by Mrs C | Dec 17, 2019 | Blog
No matter how close you are to retirement, it’s almost impossible to save too much. Not only is this money tax-deferred, but making an investment now is the best way to make sure your savings keep up with inflation.
When to Start
When possible, you should have started saving yesterday. If not, start now. If your employer offers a 401(k), your max contribution if you’re under 50 is $19,000. For those who are paid twice a month, this means that you can stash almost $800 of your gross income per check into your retirement account. It’s possible that you may not be able to afford that or want to give up that much gross income, but the tax savings can be significant if you can manage at least part of it. This income is tax-deferred. That means this money comes out of your gross income before your income taxes are calculated. Later, when you’re retired and probably making less money, you will need to pay taxes when you pull money out of your account.
Investing Your Capital
Your 401(k) deductions will be directed into a plan that includes investment in the stock market. Generally, these investments go into mutual funds, index funds, or bonds. Experts recommend diversifying your investments across several funds to lessen your risk of loss in the event of market upheaval. Be honest with yourself and your risk tolerance. You might consider putting your contribution into safer vehicles and putting your employer’s contribution into more volatile investments. You could also invest your after-tax income in real estate. According to Parker Buys Houses, investing in real estate can be profitable as long as the property accrues value, and it can generate passive revenue as long as you have a tenant that pays well.
Investing in Yourself
If you think your retirement funds will be low, start investing in yourself now. Build a side hustle to protect against a small social security check. Get and stay in shape to lower your medical bills. Take a cooking class so that you can turn ordinary groceries into gourmet meals and avoid paying restaurant prices while dining in style. Protect your brain plasticity with a regular exercise program and your library card. You can do a lot to boost your love of life by dedicating yourself to constant learning.
The idea of outliving your money is concerning for many of us. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of that happening. You can live well in retirement when you know the right way to budget for it now.
Check out our other money-saving tips and advice here!
by Mrs C | Dec 16, 2019 | Blog
If you’re struggling to decorate a space, remember that it’s OK to leave some spaces bare while you decide exactly what needs to go there. It can be tempting to load up on low-cost pieces that don’t really serve you. Instead, decorate slowly and enjoy the beautiful results.
Use What You Have
Tossing a pretty blanket or quilt over the back of a worn chair can turn it from shabby to sumptuous, especially if you love to cuddle up and read. Smoothfoam explains how easy it is to turn an unused nightstand into a side table with a small cloth to cover or a mirrored tray to define the top. A wooden crate turned on its side can serve as a display shelf and a small bookcase, or it can give you space for a stereo and speakers.
DIY Decorations
A healthy plant can provide a tremendous focal point and only takes time, water and a little fertilizer. You can also find picture frames second-hand, take out the artwork and either discard it or repurpose it, and paint the frames all one color before hanging them in a grouping on the wall. As recommended by SouthGate, you can find materials to make your own decorations at second-hand stores, flea markets, and other inexpensive shops. Show your creativity, but also find a balance in the amount of decorations you add. Again, decorate slowly as you find the spots that really need attention.
Put Paint to Work
An elegant gray paint job can turn an empty room into a striking space. If you really don’t have the time or resources to decorate, painting the room in a classic color can make leaving the walls blank a great idea. In addition, you may find pieces of furniture that will fill your needs but don’t match your decor. A bit of fine sandpaper and some elbow grease can turn mismatched pieces into an elegant grouping once you’ve added spray paint. Be sure to invest in good quality spray paint for the first coat. For example, if you want to spray side tables white, use a hearty stain-blocking paint for the best coverage and great cling. If you want to add a gloss paint on top of this, you’ll be much more satisfied with the finished product. Be patient with yourself and leave things blank for a time. When you need a spot to collect magazines, set a teacup or arrange books, it’s time to do some shopping and some DIY work. Once you really know what you want, you’ll have an easier time committing the resources and the time to your project.
For more tips, tricks, and advice for how you can take care of your home on a budget, look no further than our health and household section where you’ll find more low cost tips like these!
by Mrs C | Dec 15, 2019 | Blog
One of the greatest joys of parenthood is watching your child grow from the cute, adorable toddler who is totally dependent on you into a self-sufficient teenager. Soon enough, your teen will reach the age where he or she wants to drive and this will surely make you a little nervous. However, you can minimize the stress of purchasing your teen’s first car by keeping a few things in mind.
Type of Car
Sport-utility vehicles are popular among young people, but this is not to suggest you should head to a dealership and purchase the largest vehicle you can find for your teenager. There are many things to consider when considering the vehicle type and size for your teenager. Larger vehicles offer more protection than compact cars but are often more difficult to drive for inexperienced drivers. It’s important to consider the benefits of a standard size car, it you think something in the middle would be a better fit for your teen. You should also keep in mind your teen’s lifestyle. A teenager involved in sports or other activities that requires hauling a lot of equipment might need a slightly larger vehicle than other kids their age.
Cost
The cost of a vehicle is another extremely important issue for parents who are looking to purchase a vehicle for their teen. Cars are expensive purchases, but there is no need to break the bank when searching for one for your son or daughter. Once a budget is established, you and your child can sit down and discuss cars that can be purchased for this price. Just remember not to skimp on safety just to save a dollar or two. This mistake could be a costly one later down the road.
Distractions
Young drivers are easily distracted. For this reason, it is a good idea to purchase a vehicle that helps to minimize these distractions. For example, a car with hands-free capabilities will help to prevent your teen from texting while driving or taking his or her eyes off the road to change the radio station. Cars can also come with built-in safety features like sound limits for music whenever the ignition is activated.
Reaching the legal age to drive is an exciting time for teens but can be stressful for parents. There are many things to consider when finding a car that fits the needs of your teen, and you will no doubt be determined to make the correct decision. The three considerations above are a great place to start when choosing your young driver’s first car.
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by Mrs C | Dec 13, 2019 | Blog
Tea has been around for centuries, and many people rely on it to help them stay healthy. This simple drink is easy to make and things can even be added to it. However, in order to reap tea’s benefits, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
No Sugar
To fully take advantage of all the benefits tea has to offer, you can avoid introducing additional, less healthy ingredients like refined sugar. Sugar is almost physically or psychologically addictive, and it does not offer health benefits. The best way to drink your herbal tea is without using sugar as a sweetener. It’s also important to purchase tea that hasn’t already been sweetened. The lack of sugar makes tea a low-calorie beverage. According to Red Blossom Tea, drinking tea can assist in weight loss, but adding sugar obliterates this benefit. Plus, sugar isn’t good for your body in general. You can still benefit from drinking tea when you add sugar, but you are also creating problems when you sweeten up your drink.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help your body fight off illness, and certain types of tea contain a ton of them. Though you are probably used to hearing about the antioxidant power of fruits and vegetables, tea can contain up to ten times the amount found in these foods. Some varieties of tea offer an even greater amount of antioxidants, especially when the entire leaf is utilized. According to Matchaisland, matcha tea is one such tea that uses the entire leaf so you receive all the nutrients the plant has to offer. Antioxidants in tea can help your body fight free radicals, lessen the signs of aging, and detoxify your system. Vitamins C and E are essential for your mind and body to function, and tea can offer these in one simple cup.
Temperature Control
You may imagine a steaming hot cup when you think of tea. While it’s true that you need hot water to get the most out of your tea, you do not need to consume your drink while it is still burning hot. According to Inverse, doing this can increase your risk of esophageal cancer. Get your water plenty hot before putting your tea bag or leaves in, but let it cool to a reasonable temperature before attempting to drink it. If it burns your throat on the way down, it’s too hot. You want to reap the health benefits of this amazing drink without harming your body in the process.
The right kind of tea can offer a multitude of benefits that boost your overall health. Pick a kind you love that tastes best to you. Enjoy at least a cup a day of tea at just the right temperature as part of your wellness plan.
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by Mrs C | Dec 10, 2019 | Coupons and Rebates
Although many people see their grocery budget go down when they decide to eat a plant-focused diet because they are not spending money on expensive meats, there can still substantial costs with a vegetarian lifestyle if you are investing in meat alternatives. Here are four ways that you can save money on vegetarian options.
Meat Replacements
While today’s meat replacement options taste better than ever before, they are also getting more costly. Limiting your intake of meat replacement options can save you a lot of money in your food budget. Instead of focusing on pre-prepared meat replacement for your main entrees, be sure to consider options such as seitan, soy options like tempeh, lentils, and beans to replace premade meat replacements. While meals do not need any dish to mimic a meat to be filling, it is a popular option for those going veggie for ethical and environmental reasons.
Adding More Veggies
The cornerstone of any solid vegetarian diet should be an abundance of fresh vegetables. Buying seasonal vegetables enables you to get many fresh ingredients for a low cost. Making a conscious effort to add more vegetables to your diet will increase the bulk and help you to get in crucial nutrients. You can save money by growing your own garden. It does not have to be anything large or elaborate. A little bit will go a long way when you are planting your own food.
Specials When Eating Out
While eating out can be a budget buster if you are not careful, there are also a host of deals to be found if you choose wisely. There are many veggie options at fast food popping up with the ongoing race between brands to have the best plant-based burger, but these are often several dollars more expensive than traditional burgers. Be sure to check out the daily specials when eating out at restaurants. These are often where you can find the most affordable options. You can also be creative with your meal choices to save money. Not every restaurant has specific vegetarian options, so you may have to adjust existing non-vegetarian options to fit your dietary needs. For example, while not everyone likes vegetarian burgers, pizzas have a multitude of vegetable topping options that make it easy to find something.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can be easier as a vegetarian than a traditional omnivore because you do not have to worry about as many expiration dates or about meat cross-contamination while cooking. Staples that you should buy in bulk so that you always have on hand include rice, pasta, beans, and lentils. Other things you may consider always keeping on hand is nutritional yeast, and frozen and canned vegetables. Once you learn that it is easy to cook creatively with these options, you will find that you are saving an abundance of money. Warehouse stores are a great resource for good deals on these types of products.
Being a vegetarian does not have to be an expensive lifestyle choice, in fact it is often much cheaper than an omnivore diet. With the right choices, you can improve your health while also boosting your budget. Look at our grocery deals to start stocking up on the dry goods veggie essentials today.
