Commit. Plan. Take action.
Congratulations on the new job offer! But is it worth it?
We understand that’s not necessarily the question you want to hear, especially when you’re too busy feeling great about your new job.
However, you always need to keep relocation costs in mind before screaming “YES” to that lucrative job offer you just received.
We’re here to tell you about all those hidden relocation costs, so keep reading.
As you all know, we have been working on relocating from Charlotte to Atlanta over the past few weeks since getting married. And, once again, the cost of relocating has caught me off-guard.
Before I jump right into the dollars and cents, we had an amazing wedding day. Even though most of our out-of-town folks couldn’t make it in, we truly had a great day. The best part about it was it was honestly what we’d wanted all along. Plus, we spent next to nothing on the celebration (even my dress was only $35).
Two days after our wedding, we began the relocation process. We have some plans for a honeymoon down the road but aren’t sure quite when that will be yet. The postponing of the trip has a ton to do with how much the move has cost thus far while maintaining payments on our debt and regular bills.
First, not everything that glitters is gold. The opportunity to come to Atlanta was (and still is) a great one for my husband. There are more work opportunities here and more room for him to grow his career. So, that is a plus. However…
When we were asked to relocate we were told some of the cost would be offset by not having to pay rent (see my last update). We would be living in his boss’ home here in Atlanta, free of charge, for up to a year. But, that isn’t quite how it worked out.
After moving here, the owner of the shop notified my husband that the rent would actually be coming out of his pay after the first month. While he would still be making more than he was before (by about $500/month), this was a bit of a letdown financially. We also probably wouldn’t have relocated for $500 per month extra.
Additionally, the landlord/boss made it clear he is expecting us to fix up his home while we live here and it would be deducted from our rent. I don’t know about you – but I am not entirely keen on fixing up someone else’s home free of charge. Also, if I had the money to buy and fix a home I’d have my own (and this house needs a TON of work).
With the being said, we have already located a new place. We are downsizing quite a bit but it will be saving us money month-to-month and ultimately help us take a step closer to our debt-free goal. Not without costing us a bit first though…
So far, with relocating, we will spend more than $3,000 to get settled here in Georgia (and probably more once we get our licenses and plates swapped over). Thankfully, we had wedding cash to help with some of the more unexpected things and haven’t had to dip into our emergency savings yet.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of relocating (for us) so far.
The biggest cost has been my mental stability (seriously… never move twice in one month). But, the good news is, there have been a number of lessons learned here and, despite it draining us a bit financially, we are optimistic about our relocation and the future. I can’t wait to see what Atlanta holds for us!
Readers, do you have a crazy moving or relocation story to share? Let me know about it in the comments below.
Nobody wants to be in an auto accident. What is even worse is being in an accident where you are seriously injured through no fault of your own, and the other driver is uninsured. If you live in a no fault state, or have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, you might think you don’t have to worry about being compensated for your medical bills and lost wages. Think again. The goal of many insurance companies and the adjusters they train is to find any way possible to devalue or deny claims. They have specific strategies and tactics to accomplish this goal that everybody needs to know about.
Everyone wants to get ahead, right? That means saving money, making smart investments, and working harder than those around you. It also means you need to have a side hustle.
Side hustle jobs are a great way to generate extra money. There are many lucrative side hustles, and some are so fun that they don’t even feel like work.
Blue Apron, a popular meal kit delivery service, offers a convenient solution for busy individuals and families. With Blue Apron, you receive pre-portioned ingredients and chef-designed recipes right to your doorstep. You can enjoy cooking delicious meals with ease, making dining at home both simple and enjoyable. Lets explore the meal delivery service to see if you’re better off trying one of Blue Apron’s competitors.
The 4-Serving Signature plan is ideal for satisfying a family of four and this plan is tailored to your needs. The Blue Apron curates a weekly selection of seven delectable recipes, allowing you to customize your deliveries with your choice of 2, 3, or 4 recipes per shipment.
As an introvert, I love convenience whenever I can get it. Blue Apron’s 4-serving signature plan was delivered right to my doorstep, and everything was already measured and ready for me to use. I didn’t have to worry about the food going bad as it was packed with two ice packs to keep it nice and cool. I loved that I didn’t have to go out to be able to prepare healthy, delicious meals for me and the hubby.
If you aren’t much of a cook, my Blue Apron family plan review may not be a big help for you. I love cooking, so the meals from Blueapron.com were fairly easy to make for me. However, if you can easily burn water, you may need to order Blue Apron a few times before you get the hang of things.
They do offer recipe cards, but mistakes can still happen. Overall, I think Blue Apron does a great job and showing you the process of making the meals they send you.
Are you or your family meat eaters? Then you will love Blue Apron’s family plan.
Our box included recipes for Chipotle-Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Potatoes, Moroccan Chicken with Prunes & Brown Rice, and Spicy Shrimp Coconut Curry with Green Cabbage & Rice. All three dishes had different meats, so it was hard to get bored, like you get when you eat chicken three or four days in a row.
Grabbing a fancy dinner sounds less appealing when you can get a virtually the same thing delivered to your door. This is something my family, especially my husband, enjoyed. Not only did it get us all into the kitchen, but we were able to create what we felt were beautiful masterpieces. So if you are looking to have a special dinner with your family, the Blue Apron family plan could be a good choice.
My personal Blue Apron family plan review wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t add this pro. The customer service at Blue Apron is amazing! Our order was late when FedEx couldn’t find our home. Instead of saying “Not our problem” after we contacted customer service, Blue Apron apologized and guaranteed our food and satisfaction or they would make it up to us!
I didn’t even really mind if the order was a little late, but it was nice to know that Blue Apron cared enough to reach out to me and take responsibility for something that wasn’t their fault. It was easy to contact Blue Apron as the phone number, email address, as well as a robust FAQ section is easily located on their website.
This may not be a con for some, but I didn’t like how much packaging came with all of the food. Although I understand that Blue Apron has to keep items like eggs safe, it was a disappointment to see so much plastic. I tend to buy almost all of my grocery items using reusable bags and jars, so of course my opinion may differ from yours.
My family loves spice. We love our food well seasoned, so we choose our meals based on what sounded spicy or super flavorful. To our surprise, two of our three dishes were bland. Even I had to add quite a bit of salt to up the flavor of my dishes, which I normally don’t salt my food at all. For food that looked so tasty, I definitely expected more flavor. However, I do understand that Blue Apron had to find a happy medium with their level of seasoning.
As with the other pros and cons for my Blue Apron family plan review, your opinion may differ from mine. For my family, I thought the portions were incredibly small for what Blue Apron was charging per meal , “as low as 7.99 per person.” When I first started unboxing our items, I thought the portions wouldn’t be enough, and I was right. My husband was usually hungry after each meal. Even I found myself grazing on food from the fridge after having dinner.
This brings me to my next and most important con for my Blue Apron family plan review. If your family normally spends an exorbitant amount on groceries every week, Blue Apron’s meal kits may save you money, but for us, it would cost more in the long run. For a family of four, two meals per cost us $90.91. Even in today’s economy, $90 could get you a lot of groceries. Because I love saving money, and don’t want to spend a small fortune on food, this is one of the biggest cons that I had about Blue Apron’s meal kit service.
Overall, I don’t think I would use Blue Apron again, but I do think they have quite a few perks that may appeal to others. If you want to invite me over for dinner though, I won’t object! It can never hurt yo give them a try at a promotional price or using a coupon code. Those tend to be more reasonable.
As you purchase more servings of a recipe from Blue Apron, the price per serving tends to go down; the typical “buy more-save more” scenario. The frequency of deliveries also affects the final price. In general, the price per dish goes down as you add more meals to your order. As indicated in the screenshot below, five 4-serving meals for 5 days will cost $170.79.
Blue Apron takes pride in extending its support to various community members, including military personnel, healthcare professionals, , seniors aged 55 and over, students, teachers, first responders, alumni, and government workers. To claim your exclusive discount for new customers, you simply complete the verification process using ID.me. Right now as a token of their appreciation, Blue Apron is offering $110 off and free shipping on your first order if you fall into on the mentioned categories and verify your information through ID.me before placing your order.
To entice new customers, Blue Apron occasionally runs exclusive sales, discounts, and welcome offers. These can include complimentary add-ons or discounted prices for the first few weeks. If you’re interested in trying out the service, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for such promotions.
Blue Apron provides Meal Gift Cards in increments of $70, $140, and $280. The recipients have the flexibility to apply a Meal E-Gift Card to any subscription meal plan or purchase from the Market section of the website or app.
In additional to the general gift cards offered, there is an option to purchase wine gift cards which can be applied to their wine subscription service. Wine gift cards also come in increments of $70, $140, and $280.
Blue Apron Gift Cards have no expiration date, no associated fees, but they are non-refundable.
If you wish to temporarily suspend or terminate your account, please visit your Account Settings and navigate to the Plan Settings page. Locate ‘Meals’ or ‘Wine,’ click ‘Edit,’ and then select ‘Pause/Cancel Subscription.’
You can choose to pause deliveries for 4, 6, or 8 weeks, or cancel your subscription. Make your selection and click ‘Next.’
Once you’ve confirmed by clicking ‘Pause My Subscription,’ upcoming deliveries will display a moon symbol indicating the pause. Deliveries will automatically resume when the pause period ends.
If you decide to cancel, a brief survey will pop up to gather feedback on your Blue Apron experience.
If for any reason you would like to skip deliveries, there is the flexibility to skip orders up to five weeks ahead. To skip a delivery, simply log in to your account, visit the “Upcoming” page, find the order you want to skip, and click the ‘Manage Delivery’ button next to the delivery date. Then, choose ‘Skip This Delivery.” This is a great option for users who would like to take a break from the meal kit delivery service or may be going out of town for a while.
The standard of the ingredients and the range of recipes given are two of the most important factors to take into account when assessing Blue Apron’s value. A wide menu that takes into account a variety of dietary preferences and constraints is something Blue Apron takes great pleasure in. Subscribers like being exposed to new flavors and ingredients that they might not have otherwise explored. Each meal delivery kit service has their very own unique menu and you may prefer the choices offer by a Blue Apron competitor so this goes down to personal preference.
Convenience is a major selling point for Blue Apron. The service does not require meal planning, ingredient shopping, or portion control. Even people with little to no experience in the kitchen can easily follow a recipe’s clear instructions. The time saved on meal preparation and grocery shopping can be extremely valuable for busy people or families.
It’s critical to compare the price of Blue Apron to takeout or dining out when determining its value. Even though Blue Apron’s cost per dish may be more than making food from scratch, it is frequently less expensive than going to a restaurant of a comparable standard. Additionally, cooking a dinner of restaurant caliber at home may be a very rewarding experience.
The pre-portioned ingredients from Blue Apron help prevent food waste because you only get what you need for each meal. In the long term, as there won’t be any wasted ingredients, this can be both economical and environmentally friendly.
Blue Apron users have the freedom to skip weeks or halt their subscriptions, which is useful for vacations or other times when meal packages aren’t needed. This function makes sure you only pay for the weeks you intend to utilize the service.
Customer testimonials and comments are crucial determinants of the value and satisfaction that Blue Apron provides. The Blue Apron App currently has an impressive 4.7/5 from over 39,000 reviews on the Apple App store. Although opinions can differ, clearly by a large margin, users like the comfort, culinary experimentation, and overall experience that Blue Apron offers. The following are some recurring topics that show up their reviews:
One of the most notable benefits cited by Blue Apron customers is convenience. It saves them a ton of time since all the ingredients are delivered directly to their door. Reviewers frequently express their relief at not having to go grocery shopping as is customary. People with busy schedules are especially drawn to this convenience element because it spares them the stress of navigating crowded aisles and protracted checkout lines.
Many Blue Apron customers claim that the service has improved their cooking abilities. The pre-measured ingredients and thorough recipe cards offer a wonderful learning opportunity by exposing consumers to fresh ingredients and cooking methods that they might not have otherwise discovered. Blue Apron provides a simple platform for folks who aren’t comfortable in the kitchen to broaden their culinary experiences.
Particularly, families benefit from the Blue Apron service. The 4-serving plan’s accessibility makes it possible to create meals that can feed a large group of people, which can save a ton of time for households with hectic schedules. Families benefit greatly from the ability to prepare restaurant-quality meals at home while taking into account various tastes and preferences.
One of Blue Apron’s strengths is frequently cited as its regularly changing menu of dishes from many cuisines and culinary traditions. Users value the chance to experiment with a variety of flavors without having to comb through cookbooks or look for specialized ingredients. In addition to making meals more interesting, this variety also inspires customers to try new ingredients and culinary techniques.
Reviewers generally support the idea of pre-portioned ingredients. By doing away with the need to measure ingredients, this function not only makes cooking simpler but also helps with portion management. As they only receive the precise amounts required for each dish, users frequently enjoy a decrease in food waste. This improves cooking efficiency and cost-effectiveness while also being ecologically friendly.
It’s important to consider a number of variables as you decide whether to sign up for Blue Apron to make sure the service fits with your preferences, way of life, and culinary objectives. Here are some important things to think about:
Consider whether Blue Apron’s cost is in line with your budget before enrolling. Think about whether the price per dish fits your budgetary needs and eating preferences. While the ease and high quality of the components are enticing, it’s important to make sure that the cost is reasonable for your particular situation.
If you’re a daring eater who enjoys experimenting with different dishes and ingredients, Blue Apron may give you a fascinating chance to broaden your gastronomic horizons. You may experience flavors and cooking methods that you might not have otherwise encountered, thanks to the menu’s variety.
Consider how much time and effort a Blue Apron subscription would save you. The preparation of ingredients, supermarket shopping, and meal planning can take a lot of time. With Blue Apron, you can take back that time and put it to use on things that are important to you.
Think about how you feel about cooking. Blue Apron may improve your culinary experience if you consider cooking to be a creative and fun hobby by giving you tailored recipes and premium products. The simplicity of pre-measured materials, though, can make the procedure more enjoyable if you don’t enjoy cooking or view it as a work. Think about how much time and effort you would save by signing up for Blue Apron. It can take a lot of time to prepare the components, go grocery shopping, and plan meals. You can reclaim that time with Blue Apron and use it for the things that matter to you.
Check to see if Blue Apron’s menus and flexibility suit your eating preferences and way of life. Some plans allow you to select alternatives that meet your needs while accommodating varying household sizes and food preferences. Additionally, within the constraints of the offered recipes, Blue Apron’s personalization options can assist you in adjusting the service to your preferences.
Examine the various meal options before enrolling to make sure they adhere to your dietary preferences and any possible restrictions. Blue Apron does include vegetarian and wellness-focused menus, but it’s crucial to be sure the service can meet your individual requirements.
Keep in mind how frequently you intend to use Blue Apron’s services. While some users choose recurring subscriptions, others occasionally utilize it as an addition to their meal planning. In light of your particular situation, decide whether the frequency of use justifies the expense and convenience.
Learn about Blue Apron’s cancellation procedures. This information can provide you comfort if you choose to pause or cancel your subscription.
Your personal preferences, way of life, and financial circumstances will all play a role in whether or not you decide to subscribe to Blue Apron. Even while it might not take the place of every meal you prepare or eat out, Blue Apron might add something special and useful to your culinary exploration. Understanding the costs, advantages, and restrictions can help you make the decision that suits your preferences and needs, just as with any investment.
Self-lending via credit builder loans has typically been programs managed by small community banks and credit unions. Self Lender or Self Inc as it is known today, is the first company to launch a nationwide, online Credit Builder Account, and has cemented itself into the credit-building loan market providing services to the masses via several digital financial services. Is Self the right option for your credit building journey?
Self Inc. is an innovative financial institution that can help build your credit and save money at the same time. With over 1 million users, Self Inc understands the struggles that many individuals face when trying to improve their creditworthiness. That is why they have created a unique platform that allows users to take control of their financial future by better positioning themselves when applying for credit.
By offering credit builder loans, Self Lender helps establish a positive payment history, while also locking away money for your future goals. With their easy-to-use Self App and personalized support, Self Lender takes the guesswork out of credit building, making it accessible and achievable for everyone without spending hundred or thousands on credit repair services that lack transparency.
When it comes to building credit, there are various methods available. However, Self Lender offers a unique and effective approach that sets it apart from traditional methods. Unlike secured credit cards or credit builder loans offered by banks, Self Lender’s credit builder loans don’t require an upfront deposit or a hard credit check. This makes it accessible to individuals who may not have the means or credit history to qualify for traditional credit-building options. Additionally, Self Lender’s loans are specifically designed to build credit, whereas traditional loans may come with other requirements or restrictions. With Self , you have a dedicated partner on your credit-building journey, guiding you every step of the way.
If you meet the credit requirements, have the discipline, and looking for a credit card to build credit payment history and enjoy some additional card perks, I highly recommend the Chase Freedom Unlimited. You earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from opening your account. Other highlights are a 3% cashback on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cashback on all other purchases.
We’re more familiar with credit building credit cards known as secured credit cards, but credit building loans have also been available through traditional banks such as LeadBank and financial institutions for years. They’re often called “CD-secured loans” or “savings-secured loans,” since they’re secured by a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or some other form of savings account.
By opening a Credit Building Account with Self Inc, you are commit to putting a certain amount of money into an account each month. Think of it as a CD account where your payments are reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) in order to establish or build credit. Why is this key to your credit building strategy? Well, credit payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.
✅ Free to join Self Inc. One time $9 non-refundable fee to open a Credit Builder Account.
✅ Self’s bank partners (LeadBank, Sunrise Bank) lends you a small loan in the form of a FDIC-insured CD which is held until it is paid in full.
✅ You start repaying your Credit Builder Account the following month by making equal payments over the term of the loan.
✅ Your payment history is reported to the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion each month.
✅ When you pay off your loan, you will receive the funds you put in over the 24 month period minus the interest and fees.
✅ Account is available online or via Self App in all 50 states.
Self Inc offers 4 different credit builder plans to fit your budget and credit goals. Similarities among the 4 plans are the flat $9 administrative fee and 24-month term.
Your final cost and interest rate will vary based on the specific plan you choose.
A Credit Builder Account will show up as a “secured-installment loan” from one of Self Inc.’s bank partners such as Sunrise Bank.
Self Financial partners with several banking institutions to provide a variety of credit building services. Credit Builder Accounts held in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) at one of these institutions below are FDIC insured.
Sunrise Bank – Credit Builder Accounts
First Century Bank – Self Visa® Credit Card and certain Credit Builder Accounts
Lead Bank – Secured credit card and certain Credit Builder Accounts
Atlantic Capital Bank – Self Visa® Credit Card and certain Credit Builder Accounts
If you must complete an early withdrawal and close your account, you can cancel your account at any time as long as your account in good standing. Before making a withdrawal request, login to your account and ensure your address and bank account information is up to date. This will prevent any delays in processing your request as it may take up the 3 weeks.
Self Inc is fairly transparent with its customer reviews. As of August 2023, the Self App has 4.6 stars, 7000+ reviews and over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store. On the Apple App Store, Self App also boast an impressive 4.9 stars from over 240,000 reviews. Review portal Shopper Approved has Self Inc at 4.7 stars with over 2500 5-star reviews.
Some users have seen a big improvement in their credit scores; some show more modest gains. It is also not exactly clear when credit improvements kick in as many factors beyond Self’s control are at play here. In some cases, the benefits are immediate. In other cases, it takes could take 6-9 months to see improvements. While credit results may vary, Self Inc is a legit BBB-accredited financial technology organization that provide positive results to most of its customers. On average you can expect a credit score increase of 49 points.
One other important factor to consider is frankly, your personality. Some individuals perform better with an enforced method to improve their credit. However, if you prefer a more independent and flexible approach to your personal finances, their credit builder loans might not be the optimal option for you. Try this biweekly 26-week savings challenge instead. If you’re looking for extra income to keep up with your payments, there are a large number of side hustle opportunities out there. For examples, you can get paid to write articles and blog posts or even testing apps and writing reviews.
Self Inc is not an accountability-free method of possibly increasing your credit score. You are still required to make your payments on time, and failing to do so can leave you in a state that is worse than when you started to use the service.
✅ A Late equivalent to 5% of your monthly payment amount is charged 15 days after payment due date.
✅ A late fee of 5% of your monthly payment amount if your payment is at least 15 days past due.
✅ Failed payment made via bank account will be charged a $15 return fee.
✅ Expedited payment charge is you make payments with debit card (charge will vary based on your Credit Builder Plan).
✅ A small fee less than $1 for closing your Credit Builder Account early.
The Self Visa Credit Card is another financial offering by Self that is aimed at assisting individuals in building or repairing their credit. This secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit as collateral while allowing users to establish credit history responsibly. With a Self Visa Credit Card, cardholders gain access to the extensive network of Visa benefits, enabling secure online transactions with everyday purchases. By making timely payments and maintaining good credit behavior, users can gradually improve their credit scores It serves as a valuable tool for those seeking to build credit or recover from past credit challenges.
Once you are eligible for the Self credit card, you will receive a notification inviting you to sign up for the card when you login to your account. However, eligibility does not guarantee approval. To be eligible for the secured credit card through Self, you must meet the following requirements:
✅ Have an active Credit Builder Account for at least 3 months and have made at least 3 monthly payments on time
✅ Have reached at least $100 savings progress in your Credit Builder Account (after interest and fees)
✅ Have your Credit Builder Account in good standing
✅ A permanent US residency or citizenship with a Social Security Number
✅ Login and add your income and expenses to your account
Self Lender offers personalized support through their Self App, website, and customer service channels. If you have question or concerns about any of their credit building services, Self Inc.’s customer support can be reached at 1 877- 883-0999 Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm CT
If you’re looking to build slow and steady wealth, also check out Raisin for single sign on access to FDIC insured institutions offering high-yield interest rates above 5%. I like Raisin.com for its easy to use interface and access to multiple institutions to diversify your funds without creating multiple accounts across different banks. Click here and enter my referral code earlm014354 to earn up to $125 in bonus cash when you sign up and meet the deposit requirements.
Building your credit requires patience, discipline, and the right tools. There is no question as to whether or not Self Inc is legit. With Self, you have a trusted partner that can help you build credit and save money at the same time. Their credit builder loans are designed to establish a positive payment history, improve your credit score, and provide you with savings for your future goals. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding your credit, Self Lender’s user-friendly app and personalized support make the process accessible and achievable for everyone.
Your little one’s birthday only comes once a year, so you want to make it extra special. But between venue costs, entertainment, food, supplies and more, expenses can quickly spiral out of control. With some creative planning though, you can throw an epic kids’ party that feels luxurious without draining your bank account.
In this article, we’ll explore top tips for celebrating your child’s big day in style on a budget. From picking the perfect theme to scoring décor deals, you’ll learn how every parent can pull off a pint-sized birthday bash kids will remember forever – without going broke. Let’s get this party started!
A fun theme kicks the party off right while offering direction for decorations and activities. Brainstorm favorites like outer space, under the sea, jungle safari or tie-in children’s movie themes. Visit Pinterest for inspiration on bring any chosen motif to life inexpensively.
With basic art supplies, you can craft signs, photo backdrops, confetti cones and garlands to transform any space into a wonderland. Use paint, construction paper, tissue paper and ribbons sourced from the dollar store. That handmade touch makes for an unforgettable party compared to store-bought kits.
No need to stress perfecting a homemade cake when Costco bakeries make gorgeous, delicious options starting at just $15.99. Their wide selection lets you match any theme from pirates to princesses. A sheet cake easily feeds 30+ guests with money left over versus ordering a specialty cake.
Costco’s cakes use quality ingredients for long-lasting freshness, so you can buy up to a week in advance. Let their in-house designers decorate masterpieces that avoid hours of frustrating decorating. Kids only care about devouring sugary goodness anyway!
Finding party space doesn’t have to break the bank either. Start by scouting your own backyard, if weather permits. To add pizzazz, adorn the yard with balloons, streamers and lawn games. For indoor fun, look into nearby community centers or school venues which offer affordably priced party packages.
Parks hosting covered picnic areas provide sheltered spots for minimal cost – just review reservation policies. Wherever you celebrate, embracing a venue that simplifies setup makes hosting smoother. Focus time on fun versus logistics!
To control headcount and cut overall costs, limit invited guests to your child’s closest friends. For a first birthday, cap the list around 10-15 to keep things manageable yet lively. Get RSVPs early to accurately plan for food, seating and favors. Resist pressure to invite everyone by emphasizing this event is all about celebrating your birthday boy or girl.
Dollar stores are your best friend when it comes to decorations on a dime (Or a dollar). Load up on packs of solid color plastic tablecloths, bundles of balloons, rolls of streamers, and festively patterned plastic plates, cups and utensils. All can be found for just $1-2 per pack.
Transform any space through strategic use of these dollar store finds. Mix and match balloons, streamers and plastic banners in the party’s colors. Drape plastic tablecloths over folding tables for instant style. Arrange decorative embellishments like curling ribbon, pom poms, garlands and scene setters.
Construct a photo booth backdrop by mounting bold wrapping paper or fabric from the dollar store on cardboard. Craft papier mache shapes of key theme items like rocket ships or flowers using newspaper and flour. Let your creativity shine with budget materials without going broke on store-bought kits.
Satisfy guests with crowd-pleasing snacks and pizza delivery versus a catered spread. Do your own food prep ahead of time to save money. Slice fruit kabobs, assemble veggie platters with ranch dip, make sandwich wraps and chilled pasta salads. Get creative decorating your own homemade cupcakes instead of splurging on a full custom cake. Hit up Costco or Sam’s Club for trays of cookies and other baked treats at bulk rate deals.
Provide juice boxes, bottled water and soda as drinks. For easy self-serve, arrange all food in a buffet style. Set up labeled food stations if hosting outdoors. Doing a potluck with parents pitching in on homemade side dishes and desserts also helps cut catering costs considerably. Get their help with setup and cleanup too!
Involve kids in active games and crafts that bring the party’s theme to life. For an ocean party, play fish bowl fishing for prizes or hold a sandcastle building contest. Hand out foam aquatic animal hats for kids to decorate themselves.
Jungle safari parties could feature limbo, bean bag toss, or making animal masks or binoculars. Use brown paper bags as the mask base and attach cutout eyes, ears and snouts. Space themes offer opportunities for an astronaut training obstacle course or decorating galactic space ship hats.
No need to spend on expensive entertainment. Provide inexpensive grab bag favors like bubbles, crayons and small toys to take home. By tapping into creative theme-based activities, you’ll keep young guests engaged without breaking the bank. The birthday child will love celebrating their special day through games designed just for them.
Instead of purchasing trinket favors, make your own utilizing supplies on hand. Fill brown bags with candy, stickers and party hats. Or help kids plant their own seed packets as a nature-inspired gift.
Printable coloring sheets and bookmarks require just paper and crayons for hours of entertainment. Handing out playdough or sidewalk chalk lets children get creative. Thoughtful party favors made yourself show guests extra appreciation.
Pulling off the perfect bash on a budget just takes a bit of resourcefulness. Dazzling décor, activities, food and favors can all be done affordably if planned out.
Follow these tips to make your child’s celebration a memorable one without overspending. The real magic comes from celebrating your little one surrounded by family and friends.
If you’ve been keeping up with us recently, you know we’ve had some unexpected expenses, including my being in an upcoming wedding this weekend. We haven’t made any huge progress where our debt freedom is concerned, but we are looking into things that may help us in the near future.
The last detailed update we provided on the blog was in August and we were completely stalled. We have made some progress since then, but not a ton. In August, the numbers were as follows…
About two months later, we haven’t seen a whole lot of progress. Here are the updated numbers…
If you do the math, you’ll see our overall debt has actually increased to $54,116 from $54,040. Unfortunately, this is due to interest rates and, where my student loan payments are concerned, deferring payments.
Despite us still being stalled in many ways, we’ve both been looking for ways to increase our earnings. As you know, my husband was out of work for a bit. He has gotten more steady work and is beginning to get paid regularly again. I was also lucky enough to score an Instagram influencer gig that will bring in an extra $1,200 later this month. That will all go towards paying off some kind of debt.
One of the biggest things weighing us down currently is my payment arrangement with the IRS. Because I largely freelance for work, no taxes are withheld and I fell behind . Additionally, I filed for an extension, which is due later this month. This will only add to my IRS bill.
That is SUPER stressful. Right now, I am paying about $129 per month to the IRS. It will increase slightly once I file. I’ve been looking into tax forgiveness programs that may be able to assist us, especially since my husband has been out of work so much within the past couple of years.
Total tax debt forgiveness is a myth, but there are a few options you may want to consider if you’re in a similar situation.
I’m not moving forward with any of these options yet. I will be consulting a tax professional, however. My husband and I are hopeful we will be able to get some help from a client of his for next to nothing. He has experience getting people off the hook for their tax bills (or finding more write-offs to make the amount owed much less).
For now, we will continue to have our sites focused on becoming debt-free, including this looming tax debt. Readers, where are you in your debt-free journey? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
A windmill is a structure that converts the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades. Centuries ago, windmills usually were used to mill grain (gristmills), pump water (windpumps), or both, according to an online dictionary. Yes, windmills are a great source of renewable energy. Windmill electricity production does not contribute to air or water pollution so it helps save the environment due to the effects of global warming. Therefore, windmill energy may be the solution to the increasing price of petroleum and gas.
Since the holiday season is in full swing, this is the perfect time to consider giving back to others. Depending on where you are in your journey of becoming debt free this can be really tough. It’s hard to scrap up enough money to put toward your debt let alone donating money to others.
Since my kids are getting a little older I want to show them that giving back to the community not only helps them, but it makes us better as well. Helpguide.org states [Read more…]