Friday, May 17, 2019

Attain Financial Freedom With These Tips





Did you know that 2/3rd of the total population in America find it hard to gather even $1000 when an emergency arises? Only 24 percent of millennials of today have the required knowledge about financials!

These statistics are very alarming. This is because lack of knowledge leads to bad choices regarding finances which in turn affects your financial freedom.

Here are some tips that can allow you to attain financial freedom quickly.


1. Learn how to work within a budget


What is the most significant thing required for financial freedom? Money! And for that, you need to stay within budget. Sadly, budgeting is often overlooked. You need to learn how to manage your spending within your budget. This way you won’t make a habit of spending more than you earn. And once you do so, you will easily get ahead financially.

How do you ensure that your spending is always less than your earnings? You plan. This is the essence of budgeting. A budget helps you outline all your expenses and then allocate your current earning to each of your expenses. Don’t even consider debt as an option. Instead, allocate according to how much you can afford. If you conduct budgeting, you will easily be able to detect any anomalies and extra expenditures. Hence, you will know where you need to cut back.

Add an actual value to all your habits. For instance, if you eat breakfast outside every day, mention it in your budget. What might seem like insignificant $2 a day can amount up to $40 a month. This surely is a significant amount! What does budgeting mean? It means cutting such unnecessary expenditures. Rather than eating out every day, see the effect it has on your financials and then change your habit.

Make a habit of creating a monthly budget. Watch as it helps you save money, and hence gives you financial freedom.


2. Pay off all your debt at the earliest


A lot of people apply for hard money lending Houston financial services. However, one thing that is the enemy to your financial freedom is debt. Debt is a liability that will drain your savings. To attain freedom, you need to pay off all your debt at the earliest possible time.

Why? Because you don’t just have to pay the debt. You also need to pay off the interest. In other words, you have to pay more than you get. The longer the debt stays on your account, the longer you have to make payments rather than save money for future use. Therefore, instead of delaying it, try to make paying your debts your priority. 




Look up ways through which you can pay it off quickly. There are various methods available ranging from the snowball method to the avalanche method. Look at your financial situation and choose the method that works best. While you are at it, create a repayment plan along with a budget to see how you can funnel your earnings and savings towards your debilitating debt. While it may seem like torture today, it will allow you to achieve financial freedom later on.

This may mean cutting back on entertainment and going out less often for dinner, but it’s a small sacrifice to pay for financial freedom. If you don’t wish to make this sacrifice, you might want to work to increase your income. This calls for doing freelance work, looking for part time jobs, asking for raises or striving for a promotion. Use all the extra income you earn to pay off your debt.


3. Create your personal emergency fund


Regardless of how much you try to avoid the bad days, there is always a probability that they will occur. And this is the moment when you will wish that you had financial stability and freedom in your life. To avoid being caught off-guard and out of cash at such crucial times, always build a personal emergency fund. Always have a backup plan. Whether it be job redundancy, unfortunate accidents or natural disaster, it doesn’t hurt to be financially secure for all emergencies.

Overspending and not saving can lead to a lot of problems when such rainy days occur. Therefore, have an emergency fund by saving a given amount specifically for this purpose. If you are finding it hard to stash money away on top of all your other expenses, start small. Whether it is $10 or $100, make a habit of saving. Eventually, when you have an emergency, you will thank yourself for keeping the fund!


4. Think before spending


Impulse buying is widespread. After all, we are surrounded by brands and retail outlets that promote such behavior. However, this behavior is not in your best interest. Today, an extra cup of coffee or a piece of jewelry you just saw may not seem like the wrong investment, but if you develop a habit of it, it will take a toll on your financials.

This is why it is essential for you to think before you purchase anything. Ask yourself whether you genuinely need the given item? If it’s a hefty investment, make sure to do comprehensive research about the purchase decision. Think of whether you can afford significant spending at your current financial level. If you are finding yourself trying to accumulate money from different accounts and ways, it is best not to buy the item in the first place.

Be realistic about what you can achieve while staying in budget and what purchases would make you thrifty.


Conclusion


Follow these four tips religiously, and you will see a significant increase in your bank balance eventually. Yes, saving money and staying within your budget is not easy. Especially when you are surrounded by lucrative items that are screaming at you to buy them. But, a little self-control today will help you attain the ultimate financial independence tomorrow. Once you get there, you will realize- being debt-free feels liberating!


ABOUT Erica Silva



Erica Silva is a blogger who loves to discover and explore the world around her. She writes on everything from marketing to technology. She enjoys sharing her discoveries and experiences with readers and believes her blogs can make the world a better place.

Find her on Twitter: @ericadsilva1




Wednesday, May 15, 2019

3 Ways to Make Some Extra Money in a Pinch



Are you looking for a fast way to line your pockets with extra cash? You may be interested in paying off debts as fast as possible, or you may need to pay for unexpected expenses. When you need to infuse your bank account with more money right away for these or other reasons, you thankfully have a few options available to consider.

Sell Valuables


You may have several valuable items that you can sell quickly and turn a great profit. In fact, you may not realize how much value your possessions hold until you do some research. For example, you may sell a coin collection featuring very rare coins for thousands of dollars or more. 


Comic books, collectible toys, broken jewelry, designer clothes you no longer wear and other items may also hold value. Selling these items online is one option, or you can look at collector websites or shops for potentially faster results.

Take out a Short-Term Loan


There are several short-term loan options that you may consider as well. For example, a payday loan may provide you with extra cash for a few weeks without the need for collateral. A title loan is another option, and it requires you to pledge a car as collateral. 






These short-term loans may be challenging to repay in some cases because the term is only a few weeks long. Another option is to visit a local bank to apply for an unsecured or secured personal loan. These loans may enable you to spread payments out over a few years.

Get a Side Hustle


If you have never had a side hustle, you may be surprised by how fast you can get started and by how much money you can make. There are numerous side hustle jobs available now, such as dog walking on demand, rideshare driving, food deliveries, grocery shopping services and more. 


Many people are able to earn several hundred dollars each week doing these jobs on a part-time basis, and you may see income from a new side hustle within a week or less. Many people have more than one side hustle to maximize their income potential and enjoy greater flexibility with their schedule.

While financial stress is common and can be caused by many factors and events, you can see that there are several ways to raise money quickly. If you need a significant amount of cash, you may focus your attention on all of these ideas rather than confining your efforts to one.


Friday, May 10, 2019

How to Make Your Home Smarter



Technology is changing the way we do everything, including basic day to day processes at home. The innovation of the smart home is making life more convenient and opening up more and cooler possibilities. Best of all? 

You don’t really need to break the bank anymore to enjoy the latest and greatest home tech. Many homebuilders are making great strides in making affordable smart homes for everyone! Here are some cool inventions that will make life easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable...

Touchscreen Deadbolt


The touchscreen deadbolt series from Schlage makes it possible to lock and unlock your home doors from a remote location. The system can also be programmed with access codes that can expire after a set length of time. For example, you can give the neighbor an access code to take a package inside and then turn off that access code. 






This lock means that you will never need a key to get inside again and the built-in security system will alert you if someone tries to force the door open or tampers with the lock. Modern smartphone integrations also make it an incredible security tool for when you’re gone on holiday or work trips.

Smart Toilet


Smart toilets have been available in Japan for a while, but they will be more readily available soon. Here are just a few of the features that come with a smart toilet:

  • Heated seat
  • Warm water spraying and air drying (no more toilet paper!)
  • Automated seat and lid lower on their own
  • Self-cleaning features (no more scrubbing)
  • Remote control capabilities
  • Music system
  • Weight, BMI, blood pressure, and blood sugar monitoring capabilities
  • Potty training assistance features
  • Sample catcher (no more visits to the doctor’s office to leave a sample!)

What could be better than a hands-free toilet that cleans itself, plays your favorite music, helps monitor your health, and keeps you feeling clean and fresh? We all spend more time in the bathroom each day than we’d like, so upgrading to a smart toilet is one way to make the necessities of life much more enjoyable.


Smart Oven & Range


LG has designed a line of appliances with their new THINQ technology. The THINQ electric oven and range boasts several features that are quite desirable for anyone who spends time in the kitchen. Here are just a few of the key features:

  • 6.3 cubic feet of space inside with three racks (LG’s largest oven ever)
  • Fastest boiling element on the range
  • Infrared cooking technology (same as used on premium outdoor grills)

This smart appliance also comes equipped with several smart features to enhance the cooking experience:

  • Use your smartphone to monitor cooking progress while away from the kitchen.
  • Verify that all of the cooking functions are off when away from home. No need to race home to make sure you turned the oven off after baking those cookies.
  • Use the LG app to browse recipes on your smartphone and then send your chosen recipe directly to the cooking unit. The unit will then automatically set the precise temperature and cooking time needed for your recipe.
  • Monitor the self-cleaning functioning while you’re away from home. This means you can clean and run errands at the same time.

Expect to pay about $600 more than the cost of the standard LG oven and range to get these added features. If you love to cook, but also have a busy and demanding schedule, this might be the solution for you.


Phone-Controlled Garage Door Openers


Garage door openers are an often overlooked amenity of your home, but they make a great difference in your quality of life. A secure, quiet, and efficient garage door opener makes your life more convenient, peaceful, and secure. 


Just like any other technology, garage door openers have been impacted by the smart home revolution, as smartphone integrated technology allows you to control your garage from your pocket, with added features of security and customization.

Crockpot WeMo


Do you love using a slow cooker? Having a slow cooker means that dinner can be cooking while you are away all day. However, what do you do when you are away longer than you expected? The new Crockpot slow cooker with WeMo makes it possible to use an app on your smartphone to control your crockpot at home. 


You can also program your crockpot with multiple functions before you leave home. For example, you can set the slow cooker to cook on low for eight hours and then switch to the warm setting until you are home. You can even use your smartphone to turn the slow cooker off. With a capacity of six quarts and a dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid, you can cook for the whole family and clean up easily too.

Sleep Number Dual Temp Layer Mattress Cover


So you are always freezing and your spouse is hotter than a firecracker. Thanks to Sleep Number, your nighttime temperature battles could be over forever. No need to find a happy medium any longer. 


Sleep Number has created a layer that fits on top of your existing mattress and makes it possible to have each side of the bed set at a different temperature. You can use a remote to program your ideal temperature and even set the timer to match your alarm clock.

While this invention may sound like a dream come true, the dream does come with a hefty price tag attached. Then again, when you think about the fact that you spend about 3,000 hours each year on average sleeping in bed, maybe this solution won’t seem quite so expensive after all.



Thursday, May 9, 2019

How to Set More Effective Goals



Setting goals is something that is often talked about in corporate settings. Most people who own a business and/or have experience working in a position of leadership recognize the importance of setting goals and the value it brings. While goals are often set and worked toward in the business world, few people make the effort to create and follow them on their own time. 

And when they do try to set goals, they don’t do so effectively because they don’t know how. This is a missed opportunity for many people who either don’t understand the value of setting goals or don’t know how to do it effectively and efficiently.

Why Is Goal-Setting Important?


At some point in our lives, we all have likely heard the theory that when someone is lost in the forest or in the desert, they tend to walk around in circles. While that common expression didn’t originate from any factual evidence, studies have been done to confirm that the theory is true: Without some sort of reference point, people who are lost in the forest or desert do have a tendency to walk in circles.





This is a great analogy demonstrating the importance of setting goals. Goals that are properly set serve as reference points in the future that we are hoping to attain. When we have a clearly-defined goal that we are working towards, it puts our path of life into perspective and gives us more direction than we otherwise would have. 


This is why successful companies integrate goal-setting into their business routines and why you should integrate it into your daily life.

How Can I Set More Effective Goals?


Not all goals are created equally. Some are much more appropriate, reasonable, and effective than others. In fact, some goals are just downright useless. Others, on the other hand, are extremely beneficial. The differences between the two are important. Here are some of the defining characteristics that all effective goals share:

  • They are specific. Instead of telling yourself, “I want to be in good shape,” a much more effective alternative is to narrow it down and be more specific. For example, “I want to be able to run a mile in 7 minutes.” The more specific the goal, the better, because it’s much easier to visualize and to know when you have attained it. While it can be difficult to know when you’re “in good shape,” it is extremely easy to know whether or not you can run a mile in 7 minutes.
  • They are measurable. As the previous example demonstrated, goals that are measurable are much more effective than ones that are not. If you set a goal to be more productive, at what point do you cross that goal off? How do you track your progress? If, on the other hand, you set a goal to make a to-do list every night and cross at least 4 things off of it the next day, you have a definitive goal to reach and you can measure your progress as you go.
  • They are achievable. If you set a goal that is too easy, you’ll accomplish it quickly without stretching yourself. If you set a goal that is too difficult, you’ll lose your motivation and give up on it. Every great goal is easy enough to achieve and difficult enough to stretch you. Always remember that!
  • They are relevant. This one’s a bit obvious, but it’s worth repeating that there’s no point in setting goals for things that won’t improve your life in some way. If you have a specific problem—let’s say you’re struggling with a substance abuse addiction—you’ll want to set goals that are recovery-specific. For example, setting a goal to go one month without abusing drugs or alcohol will be much more effective than setting a goal to learn to play the piano (a silly example, I know, but it demonstrates the point well).
  • They are time-sensitive. Every effective goal has a deadline. Referring back to our previous example, instead of simply saying, “I want to run a mile in 7 minutes,” it’s much better to say, “I want to run a mile in 7 minutes by January 4th, which is in 5 months.” That way, you have a set time frame and have given yourself a deadline to work toward.

Set SMART Goals


If you’re having trouble remembering the formula that every effective goal follows, remember the acronym SMART:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-sensitive

If you keep those things in mind as you set goals, you’ll be on your way to living a more peaceful and productive life in no time!


Monday, May 6, 2019

How to Invest in Your Retirement



Saving for retirement can be a daunting task for many people. You know it is important to have money set aside for later in life, but you may be overwhelmed by the logistics and unsure of your options.

Actually, like many things in life, investing in your retirement is not so stressful when it is broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks of information. For instance, consider the following three ways to save, invest and plan for retirement:


Take Advantage of Any Matching Options for Your 401K


If your employer offers a retirement plan like a 401K and also matches a certain percentage of the amount that you contribute, by all means do whatever you can to add the max to the retirement account. Any amount that your employer matches is essentially free money, so it’s definitely worth looking into. 


A common scenario in the 401K match world is for your employer to put 50 cents into your retirement plan for every dollar you put in—this is usually up to 6 percent of your gross salary for the year. So, if you earn $40K at your job and contribute $2,400, or 6 percent to your 401K plan, your boss will add in $1,200 more.

Start Your Own Tax-Advantaged Nest Egg


While a 401K is a great place to start, especially if it involves the aforementioned matching option, you should also consider starting your own retirement savings accounts. You can open a traditional or Roth IRA account, and put money into it as you can; this will allow your money to grow tax-free until your start to withdraw it in retirement. 





You can speak with your banker about opening an IRA account or if you have a financial planner he or she can help you as well. There are limits for how much you can contribute to an IRA every year; on the flip side, you can also set aside smaller amounts of money into the account.

Have an Action Plan in Place for Financial Emergencies


In a perfect world, you will continue to work as long as you wish and then live happily off of your retirement savings. Unfortunately, people sometimes encounter severe financial emergencies that can wipe out their savings. For instance, a serious medical condition that requires months of treatment and hospital stays can be devastating for your retirement accounts. 


To help prevent your nest egg from being shattered, you may want to have an action plan ready to go that will help pay for medical treatments and other financial emergencies. One idea is to look into selling your life insurance policy through a company like Coventry Direct. 

This will allow you to gain access to much-needed funds to help pay for medical bills and other financial hardships that may unexpectedly arise as you get older. Again, it is hoped that you will not endure a situation like this, but looking into an option like this now rather than later is a good idea and can give you invaluable peace of mind.

You Will Get There, One Dollar at a Time


Saving for retirement does not have to be a stressful process—in fact, your employer may already be willing and able to help you get there. Start by speaking with your HR department about a matching plan and then head to the bank to see about an IRA. These steps, along with looking into emergency options for cash if need be, will help you to plump up your retirement savings and allow you to enjoy your golden years.


Wednesday, May 1, 2019

How to Earn Some Extra Cash by Selling Your Collectibles



Collectors of all stripes occasionally need to sell items from their collection. This may be because you have duplicates, because you need the money or because you simply don’t want that particular item anymore. 

No matter the reason, you will want to go about the selling process the right way. Here are some important things to keep in mind when hoping to earn some extra cash by selling your collectibles.

Determine Its Value


After deciding you want to sell a particular item, the next step should be determining how much the item is worth. This will give you a good sense of how much you can sell it for so you won’t ask too much or too little. Ask too much money and you will be unable to sell the item. Ask too little and you will lose money on the sale.


Consider Where to Sell


Next, you will want to consider where you plan to sell this item. Presumably, you want to get top dollar for your collection, so you will want to place the item for sale where interested buyers are most likely to find it. 



To sell your coin collection, for example, you may want to go through coin collecting-specific channels to find interested buyers. Do some research and determine the best places to sell certain kinds of items.

Be Honest


You need to be honest and upfront with your buyers regarding the exact condition and type of item you are selling. A good way to do this is take detailed pictures or allow an interested party to inspect the item in person. 


Add details such as information on the exact edition, any defects and how an item has been stored. Dishonesty will only create problems for you down the road.


Ship the Item Carefully


If you have found a local buyer, you may not have to ship the item. However, in many cases you will be responsible for shipping the item to the buyer. Be sure you pack the item securely in quality packaging so it will arrive to your buyer undamaged. 


This is especially important for fragile or very valuable items. Also make sure the package is trackable and insured to protect yourself in case something goes wrong.

Thanks to the Internet, it is easier than ever before to earn some solid extra cash by selling your collectibles. Be sure to do some research ahead of time so you will know where, how and for how much you can sell your collectibles. If you do, you can find the right buyer willing to pay what those items are worth.



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