Why You Need to Start Controlling Debt Today

Set Up A Great Outdoor Space for Less

12/03/2023

As nights and afternoons get warmer, more and more homeowners want to set up a great outdoor space. Before you take out a personal loan to buy a new barbecue, patio set and all the accessories, though, here are some tips for keeping your costs low:

1) Use what you have. Rather than buying all new accessories, take a close look at what you have. If your patio set is serviceable, maybe you can repaint it. Consider replacing just a few items – like a broken chair – rather than buying everything new.

2) Create a great lawn. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to create a great outdoor space is with lots of green, lush grass. Forget the expensive accessories and fertilizers. For under thirty dollars, you can buy a huge bag of grass seed and basic fertilizer. In most cases, this is all you need. The trick is to plant the grass thickly and water just before the evening, so that your grass will not bake.

3) If you need new outdoor garden accessories, compare sales and used items in classified ads. Many building centers have sales on outdoor furniture at this time of year and you may also find gently used accessories through classified ads.

4) DIY your outdoor decor. Rather than buying expensive outdoor decor, get creative and make your own. Look for inspiration online or in magazines and try your hand at making your own flower pots, lanterns, or even a backyard fire pit.

5) Invest in multi-functional pieces. When purchasing outdoor furniture, look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a bench that doubles as a storage unit, or a table with a built-in cooler.

6) Shop at discount stores. Don’t overlook discount stores like Walmart or Target for outdoor furniture and decor. They often have great deals and a wide selection of items.

7) Opt for low-maintenance landscaping. Choose plants and landscaping features that require minimal upkeep, such as succulents or a rock garden. This will save you both time and money in the long run.

Remember, creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis without spending a fortune. If you want to save on more than just your outdoor space, don’t forget to check out our guide to saving cash.…

Eat Like a Student, Save Hundreds

03/03/2023

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| Save Hundreds

College Ernest S. Lunsford has been talking to the media lately about his money-saving ways. He has been giving interviews because he spends a paltry $35 a month on food, putting him well ahead of the game when it comes to keeping student loans and debt low. Most of us spend hundreds of dollars. His is not a regime of dumpster diving, coupons, or sales. It is about planning and careful spending. Here’s how he does it:

1) Reduce waste. Pendergast notes that even careful shoppers waste hundreds of dollars on uneaten and spoiled food each year. Eliminating this waste helps you go further on your grocery budget.

2) Find one free meal a day. Pendergast looks at fliers and posted at his college to find free meals or snacks offered by organizations. Many lectures, workshops, and school events include free snacks or food, which takes care of one meal for Pendergast each day.

3) Do it yourself. Pendergast makes his own bread and chili. He does not, obviously, dine out.

4) Reduce meat. Pendergast only eats meat when someone else pays for it (such as at those college events), because meat, pound for pound, is one of the most expensive foods to buy. Eating vegetarian or vegan can save dollars.

5) Keep tabs on your health. Pendergast used to use free online software to make sure that he was getting enough nutrients from his thrifty meals, but he stopped once he saw that he was getting enough of all nutrients.

6) Plan and think ahead. Budget carefully, compare grocery store prices on the items you need, and shop when a store is offering added discounts.

7) Buy in bulk. Pendergast shops at wholesale clubs and buys larger quantities of non-perishable items, such as rice, beans, and pasta. This allows him to save money per unit and avoid frequent trips to the store.

8) Use generic brands. Pendergast opts for generic or store-brand products instead of name-brand items. In many cases, the quality is the same, but the price is lower.

9) Freeze leftovers. Pendergast freezes any leftovers and uses them for future meals, reducing waste and providing quick and easy meals when he doesn’t have time to cook.

10) Drink water. Pendergast avoids buying expensive drinks and opts for water instead. He notes that many people spend a lot of money on beverages, which can add up quickly.

By following these simple tips, Pendergast is able to save a significant amount of money on his food expenses each month. While some of these strategies may not work for everyone, there are many ways to reduce food costs and eat on a budget. With a little planning and effort, it is possible to eat healthy and save money at the same time.…

The Thrifty Sports Fan

24/02/2023

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| Saving, Sporting events

Sporting events can cost hundreds of dollars to attend and sports enthusiasts can spend thousands of dollars on sports accessories, snacks for the big game, cable subscriptions and more. It is possible to run up considerable personal loans and debts by following a favorite team, but it also possible to get as much fun out of the game while spending less. Create a money-saving system to watch games at home. Stay at home to watch games. Many sports bars offer big screen TVs to watch your favorite games, but it can get expensive if you want to follow a team’s entire season and you stock up on beer and snacks at every game. If you have friends who are fans as well, consider pooling together for one cable subscription and snack costs. Meeting for games is not only more fun but it saves cash.

If you want to see a favorite team, check out home games and games on the road. Teams play at different cities for different prices. Seeing an ice hockey game in Toronto can easily cost hundreds of dollars or even over a thousand for great seats, but it is possible to see a great hockey game in Phoenix, Florida, or California for a fraction of the price. Look online for last-minute deals and sports fan deals. Some travel companies offer packages that include airfare, hotel, and tickets to your team’s game. This can often be less expensive than buying each item separately. Also, buy tickets online, looking for last-minute deals, when most ticket-holders are willing to bargain.

Buy a few favorite team items on sale. Rather than buying every item with your team logo, buy one or two items only, such as a jersey and a hat. Support local sports. Local sports offer all the same fun and thrill as national sports – but tickets are usually a fraction of the price. Never use a payday loan or personal loan to pay for tickets or sports-related events. It is tempting, but it is not a necessity and you could be stuck with repayments for months or more than a year.

Get creative with game-day snacks. Instead of buying expensive pre-packaged snacks, make your own snacks at home. For example, make your own popcorn and add your favorite seasonings or toppings. You can also make your own dips, such as guacamole or salsa. Consider volunteering at sporting events. Many sporting events rely on volunteers to help run the event, and volunteering can often get you free admission to the event. This is a great way to enjoy the event without spending any money. Look for free events. Many cities and towns host free sporting events, such as community basketball games or pick-up soccer games. These events are a great way to enjoy sports without spending any money.

Use loyalty programs and discounts. Many sports teams and vendors offer loyalty programs and discounts to repeat customers. Take advantage of these programs to save money on tickets, merchandise, and snacks. In conclusion, there are many ways to enjoy sports without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to watch games at home, attend local sporting events, or take advantage of discounts and loyalty programs, there are plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying your favorite sports. By being smart with your spending and getting creative with your game-day snacks, you can have just as much fun without spending as much money.…

Debt – Stop the Snowball Before it Rolls

07/02/2023

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| Debt

Debt is not something you want to put off – not even for a day. Debt can be a little bit like those first five pounds. You may be a healthy weight, but once you gain five pounds, that can easily lead to five more pounds, then five more pounds, and so on until losing weight is a big project. It’s a lot easier to lose that initial five pounds than to wait and have to lose thirty. It’s the same with debt. A small credit card balance can lead to a larger one, which can lead to a payday loan or two when you have trouble making payments, which can lead to more personal loans.

If you have any unsecured loans or debts at all, it’s important not to put it off even another day. You don’t want that debt to grow. Luckily, there are many small, painless things you can do today to help start paying off debt. You can budget your monthly expenses to see how much you can put towards debts in the next thirty days. You can make a list of debts you need to repay first (because they have the largest interest rates). You can probably put at least a few dollars – even five dollars – in your emergency account and another five towards a credit card.

Another thing you can do is to look for ways to reduce your expenses. This could include cutting back on dining out, canceling subscriptions you don’t use, or finding ways to lower your utility bills. You may also consider increasing your income by taking on a part-time job or freelance work. Any extra money you make can be put towards your debts.

It’s important to remember that paying off debt is not an overnight process. It may take months or even years to pay off all of your debts. But every small step you take towards paying off your debts will bring you closer to financial freedom. And the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to live without the stress and worry that come with debt.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debts, consider reaching out to a financial advisor or credit counselor for help. They can provide guidance on how to manage your debts and create a personalized plan to help you pay them off. Remember, the most important thing is to take action and start making progress towards a debt-free life.…