Lifestyle

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Inside: Learn how many months it usually takes for your budget to start working effectively. Plus explore successful budgeting strategies.

Learning to budget can often be a challenging process, but its benefits are irreplaceable. Initially, it might feel overwhelming, as it involves accounting for every small expenditure, adhering to a fixed financial plan, and exercising self-control.

The frustration often emerges from unexpected expenses or changes in income, like getting a raise or having to make a new car loan payment.

However, this ongoing process ultimately fosters financial discipline, enables goal-setting, offers a clear financial picture, and encourages proactive handling of money matters, making the frustration worthwhile.

According to experts, it could take up to three months to adapt to a new budget.

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The Essential Role of Budgeting

Financial budgeting plays a critical role in managing resources efficiently, informing financial goals, prioritizing initiatives, optimizing financing opportunities, and offering flexibility in various situations.

These reasons make it a highly regarded tool in business and personal finance.

Defining Financial Budgeting

Financial budgeting is a systematic approach to managing your finances by mapping out your income and expenditures over a designated period.

This process provides a framework to guide your financial decisions, which aids in achieving your monetary objectives.

It’s essentially an overview of your financial position, goals, and cash flows.

How many months does it usually take for your budget to start working as a budget should?

As per our expert opinion, it typically takes around three months for a budget to start functioning effectively.

When starting a new budget, it’s normal not to see results immediately.

This time frame allows for adjusting to new spending habits, dealing with unexpected costs, and instilling a sense of discipline and control over your finances. Remember, budgeting requires patience and commitment.

Practicing Efficient Budgeting Techniques

Now, the key to being successful is having a few budgeting tricks up your sleeve.

I can guarantee you that budgeting is actually freeing. This is how you do it!

The Process of Getting One Month Ahead

Getting one month ahead in your financial budgeting means living off last month’s income.

In this practice, you pay November’s bills with October’s income, for example, essentially preventing you from spending money you haven’t earned yet.

To set up this process, create a monthly budget, determine your income and expenditures, establish your spending goals, and ensure your income exceeds your spending. More than likely, you will have to save money to get one month ahead of bills completely. YNAB can help you with this.

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Familiarizing with Zero-Based Budgeting

Zero-based budgeting is a method where every penny of your income is allocated to different categories, from necessary and discretionary spending to savings and debt payments.

You start each month with a fresh budget, balancing out your expenses and income to zero. This approach demands meticulous attention to detail and is best suited for individuals with a fixed income and predictable expenses.

Executing the Envelope Method

The envelope method involves assigning an envelope (physical or digital) to each spending category, such as grocery or utilities, and putting cash into each envelope for planned expenditure. Once the cash in an envelope finishes, it means you’ve exhausted your budget for that category.

This method, as per expert suggestion, instills discipline and curbs overspending, making it an ideal choice for cash-driven individuals. Connecting this method with digital tracking systems is possible with the cashless envelope system to cater to those using debit or credit cards.

12 Effective Strategies to Make Budgets Work

These strategies not only allow the allocation of resources efficiently, but also help set realistic financial goals, prioritize projects based on their potential cash flow, and explore optimal chances to reach financial independence.

Moreover, having a budgeting plan in place also ensures flexibility to adjust to unanticipated financial challenges, contributing to long-term wealth creation.

1. Determine Goals and Objectives

Start your budgeting process by clearly defining your financial goals and objectives. Are you aiming to buy a new home, fund your education, or build an emergency fund?

Whatever aspiration you have, short- or long-term, incorporating them into your budget amplifies your drive and focus on achieving them.

This goal-driven strategy aligns your budgeting with your needs and wishes, creating a financial roadmap toward your envisioned milestones. Consider these smart financial goals to get you started.

2. Better Planning, Fewer Surprises

Planning your budget effectively requires a thorough consideration of all personal budget categories.

Also, incorporate both short and long-term financial goals into your budget by prioritizing them, such as purchasing a home, taking a vacation, or furthering your education. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget accordingly, based on changes in income or unexpected expenses, can also ensure you stay on track.

Utilizing a variety of budgeting tools, like spreadsheets, apps, or budgeting software, can simplify this process and help keep you accountable.

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3. Reduced Financial Stress through Budgeting

A successfully implemented budget significantly reduces financial stress by providing an accurate picture of your financial health.

With a well-defined budget, worries about overspending, living from paycheck to paycheck, or falling into debt diminish. Monitoring and updating your budget will allow you to feel more confident and secure about your financial standing, paving the way to monetary stability.

4. Deciding When to Review Your Budget More Frequently

An effective budget is not a set-and-forget one; it requires regular check-ins and updates. A bill calendar is very helpful.

A recommended starting point is a monthly review. However, when first starting out, you will need to review your budget monthly until you find it working for you.

Other situations may need more frequent check-ins according to changes in income, financial goals, or unexpected expenses.

5. Spot Potential Room for Improvement

Budgeting provides a realistic view of your spending patterns, allowing you to identify areas of improvement.

Upon reviewing your budget, you might notice unnecessary expenditures or categories where expenses consistently exceed budgeted amounts. Such insights help you re-evaluate your spending habits and update your budget accordingly.

This phase coupled with a no spend challenge involves being brutally honest with yourself, taking into account your needs, wants, and financial realities.

6. Analyze Your Expenses and Income

Critical examination of your income and expenses is crucial for successful budgeting. Begin by calculating your total income, then list and categorize your monthly expenses into fixed and variable.

Pinpointing the difference between the totals can highlight whether you’re living within your means.

  • If your income surpasses your spending, consider investing the surplus.

Conversely, if your expenses outnumber your earnings, think about ways to increase income or decrease spending.

7. Set Limits for Your Budget Items

Setting reasonable spending limits for your budget categories ensures financial discipline. Check each category of spending—groceries, entertainment, or personal care, for instance—and contemplate areas you can cut back.

Ask around to see how much others are spending in certain categories in your neighborhood.

Remember, your budget should be flexible and realistic to your lifestyle, ensuring you don’t feel deprived. Embed small “wants” into your budget to keep the whole process enjoyable and sustainable.

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8. Create a System for Tracking Your Expenses

Creating an efficient system for tracking expenses is vital to maintaining control over your finances. This could be a simple spreadsheet, a manual ledger, or budgeting apps on your smartphone.

Tally every cent spent, dividing your expenses into their respective categories—rent, food, clothing, utilities, etc.

This way, you get a detailed insight into your financial habits and can identify potential areas for savings. The method isn’t as important as its thoroughness in ensuring no expense gets overlooked.

9. Track Your Spending with a Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets are an optimal resource for tracking spending. You can utilize an online template, like Tally, or make one yourself from scratch.

As you spend, record each transaction under the fitting category. This real-time monitoring can help spot overspending, analyze spending habits, and adjust budgets as needed.

So, if you’re a whiz with Excel or Google Sheets, tracking expenses this way might be your best bet.

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10. Budget for Emergencies

Budgeting for the unexpected is an essential aspect of sound financial planning. Financial emergencies don’t knock before they occur; therefore, creating a buffer in your budget helps you face them without plunging into debt.

As an expert, we suggest an emergency fund of one month of income or at least $1000. Then, start a rainy day fund with three to six months of expenses.

Having these funds built into your budget ensures you’re financially covered for challenging situations such as job loss, medical emergencies, or sudden home repairs.

11. Talk to Your Family About Your Budget

Talking to your family about your budget ensures everyone understands and works towards your financial goals. This discussion becomes especially crucial if you’re budgeting for a household.

I always provide my family with an overview of the budget, explaining how it works and how we can achieve our goals. Being open about your financial plan can foster greater accountability, and cooperation to achieve shared financial objectives more seamlessly.

12. Look for Ways to Make Money

Increasing your income can be an effective strategy to make your budget work better, rather than solely focusing on cutting expenses.

By finding ways to earn more money, for example by taking a part-time job, freelancing, selling unused items, or investing, you add flexibility to your budget and reduce the pressure on spending.

Moreover, the additional income could be directed towards savings, debt repayment, or funding your personal goals as identified in your budget plan.

Financial Budgeting FAQs

  1. Starting a budget begins by assessing your total income, followed by identifying and categorizing your expenses.
  2. Once done, subtract your expenses from your income to understand your financial standing.
  3. Next, set your financial goals—short term and long term.
  4. Then, allocate your earnings across different categories, maintaining a balance between savings, expenditures, and other aspirations.
  5. Review and adjust this plan periodically to ensure it aligns with your financial landscape.

Budgeting should ideally start as soon as a person starts earning money. It’s never too early to begin planning where your money should go, and late starters can still benefit significantly.

Budgeting is a lifelong practice that guides you to live within your means, handle emergencies smoothly, and achieve your financial goals efficiently. It’s an indispensable tool for ensuring monetary success and stability.

Successful Budgeting as an Essential Life Skill

Successful budgeting is undeniably an essential life skill. It not only helps you live within your means but also provides a clear direction towards your financial goals.

Mastering this skill early on can lead to effective financial decision-making, lesser financial stress, and a more secure way of life.

There will be fluctuations in your budgeting, so you can start to forecast your budget. It also reinforces the value of discipline and planning, offering improved self-management and positive monetary habits.

Ultimately, progressing from just surviving to thriving financially is the goal, and disciplined budgeting is a tool to get you there.

This is just one step towards becoming financially independent.

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

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

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Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines; she covers all things home and lifestyle across brands such as Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan, Delish, and Esquire. Before joining Hearst, she highlighted small business owners, creatives, and the best shoppable content. 

Source: harpersbazaar.com

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Founded by — you guessed it — German settlers in the mid-19th century, Germantown is one of Nashville’s most beloved gems.

Don’t get it confused with the city of the same name outside of Memphis, unless you want your GPS to take you all over Tennessee and back. The views on such a trek would be pretty, but talk about a waste of gas!

Where is Germantown in Nashville?

Germantown is an 18-square-block area just outside of downtown Nashville proper.

With its beautiful tree-lined streets, it looks like something right out of a movie. The ZIP Code for Germantown is 37208, but that numeric designation also includes nearby Salemtown.

Here’s a helpful map to give you a visual idea of where Germantown, Nashville is in the rest of middle Tennessee.

Source: Rent.

Germantown overview

To put it mildly, Germantown’s got it going on. A stone’s throw from Downtown, Germantown is one of the most desirable areas to live.

Historic charm? Check. Truly excellent dining? Check. Proximity to healthcare, jobs and entertainment? Check, check and check. These factors all affect rent prices, though, so check out some helpful numbers to determine if Germantown is the right place for you:

  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,536
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $2,221
  • Walk score: 69
  • Bike score: 62
  • Transit score: 49

Living in Germantown

Germantown is ideal for those who long for stroll-friendly streets and easy access to virtually all of Nashville, but who don’t mind paying a rental premium. Like most cities, there are some pros and cons to calling Germantown home, use these details to weigh your preferences:

Demographics

The vast majority of Germantown residents are between the ages of 20 and 44, with a smattering of other age groups sprinkled in. It’s also an area full of couples and/or roommate situations, with most homes made up of two people. The vast majority of residents don’t have children, so it’s probably not ideal for young families interested in lots of playdates.

Almost everyone has at least an associate’s degree or higher.

Education

Schools in Germantown are hit or miss, with some low-to-mid-range rated schools sprinkled in with a few well-regarded magnet options. However, magnet schools are generally application- and/or merit-based, so they’re not a sure thing.

If you do have school-age children be sure to find out zoning rules and designations. Check school ratings on a site like GreatSchools.org.

Safety

The good news is that violent crime is on the decline in Germantown, however, they remain 13 percent higher than the national average.

Crime rates in Germantown are 18 percent lower than the national average, and the neighborhood is safer than 85 percent of other areas in Tennessee. Still, it’s best not to go taking unnecessary chances walking around alone in the middle of the night, ‘kay?

Transportation

Germantown is pretty walkable and somewhat bike-friendly but found lacking in the public transportation department. Indeed, this is a complaint many people have about the general Nashville area.

Fortunately, commute times for residents are usually less than a half-hour. This is really saying something since the Nashville area is legendary for painful commutes. Just ask anyone who comes in from the ‘burbs.

Recreation

With world-renowned dining options such as City House located in Germantown, eating out is a popular option for locals. Shopping is also a beloved pastime for Germantown residents, whether for produce and other goods at the daily Farmers Market or in one of the locally-owned boutiques.

Attractions

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is also in the neighborhood, and its walking paths and historic monuments are extremely popular. Tours, “how-to” classes, bonfires and many other events are also planned year-round.

Germantown is also close to everything that the downtown area offers, from honky-tonks to swank speakeasies.

10 things to do in Germantown

Germantown has everything a person could want for a day out, no car required! Take in some of these quintessentially Germantown Nashville experiences to truly get a feel for what this eclectic neighborhood is all about.

  1. Stop by Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a quick how-to class on a topic like cold weather survival.
  2. Celebrate the area’s heritage with a pint or two of German draft beer at Von Elrod’s.
  3. Grab some fresh fish to cook for dinner at Little’s Fish Company.
  4. Look for treasures at Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique.
  5. Check out the “Friendly Whale” mural on Monroe Street.
  6. Participate in a group fitness class at CODE.
  7. Nosh on delectable baked goods at Christie Cookie Co.
  8. Take the kiddos to storytime at the Tennessee State Museum.
  9. No kids? Enjoy the permanent and visiting collections on display at the Tennessee State Museum.
  10. Enjoy views of the Nashville skyline while dining at Germantown Cafe.

Finding an apartment in Germantown

Although an apartment in Germantown is probably more expensive than one out in the suburbs of Nashville, the perks of living there are too numerous to count. Start your apartment search now to get on the road to joining the ranks of Nashville’s most historic neighborhood.

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets. The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.

Source: rent.com

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It’s hard to believe that Americans ever got by without plastic, but the credit card is less than 75 years old. There’s a good chance your grandparents could tell you about life in the days of nothing but cash or checks.

Today, about 84% of Americans have at least one credit card, which allows them to quickly and conveniently tap or swipe their way towards purchases. Unfortunately, those rectangles of plastic may make spending a little too easy: The average household has almost $8,000 in this kind of debt.

Here, you’ll learn just how the credit card came into being, as well as smart ways to manage your credit card usage more effectively.

The Origins of Credit

Here’s how the story of the first credit card goes: Businessman Frank McNamara was having dinner at a New York City restaurant in 1949 when he realized he forgot his wallet. Rather than dine and dash, he came clean and asked if he could sign for the meal and pay later.

Though some say this legendary dinner never happened, everyone agrees McNamara founded Diners Club, the world’s first multipurpose charge card, in 1950. McNamara sold Diners Club memberships to friends and acquaintances willing to pay $3 for the “sign now, pay later” privilege at participating restaurants and hotels.

Until that point, only individual stores extended credit to customers. If you couldn’t pay for, say, a dress or a new suit at the general store — and the owner knew you were good for the money — you could run up a tab and pay cash later. But the Diners Club card provided the benefit of credit at multiple locations instead of just one establishment.
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Next Came the “Big Four” of Credit Cards

Of course, future entrepreneurs and banks wouldn’t let Diners Club monopolize the charge and credit market for long. Eventually, other cards came on the scene—most notably Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

•   Visa: In 1958, Bank of America issued the BankAmericard — the first true credit card — to customers in California. While the original Diners Club card required payment in full at the end of each month, BankAmericard users could pay off purchases over time. In 1976, BankAmericard became Visa.

•   Mastercard: BankAmericard got a run for its money when a group of banks joined forces in 1966 to create the Interbank Card Association (ICA). In 1969, ICA created Master Charge: The Interbank Card, which became Mastercard in 1979.

•   American Express: The American Express Company has been around since 1850, but it didn’t issue its first charge card until 1958. Like Diners Club, the American Express card had to be paid in full each month. That changed in 1987 with the introduction of the Optima card, the first true credit card by American Express. (Fun fact: Elvis Presley was one of the earliest American Express card members.)

•   Discover: Discover is the newest major credit card network on the scene. Sears launched the Discover card in 1986, distinguishing it from the pack by charging no annual fees and offering higher credit limits than other cards at the time.

Discover was also the innovator of cash rewards on credit card purchases—back in 1986. At that time, Discover cardholders could earn rewards of up to 1% cash back on all purchases. Incidentally, Discover Financial Services purchased Diners Club International in 2008.

How Credit Cards Have Changed Over Time

A lot has changed since McNamara’s legendary dinner. Take a look at some of the biggest shifts in the credit industry:

The Ubiquity of Credit

In the early decades, credit was curbed by restrictive interstate banking laws. But credit’s big breakthrough came in 1978, when the Supreme Court ruled to allow nationally chartered banks to charge out-of-state customers the interest rate set in the bank’s home state.

Credit expanded as a result, and today, the average American credit card holder has nearly four cards.

The Evolution of Fees

When Diners Club began, it made money by charging stores a 7% fee on all transactions. Today, credit card companies charge interest on debt, too, so they make money when you don’t pay your bill in full. This is what’s typically known as high-interest debt. How high? At the end of 2023, the average credit card interest rate was reported as 24.59%.

Also, Diners Club used to charge nominal membership fees, but by the 1980s, many credit card companies eliminated annual fees to stay competitive.

The Advent of Rewards

The ’80s also brought tangible rewards for using credit cards instead of cash. Discover pioneered cash rewards, allowing cardholders to get a percentage back on purchases charged. And in 1987, Citibank made a deal with American Airlines to give consumers reward points to use for future flights.

Today, consumers continue to use credit card rewards programs to earn cash or points for future purchases, including travel. In fact, more than 87% of credit card users have rewards programs associated with their cards.

How to Control Your Credit

Credit can be convenient and a real asset when you want to buy something you don’t have enough cash to pay for outright. It’s a powerful tool, and one that must be managed wisely. In the summer of 2023, credit card balances in America hit a new milestone, topping a total of $1 trillion. That likely means many people are carrying a significant amount of debt. To avoid having your balances soar too high, consider these ways to take control of your credit.

Build Your Credit History Wisely

It might sound enticing to pay for everything in cash (and thus stay out of debt), but most of us don’t have the cash flow to pay for college, buy a car, and purchase a home outright. Besides, even if you do have the cash to buy everything you need right now, when the day comes to apply for a loan, you’ll need a solid credit history to qualify.

If you’ve never had a single credit card or loan, your credit history is minimal, which means you pose a higher risk to lenders. In that way it pays to borrow, as long as you do so responsibly. That means spending less than you earn and paying your bills on time, every time. Whenever possible, pay off your credit card in full every month.

Consider Prefinancing

Of course, credit cards aren’t the only way to pay for purchases and build a strong debt payment history. Prefinancing (getting access to a sum of money in advance of a purchase), such as taking out a personal loan, is another option. When you apply for a loan, you’re requesting a specific amount of money from a lender and agreeing to repay that loan over a predetermined period of time.

How credit cards work is a different process. When you pay on credit, the credit card network (e.g., Visa) pays the merchant (e.g., Home Depot) for your purchases, and you pay the network back for your purchases each month. If you don’t pay your balance in full, you’ll be charged interest on future payments.

Between the two options, prefinancing may offer the benefit of lower interest rates and shorter loan terms, helping you get out of debt quicker. After all, if you don’t have a system in place to pay off purchases in a reasonable time frame, credit card debt can haunt you for a long time.

Think about it: If you’ve racked up $15,000 in credit card debt at an interest rate of 20%, and make a payment of $300 each month, it will take you 109 months (9+ years) to pay off your debt, including $17,635.48 in interest, by the way. (You can use a credit card interest calculator to see how your own debt stacks up.)

Understand Your Credit Score

Whenever you borrow money via a personal loan or use your credit card, your lenders and creditors send details of those transactions to three major national credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®). That information is then used to assess your creditworthiness, which is expressed as a three-digit credit score that represents the risk you pose to lenders.

The higher your credit score, the less risky you are in their eyes. FICO® scores are the ones used most often in lending decisions in the United States, with scores typically ranging from 300 (poor) to 850 (exceptional).

Your credit score comprises five categories, and each one has an impact:

•   Payment history: Late or missed payments drag down your score.

•   Amounts owed: High balances can hurt you; maxing out your credit cards is even more damaging.

•   Length of credit history: A long history can increase your score.

•   Credit mix in use: A healthy mix of credit cards, student loans, a mortgage loan, etc., can boost your score.

•   New credit: Opening several credit accounts in a short period of time can damage your score.

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Build Your Credit Score

If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, there’s good news: Scores aren’t set in stone. Try these tips to build yours:

Getting out of Credit Card Debt With a Personal Loan

Sometimes the problem is bigger than a low credit score. Unfortunately, some people get so deep into debt that it’s hard to find a way out on their own. One option: A personal loan to pay off credit card debt. This kind of loan usually allows you to consolidate high-interest credit card debt into one lower-interest loan with a fixed monthly payment.

Balance-transfer credit cards are another potential avenue to get out from under debt. Keep in mind, though, that these likely charge balance transfer fees, and your interest rate will be considerable after the promotional period. On the other hand, if you shop around, you may be able to find a personal loan that doesn’t charge origination or other fees.

You might also benefit from free or low-cost financial counseling from a nonprofit organization, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

The Takeaway

Clearly, Americans have become accustomed to and perhaps even reliant on credit cards since they were developed almost 75 years ago. When managed effectively, credit cards are valuable tools to help you pay for the things you need and to sustain the lifestyle you want.

If, however, you feel weighed down by credit card debt, start taking steps to control your credit, rather than letting it control you. Consider your options, such as balance transfer credit cards or using a personal loan, to help you pay off your balance.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Source: sofi.com

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Are you looking for the best books about budgeting? Learning how to budget can change your life – you may be able to improve your finances, stop living paycheck to paycheck, start living debt-free, improve your net worth, and so much more. All from learning how to budget. To get good at budgeting, I think…

Are you looking for the best books about budgeting?

Learning how to budget can change your life – you may be able to improve your finances, stop living paycheck to paycheck, start living debt-free, improve your net worth, and so much more.

All from learning how to budget.

To get good at budgeting, I think it’s a great idea to learn from people who know a lot about it, which includes reading the best money books. There are all different kinds of budgeting books out there that cater to different people and their unique financial situations, so you are sure to find one that fits what you are looking for.

Key Takeaways

Best Books About Budgeting

Below are the best books about budgeting.

1. The Millionaire Next Door

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy written by Thomas J. Stanley is a favorite personal finance book for many people and is a great first budgeting book to read.

This book helps you to better understand the habits and mindset of millionaires in an easy-to-understand way (and it’s so interesting to read as well!). You will learn about the importance of living below your means and avoiding lifestyle inflation to achieve financial success and build real wealth.

You’ll find out that many millionaires live real simple lives, spending wisely and doing things differently, like how they use their time and raise their kids. It’s surprising to see what being rich really means, and some people who seem rich might actually have a lot of debt.

This is one of the best budgeting books because it teaches you that anyone can retire with wealth.

Please click here to learn more about The Millionaire Next Door.

2. The Simple Path To Wealth

The Simple Path To Wealth was written by J.L. Collins, and it’s one of the best books on money management, especially if you want to retire early.

This highly recommended book makes building wealth easy to understand, and it’s the book to go to if you want to make your finances better but don’t want to spend a lot of time on it.

In his book, Collins talks about important money topics, like staying away from debt, building wealth, understanding the 4% rule, and much more.

Please click here to learn more about The Simple Path To Wealth.

3. Broke Millennial

Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together was written by Erin Lowry, and is one of the must-read best money books for young adults. The author makes talking about money fun and interesting, especially for young adults.

This book is made for millennials (and young adults!) who want to manage their money well.

Erin writes about how to have a clear plan to stop being broke and gives a step-by-step guide where she covers many different topics, including tricky ones like managing student loans and talking about money with your partner.

I like to give this book as a graduation gift to those finishing high school or college. It’s one of the best personal finance books for beginners because it helps young adults better understand money.

Please click here to learn more about Broke Millennial.

4. The No-Spend Challenge Guide: How to Stop Spending Money Impulsively, Pay off Debt Fast, and Make Your Finances Fit Your Dreams

The No-Spend Challenge Guide by Jen Smith is the perfect book for those struggling with spending. This guide has actionable steps to stop impulsive spending, pay off debt, and align your financial decisions with your dreams.

Jen Smith went from struggling to stay on a budget for more than two weeks to paying off $78,000 of debt in under two years. In her book, she shares experiences and strategies, including using No-Spend Challenges to shift her money mindset and budget more effectively.

Please click here to learn more about The No-Spend Challenge Guide.

5. The One Week Budget: Learn to Create Your Money Management System in 7 Days or Less!

The One Week Budget by Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista) is a great book to read if you want to create a better money management system that takes less of your time. So many people are afraid to manage their money because they think it will be hard or take a lot of time, so this is a great book to read to overcome that.

In just one week, this book will help you create a budgeting system to manage your money effectively. This is a great read for anyone new to budgeting or looking for a more simple approach to managing their money.

Please click here to learn more about The One Week Budget.

6. We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers is an inspiring book that teaches women how to build wealth and achieve financial independence.

You will learn how to make better money decisions, strategies to bring in more income, and how to change your attitude about money.

This book will also show you how to overcome obstacles in your life (such as lack of confidence or knowledge) so that you can build wealth.

Please click here to learn more about We Should All Be Millionaires.

7. How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (2nd Edition): A Proven Path to Money Mastery in Only 15 Minutes a Week!

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck by Avery Breyer is a practical guide that helps readers break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, and it gives tips on budgeting, saving, and investing.

You will learn how to build an emergency fund, get out of debt, avoid budget traps, and more.

This book teaches a complete budget system for beginners and takes only 15 minutes per week to do.

Please click here to learn more about How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck.

8. How To Pay Off Your Mortgage In Five Years: Slash Your Mortgage with a Proven System the Banks Don’t Want You to Know About

How To Pay Off Your Mortgage In Five Years by Clayton Morris and Natali Morris is a great book for anyone looking to pay off their mortgage fast.

This is a helpful read for homeowners looking to shorten their mortgage term and save money on interest in the long run. This is a step-by-step system with a strategic plan to pay off your mortgage fast.

Please click here to learn more about How To Pay Off Your Mortgage In Five Years.

9. You Need A Budget

You Need A Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want by Jesse Mecham is a great personal finance book that teaches you a step-by-step budgeting system for managing your money more effectively.

You will learn things such as how to pick your priorities for your money, how to not let expenses sneak up on you, how to handle an unexpected expense, and how to get your money to last.

Please click here to learn more about You Need A Budget.

10. The Automatic Millionaire

The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach is a book that simplifies the process of becoming financially independent, emphasizing the power of automating your savings and investments.

The Automatic Millionaire begins with the inspiring tale of an ordinary American couple — a low-level manager and a beautician — whose combined income never surpasses $55,000 per year. Remarkably, they achieve debt-free homeownership of two houses, put both kids through college, and retire at 55 with over $1 million in savings.

Please click here to learn more about The Automatic Millionaire.

11. I Will Teach You To Be Rich

I Will Teach You To Be Rich was written by Ramit Sethi and is a great first personal finance book to read. This has been a popular money book for years and for good reason!

This book is full of very helpful lessons presented in a fun way, and he covers the basics of personal finance, including budgeting, saving money, investing, and more.

Please click here to learn more about I Will Teach You To Be Rich.

12. The One Page Financial Plan

The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way to Be Smart About Your Money by Carl Richards is a book that will help you create a single-page plan based on your personal financial goals.

This book will help you figure out how much money to invest each year, how much life insurance you need, how to handle unexpected costs (or a job loss), and more.

If you are looking for more of a visual way to manage your money, then this is the book to read.

Please click here to learn more about The One Page Financial Plan.

13. Your Money or Your Life

Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez has sold more than one million copies and is one of the most popular and best money books ever.

This book has been popular for over 25 years (but don’t let that stop you from reading it!), and it’s been updated with more recent topics like side hustles, new investment options, how to track your money online, and more.

This book focuses on mindful spending and helps you reevaluate your relationship with money. This book will guide you in getting out of debt, saving money with mindfulness and good habits, building wealth, contributing to saving the planet, and so much more.

Please click here to learn more about Your Money Or Your Life.

14. The Financial Diet

The Financial Diet (same name as the very popular blog!) by Chelsea Fagan is a guide to managing money, including tips on budgeting, saving, and investing so that you can make smart financial decisions.

This book will teach you how to get good with money, how to stick to a budget, how to invest, how to save money on food, and more.

The Financial Diet is the personal finance book for someone who doesn’t care about personal finance but is looking for a beginner’s guide to improve their financial situation. The writing style of this book will keep you interested and actually want to learn about personal finance.

Please click here to learn more about The Financial Diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budgeting Books

Below are common questions about finding the best budgeting books.

What are the best budgeting books for young adults?

My favorite budgeting book for young adults is Broke Millennial, and I personally buy this book and give it as a gift to anyone I know who is graduating from high school or college.

There are many other budgeting books that people love such as How To Manage Your Money When You Don’t Have Any by Erik Wecks, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, Money Honey by Rachel Richards, Spend Well, Live Rich by Michelle Singletary, and so many others.

What’s the best budgeting book planner?

A budgeting book planner is a tool that you can use to organize your finances in one place and stick to your budget. You can find many different budgeting book planners here.

Best Budgeting Books – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best books on budgeting.

As you can see, there are many different budgeting books that can fit your personal situation.

These books talk about different parts of budgeting, like making a basic plan or handling money when you don’t have much. Whether you’re just starting or want to get better at budgeting, there is probably a book above that has something for you to learn.

Here’s a quick list of the best budgeting books listed above:

What’s your favorite book about budgeting?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

A standard renters insurance policy typically covers your personal belongings should they be damaged, destroyed or stolen. Renters insurance also covers liability in case someone is injured or someone else’s property is damaged, as well as any medical payments. Lastly, it can pay for additional living expenses should your place become uninhabitable.

So, how does renters insurance work? Let’s talk about what renters insurance is, the specifics of what it covers, and how much it might cost to hop on a policy.

Renters Insurance Basics

Renters insurance offers financial protection to tenants in case anything were to happen to their personal property and in the instance of legal liability.

If you’re a renter, you may think that your landlord will foot the bill should there be a break-in and some of your belongings get stolen, or if there’s a fire in your apartment building. While a landlord might have insurance in place to cover the building, their insurance won’t cover your items should they get damaged or stolen, or pay for additional living expenses should you need to temporarily move out while your unit undergoes repairs. Rather, these are the types of things that renters insurance covers.

While renters insurance offers similar coverage to homeowners insurance (aside from covering the building, which is the landlord’s responsibility), it is generally much less costly. Some landlords require renters insurance, but not all do.
💡 Quick Tip: Online renters insurance can cover your belongings not just at home but also in your car and on vacation.

What Is Covered by Renters Insurance?

In a nutshell, standard renters insurance covers four main areas:

•   Personal possessions

•   Liability

•   Living expenses

•   Medical payments

Let’s take a closer look at each area.

Personal Property Damage

Renters insurance will cover your personal belongings if they are lost or stolen from common incidences such as:

•   Theft

•   Fire

•   Smoke

•   Lightning

•   Vandalism

•   Explosions

•   Water-related damage from utilities on the property

•   Windstorms

•   Any other disasters, risks or other events listed in your policy

As mentioned before, unlike homeowners insurance, a standard renters policy typically doesn’t provide financial protection and pay for repairs to the actual structure of the building in which you live.

Renters insurance also will not cover damage to personal property during an earthquake or flood, but you can get add-on insurance or a separate policy altogether so that both are covered. If you get comprehensive renters insurance, damage and destruction from hurricanes and storms can be covered, but this type of policy usually costs more.

Liability

A standard renters insurance policy will also protect you financially should you, a family member or, in some cases, a pet cause injury or damage to other people or to their personal property. It could cover the costs of lawsuits, up to the limit of the policy, and the expense of repairing or replacing another person’s property or belongings if you are at fault.

However, it won’t replace your personal belongings or property should you, a member of your family, or your pet cause damage to your own property.

For example, let’s say you’re walking your dog, and your dog has a run-in with another canine. Chaos ensues, and your dog damages a neighbor’s fence. In that case, your renters’ insurance policy will pay to replace the fence. On the other hand, if your dog is chasing a squirrel while on her leash and tears up your mailbox, you’re out of luck. Your renters insurance policy won’t cover that.

Living Expenses

Should you become unable to live in your home and need to temporarily move out due to a covered natural disaster like a tornado, or another incident or event like damage from a fire or a storm, a standard renters insurance policy can cover the cost of additional living expenses.

This can include costs such as meals out and accommodations. It could also pay for pet boarding, the cost of doing laundry outside of your home, and storage costs. What’s covered would be based on your normal living expenses and lifestyle.

Medical Payments

Medical payments are covered under the liability portion of your insurance policy. If someone were injured in your home — say a delivery person slips and falls on your premises or your dog bites a neighbor in your apartment building — your policy can cover medical bills or funeral expenses up to a certain amount. On the other hand, if you, your family member, or your pet were injured, renters insurance would not cover that.

Unlike the liability portion of a renters insurance policy, medical payments coverage will pay for medical bills no matter who is at fault.

Recommended: Choosing a Renters Insurance Deductible

How to File a Claim

Need to file a renters insurance claim? Here’s the general process you can expect to follow:

1.    Document the damage or loss: To file a renters insurance claim, you’ll first want to gather as many details about the incident as possible, including what exactly happened, when and where it happened, who was involved and what was damaged or taken. Take detailed notes and photos.

2.    Tell your landlord: Next, notify your landlord. That way, if there’s any structural damage to where you live, they can handle it on their end.

3.    File a police report if necessary: If there was damage to your property or loss of items due to burglary, theft, vandalism or an incident with ill intent, you’ll want to file a police report.

4.    Reach out to your insurance company: You’ll then want to reach out to your insurance company and file a claim. Generally this must be done within a certain timeframe, such as two or three days. You’ll typically need to provide your policy number as well as all of the details and supporting evidence you’ve gathered. This will help the insurer to gauge what will and won’t be covered. Often, someone will come by to assess the damage.

5.    Make any updates if needed: If there were any unexpected or additional costs along the way, such as staying at a short-term rental home while your place gets repaired, meals out because you couldn’t use your kitchen or personal possessions you later realized were damaged or missing, then you can update your claim along the way.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s important to create an inventory of your personal possessions in case you ever need to file a renters insurance claim. One easy way to do that is to walk through your home and photograph all your belongings — especially anything of value.

How Much Is Renters Insurance?

Average annual cost of renters insurance: $15-$30 a month

According to the most recent data from National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average cost of a renters insurance policy is $15 to $30 a month. However, the cost can vary depending on a handful of factors, including:

•   Where you live

•   Type and amount of coverage

•   The size and construction of your building

•   Your deductible

•   Security and prevention measures in place

•   Any discounts

•   Your claims history

Recommended: Most Affordable Renters Insurance for Apartments

The Takeaway

While not required by your landlord, renters insurance can help cover your personal belongings, additional living expenses and liability should there be an incident, disaster, or theft where you live. To figure out how much coverage you need, it’s a good idea to take inventory of your items.

Looking to protect your belongings? SoFi has partnered with Lemonade to offer renters insurance. Policies are easy to understand and apply for, with instant quotes available. Prices start at just $5 per month.

Explore renters insurance options offered through SoFi via Experian.

Photo credit: iStock/humanmade

Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered service mark of Experian Personal Insurance Agency, Inc.
Social Finance, Inc. (“SoFi”) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through Experian from the site.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Welcome to Lake Oswego, a city in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, known for its serene waterfront living, upscale neighborhoods, and vibrant community spirit. With Oswego Lake as its centerpiece, this charming city offers a unique blend of picturesque landscapes, stunning lakefront properties, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of lakeside homes for sale or seeking engaging community events, this Redfin article will dive into the distinctive charm Lake Oswego holds.

1. Oswego Lake

Oswego Lake defines the city’s identity, offering residents exclusive access to waterfront living and recreational activities. This pristine lake, surrounded by upscale homes and picturesque landscapes, serves as the focal point of the community, fostering a lifestyle centered around its serene waters. Oswego Lake’s tranquil beauty and the myriad of activities it offers contribute to Lake Oswego’s reputation as a coveted destination for lakeside living.

2. Historic neighborhoods and charming architecture

Lake Oswego is celebrated for its historic neighborhoods and captivating architecture. Areas like the Old Town District exemplify it with its well-preserved early 20th-century buildings and the First Addition neighborhood showcasing charming craftsman-style homes. These areas reflect the city’s rich history and architectural diversity, drawing residents and visitors alike to appreciate their unique character and timeless appeal.

3. Booming culinary scene

Lake Oswego’s culinary scene offers diverse dining options catering to every taste. From upscale spots like Tucci Ristorante and Five Spice Seafood + Wine Bar to local favorites like Nicoletta’s Table, there’s a wide range to explore. With its emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine and inventive flavors, Lake Oswego presents an enticing dining experience.

4. Recreational activities

There are plenty of recreational activities in Lake Oswego, offering residents an array of options to embrace the outdoors. From kayaking and paddleboarding on Oswego Lake to exploring the expansive network of hiking trails at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, the city caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, golfing at Oswego Lake Country Club or simply enjoying the numerous parks and green spaces, Lake Oswego provides diverse recreational pursuits for all interests.

5. Beautiful waterfront properties

Lake Oswego is renowned for its stunning waterfront properties that grace the shores of Oswego Lake, offering residents an unparalleled lakeside living experience. The waterfront homes in Lake Oswego exude elegance and exclusivity, from luxurious estates with private docks to charming cottages and contemporary homes. With picturesque views and direct access to the serene waters, these properties epitomize lakeside luxury, drawing those seeking a peaceful and sophisticated lifestyle in a breathtaking natural setting.

6. Active community organization

From the Lake Oswego Community Center hosting diverse events to the Lake Oswego Preservation Society dedicated to conserving the city’s heritage, these organizations play a vital role in enhancing community bonds. Whether through volunteer opportunities, cultural initiatives, or neighborhood associations, Lake Oswego’s active community organizations actively contribute to the city’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

7. Thriving art scene

Lake Oswego is known for its vibrant art scene, showcased through its galleries, public art installations, and the annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. With venues like the Arts Council of Lake Oswego and Gallery Without Walls, the city celebrates local and regional artists, fostering a dynamic creative community. From sculpture walks to art classes and exhibits, Lake Oswego’s thriving art scene enriches the city’s cultural fabric, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore and appreciate diverse artistic expressions.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

Moms and dads love when their kids give them something with which they’ve put a lot of thought and effort. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or friend, you’d be lucky to receive one of these DIY Christmas gifts from kids.

1. Framed family names crossword

Photo courtesy of diys.com

Instead of a normal family tree, you could have a family crossword! Made with Scrabble tiles and a picture frame, this personalized piece of work makes a house feel like a home.

Just glue Scrabble letters onto a board (cardboard works fine) covered in your choice of paper and frame it. Even if your family is still growing, it’s easy to keep adding onto the crossword of names.

2. Painted wooden cooking spoons

Photo courtesy of todaysparent.com

Every time you cook or bake and use one of these wooden spoons, you’ll think of the love that your kids put into making them for you. What’s better than a daily reminder that someone loves you? All you need is acrylic paint and wooden utensils to make these cute one-of-a-kind gifts.

3. Keyboard art

Photo courtesy of paperplateandplane.wordpress.com

It’s easy to get caught up in things and even get down on yourself as a parent. By having a short message in your room or office, you can always remember that your kids are on your side.

The best part is that these messages can be anything – “My mom is the nicest mom in the world,” “You’re the best dad ever,” or even a simple “I love you.”

4. Printed dish towels

Photo courtesy of toddlerapproved.com

Any time you dry your hands or wipe up a spill, you’ll use a colorful custom-designed hand towel that resembles your kids. These are quick to make and way better than store-bought designs.

5. Clay bowl

Photo courtesy of frogandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com

You’ll find a place for these anywhere at home or at work — holding bobby pins, paper clips, jewelry, etc. Your kids will be satisfied knowing you’re not only looking at their handiwork, but you’re using it each day.

6. Fingerprint magnets

Photo courtesy of rhythmsofplay.com

Replace the boring black magnets on your refrigerator with vibrant ones that feature the fingerprints of the kids. Parents can use these to display their children’s work from school or even art they create at home.

7. Dyed coasters

Photo courtesy of onelittleproject.com

Display these mini works of art on your coffee table for everyone to see. They’re a great conversation starter and everyone will love that your kids made them just for you.

They’re easy to create and aren’t meant to look perfect, so even the smallest children can make them without much trouble.

8. Custom wood letter

Photo courtesy of Jo-Lynne Shane

Add a new addition to your office or home decor that reminds you how much your kids love you. The best part is that there are so many options. You can write a note on them or decorate the letter with your parent’s favorite things. All you need is the letter of your choice and decorating material and you’ve got a great Christmas gift for parents.

9. Handprint key chains

Photo courtesy of grey house harbor

Replace the old key chain that you’ve had forever with this heartfelt handprint key chain. Although it’s simple to make, it’s super meaningful and fun. All you need is Shrinky Dink paper, some paint and you’re all set.

While you can’t stop time from moving forward, you can look back and think of your small child every time you use these handprint key chains. Each time you go to open your door, you’ll look down and see a tiny hand full of love.

10. Smiley plants

Photo courtesy of Parents.com

Everyone loves succulents and plants as decorations. While you could buy them at the local garden store in terra cotta pots, it’s a lot cuter and more memorable if you gift tiny succulents in hand-designed pots. You can use any kind of pot or even an empty egg carton.

All you need to do is get some paint and let the children decorate away. Once they’ve designed the pot, work together to plant succulents, and voila, you’ve got yourself a great DIY gift idea for kids. The best part about these plants is that their pots are designed uniquely for you.

11. Spa jar

Photo courtesy of Parents.com

This spa jar is a great gift that’ll remind you how much your kids appreciate everything you do, even at the end of an extremely long day. It also reminds you that every once in a while, you need to take some time to care for yourself.

Maybe have a girls night and do masks, pedicures and manicures together. You just need to get their favorite things and put them together in a mason jar, and you have a thoughtful, relaxing gift.

12. Nail polish marbled coffee mugs

Photo courtesy of DIY Candy

At one point, you may have had a beautiful matching set of china dishes you registered for when you got married. However, as your family grows your matching dishes may diminish and become replaced with DIY mugs. But, that’s OK!

Not only are these mugs adorable, but they’re also really fun and easy to make. With a couple of steps, you can have a great mug that everyone will be asking you where you got it, making it all the more special when you tell them your kids made it for you.

13. Flower art

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

What parent doesn’t love getting fresh flowers as a gift? The only downside is they don’t last forever. Well worry no more, with this pressed flower art you never have to worry about that again. Each time you see these hand-pressed flowers that your child picked and flattened, you’ll smile.

14. Potpourri

Photo courtesy of Tidbits

Everyone loves a house that smells good. Candles can do the trick, but can also be a safety hazard. So, you can make your house smell delicious year-round with some homemade potpourri.

Pick your parents’ favorite smells and design a custom blend just for them. Not only is it a fun activity, but it’s useful and everyone will enjoy the gift for weeks to come!

DIY Christmas gifts for parents

Getting a beautifully wrapped, expensive gift for the holidays is always nice, but it’s the heartfelt, DIY projects that you’ll remember forever. These DIY gifts for kids are all easy-to-make, fun for the kids and memorable for you for years to come.

Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.

Source: rent.com