The number one money-saving tip people search for on Google is “how to save money on groceries.” Of course it is, food is one of the few things you need to survive and eating at home is way cheaper than…
The post How to Save Money on Groceries Without Clipping a Single Coupon appeared first on Modern Frugality.
Well, that was fast! I just got my check and it’s all going to bills! Sound familiar? If so, you’re might be living paycheck to paycheck. If you’re struggling to make ends meet with your income, you’re not alone. In fact, 74% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck according to a survey from the […]
The post 9 Simple Steps: How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck for Good appeared first on Incomist.
s Transferring your debt to 0% interest balance transfer credit cards seems like a no-brainer right? You’ll pay no interest for a promotional period of time so 100% of your payment will go to the principal. Sounds like a win to me. And quite often it is a win. But not always. When you know […]
The post Pros and Cons of 0% Interest Balance Transfer Credit Cards appeared first on Incomist.
Get the inside scoop from a grocery store veteran on how to save money on groceries before even stepping foot in a store! Everyone always wants to inside scoop, no matter what you’re talking about! Because let’s face it, us moms need all the tips, hacks, and genius ideas we can get! Doing things the […]
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The post 13 Tips on How to Save Money on Groceries Before You Shop appeared first on Money for the Mamas.
The 50/30/20 rule (also referred to as the 50/20/30 rule) is one method of budgeting that can help you keep your spending in alignment with your savings goals. Budgets should be about more than just paying your bills on…
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The post 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule: How to Use It [Instructions + Calculator] appeared first on MintLife Blog.
Have you been spending lots of time at home? Creating a household budget can help you get a handle on where youâre spendingâand where you can find ways to save.
The post How to Save More Money in the Stay-at-Home Economy by Focusing on What Matters Most appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.
If you absolutely have to move right nowâthen here is everything you need to know about how to move safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The post Everything You Need to Know About Moving Safely During the Coronavirus PandemicâIf You Must appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
Are you in the market for a new or new-to-you car? If so, you’ve probably wondered “How much car can I afford?”
While your local car dealership might be happy to tell you the sky’s the limit regarding your car purchase, your personal budget might be telling you a different story. Spending more than you can afford on a car turns that car from a blessing into a burden.
Deciding how much to spend on a car starts with knowing your current financial numbers. You'll need to know your current income, expenses, and savings amounts.
There are several financial factors that can influence how much you should spend on a car. The amount of money you earn, of course, needs to be taken into account.
When determining how much you earn, always use your net take-home pay to start with. From there, factor in the other financial obligations you have.
In other words, look at your budget. If you don’t normally use one, now is a good time to start. Having a clear view of all other monthly financial obligations will help you better determine how much you can afford.
The 50-30-20 budget plan can be helpful. In short, the 50-30-20 budget plan works like this:
There are many ways to design a budget, but the 50-30-20 budget gives you a good place to start. It will certainly point out of there are any areas that are totally out of whack.
Having a healthy savings account balance is important when making a car purchase as well. If you don’t have an emergency fund with a balance equal to three to six months’ worth of expenses, building that emergency fund up should be a priority.
If you don’t have an emergency fund with a balance equal to three to six months’ worth of expenses, building that emergency fund up should be a priority.
With an added car payment, having a plush savings balance will help you ensure you can cover the new payment even if you hit a financial bump. Or, for instance, if the car needs repairs.
Once you have looked at your budget and determined the amount of money per month you are comfortable spending on a car you'll want to be clear on the total car costs before you make your purchase. Affording a new car isn’t simply about the payment.
There are several other costs associated with car ownership, such as:
You can call your insurance company ahead of time and get a quote for the new vehicle you're considering. If you are still trying to narrow down what type of car you want, check out this list of the most and the least expensive cars to insure.
Call your insurance company ahead of time and get a quote for the new vehicle you're considering.
Fuel costs are fairly easy to determine. A Google search will give you the MPGs of any car you could think of. Compare that to your current car to see if your costs will change.
Maintenance and repair costs can be harder to determine but you can get an idea by using averages across a brand. Here's an article from Autowise that displays the cheapest and most expensive cars to maintain.
Be sure to factor in an accurate estimate of these additional car ownership costs as you determine a purchase price and payment amount you’re comfortable with.
Doing your due diligence as you shop for a car loan is important as well. You do not have to get financing through the dealership. You will likely do better getting a loan yourself through your bank. At the very least, have an understanding of what rate you would qualify for before heading into the dealership so you know if they are offering you a fair rate.
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The next time you get a package that contains bubble wrap, save some for your produce drawers. They’re the perfect liners for the bottom of your fruit and veggie compartments because they keep produce from bruising, while keeping cold air underneath them. Plus, when you need to clean your fridge you can just remove and replace the bubble wrap!
You just dug out last spring’s heels from the back of your closet, but they look like they’ve been flattened by a truck! Reshape your shoes by stuffing bubble wrap into your shoes until they’re back to their normal form. Leave inside your shoes for a half an hour and they’ll be permanently back to their old selves again!
No wire hangers, ever! Wire hangers are often free from the dry cleaner, but they’re barely useable—they create unsightly creases and sometimes do permanent damage to clothes. However, if you have a bunch of bubble wrap, you can make DIY padded hangers: Simply wrap a sheet around the shoulders of the hanger and tape to secure. They won’t look fancy, but they’ll work just as well as the expensive kind you’d buy at the store.
Packing for a trip? Keep your necklaces safe and tangle-free by laying them out on bubble wrap, then taping the ends to the bubble wrap with some Scotch or masking tape. Then simply roll the bubble wrap up and pack safely in your suitcase!
Instead of buying an expensive lumbar cushion, make your own with bubble wrap! Using a roll of bubble wrap, tightly roll up a portion lengthwise until you reach a thickness that will rest comfortably in the small of your back (a few inches thick). Next, thread a length of kitchen twine through the center and tape the roll shut. Fasten to the lumbar region of chair with the twine, and when you sit make sure it supports your lower back, so you improve posture and reduce pain.
Cut down on heating costs and keep your loved ones warm this winter by insulating your windows with bubble wrap. It’s free, and works even better than the plastic window insulations you can buy at the store. All you’ll need is the bubble wrap, a scissor or utility knife, and a spray bottle filled with water. First, cut the wrap to fit the size of your windows. Spray a layer of water on the windowpane, and press the bubble wrap against it so the bubble-side is against the glass. The wrap will stick to your windows all winter long, just like that! If your bubble wrap needs extra adhesive help, use double-sided tape to keep it in place.
For more second uses for everyday items from all around the internet, check out our Clever 2nd Uses board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Image courtesy of Who Knew?