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It may cost you, but the quality of life in Connecticut makes it worth it for many people. The state has great schools, low crime, access to outdoor activities and great, fresh food. Being part of New England, Connecticut is also full of history and culture, with plenty of museums. There’s even an amusement park should you need a change of pace.

To fit Connecticut into your budget, it’s best to understand how the state’s prices compare to the rest of the country. By looking at average costs in a few specific categories, you can make an informed decision about whether a move is in your future.

Connecticut housing prices

Housing prices in Connecticut all hit above the national average. That doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable housing throughout the state or a home for any budget. But, it could be more challenging to get those good deals.

Hartford

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford is one of the more affordable places to live in the state. Housing prices are only 1.4 percent above the national average, so not too far out of reach for many. The city has a long history, solid job opportunities and some amazing museums. The variety of local parks is an ideal family-friendly destination, as well, when the weather is nice (it does get cold in the winter.)

Apartment prices are on the rise and may sit at the high end of your budget. One-bedroom apartments, up 14 percent over last year, have an average monthly rent of $1,747. Two-bedroom apartments, up 10 percent over last year, have an average monthly rent of $2,367.

Home prices aren’t rising as quickly as apartment rent, up only 2.6 percent over last year. The median home price in Hartford is $240,000.

New Haven

Home to Yale University, New Haven is a college town with a little bit more. The prestigious university is a cornerstone of the city, but there’s also the beach, the history, museums and even nearby skiing. Living in New Haven isn’t cheap, though, and home prices are 20.9 percent above the national average.

Apartments are going to cost you, too, especially if you’re a college student. You may want to consider a roommate to keep things affordable. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,455, which is up 18 percent over last year. Two-bedroom apartments, up 17 percent over last year, average out to cost $3,102 per month.

Homes for sale are a little more reasonable, and the median sale price in New Haven is $280,000, down 12.5 percent over last year.

Stamford

With the highest home prices in the state, the cost of living in Connecticut really gets skewed thanks to places like Stamford. Here, home prices are 68.6 percent above the national average. This affluent city primarily attracts families and professionals and is perfectly situated for commuters. Many neighborhoods provide a small-town feel without taking you too far away from the urban amenities of downtown. That’s good news since your housing budget may make it hard to live right in the middle of it all.

Apartment rents are increasing at a pretty significant rate. One-bedrooms are up 23 percent, and two-bedrooms are up 34 percent, both over last year. This puts average monthly rent prices up there. The average rent for a one-bedroom is $2,654 per month, while a two-bedroom averages out at $3,599.

Home prices are also on the higher side, and the median sale price in Stamford is $680,000. This is up 11.5 percent over last year.

Connecticut food prices

Lobster rolls are the most iconic food out of Connecticut (and all of New England), but the state does a few favorites just a little differently. First, they steam their cheeseburgers rather than grill them, and if you’re in New Haven it’s ‘apizza’ and not pizza that’s on the menu. In the fall, you can sample another iconic Connecticut food, homemade apple cider. With all this deliciousness, Connecticut residents spend between $267 and $300 per month on groceries.

Across the state, food prices align with other costs of living elements in Connecticut and are above the national average.

  • New Haven is 0.4 percent above the national average
  • Stamford is 8.2 percent above the national average
  • Hartford is 8.4 percent above the national average

With these averages relatively close together, you most likely won’t find huge price differentials in specific grocery items. The difference in ground beef prices is less than a dollar across these three cities, and a dozen eggs are only 11 cents more from their cheapest to most expensive.

Average prices are a little higher for some things, though. A loaf of bread in Hartford is on the high side at $4.69, but even with a few doozies, you can stay on a budget when you grocery shop.

Connecticut utility prices

Connecticut winters can really ramp up your utility costs. The winter season is long, with the lowest temperatures between December and February. Evening temperatures can get down to zero degrees Fahrenheit, and snowfall is heavy. As a result, you may pay more for heating in the winter, which can raise overall utility prices pretty quickly.

  • Hartford is 26.4 percent above the national average
  • Stamford is 30.3 percent above the national average
  • New Haven is 32.2 percent above the national average

These averages, and the amount of energy you need to live in comfortable temps year round, can drive up your energy bill. Expect to pay an average of $260 per month in Hartford, $273 in Stamford and $279 in New Haven.

Connecticut transportation prices

Transportation prices throughout Connecticut are all above average, but on the whole, this state is very easy to get around. With some of the most walkable cities in the country, certain pockets of Connecticut are perfect for those who don’t want the expense of owning a car. Strong public transportation systems also make it easy to get around without having to pay for gas, parking or regular vehicle maintenance.

That said, transportation is still an expensive component of the cost of living in Connecticut.

  • Hartford is 4 percent above the national average
  • New Haven is 14.3 percent above the national average
  • Stamford is 16.2 percent above the national average

At these prices, it might be worthwhile to use a variety of transportation options to get around.

The walkability of Connecticut

It’s impressive for a state to have so many cities with high walk scores, and across Connecticut, infrastructure design really takes those on foot into consideration.

The downtown area, along the riverfront in Hartford, is extremely walkable, but so are a lot of nearby neighborhoods. Overall, the city has a walk score of 75.

New Haven’s downtown area has many sidewalks, with highly walkable areas around Yale’s campus and in nearby squares. Combined, this gives the city a walk score of 78.

Stamford has a walk score of 84. With walkable blocks, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, the city is easy to navigate on foot, especially around the waterfront. There’s also a free trolley for when your feet get tired.

Public transportation in Connecticut

Each of our Connecticut cities provides public transportation, enabling residents to get around town without their own vehicles.

Hartford offers up two options. CT Transit has both local and express bus services around the city. For local service, a two-hour pass is $1.75, and a 31-day pass is $63. The dash Shuttle is another option. It’s a free service that runs downtown during the week, with extra service during major downtown events.

CT Transit also operates in New Haven and Stamford. New Haven buses run across 22 different routes, while Stamford operates 15. As long as you’re on a local bus line, even in separate cities, CT transit passes are the same price.

Stamford offers one additional mode of public transportation, the Harbor Point Trolley. This line connects the downtown area to Harbor Point, stopping at major spots like the government center and the University of Connecticut. The trolley is free to ride.

Connecticut healthcare prices

Healthcare prices in Connecticut are one of the few cost of living components with one city averaging below the rest of the county.

  • Hartford is 7.4 percent below the national average
  • Stamford is 7.2 percent above the national average
  • New Haven is 10.5 percent above the national average

These averages come from combining doctor visits, trips to urgent care, prescriptions, that annual eye doctor visits and dental check-ups. These averages put doctor’s visits between $100 and $140, dental visits between $87 and $122 and eye doctor visits between $127 and $155.

Connecticut goods and services prices

Eating that special New Haven ‘apizza’, grabbing a six-pack of craft beer or having cheeseburgers with friends all fit into the goods and services section of your budget. These are the activities you like doing but could live without if money got tight.

In Connecticut, goods and services prices, combined, all reach above the national average.

  • Hartford is 10.6 above the national average
  • New Haven is 16.7 percent above the national average
  • Stamford is 18.6 percent above the national average

These averages could mean you get to do a little less of those bonus activities each month, simply because of cost. The only way to really know is to look at the individual prices of your favorite extras.

Yes, we threw in one practical service into the chart, but when you price compare, you can see that not everything costs the most in Stamford. When it comes to beer and dry cleaning, Hartford actually takes the top spot, although overall, it’s the least expensive city, and New Haven is the cheapest when it comes to burgers. Without knowing individual costs, it’s impossible to budget for this aspect of the cost of living in Connecticut.

Taxes in Connecticut

Connecticut has a graduated income tax, which means your rate comes from how much money you make each year. You’ll end up paying somewhere between 3 percent and 6.99 percent.

When it comes to sales tax, the state-wide rate is 6.35 percent. That’s all you’ll pay across Connecticut. There are no local sales taxes.

So, if you’re shopping for furniture for your new apartment, for every $1,000 you spend, you’ll pay $63.50 in taxes. Not too bad.

How much do I need to earn to live in Connecticut?

The first thing you need to live in Connecticut is a home, and being able to afford one means putting at least 30 percent of your annual income toward rent. This is definitely possible, and you can calculate exactly what would work with your budget using our rent calculator.

To estimate needs, the average rent in Connecticut is $1,713. To afford this rent, at 30 percent of your income, you’d need to make a minimum of $68,520. This is highly possible given that the average annual wage comes really close. At $66,130, you’re right on the edge of affording an average rent, and not too far that you won’t have plenty of options to pick from that are just a little less.

Living in Connecticut

Connecticut may come at a higher-than-average cost, but calling the Constitution State home has plenty of benefits. Connecticut has the beach, great parks and a strong economy. Its location puts you close to just about anywhere in New England (and New York) and educational opportunities are top-notch.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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Spirit Airlines is one of the most established low-cost airlines in the U.S., with destinations throughout the country, the Caribbean and Latin America.

With so many flights operating each day, there’s a good chance that something can and will go wrong. If that’s the case, you’ll likely want to contact Spirit Airlines customer service.

Let’s take a look at the different ways you can reach them and answer some questions you may have about dealing with Spirit Airlines after a mishap.

How do I reach Spirit Airlines customer service?

Spirit Airlines has a number of different methods of communication in the event you need to reach them. For common questions, Spirit maintains a wide-reaching FAQ resource.

Otherwise, you can reach Spirit by chat, SMS/WhatsApp or email.

How to call Spirit Airlines customer service

The Spirit Airlines customer service number is 1-855-728-3555. This number is good for reservations, baggage, changing a flight or when you receive an error online.

Can you chat online with Spirit Airlines?

It’s possible to have a live chat with a Spirit representative on the Spirit website from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central time daily. There’s also a chatbot available 24/7 that can help answer some questions.

How to message Spirit Airlines

If you’d prefer not to make a phone call, you can message Spirit Airlines on Twitter (also known as X) or Facebook. Spirit’s Twitter handle is @SpiritAirlines.

Airlines are generally good about fielding responses on Twitter, so this may be an avenue you wish to take if you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere with your requests.

You can also text the airline at 48763 or use 1-855-728-3555 on messaging service WhatsApp.

How to send mail to Spirit Airlines

If you want to kick it old school, you can send snail mail to Spirit’s offices. The address is: Corporate Guest Relations, 2800 Executive Way, Miramar, FL 33025.

Whom do I contact about my Free Spirit loyalty account?

The frequent flyer program for Spirit Airlines is Free Spirit. Members of the program can earn Free Spirit points toward free flights, as well as elite status, which can get you shortcut boarding, extra bonus points and free carry-on luggage.

If you have a concern about your Free Spirit account, you can contact the company through its general support lines.

Does Spirit give refunds for canceled flights?

Like all U.S. airlines, Spirit is required to give refunds for flights that it cancels. This is dictated by the Department of Transportation rather than the individual airlines.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Spirit flight credits typically expire within 90 days of issuance.

Generally speaking, Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy is not very generous, especially when you compare it to airlines like Southwest, which allows passengers to cancel up to 10 minutes before departure.

How to find lost luggage on Spirit Airlines

If your bag cannot be located, inform a Spirit agent at the airport’s Baggage Claim area or at the Baggage Service Office. If there’s no one available at those locations, find a Spirit representative at the airport check-in counter.

For lost luggage, guests traveling domestically must file an incident report and receive a File ID within 4 hours of arrival, whereas international travelers can file a report within 21 days of arrival.

Where do I offer feedback or send a complaint to Spirit Airlines?

Once you’ve gone through all the steps, you’ll be prompted to fill out a form detailing your experience. Spirit will then get back to you.

Customers in need of immediate assistance should pursue the alternative communication methods outlined in this article.

The bottom line

Spirit Airlines offers airfare at appealing price points, but sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry and you may need to contact the airline for assistance.

Happily, the company is easy to contact by phone, email, postal mail or social media.

(Top photo courtesy of Spirit Airlines)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Teresa Bryce Bazemore, President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, announced her intention to retire after her current contract expires in 2024. The Home Loan Bank of San Francisco came under heightened scrutiny for issuing advances to Silicon Valley Bank and Silvergate Bank before they went defunct earlier this year.

Alex Lowy

Teresa Bryce Bazemore, who held a front-row seat during the bank liquidity crisis this year as president and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, plans to retire when her term expires in 2024, citing personal reasons. 

The San Francisco bank’s board chose not to renew Bazemore’s contract after she asked to retire in 2025, though her contract expires in 2024. The board instead initiated a search for a new CEO, said Simone Lagomarsino, the board’s chairman, who also is president and CEO at Luther Burbank Savings. 

Bazemore “indicated that, due to personal and other considerations, she would like to retire in March 2025,” Lagomarsino said in a press release. “As a result, and in consultation with Teresa, the board has decided to move forward with a search to identify a new CEO who will deliver long-term continuity and engaged leadership.”  

The decision followed “extensive deliberation and discussion” about the Home Loan bank’s long-term goals, including “the implementation and integration of strategic changes that may arise from the ‘FHLBank System at 100’ review currently being conducted by the Federal Housing Finance Agency,” Lagomarsino said in the release. “The board recognized the critical importance of a CEO who would be engaged for the next several years to lead the organization forward and implement a vision and strategy to align with the outcome of the FHFA’s review.”  

The San Francisco Home Loan Bank played a central role in the bank liquidity crisis in March, when it served as lender of next-to-last-resort to Silicon Valley Bank, which was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and ultimately sold to First Citizens BancShares in Raleigh, N.C. Other major borrowers of the San Francisco Home Loan bank this year included San Francisco-based First Republic Bank, which was sold to JPMorgan Chase in May, and Silvergate Bank of La Jolla, Calif., which self-liquidated in March.

Last year, Bazemore earned $2.4 million, which included a base salary of $910,000 and other incentive compensation. When she joined the San Francisco Home Loan bank in 2021, she received a $100,000 signing bonus. Her employment agreement provides for 12 months of severance pay, equal to her base salary, plus other awards, according to the Home Loan banks’ combined financial report for 2022. 

Last year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency that oversees that Home Loan bank system, launched a holistic review of the government-sponsored enterprise, its first in 90 years. Critics have questioned the system’s hybrid public-private business model and whether the banks are engaged in the primary mission of supporting housing. FHFA Director Sandra Thompson is set to issue a report with policy and congressional recommendations sometime later this year. 

Separately, Fitch Ratings on Thursday downgraded certain ratings of the Federal Home Loan banks of Atlanta and Des Moines citing the “high and growing general government debt burden,” of the U.S. government. The ratings actions followed the downgrade of the U.S. to ‘AA+,’ from ‘AAA.’

The Home Loan banks are bank cooperatives that provide low-cost funding to 6,500 members including banks, insurance companies and credit unions. Created in 1932 to bolster housing during the Depression, the system incentivizes banks to buy mortgage-backed securities and agency bonds that can be pledged as collateral in exchange for liquidity.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

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Inside: Looking for the best care packages for college students? Look no further! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right gifts and packing a care package that will make your student feel at home during their time away.

It’s that time of year again! Time to send your college student a care package. But what should you include?

We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of the best care packages for college students.

From food and snacks to study aids and dorm decor, we’ve got ideas for every type of student.

This year, I seem to know so many parents sending off their college students.

So whether your child is homesick or just needs a little pick-me-up, check out our list of the best care packages for college students.

What is a Care Package?

A care package is a heartfelt bundle filled with handpicked items, designed to uplift the spirits of the recipient.

A care package for a college student is a curated box filled with various items such as food, products, or novelty items, tailored to their interests, to remind them they’re loved and provide them with needed or desired items while they’re away from home.

Nonetheless, a care package can be a wonderful surprise!

What goes in a care package for a college student?

Who says that college life has to be tough?

Show your college-bound kid you’re thinking of them with an amazing care package! Here’s how:

  • Pamper them with toiletries like soap, body scrub, or dry shampoo. It’s practicality meeting indulgence.
  • Include favorite snacks like popcorn, pretzels, candies, chips, or nuts—because nothing beats study stress like mouthfuls of favorite munchies!
  • Throw in souvenirs from your hometown because nostalgia is a comfort blanket away from home.
  • Don’t forget a gift card or two. It’s the little ticket to a happy spree when the budget runs low.
  • And finally, a heartfelt, handwritten note to remind them they’re loved, even from miles away.

In every box, you’re not just bringing joy to your college kid, you’re sending them love and comfort!

Why Send A Care Package To A College Student?

1. A Gift of Sustenance and Comfort
2. A Way to Express Love and Support
3. A Means to Introduce New Things
4. A Way to Help College Students Cope with Stress
5. A Resource for Essential Kitchen Items
6. A Means to Stay Connected
7. A Way to Provide a Mood Booster
8. A Tool to Help College Students Transition into Life Indoors
9. A Way to Give Money
10. A Gift That Can Help College Students Get Ahead

What are some care package ideas?

Care packages are personalized boxes filled with essentials, comforting items, or little luxuries that can offer solace, promote self-care, or give a delightful surprise.

Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing!

Imagine delivering a box packed with their favorite homemade goodies, essential school supplies, novel books, or even a themed package for that upcoming stressful finals week or just because!

Unbox this opportunity and read on to discover unique ideas for designing amazing care packages. Excite a college student today with this heartfelt gesture!

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

What item should every care package include?

Creating a care package can be a delightful way to demonstrate your care and thoughtfulness. It combines a mixture of practical items, fun surprises, and often much-needed essentials.

What goes into each package can vary greatly, but a gift card is always a must!

Care Packages Themes for College Students

Choosing a theme for a care package can help streamline the process and reduce the stress of deciding what to include.

Themes could be traditional, humorous, or catered towards particular interests or events, such as a holiday-themed box, an orange-colored items package to signify the end of exams or a coffee-themed care package for those who love a good brew.

Regardless of the theme, here are a few items that should ideally be included in every care package:

  • Self-Care Items: These can include items like face masks or beauty products, scented candles, and relaxing bath products, among others. They offer the recipient the luxury of self-pampering.
  • Comfort Items: Usually, soft items such as socks, blankets, or even simple things like their favorite tea or coffee can provide comfort.
  • Snacks & Treats: These are a must-have. Include their favorite bites or homemade goods if possible.
  • Drinks: Depending on the recipient’s preference, you can include a variety of drinks, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
  • Fun Things: Small games, coloring books, or novels can serve to reduce stress and provide entertainment.
  • Personal Care: Essential items such as toiletries or grooming products are always useful.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Especially for those away from home, cleaning supplies can be handy.
  • School Supplies or Work Essentials: Depending on the recipient’s needs, this could include notebooks, pens, sticky notes, etc.
  • Personal Safety Devices: Consider adding items like a mini first aid kit, a personal alarm, or a safety whistle.
  • Other Useful Things: Depending on the recipient’s interests, you could add items like a new book, a special photo, study aids, or sports gear.

Regardless of what you choose to include, the most important aspect of a care package is that it conveys love and care to the recipient.

Make sure you time sending your package well, and learn what time do Amazon packages arrive.

Best Care Packages for College Students

College students, often away from home for the first time, can sometimes struggle with homesickness or stress.

One of the most cherished remedies for these feelings is a thoughtful care package from home. It is an amazing way to remind them they’re loved and missed, bridging the gap between home and school.

But what really makes the best care package?

One that aligns with their interests, meets their fundamental needs and contains a surprise or two for fun.

A care package can boost their morale, make them feel less homesick, and get them through challenging times. It’s not just about what’s in the package, it’s about the thought and care that goes into it.

Here is a list to fill your care package with:

Food & Drinks:

1. Snacks: College students need fuel for their late-night study sessions. A variety of healthy snacks can give them that energy boost they need.

2. Instant coffee or tea bags: For caffeinated moments without needing to leave their dorm room.

3. Homemade Cookies or Baked Goods: Nothing says ‘care’ like homemade treats.

4. Specialty Coffees: For the coffee-lover student. Because it serves as an essential tool for late-night study sessions, helping students remain awake and energized.

5. Spirulina Powder: A superfood that’s great for a health boost.

6. Granola Bars or Oatmeal: Quick and easy to make, these are ideal for those mornings when students are running late for their classes.

7. Sugar-free chewing gum: Helps to maintain focus while studying.

8. Recipe Books: For the college student who needs help learning to cook. Even better create your own digital recipe book to pass along your family favorites!

9. Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle serves both as a health and environment-friendly gift.

10. English Breakfast Tea: This can provide a comforting, hot beverage that is easy to make in a dorm room. This electric tea kettle would be a special treat!

11. Hot Sauce: A versatile condiment like hot sauce can spice up drab, repetitive cafeteria meals.

12. Snacks & Munchies: Items like popcorn and pretzels are perfect for late-night cravings or for sharing with roommates.

13. Treats: Candies, chips, cookies, marshmallows, and nuts give students a sweet or savory option for a quick snack between classes.

14. Healthy items: Vitamins are great to keep students healthy, especially during finals when stress levels are high and sleep is compromised.

15. Fondue Set: A fun treat and a good reason to invite friends over.

Besides these food items, it would also be wonderful to include a few gift cards for local eateries or popular chains like Starbucks to give students the chance to have a meal or two outside the college cafeteria.

Self Care & Pampering:

16. Facial Masks: A fun and relaxing self-care item.

17. Natural Skin Care Products: To ensure their skin stays healthy too.

18. Cozy blanket: For those chilly nights in the dorm.

19. Candles: especially battery-powered ones, offer a relaxing ambiance without posing a potential fire hazard, making them ideal for dorms.

20. Spa Items: Think along the lines of bath bombs, Epsom salts, body lotion

21. Sheet Masks: this popular DIY spa at-home item is a must!

22. Essential Oils: These are needed as they offer a calming and uplifting aroma that can alleviate stress and contribute to an overall sense of well-being, especially in high-stress environments like colleges or workplaces.

23. Nail Care Kit: specifically items to do gel manicures at home. This is something I love to do myself!

24. Sleep Mask: To ensure a good night’s sleep.

25. Cute or neutral cozy socks: Socks provide warmth and comfort, helping individuals relax after a long day of classes or studying.

26. Shower Massager: A shower massager can provide much-needed stress relief after a day filled with classes, activities, and studying.

27. Scalp Massager: This can be an excellent tool for relaxation and stress relief, making it a perfect inclusion for a college beginning or the exam period.

28. Mini First Aid Kit: Every student should have a basic first aid kit.

To Get Moving (Health & Fitness):

29. Sports Equipment: For some physical activity.

30. Bluetooth Speaker: For listening to music or watching movies with friends.

31. Yoga Mat: It’s crucial to note that a yoga mat plays a significant role in providing comfort, reducing injury, and enhancing concentration during workouts.

32. Running Shoes: Running is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Or maybe to replace an old set of shoes.

33. Fitness resistance bands: These bands are perfect for incorporating into a student’s fitness routine, keeping them in shape even with their busy schedule.

Artsy Or Creative:

34. Coloring Book and Colored Pencils: A relaxing way to take study breaks. Or try this backward coloring book.

35. Colored Pencils: These complement the coloring books perfectly.

36. Notebooks and Stationary: Artists and writers would appreciate sets of beautiful stationery.

37. Origami Paper: tap into their creativity by providing a relaxing and enjoyable pastime that can help alleviate the stresses of academic life.

38. DIY Crafts: Handmade items for a personal touch.

39. Art Supplies: If they have an artistic side, new supplies can help fuel their creativity.

Mindfulness:

40. Stress Balls: Perfect for stressful exam periods. These are my favorite item on my desk!

41. Letters or Notes of Encouragement: Personal notes to show your love and support.

42. A Self-Care Journal: Helps to promote mindfulness and wellbeing.

43. An Inspirational Book: Can provide motivation and comfort.

44. Fidget Toy: Great for stress relief and concentration.

45. A calming lavender scented candle: This can help create a soothing environment, perfect for stress relief after a long day of lectures.

46. Zen Garden: This mini-sandbox can foster a bit of creativity and provide a mindless distraction from overwhelming studies.

47. Meditation guidebook: This can introduce a beginner to effective meditation techniques and potential benefits for mindfulness.

48. Affirmation cards: Daily positivity prompts can boost mood, and encourage a positive mindset.

49. White noise machine: This can provide calming background noise, assisting in good quality sleep and fostering mental well-being.

50. Weighted blanket: Proven to stimulate serotonin production, this blanket can increase feelings of calm and aid in better sleep.

51. Gratitude journal: This promotes the daily practice of noting down things one is grateful for, fostering a positive mindset, and reducing stress.

52. Mini Buddha Board: With this, they can paint with water and watch it slowly evaporate, reminding them of the impermanence of life’s stressors.

For School:

53. Portable Charger: No student wants to run out of battery while on the go.

54. Noise-Canceling Headphones: A fantastic tool that can help students study in peace, even in a noisy dorm.

55. iPhone/Android Charging Cord: An extra charging cord can be a lifesaver for busy students.

56. Planner: Helps students keep track of their assignments and plans. Don’t forget these planner stickers.

57. USB Flash Drive: For backing up important assignments and projects.

58. Study Supplies: Flashcards, highlighters, sticky notes, and more.

59. Stickers: These can be used to decorate their laptops, notebooks, or other personal items, adding a fun and creative element.

For Fun:

60. Birthday decorations: For a surprise birthday celebration.

61. Flying Butterflies out of the Box: This is one of my favorites! The butterflies fly out of the box when opened! Very easy to set up too.

62. Movie Night Pack: A collection of films, popcorn, and candy for a sweet night in.

63. Mini Board Games: Something fun they can do during their free time.

64. Board Game or Playing Cards: Fun games to play with friends during downtime.

65. Funny Socks: Just to put a smile on their faces.

66. “Orange you glad exams are almost over?” care package: A box full of orange-colored items will not only be visually striking but will also offer a light-hearted joke to help reduce exam stress.

To Help Their Budget:

67. Wallet or Money Clip: To keep their money and ID safe.

68. Budget Binder: make sure they are starting out right! Here are the best budget binders.

69. Laundry Detergent Pods: This easy-to-carry, mess-free laundry solution is perfect for college students.

70. Hygiene Products: Essential toiletries like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner can save them a trip to the store.

71. Extra set of Sheets: Comes in handy during laundry day.

72. Prepaid Visa Gift Cards: These can be for anything from their favorite stores, food places or for movie tickets.

73. CASH: Check out these money gift ideas on ways to package it.

74. Money Cake with Cake: These are extremely popular with the recipient.

Maybe it is a good reminder for them to find remote jobs for college students.

Nostalgia:

75. A DIY Scrapbook: A place to store all of your pictures and mementos.

76. Stuffed Animal: For comforting cuddles on lonely nights.

77. Postcards from Home: Reminds them of their roots while away.

78. Cute photo frames: For them to display their favorite memories.

79. Personalized Keychain: To carry a piece of home with them at all times.

How to Choose the Right Care Package for a College Student

Transitioning to college life is notoriously challenging for students.

Tackling the academic load, juggling social responsibilities, and handling homesickness can be overwhelming. That’s where a thoughtful care package comes in as a ray of hope, bringing a taste of home, a load of love, and a boost of morale.

While choosing the ideal care package, consider these critical attributes:

  • Personalization: Pick items aligning with their tastes and interests. The more personal, the more cherished.
  • Versatility: Include a variety of items, from fun snacks to useful goods. Variety is the spice of life.
  • Affordability: There’s no need for a high budget. Thoughtfulness doesn’t need to be expensive.
  • Thematic elements: Consider packages focused on upcoming holidays or exam seasons for added relevance. The more timely, the more needed.
  • Convenience: Prioritize products that save your student time and energy. The simpler, the better.

Remember, these packages are powerful messages of love and support. Choose wisely.

When to Send Care Packages for College Students

One of the most fitting times to send a college student a care package is at the beginning of the freshman year when they are trying to adjust to their new environment.

However, these thoughtful packages can be sent at any time throughout their college journey to remind them that they are missed and cared for back home.

  • Fall
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Easter
  • Finals
  • Birthday
  • Or any other holiday!
  • Especially during stressful periods, like exam season, a care package can be a well-appreciated and timely morale booster.

Tips for Sending a Care Package to a College Student

1. Consider the Student’s Needs

Do you puzzle over what to put in a care package for your college student? You’re not alone.

Many parents struggle with creating a meaningful gift that caters to their child’s actual needs.

The key is convenience and usefulness—factors often overlooked in the thrill of care package creation. Let’s transform your approach.

Tailoring your package to their needs ensures your thoughtful gift becomes a practical blessing in their hectic college life.

2. Consider the Budget

Overspending on care packages for your college student can shock your wallet. Just like trying to figure out how much to give for high school graduation.

The wrong box size could lead to needless extras and unexpectedly high shipping costs. Thankfully, you can easily drop ship the items with Amazon Prime.

Also, think about how many times per year you plan to send a care package. That way you can spread out the fun throughout the year.

This is especially true if you want to know how to pay for college without loans.

3. Email or Call the Student to Find Out What They Need

Don’t risk sending unneeded items to your college student that end up wasting space and money.

Imagine the disappointment when they open the package to find redundant or unnecessary supplies.

But there’s an easy fix! Before assembling a care package, make a quick call or send an email asking what they actually need. This simple step ensures your thoughtful gesture aligns perfectly with their requirements.

Remember, it’s about sending useful items that your student appreciates and utilizes – making your effort truly count!

FAQ

Feeling homesick is a common challenge for many college students. Their new environment can seem excitingly novel but also distressingly foreign. But you can help alleviate this uncomfortable feeling by sending thoughtful, comforting care packages.

  • Snacks from Home: Local snacks can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them feel closer to home.
  • Personal Mementos: Tokens like pictures of family, posters of hometown landscapes, or preserved local flowers help create a familiar space in their dormitory.
  • Money: An unexpected cash bonus is not just practical, but also a mood booster. Who doesn’t love a surprise windfall?
  • Heartfelt Note/Card: A message of love and encouragement can provide emotional resiliency in distressing times.

Remember, your care packages remind them that they’re loved and thought of, even miles away.

Sending care packages to college students is a thoughtful gesture that can be done at any frequency you prefer.

For example, once a quarter might be a good rule to ensure your student receives regular reminders of your love and support.

Supplements around finals, or during difficult times, are always appreciated. Feel free to adjust the frequency based on your student’s needs and preferences.

Sending a college girl a care package is a great way to remind her of home and boost her spirits. And typically, girls want fun things specific to them.

Here are the top 5 items to include:

  • Hair Accessories: Such as colorful hair ties or headbands to add a fun touch to her looks.
  • Socks: Choose cozy and cute ones, they’ll be perfect for chilly dorm nights.
  • Lip Balm: This is essential for avoiding chapped lips, consider tinted options for a dual-purpose product.
  • Fun Study Supplies: Including unique pens or sticky notes as they can make studying a bit more entertaining.
  • Face Masks: They offer a chance for self-care and relaxation, especially for those stress-induced skin flare-ups.

Time to Pack Those College Care Packages!

Transitioning to college life can be both exciting and overwhelming. Often, college students find themselves daunted by academic rigors, social pressure, and the unique environment of living away from home.

But what if there was a simple way to overcome these challenges?

Enter: the care package.

With a little bit of planning, you can easily put together a care package that will make your student smile.

So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

Our discussion about how to eat for cheap generated a lot of great tips. Daiko shared a detailed explanation of how he once got by spending just $15/week on food. This is a great real-life example of how it’s possible to eat well without breaking the bank. I’m posting it here so that more people will see it.

Although I don’t do this now, I once lived on $15 a week for food in the early 1990s. This was helped by the fact that my workplace fed me five meals a week, but I was still carrying the weight of sixteen additional meals (for slightly less than a dollar per meal). This was not easy or comfortable to do — I did it by necessity — but I believe it could still be done for $20/week in most parts of the U.S. Also, while I was satisfied at the time, the fare was probably a bit more spartan than most would willingly eat.

Here is some of what I did:

  1. Never allow leftovers to go bad. I would cook one or two major meals per week. Sometimes this was a full-sized lasagna, sometimes fish that was on sale, sometimes a big pot of homemade spaghetti sauce or soup with lots of fresh vegetables added. It always included a big salad. This big meal would feed me dinners (and some lunches) for five or six days, and I could not afford to throw any of it away. I would eat leftovers almost every day. Every ounce of it was eaten over the course of the week. (J.D.’s note: Here’s an article on how to store your food so that it lasts longer.)
  2. Supplement with inexpensive foods. Many will say this is unhealthy. It would have been if it had been all that I ate, but I definitely ate a lot of Ramen and macaroni and cheese. These were bought when on sale: Ramen 7-for-$1 (a deal I’ve seen as recently as last week) and Mac & Cheese 3-for-$1. I also could get canned tuna 3-for-$1 easily, and once or twice a year as a loss leader for 5-for-$1. Poor man’s tuna casserole was a staple and would feed me for two or three meals: one package of mac & cheese with one can tuna mixed in.
  3. Shop in the produce aisle. This sounds counter-intuitive, because everyone “knows” that produce is expensive. But I would shop for the inexpensive produce (which tended to be seasonal). Potatoes, carrots, celery, lettuce, tomatoes (sometimes), oranges (sometimes), cabbage, etc. These all make great food and provide snacks that generally don’t spike your blood sugar like factory-made snacks do. Also, this may be obvious, but I would eat fruit in season. For example, apples were plentiful in the fall: I could get a bag for about $1 and would get one or two bags for the week. I would have apples with everything (and for snacks). Again, I could not afford to throw out a single apple, so I ate them all. And at that time of year, making an apple pie was in the budget too! (J.D.’s note: there’s an actual fitness regiment based around apples: The 3-Apple-a-Day Plan.)
  4. Never eat out. I couldn’t have bought more than four or five meals for my $15 weekly food budget, and that’s assuming the cheap breakfast place that had meals for $2.95 a plate. I needed to get at least 16 meals out of that $15, so there was no room for the luxury of eating out.
  5. Have substantial cereals for breakfast. Oatmeal and Grapenuts were keys to my success. They both filled me up and kept me filled up for much of the day. A single container of oatmeal — not the flavored packages, which are expensive and insubstantial, but the big boxes of loose Old Fashioned Oatmeal — would last slightly longer than a week, even if I ate it every day. At the time this cost about $1.99 per container. You can get it today easily for $2.99 per container.
  6. Avoid junk food. Not one candy bar, bag of chips, pre-made peanut butter cracker, store-bought cookie, “breakfast bar”, or pack of gum could be afforded. This didn’t mean I didn’t have snacks: a bag of popcorn cost about $1, and if I had the money available I would get one. Also, I had flour, sugar, water, eggs (usually), oil, and oatmeal, so sometimes I would make oatmeal cookies (with raisins if I was splurging). Sometimes saltines were on sale and I would usually have peanut butter on the shelf, so I could make peanut butter crackers if I wanted.
  7. Avoid pre-cooked foods. Frozen dinners, deli-made quiche, store-roasted chicken — all of these cost too much per serving. If I wanted quiche, I had to make it from scratch. The ingredients were in my budget and on my shelves. If I wanted chicken, I waited until it was on sale for $0.39/lb and roasted it myself. I then ate it for 6-8 meals before chucking the bones into a pot to make chicken soup and having that for another 6-8 meals.
  8. Buy a basic paperback cookbook. Because I had to make most things from scratch, I bought a paperback copy of what is often called “The Plaid Cookbook”: the Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook. I think it cost $6 at that time, and was not part of my food budget, but it paid itself back many times over. (J.D.’s note: it only costs $8 now.) If I wanted to make lasagna, it told me how. Did I manage to buy a roast beef on sale? The cookbook told me how to avoid ruining it in the oven. Pumpkin pie? apple pie? quiche? roast chicken? all was explained, and often within my budget because I could make it from standard, inexpensive ingredients.
  9. Don’t buy beverages. There’s a reason Coca-Cola and Pepsi Co. have been good investments and consistent earners across the years: they are selling you water. During this tough time I did not buy soda, or water, or coffee, or tea, or any beverage other than milk (which was reserved for my breakfasts, and only on weeks when I was having boxed cereal). I think I bought hot cocoa mix during the winter, and that lasted several weeks. If I needed a sugar drink I used a tablespoon or two of lemon juice — which I had on hand as a cooking supply — and a tablespoon or two of sugar in a tall glass of iced water: instant soft drink for possibly $0.10.
  10. Special Bonus Tip. I didn’t do this at the time, but I now know that using dried milk saves at least $1 per gallon. There are two tricks to using dried milk. First, invest in a glass container. I don’t know why, but dried milk tastes terrible when stored in plastic. Second, chill it. If you follow these two suggestions, you’ll be able to serve the milk to guests and they will never know. In fact, they will likely think you buy it from a dairy. (And yes, this is something that my family does now. We have been drinking almost exclusively dried milk for the last 7 years.) Dried milk also saves time and gas money: out of milk? No need to run to the convenience store, just mix it up. In this case we save almost $2.00 a gallon because milk is so much more expensive at the convenience store, and since the family drinks about a gallon a day, we save as much as $7-10 per week just by drinking dried milk.

There may have been other tricks that I’ve forgotten, but with only $15 to spend per week I had to think long and hard about buying anything that cost more than $1. Was it going to sustain me?

It was much harder when I started this radical budget, because I started from nothing. But over time, it got easier, in part because some items lasted longer than a week. For example, pantry items like a bag of sugar, a bag of flour, a bottle of oil, and a bag of brown sugar would generally last longer than a week. In the first weeks I had to buy a lot of these things and they used up a lot of my $15, but immediately they became the “money in the bank” that allowed me to buy other staples that might not last that long.

So, yes it is possible to eat without spending a fortune. Again, my food budget was radical by necessity, but the principles would still work today. I think $15/wk might not be enough now, but I think $20/wk would work, and I know that $30/wk would be fairly easy for a single person. For reference: $15/wk per person = $65/month for one and $260/month for a family of four. $30/wk per person = $130/month for one and $520/month for a family of four (which is about what my family spends on food now, and we don’t eat anywhere near the way I did back in the ’90s).

J.D.’s note: Even if you’re unwilling to take all of the steps Daiko did to save money, implementing just a few of them can help you cut your food budget. Also, another cheap beginner’s cookbook with simple recipes is Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

AN INTERIOR designer has shared how he would style some of the cringiest home decorations he has ever seen. 

The home décor fan said cringy items are so common that even he has had to come up with ways to style them. 

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An interior designer has shared how he would style some of the cringiest home decorations he has ever seenCredit: tiktok.com/@mrphoenixgrey

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The home décor fan said the cringy items are so common that even he has had to come up with ways to style themCredit: tiktok.com/@mrphoenixgrey

Phoenix Gray also known as the ‘Design Daddy’ shared his tips in a TikTok video online. 

He said: “These are some of the cringiest and overused home discord items you will see all over social media. As an interior designer I even have some of these so let’s style them.”

First Phoenix shared how he would style the Tom Ford Book. 

He said: “Every Instagram girly in 2007 had one of these  And they are so overhyped but honestly the fabric coffee table books in black and white although they are very overused go with absolutely everything.”

He added: “They do no wrong when it comes to coffee table books. I’m always stacking them because I like creating that extra little level of height that plays within the space.”

Phoenix said you can’t go wrong placing this in a stack of books on your coffee table.

He said: “Anyways but this is how I styled larger format books like this I always stack so I ended up using it as the base to begin with. I have other coffee table books already set up.”

The next item that Phoenix is sick of seeing is the Hermes Avalon Blanket. 

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He said: “It’s loved by interior designers when it comes to styling every room that you can imagine. Once again this blanket has been so overused and over hyped that you either love it or you hate it.”

But Phoenix argues the tones in the blanket make it pretty easy to work with. 

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He said: “One of the great things about this slinky is that it is dual toned so you have two different colorways to style it in different rooms.”

“The typical way of styling it is that multifold that works really well. You just divide it into two. It gives you that really nice formal place look that you can really throw anywhere.”

Phoenix places the blanket over his blue ottoman seats. 

He said: “I usually do it just at the end of my ottoman like this to give that nice little fluff that adds a little bit of colour but also extra height and dimension and then depending on the mood of the style.”

“If I need to actually use those ottomans it works great as just throwing them on the couch even on the top with a throw pillow.”

The interiors designers video racked up over 61,000 views and people were sharing their own cringy decor pet peeves. 

One user said: “My cringiest is karate chopped pillows.”

Another said: “I hate the Versace and McQueen books.”

Source: the-sun.com