Helpful Hints on How to Avoid the Debt of the Holiday Season

Does the holiday season fill your heart with joy or do you go into a panic attack just thinking about the damage that it will do to your budget? If the holiday season has become something that you dread, it’s time to take control and put things into perspective. With mass consumerism and the pressure to spend during this time of year, it can be incredibly easy to throw caution to the wind and rack up a huge credit card bill that will come back to haunt you in the new year. This year, propose to approach the holiday season with your good sense intact. Here are some helpful hints on how to avoid the debt of the holiday season and enjoy a stress-free holiday.

Prepare a plan in advance of the holiday season

Take that old Boy Scout adage to heart when it comes to preparing yourself for the holiday season: be prepared. When the first strains of Christmas Carols come into earshot, grab a pen and sheet of paper and get ready to make a plan. You can try planning early, but it can be easy to forget about your fail-proof holiday season budgeting plan if you draft it in July. Around Thanksgiving, take a good hard look at your current financial template and figure out how much you can afford to spend on gifts, food, entertainment, travel and other seasonal expenses without going into the red. Make a list of everyone you plan on giving a gift to, including co-workers, the mail carrier, etc. It’s time to prioritize: who do you anticipate you will be spending more on? Write everyone’s name on a sheet of paper and put a figure next to their name. Add up all the numbers to make sure that your total figure is not beyond your budget.

Stick, stick, stick to your budget

You can make as many lists as you want but they won’t mean much if you don’t stick to a budget. It can be very tempting to overspend, especially if you happen to come upon the “perfect” gift for your wife, husband, girlfriend, boss, best friend, etc. No matter how perfect the gift may be, don’t buy it unless you can afford it. You won’t be doing your friends, family members and other loved ones any favors by getting into debt. Taking your budget plan to the store as you shop is an easy way to remind yourself not to overspend. Cross off names from your list after buying the corresponding gift or present. If you are buying many gifts, it can be very easy to overspend simply by buying too many presents and losing track of what you have purchased already.

Propose a cap on holiday spending

Chances are that you are not the only one in your family or circle of friends who overspends during the holiday season. If you are serious about spending within your means, discuss openly your concerns with friends and family members. Let them know that you will be setting a cap on your holiday setting, and that your friends and family members may want to consider reciprocating. If possible, get your family to agree on a spending cap. This will help ensure a financially healthy and low-stress holiday season for all your loved ones.

Make your own gifts

A lot of people appreciate the warmth and unique beauty of handmade gifts. If you are lucky enough to have friends and family members who favor handmade items over store bought presents, the holiday season can not only be a great time to save money but a wonderful opportunity to let your talents shine. Are you an expert syrup maker? Do you love to make candles or soaps in your spare time? These can make wonderful and low-cost presents.

How to Dine Out on Occasion and Still Make your Budget

You need to allow yourself to have fun once in awhile, and to experience the finer things in life. Finer dining does not need to cost every cent you have. You can still go out to eat and make your budget.The following options will help you have more of a peace of mind about eating out:

Cut down on cheap everyday fast foods and make your restaurant experience special. You will have more money for a sit-down meal in a more upscale restaurant if you cut out a few hamburger and fry orders. Not only that your dining experience will be more special and more rewarding.

In between dining experiences learn how to cook better foods for yourself at home. This could lead into a new hobby and can result in more money in your pocket in the long run.Â

You might want to consider eating out during lunch instead of dinner. Even at nicer restaurants you will fine high-quality meals on the menu that are fitting for midday cuisine. Perhaps a nice brunch on a Saturday afternoon would be ideal.  Â

There is no shame in ordering water with your meal. In fact, most restaurants automatically supply their visitors with water. This will free up more funds for you to purchase a fuller meal.

Gourmet sandwich shops and pizza places often cost less. That is one option to think about as well.

If you eat a light meal before you go out you will get away with ordering appetizers or other inexpensive items. Either that or you can just go out for a few drinks and work it off dancing.

Buffet places usually offer reasonable rates for different times of the day. Some will offer morning specials for breakfast, while others offer noon-day and evening specials.

Use coupons, and do not be ashamed about doing so. Remember all those buy-one-get-one half off deals? Take advantage of those. However, one warning is that it may work better if you have known the person for awhile than if you have just met that person for a first date.

Check your local listings for special events that offer inexpensive dining. Local non-profit picnics, county fairs, and other places offer a well-rounded solution for fairly inexpensive fun you can plan ahead for. You also can find local Internet ads of your favorite places as well.

Have meals delivered, a service which many pizza and gourmet shops offer for free. It beats paying high gas prices to drive there.

Choose a spot in your neighborhood. It will cost you less to drive there. If you have never been to places nearby you, it is always possible to ask to view the menu before being seated. You can also call ahead or ask around about the place before you go.

Read reviews of local restaurants. These are found in local entertainment guides online and offline. You would be surprise what is in your own backyard versus an hour drive to the other side of town (or out of town).

If you want to eat healthy meals on a budget try a soup and a salad and a light sandwich. You might also consider a vegetable tray.

As long as you can "get away with it" try more informal quality dining. Many bar and grills will not mind if you order a big basket of fries and chicken for more than one person. Even in some places where they have an extensive entrée list you might be able to ask for an extra plate. Most restaurant meals are enough for two people anyway.

Importance of an Emergency Fund and Ways to Fund It

An emergency fund is necessary for obvious reasons. Unexpected circumstances include job loss, car breakdown, sick kid, and natural disaster. You can build an emergency account using one or more of the following principles:

If you invest in your company's 401K or other pension plan you may be able to take out money later with little to no penalty in some cases. Depending upon the retirement plan you participate in, provisions are often made for emergencies.Â

Certain life insurance plans and other insurance policies make provision for an additional benefit. That often is a dividend paid back to you via company earnings.

Add money to this fund as often as possible. If you are not comfortable yet with putting away more than a few percent then start out with that. Even a dollar a paycheck is better than none at all. The recommended amount would be $25 to $50 per paycheck or more. That would provide you with over $1000 at the end of the year.

Cut down on items you do not need at least temporarily. For instance, if you are not much of a TV watcher anyway why do you need cable? Likewise, if you are not online much you can get rid of your Internet service.

Find a cheaper phone plan. This is one area where anyone could probably stand to save money. There really are cheaper plans out there, with the same great calling services.

Use at least a portion of your tax return. That will help boost your emergency fund savings goal.

If you already have an emergency fund do not brag about. Less people will hit you up for money and you will feel less obligated to give in to their pleading requests. (Besides, if your friends are your friends now they will be your friends whether you give them money or not.)

Try to make it a little more difficult to get access to your emergency funds than your regular funds. For instance, you might consider starting your second fund account at a back opposite to the side of town where you live.

Change the size of your emergency fund according to changes in life. For instance, you will most likely need more of a stash built up if you have a family and children.

Cut down on luxuries such as coffee, soda, and other expensive drinks. Either that or purchase them in bulk instead of the two-dollar bottles you normally buy.

Put your money away in a higher-yielding type of savings account such as a CD or mutual fund. However, try to have that fund as close to you as possible in case you unfortunately need it.

Get a temporary part time job. You could also market your skills and hobbies on the side. Besides, you never know when you can make your part time employment or part-time hobby into a full career. An additional benefit of course is that you will have the funds you need in case of certain types of unforeseen circumstances.

Even the smallest amount of emergency fund you set up can provide you with a greater peace of mind. Everyone wants to know that they can take care of themselves or their family. In addition to having a cash fund, one of the types of insurance that is recommended is homeowner's (or renter's), health, and car insurances. An adequate life insurance plan is also ideal so certain expenses are paid for after you pass away. If you seem overwhelmed when you read this, just take the process of saving for a rainy day one step at a time. Think about what you can do for yourself versus what you cannot do.

Getting Married without Going into Debt

One of the major stresses that affects marriage is money. In fact, it is often what prevents people from wanting to get married or be married.

However, it is possible to be wed and even have a nice honeymoon without paying overwhelming financial consequences afterward. The following are tips on how to save money on your wedding and to prepare for married life:

Get married at your local church. You are sure to get a discount on ceremony and reception space if you plan your wedding and reception at a church. Sometimes if you are highly involved in a church organization you may even receive free space for your special day.

Hold a ceremony in a public park. Usually the permit for this will cost next to nothing. Sometimes you can even find outdoor spots where you can set up your wedding for free. I you want to protect your guests from rain you may be able to rent a pavilion for as inexpensive as a few hundred dollars or less.

Shop for bargains at dollar stores and discount stores. These are especially great places to find themes for table and hall decorations. Often strands of white flowers, centerpieces, and candles have been available at these places for as cheap as a few dollars, or even only one dollar.Â

Shop for Wedding Attire at Factory Outlet or Closeout Stores. You would be surprise how many of last-year's wedding gowns and tuxes are available. You can often rent or purchase these items for hundreds of dollars less than regular retail price. If they are only a year old they are sure to be in style, and it would often cost less to alter them than to purchase them brand new.

Plan unique but affordable getaways. You can find treasures of relaxation and enjoyment even near where you live. This may sound a little ironic, but perhaps you would want to check out the visitor's site of your own locality for places nearby where you can plan an enchanting honeymoon celebration.

Create a large registry-or tactfully request cash. If you are both just starting out together you may need dishes, towels, and other household items. If so, place every item that you can think of on your registry.Â

Plan fundraising games. One wedding reception game that is popular is "Pay a dollar to dance with the groom (or bride)." Another idea would be to sell raffle tickets for door prizes at wedding showers, bachelor and bachelorette (stag or hen/doe) parties. You might also consider selling cocktails and other drinks, planning a paid performance, or following through with a wacky dare.

Find Volunteer Cooks. You are sure to have a few willing cooks in your family, or within your group of friends. Also note that buffet style meals versus per-dish types of meals are usually less expensive. You can have a quality meal for your wedding reception guests at a fraction of what it would cost to hire a professional caterer.

Request help from as many people as possible. If you know you can find help for marriage and wedding preparation, ask as many people as possible. It will further cut down on wedding planning expenses. For instance, perhaps someone in your family or among your circle of friends, or your co-workers knows how to take professional pictures.Â

Following the above tips should help you have a very rewarding wedding ceremony. More importantly, you can start your life together off right-debt free and living within your means. In fact, if you are able to enter marriage without a huge financial burden it will increase your chance of a successful life together.

Pocket Extra Cash By Avoiding These Silly Car Wastes

Are you spending too much money on silly car wastes? Even if you treat your car like a loyal pet, you can probably find ways to treat your car well without indulging in wasteful car-related expenses. Cars can easily make us act irrationally, but that doesn’t mean we have to succumb to spending money that neither helps us or our cars that we love. Here are some tips on avoiding wastes and saving money on your car maintenance.

Do you fill your car with premium gas?

If you think that buying premium gas is the only way to go with your car, maybe it’s time to reevaluate. In these days of record high gas prices, you should make sure that you are not overspending on gasoline. Generally speaking, you will be OK simply by buying the cheapest gasoline that doesn’t cause your car’s engine to knock. Many people purchase expensive premium gasoline because they think of it as a special treat that will help their car run better and longer. In most cases, however, octane will merely help prevent a knock, but it won’t make your car immune to other problems.

Aggressive oil change schedules

Many people change their oil more frequently than is actually necessary. There are many tune-up chains and auto repair businesses that advise 3,000 mile oil changes. In fact, most car manufacturers recommend 5,000, 7,500 or longer intervals between oil changes. Get to know your car and your manufacturer’s recommendations and follow these rather than the oil schedule recommended by your mechanic.

Using the dealer for all your car maintenance needs

While it may seem simpler and even safer at times, chances are that you are overpaying on repairs and maintenance by taking your car directly to the dealer. Save money by finding a good, reliable independent mechanic. Dealer prices and parts are often inflated. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop, even if it may be a little inconvenient or time-consuming.

Learn to change a flat tire

If you don’t already know how to do it, make it a point to learn to change a flat tire. Not only will you save hundreds of dollars in case that you should get a flat, you will probably also save a lot of time. Who wants to wait around for a half hour or more in the heat or cold for somebody to come change your tire, when there is a very good chance that you can do it yourself? If you’re afraid to learn, find a trusted friend to teach you. Practice in your garage or yard until you have it down, or even take a basic auto maintenance class if they are offered in your area.

Scrupulously avoid the ten dollar car wash

Drive by any car wash and see how many people are waiting in a long line, just for a bucket of gray water or an overpriced professional car wash. Nothing shows that you care about your car than giving it a good regular cleaning on your own. Invest in the proper equipment (a bucket, blade, soap, water, dry towel) and see how nice it can be to get a good clean for a lot less. Keep a small vacuum cleaner on hand to pick up stray dust, dirt and crumbs from the interior.

Don’t jump to conclusions

Many car owners make the mistake of buying a whole new set of tires when what the car really needs is new shocks. Or you perhaps you misinterpret a brake squeal as a call for new brakes. In many cases, especially if you are not on schedule for replacements, these may be symptoms of smaller troubles. A brake squeal could also mean that you may need new rotors or pads. Make sure to investigate thoroughly and keep records of all maintenance so that you are not prone to jumping to conclusions.

Kitchen Item Recycling Tips to Save Some Money

You can quickly and easily save money by recycling things in your kitchen. The kitchen in fact is a prime area to save money on recycling, as this is the area in which most families spend money, bring items, consume items and produce trash.

Shopping on eBay for kitchen needs actually can closely resemble non-auction shopping, if done correctly. Several aspects will be the same: the company will have in mind both a budget and a shopping list before it begins, it will look for the best deal, and it will closely monitor the transaction to evaluate whether it can or should do kitchen with the vendor in the future. It can be easy to stray in any of these areas, as that's what online auction sites are designed to entice buyers to do, but experienced shoppers should have no problem staying within their limits. The real threats - and also the real opportunities - in using eBay are inherent to the internet.

Kitchens are infamously able to save money. Sellers on eBay for kitchen recycling supplies can register themselves with relative anonymity and are free to request sensitive information, and any offline scam will work online equally well. The best protection against harm is a keen eye for details. Sellers will usually have a feedback history, which will contain valuable insight into their character and reliability. Furthermore, all the information regarding an auction or other sale will be publicly available through the duration of the transaction and for some time afterwards, which means any warning signs - such as a suspicious payment method or unclear product description - will be immediately noticeable. eBay also has fraud protection, so keeping a record of this information before entering into a transaction will help curtail any problems that arise. Once a kitchen feels confident that various sellers are legitimate, it can begin to take advantage of eBay's nature.

 eBay's listings feature comprehensive and detailed listing options that are often easier to use than normal store websites. Its selection may be limited at any given time, but over a long period of time it will usually feature all of the most popular products and many others. This allows kitchens easy access to a wide range of products which, if they initially do not match its precise requirements, are likely to change far more quickly than another store's. Even more impressive than its listings is eBay's bidder tools.

 Because eBay lists all of its items publicly and dynamically updates them in real time, kitchens have an unparalleled opportunity to control their expenditures. By tracking multiple auctions simultaneously, a company can accurately gauge which will result in the best deal. For kitchens that can wait until the end of an auction period and check back often at the status of its desired items, this strategy can consistently lead to greater savings than shopping at traditional stores.

As a rule of thumb, eBay can be maximized by buying in relatively small quantities and selling in relatively large quantities. Since buyers shoulder much of the risk inherent to eBay's kitchen model, and since they can only ever reap a limited, predetermined reward, using eBay for purchases should be a strategy implemented only in low-pressure situations. The simplest problem awaiting the buyer is that eBay might not have the item listed. But eBay's reliability issues for buyers go deeper than that.

On the positive side, attentive eBay buyers can expect to purchase goods at consistent and appreciable savings over other, more traditional sources. The presence of these savings should not be enough to dissuade sellers from using eBay, provided the seller has a plan and is ready to take advantage of eBay's many seller tools. These tools have been shown to provide measurable improvements over standard listings, and for kitchens that are serious about turning a profit using eBay, they should be seen as a necessity. Novices might not be confused as to how to best employ these tools, but several free guides are only a search engine query away.

Boost your Savings Account with these Garage Sale Tips

Are you drowning in clutter? Or perhaps drowning in credit card debt? Whatever the case may be, a good old-fashioned garage sale can be a great way to get rid of the things you never use anymore, and you can boost your savings account in the process. Here are some garage sale tips for boosting your savings account by putting together a successful garage sale.

Get together with neighbors for a group sale

There is no doubt about it: you are more likely to enjoy a successful garage sale by getting together with neighbors and making yours the king of all yard sales. People are much more drawn to group sales because the opportunity to find a treasure seems greater, and there is less pressure to buy and more latitude to explore when there are other potential buyers milling around. Creating a friendly, active and even festive atmosphere is the key to getting people to stop. You are much less likely to host a successful yard sale if you have a smaller sale on a quiet street. People will likely not feel like stopping if all they see is a few items strewn across the sidewalk and no other people around.

Advertising is key to a good turn-out

If you live on a busy street corner, perhaps advertising does not seem very important. But even if you are on a visible lot, you are much more likely to host a successful garage sale if you advertise ahead of time. There are some people who are yard sale addicts and scour the local ads for the weekend round of sales. You can advertise for free online and your local neighborhood paper can also be a great place to place an ad. Make sure to put your address and a brief description of what kinds of things you will be selling.

Put up large and legible signs

The true success of your garage sale will depend on whether you can get passerbys to stop and take a look at your used wares. A good yard sign will be large and clearly legible even from a passing distance. Go for a simple design of black letters (“Huge Sale”) on white poster board, with a big arrow pointing into your street. Make sure to take down your signs right after the sale has ended.

Do you want to make money, or get rid of junk? Or both?

These are important questions to ask of yourself before your garage sale even begins to take shape. In order to price your items accurately, you have to decide what your ultimate objective is. Are you more interested in padding your savings account, or getting rid of your clutter? Although it is fair to want both, you must make a decision about how flexible you are going to be during the sale when it comes to pricing items. If you price items low, there is a much better chances that your junk will fly off the shelves to become someone else’s treasure. But if you are rigid about your pricing, you may be better off selling your items on eBay or your local pawn shop.

Give your customers a little background music

Remember that atmosphere is the key to making your garage sale a brilliant success. To this end, play a little background music. It is a great way to attract customers and to give a friendly atmosphere, even if you have a dearth of customers. It can be intimidating for customers to approve a near-silent sidewalk. Make sure that you play music that will not offend anybody and that you keep it low enough so that it will not disturb the neighbors. Oldies, country music and classic rock are nearly always a safe choice.