, Christmas, Family

Tips For Being a Money Smart Millennial

October 10, 2017 Leave a Comment

Without a lot of doubt, some of the main problems and anxieties that people in their twenties have are over finances. From student loans to working from paycheck to paycheck; whatever money comes in can quickly leave again. There are many things you want to be doing in your twenties as well. From traveling to saving money to buy a house; money is important at this age, yet it can be a time when you have very little of it. So how can you get your finances sorted in your twenties? If you set yourself a good foundation for your finances in your twenties, it will help to set you up for life. So here are some tips and tricks to getting smart about your finances. Don’t just bury your head in the sand.

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Be Realistic

 

When it comes to sorting out your finances, then it means facing facts and being realistic. You aren’t going to be able to do everything all at once. You might dream of traveling the world for a year after college. But if you don’t have a way to fund your travels, then it can’t happen, at that time at least. The site neverendingfootsteps.com could help give you some ideas on this. But just be realistic. Don’t spread your money too thinly. Set goals for things to save for, but make sure that they are achievable.

 

Aim To Clear Debt

 

If you are in college or have just left, then you’ll know how much debt can take over your life. A large student loan can be a blessing to get the education that you need, but it can also be a burden to pay back. So look for ways to set money aside to pay off any debts in you have them. If you have credit card debt then it could be worth looking at the site studentcredit.cards to see if there are any cards that will offer a balance transfer, if a lot of your debt is on cards. Make a plan to get out of debt and it will mean that it is much more likely to happen.

 

Live With Your Folks

 

If you can stand it, and you’re in employment that is close enough, then living with your parents for a little while can help you to solve the two points above. It can help you to get out of debt, as well as help you to save some money for the things that you want in life. It isn’t going to be an ideal scenario in many ways. But it can help to get your finances in check, for sure.

 

Embrace Frugal Living

 

If there is ever a time to embrace frugal living, then it is going to be when you are in your twenties. Looking for ways to cut the costs of your grocery shopping can be fun (there are many reasons why people get into couponing, but they stick at it because they enjoy it). Embrace simple DIY projects and living on a budget. You can still have fun without spending a lot. So embrace it and have fun!

Filed Under: Budget, Family

Ling Ling Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice @ Walmart & $2.00 off coupon!

October 9, 2017 1 Comment

This post was sponsored by Ling Ling, all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Our new after Hurricane Harvey life has not been easy, to say the least!! We enjoyed our weekly dinner dates. Since the Hurricane that hasn’t been an option. Most of our favorite restaurants are completely gone. As we slowly rebuild here in Rockport, I have decided to try new items to help us find quick delicious meals! I wanted something that tasted authentic and easy to fix.

We have always loved Asian style meals and ate them at least once a month.  So this was my first mission and I am so glad I did, we tried the new Ling Ling Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice from Walmart and immediately fell in love.  It was way beyond my expectations, the rice was so fresh and the flavoring is perfect! We decided it was better than a local restaurant we frequented prior to the storm.

The new Ling Ling Fried Rice has an amazing variety to choose from based on pure and authentic Asian inspired recipes from Japan, China, Korea and Thailand.

  • Yakitori Chicken
  • Yakiniku Beef
  • Thai-Style Chicken
  • Chinese-Style Vegetable
  • Bibimbap Beef

If you are in the mood for a delicious stress-free dinner, check out which Walmart where you can find any of these amazing Ling Ling Products in the freezer section!

Our first purchase and try were the Ling Ling Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice, it was so good we decided to try another one next week! Fortunately for us, there is an amazing coupon for $2.00 off! They also have two noodle varieties: Chicken Yakisoba, Drunken Noodles with Chicken and two dumpling varieties: Chicken Dumplings in Chili Sauce and Pork Dumplings in Chili Sauce. I love dumplings so I know this will be next on our list.

Filed Under: Budget, Family, Food, Kitchen Reviews

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: Is There Such a Thing?

September 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you are looking to spend your money on something large, then the question can often be asked if it is worth getting into debt over. Should you be better saving that money for other things? Do you really need it right now?

 

Once you have been able to answer those questions, then you need to think about how much of an investment for the future are those things that you want to buy? In basic terms, is it going to be a good debt or a bad debt?

 

If you’re confused by those terms, then it is time to explain what I mean. Good debt can be something that is a sensible investment for your future. It should be leaving you better off in the long run, which is what we all want. Plus, it shouldn’t have a negative impact on your life at the moment. Basically meaning that it could spiral out of control and interest rates are low. Bad debt is when it is the complete opposite. It isn’t going to benefit you in any way in the long run and can cost you more and more to do so. So when you are left in a position questioning if you should be spending money on something, then those definitions should spring to mind.

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Examples of Good Debt

 

  • Student loans are a pretty good example of good debt. They are helping you to achieve something that can set you up for life and improve your employability and career prospects. Often, the interest is lower on student loans than on other loans. It can get out of control a little if you don’t budget and plan well, which is where consolidation of student loans might come in. But check somewhere like studentloansconsolidation.co before you consolidate. You want to make sure that you’re going to be getting a good deal.
  • Mortgages are another example of good debt. You are paying money each month towards owning a home. You aren’t wasting money and sending it to a landlord. At the end of the day, once you’re on the property ladder, you have something that is yours, and you can sell at any point. You could read more here moneysavingexpert.com if needed. So it definitely is a good debt to have.
  • Investing in your own business, or perhaps a business of others can be a good debt to have. It means you could get a business off the ground and you can benefit from the profits. As long as all risks have been assessed, then it can be a good debt to have.

 

Examples of Bad Debt

 

  • If you’re borrowing money to pay off bills or credit card debt, then that is an example of bad debt. It will just get you into further financial problems over all. So don’t borrow to pay off borrowing.
  • Paying for anything that you can’t afford with credit cards or loans, that you won’t be able to pay off in full, is an example of bad debt. Whatever it is, a luxury holiday or some new clothes, if you can’t afford them, you shouldn’t be buying them. It really is as simple as that.
Filed Under: Budget, Family

s It Okay To Go Over Budget? Hint: The Answer Is Yes

August 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Families love a good budget. Okay, they don’t love them, but, sadly, money is an option for the average household. So, to make sure they don’t end up in the red, people create a budget. Whether it’s to renovate a tired home or stock up on appliances, they stick to it religiously. But, is it necessary? Is going over budget as bad as it appears? The answer is no. Lots of families overspend and don’t have to file for bankruptcy, and here’s why.

 

There Is Good Debt

 

For some people, this fact is hard to accept. Like the majority of us, you will think of all debt as bad. Let’s face it; no one likes a credit card bill or a bank loan hanging over their head. However, these are examples of bad debt because they tend to fund unnecessary purchases. As www.cbsnews.com shows, people tend to put a downpayment on a car or a vacation. These are things which have no resale value in the future and aren’t worth the financial burden. A mortgage, on the other hand, is different. Although the debt is large, it is payable over a long time. Plus, houses increase in value over time leaving you with a valuable asset.

 

Backup Plans Do Exist

 

Should the worst happen, you could declare bankruptcy and destroy your credit rating? But, this isn’t the end of the world as there are ways to bounce back. To begin with, creditrepairservices.co can help you find a partner who specializes in bad credit. Not only will they repair your score, but the professionals can build it back up to the top. Secondly, bankruptcy isn’t as bad as you might imagine. Filing for a Chapter 7 with unsecured debts is a simple way to wipe the slate clean. Your credit score will get hurt, but it is repairable. If this scenario is out of the question, a family loan could be the answer. Remember that where there is a will, there is a way.

 

It’s Manageable

 

When you read posts which tell you never to go over budget, they assume the worst. For the most part, they say how it will escalate out of control and you’ll be homeless within a couple of months. The truth is that this rarely happens. Yes, it is a possibility if you go way over budget and don’t remedy the situation. However, the average person will take action once they realize there’s a problem. Even if it goes to court, the repercussions are usually a small fine and a payment plan. By being proactive, the debt you will incur won’t be hard to manage.

 

Going over your budget might make you uncomfortable, which is fine. Having kids means you never want to put their future at risk, no matter how short the odds. Ultimately, this post is here to show you that if you are savvy and organized, overspending isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it might transform your lifestyle.

Filed Under: Budget, Home

Stretching Your Time: Ways To Increase Productivity

August 22, 2017 Leave a Comment

It’s one of the things that we wish we had more of, energy. An increase in energy is vital to everything we do and imagine how much you’d be able to accomplish if you had that little bit more energy or were you able to get up an hour earlier. But we just can’t seem to do it. There are things that we indulge in on a daily basis that are threats to our health, from a poor diet to just simply not exercising as much as we should. If we don’t have energy, we can’t be productive, and with the many tasks we have to complete now we need to find ways to increase our productivity naturally, but can this be done?

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Is Multitasking The Key?

In short no, it isn’t. We may think that multitasking is the key to being efficient, but in fact, by trying to do many things at once means that you won’t just lose time and productivity, you aren’t directing your full attention to one task!

 

Do We Make The Most Of Our Time?

If we look at ways of being productive, we need to be smarter in how we work rather than looking at the old-fashioned knuckling down and accomplishing lots of hard work approach to everything. In fact, working smarter is the key to surviving in the modern world. As there is the cliche of making time to do things, while you may feel there aren’t enough hours in the day, there is always some sort of downtime that you can take advantage of to complete a task. The 2-minute rule is a thing used by lots of businesses to get people back in a productive mindset, so it worth trying to see if you really do make the most of your time.

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Do You Need To Supplement Your Diet?

Productivity isn’t just about having the right attitudes in place, but it’s also essential that you look at how you are fueling yourself. It seems that when we have a lot of tasks to accomplish we tend to load ourselves with excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine thinking it will do us good, however, it will only result in an energy slump later on. There is also a lot of talk about supplements like Modafinil and Smart Energy which can be used to increase your concentration or give you that bit more of an energy boost. It’s your prerogative if you want to go down this route, especially if you find it you are unable to improve your diet anymore but still need more time to accomplish tasks. But it’s important to have a healthy diet as a baseline. You can only operate as good as the fuel you are putting into your body.

 

Productivity is associated with a focused mindset and a lot of energy, so it’s important for you to channel that energy into the right areas. A lot of business people now talk about decision fatigue, and a lot of people don’t even think about mental tiredness as a thing. So the next time you need to accomplish various tasks think about how you are feeling, in a mental and physical sense, but also if you are operating with the right mindset.

Filed Under: Budget

Words Of Wisdom For Those Approaching 40

August 18, 2017 Leave a Comment

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After realizing we didn’t know our local area anywhere near as well as we know our favorite holiday spot, we decided to do a bus tour of our home city. It was while riding this that we overheard a woman fretting about turning 40. To sum up her conversation, she was worried about this milestone for the simple fact she believed she would be more “complete” by now as if she hadn’t quite achieved that successful image she had painted in her mind.

 

It got us thinking about how much expectation we throw onto our shoulders and whether we would have done things differently. Not an easy answer. However, while thinking about that, we veered off a tangent and started thinking about the different lessons we have learned along the way, lessons that could help other people slip into their forties with a little swag in the walk and a huge smile on their face.

 

So, without further ado, here are the best life lessons we have picked up on our journey through life. Wow.

 

  1. Age Is Just A Number. That’s A Fact

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.” Well, that statement is absolutely spot on. You are only as old as you feel, so don’t let age convince you that you’re old and decrepit and unable to enjoy life anymore. When you turn thirty, you start telling yourself that you are an old lady and then, when you hit forty, you start wishing you had appreciated your youth that much more. Don’t let the placebo take over. In fact, do the opposite and take the fight to your age.

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  1. Get To Know Who You Are And Love That Person

The only way you can really love who you are, in a total sense, if if you get to know who you are and start to enjoy the changes we all go through. Get that right and all that self-esteem, happiness and confidence stuff will follow suit. That’s not all, though. You see, the more you accept who you are, the more you can accept others too, and that brings about relationships so tight you’ll feel the air squeezed out of you.

 

  1. Enjoy Those All Of A Sudden Wrinkles

We’re not sure anyone really gets used to the fact their face is slowly turning into a spirograph, but the more you accept this the more you’ll embrace them. We heard an elderly lady once call them laughter lines, which is exactly what they are. They are your laugh lines and what they signify is a life enjoyed, where laughter ruled the roost, not a frown. Embrace these and help your friends embrace them too. Laugh about them. It will warm your soul if nothing else. Of course, it is also totally fine for you to start fighting these wrinkles as early as you like.

 

  1. Never Give Up On Getting Fit. Never.

There are so many benefits to working out, whether it is a run along a beach, a cycle around the park, or yoga classes with your best friend. There is the chance to lose that middle-aged weight you’re fretting about (or at least hold off any more weight joining the party). There is the benefit it has in boosting your quality of life and preventing any of those women’s health issues creeping into your existence. And then there are those other little benefits that include stress management, boosting your metabolism, releasing endorphins to feel good and the sense of achievement that can really lift your day. Yeah, trying to get fit is definitely worthwhile when you’re approaching your 40s.

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  1. Embrace The Part Of You That Wants A Vagabond Life.

There is no such thing as traveling too much. In fact, not traveling enough tends to be people’s biggest regret when they finally get comfortable in their old age, which is why you should make a conscious effort to buy memories and not material things. After all, do you want stuff to show or stories to tell? A great rule to follow is the one new place every year rule, which will see you start to tick off those bucket list destinations for real and not just accept them as a pipe dream that takes up space on the cork board on your kitchen wall.

 

  1. No More Of That Comparison Nonsense.

We do feel bad for kids these days. What with all that pressure of not feeling good enough and having to constantly compare themselves to others. But it isn’t just kids who have become subject to the plague that is Facebook. We know that you can’t completely stop comparing yourself to others. But comparing your life to your best friends and knowing the context is a lot better than comparing your behind the scenes footage to the highlight reel of someone you knew twenty-five years ago. You need to accept that there will always be someone with more money, a better career, more holidays or better legs; that’s just life. But those people are also comparing themselves to others. So stop. Delete the Facebook app from your phone and toss Instagram to the wayside. Your life will be so much more fulfilling without them.

 

 

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  1. Remember That Kids Grow So Fast.

By the time you’ve fully adjusted to the fact you have kids, that phase will be over with and you’ll be sat wondering where the time went and how you got to this stage already. It is overwhelming, but with all that attention and care, the time just slips by. So make a mental note – or a physical reminder – to enjoy every second with them. It may seem long in your head, but the entire time they live with you at home is rather short in the grand scheme of life. Remember that and embrace what you have when you have it.

 

  1. Don’t Care So Much. In Fact, Don’t Care At All.

Everyone that is pushing the forty-barrier will be nodding their head at this next statement: we wish we stopped caring what others thought of us sooner. Look, self-doubt happens, that is a fact, but just because it happens doesn’t mean it has to win. Instead, stop caring so much about what other people think of you and start doing more of what you want to do… in all aspects of your life… period. What others think of you really is none of your business. Once you realize that, well, you can live your life with the right motivations.

Filed Under: Budget, Healthy, Retirement

Doing Retirement Right!

August 14, 2017 Leave a Comment

Retirement, by many, is viewed as the end – and as scary as they sound, it’s correct. However, it’s only correct when you’re about 20 and have about 60 years to look forward to. However, retirement isn’t the end of anything except full-time work – in fact, all retirement is, is a new chapter in our lives. It’s not the time to settle down, by the way – if that is what you are thinking. Retirement is something to enjoy, and we should only really calm down when our health starts to demand it.

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Retirement isn’t just something we can head into at full speed though – we need to retire in the right way, with all threads closed off and not dangling in our minds after we stop work! What’s more, we need to plan effectively for retirement, because it could be a disaster if we do not plan for it!

 

So, if you’ve found your way onto this post in your twenties or thirties, there’s still a lot you could learn. It’s never too early to start thinking about retirement, at least in the back of your mind. In your twenties, you should be putting cash away, in small doses, and signing up to a pension plan is a good idea at this point, as well as general investing. If you’re young, learn about money, and it’s importance. If you’re thirty and above, start seriously thinking about putting cash away. You will have a lot of priorities throughout your life, but make sure you always have one eye on the future. Clear your debts, keep in control of your mortgage and always have your eye on the future.

 

If you’re a bit older, you’re a bit wiser and you should know these things. We’re all in different financial situations though, so everyone’s retirement will be different and we will all have to adapt to what we have.

 

There are still things you need to consider though! Will you sell your home to fund some adventures or move into a retirement home? What will you do with all this time on your hands? Again, don’t retire until you are ready to do so. Retirement means some big changes in your life, and you might find yourself becoming a bit bored with things. There might not be an enforced retirement age where you are based, so check this out.

 

What you do in retirement is your own business, but find something to do. There’s no excuse for lazing around so try your best to keep your mind and body busy. Whether you have a daily walk around the neighborhood, go for a coffee, do a bit of yoga, some gardening or settle down with some good films, make sure you have a hobby or something to do. You’re not in work, but keep working at something so you can make the best out of all this time you have on your hands. It could be working on projects, or even blogging – just keep busy and make sure you treat retirement like it should be – as a new chapter in your life.

 

Filed Under: Budget

Eco-Friendly Living For Cash-Strapped Families

August 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

There are lots of families out there who are struggling to save any money at the end of each month. And because cash is quite tight at the moment, they think that there is no way they can afford to switch their lifestyle to one that is a lot more eco-friendly and sustainable.

 

However, that really isn’t the case. In fact, following an environmentally friendly lifestyle has never been so affordable. And there are so many tips and tricks you can use to help bring your bills down even further. Here are just a few of the best ones.

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Get Solar Panels

 

Are you sick of paying sky-high energy bills every month? If so, you need to think about getting some solar panels installed onto your property’s roof. Shop around when you are looking for a solar panel contractor as this gives you the chance to find the best possible price to get the job done. Even though it might be a bit pricey to get these panels installed, you will find that your energy bills plummet once you start to rely more on solar power.

 

Cook From Scratch

 

Cooking from scratch at home can save you a ton of money. After all, you probably can’t afford to eat out at restaurants every day of the week! And take out and ready meals are no cheaper really. But cooking at home won’t just save you some serious money – it is also the best option for the environment as well! That’s because processed food goes through an industrial process that uses a lot of energy and creates a huge carbon footprint! Even if food in restaurants isn’t processed, you don’t know how far it has traveled to get on your plate – and that could have required high carbon emissions.

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Go Veggie

 

There is another way you can help the environment with your diet. You just need to go vegetarian! Don’t worry, you don’t need to commit to a meat-free diet every single day. Lots of studies show that if we were to all have one meat-free day per week, the environment would greatly benefit. That’s because lots of farming now requires heavy industry that leaves a huge carbon footprint. So, maybe it’s time to swap your chicken for lentils?!

 

Unplug

 

Going out for a few hours? If so, you do a quick check of your house to make sure that every single electrical appliance has been unplugged. This is especially important for devices like set-top boxes as these will continually drain energy, even if they aren’t in use. Obviously, you can’t unplug appliances like your freezer or fridge, but anything that isn’t in use should always be unplugged. Once you start doing this, you will notice a big difference to your monthly bills.

 

So, as you can see, turning to a greener way of life doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Why not give it a go to see just how great the benefits are to you and the environment?

Filed Under: Budget, Family Tagged With: ,

Budget-Friendly Home Improvements: Alternatives To Common Replacements

July 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

Every homeowner needs to give their property a little extra attention from time to time. Frankly, those upgrades are crucial for sustained happiness at home.

 

Replacing items can blow your budget at a rapid rate, though. However, this isn’t the only form of possible upgrade. Before rushing into any future jobs, why not try using these alternatives instead. It’ll save time, money, and a lot of effort.   

 

Here are some of the best solutions.

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New Doors & Security

 

Safety and security should always sit top of your list of priorities for the property. After all, enjoying a home that doesn’t protect your possessions and loved ones is virtually impossible.

 

The security of your main doors can be a major source of concern, especially if you’ve only recently moved in. However, a professional locksmith service can change the locks rather than the whole door. This’ll save you time, as well as a significant amount of money.   

 

Similar ideas can be used for windows. As for alarm systems, new batteries and a couple of simple CCTV cameras should do the trick.

 

New Flooring

 

When considering the interior design aspects of individual rooms, flooring is one of the main issues that will spring to mind. When they’ve not had the TLC they deserve, they can start to ruin the atmosphere of the entire room. It’s tempting to replace the flooring completely, but there are cheaper and easier options.

 

Firstly, you could restore dirty floors with the help of a quality carpet cleaning company. Replacing a floor that’s in good condition would be a waste of time and money. Use those savings to paint the walls instead and the whole room will look brand new.

 

If you’re still looking for a new esthetic, investing in a shaggy rug should is a far more affordable option.

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New Appliances

 

The average modern home is blessed with an array of different appliances. From washing machines to irons, they all have an important role to play. Sadly, there’s no escaping the fact that things can go wrong.  

 

Replacing those appliances can be costly, and it also means you’ll need to get used to using the new ones. Calling out an expert to repair them is often a far cheaper and easier solution. Moreover, it’s usually the eco-friendly approach too.

 

This isn’t always the best option, and it’s important to accept defeat when a product is broken beyond repair. Nonetheless, changing your approach so that replacement becomes a last resort will serve you well.

 

New Structural Items

 

Problems with structural elements is a homeowner’s worst fear. Unfortunately, the worst situations can end up costing thousands to rectify. But, as long as you spot the issues early, they can be repaired before escalating into something worse.

 

Finding ways to manage those common home horrors won’t only save you cash. It’ll also provide you with peace of mind while also protecting your assets for the long haul. Quite frankly, this makes it a fantastic investment for your immediate and long-term future.   

 

Unlike some of the above aspects, this job is more of necessity rather than choice. Still, overcoming the damage before a replacement is needed is essential. And it will establish the foundations of a far better home life.

Filed Under: Budget, Home

Money Savvy Soccer Ball #MoneySavvySoccerBall

July 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

The Money Savvy Soccer Ball is the perfect way to teach your little one how to save money. First off I want to share with you, this piggy bank is a soccer ball!! How cool is that? The soccer ball is clear where the white would be on a regular soccer ball so you are able to see how much money you have saved up! I love the idea of a clear piggy bank because it makes my son feel like he has achieved something with saving his money. “Almost there mommy” is what he always tells me when one of the slots are almost full. The clear soccer ball has four slots separating the ball into four different sections. In each of the sections, there is a spot to put a sticker (which they provide).

 

Above the sticker spots, they have four words listed, INVEST, SAVE, SPEND, and DONATE. In the INVEST slot, my son decided to put a picture of the orange globe so we can travel to Disney World when he is older. In the SAVE slot he put the green graduation sticker, so we can start to save for college. In the SPEND slot, we put the purple hamburger sticker to represent spending money on the food he wants to get (candies, ice cream, sweets, etc.). Lastly, we have the DONATE slot where we put the purple church to teach him to donate to our church. This piggy bank is designed to help kids get smarter about saving money.

It is a learning tool a child can take with them the rest of their lives. Helping kids learn how to budget and save for things in their life. This is the perfect gift for a little one. I highly recommend this piggy bank.

This is a sponsored ad, however, all the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Budget, Children Tagged With: , , ,

Get A Buckingham Palace Dining Room On A Budget

July 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

The Old Family Dining Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2015. The room opens to public view for the first time in White House history Tuesday, February 10, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

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Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a grand dining room in which to entertain your friends and family every so often, or to just eat your simple as simple comes breakfast in? It would just be nice. A bowl of Rice Krispies sat at the end of a sophisticated dark wood table, wonderful portraits looking over you as you chomp away smiling. It’s important to keep neat and clean your dining room properly. for that, you will need a vacuum cleaner. You can read vacuum cleaner reviews from Reviewertouch.  It would be amazing. Unfortunately, this is just a pipedream for most because owning a dining room like this would cost a fortune. But it doesn’t have to?

 

Yup. That’s right. We have been on the prowl recently, looked at ways to make this a quick room revamp and come up with a few amazing ideas to help you transform your space and create a stylish dining room on a budget. And here’s how you can do it:

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Antique-Styling Shouts Grandeur

It’s true. Having antiques dotted around your dining room shouts old-money and sophistication. However, it doesn’t have to cost a ton of money and require a grandma that once dated royalty. Just head to a flea market, or a salvage yard, or even an online auction site, and pick up anything that gives you butterflies. We’re talking unique pieces, with gilded edges and metal bases. If it would go unnoticed in a Parisian palace then get it.

 

You Must Have Matching Sets

That is what grandeur and sophistication are all about. It is all about matching dining tables and chairs, candlesticks, crockery, cutlery, and styling. Luckily this doesn’t have to cost the world. On the dining room table and chairs front, you can go with rental furniture to keep costs down. While lovely, old cutlery and crockery and bits and bobs can all be found in thrift stores and pawnbrokers without too much hassle whatsoever.

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Over Adorn Your Walls

If you have ever seen a grand dining room then you will know that they go against minimalism in every way imaginable, especially on the walls. It is all about gilded gold mirrors hanging above the fireplace, bold pieces of art and elaborate lighting. Luckily, this can all be bought on the fly. Craigslist, Freecycle, and yard sales are all great places to grab a bargain on the mirror front, while the online marketplace is an absolute goldmine for bits of art that you can’t stop having a love affair with, sites such as Etsy. As for the lights, a knock-off chandelier will cost you closer to $80 than it will $3000. It is just about knowing where to look.

 

Chocolate And Cream Works

You may be thinking that we are suggesting a faux-sophisticated dessert here, but we’re not. Chocolate and cream is, in fact, a color scheme that works wonders when it comes to creating that grand look you so desire. Start by splitting the walls. It won’t take long, or cost much, to have a carpenter come in and create a bold styling out of MDF to go two-thirds of the way up your walls. Then paint this white and above this chocolate. Then do the same with your dining set. Leave your dark wood table as it is but sleep some cream covers over your chairs. This is really handy if your chairs are really cheap looking.

Filed Under: Budget, Home

Ensure a Successful Long-Distance Move in 3 Simple Steps

July 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Moving house can be stressful at the best of times. But add a long-distance move into the mix and you can really feel the strain. A successful long-distance move all starts with good planning and efficient preparation, so read on for our top tips on how to organize a seamless long-distance house move.

 

Planning

 

The best way to ensure your big moves goes according to plan is to have a solid and detailed plan in the first place. Start researching removals company well in advance and start making lists of how you intend to stay on top of all the details of your move. Your list should involve the order in which you intend to pack your belongings starting with the non-essential items as soon as possible and your most essential items were packed up the day before, or even on the day itself.

 

You will also need to be super organized with all your packing equipment and labeling goods to ensure that unpacking on the other side is as simple and seamless as possible. Therefore you will want to be buying boxes, bubble wrap, large heavy duty plastic bags, tape, and labels. Keeping all your goods protected, labeled and noted down on your list means that you can be relaxed that everything is packed correctly, is in its rightful place and that should you need anything, you will know exactly which box or bag to find it in.

 

Removals Company

 

You will want to put some research into the right removal company for your move. Some removal companies specialize in short-distance moves and some specialize in long-distance moves. Therefore you will want to look at moving rental trucks that can cater for the long distance haul that you require. Spending time looking at long distance removal specialists in your area, that have a trusted and reliable reputation, will ensure that you can be confident that your move and your belongings are in the best possible hands.

 

Be Ruthless

 

Moving house is a great excuse to really go through your belongings and figure out what you don’t need or don’t want anymore. As the cost of your move will be calculated on the weight of the items that you transport you don’t want to be paying to transport items that will just be forgotten about, unused, abandoned and will just take up unnecessary space in your new home.

 

Therefore take your new move as an opportunity to really have a thorough spring clean and get rid of all the items you no longer use or need. If you do this well enough in advance of the move you will also be able to see if you can sell any of your old things on a second-hand website or even organize a garage sale. The extra cash you make from your unwanted items will come in very handy when it comes to the expense of your big move and setting you up in your gorgeous new home.

Filed Under: Budget, Home Tagged With: , , ,

Retiring Into Old Age Successfully

June 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

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We don’t realize it, but retirement is a game. And, like all games, there is a winner and a loser. Now, no one likes to lose because winning is fun and addictive. But, no one wants to lose at retirement because a loss can have a major impact on the rest of your life.

 

There is no doubt that you don’t want this to happen. After all, our golden years are supposed to be the time when we enjoy the fruits of decades of hard labor. Still, it happens to people all of the time, and it happens because they are ill prepared.

 

As such, you have to be ready if you want to win. And, to do that, you have to know the tricks of the retirement trade. So, here is everything that you need to know to retire into successful bliss.

 

Good luck.

 

Be Mentally Prepared

 

The biggest mistake everyone makes is to assume that retirement isn’t a big deal. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it is a huge deal because your life is about to change forever. Yes, the idea of slowing down and pottering around the garden is appealing, yet it is still a transition. Indeed, when was the last time you took the time to relax? Exactly, and now you’re going to do it for the rest of your life, which can be intimidating. To avoid any scares, you should try and get used to the idea. Then, there is no need to wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. People often focus on the physical, yet the mental aspect of retiring is just as important.

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Continue To Work

 

‘What?! I’m never going to work again!’ Okay, you have every right to think this way, particularly after 40 years of hard work. However, not to be critical, but it is a little short-sighted. Although working hasn’t always been enjoyable, it has given your life structure. And, sweeping that structure from under your feet is a recipe for disaster. It is no secret that the golden generation suffers from boredom, and working is one way to relieve the monotony of life. Plus, it adds value because it gives you something to look forward to every week. Of course, it is your decision how much to take on because you are not fully employed. Still, one or two days should break up the week nicely.

 

Stay Physically Active

 

Again, ‘letting yourself go’ is another benefit of quitting work and getting old. But, again, it isn’t a good idea if you want to win the war as well as the battle. Staying healthy is the key to a long and happy life, and that never changes. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how many dues you have paid in the past. Your body still needs maintaining, and exercise is the only method that works. Now, there is no reason to get down with the kids because that is too much. But, there are ways to get the blood pumping without encouraging a heart attack. Walking is the ultimate example, as is gardening. Try and opt for activities that are active but not too strenuous.

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Get Your Finances In Order

 

Anyone that doesn’t work full-time has to be financially savvy or else retirement could be more of a nightmare than a dream. One thing you have to understand is that your earning potential has limits. As a result, it’s imperative to use what you have to your advantage. To do that, you need a working total of all your assets, and you need to write them down. Next, work out your expenses and how much you pay out every month. The total that is left is your overall budget and the trick is to stick to it as much as possible. Sure, there will be some expenses that are bigger than others, yet these are the anomalies. On average, your monthly payments must hit a certain figure. If the number is too low, consider cutting back. It isn’t nice, but it is necessary.

 

Consider Living Arrangements

 

An example of cutting back is moving out of your home. Let’s face it – a house is expensive and may be too big for your needs. The logical thing to do is to downsize or consider the alternatives. For example, living with one of your children may be on the cards if they have the room. Or, moving into a residence with in-home care facilities is also a popular choice. Whatever you decide, it’s essential to be logical and analytical if possible. No one likes the idea of leaving their home, especially if it has sentimental value. However, sometimes it is the only option if your finances are not in order. Hopefully, you’ll be able to keep your independence for the foreseeable future, but you shouldn’t assume that to be the case.

 

Talk It Through

 

The important aspect of a successful retirement is making an informed decision. Usually, this can’t happen without having a conversation with the people you love. Quite simply, your life and theirs are intertwined, so your actions impact their lives. As a result, you need to sit down and inform them that you plan on retiring. That way, everyone can bounce positives and negatives off one another and cover all of the issues. It may be that you’re not ready to quit work for financial reasons, or you’re only doing it because you think it is right. At least when you have a discussion, you will realize if it is the right move or a mistake. Don’t forget that people do make retirement mistakes all of the time, and you don’t want to be another statistic.

 

Finally, don’t do it too early. The idea of retiring and emigrating to somewhere hot is always appealing. However, it also means you have a lot of time to sit around and do nothing. Even if you work part-time and look after the grandkids, it is still a long time.

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