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Apache is functioning normally

November 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

Inside: Fixed expenses are a vital part of any budget, and understanding how to account for them is essential to staying on track. This guide will teach you about fixed expenses and how to use them in your monthly budget to keep expenses under control.

Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial stability.

Whether you want to or not, it will take away the stress of money.

A budget is a practical tool that enables you to plan your spending and savings, ensuring a fair share of your income goes towards critical expenses. It also gives you more control over your money, reducing stress and enabling you to meet your financial objectives.

This is something you want, right?

In this post, we will uncover information specifically related to fixed budget expenses.

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.

Decoding Your Expenses – Fixed and Variable

Understanding expenses forms the bedrock of effective budgeting practices. There are two key types of expenses to consider: fixed and variable.

Fixed expenses are those that remain constant every month, such as rent or car payments.
Variable expenses, on the other hand, fluctuate monthly based on usage or consumption, like groceries, utilities, or gas.

Balancing these two types of expenses forms a significant part of personal budgeting.

What is A Fixed Expense?

A fixed expense is a cost that remains typically constant and is paid at regular intervals. These intervals may be weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Given their consistency, they contribute to financial predictability and ease of budgeting.

What is an Example of a Fixed Expense?

Here are common fixed expense examples that cover a wide spectrum but predominantly include costs required to maintain a basic standard of living. Here are some examples:

Rent or mortgage payments: This encompasses the regular cost of housing.
Insurance premiums: This could be for your car, health, life, renters, or homeowners insurance.
Loan payments: Regular installments for obligations like student loans and car loans belong to this category.
Utilities: Though they may fluctuate occasionally, regular payments like water, gas, and electricity are often treated as fixed costs.
Subscriptions: Recurring payments for services such as gym memberships or streaming platforms.
Savings: For disciplined budgeters, fixed contributions to saving accounts can be considered a monthly fixed expense. This is how Money Bliss readers save so much money!

The list can extend to include other less common fixed expenses, such as alimony, child support, or back tax payments, depending on personal circumstances.

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Pros:

Comprehensive approach to budgeting, helping you plan monthly budgets based on your income.
Offers expert advice, making it suitable for those who require an in-depth, forward-thinking budgeting strategy.
Superior synchronization skills make it the winner in this area.
YNAB has extra features like goal setting for budgeting, shared budgeting tools for partners.
Option to manually add and upload transactions from accounts each month.
YNAB prioritizes user privacy.

What is a periodic fixed expense?

A periodic fixed expense is a cost that is regular and predictable but does not occur monthly. These expenses still retain the characteristics of fixed expenses.

They may be caused by quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment terms and require careful budgeting and planning. Examples include annual subscriptions, car insurance paid semi-annually, or yearly property taxes.

It’s essential to account for these expenses in your budget, dividing the total cost by the number of months until payment to ensure you’re adequately prepared when they’re due.

How to Budget for Fixed Expenses

Budgeting is a crucial financial activity as it helps manage income effectively and ensures all necessities are covered.

Most people use the zero based budget or the biweekly budget as a starting point.

1. Start With Fixed Expenses in Budgeting

Starting with fixed expenses in the budgeting process is essential, as they make up the majority of one’s budget and are typically consistent for longer periods.

When writing out your budget, prioritize fixed expenses such as housing costs, insurance, and childcare. You can use our personal budget categories to find out which expenses you shouldn’t forget.

Upon allocating your income for the month, ensure these bills take precedence over discretionary spending to avoid budgeting errors.

Quicken

Personal finance and money management software allows you to manage spending, create monthly budgets, track investments, retirement and more.

I have used this platform for over 20 years now.

Pros:

Birds-eye view of your complete financial picture.
Conveniently download your spending activities, and automatically categorize them (Quicken connects to over 14,000 financial institutions).
Track investments with it’s features like portfolio analytics, retirement goals, and market comparison.

Cons:

Little complex to use at first, the learning curve is moderate.
Yearly subscription-based model to use the platform.

2. Prioritizing Between Fixed and Variable Expenses

Prioritizing between fixed and variable expenses can often feel like walking a tightrope.

The first step is budgeting for your fixed expenses. Since they make up the majority of your budget and are for longer periods of time, it’s crucial to ensure these costs are taken care of first.
Next, plan for your variable expenses. These costs fluctuate every month and can be adjusted easily.
Finally, you will account for flexible expenses.

As always, don’t forget to save and invest, as this will help with financial sustainability and wealth development.

3. Tools and Techniques for Efficient Budgeting

Today’s digital landscape offers myriad tools and techniques for efficient budgeting, which is great news for you!

Apps and digital tools can facilitate the tracking of expenses in real-time, thus making it easier to discern patterns and identify savings opportunities. Using a line-item budget can help you dig into where your money is going and plan every dollar you earn.

Here are our favorite budget apps.

Regularly reviewing and updating your budget can help you stay on top of changes and future uncertainties.

Tiller Money

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Tiller is the fastest, easiest way to manage your money with the unlimited flexibility of a spreadsheet.

Update your finances in one place, so you can take control of spending, optimize cash flow, and confidently plan your financial future.

Pros:

Tiller automatically updates Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel with your latest spending, balances, and transactions each day.
No more tedious data entry, CSV files, or logging into multiple accounts.
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How do I determine whether a cost is fixed or variable?

Determining whether a cost is fixed or variable often comes down to its consistency and its correlation with a factor such as output, usage, or time.

Fixed costs remain constant over time or within certain activity levels; examples include rent and insurance premiums. They do not fluctuate with changes in production or the number of goods sold.
Variable costs, on the other hand, fluctuate in direct proportion to levels of spending, such as groceries or gas.

Understanding this difference can help with accurate cash flow forecasting and effective financial management.

Strategies to Save on Fixed Costs

Now, the key is to try to lower your fixed expenses as much as possible. This will make the biggest difference in your budget.

For example, if your rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1850, maybe you move in with a roommate, and your rent is lowered to $800 per month. That is a savings of $1050, which you can save for a down payment on a house.

Ways to Curb Fixed Expenses

Optimizing your budget often entails finding ways to reduce your fixed expenses. Several strategies can help achieve this:

Renegotiate Your Bills: Reach out to service providers to negotiate lower rates for services such as insurance premiums, Internet, phone service, and more.
Refinance Your Loans: If interest rates have decreased, consider refinancing your mortgage or student loans to lower the monthly payments.
Downsize Your Living Situation: One major way to cut costs is to find a smaller or cheaper place to live.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Regular payments for services you don’t use, like gym memberships or streaming platforms, can silently drain finances.
Automate Savings: Regular, automated transfers to a savings account can enforce discipline and consistency in managing money.

Remember, while these strategies can help you cut costs, each individual’s circumstances are different, so personalized considerations should be made.

Which fixed expense would be most difficult to change if money is needed for car payments?

Car payments are a real struggle for most people. Right now, the average car loan is between $516-725 per month depending on a used or new vehicle. ¹

As such, your largest fixed expenses are usually the most challenging to change.

If you require more money for car payments, the most difficult expenses to alter would likely be your mortgage or rent payments. Reducing these costs often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, such as moving to a cheaper home or obtaining a roommate.
Other difficult-to-change fixed expenses could include insurance or student loan payments, depending on the terms of your loans or policies.

It’s important to have an emergency fund set up for unforeseen repairs like these to avoid having to drastically change your lifestyle.

Practical Tips for Achieving Financial Stability

Achieving financial stability often boils down to effective management and strategic planning. Here are some practical tips:

Pay Your Bills on Time: This reduces unnecessary fees and interest costs. If this is a challenge, setting up automated payments may help.
Save Regularly: Aim to set aside a certain percentage of income on a regular basis. Automated savings plans are a useful tool for this.
Prioritize Spending: Distinguish between your wants and needs to help prioritize your spending.
Get Insured: Protect yourself from large, unexpected expenses by ensuring appropriate coverage on insurance.
Stay Informed: Regular budget reviews and financial check-ups can help you stay on track and adjust your plans as necessary.

Remember, financial stability is a journey, not a one-time achievement. It requires consistency and patience. So, celebrate your small financial victories along the way!

YNAB

Enjoy guilt-free spending and effortless saving with a friendly, flexible method for managing your finances.

Pros:

Comprehensive approach to budgeting, helping you plan monthly budgets based on your income.
Offers expert advice, making it suitable for those who require an in-depth, forward-thinking budgeting strategy.
Superior synchronization skills make it the winner in this area.
YNAB has extra features like goal setting for budgeting, shared budgeting tools for partners.
Option to manually add and upload transactions from accounts each month.
YNAB prioritizes user privacy.

Start 34 Day Free Trial

YNAB vs Mint

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, rent is considered a fixed expense. It is a recurring cost that typically stays constant, regardless of changes in your income, spending, or other factors.

The rental or lease agreement specifies the monthly rent expense, which does not change until the lease period ends or is renegotiated.

If fixed costs become variable costs in a personal budget, it can add some unpredictability to your expenses. For instance, if you have a variable-rate mortgage, your payments may change due to the mortgage agreement.

To restore control, consider opening separate savings accounts for each variable expense category, turning these unpredictable expenses into ones that can be anticipated and budgeted for each month.

Fixed costs refer to expenses that do not change with fluctuations in your budget. They are incurred regularly and remain relatively constant, independent of your spending.

These costs are critical expenses necessary to live your life and cannot be quickly modified or eliminated.

Does This List of Fixed Expense Examples Help You?

In conclusion, examining and reducing your fixed expenses can be a transformative step toward achieving financial stability.

Contrary to popular belief, fixed costs are not immutable. With diligence and thoughtful consideration, you can explore cheaper alternatives for health insurance premiums, cell phone plans, and other consistent expenses.

Lowering your fixed costs enables automatic, consistent savings which can then be directed towards settling debt or securing your future. The beauty of this approach lies in its subtlety as this won’t feel like an imposition on your lifestyle.

Therefore, understanding and managing your fixed expenses can indeed play a crucial role in your journey to financial soundness.

It’s not just about making frugal decisions, rather it’s about making smart ones that can reap substantial benefits in the long run.

Now, do you have the traits needed to be financially stable?

Source

LendingTree. “Average Car Payment and Auto Loan Statistics 2023.” https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/debt-statistics/. Accessed November 27, 2023.

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

November 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

Wondering how to get paid for Amazon reviews? Everyone has heard of Amazon, but did you know that you can actually get paid to write reviews on Amazon products too? More and more companies want to know what people think about their products, especially with online shopping becoming so popular. Amazon, the biggest online store…

Wondering how to get paid for Amazon reviews?

Everyone has heard of Amazon, but did you know that you can actually get paid to write reviews on Amazon products too?

More and more companies want to know what people think about their products, especially with online shopping becoming so popular. Amazon, the biggest online store in the world, is a place where people really care about what you think.

Getting paid to write reviews on Amazon products is a way to earn some extra money while telling others about things you’ve actually tried. While there are certain rules and programs you might need to follow for some methods, it’s totally doable to make money by giving helpful feedback to other people who shop online.

Key Takeaways

Earning money by writing Amazon reviews is a way to share experiences and potentially make some extra cash.
Reviewers must adhere to specific guidelines and programs when participating in paid Amazon review opportunities, such as disclosing that you are writing a paid review.

How To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews

Do you really get paid for Amazon reviews?

Yes, you can really get paid for Amazon reviews – either through cash or free Amazon products. This is because companies want to see real reviews from real people to see what they can improve on.

Companies also know that one of the first things that people do before buying something is read the reviews – so having more reviews is helpful.

7 Ways To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews

There are several legit ways to earn money or receive free products for Amazon reviews. Below, I will explore several methods that you can try in order to get paid for reviewing Amazon products.

1. Answer surveys

One of the easiest ways to get started is with surveys.

You can get paid for your opinions on Amazon products by answering online surveys.

Companies use surveys all the time to learn what their current and potential customers think of their products, services, and company.

While you wouldn’t be writing a review on Amazon, instead, you could be giving your opinion on products that are sold on Amazon.

The best online survey sites include:

2. Start a blog where you review Amazon products

Creating a blog where you review Amazon products is another way to earn money.

You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and more. As your blog gains popularity, you may also receive free products from companies for review.

On your blog, you can write reviews for Amazon products. You would include Amazon affiliate links on your reviews, and earn money when someone purchases a product through your review.

For example, you could write a review on your blog about a children’s toy that you like. You would then include an affiliate link to this toy within your blog post. If someone purchases the toy through your blog post, then you can earn a commission.

This is all done through the Amazon Associates Affiliate Program. This is where you would get your affiliate links and it’s what allows you to earn a commission on sales you generate through your unique affiliate links. If you have a platform where you review or recommend Amazon products, this is a great way to earn additional income.

I recommend signing up for How To Start A Blog FREE Course.

3. Amazon Vine program

The Amazon Vine program is an invitation-only review program for Amazon’s most trusted reviewers.

This is done directly through Amazon.

As a Vine Voice, you will get free products in exchange for your honest feedback.

To become a Vine Voice, you will have to consistently write truthful and helpful reviews on Amazon, and then eventually you may get an invitation from Amazon Vine. So, whenever you buy something off Amazon, you should review it to increase your chances of getting an invitation.

Amazon Vine reviews are marked with a special badge “Vine Customer Review of Free Product” for full transparency.

Before you start writing reviews on Amazon, it’s important to understand their rules for reviews. If you don’t follow these rules, your reviews might be taken down, or in more serious cases, your account could be suspended.

Here are some important things to remember when you’re writing a review:

Your review should be based on your personal experience with the product.
Don’t include any advertisements, promotional materials, or external URLs in your review.
Avoid posting about delivery or customer service issues; instead, focus on the product.
Never exchange a review for payment, free products, or discounts from sellers without properly disclosing so.

As you continue to write honest and quality Amazon reviews, you may notice an increase in your helpful votes, boosting your Amazon profile. Providing unbiased reviews establishes your credibility, which may lead to more opportunities within the Amazon community and eventually an invite into the Amazon Vine program.

4. Social media influencer

Being a social media influencer is another way to write reviews for Amazon and get paid.

Brands partner with influencers all the time, giving free products or monetary compensation in exchange for honest reviews or promotion on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube channel, and Twitter.

This can be done in multiple ways such as:

The Amazon Influencer Program allows social media influencers with a large following to earn a commission on products they recommend through Amazon. You can share referral links through this program within social media posts, reviews, and more.
Creating an Amazon storefront is another way that you can make income through Amazon’s affiliate program as a social media influencer. With your storefront, you can showcase your favorite products or create a curated list of items you’ve reviewed, earning a commission on any sales made through your store.

While you wouldn’t be posting reviews directly on Amazon sales pages as a social media influencer, you would be reviewing products on your social media accounts.

5. Become a book reviewer

Book reviewing is a popular way to receive free books and get paid for your opinion. You can write reviews on your own blog, on social media, or on websites like Goodreads. Some publishers may also send you free copies of their books in exchange for a review, and some websites may even pay you.

Now, you wouldn’t be writing reviews directly on Amazon, but you would be writing reviews for books that are sold on Amazon.

Authors and publishers often give away free copies of their books to get honest reviews. This is because readers, just like us, like to know what others think before investing a lot of time in a book.

These websites are not just looking for good reviews. They want to know your real thoughts and opinions.

Some book review websites to look into include:

Online Book Club
Kirkus Reviews
The US Review of Books
Publishers Weekly

You can learn more at 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books.

6. AMZDiscover

AMZDiscover is a site that connects Amazon reviewers with sellers looking for honest reviews.

AMZDiscover is mainly for Amazon sellers. However, it’s also a good place for getting free products. This is because sellers go to AMZDiscover to find people who can review their products.

After signing up, you’ll get notifications for free or discounted products in exchange for leaving a review on Amazon.

7. BrandBacker

BrandBacker is a site that connects influencers with brands looking for promotion and reviews on Amazon or other platforms.

Through BrandBacker, you can receive products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for reviewing or promoting them on your platform.

After you sign up, you will log in and have a dashboard that lists all of the available Amazon review opportunities for you. Then, you can apply to the campaigns that you are most interested in. Brands then review applications and if you are chosen, you will then get to review the product.

Steps and tips for writing Amazon reviews

Whether you are looking to make a full-time income reviewing Amazon products or if you are only looking for a side hustle, below are my tips for writing Amazon reviews.

Disclose that you are getting paid

It’s really important to be up front with everyone when you’re getting paid for a review on Amazon products as this helps to keep your credibility and trustworthiness intact. Plus, no one likes to buy a product only to realize that the review was fake.

Whether you are getting paid with money or with free products, you should disclose this in your paid reviews on Amazon products.

Just make sure to put a clear statement at the start of your review, saying that you got paid or got a free product in exchange for your honest thoughts.

Actually use the product

Before writing a review, make sure you have actually used or tested the product yourself. This allows you to write a real and detailed description of your experience, making your review more helpful for someone who is looking to possibly buy the product.

Be honest about the pros and cons

When writing an Amazon product review, be honest about both the positives and negatives of the product. Your goal is to help shoppers make a smart decision, so it’s important to provide a balanced and unbiased review. You may want to talk about the features you liked, but don’t hesitate to discuss any issues that you didn’t like as well. This helps your readers get a complete picture of what to expect and shows that you are a reliable source of information.

Add pictures or videos

To make your review even more helpful, you may want to add pictures or videos of you using the product. This allows readers to see the product in action and can help support your review about its features, advantages, or drawbacks. For example, if you are reviewing a life jacket, then you may want to take a picture of you wearing the life jacket as this can help to show the quality, fit, and more.

Recommended reading: Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Paid For Amazon Reviews

Below are answers to common questions about how to get paid for Amazon reviews.

Is it illegal to get paid for Amazon reviews?

It is not illegal to write Amazon reviews. However, you should always disclose when you are getting paid for a review, as that is the law.

You should write honest reviews and avoid being deceptive. When you’re writing a review, the most important thing is to give useful information to other people who might buy the product. If you start taking money for writing reviews that aren’t honest or are tricky, it can really make people doubt if they can trust what you say. So, always focus on being real and helpful.

How do you become an Amazon product tester?

To become an Amazon product tester, you can begin by writing honest and detailed reviews for products you’ve already purchased right on Amazon. By regularly leaving reviews, you are telling Amazon that you are interested in writing quality reviews. Eventually, you may receive an invite to Amazon’s product reviewer program, Amazon Vine.

What is the Amazon Vine program? How do I join Amazon Vine as a reviewer? What is the process to get invited to Amazon Vine?

The Amazon Vine program is an invitation-only review program by Amazon. To join the program, you need to consistently post helpful reviews on the Amazon website. Amazon then identifies top reviewers and invites them to become Vine Voices. As a Vine Voice, you can request free products to review. There is no application process; just consistently write high-quality reviews to increase your chances of getting invited.

Are paid book reviews on Amazon legit?

Getting paid for reviewing books on Amazon can sometimes look suspicious because it might make people think you’re not being completely honest. However, there are some services and websites that offer legitimate paid opportunities for book reviewing, as long as they follow Amazon’s rules. It’s really important to make sure that any paid book-reviewing opportunities you take are in line with Amazon’s guidelines and always focus on being honest and clear about your opinions. This way, you can build trust with your readers.

What is the earning potential as an Amazon reviewer?

The amount that you can earn as an Amazon reviewer varies. If you run your own business as a blogger or social media influencer, then there is no limit to how much money you can make – instead, it depends on your reach and your strategy.

But, for other platforms like Amazon Vine, you are not making money. Instead, you are getting the Amazon product for free.

How To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on ways to get paid for Amazon reviews.

As you can see, there are many options if you want to learn how to write reviews for Amazon and get free stuff as well as get paid.

From starting a full-time business to something that you simply do in your spare time, to get free stuff from Amazon (or even a discount), there is probably something on the list above that will interest you.

Remember, it’s not just about writing positive reviews everywhere – you want your reviews to be helpful and for them to include your honest opinion! Think about what you would like to see in a review to help you get started.

Do you have any other questions about how to get paid for Amazon reviews?

Apache is functioning normally

November 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

In the wake of the landmark Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit case, the real estate world is in turmoil. As industry players scramble to assess the fallout, there’s a silver lining for the astute – opportunity amidst chaos.

The savvy real estate agents and loan officers see this not a crisis but a golden opportunity. Now is the time to rise as an influencer, a trusted advisor and a beacon of stability in a sea of uncertainty. This is a call to arms for real estate agents and loan officers ready to seize the day.

The distraction advantage

Let’s cut to the chase: Your competitors are distracted. They’re caught in the headlights of
change, poring over legal jargon, worrying about commission structures and losing sight of
the prize – sales.

This is your moment. While they’re busy worrying, you should be busy working. The key is to stay laser-focused on what you do best: selling homes and providing stellar financial advice.

While your peers are entangled in adapting to changes, your clear focus and proactive approach puts you steps ahead. Your competitors’ distraction is your playground. In this environment, those who stay engaged in core sales activities, unswayed by the chaos, will not just survive but thrive.

The power of influence

In times like these, influence is your most potent weapon. It’s about being the voice that cuts
through the noise, the trusted source of information when rumors and confusion are rampant. Personal branding isn’t just about recognition; it’s about establishing authority and trust. Your clients need a guide, and you are poised to be that guiding light.

Scripting the narrative

As you engage with clients, your message should be one of assurance and insight. You need to own the narrative with your clients. Here’s how:

For real estate agents:

Script: “While the industry is evolving, my commitment to finding your dream home
remains steadfast. Let others focus on the noise; we’ll focus on your needs.”
Message: Project confidence and deep understanding of market changes. Show
them that your expertise is their anchor in these turbulent times. That means you’d
better do your homework!

For loan officers:

Script: “Market changes bring new opportunities. I’m here to offer you tailored, up-to-
date financial advice. Let’s turn these changes into wealth!”
Message: Reinforce your role as a guide through uncertain financial landscapes.
Highlight your adaptability and insight in finding optimal mortgage solutions, regardless
of market fluctuations.

Presentation skills: A gateway to higher conversion rates

Presentation skills are another crucial element. Storytelling within sales presentations is proven to significantly improve conversion rates. A compelling narrative adds context to numbers, makes data relatable, and fosters deeper connections with clients.

Sales reps must balance stories with hard data to establish trust and enhance customer loyalty. Effective storytelling can also distinguish your brand, forming long-term partnerships and boosting customer retention.

Moreover, the caliber of a sales pitch is directly tied to the salesperson’s skills. Presentation analytics are invaluable in honing these skills. By analyzing factors like presentation duration and the time spent on specific sections, sales managers can identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted coaching to improve performance.

This data-driven approach ensures that every team member can maximize their impact during sales pitches.

Comprehensive strategies for staying ahead and amplifying influence

Enhance client relationships: Trust is your currency. Forge stronger bonds through
consistent, reliable communication and personalized service.
Educate yourself and clients: Stay abreast of mortgage and real estate industry changes and translate complex information into digestible, actionable advice for your clients.
Leverage social media: Regularly share insights and updates on social media to
establish yourself as an industry thought leader.
Host informative sessions: Use webinars or community meetings to demonstrate your
knowledge and reassure clients and prospects.
Network with purpose: Build relationships with like-minded professionals who see
opportunity as they can support and enhance your influence.
Be visible and vocal: Use every platform available to you to share your perspective and
insights, reinforcing your status as a go-to housing market expert.
Adapt to market needs: Be quick to adjust your strategies in response to market shifts,
ensuring your services remain relevant and in demand.

Harness the influencer’s advantage

In these times of industry upheaval, your influence is your capital. Use it to build trust, provide
clarity and lead with confidence. Those who do will emerge not just as survivors of change, but as architects of a new real estate era.

Rene Rodriguez is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, leadership advisor and transformational speaker coach.

Apache is functioning normally

November 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

Inside: Tight on time or money? One of these mini savings challenge printables is perfect for you. With these free printables, you’ll be able to save more money in no time.

The concept of a mini savings challenge is all about making money-saving a fun and engaging process. It breaks down your broader financial goals into manageable, short-term targets that cumulatively will help you reach your long-term objectives.

Around here at Money Bliss, we are known for having the best money saving challenges. While they are super popular on Pinterest and Google, what matters the most to us is that people are actually using them and their lives are changing.

So, if that is what you are looking for, then you are in the right place.

We know that the personal savings rate is dipping into the lowest range since 2007-2008 financial crisis around 3.4%.¹That is alarming because many people are one step away from not being financially stable.

Let’s dig into those mini saving challenges to make an impact in your financial life.

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.

Why is a Savings Challenge Beneficial?

A savings challenge, while enjoyable, serves a more significant purpose. It instills a sense of financial discipline and allows you to visualize tangible results.

By making saving a fun and rewarding game, you’re more likely to stay committed and motivated.

This is why my money saving challenges are so helpful for thousands of my readers.

How this Mini Challenge Works?

Mini savings challenges work on the principle of small, regular savings resulting in significant sums over time.

By following a set rule – such as saving a particular amount every week, or matching a specific spending habit with a savings deposit – these challenges make it easy and fun to grow your savings without feeling overwhelmed.

Popular Mini Savings Challenge to Save Money

I love that I am known as an expert in helping people save money. The reason is simple – I love a good challenge.

If you have the right mindset, then you can save money on your income.

1. $300 Mini Saving Challenge

Many of us dream about having a comfortable savings account, but it’s often easier said than done. However, with the $300 Mini Saving Challenge, you can start building that financial safety net one step at a time. This challenge aims to help you stow away $300 and note slight improvements in your spending habits.

The $300 Mini Saving Challenge works by asking you to save a small amount each day. The goal is to gradually increase the daily savings, making it less burdensome and more achievable to hit your target of $300. This challenge is perfect for beginners who are apprehensive about taking on substantial financial commitments all at once but still want to cultivate good money-saving habits.

Expert Tip: Utilize a savings tracker, whether it’s a traditional paper-and-pencil method or a digital app, to keep track of your progress.

Raisin

Simply select one of the high-yield savings products offered by their network of federally insured banks and credit unions to begin your savings journey.

You can open a free Raisin account in just a few minutes!

Compare Rates

2. $500 Mini Saving Challenge

Learning how to teach yourself to save is one of the hardest things for my readers to do. So, they love these easy milestone challenges

This $500 mini savings challenge is a simple yet effective strategy to begin accumulating a substantial nest egg. This challenge requires you to systematically set aside a predefined amount each day, week, or month, consistently working toward a $500 goal.

Expert Tip: For the $500 Mini Saving Challenge, set a weekly savings goal and commit to reducing unnecessary expenses to manage and accumulate your targeted amount effectively.

3. 10 Week Saving Challenge

Kick-start your savings journey with an invigorating 10-week savings challenge. This feasible initiative can boost your bank balance and cultivate a savings habit.

As James Clear states in his famous bestselling book, Atomic Habits, it takes 21 days to build a new habit.

The challenge will triple your dedication as you will be setting aside a predetermined sum each week for ten weeks. The amounts could steadily increase to enhance the yielded savings.

Week 1 – Save $10
Week 2 – Save $15
Week 3 – Save $20
Week 4 – Save $25
Week 5 – Save $30
Week 6 – Save $35
Week 7 – Save $40
Week 8 – Save $45
Week 9 – Save $50
Week 10 – Save $55

By the end of your 10-week tenure, you will have amassed a handsome total of $325! This challenge is particularly beneficial for beginners who are striving to enforce a strict savings regimen.

Then, you can move on to our popular 52 week money saving challenge and choose the proper amount for you.

Expert Tip: Use a calendar or a mobile application to track your savings and keep you motivated throughout the challenge.

4. Mini Birthday Fund

Like a little surprise gift to yourself, the Mini Birthday Fund Challenge is for those who want to ensure they have a little extra cash to celebrate their special day in style. This delightful savings plan can be started at any time of the year, but the closer to your birthday, the more urgent the catch-up.

The plan is intuitive. Choose a monthly savings goal—say, $20—and diligently tuck away that amount every week or month until your birthday arrives. Then, voila! You have a mini birthday fund to splurge on a rewarding gift or experience gift for you. My personal favorite is spa time!

This is self-care and financial discipline bundled into one smart package.

Expert Tip: You can modify the amount you need to save and the total you need to save.

Our Top Pick

CIT Bank

Hailed for its competitive APY rates and digital ease of use, GOBankingRates named CIT as one of the Best Online Banks for 2022.

Earn one of the nation’s top rates.

Pros:

Daily compounding interest.
No account opening or maintenance fees.
Your deposits are FDIC insured.
Deposit checks remotely.
Make transfers with the CIT Bank mobile app.

5. The Penny Challenge

The Penny Challenge further simplifies savings. Plus you will be AMAZED at how much you can save with this simple penny challenge.

Every day you will save one more penny than the day before, yes, just one more penny. That will equal $667.95 in a year.

You can collect all the pennies you acquire and store them in a jar. Once your jar fills up or you hit your 365 days, deposit the pennies into your savings account.

Note: Though the denomination is small, you’ll be surprised at how much you can amass over time. Remember that every penny counts!

6. 365-Day Nickel-Saving Challenge

The 365-Day Nickel-Saving Challenge is perfect for those who like a daily commitment. Start on day one with a deposit of $0.05, and each following day, add a nickel to the previous day’s savings.

By day 365, you will deposit $18.25, accumulating a total of $3339.75 for the year. It’s a manageable and rewarding way to save.

7. The Dime Challenge

The Dime Challenge is similar to the Penny Challenge but uses dimes instead. Though the denomination is small, you’ll be surprised at how much you can amass over time.

Each day you will save ten cents or a dime more than the previous day, by the end of the year, you will save $6,679.50.

Day 1 – Save $0.10, Day 2 – Save $0.20, Day 3 – Save $0.30, and continue for 365 days

Collect all your dimes in a jar, and when it fills up, deposit them in your savings.

10X Effect: This challenge can help you save more money, more quickly than the Penny Challenge because dimes are worth ten times as much as pennies.

8. Dollar Savings Challenge

The $1 Savings Challenge is all about setting aside every single $1 bill that comes your way.

This is a great challenge if you use the cash envelope method for budgeting.

Even if you do this for just three months, you can save up to $1,000. It’s simple — every time you find a $1 bill, put it in your savings jar. This method makes saving money entertaining and gratifying.

9. The $5 Challenge

The $5 Challenge is similar to the $1 Challenge, with just a slight increase in the amount. It involves saving every $5 bill you come across.

Once again, better for those who use cash. But, you still can transfer $5 at intermittent increments to a separate online savings account.

The money saved from this challenge depends on how often you use cash and the duration of your challenge. It’s a doable and straightforward approach to savings.

Raisin

Simply select one of the high-yield savings products offered by their network of federally insured banks and credit unions to begin your savings journey.

You can open a free Raisin account in just a few minutes!

Compare Rates

10. 25 Envelopes Challenge

Another popular choice is the 25 Envelope Challenge which is a simpler version of the 100 Envelope Challenge. You get 25 envelopes, number them from 1-25, and each day, choose an envelope at random and put in an amount equivalent to the envelope number.

By the end of the challenge, you will save $325 in less than a month.

This challenge makes saving money unpredictable and exciting, leading to substantial savings over time. Next, you can try the 50 envelope challenge.

11. The Spare Change Challenge

The Spare Change Challenge involves saving all your loose change in a jar or piggy bank. Once the container fills up, deposit the savings into your bank account.

You’ll be surprised at how quickly the change adds up! However, this challenge works best for those who frequently use cash.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to pick up spare change on the ground!

Our Top Pick

CIT Bank

Hailed for its competitive APY rates and digital ease of use, GOBankingRates named CIT as one of the Best Online Banks for 2022.

Earn one of the nation’s top rates.

Pros:

Daily compounding interest.
No account opening or maintenance fees.
Your deposits are FDIC insured.
Deposit checks remotely.
Make transfers with the CIT Bank mobile app.

12. Round Up Savings Challenge

The Round Up Savings Challenge is best suited for card users. Whenever you make a purchase, round the figure to the nearest dollar and deposit the difference into savings.

For instance, if you spend $17.50, round it up to $18 and save the remaining 50 cents. It may seem small but will accumulate over time.

Go Digital: You can easily do this with the Acorns app.

13. No-Spend Challenge

The No-Spend Challenge encourages participants to avoid spending any extra money beyond the essentials for a set time. This involves taking a “financial fast,” where any non-essential spending is put on hold.

As such, this is one of my personal favorites, especially for those new to budgeting. It really helped me grasp what I truly needed to spend money on and what I didn’t. The same is true for all of my readers. The savings from this challenge can be substantial.

You can tailor the time frame to your own liking — try a no-spend day, week, or even month. Learn more about the no spend challenge.

14. No Eating Out Challenge

A no eating out challenge serves as an excellent tool to realize your spending habits as it eliminates the often overlooked cost of frequently dining out, enabling you to save more than expected. Right now, the average person spends $166 per month with most average costs in the $10-20 range.²

Combating your habit of eating out can lead to considerable savings, hence the No Eating Out Challenge. Under this challenge, you commit to avoiding restaurants, takeaway, and delivery for a set period, typically a month. The money saved from not dining out is then transferred into your savings, leading to substantial amounts over time.

This challenge makes you conscious of your expenditure and allows you to understand the significant amount you can accumulate over a period, promoting better spending habits.

15. The Spending “Swear Jar” or “Bad Habit” Challenge

Implementing a swear jar or a ‘bad habit’ jar can serve multiple purposes effectively. Not only does it stimulate the accumulation of savings, but it also aids in the transformation of replacing a bad habit with a good habit.

The rule is simple – each time you indulge in a specified bad spending habit, like making an unplanned purchase, you deposit a set amount (like a dollar) into your “swear jar.” This challenge effectively boosts savings while reducing unwanted expenses.

This is a great tactic to reduce your variable expenses.

Bonus: Savings Percentage Challenge

Last, but not least, my personal favorite! Increasing your Savings Percentage challenge.

The Savings Percentage Challenge urges you to save a fixed percentage of your income, preferably 20% every month. By adjusting the savings percentage to your comfort level, this challenge provides adaptability and the potential for significant savings over time.

To encourage savings as a regular habit, increase your savings percentage by 1% each year or with any pay raises or expense reductions.

See how the saving percentages work.

Tips for Successful Savings Challenge

Tip #1 – Creating Your Savings Goals

Creating specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) savings goals is the first step to your savings success. Your goals could be anything, ranging from a weekend getaway to creating an emergency fund.

Having clear savings goals keeps you motivated, providing a sense of purpose and direction. Learn more about smart money goal setting.

Tip #2 – Establishing the Savings Timeline

Once you have your savings goal, establish a realistic timeline to achieve it.

If your goal is to save $1000 and you decide to save $100 per month, your timeline will be 10 months.
If you need to save $300 in 30 days, then you must save $10 a day.

Establishing a clear timeline helps you organize your savings efficiently and remain motivated in your journey.

Tip #3 – Automatic Savings

One area I always stress to my readers is to pay yourself first. This concept is to set money aside first when you get your paycheck.

Then, take it one step further and establish an automatic transfer from your regular account to your special savings fund each pay period or month. This way, you won’t have to remember to make the transfer yourself, and it becomes an out-of-sight, out-of-mind saving habit!

Tip #4 – Staying Motivated through the Challenge

Track your progress visually, say, by coloring a box each time you save is habit-worthy. Keep your progress chart somewhere easily visible. This practice makes tracking fun and keeps you encouraged to save more.

Our free resource library of printables is full of possible money saving challenge ideas!

Staying motivated throughout your savings journey is crucial. Plus, watching your savings grow over time can be incredibly satisfying.

Tip #5 – Adjust your mindset for Improved Savings

Achieving your savings goals is truly a mindset game. Instead of seeing savings as a subtraction from your income, adjust your mindset to view it as paying yourself first.

Moreover, remember not to beat yourself up over occasional slip-ups. Continue to focus on your goal and celebrate small achievements.

Every dollar saved gets you one step closer to your goal.

Extending the Mini Savings Challenge – What’s Next?

Once you have completed a mini savings challenge, take your saving habit to the next level. Assess your financial situation and savings goal to determine new challenges.

You could consider higher-value monetary challenges or extend the challenge’s duration. Remember, consistent saving habits can greatly impact your long-term financial health.

Maintaining consistency in saving money is a golden key to long-term financial health.

Here are our popular money saving challenges:

Regardless of the amount, the habit of regularly putting money aside significantly contributes to building considerable savings. Remember, it’s not always about how much you save, but how consistently you do it.

Consistently saving, even smaller amounts, can lead to substantial totals over time.

Download the Printable Savings Tracker

To make your savings challenge fun and interactive, download one of our free printable savings trackers. These printable trackers will help you visually track your progress, boosting your motivation.

Every time you save money, color in a box or check it off.

Seeing this visual representation of your savings grow is a fun, rewarding way to track your journey toward your financial goal. Once you reach your goal, start again and keep the momentum going.

**To access these free printable, you must subscribe to my newsletter and you will be emailed the password.**

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, you can start a savings challenge at any time. There is no specified period or date to begin.

You can choose a day that suits you best and kick off your savings challenge. Remember, the important part is not when you start, but that you start – and consistently save.

Staying committed to your savings plan is primarily about discipline and motivation.

Personally, I visualize my financial goals and stay motivated by celebrating small wins. You can do the same thing.

Also, use a savings tracker to make your progress tangible and fun. Finally, involve family or friends in your savings challenge so you can motivate and encourage each other along the way.

Of the Mini Savings Challenges, Which Will You Try First

Embrace the journey of a savings challenge, enjoying the process just as much as the destination.

This is key to becoming financially stable. It’s not only about reaching your financial goal but also about developing lasting habits of financial discipline and stewardship. These mini savings challenges are a learning experience and remember, no matter the size of your savings, every step is a step in the right direction.

With the help of a mini savings challenge tracker, you can start small yet grow big in savings.

These mini challenges, though small-scale and manageable, can lead to a significant increase in your savings over time. More than that, they encourage the much-needed habit of saving regularly.

Get started on your savings journey, make it enjoyable, and watch your money accumulate over time.

Sources

FRED St. Louis Fed Ecomonic Data. “Personal Saving Rate.” https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PSAVERT. Accessed November 8, 2023.
US Foods. “The Diner Dispatch: 2023 American Dining Habits.” https://www.usfoods.com/our-services/business-trends/american-dining-out-habits-2023.html. Accessed November 8, 2023.

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

November 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

In the past, investing was thought of as something only wealthy people did. And unfortunately, many people used this as an excuse to put off saving for retirement, saying they would do it when they earned more money.

But if you wait to start investing, you lose out on the benefits of compound interest and shortchange your retirement savings. So, it’s best to get started as soon as possible, even if you only have a bit of money to tuck away every month.

One of the easiest ways to invest money is by using micro-investment apps. This article will explain what micro-investing is, how it works, and six micro-investing apps we recommend trying out.

10 Best Micro Investing Apps

Micro-investing apps make it easy to get started with small amounts of money and learn the basics of investing. We’ve compiled a list of the best micro-investing apps on the market today. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, you’re sure to find an app that fits your needs and investment goals.

1. Robinhood

Account minimum
Margin accounts,
ETF’s, crypto

Great for beginners!

Robinhood aims to make investing accessible to everyone, which is evident in the fact that the company doesn’t charge any commission or management fees.

2. Axos Invest (Formerly WiseBanyan)

Account minimum
New investors

or goal-based investing

You can get started with Axos Invest (formerly known as WiseBanyan) for just $1. The company doesn’t charge any trading fees for the most basic version. But if you upgrade to one of the premium versions, the company does charge fees.

3. SoFi Invest

Account minimum

$0 for Automated Investing

$1 for Active Investing
Active and Hands-Off Investors

SoFi is a well known brand in the personal finance space, and their investing app is another high quality product.

4. Plynk

Account minimum
$2 per month
New investors

Plynk is designed to guide your learning while you begin to invest. The Plynk app offers investors access to a selection of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and four cryptocurrencies. And you can start investing with just $1.

5. Webull

Account minimum
Active traders and investors

Webull is a stock trading app offering free stock trading as well as free trades on ETFs, options and cryptocurrencies.

Webull also allows users to trade fractional shares, making it a great choice for micro investing.

6. Stash

Account minimum
$1 per month
New investors

or tax-advantaged
retirement accounts

Stash is another hands-off micro-investing app designed for beginner investors. After you sign up, Stash will ask you a series of questions to determine your tolerance for investment risks. You will be labeled as a conservative, moderate, or aggressive investor.

7. Public

Account minimum
(1-2% markup on crypto)
Young investors

Public.com is a blend of both investment and social media platforms. It’s designed for younger and socially oriented investors who would like to own fractional shares of stocks and ETFs.

8. Betterment

Account minimum
Low balance investors

Goal-based investing

If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, then Betterment might be a suitable option for you. Betterment gives you the option to work with a financial advisor who can make investing recommendations.

9. M1 Finance

Account minimum
Experienced Investors

M1 Finance might be the best micro investing app for more experienced investors. It is ideal for those looking for customized investment portfolios with some automated options, as well as those looking to set up commission free retirement accounts.

10. Acorns

Account minimum
$1 per month
Hands-off investors

(e.g., College Students)

If you want a hands-off approach to investing, Acorns will be your best bet. After you sign up, you’ll connect your credit card or debit card to Acorns.

What is micro-investing?

According to one survey, more than 47% of Americans are not saving for retirement. When pressed about their decision not to invest, over 34% said they don’t have enough money to invest.

The basic premise behind micro-investing is that you only need a few dollars to start investing. When you use a micro-investing app, you invest in very small increments by buying fractional shares.

With a micro-investing app, you can invest as little as $5. And with micro-investing, you don’t have to know anything about the stock market. The money you save is put in a portfolio of stocks that the company creates for you.

Is micro-investing even worth it?

Micro-investing will not get you rich, and it’s not going to help you fund your retirement goals. For that reason, it’s easy to write micro-investment apps off as not being worth your time.

But every day you put off investing is one less day that your money can grow in the market. So, you can wait until you feel like you have “enough money,” or you can work with what you have today.

Here are just a few benefits of using a micro-investing app:

Invest with very little money: Micro-investing platforms allow you to invest, even if you only have $5 to spare. So if you can skip your morning latte, then you have enough money to give micro-investing a try.
Save it and forget about it: It’s hard to set aside money in a savings account. You know it’s there, and it’s easy to access and spend. With a micro-investing app, it’s easy to save your money and forget about it.
Build positive habits over time: Anytime you’re trying to build a new habit, it’s best to start small. Micro investing allows you to ease into investing, and you can start saving more money when you’re ready.

See also: How to Invest: A Basic Guide to Making Your Money Grow

Pros and Cons of Micro-Investing Apps

While it’s true that micro-investing provides many benefits, they’re not necessarily the right choice for everyone. It’s worthwhile taking the time to understand the all nuances before committing financially.

Pros

24/7 Access

Using a micro investing app allows you full access to your investment account around-the-clock. You won’t ever have to worry about opening hours or holidays getting in the way of your ability to monitor and manage your funds.

Easy Fractional Investment

Traditional investment in stocks and ETFs requires large amounts of funding, but micro investment means you purchase fractional shares quickly and easily. This means you can begin your investment portfolio with your spare change, rather than hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Low Account Minimums

Another factor which makes micro investment apps attractive are the low account minimums. Most micro-investing apps have $0 minimum balance requirements, so you can begin investing with as little as you wish.

Safety

As with traditional investment accounts, legitimate micro-investing platforms will be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. On top of that, all savings and checking accounts with micro investing companies are FDIC insured.

Cons

Fees Can Be High

Account fees can vary, so it’s important to watch out for this. Don’t assume that an account with low minimums will also have low fees. If you’re only investing small amounts, paying high fees might not seem like a good deal in the long term.

Limited Investment Choice

Most micro investment apps won’t allow you to handpick the stocks inside your portfolio. While you will have choice regarding which set portfolios you invest in, you’re less likely to be able to pick and choose specific stocks.

Won’t Change Your Retirement Plans

One thing to keep in mind is that using a micro investment app won’t do much to affect your retirement on its own. It’s more about learning good investment habits, and getting familiar with maintaining and growing a portfolio.

Features of the Best Micro-Investing Apps

So, how do you decide which micro investing app is the right one for you? We’ve compiled a list of the most important features below to help you know what to look for. The best micro investment apps will have the following qualities:

Ease of Use

Fundamentally, the best micro investment apps will be easy and intuitive to use. They are often free of the usual clutter and jargon of some traditional brokerage accounts. With simple, easy to navigate interfaces these apps should provide an enjoyable user experience for all.

Low Minimum Investments

Good investing apps should allow you to access the market with just a few dollars. This is possible because they’re designed to allow you to purchase fractional shares of ETFs and other assets. Not all investing apps will come with a low minimum investment, however, so be sure to check if you’re a low budget investor.

Diversified Investment

The best investing apps will provide users with the chance to invest in diverse portfolios which are automatically generated. Asset allocation and diversification can be challenging even for experienced investors, so this is a great feature of these apps.

When you’re starting out as an investor, the sooner you can learn about diversification the better. And these apps should make it relatively easy for you to both practice and learn about asset diversity.

Educational Tools

As most micro investing apps will be marketed to newcomers, education is an important factor. If you’re just starting out with investing, then the best micro investment app for you will likely provide a wealth of educational resources and advice.

Keep in mind, however, that most micro-investing apps won’t offer access to a professional financial advisor.

Recurring Transfers

The best investing apps allow you to easily set up automatic transfers from your bank account to fund your investment account. A recurring transfer can remove some of the human error involved in managing your account and allow you to quickly build up a habit of funding your account.

Additional Services

While some apps are minimalist and simple, others come with the option of additional financial services. In addition to brokerage accounts, some offer access to a savings or checking account, as well as IRA and custodian accounts. Depending on your own financial goals, an app with additional services might be worth the extra fees.

Final Thoughts

Micro-investing apps make it simple for anyone, even those with just $5 to spare, to begin investing in the stock market. The apps we’ve covered in this article provide a great starting point.

While micro-investing might not cover all your retirement needs, it’s a smart way to begin saving, especially if your budget is tight. The crucial thing is to start investing and gradually increase your contributions over time. This way, you’re setting yourself up for a better financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which micro investing app has the lowest fees?

Among the micro-investing apps listed, Robinhood, Axos Invest, SoFi Invest, Webull, Public, and M1 Finance all offer commission-free trading, which means they do not charge fees for buying or selling stocks and ETFs. So, you can consider any of these apps if you’re looking for a platform with low fees for micro-investing.

Which app is best for small investments?

Choosing the best app depends on your own budget, needs and goals. The market for micro investment apps has grown rapidly, and there are a lot of different options out there.

The list we’ve compiled in this article are our top picks, and are among the best micro investing apps available. These apps make it easy and convenient to begin investing. They also provide various unique features, low fees, good customer support and educational resources.

Who should use micro investing apps?

Micro investing apps are a fantastic way to begin investing small amounts while you learn the ins and outs. But who will benefit the most from using these apps?

Beginner investors: These apps are perfect for young investors and newcomers because you only need a small amount of money to start.
Passive investors: Most of them are actually robo-advisors which invest on your behalf based on your needs and budget. This automated investing allows you to establish a diversified portfolio based on your goals that you can simply set up and forget about, letting it work away in the background.
Emotional investors: Automated investing means you can’t make rash emotional decisions based on market swings. Instead of constantly worrying about market performance, you just invest small amounts and build your portfolio slowly over time.

Can you get rich from micro investing?

Micro investing is primarily a strategy for saving and building wealth gradually over time. While it’s a valuable tool for starting your investment journey with small amounts of money, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s unlikely to lead to rapid wealth accumulation or “getting rich” in a short period.

How do I start micro investing?

Investing today is more accessible than ever before. Nevertheless, it still seems an intimidating world for those who have no experience or education. If you don’t know where to start, you can follow these steps to begin investing with confidence:

1. Decide Between DIY or Automated Investing

If you’re not yet comfortable choosing your own investments, and managing your own portfolio, you’ll want to start with robo-advisor investing. It’s totally normal for beginners to feel uncomfortable choosing stock to invest in, and automated investing is the safer option in any case.

2. Identify Your Investment Goals

This is often the hardest step for new investors, but it’s one of the most important. Figuring out your short and long term financial goals will help bring purpose and structure to your investment decisions.

Generally speaking, investing is successful when considered a long term project. You’re much more likely to find success with investments by holding stock long term, rather than trying to figure out when the best time to buy or sell is.

3. Determine Your Monthly Investment

The traditional advice is to save and invest 20% of your monthly income. With the rise of micro investing, however, you don’t even need to invest much to begin with.

It’s important to pick an amount you can reasonably commit to. Of course, you can always change your automatic investment amount, or just add on extra when necessary, but it’s always better to set it and forget it. Even if it’s a small amount, consistency and time and the key ingredients to good investing.

4. Choose an Account That Fits Your Goals

Once you’ve got your budget and goals determined, it’s time to choose a platform to begin investing with.

Keep in mind that you can always switch the platform you use for micro investing, use more than one, or even open a brokerage account. Just make sure to take all fees into account before you sign up and get committed.

Are there any limitations on the types of investments I can make with these apps?

Micro-investing apps typically focus on stocks, ETFs, and sometimes cryptocurrencies. While they offer a wide range of investment options within these categories, they may not provide access to more complex financial instruments like options, futures, or mutual funds.

Source: crediful.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

You’ll find amenities galore and a wide range of communities and rent prices among the best apartments in Phoenix.

As one of the best places to live within Arizona, Phoenix has plenty to offer those on the hunt for a new home. You get a bevy of scenic views, cool amenities for those hot days and access to luxury. It’s no wonder people are looking to rent in neighborhoods across this desert city.

Whether selecting a home in a more high-end spot, gravitating toward downtown or settling into the suburbs, most of the 1.6 million inhabitants of Phoenix moved here from somewhere else. They started off their journey just like yours; each trying to find the best apartments in Phoenix to call home.

To make your search easier, here are 25 of the best apartments in Phoenix to consider.

Offering upscale living with plenty of opportunities for entertainment and relaxation, Fairways on Thunderbird has a great amenities package. In addition to a pool and spa, media center and business center, you’ve got a picnic area with barbecues to use. There’s even a clubhouse with billiards.

Close to freeways and shopping, this community offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Most floor plans also come in under the average rent price in Arizona.

One of the few green communities on best apartments in Phoenix list, North Mountain Village offers up a modern, urban feel. Along with the two playgrounds and three pool areas, you get access to a breakfast/coffee concierge when you live here.

With studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, this quiet community is pet-friendly and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. There’s even a dog park nearby.

The lush greenery and a fun stucco aesthetic at Vaseo will catch the eye of just about anybody.

On-site, you’ll find basketball courts and tennis courts for the athlete. A movie theater is there for the pop-culture fan. Complimentary charging stations for eco-vehicles make things great for the environmentally conscious. The playground and pool are also open for a little rest and recreation.

A variety of floorplans make this a dynamic community. One-bedroom and two-bedroom units vary in price. But if you live here, expect to pay a little more than the average rent rate in Arizona.

Located in the urban village of Ahwatukee, Pacific Bay Club is close to shops, boutiques and restaurants. All combined, they provide so much appeal, most residents never feel like leaving.

Pets are welcome in the one- and two-bedroom units and you’ll find a dog wash area on site. However, expect to pay a little more for the location and the extra amenities. With a variety of floorplans, most units rent for more than what you’d pay on average in the state.

Situated right near Desert Sky Mall, Del Mar Terrace is conveniently located within Phoenix. It’s a great spot to commute from. The on-site soccer field provides a unique recreational opportunity, and the onsite market and preschool make the community feel like its own little village.

One- and two-bedroom units are all within a very affordable range. Monthly rent is considerably less than the average you’d expect to pay throughout Arizona.

Plenty of trees and polished landscaping give the Villages at Metro Center a homey feel. The community is also across the street from Metro Center Mall when the shopping bug bites. Units come with covered parking and private patios or balconies. Additionally, there are three resort-inspired pools, a clubhouse and a playground

With studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units available there’s a floor plan to meet anyone’s needs. Pets are also welcome, and most units fall under the state’s average monthly rent.

A sleek and colorful aesthetic gives Novella a fun feel. The design fits the tone of the neighborhood, known for its vibrant, up-and-coming vibe and its variety of shops and restaurants.

These luxe, three-bedroom units include all the high-end amenities that come with the community. These include a barbecue area, fire pit, lounge space and pool.

The eye-catching yellow doors will draw you into the newly renovated space at Amara. Located near the downtown campus of Arizona State University, this community is also close to plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining.

New interiors and a great pool put the studio, one- and two-bedroom units in demand, and the price is right too. All units have a lower monthly rent than the state’s average.

A senior living community with a long list of amenities, Phoenix Manor is a great place to retire to. This is a smoke-free space with a dog park, two heated pools and a nine-hole putting green. Two clubhouses, a library, lounge and coffee bar round out the special spots. You’ll also find invites to social actives like bingo and dances to make it easy to get to know your neighbors.

This community is all about creating an elegant and independent lifestyle. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units are all available. Most even price out under what the average tenant pays each month throughout the state.

An urban vibe permeates the boutique apartment complex of MODE Midtown. Another green community, living here is all about location. Nestled among the East Alvarado Historic District and Central Arts District, you’re close to so much local culture. There are art galleries, parks, boutiques and unique eateries. You’re also close to the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, the Arizona Opera and the Phoenix Theatre.

Affordable one- and two-bedroom floor plans give you plenty of space both inside and out. Large rooms and a nice-sized patio are the perfect combination for comfortable living.

A covered playground, basketball court and pet play area means every resident at San Marina can find happiness and activity. There’s also a hot tub, pool and clubhouse. It’s in West Phoenix, putting you near great shopping and dining. You’re also minutes from outlet shops and close to State Farm Stadium.

One- and two-bedroom apartments, priced well below the state’s monthly rent average, give you plenty of choices. And, none of them will take a big bite out of your budget.

Water-scape views make Riverwalk stand out in the middle of Phoenix’s desert landscapes. Close to Scottsdale, the Camelback Corridor and Papago Park, you’re never far from, excellent shopping, dining, hiking and biking. You’ve even got a golf course around the corner.

Within the community itself, you’ll have access to a 24-hour heated, Mediterranean-style pool and spa. There’s also a cabana, sand volleyball court and a playground.

Live in a little luxury with these condominiums, some of the best apartments in Phoenix.

Upscale amenities and excellent service make 59 Roosevelt another solid community to consider calling home. A resort-style pool, clubhouse and community lounge provide residents with spots to relax and socialize.

Two- and three-bedroom units feature oversized closets, stainless appliances and hardwood floors. You’re conveniently located to shopping and dining as well. Commuting is also easy via the South Mountain 202 Freeway and I-10.

If you live a more active lifestyle, consider calling Los Vecinos home. Not only will you find a playground, swimming pool and picnic area, but plenty of athletic options. Right out your door are basketball courts, a soccer field and a volleyball court. Perfect your skills in one sport or more while meeting your neighbors while you do it.

This community is also a win based on its location. It’s close to great dining, shopping and public parks as well. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments rent below the average for the state, for an affordable find.

Twenty-four-hour customer service makes The Cove stand out as a great Phoenix find. Combining comfort with a resort lifestyle, here, luxury awaits. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments rent with all the expected amenities.

Only blocks away from a grocery, and great dining options, you’re also within range of a lot of activity. This includes the Phoenix National Raceway, Ak-Chin Pavilion and American Family Field of Phoenix. With all the perks, rent prices are slightly higher than the state average.

Up in North Mountain, Azura is an allergen-free apartment community. It’s both pretty to look at and functional to live in. You’ll find a 24-hour fitness center, three pools, a dog park and more.

From this vantage point, you also have access to plenty of hiking trails and scenic landscapes. There’s no shortage of great pubs, bars and casual eateries as well.

Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are affordably priced. They rent under the state average, making it possible to get coveted amenities at a great rate.

Walking distance to shopping plazas makes it a no-brainer to check out Village Square. This apartment community is in Paradise Valley. You’re close to Phoenix Mountain Preserve as well as plenty of parks with biking and hiking trails. You also have easy access to downtown.

This ideal location, coupled with amenities like a media center, business center and pool, comes at a very reasonable price. One- and two-bedroom units rent for under $1,000 a month.

A modern feel makes Rise on Thomas something a little different. With studio, one-bed and two-bedroom apartments, you have plenty of choices when picking your perfect floor plan. The community features a fitness center and swimming pool, too. You’re able to stay in shape and cool off on all those hot days without going far from home.

Rent prices are close to what you’d pay, on average, throughout Arizona. The location is also central to downtown, Biltmore Fashion Park and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Giving off more of a house vibe, the best features of Thunderbird Villas are the garages and the balcony/patio most units have. You’ll also find renovated interiors and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

These townhomes are in South Phoenix, an area rich in local history and culture. Two-bedroom units have starting rental prices below the state average. Rents may stretch slightly above though, based on the amenities within.

Taking all its tenants’ needs into consideration, The Curve at Melrose is full of amazing amenities. Not only that, but the look of the community is hip and modern. You’ll want to hang out in the common spaces. This is all to keep up with the vibe throughout the Melrose District. This Downtown Phoenix neighborhood is known for being vibrant, eclectic and very urban.

Specific amenities throughout the community include a business center with a conference room, a Starbucks coffee bar, valet trash service and charging stations for electronic vehicles. You’ll also find a great pool area with a hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center, a clubhouse and even complimentary beach cruiser rentals.

Living in a park-like atmosphere gives Verde Vista wide appeal. The community has two pools, a picnic and grill area and a covered playground. When the days aren’t too hot, you can also use the soccer field and basketball and volleyball courts.

Floor plans are spacious. And, everything in the studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units has gotten remodeled recently. The price is right, too, with all units renting for under $1,000.

Congregate around the fire pit at Atwater. Get to your know neighbors in this pet-friendly, recently-renovated community. There’s also 24-hour maintenance, a barbecue and picnic area, pool and conference room.

A part of the Camelback East neighborhood, living here puts you beside Squaw Peak and entitles you to amazing views. You’re also nearby some dining gems and top-notch hiking. Two- and three-bedroom options mean plenty of space and like-new amenities.

What’s not to love about Desert Star? Studio and one-bedroom apartments are affordably wrapped up with amazing amenities. Not only is there a fitness center, but also a jogging track, basketball court and tennis court. You get a pool and two jacuzzis. For the kids, there’s also a playground. It’s fun for all.

This community’s location within Deer Valley also puts you in walking distance to Turf Paradise. This horse racetrack is the third-largest sport’s attraction in the entire state. You’re also not far from great shopping and restaurants.

A nice outdoor grilling space is just the start at Boulder Creek. This community prides itself on service. You have access to a 24-hour wellness center and 24-hour emergency maintenance. You’re also located near Arizona State University, Sky Harbor Airport and the Phoenix Zoo. When nature calls, you’re across from Papago golf course and park as well.

Priced below the state’s average, you’ll find studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units for rent.

With a sleek look, Proximity 16th Street brings plenty of updates to this South Phoenix community. A smoke-free residence, you’ll find charging stations for electric vehicles as well as smart thermostats, doors and locks within each unit. There’s Wi-fi access at the resort-style pool and video doorbells, as well.

A brand-new community along the Western Canal, one of the best amenities is Bark Park, the community’s dog park. This isn’t the only pet-conscious feature though. You’ll also find in-home doggie doors that go out to private patios.

The price tag matches the perks. One-, two- and three-bedroom units all price higher than the state’s average.

Renting the best apartments in Phoenix

There are so many choices when it comes to renting in The Valley of the Sun. Make sure you come prepared when the hunt begins. No matter where you start your search, it’s an exciting process to find apartments for rent in Phoenix. This is thanks to the variety of vibrant and picturesque neighborhoods all around town.

We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with a Phoenix mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is bursting with culinary delights, and we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in town for you to try. From Caribbean and Italian to sushi and steakhouse, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or just passing through, these restaurants are sure to impress. So, if you’re ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey, here’s a list of must-try Tulsa restaurants that will leave you craving more.

1. Sisserou’s

Cuisine Type: Caribbean Restaurant
Location: 107 N Boulder Ave Ste C, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: Sisserou’s

Sisserou’s is known for its flavorful Caribbean cuisine, including jerk chicken, curry goat, and plantains. The restaurant also offers a variety of tropical cocktails to complement the vibrant flavors of the food.

2. Yokozuna

Cuisine Type: Sushi Restaurant
Location: 309 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Website: Yokozuna

Yokozuna is a popular spot for sushi lovers, offering a wide range of traditional and creative sushi rolls. In addition to sushi, the restaurant also serves Japanese-inspired cocktails and other Asian fusion dishes.

3. Ti Amo

Cuisine Type: Italian Restaurant
Location: 219 S Cheyenne Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: Ti Amo

Ti Amo is known for its classic Italian dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, perfect for pairing with delicious Italian cuisine.

4. PRHYME

Cuisine Type: Steakhouse
Location: 111 N Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: PRHYME

PRHYME is a premier destination for steak enthusiasts, offering a selection of high-quality cuts and a sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant also features an extensive wine and cocktail menu to complement the steakhouse fare.

5. Antoinette Baking Co.

Cuisine Type: Bakery
Location: 207 N Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: Antoinette Baking Co.

Antoinette Baking Co. is a charming bakery known for its delectable pastries, cakes, and artisan bread. In addition to sweet treats, the bakery also offers a variety of savory items, making it a perfect stop for breakfast or lunch.

6. Dilly Diner

Cuisine Type: American Restaurant
Location: 402 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Website: Dilly Diner

Dilly Diner is a classic American diner serving comfort food favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast. The restaurant features a nostalgic ambiance with retro decor and a welcoming atmosphere.

7. STG Gelateria

Cuisine Type: Gelato Restaurant
Location: 114 S Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120
Website: STG Gelateria

STG Gelateria is a delightful gelato shop offering a variety of artisanal gelato flavors, sorbet, and other frozen treats. The gelateria prides itself on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious desserts.

8. Lone Wolf Banh Mi

Cuisine Type: Vietnamese Restaurant
Location: 203 E Archer St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: Lone Wolf Banh Mi

Lone Wolf Banh Mi specializes in Vietnamese street food, focusing on banh mi sandwiches, pho, and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant offers a modern twist on classic flavors, creating a unique dining experience.

9. Chimera

Cuisine Type: Cafe
Location: 212 N Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: Chimera

Chimera is a cozy neighborhood cafe known for its artisanal coffee, freshly baked pastries, and a diverse menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The restaurant also showcases local artwork and provides a welcoming community space for patrons.

10. The Vault

Cuisine Type: American Restaurant
Location: 620 S Cincinnati Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119
Website: The Vault

The Vault offers a modern twist on American classics, with a menu featuring dishes like gourmet burgers, seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. The restaurant is housed in a historic bank building, adding a unique ambiance to the dining experience.

11. Bull In The Alley

Cuisine Type: American Restaurant
Location: 11 E Mathew Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: Bull In The Alley

Bull In The Alley is a hidden gem known for its upscale dining experience and a menu featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection. The restaurant is located in a historic alleyway, offering diners a secluded and intimate atmosphere.

12. The Local Bison

Cuisine Type: American Restaurant
Location: 522 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: The Local Bison

The Local Bison is a farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients to create seasonal menus featuring a variety of American cuisine. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

13. East Village Bohemian Pizzeria

Cuisine Type: Pizzeria
Location: 818 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Website: East Village Bohemian Pizzeria

East Village Bohemian Pizzeria is a cozy pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas, creative toppings, and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. The pizzeria also offers a selection of craft beers and wines to accompany the delicious pizzas.

14. The Chowhouse

Cuisine Type: American Restaurant
Location: 18 Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103
Website: The Chowhouse

The Chowhouse is a casual American eatery offering a menu of comfort food favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and hearty entrees. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a meal in the open air.

15. Baxter’s Interurban Grill

Cuisine Type: New American Restaurant
Location: 717 S Houston Ave Ste 100, Tulsa, OK 74127
Website: Baxter’s Interurban Grill

Baxter’s Interurban Grill is a modern American restaurant known for its diverse menu featuring a range of dishes, from gourmet burgers to seafood and pasta. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails and an inviting, contemporary ambiance for diners.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Inside: The Penny Challenge is an easy way to save money every day. By making small contributions of pennies each day, you can easily save hundreds of dollars. Plus a free printable!

Mastering the art of saving can be quite daunting, particularly for individuals living paycheck to paycheck. The idea of setting aside large sums of money daily might seem intimidating, leading to inertia and a lack of progress in saving attempts.

However, the Penny Challenge creates a refreshing approach to saving. You are saving pennies!

Thus, it takes away the pressure of dealing with large figures, making the saving process more accessible and manageable. Starting with as little as a penny a day, this challenge silently builds a savings habit and a more positive money mindset.

Rather than feeling overwhelmed, you gain slow and steady momentum in your saving journey, eventually accumulating a significant sum of $667.95 in 365 days. This subtle method of saving demonstrates that even slight changes in financial behavior can lead to impactful results.

The simplicity of the Penny Challenge is its greatest strength, making it an efficient and easy way to kickstart your savings journey.

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 is the Penny Challenge?

The Penny Challenge is a delightful saving endeavor that begins with saving just one penny on the first day. The idea is to incrementally increase your savings by one more penny every day.

So, on day two, you save 2 pennies, on day three, 3 pennies, and so on. By the end of the year, on day 365, you’d save $3.65.

All adds up to a substantial $667.95 by the end of the 365 days!

History and Popularity of Penny Challenge

The Penny Challenge, while not heavily documented, appears to have its roots prior to social media where people started sharing it as an easy and fun way to save. It rapidly gained popularity because of its simplicity and the significant accumulation of savings from mere coins.

Today, people from all walks of life participate in Penny Challenges, tracking their progress and sharing their successes online. It’s not only popular among individuals but also families, helping children understand the concept of saving.

How the Penny Challenge Works

Around here at Money Bliss, we have plenty of money saving challenges to install habits of saving money.

The Penny Challenge is a suitable strategy for beginners, and even seasoned savers, making a significant impact on one’s back account by the end of the year with over six hundred dollars with just pennies.

Daily Contributions: Saving a Penny a Day

The core of the Penny Challenge is rooted in daily contributions.

Starting with one cent on the first day, you’ll boost your savings by an additional penny each day.

This means you’ll end up with three cents on the third day, four cents on the fourth, and so on. Remember, each penny is a stepping stone to building your wealth, so no amount is too small to fit in your piggy bank.

This habit-building exercise is particularly beneficial for those just starting out or anyone looking to make the most of their loose change.

Penny Challenge Chart in Action

Day	Penny Savings	Balance
Day 1	$0.01	$0.01
Day 2	$0.02	$0.03
Day 3	$0.03	$0.06
Day 4	$0.04	$0.10
Day 5	$0.05	$0.15
Day 6	$0.06	$0.21
Day 7	$0.07	$0.28
Day 8	$0.08	$0.36
Day 9	$0.09	$0.45
Day 10	$0.10	$0.55

Don’t be fooled! Pennies add up over the course of the year!

Monthly Contributions: An Alternative Approach

If daily contributions seem daunting or easily forgettable, consider the alternative monthly approach. Instead of saving each penny per day, you can make a lump sum deposit each month equivalent to the total you’d save daily.

For instance, in January you’d put away $4.96, in February $12.74, and so forth. This approach lessens the daily burden and keeps your saving habit on track.

Month	Penny Savings	Balance
January	$4.96	$4.96
February	$12.74	$17.70
March	$23.25	$40.95
April	$31.65	$72.60
May	$42.16	$114.76
June	$49.95	$164.71
July	$61.07	$225.78
August	$70.68	$296.46
September	$77.55	$374.01
October	$89.59	$463.60
November	$95.85	$559.45
December	$108.50	$667.95

If you like simplicity and want to start on any month, this approach is for you! The assumption is you save for 30 days regardless of the number of days in the month.

Month	Penny Savings	Balance
Month 1	$4.65	$4.65
Month 2	$13.65	$18.30
Month 3	$22.65	$40.95
Month 4	$31.65	$72.60
Month 5	$40.65	$113.25
Month 6	$49.65	$162.90
Month 7	$58.65	$221.55
Month 8	$67.85	$289.20
Month 9	$76.65	$365.85
Month 10	$85.65	$451.50
Month 11	$94.65	$546.15
Month 12	$103.65	$649.80

Raisin

Simply select one of the high-yield savings products offered by their network of federally insured banks and credit unions to begin your savings journey.

You can open a free Raisin account in just a few minutes!

Compare Rates

Penny Challenge Variations

Great news! There are plenty of ways to maximize your savings deposit with one of the advanced strategies.

Modified Versions of the Penny Challenge: 26 Week and 52 Week Challenges

For those who wish to tweak the Penny Challenge to fit their lifestyle better, there are modified versions such as the 26 Week and 52 Week Challenges. Many people prefer this as they are paid on a biweekly basis for budgeting.

For the 26 Week variation, you’d start with the max you would save which is $3.65 on week one, and decrease the saving amount by one cent every subsequent week, ending with $95.04k.
Similarly, the 52 Week variation begins with saving 3.65 on week one and ends with $3.13 on the 52nd week. Thus, saving $179.67.

These modifications are ideal for shorter time frames or lower savings targets.

Reverse Penny Challenge & its Benefits

The Reverse Penny Challenge works in the opposite direction to the traditional method. It starts by putting away $3.65 on day one and then decreases the amount by one penny each day.

The primary benefit of this approach is that it gets the more significant amounts out of the way early. For some, this method might be more digestible, and it can be particularly beneficial for those who find their finances tighter towards year-end.

All of our reverse money saving challenges are extremely popular since you may lose motivation to the end or other unexpected expenses pop up.

Coffee Habit Backwards Reward Challenge

Let’s be honest… most of these savings amounts are less than your cup of coffee at Starbucks or your Amazon order.

So, on those days you choose to spend money on coffee or a just-because purchase, then you must deposit the same amount into your penny challenge funds!

It’s just pennies, right?!?!

Other Popular Money Saving Challenges:

Grow your savings account with one of the other popular money savings challenges!

Acorns

Invest spare change, invest while you bank, earn bonus investments, grow your knowledge and more.

Every purchase you make means an opportunity to invest your spare change! So coffee for $3.25 becomes a $0.75 investment in your future.

Get Started

Penny Challenge Free Printable

Downloading the free printable penny saving challenge is a beneficial next step!

To access the free printable, you must subscribe to our email list. Then, you will be emailed the password to our free library – full of many printables to help you on your money journey.

FAQs about the Penny Challenge

By participating in the Penny Challenge and putting one penny in a jar every day, increasing the amount by a penny daily, you would end up with $667.95 at the end of the year.

It’s a simple yet effective way to accumulate a substantial amount from seemingly insignificant daily contributions.

If you were to save exactly one penny each day for a year without increasing the amount, you would end up with just $3.65 at the end of the year.

In contrast, the Penny Challenge’s incremental daily savings can significantly boost to a handsome $667.95 a year.

Every Penny Counts: Significance of Small Savings

While a penny might seem insignificant, the Penny Challenge proves that even the smallest denominations can cumulate into a significant sum.

This challenge reinforces the age-old adage, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Teaching us that regularity and persistence in saving, regardless of the amount, can make a meaningful impact. It’s a testament to the potency of small daily habits in shaping your financial future.

Diving headfirst into the world of saving can often seem daunting, but any type of challenge makes it approachable and fun.

Seeing the Penny Challenge through to the end provides more than just financial gains; it instills a powerful habit of saving and exhibits the enormous potential of minor daily contributions. Upon reaching your savings goal, not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment, but your brain will also crave the repetition of this gratifying experience, motivating you to save more and tackle larger financial goals.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single cent!

Check out these mini savings challenges!

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

November 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

Don Jr, Eric, and Ivanka Trump have taken out a combined $22M in mortgages on their new swanky homes in Florida since relocating from New York over the last two years
DailyMail.com can reveal Ivanka and Jared Kushner lead the siblings with the highest mortgage, borrowing $15M against their $24M Indian Creek Island home which was finally completed last month
In Jupiter, about 85mi north on Florida’s east coast, Don Jr, 45, and fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, 54, snapped up a $9.7M pad with a $4.8M home loan, while Eric, 39, and wife Lara borrowed $2.4M on their $3.2M house

By Chris White For Dailymail.com

Published: 07:12 EST, 26 November 2023 | Updated: 19:02 EST, 26 November 2023

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He has an estimated net worth of $2.6billion according to a Forbes report last month – but Donald Trump’s fortune is pitted against $200million worth of debt from his portfolio of luxury real estate, resorts, and golf courses.

And just like their famous father, Don Jr, 45, Eric, 39, and Ivanka Trump, 42, have followed suit in taking out massive loans to invest in their own swanky mansions and property.

DailyMail.com can reveal the three oldest Trump siblings took out massive mortgages, all at virtually the same time two years ago, totaling over $22million.

The hefty investments came when the family left New York and began putting down roots in Florida – where Trump relocated after losing the 2020 presidential election.

DailyMail.com can reveal Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner took out a $15million mortgage on their $24million fixer-upper on Indian Creek Island in April 2021, a few months after they moved from Washington, D.C. to Miami. The couple’s monthly payment on their home loan is around $111,000

Miami Beach’s exclusive Indian Creek Island is known as ‘Billionaire Bunker’. The couple spent two years and spared no expense when they gutted and redesigned their new residence, which boasts six bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms

Jared and Ivanka finally moved into their newly renovated mansion with their three children, Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore in October.

And now, DailyMail.com can reveal that Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner took out the highest mortgage out of all the Trump kids for their new Florida digs.

The couple borrowed $15million for the $24million property they purchased in April 2021 on Miami Beach’s exclusive Indian Creek Island, known as ‘Billionaire Bunker’.

The home loan was obtained from Bank of America through an LLC linked to Kushner’s general counsel, Christopher Smith.

The deal is for 15 years and at the time would have been secured at a 3 per cent going interest rate, working out to a payment of around $111,000 a month.

Trump and Kushner, both 42, took more than two years and spared no expense when they gutted and redesigned their new residence, which boasts six bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms.

The extensive renovation project on the 1.3-acre estate was finally completed last month, just in time for Ivanka to celebrate her 42nd birthday with a dinner party at the palatial property.

Donald Trump Jr. and fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle took out a $4.8million mortgage on the 11,000-square-foot mansion they snapped up in the exclusive gated community of Admirals Cove, in Jupiter, for $9.7 million in March 2021

The home loan for the six-bedroom, 11-bath mansion was obtained by Valley National Bank for 30 years and breaks down to approximately $29,500 a month, plus property tax

The political power couple joined the list of rich and famous residents in Admirals Cove, located just 20 miles from Mar-a-Lago

New aerial images of the resort-style property show its expansive sun deck, perfect for enjoying the balmy Florida heat year-round.

The private 300-acre Indian Creek Island’s wealthy residents include retired NFL legend Tom Brady and, most recently, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who purchased two neighboring mansions for $79million and $68million in the last three months.

The island has 34 homes, around 42 residents, and its own private 13-person police force that guard the single bridge to get on and off the estate, as well as a 24-hour marine patrol.

Meanwhile, about 85 miles north on Florida’s east coast, Ivanka’s older brother Donald Trump Jr, 45, and fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, 54, snapped up a $9.7million pad in March 2021 in the celeb-enclave of Jupiter, home to numerous sports stars such as Tiger Woods and Serena Williams.

Documents obtained by DailyMail.com show the pair took out a $4.8million mortgage on the property.

The home loan is with Valley National Bank for 30 years with the first 20 being at 3.25 per cent before increasing to the Federal funds rate. This is approximately $29,500-a-month plus property tax.

Younger sibling Eric, 39, and wife Lara, 41, picked up a $3.2million estate also in Jupiter near his older brother, in March 2021

The couple’s $2.4million 30-year mortgage from Valley National Bank works out at just over $10,000 a month plus taxes. The 7,715-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and is in his dad’s gated Trump National Golf Club

Just like his older siblings, Eric had been mainly based in New York before he and wife Lara followed his family down to Florida in March 2022 (pictured in April 2023)

Eric and Lara Trump’s $2.4million mortgage

The 11,000 square foot mansion is in the exclusive gated community of Admirals Cove, 20 minutes from his father’s primary residence of Mar-a-Lago, and boasts six bedroom, 11 bathrooms, pool, gym and games room.

Meanwhile, younger sibling Eric, 39, and wife Lara, 41, picked up a $3.2million estate, also in Jupiter in March 2021. It comes with a $2.4million mortgage from Valley National Bank.

Like Donald Jr, his mortgage is over 30 years, initially at a 3.125 per cent rate for 20 years, then at the Federal funds rate. This works out at just over $10,000 a month plus taxes.

The 7,715-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and is in his dad’s gated Trump National Golf Club.

The only grown up sibling not to have made an real estate investments in Florida just yet is Tiffany, 30 – Trump’s daughter from his second marriage to Marla Maples.

She was reported to have been house hunting in Miami Beach a couple of years ago, but it’s not clear if she ever went through with a purchase. She married

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Apache is functioning normally

November 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

Salt Lake City is a vibrant city that is growing by the minute. More and more people are flocking to the Salt Lake valley, but it’s no surprise. Everyone comes to the valley for a different reason and each person has unique housing needs. Whatever your housing requirements are, there are plenty of options for you. Here are the best apartments in Salt Lake City to get you started on your hunt!

The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Brickgate offer a combination of convenience and comfort.

A fitness center, hot tub and swimming pool make de-stressing and relaxing easy, not to mention the many nearby trails for hiking and biking. Each unit has a washer and dryer, extra storage and a renovated interior.

Located slightly further from the mountains, the Seasons at Pebble Creek has even better mountain views than other parts of the valley. These one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units have private patios, in-unit washers and dryers and new interiors.

On-site amenities include facility patrol, a pool, fitness center, business center and playground. It’s also near the freeway, giving quick access to everything else that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Cottonwood apartments are in a quaint, mellow area of the Salt Lake valley. The conveniences it offers include a neighborhood pet park, outdoor hiking trails and safety measures, such as on-site patrol and controlled access.

The functional interiors have vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and in-unit washer and dryer connections. And community amenities include a hot tub, pool, fitness center and business center.

In the affluent Avenues neighborhood, you’ll find that the studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments of Avenue East are near beautifully preserved, historic homes and nearby mountains.

The many hiking, biking and running trails located just steps outside the property are attractive to anyone that enjoys the outdoors. Finally, like the other homes in the area, the apartments are well-maintained and have renovated interiors.

With a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans available, Liberty Commons is conveniently located in the suburbs, yet not far from the Salt Lake International Airport and downtown area.

Other conveniences are available, like direct-access garages with some apartments, an in-unit washer and dryer and extra storage.

Summerwood’s two-bedroom apartments are affordable, starting at $925, yet offer the comforts of a more expensive unit. In-unit washer and dryer connections, private balconies and oversized closets come with the apartments here, not to mention the proximity to shopping and entertainment.

Fitness options include an exercise center, tennis courts and racquetball courts. Additionally, there’s a hot tub, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool, giving plenty of room for swimming during all seasons.

In one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the valley, Liberty Village is in the center of Sugarhouse. Its studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments have granite countertops, nine-foot ceilings and all stainless steel appliances.

Liberty Village is a green community, complete with a green building certificate and on-site recycling. Also, the complex has controlled access entry and on-site patrol, providing peace of mind for residents.

A comfortable place for pets and people alike, Mountain Shadows is near a pet park in the suburbs. It has many amenities available, such as basketball courts, a business center, a fitness center and a pool.

Mountain Shadows has one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, which include on-site patrol for the complex and options for extra storage.

Located in the vibrant, coveted neighborhood of Sugarhouse, the Vue at Sugarhouse Crossing is one of the most desirable apartment complexes in the valley. Fitting with its name, the mountains are close by and the views from the apartments are stunning.

Apart from its ideal location near Sugarhouse Park, it offers access to boutiques, unique dining and amenities like a hot tub and fitness center. Each unit features hardwood floors, a dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island and ceiling fans.

Donna Manor’s one- and two-bedroom plans have a little bit of everything. It’s located near shopping and restaurants and apartments include balconies where you can enjoy the incredible Utah mountain views.

Apartments come updated with luxury touches, like two-toned paint, crown molding and tiled fireplaces. There are also solar panels to reduce the cost of utilities. Also, the community clubhouse, a hot tub and sauna are available for residents to relax and de-stress.

The one- and two-bedroom floor plans at Callaway offer comfort and variety, including beautiful golf course views, high-end stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and various amenities.

Callaway has top-tier amenities available for residents, which include two dog parks and a dog washing facility, two fitness centers, two swimming pools, a clubhouse and sports courts.

Woodside at Holladay is close to the large Murray Park and only a short drive to the mountains, giving plenty of access to outdoor activities at all times throughout the year.

The interior layout and amenities shine through at Woodside, as additional storage is available, updated kitchens include newer dishwashers and islands and there are in-unit washer and dryer connections.

Offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with updated kitchens, large closets and extra storage, Cedar Breaks has many perks, including beautiful mountain views from across the Salt Lake valley.

It’s minutes away from both I-215 and I-15, making travel and commuting quick and convenient. Its amenities include a fitness center, basketball court, hot tub and pool.

Apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms at Maison’s Landing have high-end upgrades in each unit, including stainless steel appliances and in-unit washer and dryer options, as well as other conveniences like carports and garages.

Maison’s Landing has incredible amenities, like free bike checkouts, a gated pet area, a pool lounge with billiards and shuffleboard, sports courts and a pool.

Ultimately, Aspen Cove is in a quiet community north of downtown. It contains two- and three-bedroom units that have luxury features, like vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, large closets with organizers included.

There are also private patios and additional private storage, making it easier to hold outdoor gatherings and store extra belongings.

Thornhill Park is in the quieter suburbs east of downtown Salt Lake City. Its facilities include a clubhouse, business center, fitness center, hot tub, pool and racquetball courts. There’s also on-site patrol to keep the complex safe.

Here at Thornhill Park, there are floor plans that are one and two bedrooms. Plus, in-unit washers and dryers, patios, balconies and new interiors.

Minutes away from historic Wheeler Farm, Boulder Hollow lies close to walking trails and canyons for outdoor recreation. These large apartments have in-unit washer and dryer connections and controlled access for added safety.

Residents can choose from anything between one- to four-bedroom apartments and townhomes, which are perfect for everyone from individuals flying solo to families of all sizes.

Stonehenge’s spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment plans include large closets, a fireplace and in-unit washer and dryer hookups. Additionally, it’s also not too far from hiking, skiing and other outdoor recreation.

Furthermore, the facilities have a pool and hot tub, fitness center, recreation room and racquetball and tennis courts, so you have everything you need and more right outside your door.

Right in between downtown Salt Lake and the University of Utah campus is The New Broadmoor. This beautiful brick building is full of character and charm and contains one- and two-bedroom apartments, with short-term leases available if needed.

These renovated apartments are all about location and are within walking distance of many shops, cafes and other dining. Plus, we have to mention plenty of downtown entertainment.

What used to be an old bowling center, the Ritz Classic was converted into studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, but kept the large 90-foot bowling pin in the parking lot as a reminder of its history.

Along with updated interiors, these apartments are close to parks, shopping and dining, and the complex itself has plenty of amenities. Fire pits, a coffee bar, electric vehicle charging stations and even a yoga studio are a few of the things residents have access to.

Near downtown and within walking distance to shopping and entertainment, Park Place at City Centre has two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments.

Plus, it includes a variety of amenities, like a barbecue area, playground for kids, fitness center, hot tub and large clubhouse.

Just off of Foothill Drive, one of the best locations in the valley is Foothill Place. A short drive from downtown and right near the mouth of Parley’s Canyon, there really isn’t a more ideal spot to settle.

These one- and two-bedroom apartments are not only close to multiple ski resorts, but the complex has a hot tub, pool and fitness center.

First of all, you have the option of a one-, two- or three-bedroom floor plan at Overlook Point. Although it isn’t in the center of the city, it is conveniently located near a shopping center in the quiet suburbs.

If shopping isn’t enough, there are basketball and tennis courts, a clubhouse and a fitness center. Also, enjoy taking a dip in the pool!

Newly renovated with large garden tubs, oversized closets and hardwood floors, Cornell Street is one of the best apartments for the price.

Their studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments start at just $720 a month and would put you within only a few minutes of downtown Salt Lake.

Finally, Towers on Main is basically the best of everything. It offers a variety of floor plans —everything from studio to 3-bedrooms. It has stellar safety features, such as alarms, controlled building access, gated access to the premises and on-site patrol.

There are pet-specific amenities, including a private dog park, making it one of the best for pet owners. In addition to pet amenities, there’s a pool, fitness center, recreation room and media center.

Don’t delay your Salt Lake City apartment hunt

Because. so many people are moving to Salt Lake City, housing may become harder and harder to come by. So don’t wait to start looking for an apartment! Snag the perfect place for you before someone else does.

We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with a Salt Lake City mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Source: rent.com

Decoding Your Expenses – Fixed and Variable

What is A Fixed Expense?

What is an Example of a Fixed Expense?

What is a periodic fixed expense?

How to Budget for Fixed Expenses

1. Start With Fixed Expenses in Budgeting

2. Prioritizing Between Fixed and Variable Expenses

3. Tools and Techniques for Efficient Budgeting

How do I determine whether a cost is fixed or variable?

Strategies to Save on Fixed Costs

Ways to Curb Fixed Expenses

Which fixed expense would be most difficult to change if money is needed for car payments?

Practical Tips for Achieving Financial Stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Does This List of Fixed Expense Examples Help You?

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Key Takeaways

How To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews

Do you really get paid for Amazon reviews?

7 Ways To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews

1. Answer surveys

2. Start a blog where you review Amazon products

3. Amazon Vine program

4. Social media influencer

5. Become a book reviewer

6. AMZDiscover

7. BrandBacker

Steps and tips for writing Amazon reviews

Disclose that you are getting paid

Actually use the product

Be honest about the pros and cons

Add pictures or videos

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Paid For Amazon Reviews

Is it illegal to get paid for Amazon reviews?

How do you become an Amazon product tester?

What is the Amazon Vine program? How do I join Amazon Vine as a reviewer? What is the process to get invited to Amazon Vine?

Are paid book reviews on Amazon legit?

What is the earning potential as an Amazon reviewer?

How To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews – Summary

The distraction advantage

The power of influence

Scripting the narrative

Presentation skills: A gateway to higher conversion rates

Comprehensive strategies for staying ahead and amplifying influence

Harness the influencer’s advantage

Related

Why is a Savings Challenge Beneficial?

How this Mini Challenge Works?

Popular Mini Savings Challenge to Save Money

1. $300 Mini Saving Challenge

2. $500 Mini Saving Challenge

3. 10 Week Saving Challenge

4. Mini Birthday Fund

5. The Penny Challenge

6. 365-Day Nickel-Saving Challenge

7. The Dime Challenge

8. Dollar Savings Challenge

9. The $5 Challenge

10. 25 Envelopes Challenge

11. The Spare Change Challenge

12. Round Up Savings Challenge

13. No-Spend Challenge

14. No Eating Out Challenge

15. The Spending “Swear Jar” or “Bad Habit” Challenge

Bonus: Savings Percentage Challenge

Tips for Successful Savings Challenge

Tip #1 – Creating Your Savings Goals

Tip #2 – Establishing the Savings Timeline

Tip #3 – Automatic Savings

Tip #4 – Staying Motivated through the Challenge

Tip #5 – Adjust your mindset for Improved Savings

Extending the Mini Savings Challenge – What’s Next?

Download the Printable Savings Tracker

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Of the Mini Savings Challenges, Which Will You Try First

Sources

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10 Best Micro Investing Apps

1. Robinhood