16 Small Steps You Can Take Now to Improve Your Finances

You have all kinds of financial goals you want to achieve, but where should you begin? There are so many different aspects of money management that it can be difficult to find a starting point when trying to achieve financial success. If you’re feeling lost and overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Progress can be made in tiny, manageable steps. Here’s are 16 small things you can do right now to improve your overall financial health. (See also: These 13 Numbers Are Crucial to Understanding Your Finances)

1. Create a household budget

The biggest step toward effective money management is making a household budget. You first need to figure out exactly how much money comes in each month. Once you have that number, organize your budget in order of financial priorities: essential living expenses, contributions to retirement savings, repaying debt, and any entertainment or lifestyle costs. Having a clear picture of exactly how much is coming in and going out every month is key to reaching your financial goals.

2. Calculate your net worth

Simply put, your net worth is the total of your assets minus your debts and liabilities. You’re left with a positive or negative number. If the number is positive, you’re on the up and up. If the number is negative — which is especially common for young people just starting out — you’ll need to keep chipping away at debt.

Remember that certain assets, like your home, count on both sides of the ledger. While you may have mortgage debt, it is secured by the resale value of your home. (See also: 10 Ways to Increase Your Net Worth This Year)

3. Review your credit reports

Your credit history determines your creditworthiness, including the interest rates you pay on loans and credit cards. It can also affect your employment opportunities and living options. Every 12 months, you can check your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) for free at annualcreditreport.com. It may also be a good idea to request one report from one bureau every four months, so you can keep an eye on your credit throughout the year without paying for it.

Regularly checking your credit report will help you stay on top of every account in your name and can alert you to fraudulent activity.

4. Check your credit score

Your FICO score can range from 300-850. The higher the score, the better. Keep in mind that two of the most important factors that go into making up your credit score are your payment history, specifically negative information, and how much debt you’re carrying: the type of debts, and how much available credit you have at any given time. (See also: How to Boost Your Credit Score in Just 30 Days)

5. Set a monthly savings amount

Transferring a set amount of money to a savings account at the same time you pay your other monthly bills helps ensure that you’re regularly and intentionally saving money for the future. Waiting to see if you have any money left over after paying for all your other discretionary lifestyle expenses can lead to uneven amounts or no savings at all.

6. Make minimum payments on all debts

The first step to maintaining a good credit standing is to avoid making late payments. Build your minimum debt reduction payments into your budget. Then, look for any extra money you can put toward paying down debt principal. (See also: The Fastest Way to Pay Off $10,000 in Credit Card Debt)

7. Increase your retirement saving rate by 1 percent

Your retirement savings and saving rate are the most important determinants of your overall financial success. Strive to save 15 percent of your income for most of your career for retirement, and that includes any employer match you may receive. If you’re not saving that amount yet, plan ahead for ways you can reach that goal. For example, increase your saving rate every time you get a bonus or raise.

8. Open an IRA

An IRA is an easy and accessible retirement savings vehicle that anyone with earned income can access (although you can’t contribute to a traditional IRA past age 70½). Unlike an employer-sponsored account, like a 401(k), an IRA gives you access to unlimited investment choices and is not attached to any particular employer. (See also: Stop Believing These 5 Myths About IRAs)

9. Update your account beneficiaries

Certain assets, like retirement accounts and insurance policies, have their own beneficiary designations and will be distributed based on who you have listed on those documents — not necessarily according to your estate planning documents. Review these every year and whenever you have a major life event, like a marriage.

10. Review your employer benefits

The monetary value of your employment includes your salary in addition to any other employer-provided benefits. Consider these extras part of your wealth-building tools and review them on a yearly basis. For example, a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) can help pay for current health care expenses through your employer and a Health Savings Account (HSA) can help you pay for medical expenses now and in retirement. (See also: 8 Myths About Health Savings Accounts — Debunked!)

11. Review your W-4

The W-4 form you filled out when you first started your job dictates how much your employer withholds for taxes — and you can make changes to it. If you get a refund at tax time, adjusting your tax withholdings can be an easy way to increase your take-home pay. Also, remember to review this form when you have a major life event, like a marriage or after the birth of a child. (See also: Are You Withholding the Right Amount of Taxes from Your Paycheck?)

12. Ponder your need for life insurance

In general, if someone is dependent upon your income, then you may need a life insurance policy. When determining how much insurance you need, consider protecting assets and paying off all outstanding debts, as well as retirement and college costs. (See also: 15 Surprising Insurance Policies You Might Need)

13. Check your FDIC insurance coverage

First, make sure that the banking institutions you use are FDIC insured. For credit unions, you’ll want to confirm it’s a National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) federally-covered institution. Federal deposit insurance protects up to $250,000 of your deposits for each type of bank account you have. To determine your account coverage at a single bank or various banks, visit FDIC.gov.

14. Check your Social Security statements

Set up an online account at SSA.gov to confirm your work and income history and to get an idea of what types of benefits, if any, you’re entitled to — including retirement and disability.

15. Set one financial goal to achieve it by the end of the year

An important part of financial success is recognizing where you need to focus your energy in terms of certain financial goals, like having a fully funded emergency account, for example.

If you’re overwhelmed by trying to simultaneously work on reaching all of your goals, pick one that you can focus on and achieve it by the end of the year. Examples include paying off a credit card, contributing to an IRA, or saving $500.

16. Take a one-month spending break

Unfortunately, you can never take a break from paying your bills, but you do have complete control over how you spend your discretionary income. And that may be the only way to make some progress toward some of your savings goals. Try trimming some of your lifestyle expenses for just one month to cushion your checking or savings account. You could start by bringing your own lunch to work every day or meal-planning for the week to keep your grocery bill lower and forgo eating out. (See also: How a Simple "Do Not Buy" List Keeps Money in Your Pocket)

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With the new year here, it’s time to take control of your financial goals. From creating a household budget, to calculating your net worth, or setting a monthly savings amount, we’ve got 16 small steps you can take to improve your finances. | #personalfinance #moneymatters #budgeting

This article is from Alicia Rose Hudnett of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Money Moves to Make Before You Turn 40
7 Important Money Moves to Make in the New Year, According to Financial Advisors
The Pros and Cons of Paying Off Your Debt Early
5 Things Keeping You From a Life of Financial Independence
What to Do With a Windfall

Source: feeds.killeraces.com

February 4, 2021

We Earn $200,000 and Canât Save. Help!

By Renee Powell in Credit 101 Tag Budget, Buy, car, Cash Back, college, Credit, credit card, Credit Cards, debt, Emergency Fund, Extra Income, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, government, HELOC, Home, home equity, home equity line of credit, Insurance, Lifestyle, line of credit, Loans, money, Money Audit, Mortgage, property, Rewards, Salary, Saving, saving for college, savings, Savings Account, Side Hustle, Spending, student loans, tax, will

Mia, 35 and her husband Luke, 36, earn a combined $200,000 per year. But after paying their mortgage and rental property loan, as well as car and student loans, child care, and other living expenses, the Los Angeles couple has a difficult time socking away money in savings.

They do have about $10,000 in a rainy day account, which could cover their expenses for about one month. But adding to the account has been proving difficult.

Luke feels confident that if they ever run into a serious financial bind, they could always take advantage of their low-interest home equity line of credit. But Mia isnât comfortable with that route. Sheâd prefer to have more cash on hand.

A bit more background on the couple and where they stand financially:

Luke recently transitioned to a new job as a government attorney, which he loves, but it also meant taking a 50% pay cut. Thatâs impacted their ability to spend and save as comfortably in recent months. It was an unexpected opportunity for which the couple wasnât financially prepared.

Mia and Luke would like an objective look at their finances to discover ways to reduce spending, increase saving and possibly find new revenue streams. âIâd love to figure out a side-hustle, so that I can eventually leave my job and spend more time with the kiddos,â says Mia, who works in marketing. Other goals including affording a new car in a couple of years and remodeling their primary residence.

Hereâs a closer look at their finances:

Income:

Combined salaries: $200,000 per year
Net rental income: $6,000 per year

Debt:

Car and student loan debt. $13,000 combined at 2%
Mortgage at primary residence $845,000 at 3.625%
Mortgage at rental property $537,000 at 3.5%
HELOC on primary residence: $200,000 (have not used any of this credit)

Retirement:

Mia: contributes about $1,000 total each month, including a company match
Luke: contributes about $1,000 total each month, including a company match

Emergency Savings: $10,000

College Savings: The couple has 529 college savings funds for both of their children. They allocate their cash back rewards from credit cards towards these accounts. Currently they have about $10,000 saved for their 4-year old and $5,000 saved for their 1-year old child.

Top Monthly Spending Categories:

Primary residence mortgage: $4,000
Primary residence property tax: $1,100
Childcare: $1,900 (daycare for both children, 3 days per week. Grandmother watches other 2 days per week)
Food (Groceries/Eating Out): $800
Car and student loan payments: $450

From my point of view, I think the biggest hole in Mia and Lukeâs finances is their rainy day savings bucket. Relying on a HELOC to cover an unexpected cost is not really an ideal plan. In theory, the money can be used to cover expenses and the interest rate would probably be far lower than the rate on a credit card. But in reality, tapping a HELOC means falling further into debt. They do have $10,000 saved, which is good. But itâs not great.

If not for an emergency, the savings can allow them to achieve other goals. The couple mentioned wanting to buy a car in a couple years. This will probably require a down payment. Having cash can also assist with renovating their home.

Here are my top three recommendations:

Transfer Rental Income Towards Savings

Their previous residence is now a rental property. It nets them about $500 per month. The couple is using this money to pad their living expenses. Can they, instead, move this into their savings account for the next few years? The way I see it, they should have a proper six month cushion in savings to tide them over in an emergency and/or if they need money to address their goals. This rental income isnât going to get them to this 6-month reserve too quickly, but itâs a start.

Carve Out Another $500 for Savings

While I donât have a detailed breakdown of all of the familyâs monthly expenses, I can bet that they can pare their expenses to save an additional $300 to $500. A few dinners out, some unplanned purchases at the grocery store (because you took the kids) and a couple monthly subscription plans can easily add up to $500 in one month. Whenever I want to save more, I schedule money to transfer out of my checking and into savings at the top of the month. I do this automatically and only spend whatever money I have left. Iâd suggest doing this for the first month and seeing how it feels. Do you really notice the money is gone? If yes, revisit some of your recurring costs and decide on trade-offs. If Lukeâs salary has decreased by 50% then the couple needs to make some modifications to their spending. The math, otherwise, wonât add up.

Can Mia Adjust Her Work Structure?

Mia is interested in a side hustle, too, to bring in extra income (which I highly recommend). Sites like tutor.com, care.com, taskrabbit.com and others can help you find quick work within her preferred time frame. In the meantime, can she and her husband find ways to adjust their work hours or commute, which saves gas, time and money?

Miaâs commute to work is one hour each way. Thatâs ten hours per week stuck in a car. And my guess is that while Miaâs driving, sheâs paying for daycare, for at least some of those hours. Could she work from home one or two days per week to reduce her time in traffic, as well as her child care costs?

Bottom line: When Lukeâs income dropped by 50%, the couple didnât adjust spending. It may help to take pen to paper and imagine they were building their budget for the first time. Take all of their expenses off the table and rebuild the budget and lifestyle to better align with their adjusted income. Start with the absolute needs first: housing, insurance, food. And really scrutinize all other expenditures. Unless itâs an absolute need that they can easily afford it, consider shutting it off until theyâve reached a 6-month savings pad.

The post We Earn $200,000 and Canât Save. Help! appeared first on MintLife Blog.

Source: mint.intuit.com

February 4, 2021

Why Set Impossible Goals for 2021? [The Ultimate New Yearâs Savings Hack]

By Renee Powell in Early Career Tag Budget, Budgeting, Buy, Buying, college, Early Career, earnings, experience, Financial Goals, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Home, How To, invest, Investing, journey, Life, Lifestyle, money, Saving, savings, School, Side Hustle

In the 1980s, self-driving cars and smartphones without antennas were only things youâd see in movies â unimaginable futuristic goals. Now, these âimpossibleâ inventions are part of peopleâs everyday lives. These innovative ideas were thought to be outlandish years ago until creators like Elon Musk and IBMâs team put their impossible goals to the test.

Impossible goals are things you want to achieve that seem out of the ordinary â ones that feel as if you may never reach them, even in your wildest dreams. These goals could be turning your dream side hustle into a full-time job or building your savings from zero in the next year to buy your dream home.

While the end result seems unreachable, a mix of motivation, determination, and hard work can get you further than you think. To see the strategic process of setting and achieving your biggest life goals, keep reading our jump to our infographic below.

Whatâs an Impossible Goal?

An impossible goal is a goal you think you could never achieve. Becoming a millionaire, buying your dream home, or starting a business may be your life goal, but one too big that you never set out to achieve. Instead, you may stick to your current routine and believe you should live life in the comfort zone.

Becoming a millionaire usually requires investing time, confidence, and a lot of hard work â things that may challenge you. But when you think about the highest achievers, most of them had to put in the effort and believe in themselves when nobody else did.

Flashback to 1995 when nobody believed in the âinternet storeâ that came to be Amazon. While that was considered impossible years ago, Amazonâs now made over $280 billion dollars.

In other words, when you make your impossible goals a priority, you may be pleasantly surprised by your progress. We share how to set hard financial goals, why you should set them, and how these goals could transform your financial portfolio this year.

Impossible Goals Set by the Rich and Famous

4 Reasons to Reach for the âImpossibleâ

Impossible goals challenge you to shift your way of thinking â getting comfortable out of the safety zone. They help fine-tune your focus for daunting tasks youâre willing to put in the time and work for. Whether youâre looking to become a millionaire, buy your dream house, or pay down your debts, hereâs why you should set goals for things you think you could never achieve.

1. You May Be Pleasantly Surprised

Everything seems impossible until you do it. When youâre in elementary school, maybe you thought getting a four-year college degree would be out of reach. Regardless, you put in the time and hard work to become a college grad years later. The same goes for your potential goal to write a book. You may think itâs hopeless to write a few hundred pages in the next year, but you may find it attainable once you hit the halfway point.

2. You Check Off Micro-Goals Along the Way

Itâs hard to set your goals too low when youâre trying to reach for the stars. In the past, you may have set small goals like being more mindful with your money. While mindfulness practices are extremely beneficial for your budget, you may need more of a push to save for your dream home. By setting impossible goals, you may find it easier to reach your savings goal this year. You may have no idea how to do it, but your goal is to figure it out. Side hustles, a new job, or starting a business are all potential starting points.

3. It May Not Be as Hard as You Think

It can be uncomfortable to try something for the first time, so to avoid the doubts of reaching your goals, create a strategic plan. Download and print out our printable to breakdown each impossible goal. Start with your big goals and break them down into mini-goals. For example, if you want to start an online ecommerce store, researching the perfect website platform is a good starting point.

4. What Do You Have to Lose?

If you already live a comfortable life, you may only have experiences to gain and nothing to lose. When embarking on this journey, check in with yourself every month. Note all the lessons you learned and how far youâve come. You most likely will face failures, but youâll be failing forward rather than backwards. Your first ecommerce product launch may not have gone smoothly, but you may know how to improve for the next time around.

Impossible Goals Roadmap

Impossible Goals Download Button

How To Set Impossible Budgeting Goals in 6 Steps

If your impossible goal is related to finances, your mindfulness, time, and dedication will be required to put you on a path towards your dream life. To get started, follow our step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Map Out Your Dream Lifestyle

Get out a journal and map out your dream life. Some starter questions may be:
Do you want to afford that house youâve always dreamt about?
Do you want to have a certain amount of money in your savings?
Are you hoping to turn your side hustle into a full-time job?
What do you find yourself daydreaming about?

Track all these daydreams in a notebook and curate the perfect action plan to achieve each goal.

Step 2: Outline Micro-goals to Reach Your Financial Goals

Now, list out mini-goals to achieve your desires. Start with the big âunachievableâ goal and break it down into medium and small goals, then assign each mini-goal a due date. For example, saving $10,000 this year may take more than your current monthly earnings. To achieve this, you may create passive income streams. If that side hustle is to start a money-making blog, you may need to research steps to successfully launch your website.

Step 3: Believe and Act Like Your Future Self

Think of yourself as the future self you want to be. You may picture yourself with a certain home, financial portfolio, and lifestyle, but your current actions may not reflect your future self. Your future self may invest, but your current self is too intimidated to start. To act like your future self, consider doing the research and finding low-risk investments that suit you and your budget.

Step 4: If You Fail, Learn from Your Mistakes

When working towards your dream life, you may hit roadblocks and experience failures. As Oprah explains it, âthere is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.â While failure may happen, youâre able to learn from it and pivot. Every mistake you make, analyze it in your journal. Note what worked, what didnât, and what you want to do better tomorrow to surpass this roadblock.

Step 5: Track Your Results Consistently

Host monthly meetings with yourself to see how far youâve come. Consider creating a goal tracking system that suits you best. That may include checking your budgeting goals off in our app month after month. Find a system that works for you and note your growth at the end of each month. If youâre putting in the time and hard work, youâll get closer to your goals in no time.

Step 6: Be Patient With Your Budget Goals

Throughout this journey, practice patience. Setting goals may be exciting and motivating, but when youâre faced with failures, you may feel hints of disappointment. To avoid a failure slump, be patient and open to learn from your mistakes. If you didnât make what you wanted from your side hustle the first year, youâre that much closer than you were last year.

Why set your sights on hard goals? Everything feels out of reach until you do it. All it takes is motivation and determination to achieve the impossible. To boost your lifestyle, budget, and drive this New Year, consider setting goals that feel out of reach. Keep reading to see why these goals may be perfect for you. Why Set Impossible Goals for 2021? [The Ultimate New Yearâs Savings Hack] appeared first on MintLife Blog.

Source: mint.intuit.com

February 3, 2021

A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Your Budget for a Layoff

By Renee Powell in Budgeting, Photography Guides Tag Automatic Transfer, Back To School, Banking, Budget, Budgeting, Budgeting Basics, car, Career, Career & Education, Career Tips, debt, Debt Repayment, Direct Deposit, earnings, Emergency Fund, Enhancing Your Budget, experience, Extra Money, Financial Plan, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, financing, government, health, Health Insurance, Home, How To, Insurance, Life, Lifestyle, money, Online Savings Account, paycheck, planning, Retirement, Salary, Saving, savings, Savings Account, Savings Strategies, School, Security, Side Hustle, Spending, unemployment, Work Life

What would you do if you were laid off from your job today? This question isn’t meant to make you want to hide under your desk, but to encourage you to evaluate your circumstances. What would happen to your financial situation if you suddenly didn’t have an income to rely on?

While it’s not exactly fun to plan ahead for life’s hardshipsâsay, your car breaking down or losing a jobâdoing so can help you stay afloat financially and avoid taking on debt to remedy an already tense situation.

What can you do to prepare your budget for a layoff? These four steps will help you prepare your budget for a layoff and survive a layoff financially:

1. Put some of your paycheck into savings

In order to prepare your budget for a layoff, one of the best things you can do is learn to live on less when you have your typical paychecks coming in. Living paycheck to paycheck is a reality for many, and a habit many promise to break once they earn more. If you can afford it, consider trying to live off only a portion of your paycheck. That way, you can always depend on having extra money to fall back on in the event of a hardship, like a layoff.

One way to save for an unexpected job loss is to put some of every paycheck into your savings account.

Jill Caponera, a consumer savings expert at coupon platform Promocodes.com, suggests paying yourself firstâputting some of each paycheck into savings before you spend any of itâin order to save for an unexpected job loss.

“Put money directly into your savings account the moment you get paid so that you’re never in a position where you’re strapped during a true financial emergency,” Caponera says. Try scheduling an automatic recurring transfer from checking to savings that hits after each payday, or create a direct deposit to savings from each paycheck through your employer.

If living on less isn’t feasible for you right now, start small and focus on taking baby steps to prepare your budget for a layoff. You could start with a money savings challenge and a more attainable goal, like living off of 97 percent of your paycheck and saving the remaining 3 percent. This means that if your take-home pay is $4,000 a month, your goal is to put 3 percent, or $120, into savings monthly and then limit your bills and spending to $3,880. As you get accustomed to that amount, gradually increase the percentage of your paycheck you save each period. Some budgeting experts suggest saving at least 20 percent of your income and living off of the other 80 percent.

If you devote even a small percentage of your paycheck to savings before the bills and discretionary expenses roll in, saving will eventually become habit. You’ll get used to budgeting only with your post-savings take-home pay, and you won’t miss the savings portion of your paycheck.

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âPut money directly into your savings account the moment you get paid so that you’re never in a position where you’re strapped during a true financial emergency.”

– Jill Caponera, consumer savings expert at Promocodes.com

2. Save 3 to 6 months of expenses in an emergency fund

Once you’ve gotten used to regularly saving a portion of your income, you can save for an unexpected job loss by building up a solid emergency fund over timeâespecially if you are using an online savings account with a high interest rate. An emergency fund is a dedicated savings account that you only touch in the event of financial hardship, such as a medical emergency or job loss.

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Start an emergency fund with no minimum balance.

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Christian Stewart, founder of financial coaching site Do Better Financial, recommends having an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses to help you survive a layoff financially.

“The goal is to make sure all your bases are covered, meaning you can pay the bills and proceed with a relatively normal life until you find another job,” Stewart says. She notes the actual amount of money you need to save for an unexpected job loss will vary based on your lifestyle, employment industry and willingness to relocate, since this can dictate how long it could take to find another job.

To build an emergency fund and save for an unexpected job loss, Stewart recommends starting a zero-based budget. This form of budgeting gives every dollar you earn a job, such as paying a bill, funding your emergency account or financing fun and discretionary expenses. In addition to making your emergency fund a priority, this budgeting strategy helps you identify exactly how much you spend within each budget category each month. You can then find areas of careless spendingâperhaps an unused subscription serviceâwhere you could stand to cut back. You could redistribute those dollars to your emergency fund.

Having an emergency fund in place can help you survive a layoff financially.

“In the event of a layoff, you will have a clear line of sight to regular areas of your spending that can be cut if it takes longer to find a new job,” Stewart says.

After you’re comfortable with the size of your emergency fund and feel like you can survive a layoff financially, you can use any extra savings for a different financial goal, such as saving for retirement or a down payment on a car or home.

3. Find income from a side hustle

Another way to survive a layoff financially is to have a side gig in place. Contrary to what some believe, side hustles do not have to take up an onerous amount of your time. There are actually many side hustles you can do while working full time, such as freelancing in your current field, driving for a rideshare app or tutoring.

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Not only do side jobs create extra cash flow to devote toward savings or debt repayment when you have a full-time job, they also give you an added layer of security to help you save for an unexpected job loss. You might not be able to replace your full-time earnings with your music lesson business, but it can provide you with some predictable cash flow while you interview for a new position.

You could even turn your side hustle into a full-time job if you have a passion project you’ve been wanting to turn into a career. Alternatively, your side hustle turned full-time gig could help maintain your income stream if you plan to take additional time off after a layoffâif you decide to go back to school or make a move to a new industry, for example.

4. Know where to turn for assistance

Being laid off can be a traumatic experience, and if it does happen, it is important to know where to turn and how to make decisions that aren’t rooted in fear or emotion.

“Sit down with a level-headed friend, spouse and/or counselor to process your new financial reality,” Stewart of Do Better Financial says. “If you’re receiving a compensation package, do yourself a favor and work out beforehand where the money will be spent and how long you need it to last.”

Speaking of work benefits, make sure you utilize all of the benefits possible before your layoff goes into full effect, such as getting an annual physical through your health insurance plan.

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âSit down with a level-headed friend, spouse and/or counselor to process your new financial reality. If you’re receiving a compensation package, do yourself a favor and work out beforehand where the money will be spent and how long you need it to last.”

– Christian Stewart, founder of Do Better Financial

“If you’ve been laid off, or are expecting an upcoming layoff, you should immediately contact your state’s unemployment office to set up your account and start receiving your compensation,” consumer savings expert Caponera says. “While these benefits won’t pay as much as your full-time salary, these funds will certainly help to cover your monthly bills and living expenses while you continue to look for work.”

Each state has different benefits and paperwork requirements, so make sure you’re using your state’s government website to learn more and to survive a layoff financially.

Prepare your budget for a layoff

Facing a layoff can be emotionally and financially draining, especially if you don’t see it coming. The most important thing is to start planning ahead, and prepare your budget for a layoff before it happens.

The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Your Budget for a Layoff appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.

Source: discover.com

January 13, 2021

Ask the Readers: What Are You Most Thankful For?

By Renee Powell in Family Finance Tag Ask the Readers, Finance, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Life, Lifestyle, Original, Personal Development, Personal Finance, thankful

As the year is winding down and we celebrate the holiday that’s all about gratitude (and food), it’s a good time to reflect on the things we’re thankful for.

What are you most thankful for? What impact does it have on your life? Has it changed your lifestyle in any way?

Tell us what you’re most thankful for and we’ll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We’re doing three giveaways — here’s how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
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Follow @janetonthemoney on Twitter.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

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Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, November 25th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after November 25th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us what you're most thankful for and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: If You Could Have One Wish (Chance to win $20!)
Ask the Readers: What is Your Dream Job?
100 Small Things That Can Bring You Joy
31 Productive Things to Do in January to Start the New Year Off Right
Kill Boredom With These 34 Fun and Productive Projects

Source: feeds.killeraces.com

January 13, 2021

What Is Budget Billing and Is It Right for You?

By Renee Powell in Budgeting, FHA Loans, Home, Liefstyle Tag Automatic Transfer, Banking, Budget, Budgeting, Budgeting Basics, Checking Account, Credit, Credit Cards, Enhancing Your Budget, Fees, Finance, Financial Plan, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Home, House & Home, Lifestyle, Managing Your Money, money, Mortgage, Personal Finance, Rewards, Save Money, savings, Savings Account, Spending

Your utility bills likely make up a significant part of your monthly budget, so itâs important to keep a close eye on them. But while your rent or mortgage stays the same month to month, your utilities donât.

Sweltering summer days and icy winter nights can lead to budget-blowing spikes in your utility bills, and no matter how hard you try to budget and plan, you canât predict the total each month. Or can you?

Budget billing may offer the consistency you crave. Here, personal finance experts describe how budget billing works and explain who may benefit from it, empowering you to answer this question for yourself: Does budget billing save money?

What is budget billing? It's a service that averages your monthly utility charges to determine a set amount to pay each month.

What is budget billing and how does it work?

As you consider this option, your first question might be: What is budget billing? Budget billing is a service offered by some utility companies that provides a set monthly bill for services like gas or electricity.

How does budget billing work? To calculate your monthly budget billing amount, a utility company will look at your past usage, typically over the last year, and average it to determine your monthly charge, says Sara Rathner, financial author and credit cards expert at NerdWallet. This will give you a predictable bill to pay each month, rather than one that fluctuates.

Keep in mind that if you recently moved into your home, the charges used to calculate your budget billing amount may be based on the previous ownersâ or rentersâ usage, says Rathner. Your actual usage may end up being more or less than theirs.

Another point to remember on how budget billing works: While budget billing gives you a steady amount to pay each month, this amount can, and likely will, change over time. Some providers update bill amounts quarterly, some annually. Thereâs no universal timeline for these updates, so be sure to ask your utility provider about its specific process, says Lance Cothern, CPA and founder of personal finance blog Money Manifesto.

How does budget billing work? Utility companies determine the monthly charge by averaging your usage over the past year.

These changes are made to capture your actual usage, whether that usage has decreased (a mild summer allowed you to keep the AC off more often) or increased (a brutally cold winter forced you to blast the heat). Typically, you will be notified in advance of the change.

Now that you know how budget billing works, you may be wondering: Could it save me cash?

Does budget billing save money?

Not exactly.

âBudget billing won’t save you money; it just evens your bill out over time,â Cothern says.

How does budget billing work if you end up using less energy and overpay? You may be reimbursed for the amount you paid above your actual energy usage, or the amount overpaid will be applied to next year.

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âAnyone who sticks to a strict, detailed monthly budget may prefer the predictability of budget billing.â

– Sara Rathner, credit cards expert at NerdWallet

How does budget billing work if you underpay? Youâll have to pay the extra amount to make up the difference. These payments or credits happen in addition to any adjustments your provider makes to your monthly bill if your usage changes over time, Cothern says.

What are the benefits of budget billing?

Overall, thereâs a fairly straightforward answer to what budget billing is, and the benefits are clear, too. While it doesnât save you money per se, it may allow you to more easily manage your monthly budget.

For example, if you know your monthly electricity bill will be $100, you can account for this expense in your budget and more precisely allocate funds into other expenses or savings.

âAnyone who sticks to a strict, detailed monthly budget may prefer the predictability of budget billing,â Rathner says. âYou know exactly how much your utility bill will be each month and can plan your other spending around it.â

Combine budget billing with autopay and you can set and forget your utility bills, ensuring theyâre paid on time and in full, making money management a lot simpler. This could also help you deal with financial stress.

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What are the downsides of budget billing?

While budget billing has its pros, it also comes with cons. Does budget billing save you money? To help answer that question, consider the following:

You may face extra fees. Some utility companies charge a fee for budget billing. In Cothernâs view, this negates the benefit since thereâs no reason to pay tacked-on fees for this service. Itâs important to find out whether there are fees before signing up when youâre researching how budget billing works.
You may ignore your utility usage. Budget billing puts your monthly utility charges, as well as your actual usage, out of sight and out of mind. Without the threat of a higher bill or the reward of a lower one based on your energy habits, some people get complacent, Rathner says. They leave lights on or turn up the heat instead of grabbing a blanket. If this sounds like you, budget billing may actually cost you money in the long run.

âAlways keep an eye on your monthly bill even though you pay a level amount for months at a time,â Cothern says. Most utility companies provide your usage information right on your bill.

If you're wondering "Does budget billing save money?" remember that you may be charged extra fees for the service.

If you can financially handle the seasonal swings of each bill, budget billing may not be much of a benefit for you, Cothern says. Paying the full amount also means youâre paying attention to the full amount, he says, which may motivate you to reduce your energy consumption. And thatâs where the real opportunity to save money lies.

By considering potential fees and the impact on your energy usage, youâll have a good sense of whether budget billing saves you money in the long run.

Make the most of how budget billing works with this hack

After scrutinizing how budget billing works, the potential downsides have led some financial pros, Cothern among them, to develop a new hack for paying utility bills.

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Instead of signing up for budget billing, open a savings account online specifically for utilities, Cothern suggests. Youâll also want to sign up for a rewards credit card, if you donât have one already.

Next, grab your last 12 months of utility bills, total them up and divide by 12 to get your monthly average. Youâll then want to set up an automatic transfer of that amount from your checking account into the utility savings account each month.

When the utility bill comes, pay it with your rewards credit card and then pay that bill with the money in your savings. You reap the benefits of maintaining a consistent amount coming out of your budget, as well as credit card rewards and any interest earned on that money from your savings account.

Do your homework before signing up for budget billing

After weighing your options and considering your personal budgeting style, you may decide that budget billing is right for you.

Still asking, "How does budget billing work?" Read your utility company's program rules in detail to help answer any questions.

If thatâs the case, itâs important to read your utilityâs program rules in detail. Yes, that means digging into the fine print to understand how budget billing works at the specific company, Cothern says, because budget billing is a general term for a wide variety of utility company programs. Budget billing may be called something else, like flat billing or balanced billing, and it may carry different nuances and terms.

Before signing up for budget billing, Rathner suggests calling your provider and asking the following questions:

Are there startup or maintenance fees?
How is the monthly amount calculated? How often is it updated?
What happens if you overpay or underpay?
What happens when you move or end service?

With the answers to these questions, youâll have a better idea of how budget billing works for your provider. Armed with that info, you can determine whether budget billing saves you money and make the call on whether enrolling is right for you.

Whether you opt for budget billing or not, small adjustments to your home can result in major savings on your energy bills. For starters, check out these four ways to save energy by going green.

Articles may contain information from third-parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third-party or information.

The post What Is Budget Billing and Is It Right for You? appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.

Source: discover.com

January 13, 2021

How to Pay Yourself First

By Renee Powell in Estate Planning Tag Budget, Budgeting, car, Checking Account, Credit, debt, Emergency Fund, Financial Goals, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Grow, health, Health Insurance, Home, How To, Insurance, Investing Advice, Life, Lifestyle, money, Mortgage, paycheck, Retirement, Saving, savings, Savings Account, savings accounts, Spending, tax

Paying yourself first is a budgeting strategy that suggests individuals should contribute to a retirement account, emergency fund, savings account, or other savings vehicle before spending their paycheck on anything else.

The pay yourself first method is a pretty simple concept to understand, but actually applying to your own finances can become a little more complex. To help our Minters put this plan into practice, weâre breaking it down step-by-step and revealing some of the advantages and drawbacks of paying yourself first.

If you already have a solid grasp on the topic, use the links below to navigate throughout the post, or read all the way through for the full picture.

What does it mean to pay yourself first?
Advantages of the pay yourself first method
Drawbacks of the pay yourself first method
How to Pay Yourself First
- 1. Evaluate your monthly income + expenses
- 2. Identify your savings goals + commit
- 3. Review + reevaluate
Wrapping Up

What does it mean to pay yourself first?

Pay yourself first definition: The pay yourself first method, also known as reverse budgeting, is a savings strategy that says individuals should save a portion of their paycheck before spending any other money on bills, groceries, or discretionary items. The amount saved is typically predetermined as part of a larger savings goal, and is often funneled into retirement funds and/or savings accounts.

Many financial experts and individual consumers who subscribe to this method choose to have funds automatically redirected into their elected savings account(s).Â

For example, if you want to put $200 of every paycheck toward your 401k, you could set up an automatic contribution rather than physically transfer funds each pay period. For many savvy savers, this makes it easier to commit to a monthly goal, because the amount never actually reaches your checking account, but is rather allocated directly toward your savings.

Note: There are several options you can employ to make the pay yourself first strategy work for your finances. If you prefer to make the transfers on your own instead of automatically, thatâs totally okay! This budgeting style is really all about consistency â contributing a set amount each month to your retirement plan or savings account can really pay off over time.

Advantages of the pay yourself first method

Like any financial decision youâll make in your lifetime, youâll want to consider the pros and cons of subscribing to the pay yourself first philosophy.

The primary benefit of setting aside savings first, is building the amount you have saved over time. This strategy forces you to live within, or below your means â so long as you donât start swiping your credit card recklessly instead.

Here are a few other potential benefits you could reap if you employ the pay yourself first strategy:

You can save up for big purchases, like a home, car, or dream vacation. Or, put your hard-earned dollars toward an emergency fund, personal savings, or retirement.
Contributing to accounts that earn compound interest allows your money to continue growing the longer you leave it untouched.
Many retirement funds and other savings options are considered âtax-advantaged.â This means that your dollars may be exempted from tax, or in the case of IRAs and 401ks, tax-deferred; so youâll pay taxes later on when you make a withdrawal.

Drawbacks of the pay yourself first method

In addition to the positive aspects a pay yourself first budget may offer, there are some potential drawbacks that could ensue under certain circumstances. Put simply, the strategy simply does not work for everyone. As you learn about the pay yourself first method, consider how it fits into the context of your personal finances.

Here are a few examples where paying yourself first may not work to your benefit:

Without following careful money management advice, you may find yourself scraping for change to make ends meet. Before you commit to a monthly savings goal, use a budgeting calculator to determine how much money you can reasonably afford to save each month.
While prioritizing your savings can help you boost the balance in your savings account, it may be worth paying down debt first. Because interest compounds over time, waiting to pay off a credit card or a student loan, for example, means that youâll pay more interest the longer there is an outstanding balance.

As you consider the various strategies you can use to build your savings, remember to take a close look at the potential pros and cons you may encounter. There are plenty of saving styles you can leverage, so donât count yourself out if this one isnât the best fit for you. For more help creating a budget and savings plan that meets your needs, check out how Mint can help!

How to Pay Yourself First

Now that you know what it means to pay yourself first, and have had a moment to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks, letâs take a look at how this strategy actually plays out, step-by-step.

1. Evaluate your monthly income + expensesÂ

Before you decide on the amount you want to save each month, take a look at both your fixed and variable expenses. Your fixed expenses are those costs that stay consistent month over month, like your rent or mortgage payments, student loan bill, and health insurance, for example.Â

Your variable expenses, on the other hand, arenât always the same amount each time, and sometimes you donât incur them at all. Entertainment costs, vehicle maintenance, and groceries are all examples of variable costs, and so, their price tag may vary from one month to the next â just do your best to estimate these.

Once you can project your monthly expenses, subtract the amount from your monthly income to see whatâs leftover. Depending on your savings and greater financial goals, you can tweak some of your spending to free up more cash.Â Â

2. Identify your savings goals + commit

Now that you have a better understanding of your income and expenses, you can set some savings goals!

If youâre not sure where to start, consider the 50/30/20 rule.

The rule says…

50% of your budget should go toward essential expenses such as housing, food, utilities, an minimum debt payments
30% should be reserved for wants and lifestyle expenses
20% should be funneled into your savings and any extra debt payments

If you donât want to crunch the numbers on your own, try out our 50/30/20 calculator and weâll do the heavy lifting for you!

In addition to setting forth a savings target, youâll also want to think about where you want your reserved cash to live, and hopefully, grow. If you want to save up for retirement, a 401k or an IRA might make sense, whereas traditional savings accounts might work better for those wanting to save up funds for a shorter length of time.

3. Review + reevaluateÂ

Whether youâre using the pay yourself first method or another savings strategy, itâs important to remember that your budget should never be static. As life changes, your finances follow. A better salary or a reduction in your living expenses could present more opportunities to save, while a pay cut or recently incurred expense could have the opposite effect.

To keep your budget optimized and up to date, take the time to review and reevaluate it on a regular basis, and when significant changes arise.Â

Wrapping Up

The pay yourself first budgeting style can be a favorable way to boost the balance in your savings account,Â retirement fund, or other savings goal. However, budgeters should reflect on their unique financial situation to assess whether this strategy suits them. In most circumstances, it would be in your best interest to pay down debt before you start making monthly contributions to your savings.

If you subscribe to the pay yourself first philosophy, follow these three steps:

Evaluate your monthly income + expensesÂ
Identify your savings goals + commit
Review + reevaluate

Need some extra guidance to find the right budget for your lifestyle? Mint gives you a data-driven perspective, helps you launch and track savings objectives, and empowers you to actualize your greater financial goals.

The post How to Pay Yourself First appeared first on MintLife Blog.

Source: mint.intuit.com

January 13, 2021

RVing on a Budget: The Biggest Costs and How to Save

By Renee Powell in DIY Tag Auto, Budget, Buy, Buying, evergreen, Fees, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, financing, freelancers, Home, How To, Lifestyle, money, Mortgage, property, Purchase, repub, Save Money, savings, Shopping, Utah

What you may know about RVing: Itâs a great, cheap way to travel, or even a low-cost alternative for living full time.

What you may not know: RVing costs can stack up, and even eclipse the cost of traditional car-and-hotel travel, or living in a sticks-and-bricks home.

Here, weâll detail the primary expenses associated with the RV lifestyle, with tips to help you reduce them.

How to Go RVing on a Budget

As someone whoâs traveled extensively by RV, and even lived in a travel trailer, I know exactly how much of a burden RVing can be on your budget. Hereâs what Iâve learned.

The Vehicle Itself

The first thing you need to go RVing â¦ is an RV. And depending on how you source it, this first purchase can be very pricy.

First-timers are more likely to rent than buy, but if you end up falling in love with the lifestyle, you should know that even modest motorhomes cost tens of thousands of dollars. Super luxurious ones go for over $1 million. (Yes, seriously.)

Travel trailers tend to be less expensive than motorcoaches for a comparable level of quality, from entry level all the way up to the top. Keep in mind, though, that you need a vehicle capable of towing the rig around.

But letâs go back to the rental option. Expect to see per-night prices of $250 or more, which can easily outstrip a moderately priced hotel room. Additional fees for mileage and insurance can push your bottom line even higher.

Consider looking at peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces, like RVshare or Outdoorsy, where you can rent a rig directly from its private owner, which often means lower rental prices. (Think of it like Airbnb for RVs.)

You may also be able to find super-cheap rentals through RV relocation deals, in which you serve as a rental companyâs courier, delivering RVs to destinations where they are in demand. In return, you get use of the rig for a steal â but keep in mind youâll be limited in your ability to personalize your itinerary. Youâll have to stick to the companyâs route and timetable.

As far as buying is concerned, shop around â and consider shopping gently used. RV does stand for recreational vehicle, after all, and although the loan you take out might look more like a mortgage than auto financing, you probably arenât going to be building equity. You donât want to go too old, because maintenance starts to become a problem, but something three to five years old could save you a nice chunk of change.

A motorhome travels through Arches National Park, Utah.

Fuel

The appeal of RVs is simple: You get to bring everything along with you for the trip, including the kitchen sink.

But all of those accommodations and extras are weighty, which means that all but the smallest RVs are pretty serious gas guzzlers. Case in point: The largest Class A motorhomes get as little as 4-6 miles to the gallon.

If youâre hoping to save at the pump, consider taking a vacation closer to home or narrowing down to a single destination. Not only will you spend less money on gas, youâll also spend less of your time driving.

Campsite Accommodation Costs

Many people think you can load up into an RV, hit the road and just pull off to the side when youâre ready to catch some sleep.

But in most cases, thatâs not true. Although some rest stops and big box store parking lots allow overnight RV parking, many do not. Besides, do you really want to spend your vacation sleeping under the glare of 24/7 floodlights?

The most comfortable campgrounds â the ones where you can hook up to electricity, water, and sewer connections â can cost a pretty penny, especially in highly sought-after destinations. Malibu Beach may be an extreme example, but during peak seasons, youâre looking at about $100 per night for a basic site, and up to $230 for a premium location. (Remember, thatâs on top of your rental price. And fuel.)

A woman makes coffee in her travel trailer.

But you can find resort-style accommodations for $35 to $50 per night, often with discounts available for veterans, military members or those staying a week or longer. There are also a variety of camping discount clubs that can help you score lower-cost campground accommodations.

Youâll also want to look into state parks, which often offer RV sites with hookups for prices much lower than privately owned campgrounds (though they may not have a cell signal).

Finally, there are places you can camp for free (or super cheap), but even in an RV, youâll kind of be roughing it. On BLM-managed land and in certain other wilderness locations, you can do âdispersedâ camping, otherwise known as âboondockingâ or âdry campingâ â basically, camping without any hookups.

But you need to check ahead of time to make sure that cool-looking space is actually okay to park in and not privately owned. There isnât always appropriate signage, and if you accidentally end up in someoneâs backyard, you may be asked to move or even ticketed. Some great resources for finding spots include Campendium and FreeCampsites.net.

Maintenance and Storage

If you buy an RV, you should be prepared for costs associated with maintenance â and, if you canât park it on your own property, storage. In Portland, Oregon, I pay $75 a month to keep my travel trailer in an uncovered lot. More desirable, secure storage is almost $200.

Then there are the maintenance costs of both the vehicular and household systems of an RV, which need regular upkeep. Doing it yourself may be time intensive, but even a minor trip to the repair shop can mean a major bill.

Itâs best if you already have a place in mind to keep it â and the initiative to learn some DIY mechanics. Thereâs a YouTube tutorial for most RV repair and maintenance basics.

Overall, the great thing about RVing is that the expenses are easily modified to fit almost any budget â you may just have to rethink which RV you drive, where youâre going and how youâll be staying once you get there.

Jamie Cattanachâs work has been featured at Fodorâs, Yahoo, SELF, The Huffington Post, The Motley Fool and other outlets. Learn more at www.jamiecattanach.com.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

Source: thepennyhoarder.com

January 13, 2021

Popular Housing Markets During the Pandemic

By Renee Powell in Credit Cards, Home Tag Budget, Buy, Buying, Cities, Family, Fees, Finance, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Home, How To, Job Security, Lifestyle, money, Mortgage, property, Retirement, School, Security, Vs.

Thereâs something weird happening with the real estate markets today. Normally in a recession, demand for rentals goes up while demand for houses goes down. But if thereâs anything 2020 has taught us, itâs that everything is turned on its head right now.

Instead, weâre seeing an interesting trend: despite the ongoing pandemic, home-buying is experiencing higher demand now than they have been since 1999, according to the National Association of Realtorsâ (NAR). If youâve been hoping to buy a home soon, youâre probably already aware of this weird trend, and excited. But is it the same story everywhere? And is a pandemic really the right time to buy?

How the Pandemic is Changing Homeownership

This pandemic is different from any other in history in that many people â especially some of the highest-paid workers â arenât being hit as hard as people who rely on their manual labor for income. This, coupled with an ultra-low mortgage rate environment and a new lifestyle thatâs not fit for a cramped apartment, is creating the perfect storm of high-dollar homebuyers.

âI didnât want to pay someone elseâs mortgage to have three roommates,â says Amy Klegarth, a genomics specialist who recently purchased a home in White Center, a suburb of Seattle where she was formerly renting. âI moved because I could afford to get a house with a large yard here for my goats, Taco and Piper.â

Whether you have goat kids or human kids (or even no kids), youâre not the only one looking for a new home in a roomier locale. According to the NAR report, home sales in suburban areas went up 7% compared to just before the pandemic started. In some markets, itâs not hard to understand why people are moving out.

Where Are People Going?

Apartments are small everywhere, but theyâre not all the same price. For example, homes in cities tend to be 300 square feet smaller than their suburban counterparts. Some of the hottest home-buying markets right now are in areas where nearby rents are already too high, often clustered around tech and finance hubs that attract high-paid workers. After all, if you canât go into the office and all of the normal city attractions are shut down, whatâs the point of paying those high rental costs?

According to a December 2020 Zumper report, the top five most expensive rental markets in the U.S. are San Francisco, New York City, Boston, San Jose, and Oakland. But if youâre ready to buy a home during the pandemic, there are nearby cheaper markets to consider.

If You Rent in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, CA

Alternative home-buying market: San Diego, Sacramento

Average rent: San Francisco, $2,700, San Jose, $2,090; Oakland; $2,000
Average home value (as of writing): San Diego ($675,496) and Sacramento ($370,271)
Estimated mortgage payment with 20% down: San Diego ($2,255) and Sacramento ($1,236)

Big California cities are the quintessential meccas for tech workers, and thatâs often exactly whoâs booking it out of these high-priced areas right now. Gay Cororaton, Director of Housing and Commercial Research for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), offers two suggestions for San Francisco and other similar cities in California.

San Diego

First, is the San Diego-metro area, which has a lot to offer people who are used to big-city living but donât want the big-city prices. An added bonus: your odds of staying employed as a tech worker might be even higher in this city.

âProfessional tech services jobs make up 18% of the total payroll employment, which is actually a higher fraction than San Jose (15.5%) and San Francisco (9.3%),â says Cororaton.

Sacramento

If youâre willing to go inland, you can find even cheaper prices yet in Sacramento. âTech jobs have been growing, and account for 7% of the workforce,â says Cororaton. âStill not as techie as San Jose, San Francisco, or San Diego, but tech jobs are moving there where housing is more affordable. Itâs also just 2 hours away from Lake Tahoe.â

If You Rent in New York, NY

Alternative home-buying market: New Rochelle, Yonkers, Nassau, Newark, Jersey City

Average rent: $2,470
Average home value (as of writing): New Rochelle ($652,995), Yonkers ($549,387), Nassau ($585,741), Newark ($320,303), or Jersey City ($541,271)
Estimated mortgage payment with 20% down: New Rochelle ($2,180), Yonkers ($1,834), Nassau ($1,955), Newark ($1,069), or Jersey City ($1,807)

Living in New York City, it might seem like you donât have any good options. But the good news is you do â lots of them, in fact. They still might be more expensive than the average home price across the U.S., but these alternative markets are still a lot more affordable than within, say, Manhattan.

New Rochelle and Yonkers

Both New Rochelle and Yonkers are about an hourâs drive from the heart of New York City, says Corcoran. If you ride by train, itâs a half hour. Both New Rochelle and Yonkers have been stepping up their appeal in recent years to attract millennials who canât afford city-living anymore (or donât want to be âhouse poorâ), so youâll be in good company.

Nassau

âNAR ranked Nassau as one of the top places to work from home in the state of New York because it has already a large population of workers in professional and business services and has good broadband access,â says Cororaton. If you have ideas about moving to Nassau youâll need to move quickly. Home sales are up by 60% this year compared to pre-pandemic times.

Newark or Jersey City

If you donât mind moving to a different state (even if it is a neighbor), you can find even lower real estate prices in New Jersey. This might be a good option if you only need to ride back into the city on occasion because while the PATH train is well-developed, itâs a bit longer of a ride, especially if you live further out in New Jersey.

If You Rent in Boston, MA

Alternative home-buying market: Quincy, Framingham, Worcester

Average rent: $2,150
Average home value (as of writing): Quincy ($517,135), Framingham ($460,584), or Worcester ($284,936)
Estimated mortgage payment with 20% down: Quincy ($1,726), Framingham ($1,538), or Worcester ($951)

Boston is another elite coastal market, but unlike New York, thereâs still plenty of space if you head south or even inland. In particular, Quincy and Framingam still offer plenty of deals for new buyers.

Quincy

If you like your suburbs a bit more on the urban side, consider Quincy. Although itâs technically outside of the city, itâs also not so isolated that youâll feel like youâre missing out on the best parts of Boston-living. Youâll be in good company too, as there are plenty of other folks living here who want to avoid the high real estate prices within Boston itself.

Framingham

Framingham is undergoing an active revitalization right now in an effort to attract more people to its community. As such, youâll be welcome in this town thatâs only a 30-minute drive from Boston.

Worcester

âNow, if you can work from home, consider Worcester,â says Cororaton. âItâs an hour away from Boston which is not too bad if you only have to go to the Boston office, say, twice a week.â Worcester (pronounced âwuh-sterâ) is also a great place for a midday break if you work from home, with over 60 city parks to choose from for a stroll.

Renting Market(s)	Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment	Housing Market Options & Avg. Monthly Mortgage*
San Francisco, CASan Jose, CAOakland, CA	$2,700	San Diego ($2,255) Sacramento ($1,236)
New York, NY	$2,470	New Rochelle ($2,180) Yonkers ($1,834)Nassau ($1,955)Newark ($1,069)Jersey City ($1,807)
Boston, MA	$2,150	Quincy ($1,726)Framingham ($1,538)Worcester ($951)

*Average home mortgage estimates based on a 20% down payment.

Should You Buy a House During a Pandemic?

Thereâs no right or wrong answer here, but itâs a good idea to consider your long-term housing needs versus just whatâll get you through the next few months.

For example, just about everyone would enjoy some more room in their homes to stretch right now. But if youâre the type of person who prefers a night on the town, you might be miserable in a rural area by the time things get back to normal. But if youâve always dreamed of a big vegetable garden or yard for the family dog, now could be the right time to launch those plans.

Another factor to consider is job security. And remember that even if youâre permanently working from home today â and not everyone has this ability â living further from the city could limit your future opportunities if a job requires you to be on-site in the city.

Finally, consider this: most homes in outlying areas werenât built with the pandemic in mind. For example, â… open floor plans were popular, pre-pandemic,â says Cororaton. âIf the home for sale has an open floor plan, youâd have to imagine how to reconfigure the space and do some remodeling to create that work or school area.â

Here are some other things to look for:

Outdoor space
Area for homeschooling
Broadband internet access
Proximity to transport routes
Office for working from home

Is It More Affordable to Buy or Rent?

There arenât any hard-and-fast rules when it comes to whether itâs cheaper to rent or buy. Each of these choices has associated costs. To rent, youâll need to pay for your base rent, pet fees and rent, parking permits, deposits, renters insurance, and more. To buy, youâll have an even bigger list, including property taxes, maintenance and upgrades, HOA fees, homeowners insurance, closing costs, higher utility bills, and on.

Each of these factors has the potential to tip the balance in favor of buying or renting. Thatâs why it makes sense to use a buy vs. rent calculator that can track all of these moving targets and estimate which one is better based on your financial situation and the choices available to you.

In general, though, most experts advise keeping your housing costs to below 30 percent of your take-home pay when setting up your budget. The lower, the better â then, youâll have even more money left over to save for retirement, your kidâs college education, and even to pay your mortgage off early.

The post Popular Housing Markets During the Pandemic appeared first on Good Financial CentsÂ®.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

January 13, 2021

The 5 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

By Renee Powell in Credit Card News, Liefstyle Tag 5 best, Budget, Buy, Buying, Essentials, face serum, Finance, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Health and Beauty, How To, hyaluronic acid, Lifestyle, Personal Finance, product reviews, Shopping, skincare products, skincare routine

Hyaluronic acid has gained a reputation of being a miracle product for the skin, and for good reason. It relieves dry skin, accelerates the healing of wounds, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And that’s just to start. It can be a key ingredient in moisturizers and face masks, or it can be concentrated in a serum that you can apply as part of your everyday skincare routine.

If you’re looking to give this versatile product a spin, any of the five below are excellent picks that won’t break your budget. (See also: The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials)

Top 5 Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a best-seller on Amazon and can be used on all skin types. This serum is natural and organic, and improves overall skin texture and brightness. You’ll see a noticeable difference in your skin in terms of plumpness, softness, and balance. And it’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, and without dyes or fragrances.

It’s also backed by over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $15.00 at Amazon.com

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum is famous for a reason. This brand creates simple, straightforward skincare products for all skin types. The hyaluronic acid + B5 serum has a concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in a water-based formula and the B5 also enhances surface hydration.

This serum is cruelty-free and backed by over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $16.95 at Amazon.com

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid is the perfect blend of ingredients that your skin needs. Vitamin C blends with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E in this advanced formula to target common signs of aging, including dark spots, sun spots, brightness, firmness, wrinkles, and fine lines. And it’s free of synthetic color additives, fragrance, and stabilizers, while dynamic active botanicals like Aloe Vera, MSM, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, and organic Jojoba oil make this serum feel silky smooth on the skin.

It also has over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $19.99 at Amazon.com

Yeouth Pure Hyaluronic Acid

Yeouth’s Pure Hyaluronic Acid can diminish signs of dark circles, age spots, and puffiness when used regularly. This formula is made from naturally-derived ingredients that protect and nourish even the most sensitive skin, including delicate skin around the eyes and lips. It boosts collagen production and holds in moisture.

It’s also cruelty-free and paraben-free, and backed by over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $21.95 at Amazon.com

Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid Serum also has vitamin C and vitamin E, and this formula is infused with special anti-aging ingredients designed to further enhance and activate hyaluronic acid’s moisturizing properties. Hyaluronic acid is known for helping the skin stay supple and soft and reducing wrinkles and age spots.

It’s backed by outstanding online reviews, including over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $10.95 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread’s Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Products for Dry Skin
The 5 Best Products for Oily Skin
The 5 Best Sheet Masks
The 5 Best Anti-Itch Creams
The 5 Best Flushable Wipes

Source: feeds.killeraces.com

Tag Lifestyle

1. Create a household budget

2. Calculate your net worth

3. Review your credit reports

4. Check your credit score

5. Set a monthly savings amount

6. Make minimum payments on all debts

7. Increase your retirement saving rate by 1 percent

8. Open an IRA

9. Update your account beneficiaries

10. Review your employer benefits

11. Review your W-4

12. Ponder your need for life insurance

13. Check your FDIC insurance coverage

14. Check your Social Security statements

15. Set one financial goal to achieve it by the end of the year

16. Take a one-month spending break

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Transfer Rental Income Towards Savings

Carve Out Another $500 for Savings

Can Mia Adjust Her Work Structure?

Whatâs an Impossible Goal?

4 Reasons to Reach for the âImpossibleâ

1. You May Be Pleasantly Surprised

2. You Check Off Micro-Goals Along the Way

3. It May Not Be as Hard as You Think

4. What Do You Have to Lose?

How To Set Impossible Budgeting Goals in 6 Steps

Step 1: Map Out Your Dream Lifestyle

Step 2: Outline Micro-goals to Reach Your Financial Goals

Step 3: Believe and Act Like Your Future Self

Step 4: If You Fail, Learn from Your Mistakes

Step 5: Track Your Results Consistently

Step 6: Be Patient With Your Budget Goals

1. Put some of your paycheck into savings

2. Save 3 to 6 months of expenses in an emergency fund

3. Find income from a side hustle

4. Know where to turn for assistance

Prepare your budget for a layoff

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Giveaway Rules:

What is budget billing and how does it work?

Does budget billing save money?

What are the benefits of budget billing?

What are the downsides of budget billing?

Make the most of how budget billing works with this hack

Do your homework before signing up for budget billing

What does it mean to pay yourself first?

Advantages of the pay yourself first method

Drawbacks of the pay yourself first method

How to Pay Yourself First

1. Evaluate your monthly income + expensesÂ

2. Identify your savings goals + commit

3. Review + reevaluateÂ

Wrapping Up

How to Go RVing on a Budget

The Vehicle Itself

Fuel

Campsite Accommodation Costs

Maintenance and Storage

How the Pandemic is Changing Homeownership

Where Are People Going?

If You Rent in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, CA

Alternative home-buying market: San Diego, Sacramento

San Diego

Sacramento

If You Rent in New York, NY

Alternative home-buying market: New Rochelle, Yonkers, Nassau, Newark, Jersey City

New Rochelle and Yonkers

Nassau

Newark or Jersey City

If You Rent in Boston, MA

Alternative home-buying market: Quincy, Framingham, Worcester

Quincy

Framingham

Worcester

Should You Buy a House During a Pandemic?

Is It More Affordable to Buy or Rent?

Top 5 Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Whatâs an Impossible Goal?

4 Reasons to Reach for the âImpossibleâ