by Mrs C | Jul 19, 2022 | Blog
Having a side gig has become a pretty normal part of modern life and a way to add a little extra spending money to your pocketbook. If you are looking to earn more money without quitting your main job, adding something on the side is a great option. You just want to make sure that you choose a side gig that is a good fit for your schedule and is something that you actually enjoy.
Freelance
One great way to make extra money on the side is to do a little freelance work. Working freelance can be a great way for you to apply your skills in new and interesting ways. Many freelance workers are needed in a variety of fields, and you can often set your pay based on your own experience and skill set. It’s important to remember that you will be responsible for paying your own taxes with this kind of work, so you want to make sure you are taking care of that.
Start a Side Hustle
You can also think about starting your own business on the side, if you are interested in entrepreneurship. Building your business can take time, but it is also a productive and fulfilling way to spend your time outside of your regular jobs. You can make your side business as small or large as you want it to be. For example, some companies pay drivers money to have vinyl wraps applied to their cars.
Get Into the Dog Business
There are so many fun dog related jobs that you can do on the side of your regular full time work. Whether you want to walk dogs and have a chance to get out in nature or simply hang out with dogs when their owners are on vacation, you have plenty of options available. There are multiple apps online that can help match you with the perfect canine friends to earn a little extra money while also having fun with local dogs. You can plan this kind of work around your schedule and even use it as an opportunity to travel and dogsit, especially if you work a remote job as your nine to five.
Finding a fulfilling side gig to keep you occupied and earn a little extra cash can be a great option. You can choose a kind of work that makes sense for your schedule and that is fulfilling your financial needs. Whatever you choose to supplement your regular work, make sure it is something you enjoy.
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by Mrs C | Jul 19, 2022 | Blog
The reality of life here in the United States is that a car is a necessity pretty much wherever you live. Having a car is essential for reliable, efficient, and safe transportation to and from work, school, activities, services, businesses, and entertainment. But with car prices having soared out of control in the past few years, buying a new car can be daunting or impossible. Luckily, you don’t need to buy new to get a new car for your family to use. Here are a few alternatives to buying to get a new family car.
Buy a Used Car
The first way that you can get a new family car without buying new is buying a used car. While a used car won’t exactly be “new” it will be new to you and your family, and if transportation is key for you, then having a used car at an affordable price is better than no car at all. Used cars are a great option that can save you all sorts of money. New cars depreciate in value in a way that used cars don’t lose value as fast. Getting a used car can be a major cost saver for your family.
Lease a Car
Another way that you can get a new family car without buying new Is by leasing a car. Cars are a lot of responsibility to own and are a major investment. If you don’t have to deal with the huge upfront costs of buying a car and then owning, you can lease for a much lower overall cost, and stay in a newer car when it comes time to renew your lease. You need to at least have an acceptable credit score to lease a car. Avoid debt and don’t go crazy with credit cards if you want to lease.
Trade-in
The final way that you can get a new family car without buying new is by trading-in your current vehicle at the dealership for a discount on a new or used car. While trading in your car might not be a solution for everyone, if you are looking to upgrade to a newer vehicle, then trading in can save you thousands of dollars. Ask your dealership if they offer trade-in deals.
Getting a new car can be out of reach financially for many people. But there are many ways to get a car without buying a new one. Consider these three methods to get a car without bothering with buying new.
Check out this article on big home items you need to save up for!
by Mrs C | Jul 7, 2022 | Blog
There are a lot of things in life to celebrate. As you cross these milestones, you might be focused on how happy they are, but it’s also important to keep in mind how they will affect you financially. Some events can hit your wallet pretty hard, so it’s good to know what to expect from these life events.
Having a Baby
When you have a baby, it’s more than just the day the baby is born. The total cost begins as soon as the pregnancy does. You need to pay for doctor’s appointments, check-ups, and all other prenatal care. On the day of the birth, there are also several costs. The total amount you pay will cover the cost of your stay in the hospital as well as covering the fees of the obstetrician, anesthesiologist, and anyone else involved. On average, people spend between $5000 and $11,000 on having a baby. Of course, this varies by state and will also depend on your insurance.
Weddings
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. In most cases, the married couple want to have a large party to celebrate their union. This involves lots of people, food, decorations, and other costs. According to data from 2019, the average cost of a wedding was around $28,000. Of course, there are ways to save. The most simple is to scale things down. A smaller venue and smaller guest list is more manageable financially and perhaps even more enjoyable for the couple. Having a wedding outside of busy seasons can help you save money. Some of the best months to have a less expensive wedding are January, March, April, and November.
Sending a Child to College
A college education can set your child up for a better life by giving them the skills they need to have a meaningful career. However, college is very expensive. You have to consider tuition, textbook costs, rent, living expenses, and more. The total cost can range anywhere from $22,000 a year to $50,000 a year. If you want to be able to afford this, it’s best to start saving as early as possible. This will ease the financial burden once your child does begin college. Of course, you can also take advantage of financial aid options and scholarships to help pay for college.
There are plenty of life events that come with a pretty big price. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. Finding ways to save money, reduce the cost, or ease the financial burden can make these events less of a stress and more of a celebration.
Check out this article on home projects that can accommodate a growing family!
by Mrs C | Jul 6, 2022 | Blog
Adult life comes with what seems to be an endless array of obstacles and challenges that stand in your way. Tackling these challenges is just a part of life, and depending on who you ask, are the real life that we live. One of the many obstacles that life throws into people’s ways is unexpected expenses. They can come from all over the place but are impossible to prepare for and can leave you in a compromised position for your financial future. Here are three ways that you can pay for unexpected expenses in your life.
Tap into Emergency Funds
The first thing that you can do to pay for unexpected expenses that come up in your life is to tap into your emergency funds. Everyone should save an emergency fund to be used in the event of unexpected financial expenses that come up. Start by putting away as much as you can afford each month until you have built up an emergency nest egg that is about six months of living expenses. You can save as much as one year of expenses in an emergency fund to be extra safe. Tapping into your emergency funds prevents you from needing to go into debt.
Use a Loan or Credit Card
Another way that you can pay for unexpected expenses is by using a loan or a credit card. If you can’t afford to pay off your expenses with a debit card, check, or cash, then you can take out a personal loan or pay with a credit card for your expenses. A personal loan can give you quick access to cash when faced with a sudden large expense. This can be useful for situations where you might want additional cash. Using a credit card is another option but be aware of high interest rates on your cards.
Tap Into Home Equity
If you have a large expense that you can’t pay for but own property, you can tap into some of your equity in order to pay for your expenses. Taking out equity in your home is the same idea as selling a portion of your home back to the bank. This can allow you to access some of the value of your home while still getting to live in your home.
Unexpected expenses are bound to happen, but that doesn’t mean that you have to worry about paying. Try these three methods to pay for unexpected expenses as they come up.
Check out this article on how to not let your home consume your entire budget!
by Mrs C | Jun 22, 2022 | Blog
What makes a house a home? There are a myriad of answers, one of which is the level of comfort, both physical and mental, that you enjoy when you’re there. While there are plenty of things that contribute to those feelings of comfort, there is certainly something to be said for how you decorate your home. The thing is, decorating can get expensive surprisingly quickly. So what are some things you can do to decorate your home without breaking the bank?
Use Different Paint Colors
Painting your house is a great way to change up its look and make it more personalized. Paint can get pricey, though, depending on what you’re using. Instead of using a single color for all your walls, you might consider using different paint colors instead. You could create a unique design on your walls with a few carefully chosen paint colors that adds interest to the room, uses less paint overall, and saves you some money.
Buy Second-Hand Furniture
Sometimes buying everything first hand isn’t the practical choice. Sometimes second-hand is the way to go. Flea market furniture can save you money during a remodel. Not only that, but you can also find unique pieces that can add a special something to your home that you would be missing out on if you got brand new furniture. Of course, you always have the option of purchasing second-hand furniture and then fixing it up however you like once you bring it home. You can reupholster it, repaint it, or make other changes, depending on how you want the finished piece to look.
Repurpose Old Items
Depending on the style you’re going for, you may be able to repurpose old belongings as decor both inside and outside of your home. There are some great things you can do with old pots and pans, if you have some that you don’t use anymore. Old watering cans can be turned into planters. Have any lumber? Use it to make benches for your porch or to create your own DIY mudroom.
Decorating your home is just one of the things you can do to make it feel like an actual home as opposed to simply being a house. If you’re working with a tighter budget, you may need to get a little creative. Still, with a little ingenuity and creativity, you’ll find that you’re able to tastefully decorate your house in a way that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
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