Finance Archives - Page 3 of 23

What to Write in Wedding Thank You Cards: A Guide

August 19, 2019 by Mandy

Your wedding is over, so it’s time for the final task: the wedding thank you cards. Learn how to make your thank you cards amazing with our guide.

Wedding thank you cards are a must but they can be time-consuming. Besides for being time-consuming, you may be at a loss for what to say in your thank you cards.

How much is too little? And how do you put your feelings into words? Unless you’re a professional writer, it can be difficult to get the words you want to say to someone on paper.

Simple Tips for Writing Wedding Thank You Cards

Whether you’ve made free thank you cards or you’ve bought expensive thank you cards from a fancy design company, it’s what’s inside that really matters.

These tips will help make sure your thank you cards show just how grateful you really are.

Know Who Gets One

Before you start mailing out thank you cards, make sure you know who gets them.

The general rule is anyone that gave you a gift or did some sort of service for you should get a thank you card. While the obvious people such as your parents, the officiate and wedding party likely have a place on your list already — you might even send thank you cards to vendors that made your event extra special.

When Should You Send Them?

You’ve just got back from your honeymoon and the last thing you feel like doing is tying yourself to a desk and sending thank you notes. How long do you have before it’s too late to send your thank you cards?

The sooner you can send the thank you cards, the better. A rule of thumb is to send the thank you cards right away or anywhere up to one month after your honeymoon assuming you went on a honeymoon right after your wedding.

Keep It Simple & Sweet

When you’re writing your thank you cards for your wedding, don’t overcomplicate it. The people getting these cards know you and they know you’ve just got married and have your mind on other things.

Here are some things you do need to keep in mind though.

Every thank you card should be signed with both of your names. You can pre-print this signature if you want to save time and keep from hurting your wrist.

Use a good pen. Even if your invitations are nice if you’re using a cheap pen, it makes a difference and not in a good way.

You probably don’t want to do all of your writing in one sitting so make sure that you plan out time to get these done.

Add in small things that you remember about each person to make it even nicer.

You might say something like:

“We remember the times we went out on double dates — it was always so fun. We look forward to more.”

These personalizations make the card very special.

Want to Learn More About Important Life Issues?

Now you know how to write wedding thank you cards that people will love. Why not keep learning about other important life issues?

Navigate through our site, find your favorite section, drop a bookmark and come back later for more great reads.

Quick Ways to Save More Money for Your Future

August 16, 2019 by Mandy

Source: Unsplash | Sabine Peters

When you’re young, life is easy.

The chances are that you spent most of your teenage years enjoying the present, not worrying about what you were going to do with your pension, or how early you’d be able to retire. As you get a little older and start earning a monthly wage, concerns about finances start to creep in. Eventually, you realise that the quicker you start preparing for the future, the better off you’ll be.

If you’ve recently taken a look at your bank account and you’re starting to think that you should have paid more attention to your savings 10 years ago, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways that you can start saving more money quickly from today onwards.

1. Start Budgeting, Immediately

The best way to get more control over your money, is to understand how cash flows in and out of your life each month. The first time you create a budget, the chances are you’ll discover money that you didn’t know you had going towards a subscription or service that you don’t need. Without a budget, it’s easy to spend cash carelessly, because you have no idea how much you’re really using each month. However, when you start to watch your cash, you can find a way to make the most out of every penny.

With your budget, concentrate on giving every pound a purpose. Start by dedicating as much cash as you can towards necessary costs, paying off your loans such as those offered by HappyPenguin.com, and filling your emergency fund. After that, you can split whatever you have leftover into future savings, and present “wants”.

2. Pay Closer Attention to your Bills

There are specific bills in our lives that we have to deal with, whether we like it or not. You can’t cut “food”, or “electricity” out of your budget just because you want more cash to spend on entertainment. However, you can take a closer look at those essential expenses and find out whether you could be spending more than you need to be.

A lot of us sign up for things like gas and electricity deals or broadband packages and then forget all about them. However, there are new offers arriving on the market almost constantly. Every few months, check out your average expenses for monthly essentials, and see whether you could save by switching to a different provider or package.

3. Make the Most of your Skills

Even if you’re lucky enough to have a job doing something that you’re passionate about, there’s a chance that you might not be making the most of your skills. If you have a talent that you can teach or share with someone else, then you could have an extra source of income that you’re not taking advantage of. For instance, there are countless eLearning and webinar platforms available online today that allow would-be teachers to create lessons that they can share for a price online.

If you can create videos that teach someone how to code, play the guitar, or even cook, then you could make some money from that. Just make sure you advertise yourself properly on social media to boost your chances of supplementing your income.

4. Make One Big Change

One reason that people often struggle with budgeting, is because they tell themselves that they need to change everything about their life to become more frugal. However, the truth is that most of the time, little changes, like saving your spare cash after you pay for a meal or investing pennies rather than letting them gather dust in your home can make a huge difference.

If you want to feel like you’re doing something significant to change your financial strategy, then don’t try to change too much at once. Instead, focus on one big thing. For instance, maybe you’re going to commit to only driving 3 days a week instead of using your car constantly. This would mean carpooling more often with friends, biking, or walking to work. The result could be some significant savings in petrol and car maintenance.

5. Focus on One Goal at a Time

Finally, the right attitude can go a long way when you’re working on your savings strategy. If you get carried away thinking about all the things you could do if you just a had a bit more money, you might lose your motivation if you’re not moving towards your goals as quickly as you would like. With that in mind, think about what you want to accomplish with your savings right now.

Focus on one little goal at a time, like cutting your spending on food by $20 each month or getting rid of at least 3 subscriptions in the next 6 months. This way, you’ll only be giving yourself small, manageable challenges, rather than trying to tackle too much at once.

The Ultimate Single Mum’s Financial Survival Guide

August 16, 2019 by Mandy

Single mothers face a lot of challenges since they almost have to do everything themselves, which often includes earning the money and paying the bills. This is why they’re unfortunately more likely to be in poverty. However, being a single mother doesn’t mean that you’re destined to live on the financial edge. You can get control of your finances, save for the future and build a better life. Here is a simple financial survival guide every single mum can follow.

Take Charge of Your Money

Set up your own bank accounts if you’re newly single. Then start taking charge of your money by building a sound budget. Create a full list of sources of income and expenses. This may include child support, spousal support, government benefits, a salary or a combination thereof. Your expense list needs to include every little bill you pay and all the ways you spend cash. Knowing how much you’re spending allows you to set a realistic budget and take action, if necessary, if the outgo is more than the income.

Educate Yourself on the Legal Aspects of Going It Alone

If you’re newly divorced or had a baby on your own, you need to start getting up to speed on the legal aspects fast. For divorced women, you’ll need to start planning how you’ll file taxes as a single person. Life insurance isn’t something you can afford to overlook. Don’t neglect disability insurance either, since you can’t afford to be without income if you’re out of work for months due to an injury or illness. If you’re newly single, learn whether or not you need to get auto or homeowners insurance in your own name.

Set Some Financial Goals

A large portion of single mothers have little to no financial reserves. You’ll need to start setting short and long term financial goals, one of which is to save up an emergency fund to cover little unplanned expenses like car repairs and broken appliances.

Until you’ve achieved that or the repair bill is greater than the emergency fund, you may have to rely on credit. Unsecure personal loans with no credit are available to anyone who has documented income, so they’re an option if your separation had a negative effect on your credit report. Services like simplepersonalloans.co.uk offer a fast and easy way to get a few hundred or thousand pounds without having to sell stuff or beg family and friends for money.

Once you have an emergency fund, set bigger goals like paying off debt, putting some money back for the kids’ education and starting to save for your own retirement. Or you can start planning how you’ll increase your income. Look for free ways to do this like getting a mentor, attending networking events, asking the boss for overtime or a promotion, or reading books related to your field.

Check Your Credit Report

You should start monitoring your credit report. If your ex isn’t paying jointly held debts or runs up credit cards in your name, the sooner you can respond to it, the better. Challenge inaccuracies on the credit report, because the credit score could affect your ability to get a new apartment and may even get in the way of getting a new job.

Conclusion

Money is often the number one concern of single mothers, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Follow our advice to get control of your financial life, breaking the stereotype that you have to be broke, stressed and desperate. You can make it better.

5 Reasons Why Moving to Massachusetts Is a Marvelous Idea

August 14, 2019 by Mandy

Almost 7 million people call Massachusetts home, making it the third most densely populated state in the country. But while Massachusetts may be small, it certainly packs a punch.

There are a lot of undeniable benefits of moving to Massachusetts. So, if you’re planning to relocate, you can’t go wrong with the Bay State.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover 5 reasons you should move to Massachusetts.

1. The Weather Is Beautiful

Florida and California are often thought of as having the best weather around. Although Massachusetts isn’t sunny and warm all year long, there’s no denying that the weather is beautiful there.

You can enjoy warm and mild summers, gorgeous autumns filled with color-changing leaves, white winters, and pretty springs with plenty of blooming flowers. This makes it a great location for anyone who wants some variety in their lives by experiencing all four seasons.

2. It’s So Charming

Although Massachusetts is densely populated, it’s filled with quaint and charming small towns. Moving here means you can enjoy a relaxed pace of life and really get to know your neighbors.

However, this does come at a price… literally. According to BiggerEquity, home prices and property taxes in Massachusetts are high, so be prepared to pay a pretty penny to live there.

3. The Schools Are Unparalleled

Do you have school-aged kids that will be coming with you? Well, Massachusetts has some of the best schools around, so your child is sure to get a great education.

And this doesn’t stop with secondary school. Massachusetts is also home to some of the world’s best universities, including Harvard and MIT.

4. There’s History Around Every Corner

As one of the 13 original colonies, it should come as no surprise that Massachusetts is packed with history. From the Boston Tea Party and the Mayflower’s landing to the first-ever Thanksgiving, Massachusetts has played a role in some vital parts of America’s history.

5. There’s Plenty to Do

Because of Massachusetts’ rich history, there are tons of museums and historical sites to check out, including the Salem Witch Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, and the Plimoth Plantation.

Massachusetts is also serious about their sports, so there are plenty of baseball, football, basketball, and ice hockey games to attend. During the winter, many residents enjoy partaking in winter sports, like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

Of course, there are also plenty of bars, theaters, and brewery tours, ensuring that there really is something for everyone here.

Because of its location, there are also ample opportunities to take day and weekend trips. Boston and Cape Cod are popular vacation spots in Massachusetts, but Providence (Rhode Island), Hartford (Connecticut), Albany (New York) and even New York City are just a short drive away.

The Pros of Moving to Massachusetts

There’s no denying that Massachusetts has plenty to offer. From the seasonal weather to the myriad of activities, there are many benefits of moving to Massachusetts.

Are you looking for ways to update your new Massachusetts home? Then check out our DIY/Home blog page today!

How to Handle Credit Card Debt and Get Debt Free

August 14, 2019 by Mandy

card debt is nothing new. Millions of people around the world are getting themselves into ever greater levels of it.

Indeed, consumer debt recently surpassed the almighty $4 trillion mark.

That’s a scary figure, and a shocking level of debt to find ourselves in. Of course, being in debt is no laughing matter. With crippling interest rates and a never-ending list of repayments to make, life can quickly become one giant financial burden.

It’s in everyone’s interest to get out of debt as quickly as possible. However, that often feels like an impossible task. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.

With a few sacrifices and a sensible approach, you can haul successfully get debt free in a relatively short period of time. Sound good?

Keep reading to learn exactly how to handle credit card debt to become debt-free quickly.

1. Know the Damage

Debt can feel scary.

Instead of confronting the issue and dealing with it, many people simply choose to bury their head in the sand. Unfortunately, all that leads to is a worse situation down the line.

The first step towards getting out of debt is understanding how much you owe.

As in, the total amount! How much credit card debt are you actually in? You’d be surprised how many households around the country have no idea. They just keep spending, missing payments, and perpetuating the cycle.

Now isn’t the time for estimates, either. Guessing isn’t good enough! Ballpark figures won’t help. Sit down and get real. Write down the sum total of all your credit card debt.

It can feel scary. However, be brave! Doing this is absolutely vital to creating a plan of action.

2. Figure Out Your Finances

Hopefully, you’ve now got a figure to work towards.

Well done! Scary as that number might seem, you’ve made great progress.

Now, though, it’s time to take stock of your monthly income and expenses. It’s essential that you know where your money comes from, and where it goes. Indeed, this is the first rung up the ladder to cut costs (more on this later).

Sit down and take a look at your cheques and balances. How much do you earn on a weekly and monthly basis? How much do you spend in total, and in what areas of life?

This data is central to understand how to hone your monthly expenditure. You might need to take a week or two to track your spending. Indeed, there are many phone apps that can help. They’ll sync with your bank account and keep tabs on your spending habits.

3. Contact the Credit Card Companies

Okay, now you know where you stand in terms of debt and expenses.

Next up, damage limitation.

Each of your credit cards will have a certain rate of interest attached to them. That’s why the amount you owe always goes up so fast!

Call up the credit card company to discuss the rates you have. From there, ask if they’re any way of cutting them down. Sure, your credit rating may play a role in how likely this is of happening. Poor credit means it’s less likely. However, it’s always worth a shot.

You’d be surprised at how much you can save with even small rating cuts. Remember, don’t ask, don’t receive. There’s no harm in trying.

4. Start Cutting Costs

Let’s face it, there are only really three ways out of debt:

Spend less (save more)
Earn more
Combination of 1 and 2

Option three will be most conducive to getting out of debt quickly. However, you might not have that luxury. Your income may be fixed, and the job market may make it hard to secure more money.

The easiest approach is usually to spend less money!

You now know exactly where your money goes. That’s a major help in determining when you can save. Maybe you go out for dinner a lot. Perhaps you pay through the nose for your phone bill each month. You might have masses of useless subscriptions that hemorrhage money each month.

Whatever the case may be, look for opportunities to cut costs.

Eat in. Stop paying for the gym. Downgrade your mobile phone. Stop going out all the time (or go out less often). And so on.

Remember, the more you cut, the more you can redirect to paying off your debt.

5. Sell Your Possessions

Sometimes you need money quickly. Selling your stuff can be a good way of getting extra money.

Sure, this may not be ideal! Likewise, it isn’t a long term solution to your debt problems. However, if you’ve got more than you really need, and could do with a decluttering, then it may not be a bad idea. It’s a definite way of getting a cash injection that can help out in desperate times.

Likewise, if it means earning enough extra cash to pay the next few months’ credit debt, then it’s worth considering.

Hold a yard sale, advertise on Craigslist, and so on. Of course, another way to pay off credit cards and get money quickly is taking on another loan. However, hesitate before doing this. Sure, you get funds quickly (and if the interest payments are lower, then it’s arguably worthwhile). That said, taking on more debt is rarely the best solution to having too much debt in the first place!

6. Start Paying Off Your Debt

Taking action is often the hardest part.

It’s easier to pretend there isn’t a problem. The first step is the hardest though. From there, you gather momentum and gradually snowball to success.

It’s time to start paying off that debt.

You have two options. Arguably the most sensible is to direct all of your newfound cash to pay off the highest interest credit card first. On all of your others, keep up with minimum payments.

This may take a reasonable amount of time. However, getting rid of the highest interest card is a big win. When it’s paid off, you’ll have more cash to direct to the others.

Final Thoughts on How to Handle Credit Card Debt

There you have it — exactly how to handle credit card debt and get debt-free.

Credit card debt is crippling households around the country. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get into debt; getting out of it is the problem! High-interest rates and exorbitant fees for missed repayments can quickly add up to a problem.

Thankfully, getting out of debt is absolutely possible. Hopefully, this post has highlighted how to do it.

Want more posts like this one? Head to the finance section on the blog now!