Summer camp is a rite of passage. A place where traditions begin and memories are made. A unique venue with a structured opportunity for kids to grow and learn new skills. As enriching as it may seem, embarking on the process each year can be intense: How do I choose a camp? Should it have a philosophy? How do I know my child will have fun? But often the question at the top of the list is, “How do I budget for summer camp?”
Whether you’re scrambling for camp arrangements for this year or getting a jump-start on next summer, you’re in need of a working budget for summer camp. “As a parent who sent several kids to summer camp for many years, I know how expensive it can be,” says Leslie H. Tayne, author and founder of debt solutions law firm Tayne Law Group.
Read on for expert budgeting tips for summer camp and how to save money on summer camp so you can make the best decisions concerning your wallet and your child’s wish list:
1. Get a handle on camp tuition
According to the American Camp Association, sleep-away camp tuition can range from $630 to more than $2,000 per camper per week. Day camp tuition isn’t too far behind, ranging from $199 to more than $800 per week.
One of the best ways to budget for summer camp and prepare for tuition costs is to understand your needs for the summer as well as your child’s interests. This will help you determine ‘how much’ and ‘what type’ of camp you want: Is day-camp coverage important all summer because of work? Does your child want to experience sleep-away camp for a portion of the time? Is a camp with a specific focus (say a sport or hobby) on the list?
Depending on your circumstances and child’s expectations, it’s not unusual to be looking at a combination of campsâand tuition costsâin one season. If you have multiple kids at different ages, with different interests, creating a budget for summer camp and understanding how much you’ll need to dish out in tuition becomes especially important.
Once your camp plan is in place, assess how much you’ll need to pay in tuition for the summer months with school out of session. The sooner you’ve arrived at this figure, the easier it will be to work the expense into your household budget, says Heather Schisler, money-saving expert and founder of deal site Passion for Savings. “It’s much easier to set aside $30 a month than it is to come up with $300 to $400 at one time,” Schisler says.
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Sleep-away camp tuition can range from $630 to more than $2,000 per camper per week. Day camp tuition ranges from $199 to more than $800 per week.
2. Plan for expenses beyond tuition
One of the biggest budgeting tips for summer camp is planning for the many costs outside of tuition. Tayne points out that sleep-away camp usually comes with a longer supply list than day campâsuch as specific clothing or gear and toiletries to cover the length of stay. If your child is heading to a sleep-away camp far from home, your budget for summer camp may also need to factor in the cost of transportation or the cost to ship luggage. Day camps can also have fees for extended hours or transportation if your child rides a camp bus each day.
Once you’ve selected a campâday camp or sleep-awayâcheck its website for camper packing lists and guidelines. Most camps offer checklists that you can print out, which can be good for tracking supplies and costs as you go. After you enroll, your camp may provide access to an online portal that can help you manage tuition and track additional expenses, like canteen money, which is cash your child can use for snacks and additional supplies while away.
3. Create a year-round savings strategy
By calculating the necessary expenses ahead of time for the camps you and your campers have chosen, you’ll be able to determine an overall budget for summer camp. A budgeting tip for summer camp is to save money monthly throughout the year. To determine a monthly savings goal, divide your total summer camp costs by the amount of months you have until camp starts. If camp is quickly approaching and you’re feeling the budget crunch, you may want to start saving for next year’s costs once it’s back-to-school time so you can spread out your costs over a longer period of time.
Once you start saving, you’ll need a place to put it, right? When it comes to budgeting tips for summer camp, consider placing your cash in a dedicated account, which will keep it separate from your regular expenses and help you avoid tapping it for other reasons. “Then you can have your bank set up an auto draft [for the summer camp money] so it automatically goes into your account each month and you will have the money you need when summer rolls around,” Schisler says. If you use a Discover Online Savings Account for this purpose, you’ll also earn interest that can be put toward camp expenses.
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âIt’s much easier to set aside $30 a month than it is to come up with $300 to $400 at one time.â
4. Find ways to fund your summer camp account
To boost cash in your summer camp savings account, consider asking relatives and family friends to gift your children cash for camp in lieu of birthday and holiday gifts, says Tracie Fobes of budget blog Penny Pinchin’ Mom. “If your child has his or her heart set on sleep-away camp, they may be willing to forgo a gift or two,” Fobes says.
Another budgeting tip for summer camp is to put your cashback rewards toward your budget for summer camp. For example, if you open a checking account with Discoverâcalled Cashback Debitâyou’ll earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.1 You can enroll to have that cashback bonus automatically deposited into your Discover Online Savings Account so it remains designated for camp costs (and can grow with interest).
Say hello to
cash back on debit
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Lastly, if you don’t have your tax refund earmarked for another financial goal, you could use the windfall to kick-start your summer camp savings fund. Depending on the refund amount and your total camp costs, it could reduce your monthly summer camp savings goal significantly.
5. Reduce camp-related costs
Despite having your budget for summer camp in full view and planning in advance, camp can still be expensive. Here are some ways to save money on summer camp by cutting down on camp costs:
- Ask about scholarships and grants: “Some camps offer scholarships or discounts for children and families,” Fobes says. Research your camp to see if they have anything similar to help offsetâor even pay forâthe cost of tuition.
- Use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA): A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account is a pre-tax benefit account that can be used to pay for eligible dependent care services. You can use this type of account to “cover dependent care [costs], and camp may qualify,” Fobes says.
- Negotiate price: “Many people don’t think about negotiating the cost of summer camp, but it is possible,” Tayne says, and more and more camps are open to it.
- See if there’s an “honor system”: Some camps have what’s known as an honor system, where the camp offers a range of costs, or tiered pricing, and parents can pay what they can comfortably afford. Every child enjoys the same camp experience, regardless of which price point, and billing is kept private.
- Take advantage of discounts: Attention early birds and web surfers: “There are sometimes discounts offered when you sign up early or register online,” Fobes says.
- Volunteer: If your summer schedule allows, “offer to work at the camp,” Fobes says. If you lend your servicesâperhaps for the camp blog or cleaning the camp house before the season startsâyour child may be able to attend camp for free or a reduced rate.
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Focus on the experienceânot the extras
Don’t let summer camp costs become a family budget-buster. Plan ahead and look for money-saving opportunities and work your budget for summer camp into your annual financial plan.
To save money on summer camp, remember that you only need to focus on camp necessities. “Don’t spend a lot of extra money on new clothing, bedding, trunks or suitcases,” Schisler says. “Remember, summer camp is all about the experience, not the things.”
1 ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo® and PayPal
, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The post Your Guide to Budgeting for Summer Camp appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.
Source: discover.com
21 Ways You Can Learn How To Save Money In College
Looking to learn how to save money in college? With ever rising college costs, it can really help your current and future finances if you learn how to save money.
Tuition for an in-state public college averages around $25,290. Private college tuition costs twice as much, at an average of $50,900, according to Value Penguin. If you want to go to an elite, four-year university, the cost jumps to $68,000 per year.
And, if you’re going to college for something like medicine or law, you may end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years that you are in school.
As you can see, college can be very expensive.
However, I want you to know that you can learn how to save money in college so you can get a valuable college degree on a realistic budget.
Many students take out student loans to pay for college, and it can be very easy to borrow more than you actually need. While student loans do help you pay for college, having those loans hanging over your head can set your finances back by years and even decades.
And if you’re a parent trying to help your child, I’ve heard far too many stories of parents who go to great lengths to pay for school. Some take out a second mortgage, personal loans, or borrow from their retirement to send their children to college. The problem with this is that these parents are making it even more difficult to retire at their planned age. Remember, you can’t take out a loan for retirement!
College is just very expensive, but for many students it’s an important part of how they work towards a job or career they’ve always wanted. But, I want you to know that you can learn how to save money in college.
By cutting college costs, you can lower your student loan debt, or it can help parents reduce the amount they are borrowing or taking out of savings to pay for their children’s education.
Or, with these tips on how to save money in college, you may be able to attend college without racking up any student loan debt. Remember, that is also possible!
Related articles on money saving plan for students:
- Learning How To Survive On A College Budget
- How I Graduated From College In 2.5 Years With 2 Degrees AND Saved $37,500
- How To Pay Off Student Loans (How I Paid $40,000 in Student Loans in 7 Months)
- How To Balance Working And Going To College
How to save money in college.
1. Think about the value each college will offer you.
I know many students who think about which college their friends are going to or which one is ranked the highest. But, you should think about which college is best for you and your specific major.
Sometimes, the highest ranked or most expensive college may not be the best for your actual major, which can hurt you in the long run and it isn’t how to save money in college.
When thinking about whether or not a college is right for you, here are some things you’ll want to consider:
- Accreditation- This is especially important if you want an advanced degree, such as medicine or law, because accreditation can determine whether or not you can go on to the next level of schooling.
- Degrees- Which ones are offered by the college.
- Cost- This includes the cost of tuition or the program you’re going into, plus whether scholarships or financial aid are available.
- Location- If it’s close to home, can you save my living at home. But if it’s far away, you will need to think about dorm fees and the total cost of living.
- Student to faculty ratio- If you need more one-on-one help with your studies, then this may be an important number to know.
- The expertise of the professors- For me, I always liked having professors who had hands-on knowledge in the fields they were teaching.
- Networking opportunities- A lot of life is about networking, and this is a must for some professions.
There’s a myth that expensive colleges are always better than the cheaper ones. As if higher college costs means that you’ll automatically get a great job, you’ll have an extremely high salary, and more.
One way of learning how to save money in college is to just stop believing in that myth!
In fact, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal:
From the academics [who have studied whether students from elite institutions outperform their peers or not] we know that in terms of future earnings, 1) your choice of field matters more than your choice of college, 2) after controlling for ability, the earnings differences of graduates from elite and non-elite institutions are small at best, and 3) any earnings advantage that may emerge over the long run is difficult to concretely tie back to the effects of one’s college choice.
2. You need to think about the full cost of college.
There is a lot that goes into the full cost of college, and it’s not just the initial tuition cost.
The most expensive school may actually be able to give you more scholarships than a less expensive school. That means the most expensive school may actually be the cheapest in the end, and this is why you need to think about the total cost.
And, there are still many great colleges that don’t come with a high tuition.
There are many factors that determine real college costs, and due to this, you’ll want to think about things such as:
- College tuition- This will most likely be the biggest expense that you pay.
- Room and board- Will you live on campus or not?
- Fees- Whis can include laboratory fees, parking fees, etc.
- Textbooks- Textbooks can easily cost a few hundred dollars each semester.
- Financial aid- Will you receive any?
- Scholarships- Will you apply for any?
Doing those last two things is one of the best ways to save for college, so please apply for scholarships and financial aid!
Considering all of the factors I’ve just listed can help you learn how to save money in college, and when you put them together, it may change your mind on which college provides the best value.
3. Remember that college isn’t the only thing that’s important.
When thinking about how to save money in college, you also want to remember that college isn’t the only thing that’s important. Yes, you definitely want to take it seriously and learn as much as possible, but there are other factors that are extremely important as well.
These other factors may play an even bigger role in helping you land the job you want.
Some of the other points you’ll want to keep in mind include:
- Internships
- Extracurricular activities such as college clubs
- Part-time and full-time jobs
- Leadership opportunities
And more!
With those things on your resume, you may put yourself ahead of others that are applying for the same position. These things are important no matter where you went to college.
Remember, companies want to see that you can apply what you learn and that you actually have experience.
4. Taking community college classes is one of the best ways to save money in college.
When you graduate with a four-year degree, the school name on your diploma will be the name of the college you graduated from. It won’t say, “graduated from here but took some classes at community college.” This is because your community college credits are transferred (if you follow the correct steps as outlined by your school).
If you are wondering how to save money in college, this is a great way to cut college costs.
Whether you are in college already or if you haven’t started yet, taking classes at a community college can be a great way to save money.
Community colleges provide an enormous value. However, many think they are too good to save money by taking classes at a community college.
Usually, earning credits at a community college costs just a fraction of what it would cost at a 4-year college, so you may find yourself being able to save thousands of dollars each semester.
You may only spend $5,000 a year at a community college (most likely even less), which is a huge difference from the costs that were mentioned at the beginning of this article.
There is also a myth that your degree is worth less if you go to a community college. That is not true at all. When you eventually earn your 4-year degree, your degree will only say where you graduated from and it won’t even mention the community college credits. Your degree will look the same as everyone else that attended your college, whether you took a few classes at community college or not. You might as well save money!
I only took community college classes during one summer semester where I earned 12 credits, and I regret not taking more. I probably could have saved around $20,000 by taking more classes at my local community college.
Also, community colleges are great for getting general type credits out of the way, so you’re not missing the interesting and in-depth classes that gives your 4-year college the reputation it’s known for.
If you decide to go to a community college first, always make sure that the 4-year college you plan on attending afterwards will transfer all of your credits. It’s an easy step to take, so do not forget! You should do this before you sign up and pay for any classes at the community college.
Related post on how to save money in college with community college: I Thought I Was Too Good For Community College.
5. Take advantage of high school classes that give you college credit.
One way of how to save money in college starts while you’re in high school. See, many high schools offer dual credit classes that allow you to earn both college and high school credits at the same time. Most of the time, these are done right at your high school, so you don’t have to go out of your way to take them!
If you are still in high school, this is something I highly recommend you look into, as it saves time and it might even be the best way to save for college.
When I was in my senior year of high school, nearly all of my classes were dual enrollment courses where I was earning college and high school credit at the same time. I took AP classes and classes that earned me direct college credit from nearby private universities.
Due to this, I left high school with around 14-18 credit hours (I can’t remember the exact amount). I had knocked out a whole semester of college before even starting. I could’ve taken more, but I decided to take early release from high school and worked 30-40 hours a week as well.
6. Take all of the credits your tuition allows for.
At community colleges, you typically pay per credit hour.
However, at many universities, you pay a flat fee for your college tuition. So, whether you take 12 credit hours or 18 credit hours, you may be paying nearly the exact same price.
This is why I recommend that students who are paying a flat fee tuition take as many classes as you can. Now, you may want to make sure your classes are balanced because 18 credit hours of demanding courses can take a toll on you. But, this will allow you to take full advantage of high college costs.
If you think you can still earn good grades and do whatever else you do on the side, definitely get full use of the college tuition you are already paying for!
7. Apply for aid and scholarships to lower your college costs.
If you want to learn how to save money in college, applying for financial aid and scholarships is one of the most important things to do.
But, according to a study by NerdWallet, for the 2018-2019 school year, students left $2.6 billion of free college money on the table. That was Pell Grant money that students qualify for by filling out the FAFSA, which is easy to fill out and necessary for any financial aid or scholarships.
So, before you start your semester, you should always look into scholarships, grants, and fill out your FAFSA (click here to read my FAFSA tips). Paperwork for the following semester is usually due around spring, so I highly recommend doing this as soon as you can if you are planning on attending college in the fall.
Sadly, many people believe that scholarships are impossible to get. That is just another myth, and it’s probably why so students missed out on so much money last year.
I received around several thousand dollars a year in scholarships to the private university I attended. That helped pay for a majority of my college tuition. The scholarships were easy for me to get because I earned good grades in high school and scored well on tests. I received scholarships to all of the other colleges I applied for as well, just for good grades, so I know you can find scholarships if you do well in school!
And, there are still other ways to find scholarships. You can receive scholarships from private organizations, companies in your town, and more. Do a simple Google search and I am sure you will find many free websites that list possible scholarships.
Tip: Many forget that you sometimes have to turn in a separate financial aid form directly to your college on top of the FAFSA form. Contact your college’s financial aid office and see if there is a separate financial aid form that you should be filling out as well. Don’t forget to do this by the deadline each year!
8. Only take out what you actually need in student loans.
One of the top money saving tips for university students that I recommend is to be careful when it comes to taking out student loans!
Many students take out the full amount in student loans that they are approved for even if they only need half of that amount.
This is a HUGE mistake. If you want to learn how to save money in college by reducing your student loan debt, start by only taking out what you truly need. You will need to pay back your student loans one day, and I know many people who regret taking out more than they need.
I know someone who would take out the max amount each semester and buy timeshares, go on expensive vacations, and more. It was a huge waste of money and I’m still not even sure why they thought it was a good idea.
Just think about it – If you take out an extra $2,000 a semester, that means you will most likely take out almost $20,000 over the time period that you are in college.
Do you really want to owe THAT much more in student loans?
9. Search for cheaper textbooks to lower your cost of college.
There are a lot of college costs, and buying textbooks is one of them.
Students usually spend anywhere from around $300 to $1,000 on textbooks each semester, depending on the amount of classes they are taking and their major. Just one textbook alone may cost as much as $400!
When I was in college, many of my classes required more than one book and each book was usually around $200 brand new. This meant if I were to buy all of my college textbooks brand new, I probably would have had to spend over $1,000 each semester.
I learned how to save money in college by renting my textbooks or buying them used. Renting was nice because I only paid one fee and never had to worry about what to do with the textbook after the class was done, as I only had to return it. I didn’t have to worry about a new edition coming out and the book being worthless. Buying used textbooks was nice because sometimes I could resell them and make my money back.
10. Don’t bring a car to college.
If you don’t need to commute off campus for work, then you may want to think about whether you may be able to realistically get rid of your car. Not everyone in college will need a car with them, and this can be an easy way for how to save money in college.
By not bringing a car, you may be able to eliminate the monthly loan payment, a campus parking permit, fuel, maintenance costs, and more.
11. Use your student ID.
Your student ID is good at many places beyond just your college campus. Before you buy anything, I highly recommend seeing if a company offers a student discount.
Your student ID can be used to save money at restaurants, clothing stores, electronics (such as a new laptop!), at the movies, public transportation, and more. You may receive a discount, free items, and more all just by showing your student ID.
After all, you are paying to go to college and you are paying a lot. You might as well reap all of the benefits of paying those high college costs.
12. Learn how to correctly use a credit card or don’t have one at all.
Many college students fall into credit card debt, but I don’t want you to be one of them.
Credit cards can seem like a good option when you are living on such a low college budget, but this can lead to thousands of dollars of credit card debt. That will eventually seem impossible to get out of due to significant interest charges that keep building up.
In order to never get into this situation, you should avoid credit cards at all costs if you think that you won’t use them well.
You should think long and hard about whether you should have one or not. Just because other students have a credit card doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing! However, if you think you will be good at using them, then there are many advantages of doing so.
Related post: 6 Credit Card Myths You Need To Know The Truth About
13. Get a free checking account.
If you’re paying for a savings or checking account, you should think again.
Opening a high yield savings account is one of the best ways of how to save money in college because it’s actually growing your savings. But, most people have their money in accounts with low rates. Unfortunately, that means many of you are losing out on some easy cash!
With Betterment Everyday, you can start earning 2.39% with a balance as low as $0.01.
How does that compare to the national average savings rate? While it’s actually higher than the ones I listed earlier, it’s still a very sad 0.09%. That is a HUGE difference from what Betterment Everyday is offering. If you are only getting 0.09%, then you are losing out on easy, passive money.
Savings accounts at brick and mortar banks are known for having really low interest rates. That’s because they have a much higher overhead – paying for the building, paying the tellers, etc. Betterment Everyday is an online option, which means they have lower costs, then passing the savings on to you.
Over a 10 year period, that same savings balance with a 2.39% balance would earn you an additional $2,390, whereas a savings account with an interest rate of only 0.09% would earn you a mere $90.
Your money is just as safe in a Betterment Everyday account as it is with a brick and mortar bank. You’re just earning more interest, which is something that everyone wanting to learn how to be rich can take advantage of.
To get started and open a Betterment Everyday account, you will:
- Signing up is super easy. Simply click here and sign up.
- If you join the waitlist for Betterment Everyday Checking, they will boost your Betterment Everyday Savings Account rate to 2.39%.
See, super easy!
Read more at How To Earn Over 20x The National Savings Rate.
14. Find ways to make extra money.
While I wasn’t smart enough to graduate from college without debt, I do know of many amazing people who were able to pay for their college tuition on their own while they were in school. They learned how to save money in college with the tips above, but they also found ways to make money that allowed them to pay their college tuition bill in full each month.
I did work full-time all throughout college. That helped me pay my bills, take out only what I needed in student loans, and go without any credit card debt.
Whether you only have one free hour a day or if you are willing to work 40 to 50 hours a week on top of being in school full-time, there are many options when it comes to earning extra money.
Here are some things you can do to pay for those high college costs:
- Find a part-time or full-time job.
- Look for a paid internship.
- Make money online such as creating a blog, becoming a virtual assistant, etc.
- Become an Uber or Lyft driver – Spending your spare time driving others around can be a great money maker. Read more about this in my post How To Become An Uber Or Lyft Driver.
- Take online surveys. This is something I did in my early 20s. Survey companies I recommend include American Consumer Opinion, Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, Pinecone Research, Opinion Outpost, and Harris Poll Online. They’re free to join and free to use! You get paid to answer surveys and to test products. It’s best to sign up for as many as you can as that way you can receive the most surveys and make the most money.
- Maintain and clean yards. You can make money by mowing lawns, killing/removing weeds, cleaning gutters, raking leaves, and so on.
- Move furniture and find jobs on Craigslist. Movers can earn a broad range when it comes to hourly pay, but it’s usually somewhere around $50 an hour if you run your own business.
- If you love animals, then you may want to look into how to make extra money by walking dogs or pet sitting. With this side hustle, you may be going over to your client’s home to check in a few times a day, you may be staying at their house, or the animals may be staying with you. Rover is a great company that you can sign up with in order to become a dog walker and pet sitter. Learn more about this at Rover – A Great Way To Make Money And Play With Animals.
- Babysit and/or nanny children.
- Sell your stuff.
- Read 16 Best Online Jobs For College Students
Learn more at 100+ Ways To Make Extra Money.
Related tip on how to pay off student loans: I highly recommend Credible for student loan refinancing. You can significantly lower the interest rate on your student loans which may help you shave thousands off your student loan bill over time.
15. Sign up for birthday freebies.
Everyone has a birthday, and you may be able to score a lot of free birthday stuff by simply showing your date of birth date on your driver’s license or by signing up for a company’s email club to receive a coupon for your birthday.
This is a really fun way to learn how to save money in college and it’s easy and free for everyone!
Here are 31 Birthday Freebies You Should Sign Up For.
16. Switch to a more affordable cell phone plan.
Most people overpay for their cell phone plan – they can easily cost over $100 per month.
I know that once you find a provider you like, it can be hard to switch. But, once you know how much you can save with another company while still having great service, this is a no brainer.
If you are looking for a more affordable cell phone plan, then check out Republic Wireless. They have monthly cell phone plans for as low as $15 per month.
I have several family members who are now using Republic Wireless and they love it!
Please read Saving Over $2,000 A Year With Republic Wireless Review for more information.
17. Make a budget.
Budgets help people manage their money better. It’s that simple.
Budgets are great and one of the best ways for you to learn how to save money in college because having a budget will keep you mindful of your expenses and how much money you have in the bank. With a budget, you will know exactly how much you can spend in a category each month, how much you have to work with, what spending areas need to be evaluated, among other things.
You can download a free budget printable here.
Budgets have helped people reach their goals, pay off debt, make more money, retire early, and more. This is one of the college savings tips that will completely shape and change your financial life for the better.
Learn more at The Complete Budgeting Guide: How To Create A Budget That Works.
18. Visit the library.
When you’re in college, the library can often feel like your second home (and not always in a good way). But, did you know that your college or local library can also be a great way to have fun without spending any money.
You can check out the latest bestseller, a classic you’ve been wanting to read, or borrow movies, music, and more. There are actually a lot of libraries now who let you borrow things like cameras, GoPros, even telescopes, and more.
This is definitely one of the best ways to save money in college as all you need is a library card.
19. Find a roommate.
If you decide to live off campus, then finding a roommate is going to be one of the best ways for how to save money in college.
My husband and I have had roommates in the past. While that’s not really as possible now that we split our time living on a sailboat and an RV, I still recommend that anyone with an extra room in their house think about giving it a try.
If you find a roommate while in college, you can save a good amount of money on housing costs. And, depending on your situation, you might even be able to earn a little side income.
If you are interested in renting out a spare room on a short-term basis (such as for vacations), I highly recommend that you check out Airbnb. I know people who are making thousands of dollars a month by renting out rooms on this website.
Related blog post with more saving tips about this topic: A Complete Guide To Renting A Room For Extra Money.
20. Read personal finance books.
This is something you can and should start doing at any age because reading personal finance books can help you in so many ways. Since many schools don’t go in depth on things related to personal finance, books are a great way to improve your financial knowledge.
Personal finance books I recommend reading are:
- Broke Millennial
- The Year of Less
- Meet The Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living
- Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way
- The Broke and Beautiful Life
- Real Money Answers for Every Woman
- You Only Live Once
- The Recovering Spender: How to Live a Happy, Fulfilled, Debt-Free Life
You can find the whole list of personal finance books I recommend here.
21. Other ways you can help your child get through college.
If you’re a parent and you’re reading this, then you may be wondering how you can help your child in college but not go broke yourself.
If you cannot afford to pay for your child’s college costs, or if you decide that you just do not want to, there are many other things you can do to help them. You should also read this You Don’t Have To Go Broke For Your Kid’s Education.
I believe that parents should only fund their child’s college education if the parent is on track for retirement.
This is because there are many ways to pay for college (paying for it with cash, student loans, grants, scholarships, etc.), but there is only one way to fund your retirement.
Remember, you cannot take out a loan for your retirement!
This means you should not wreck your retirement plans to help your children through college. You should analyze your financial situation first and where you are on your track for retirement to see if helping your children through college is possible. If it’s not possible, be realistic with yourself and your child.
There are many ways to help your children with college costs that don’t involve paying for their college tuition.
You can:
- Help your child understand personal finance. Helping your child create a budget, use credit cards correctly, and understanding college costs, will help them greatly in life. I recommend reading How To Create a Budget.
- Support them and help them make a plan. Even if you are not offering financial support for college, you can always support your children in other ways. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with what they do, rather help them by giving advice and coming up with a solid financial and college plan.
- Help your child find ways to make money. There are tons of ways to make extra money, and helping your children find ways to do so can help them pay for college and their living expenses.
- Inform your children about affordable college alternatives. For example, your child may only think they should go to an expensive private university, but it’s important for you to inform them on how to save money in college with more affordable alternatives, such as going to a community college or a state university.
- Help your child apply for scholarships. There are numerous scholarships that your child may qualify for. Some may require them to write essays, whereas others are based on high school grades. Most take very little effort and are given away by the college itself, this makes applying for them a no brainer!
- Help your child in other ways. For some reason, there is this myth that helping your child go to college means you need to pay for everything. Instead of paying for their tuition, textbooks, food, dorm, car, and everything else, set limits on the college costs that you’ll pay for. You can help by giving them emotional support, letting them stay in your home while they are in college, helping them find ways to save money for college, helping them cut their college expenses, and more.
What other ways are there to learn how to save money in college? How much student loan debt do you have?
The post 21 Ways You Can Learn How To Save Money In College appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
How To Budget for a Staycation
The post How To Budget for a Staycation appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
Whether youâre dreaming of an hour-long massage or lazy days lounging under the summer sun, youâll want to budget wisely for your staycation. After all, youâve worked hard for this well-deserved treat, and the last thing you want is for your savings account to plummet just when youâve begun to relax. (Overspending can also tank your credit if you canât pay those credit card bills. You can see how your spending is impacting your credit by viewing two of your scores for free on Credit.com.)
To avoid a staggering credit card bill, hereâs how to budget for your staycation, no matter what youâve got in mind.
Be RealisticÂ
A whimsical tour through New York City, with stops on Broadway, in SoHo and at Bloomingdaleâs, probably isnât in the cards on a waiterâs budget. Be realistic and do your research so you have a solid idea of what you can afford.
Draft a Budget
Just because youâre staying home doesnât mean you wonât spend money. So itâs a good idea to figure out how much you can comfortably set aside after youâve covered your monthly expenses. Is it $500? $1,000? More? Whatever it is, remember monthly payments like rent and utilities are a necessity, while your staycation budget isnât.
Read more: Â How to Create a Workable Budget
Make a PlanÂ
More than anything, the secret to drafting a great budget is knowing what it will cover. If youâre planning to play tourist, checking out concerts and staying nearby, research those individual costs and factor them into your budget. Go online, see whatâs exciting and make a list of what youâd like to do. Once youâve narrowed it down, you can decide what makes the most sense based on your budget.
Set a Daily Cash AllowanceÂ
Once youâve narrowed down how much money you can spend, it can be helpful to set a daily allowance for meals, snacks and planned-out activities. Experts recommend inflating the number just a bit to account for unforeseen costs like impulse purchases and emergencies. As your staycation draws closer and your plans change, rework your budget accordingly.
Read More: Â How to Make a Cash Budget Work For You
Get CreativeÂ
Sometimes, meeting your vacation goals takes a bit of creativity. To that end, find ways to cut back your regular spending, even if you havenât given it much thought before. Holding off on those lattes or 3 p.m. snacks may just be the thing that allows you to visit the fancy restaurant youâve been dying to try.
More from Credit.com
- Tips for Improving Your Credit: Your Amount of Debt
This article originally appeared on Credit.com.
More by Jill Krasny
The post How To Budget for a Staycation appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
Source: pennypinchinmom.com
Spring + Summer Recipes to Fill Your Instagram Feed
SUMMER PEACH BALSAMIC CAPRESE SALAD
STRIPED JUICE POPSICLES
TOMATO, PEACH, & BURRATA SALAD
STRAWBERRY GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI
BAKED RATATOUILLE TIAN
SUMMER FRUIT BREAKFAST BAKE
BLUEBERRY BREAD PUDDING
Read Spring + Summer Recipes to Fill Your Instagram Feed on Apartminty.
Source: blog.apartminty.com
A September State of Mind
Hi friends. So sorry to go completely MIA on you. Between attempting online school with a five-year-old, much of California burning to the ground, and the general state total chaos in which we find ourselves, getting to the computer for any length of time has been a bit of challenge, to put it mildly. And then I blinked and summer is officially over.
But I had to finally get on here as I have big news for you!
They say you shouldn’t make major life decisions during times of extreme stress, right? Well, we decided to throw all caution to the wind and instead have purchased a coastal cottage in Washington State! Apparently a global pandemic, homeschooling a kindergartner and the most consequential presidential election of our lifetime wasn’t enough to keep me busy.
In all seriousness, if the past seven months of Covid have taught us anything, it’s the importance of friends and family and so we decided to create a gathering place that can bring together those we love most for years to come. Nestled within the myriad of inlets and islands that dot the Puget Sound north of Seattle, the cottage enjoys sweeping views of the Olympic mountains and Hood Canal. I consider it my official respite from the impending doom. Sadly it looks nothing like the inspiration images I’ve collected here.
Instead, it is going to take a LOT of work to get our little coastal cottage visitor ready – and in a very short period of time. Over the coming weeks, I plan to take you along on the entire design journey. I will be sharing everything with you – from the cottage’s current state, to all of my design inspiration and through the remodel process. If all goes according to plan, I’ll share a major before and after reveal in time to spend the holiday season with our family rather than more than 800 miles away.
Trust me, we’re going to have plenty to discuss, as I have to pick an entire household’s worth of things – from paint colors and kitchen cabinets down to dishware, bedding and everything in between. No design decision will be left unturned. It’s both exhilarating and incredibly daunting. These mood boards are just part my first ideation session for my dream vibe.
I’m hopeful sharing this process with you will offer you some fresh design ideas and positive inspiration as we all hunker down to weather what will undoubtedly be a stormy fall – be it literally or just politically. It’s been a rather dark year and I feel like this might be a way to share a little bit of light. I know I am very happy for the creative distraction. I hope you are too.
I can’t wait to share more very soon!
The post A September State of Mind appeared first on Apartment34.
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Source: apartment34.com
Say Farewell to Shag CarpetâFamily Tackles 1970s Time Capsule Makeover
Dustin McKibben
A Florida family has embarked on a wild ride to bring a 1970s time capsule in Indiana into the 21st century.
On a whim, they bought a vintage gem in Fort Wayne, IN, covered top to bottom in shag carpet, after seeing it online. It was our most popular home of the week in early December and garnered hundreds of thousands of viewsâthe Jackson family among them.
How the time capsule was won
âSo we weren’t actually looking for a home to buy,â says Alysha Jackson, who lives in Clermont, FL, with her husband, Nate, two toddlers, and a rescue dog, Ingrid.
âWe have a home there and we love it,â she says. âWe had talked about getting into real estate one day, but it wasn’t really on our radar yet. Then this house went viral.â
Nate saw the house online and came in with his computer to show the listing to Alysha.
âHe’s like, âHey, don’t shut this down right away, but what if we put in an offer on this house?ââ she says.
âUsually, I’m the skeptical one, but I just looked at it and had this gut feeling, and I said, âYou know what? I actually love it. Let’s put in an offer.ââ
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
Like everyone who laid eyes on the photos, Nate and Alysha first spotted the colorful carpet. The deep shag is hard to miss: It’s everywhere, even on some of the walls.
Alysha says her first reaction was: âWhoa, that’s a lot of shag carpet!â Then, she noticed how much potential the house had.
âI kind of envisioned what it could look like with some renovating,â she says. âWe’re staying thing true to the vibe of it and the time period, but we have to update it.â
Jackson family
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
The Jacksons journey back in time
Just a few weeks after putting in their offer, the two former teachers, who now sell on Amazon, packed up their family minivan (including Christmas presents) and headed north. Their work offers them the freedom to work where they choose.
Since then, the family has been living bare-bones in the house, with just a few mattresses and other essential items. They have decided to live in the home as is for a while.
___
Watch: Listing Agents Answer Our Burning Questions About the ‘Silence of the Lambs’ House
___
âWe wanted to just stay in it a little while before changing anything, because we just wanted to get a feel for the house before we just came in and made sweeping changes,â Alysha Jackson explains.
âI’m so glad we did, because we actually changed a lot of our designs based upon actually living in the home for a little bit first.â
Most importantly, they staged a 1970s-style photo shoot.
Dustin McKibben
Jackson family
Even Ingrid, the dog, seems to have settled in.
âShe has a spot in the house where she can see the entire yard, thanks to the surrounding sliding doors and windows,â Jackson says.
âIngrid was so sad when she saw us packing the van for our trip here, but literally jumped up and down when we got the leash out and she realized she was coming with us on the trip.â
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
The former owner of the house, James Sherbondy, a retired architect, designed the home as his familyâs personal residence. It was occupied until just a few months ago, so everything inside was in working order.
âWe walked in, brought in our stuff, and used the fridge. The bathrooms were functional. It was pretty great,â Jackson says.
Everything in the kitchen works, and the cabinets are in good shape. However, the layout may not work for the family, she adds.
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
The family made some immediate changes for safety reasons and are currently living on the lower level. Theyâre tackling that and the main level first, and leaving the upstairs master bedroom and bathroom for last.
A bathroom with green counters and blue sink will ultimately meet its demise, but the Jack-and-Jill style entry is staying.
âThe more we see, the more we want to keep, which is kind of funny,â Alysha says. âBefore, we didn’t really know too much about ’70s style, and we didn’t know too much about midcentury modern even. But the more I talk with people and more research I do on my own, the more I see the beauty and the value in it, and so I want to keep that style in the home.â
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
The Jacksons have sought input from a number of experts on the Instagram account they started for their rehab project. They had hopes of reaching 10,000 followers by the summer. As of now, they’ve blown past their goal and have over 30,000 folks tracking the renovation journey.
âI just love sharing projects with people. When we did a ’70s photo shoot, we thought it would be really fun to share these. We had no idea it would go viral as quickly as it did,â Jackson says. âIt’s been really fun to share what we’re doing with people, and we’ve gotten so much great input.â
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
The carpet can’t stay
Sadly, for lovers of colorful floor coverings, the carpet is one of the first things that’s going to go.
âThere’s literally carpet in every single room, including the bathrooms. It’s everywhere and it’s 50 years old. From what we know, it is original to the home,â Jackson says.
She added that there are stains in several places, and it doesnât smell particularly great, especially in the bathrooms.
Eventually, there will be new flooring in many of the rooms and tile in the bathrooms. But the carpet wonât vanish completely.
âI am going to be making an art piece of the different carpet colors,â she says. “There’s about four or five different colors in the home, and we just want to keep a piece of each. I’m going to cut some out from each colorâdeep-clean it, of courseâand then create some sort of art piece with it to hang in the house on the wall.â
Dustin McKibben
Dustin McKibben
People on social media had a lot to say about the carpet-bedecked bathtub in the master bedroom. The tub has purple tile and no curtain. For now, itâs the only bathtub in the house, so the kids need to take their baths there.
Jackson says the tub is super clean, but the trick for the couple is to keep the children from enjoying their time on the floor.
âTo them, it’s like a big towel,â she adds. The first time their son took a bath, she says, âHe got out of the tub and started rolling on the shag carpet.â 
Fireplace
Other modifications on the way
Back on the main level, the dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace will stayâbut with some modifications for safety.
Dustin McKibben
Some of the wood paneling and carved accents throughout the house will also remain.
âI stare at the wood every day. I think thatâs maybe my favorite part of the house,â Jackson says.
Some people on Instagram say the carved wood might be by an artist named Ackerman, and the Jacksons are trying to verify that.
âIt’s the first thing you see when you walk in the home on the door,” Alysha says.
Jackson family
Life outside the box
The Jacksons rehabbed their Florida house, so a huge project isnât entirely new for them and they have some family support nearby. Both Alysha and Nate are from Indiana, and much of their family still lives there. While some close to them were surprised by the somewhat impulsive purchase, they weren’t shocked.
âWe kind of joke with people that Nate and I are ‘Go big or go home’ people. We kind of live life outside the box, so they were excited for us,â Jackson says.
Some relatives thought they were crazy, she adds, but changed their minds when they saw how beautiful the home isâand they’re especially excited that the family will be closer to them.
For now, the family plans to split time between the two homes and rent the other one as a vacation rental.
We’ll be tracking the process of this time capsule transformation and can’t wait to see what’s next.
View this post on Instagram
The post Say Farewell to Shag CarpetâFamily Tackles 1970s Time Capsule Makeover appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
Source: realtor.com
Employment Resources: Five Steps for Finding a New Job
The Congressional Budget Office believes the unemployment rate will hit 16% during the summer of 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus. With so many people on the hunt for a new job, landing an interview and getting hired is going to prove difficult for many. But the truth is that getting a new job isn’t always easy even in the best of times, which is why using all possible employment resources is important.
Follow these five steps to leverage employment resources to help make your job hunt success more likely.
1. Set Yourself Apart with New Skills
If you find yourself unemployed for any reasonâespecially during an economic downturn such as the one related to the COVID-19 pandemicâyou might not be able to find a job right away. It’s a good idea to turn to unemployment benefits if you qualify to help you cover expenses while you hunt for a new job.
Then, consider finding ways to make yourself
more attractive to potential employers. During times when the unemployment
numbers are particularly high, you can bet that your resume is going to be
competing with many others. If you’re able to demonstrate a skill that others
don’t have, you can set yourself apart during the application process.
Consider using your time during unemployment to learn skills that complement your existing onesâespecially if other people with similar education and experience backgrounds might not have those skills. One way you can do this is to sign up for online courses through a service like Coursera. You can add skills such as data analytics, coding languages, spreadsheet use, or business analytics to your resume.
2. Add Your Skills to a Well-Rounded, Engaging Resume
Once you have those new skills, you need to find the best way to work them into your resume. If you’re looking for a job at the same time everyone else is, your resume must be high-quality and engaging to capture the attention of hiring managers. But it also has to have all the right words and phrases to get past applicant screening software. That’s technology many employers use to filters out resumes that don’t meet the job qualifications.
Balancing all of that within a short document that must also convey your education, experience and passion for the job can be daunting. Many people turn to online templates to help them create a resume. But that tactic can leave your document looking exactly like everyone else’s. Instead, you might consider using a resume service such as Monster.com to ensure your resume is as powerful as possible.
3. Upload Your Resume to a Job Site
Armed with new skills and a killer resume, you next need to put yourself out into the job market in effective ways. Consider uploading your resume to a site such as ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter lets you search for job openings by region, niche or keyword. You can apply directly for open positions, but you can also upload your professionally written resume so recruiters and headhunters can find you.
4. Use Networking Resources
Letting people know that you’re looking for a job is a critical step in finding out about as many options as possible. Uploading your resume on ZipRecruiter is a great step, but don’t forget to let friends and family know you’re looking. Sign up for LinkedIn and post on your other social networks that you’re on the job hunt. You never know when someone in your circle will know about a job that hasn’t been posted yet.
5. Don’t Give Up
Getting a new job can be hard, especially if you really want to hold out for something that you’re passionate about or works with your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a job during the COVID-19 pandemic, consider some ways to make money while you’re waiting for the right position to open up. And even in good economic times, don’t expect a job to fall into your lap the second you put your resume out there. Modern hiring processes are complex, and it can take time even if a company is interested in your resume.
Find Your Next Job
Whether you’re a new grad just entering the job market, a seasoned vet looking to make a change, or someone who has lost their job due to economic issues, hunting for work can be stressful. Make sure that you’re using all the employment resources available to you as you work to find a new job.
And if you’re dealing with financial struggles related to COVID-19, check out our coronavirus resources to learn more about assistance options that might be available to you while you’re looking for employment.
The post Employment Resources: Five Steps for Finding a New Job appeared first on Credit.com.
Source: credit.com
How to make money fast: Quick ways to earn money in 2020
Letâs face it. Most of us, at one point or another, have been faced with a financial emergency, or a plain, old-fashioned cash crunch. Itâs definitely not a fun spot to be in. While there are steps we can take to avoid such situations (more on that later), thatâs often the last thing on our minds when we need to come up with money â quick.
To assist, Iâve compiled the following list of money-making ideas. While some of the items included are more lucrative than others (youâll never get rich taking surveys, for example), they all share a common theme: making money fast. Ready? Letâs dive in.
And before anyone mentions it, yes we’re aware of the irony of publishing an article about making money fast at a website called Get Rich Slowly.
Sell Your Old Stuff
Iâll kick off the list with an obvious one: selling your old stuff. After all, is there a faster way to make money? If you walked a few steps to your basement right now, or stepped outside to the garage, Iâm willing to bet that youâd find some junk lying around that someone else could use:
- Old computers and video games.
- Sports equipment your kids have grown out of.
- That extra bike thatâs never ridden.
- Your old collectibles. (J.D. sold his comic books. You could sell your baseball cards.)
Once youâve come to grips with parting with your junk, selling it is as easy as taking a few pictures, and posting an ad on Craigslist, or your local Facebook Buy and Sell. If you need some inspiration, hereâs a list of 12 surprisingly valuable things that are lying around your house.
Survey Junkie
Taking online surveys isnât going to make you rich, but thatâs not your goal here. You need to make money fast, and paid survey sites like Survey Junkie will help you do just that. In fact, you can start earning within a few minutes of signing up, and get paid as soon as you accumulate $10 in rewards.
Survey Junkie will pay you for each survey you complete, in the form of Paypal credits or gift cards to your favorite retail stores. The more surveys you take, the more youâll make. The best part is that you can take surveys while doing other things, like watching TV, or listening to music, making it an easy way to earn some quick cash.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is similar to Survey Junkie, but they take things a step further, by giving you more ways to earn cash and rewards. In addition to completing surveys, Swagbucks will pay you to browse the internet, play games, and shop online. Theyâll even send you a daily survey, and a daily poll, as a way to earn rewards faster.
With Swagbucks, you wonât have to wait before redeeming your rewards. While youâll need $25 worth of Swagbucks to move cash to your Paypal account, you can redeem points for gift cards worth as little as $1. In fact, when I checked out the Swagbucks rewards page, I noticed $3 Amazon gift cards advertised.
Acorns
Remember your goal – to make money fast. When you sign up for Acorns using my exclusive link, youâll receive a $5 credit to kick off your account. Now, I wouldnât suggest that you go to all that trouble for $5, but with Acorns, youâre getting so much more. Acorns is an investment app that makes saving money easy. You can open an account on your mobile phone in a couple of minutes, collect your $5, and be on your way to building that emergency fund, or saving for your next special purchase.
Open Your Acorns Account and Earn $5
To help you get there, Acorns uses an innovative feature, called round up savings. Acorns syncs to your debit or credit card and then rounds up the âspare changeâ whenever you spend. For example, letâs say you buy a pack of gum for $1.25. Acorns will round to the nearest dollar, and set aside .75 into your Acorns investment account. Because the amounts are so small, youâll hardly notice the money leaving your account, but youâll be surprised how quickly the savings adds up.
Acorns works so well, in fact, that itâs my top choice for investment app for 2020.
Drive with Uber
If you have a clean driving record, a reliable vehicle, and enjoy being around people, driving for a rideshare service like Uber is a great way to make some extra money, and fast. One perk to this job is the flexibility it offers. You decide when, and how much you want to work.
Once youâve signed up with Uber, most drivers report that it only takes about 3-5 days to be approved.
Here’s more about the pros and cons of becoming a rideshare driver.
Deliver Food with UberEats
If driving for Uber sounds enticing, but youâd rather not spend your time making small talk with strangers, you could decide to deliver food with UberEats. You use the app to select deliveries that are in your area. The best part is that you decide when you want to work, and how much. Keep in mind, you will make more money during peak periods.
Rent Out Your Ride on Turo
Take advantage of your carâs downtime by renting it out to someone who needs a ride. Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing app that makes it easy to rent out your car. I’ve used Turo as a renter multiple times and believe it will continue to catch on, so they’ll need an increased supply of vehicles for rent. Once youâre set up through Turo, list your car on the app, wait for a request, and be ready to accept or decline. Keep in mind, your car will need to meet Turoâs vehicle requirements, and the nicer it is, the more money you can charge.
Rent Out a Room With Airbnb
If you have a spare bedroom in your home, you can rent it out to a short term guest, on Airbnb. Some people will even rent out their entire home, if they have another place where they can stay.
Not only is this a great way to make money quick, but if itâs something you enjoy, you could turn it into a regular income stream. A great perk with Airbnb is having the flexibility to decide when your space will be available, and how much youâll charge.
Employee Referral Programs
Any recruiter will tell you, itâs tough for companies to find good people these days. As a result, many organizations will pay their own employees a bonus for successfully referring new talent.
Depending on the role, and the demand for the position, you could be eligible to receive hundreds, even thousands of dollars by bringing in a new employee. Not only is this a quick way to make money, but it requires almost no effort on your part. Youâre simply connecting to parties.
Babysitting or At-Home Daycare
In todayâs society, most families are dual income, with both parents working outside the home. Because of this, there is a constant demand for reliable childcare. If youâre a natural caregiver, and enjoy being around kids, you can make good money by offering to provide childcare within your local community. Whether itâs babysitting or an at-home daycare, it wonât take long to find your first client. Use your friends and family to get the word out, or notify your Facebook community, and youâll be making money in no time.
Teach English with VIP Kid
If you enjoy teaching, consider putting your English skills to good use by becoming an online tutor. Websites like VIP Kid source clients for you, and the pay is pretty good too. Itâs not uncommon to make $20-30/hour teaching online.
Tutoring is something that can be done in person as well. In fact, during the school year, thereâs no shortage of students in your community in need of help with their studies. Check with your local high school, or get the word out on your community Facebook page.
J.D.’s note: For eighteen months, I met with a Spanish tutor three times each week. Aly had moved to the U.S. from Peru, and she found that tutoring was a fantastic way for her to make money.
Rent Out Your RV With Outdoorsy
If you own an RV, Outdoorsy will match you with people who are looking to rent a trailer or motorhome, for their next summer adventure. At rates as high as $150/day, or more, this is a great way to make money fast. Head to Outdoorsy, and find out how you can get your RV making money for you.
Collect Rewards With Drop App
Money doesnât always have to arrive in the form of cash. Drop allows you to earn points when you shop at your favorite retailers, then redeem your rewards for gift cards at places like Starbucks, or Amazon. Drop works by syncing to your debit and/or credit card, and keeping track of your purchases. You donât need to worry about clipping coupons, or scan receipts to receive discounts, Drop does all the work for you.
Download the free app to start earning with Drop!
Earn $50 per Year With the Nielsen Ratings App
For decades, Nielsen has been tracking TV ratings. But did you know that they will pay you to download their app to your computer or smartphone? Doing so allows them to compile data by tracking your internet usage. No need to worry however, your anonymity is guaranteed, and according to Neilson, the app wonât slow your deviceâs performance in the least.
Sounds pretty great, doesnât it? There is a BIG caveat, however. You must be selected by Nielsen. Thatâs because Nielsen families are chosen using a scientific process. That said, itâs good to know about this easy money-making opportunity, in case you are ever approached by Nielsen.
Take Advantage of Bank Signup Bonuses
This is a great way to make some quick money. Banks everywhere are in a constant battle for new customers. The financial services industry is highly competitive, and companies know that if they can secure your day to day banking business, theyâll have a shot at your mortgage and your investments as well.
While these promotions come and go, itâs not uncommon to be offered a few hundred dollars when you open a new checking account with a bank, providing that you meet the qualifying criteria. This usually includes hooking up your automatic payroll deposit and completing a couple of online bill payments, that kind of thing.
Earn Credit Card Rewards
Iâm a big fan of credit card rewards, but Iâll be the first to admit that using credit cards as a way of making money can be dangerous, and definitely isnât for everyone. If youâre not paying off your credit card balance in full each month, or if using a credit card creates a temptation to overspend, then having a rewards credit card will cost you more money than you will ever make.
That said, a cashback, or travel rewards credit card can be a great way to make extra money. Many premium cards come with a welcome bonus, such as a couple hundred dollars cashback upfront, or enough travel points to get you a free flight somewhere. Have an upcoming trip planned? This could be a great way to subsidize the cost. Head here for more information on the best credit card rewards.
Make Money as a Freelance Writer
If you have interest, or experience in a specific area and love to write, thereâs a good chance you can make money online as a freelance writer. What I love about this side hustle, is that itâs something you can do on your own schedule from the comfort of your living room. Not only that, but you can make good money. The website Problogger has an active job board, where you can browse, and apply for, freelance writing gigs across a wide range of niches.
Note: Many former Get Rich Slowly staff writers have gone on to become professional freelance writers with lucrative careers.
Advertise Your Freelance Services on Fiverr
In addition to writing, there are no shortage of services you can offer as a freelancer. Graphic design, bookkeeping, social media management – these are all services that small businesses will pay you to provide. One of the best ways to find clients and start making money is by joining a freelance marketplace like Upwork, or Fiverr.
Teach Music Lessons
Who said that a musician needs to live like a starving artist? If you are skilled on any number of musical instruments, you can make good money teaching private lessons. Ask your local music store if you can post an ad on their bulletin board, or advertise through Craigslist or Facebook. Early September is a great time of year to get started, as students are back to school and looking to start up music lessons after the summer break.
Earn Cash Back With Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, makes it easy to earn cashback when you shop online at top retailers, such as Amazon, Kohlâs, and Microsoft. Sign up with Rakuten, and gain access to hundreds of partner retail stores via links directly on their site. Rakuten will keep track of your cash rebates, which can be as high as 40%, when you factor in limited time offers. The best part? Receive an automatic $10 bonus when you sign up for Rakuten, and earn an additional $25 when you refer friends or family.
Deliver Food With DoorDash
DoorDash is one of a number of app-powered food delivery services that have popped up in recent years. If you need to make money quick, becoming a delivery driver for Doordash may be the perfect solution. In fact, the signup box on their website reads, âGet Your First Check This Weekâ.
Ask for a Raise
Perhaps the fastest way to make extra money is by leveraging the job you already have. Unfortunately, many people donât think about this, and instead feel like they need to take on something extra. Iâll finish with a few ways to increase your 9-5 income.
Youâve probably heard it said, âIf you donât ask, the answer will always be, noâ. To most companies, a valuable employee is worth their weight in gold. Part of this is due to how much time and money it takes to hire and train someone new. Chances are, your employer is willing to pay you more, but you need to ask. If youâre able to effectively communicate your value to your boss, you may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Since the early says of Get Rich Slowly, we’ve advocated learning how to negotiate your salary. It’s one of the best ways to boost your income — now and in the future.
Apply for a Promotion
When was the last time you considered applying for a promotion? Not only is a new job a great way to make more money, challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone will further develop your skills, and help you grow as a person. If youâre having trouble getting promoted at your current company, you may decide to go to take your skills somewhere else. Hereâs an article that gives 10 reasons successful people change jobs more often.
Take Advantage of Any Unused Benefits
If youâre not taking advantage of all of the benefits your employer is offering, you may be leaving cold hard cash on the table. Far too many employees donât take the time to understand whatâs available, and as they say, if you donât use it, youâll lose it. Read through your employee benefits package, or speak to an HR representative if you have questions. Thereâs money to be made, from health spending balances and 401K matches, to affordable insurance coverage and employee discounts.
Ask to Work Overtime
Not every job offers this opportunity, but if yours does, consider volunteering to work overtime, if youâre needing to make more money fast. Overtime work saves you from having to start something extra in your spare time, such as a second job, or a time-consuming side hustle. Remember, the goal is to make money fast. Either way, always strive for a healthy balance between time at work, and time away. The last thing you want is to feel burned out.
Final Thoughts on Making Money Fast
At the outset of this article, I mentioned that there are ways to avoid finding yourself with a shortfall of cash. While we can never be prepared for absolutely every emergency (nor should we try to be), we can make life a little easier with some advanced planning.
My best advice is to build an emergency fund. This can be as little as $500, or enough to cover several months worth of expenses, itâs up to you. Having an emergency fund will not only reduce your stress level, but it will also decrease your odds of having to use a credit card to cover a financial emergency, and that is a good thing.
In the meantime, my hope is that you feel more confident about making money fast, should the need arise.
Source: getrichslowly.org
Ask the Readers: What Are Your Goals for 2020?
Happy New Year! With the fresh new year ahead of us, now is the perfect time to take stock of your goals for 2020.
What are your goals for 2020? Why these goals? What steps will you be taking to achieve these goals?
Tell us about about your goals for 2020 and we’ll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!
Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards
We’re doing three giveaways — here’s how you can win:
- Follow us on Twitter
- Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
- Visit our Facebook page for an entry.
- Follow @janetonthemoney on Twitter.
Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway Rules:
- Contest ends Monday, January 6th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 6th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
- You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.
Good Luck!
Source: feeds.killeraces.com
Why UGMA/UTMA Accounts Are the Perfect Holiday Gift
If you have a special child in your life, you may be wondering what to put under the tree this year. One long-lasting and truly meaningful way to show the child in your life that you care is by taking a few minutes to set up a UGMA/UTMA account and give them a leg up in life.
The earlier you open a UGMA or UTMA account for a child, the longer your initial gift has to grow, thanks to the magic of compound interest. For example, investing just $5 a day from birth at an 8% return could make that child a millionaire by the age of 50. By setting up a UGMA/UTMA account, youâre really giving your beneficiary a present that grows all year round. Now, thatâs a gift theyâre sure to remember!
What is a UGMA/UTMA account?
UGMA is an abbreviation for the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act. And UTMA stands for Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. Both UGMA and UTMA accounts are custodial accounts created for the benefit of a minor (or beneficiary).
The money in a UGMA/UTMA account can be used for educational expenses (like college tuition), along with anything that benefits the child – including housing, transportation, technology, and more. On the other hand, 529 plans can only be used for qualified educational expenses, like summer camps, school uniforms, or private school tuition and fees.
Itâs important to keep in mind that you cannot use UGMA/UTMA funds to provide the child with items that parents or guardians would be reasonably expected to provide, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Another important point is that when you set up a UGMA/UTMA account, the money is irrevocably transferred to the child, meaning it cannot be returned to the donor.
Tax advantages of a UGMA/UTMA account
The contributions you make to a UGMA/UTMA account are not tax-deductible in the year that you make the contribution, and they are subject to gift tax limits. The income that you receive each year from the UGMA/UTMA account does have special tax advantages when compared to income that you would get in a traditional investment account, making it a great tax-advantaged option for you to invest in the child you love.
Hereâs how that works. In 2020, the first $1,100 of investment income earned in a UGMA/UTMA account may be claimed on the custodianâsâ tax return, tax free. The next $1,100 is then taxed at the childâs (usually much lower) tax rate. Any income in excess of those amounts must be claimed at the custodianâs regular tax rate.
A few things to be aware of with UGMA/UTMA accounts
While thereâs no doubt that UGMA/UTMA accounts have several advantages and a place in your overall financial portfolio, there are a few things to consider before you open up a UGMA/UTMA account:
- When the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the specifics of the plan), the money is theirs, without restriction.
- When the UGMA/UTMA funds are released, they are factored into the minorâs assets.
- The value of these assets will factor into the minorâs financial aid calculations, and may play a big role in determining if they qualify for certain programs, such as SSDI and Medicaid.
Where you can open a UGMA/UTMA account
Many financial services companies and brokerages offer UGMA or UTMA accounts. One option is the Acorns Early program from Acorns. Acorns Early is a UGMA/UTMA account that is included with the Acorns Family plan, which costs $5 / month. Acorns Early takes 5 minutes to set up, and you can add multiple kids at no extra charge. The Acorns Family plan also includes Acorns Invest, Later, and Spend so you can manage all of the familyâs finances, from one easy app.
During a time where many of us are laying low this holiday season due to COVID-19, remember that presents donât just need to be a material possession your loved one unwraps, and then often forgets about. Give the gift of lasting impact through a UGMA/UTMA account.
The post Why UGMA/UTMA Accounts Are the Perfect Holiday Gift appeared first on MintLife Blog.
Source: mint.intuit.com