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Knowing When To Sell

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The Perfect Balance

Sometimes it’s time to sell a property not because you particularly need the money, but because it has reached a point in the marketplace where maintaining regular payments on it will result in a loss. To determine whether your property is at this point requires continuously monitoring your local real estate market.

Knowing When To Sell

Real estate bubbles expand and burst all the time. Ideally, you want to sell your property right before the bubble bursts. This way you can actually see a profit before you’ve finished paying off the property due to its increased value. If you wait until after the bubble bursts, you’ll experience a loss.

If you’ve decided it’s time to sell your mortgage note, selling a note fast & easy is essential. So is finding the group who’ll make that happen.

Selling To Offset Debt

Sometimes you’re going to sell for reasons of need. Many people who are in debt cling to a home that was beyond their means before they began paying a mortgage on it. Rather than waiting until default and bankruptcy, it makes a lot more sense to just sell the property.

Some other strategies to get out of debt involve income supplementation and dispelling unnecessary expenses. Look at your weekly budget. Do you spend money on goods you don’t really need? If you’re in debt, you probably shouldn’t be spending $5 on a cup of coffee seven times a week. That’s $140 a month you’re wasting, or around $1,680 a year.

The same is true for fast food. If you’re spending $5 a day on fast food, that’s another $1,680 you’re wasting every year. If you can cut down your spending on fast food and coffee from $10 a day to $2 a day through preparing your own caffeinated beverages and meals, you’ll save $2,688 a year.

If you’re financing a car, sell the vehicle, buy a beater, and save yourself between $100 and $500 a month (depending on your finance agreement, of course). That’ll save you between $1,200 and $6,000 a year.

Additional Considerations

Still, sometimes even if you tighten your belt, you’ll still have too much debt to escape it on your own. In such situations your best bet may be to secure budget fundraising solutions through crowdfund groups like Plumfund.

All these things being said, it can be difficult to know where to start as you go about escaping the scourge of debt. What’s recommendable is taking stock of your finances and identifying weak points, but these can be hard to gauge. One way to help decide what kind of selling decisions you should make is to consult Debt Academy who will help you work through your burden and determine the best solution.

Live Beneath Your Means

With proper advice and financial discipline, you stand a good chance of getting out of debt. Even if you owe $100k or more, you can be debt free within five years if you’re diligent. Cutting out unnecessary comforts, as well as a mortgage beyond your means, you can save $20k or more a year.

Provided the mentioned $100k sum includes interest accumulation over a five-year period, saving $20k a year can put you in a position to end that debt very quickly. It’s not going to be easy, but it is something you can do. One of the best ways to do it is to sell a property and downsize to something within your budget. To sum up: learn to live beneath your means.

 

The post Knowing When To Sell appeared first on The Spring Mount 6 Pack.


Toys under $25 Gift Guide

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This post contains affiliate links.

While trying to stay on budget during the holidays can be quite challenging, it is rather necessary. To help you find the perfect gift and stay within your budget, I created this under $25 toy gift guide. Everything on this list is toys that kids will love, but that fall under the $25 cost. I know, with how many gifts I have to buy, buying toys on a budget, helps a lot.

Looking for toys under $25 kids will love? Here are great gift ideas for toys that are under $25. Christmas shopping on a budget is easier with a gift guide

While building this list, I found some really fun toys! There are a few LEGO building sets, board games, and even some sports equipment!

And don’t forget about the amazing Amazon Gift Card, that every kid would LOVE to receive!

  1. 3-D Planets In a Tube: Bring the planets inside with this glow in the dark set.
  2. Nuby Octopus Hoopla Bath Time Toys: This purple octopus will make bath time a splash!
  3. VTech Musical Rhymes Book: Keep baby happy with this book that plays music.
  4. Laser Pegs Super Monster Truck 6-in-1 Building Set: These new light up building blocks work with all other brands of blocks.
  5. Superheros Cape and Mask Costumes Set: This set comes with 5 superhero costumes. Each set includes a cape, mask, and wristband.
  6. Mr. Sketch Scented Markers: Not only do these markers smell amazing, but they also have bold colors that last a long time.
  7. Disney Moana’s Magical Seashell Necklace: Gift this magical seashell necklace to one lucky girl.
  8. LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs Building Set: Another LEGO gift for under $25! Score!
  9. Princess Castle Play Tent: It even has glow in the dark stars! Perfect for indoor camping.
  10. Building Block Tape Rolls: Now those building block creations can be made anywhere this tape can be applied.
  11. Watch Ya’ Mouth Family Edition: If you want to gift some laughs, this board game is a perfect idea.
  12. Battleship: A great classic board game every kid would enjoy playing.
  13. ZOOB BuilderZ: With 125 pieces, you can build anything your heart desires.
  14. LEGO Duplo Mickey Racer: Perfect for small hands…. and who doesn’t love Mickey Mouse?!
  15. Melissa & Doug Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set: These soft vehicles are the perfect gift for baby.
  16. Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball: Gifting soccer balls is always a great idea! Kids always need sports gear.
  17. Beamo: This oversized fabric frisbee is so much fun to play!
  18. LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Set: With 7 tea songs and several ways to learn matching, colors, and more…. this tea set has it all.
  19. Infrared Induction Helicopter Ball: This helicopter ball is bound to keep kids busy!
  20. Hot Wheels 20 Car Gift Pack: Perfect for those Hot Wheels fans. This set comes with a variety of both cars and trucks.
  21. Playskool Mr. Potato Head Silly Suitcase: Gift this silly set of faces that will provide hours upon hours of entertainment.
  22. Stress Balls: This set of 3 stress balls is a great way for kids to de-stress.
  23. Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster: With a striking distance of up to 90 feet, this Nerf blaster is sure to be a hit gift.
  24. Magnetic Mini Tile Art: Turn works of art into magnets with this craft kit.
  25. Tie-Dye Kit: This kit has enough dye to create 6 tie-dye projects.
  26. Quadcopter Drone: Yes! A drone for under $25! It comes with some great reviews too!
  27. Hamper Hoops: Make throwing clothes in the hamper a game with this gift idea.
  28. Make a Wind Chime Kit: Perfect for the crafty kiddo!
  29. Rory’s Story Cubes: Tell a story with this fun dice game.
  30. Walkie Talkies: You can never go wrong with a set of walkie talkies.
  31. Crazy Aaron’s Glow in the Dark Putty Kit: Kids can make glow in the dark putty with this kit.
  32. All-Natural Lip Balm Boutique: Make your own unique lip balm with all natural ingredients.
  33. Klutz Make Clay Charms Craft Kit: Klutz kits always make great gifts. This one helps kids make their own clay charms.
  34. Perplexus Star Wars Death Star: This maze looks challenging enough for any age group.
  35. Scrambled States: A fun board game… where learning is involved!
  36. Catapult Wars: Kids can build and decorate your own catapult. When they’re done… they can grab a friend and start a catapult war!
  37. Made By Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars: This kit allows kids to build their own wooden cars and then paint them with wild and unique designs.
  38. ALEX Toys DIY Wear I Heart Charm Bracelets: Make beads to wear with this charm bracelet kit.
  39. Star Wars R2-D2 Bop It Game: Get ready for some challenging R2-D2 fun with the entire family. Bop It is perfect for all ages.
  40. Candy Wrapper Puzzle: A good old puzzle can be a great gift. Especially if it has a good theme…. like candy. Add a candy bar or two to make it even more of a fun gift.
  41. The Famous Drinking Bird: This bird has a mind of its own. Kids (and adults alike) are always stumped on how it works, especially when there are no batteries involved.
  42. LEGO BrickHeadz Batman 41585 Building Kit: A new twist on action figures. You get to build Batman, who happens to have glow in the dark eyes.
  43. Monopoly Empire Game: Instead of owning properties players get the chance to purchase their favorite brands. A fun twist on an old classic.
  44. Magnet Science Kit: Surprisingly, magnets can be a ton of fun. This kit has everything you need to explore the magic behind magnets and how they work.
  45. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions: Klutz books are the best, and this one is at just the right price. Perfect for all those fidgeters out there.
  46. Insta-Snow Jar: Got Snow? If not, this would make the perfect gift for any kiddo. Make two gallons of snow without having to travel to the North Pole.
  47. Zero Gravity Remote Control RC Vehicle Car: This remote control car has a feature most remote control cars do not, it can drive on the wall!
  48. LEGO Star Wars Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter: I can’t believe this LEGO building set comes with BOTH R2-D2 and Yoda Minifigures… all for under $20!
  49. LEGO Stationery Colored Marker 9 Pack with Building Bricks: I’m here to let you in on a little secret. LEGO makes pens! Go check them out!
  50. Create Your Own Window Art: Use this kit to bring some color to those windows with window art! Kids will have a ton of fun with this set on a cold winter day.
  51. Little Tikes T-Ball Set: They’re never too young to start playing baseball!
  52. Barbie Fairytale Dress Up Gift Set: This Barbie doll comes with all the accessories any girl would need.
  53. Boon Building Bath Pipes: Build a maze of pipes for the water to travel through.
  54. Dauber Dawgs: These unique paint pens give kids a way to paint with colored circles. A ton of fun, without the mess!
  55. Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes: Another mess free art gift!
  56. Baby Einstein Octoplush: This soft octopus plays music that teaches babies the names of colors.
  57. Melissa & Doug Latches Wooden Activity Board: Kids will improve their fine motor skills while learning how to latch and unlatch the various locks.
  58. Googly Eyes Game: Draw a picture through glasses that have a unique view of the world.
  59. LEGO DC Super Hero Girls Wonder Woman Dorm: I just had to throw Wonder Women in the mix!
  60. Kinetic Sand: This bag of beach sand is a great way to take the beach with you wherever you go.
  61. Electronic Hot Potato: A fun game that everyone can join in on.
  62. LEGO DUPLO All-in-One-Pink-Box-of-Fun: This one is for all those little girls out there who love building with their favorite color pink!
  63. Simon Electronic Memory Game: Give the gift of memory with this fun game.
  64. Crayola Inspiration Art Case: This art case has it all, pens, crayons, colored pencils, and paint.
  65. DIY Stick’n Style Crystal Clutch Kit: Give the gift of bling with this DIY kit. It is full of gems that can be placed onto a clutch. A great gift idea for the future fashion designer.
  66. HEXBUG Nano Nitro: These gravity defying bugs come in a pack of 5.
  67. Doc McStuffins Hospital Doctor’s Bag Set: This set comes with everything a kiddo needs to be just like Doc McStuffins.
  68. LEGO Disney Frozen Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Playground: Build Anna and Elsa a place to play with this fun LEGO set.
  69. My Fairy Garden Magical Cottage Playset: Kids can grow their very own fairy garden with this adorable playset.
  70. Charades: This game is always a ton of fun! The best part is that with a little help, every age group can participate.
  71. Play-Doh Disguise Lab Featuring Despicable Me Minions: Make silly Play-Doh hairstyles on Minions.
  72. Mermaid Tail Blanket: I think this is on every girl’s gift list this year.
  73. ROBLOX Champions: This pack of robot figurines comes in a set of 6.
  74. Dragon Kite: Get outdoors and fly a kite!
  75. Bubble Machine: Make a million bubbles without all of the work.

What are your favorite finds on my under $25 toy gift guide? I think mine is the drone and all of those creative kits!

Hopefully, I’ve helped make shopping a little more enjoyable for you this year! Feel free to share any Amazon deals you’ve found while shopping this holiday season!

The post Toys under $25 Gift Guide appeared first on The Spring Mount 6 Pack.

Ways to Repair Bad Credit

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Looking for ways to repair bad credit? I spent a long time trying to find the best way to repair my credit.

Looking for ways to repair bad credit? Use this tips for ways to repair bad credit and raise your credit score. It doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Ways to Repair Bad Credit

I am sure you have heard people say it takes so long to build your credit up but it can be knocked down so fast. I made stupid mistakes when I was just old enough to have credit and as a result, I have had poor credit for a long time. I just kept making the same mistakes. And with every mistake I fell further and further down the credit score line.

The more I researched the more I learned. There were some things that made sense to me and something that didn’t. I started to implement the things that made sense and that I was seeing on more reports and somethings, while they were in the reports, I decided not to do. It turned into what worked for me.

Looking for ways to repair bad credit? Use this tips for ways to repair bad credit and raise your credit score. It doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Tips to Repair Bad Credit

  1. Order your free credit reports. You can get free reports from lots of places online.
  2.  Once you have your reports, check for accuracy. It is not uncommon to have incorrect information on a credit report. Sometimes, it is a charge that isn’t yours at all. Sometimes, it is a charge that you have paid off. Sometimes, it is a matter of stolen identity. Once you find the incorrect information, file the wrong information with the credit agency.
  3. Start looking at what is on the report that is correct. You need to fix late payments and start paying down old debts. Just removing these debts will raise your credit score alone. Call the collection agencies and set up payment arrangements for things you can not pay off in full.
  4. Use the Debt Snowball method to pay things off fastest. Dave Ramsey recommends using the debt snowball method to pay off old debts. Start by making the minimum payments on all accounts. On the smallest account, pay a little extra if possible. Once the smallest debt is paid off, take that minimum payment and add it to the minimum payment of the nest lowest. Continue paying the minimum on all accounts except for the lowest. Take what you used to pay on the old account and add it to the minimum of the now lowest. This pays this debt off faster. And so forth and so on. Because you are already used to paying out that amount, you can knock down the debt faster.
  5. When you are ready to rebuild your credit, think about a credit card or a loan. This can be hard if you have bad credit. Think about getting an auto loan from a dealership that give bad credit auto loans. Make sure you know exactly what you can afford on a monthly basis, and do not go over it.

Once you start getting some positive credit marks and you are erasing your bad credit marks, you will be glad you put in the effort to fix your credit.

The post Ways to Repair Bad Credit appeared first on The Spring Mount 6 Pack.

Buying a Car at the End of the Year

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This time of year, the commercials are full of end of the year deals on cars. When I was talking with a friend, he said he never believes all the hype about at the end of the year sale on cars. He sees it as a way to get you in the door and then they raise the prices. But for the most part, the excitement about end of year deals on cars is true. Why?

Why is the end of the year a good time to buy a car? One reason is because of the weather. See, there are a lot of people out there who are just like me and can no stand the cold. That keeps them from going to the dealerships to shop. Dealerships, like Sheridan Nissan Dealership in New Castle, Delaware, run specials to get people on the lot.

Even without the cold, people are usually spending their money on holiday gifts right now. So, that means a new car isn’t on the top of their list. A good deal could get people thinking about gifting themselves a new vehicle this time of year.

Another reason for the great deals this time of year is because the dealerships want to make room for the next year’s inventory. Right now, there are lots full of 2017 cars. These are considered the outgoing model and dealerships would rather sell you the 2018 model. They have to clear out the inventory and that means that they are willing to make better deals with you to make room.

Most businesses make end of the year goals. So if a dealership is getting close to making their sales goal, they want to sell as many as possible. That means giving stronger incentives to you in order to sell the cars.

So should you buy a car this time of year? The answer is yes. If you have the money and it is not all tied up into Christmas presents, now is a great time of year to purchase a car.

 

The post Buying a Car at the End of the Year appeared first on The Spring Mount 6 Pack.

Important Tips for Buying a Car

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Buying a car can seem like a daunting task if you have never done it before. It can seem like a daunting task for people who have done it before. So what should you know before you go to the car dealership to buy a car?

Important Tips for Buying a Car

  1. Never impulse buy: It goes without saying, but don’t impulse buy a car. The cost is entirely to high to buy a car like you buy a pack of gum.
  2. Research. Knowing the facts before heading to the dealership will help save you time and money. One of the biggest mistakes that can be made when buying a car is not researching before. You can find out just about everything you want to know about a car can be found online at sites like Auto Trader, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book. If you are buying a new car you will want to know the “invoice” price and not just the MSRP. The “invoice” price is what the dealership paid to get the car. Knowing this price will help during the negotiations. If buying a used car, you will want the most current value of the car and the resale price. Also, if you are trading in a car, know how much your car is worth.
  3. Think about pre-finacing. Oftentimes the interest rate that you get from the dealership is higher than if you received a loan from your bank or credit union. Many times you can receive a “relationship discount” that you would not receive anywhere else. While you might not be able to get the best financing deal online, you can use the internet to get an idea of interest rates. Once you get a quote from any financial institution, get it in writing. Then when you go to the dealership, you have the quote and may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate.
  4. Shop Around. Unless you are backed into a  corner with no other options, always shop around. Talk to a dealership and get their rock bottom price. Then see what the other dealerships offer. Think about trying dealers in other towns since location can change the price.
  5. Negotiate: Buying a car is an expensive purchase. It is usually the next biggest purchase with the exception of buying a house. Do not take the offer just because they offer it. Start with a very low number. Let the dealership work you backwards to a price. If they offer you an amount based on a 60 month loan, negotiate back and try to get the same price at a lower month, like 48-month loan. If you have done your research, walk into the dealership with confidence. Stick to your guns and don’t be afraid to leave the offer.
  6. Look at the overall price, not the monthly payments: If the monthly payment of the car is a great price, but the terms of the loan is 72-month loan, then it is not a good offer at all. Negotiate the overall price, and make sure you know all of the hidden fees. The fees that can often run up the price of the car are various taxes, car preparation and delivery fees and dealership costs. These are fees the sales person will not mention unless you ask.
  7. Negotiate the Trade-in separately. Wait until you have gotten the lowest price possible for the car you are buying. Once you have that price set, then mention your trade-in. If the dealership knows the trade-in before hand, they can use that to keep you from the lowest price. If you have negotiated the price to $15,000 and then tell the dealer about the trade in, and you are receiving $2000 for the trade-in, your price is now $13,000.
  8. Don’t purchase the Add-Ons. Do you really need those heated seats? Do you have to have the built in GPS or can you live with the portable one? The rear camera is nice, but is it worth the extra cost of the car. Think about these things before accepting things like rust-proofing or VIN etching. Keep the add-ons to a minimum so you can keep the cost low.
  9. Don’t Buy the Extended Warranty. If you are buying a new car, the coverage of the extended warranty is often limited and doesn’t cover many of the types of mechanical failure in new cars. The new car is going to come with a manufacturer’s warranty that provides enough coverage for your car. If you are buying used, check into what is left of the original warranty. Why not bank the money you would be paying for the warranty and save it for if there is an issue.
  10. Always test drive. Think about everything need when you are test driving a car. If you have children, bring them with you. You will want their opinion of the comfort level of the car. How does the car idle? Can you see from all of the mirrors? Use all of the controls. Turn on the heat or air. Use the turn signals. Turn on the wipers. Make sure everything is easy to use. How does the car take turns? Does it accelerate nicely and how does it brake. If you are buying used, take this time to also see your mechanic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Financial Stability: Getting Back on Your Feet One Step at a Time

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Financial Stability:  Getting Back on Your Feet One Step at a Time

Financial Stability: Getting Back on Your Feet One Step at a Time. 2/3 of families have less than $1,000 in savings, and 1/3 of families have no savings.

Most people are not equipped to deal with severe financial setbacks, whether they are due to bad choices or just bad luck. Two-thirds of Americans have less than $1,000 in a savings account, and over a third of families have no savings at all. So, many people must start over at least once in their lives. To get back on the path to financial stability, read on to find out the best pathway to follow.

In-Depth Assessment

Emotionally, this step may be the most difficult one, because in many cases, people must wade through mountains of bills that they would much rather forget about. However, this step is also a necessary one, because it is impossible to make a plan to leave a place if you are not sure where you are.

It’s natural to feel depressed. When this feeling gets overwhelming, take a break. A walk around the block is often a good idea. If the feeling lingers or the breaks aren’t enough to get it under control, consider seeing a professional. Many churches and civic groups offer low or no-cost counseling.

Set Priorities

A savings account is one way to avoid future financial disasters, or at least minimize them. Reduce nonessential, like cable TV and dining out, as much as possible, and put that money in a savings account. If your employer allows direct deposit to multiple accounts, that’s even better. A large emergency fund will not appear overnight, but it will appear.

In most cases, rebuilding credit should be your other priority. Stay current on bills that are reported to the credit bureau, such as home mortgage and auto loan payments, come hell or high water. Also, talk to a credit counselor about which old bills you should pay off first, because different payments have a different effect on your credit score.

Stop Digging Your Hole

While it’s important to get the emotional and financial help you need, it’s also important not to give what little you have to companies that offer quick fixes. Many credit repair companies are quite reputable, but many others make big promises, take your money, and do little to raise your credit score. In most cases, the financial disaster did not occur in one fell swoop, so it will also take some time to correct the situation.

Use All Available Tools

Keep a close eye on financial accounts. Daily balance alerts are great snapshots, and monthly/quarterly reports help you identify both positive and negative trends.

Increase your income if possible. Drive for a ride-sharing company, pick up a freelancing gig online, or help neighbors with their chores on the weekends. Then, spend the extra money on the two priority areas (saving and credit building) mentioned above.

Responsible credit use is important as well, because borrowing money and paying it back makes you a much more attractive borrower to potential lenders. When future financial emergencies arise, and they will, installment loans are usually good things. They are very convenient and the repayments often get reported to credit bureaus. Just be sure to make timely repayments, because the interest charges are often high.

With a little help, you have the power to recover from anything, even a financial disaster.

The post Financial Stability: Getting Back on Your Feet One Step at a Time appeared first on The Spring Mount 6 Pack.

Ways to Make LASIK a Reality

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I am working in partnership with Eyecare 20/20 to share with you ways to afford LASIK. I received free LASIK in exchange of sharing my experience with you.

As you may know from previous articles, I recently had LASIK surgery from Eyecare 20/20 and Dr. Silverman. LASIK was something I had always wanted. The problem is, it does not come with a small price tag. Also, insurance doesn’t cover LASIK so it can seem overwhelming when you think of the cost. But it doesn’t have to be.

First, consider all the money that is spent on eye care. The frames, the lenses, and of course you hope that nothing happens to them like getting scratched or broken. The contact lenses every month, the lens solution, the cases. not to even mention the hassles that come with wearing contacts and glasses.

What is covered in the cost of LASIK with Eyecare 20/20? The consultation with Dr. Silverman is free. This is because while Dr. Silverman is amazing at what he does, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. There are other procedures that can correct eye sight if someone isn’t a candidate for LASIK. For the cost of the procedure a patient gets the surgery and all the associated medications and all appointments that follow the procedure for the following year. So when you have to go back in for check ups, or if there is some kind of issue, those appointments are covered too.

 Ways to afford LASIK

This time of year, a lot of people get a large sum of money back for their taxes. This time of year people are looking at their tax returns and trying to decide what is the best way to spend the money. It is a great way to offset the cost of the LASIK Surgery.

Look into Flex Spending. Many people have accounts for Flex Spending and the money in these accounts have to be used before the end of the year. The benefit of using your Flex Spending account, or starting one is that the money that is taken before your payroll taxes are applied. That means, the money goes into your flex spending account before you are taxed, therefore reducing the amount of income being taxed. So, you have more money to spend and less taxes.

Carecredit: Carecredit is like a credit card but it used only for things not covered by insurance. It can be used to cover things like chiropractic, cosmetic, veterinary and LASIK among other things. Once you have been approved, you can use it to cover LASIK. There is even promotional financing that allows for no interest if paid during the promotion period. It is a great option for getting LASIK now and pay it off gradually.

What Not to Do:

Do not go with a doctor just because they are cheaper. Yes, you can find a LASIK doctor that might be less expensive than Dr. Silverman. But cheaper doesn’t mean you will have the same experience and results with another doctor. Dr. Silverman is renowned in his field and has performed LASIK on Olympians and professional athletes.

With these above ways to afford LASIK, Dr. Silverman wants to help it be even more affordable. Take advantage of the coupon code his office is sharing with me. When calling to make your appointment, use code I Care About Eye Care and receive $1000 off. That is a huge saving.

Connect with Dr. Silverman at EyeCare 20/20 to get  schedule a consultation. There is no better time to see if you’re a candidate for LASIK, visit EyeCare2020.com. Other ways to connect with EyeCare 20/20 and learn more about LASIK on their social channels: FacebookTwitter | Instagram | YouTube

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Goodbye Christmas Hello Check-to-Check Living: Surviving the after-holiday Financial Slump

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Goodbye Christmas Hello Check-to-Check Living: Surviving the after-holiday Financial Slump

Now that the holidays are over, most people are in what is called the “post-holiday slump.” You probably spent more than you could afford and now, instead of starting the year on a high, you’re starting with very high credit card bills.

Of course, the slump never lasts more than two or three months at most. But, how do you get through it? How do you ensure that you can still pay your bills and have a nice time?

 

  • Step #1: Accept the situation

 

One of the reasons you might stay in the slump longer than necessary is because you’ve refused to accept that you’re in one. You need to take that first step and accept your situation. Accept that you bit more than you can chew, and are now facing the consequences. Accepting means that you should now begin to go slow on anything you have left, knowing that it will have to last you longer than first anticipated. If all you have is $1,000, you’ll have to find a way to ensure that it lasts you until the next paycheck.

 

  • Step #2: Create a plan for the next few weeks

 

Lack of planning is what got you in the situation in the first place. To get out of it, you’ll need to go back and correct what you did wrong by spending only on what you need until you’re back on your feet. There can be no lavish spending during a financial slump. So, take a pen and paper, and write down everything you need for the week, and for the month, keeping in mind the amount you have as you do this. Things like getting a new 55inch flat-screen TV should not even come near the list. Instead, focus on school fees, rent, groceries, and utility bills.

 

  • Step #3: Do not borrow!

 

During these hard times, it isn’t uncommon to be tempted to borrow. The feeling is usually that you can repay whatever amount you borrow at the end of the month. Do not fall into this trap. Borrowing, while acceptable, only adds salt to injury and could easily leave you in a vicious circle for a long time. The only way to get out of your financial situation is to make do with what you have and keep the big and non-urgent needs waiting until you regain your financial stability. If at all you need to borrow, get a personal finance loan from a lender such as kingofkash.com where the terms are very friendly.

 

  • Step 4: Be a high achiever elsewhere

 

Just like with goals, whenever you fail to hit your targets in one area, you’ll always feel much better if you can hit the targets of a different area. In this case, since you might not be feeling so nice about your holiday spending and the consequences you’ve had to face, you can minimize the frustrations by getting some exercise and doing really well there. The discipline and positive thinking will help you realize greater value in your life.

Finally, and most importantly, having learned your lesson, be sure to plan better, so you don’t go through the same experience next year.

The post Goodbye Christmas Hello Check-to-Check Living: Surviving the after-holiday Financial Slump appeared first on The Spring Mount 6 Pack.


Ways to Increase Your Credit Score

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For many people, they do not know what their credit score is. For others, they know the credit score, but it might still need work. Others know that it needs a lot of work. People who know that their credit needs a lot of work want to fix their credit but do not know where to start. So, people want to know, how to fix my credit score?

Ways to Increase Your Credit Score

Importance of a Good Credit Score

Having a good credit score is important for many reasons. Credit scores determine if you can get a mortgage. It determines the interest rate of a loan when you go to the car dealership to buy a new car. Your credit score determines if you can get a credit card. You credit score even affects your car insurance rate.

How to Fix My Credit Score

The first thing you need to do to fix your credit score is know what your credit score is. There are ways to check your credit score for free. There are sites like Credit Karma and Discover that lets you see your credit score and what is on the credit report for free. Using these sites to check your credit score does not ding your credit as a hard or soft inquiry. It is a great way to know what your credit score is. You can also get a free credit report from the 3 credit reporting agencies a year.

Next you want to check your credit report. Even if you have always paid your bills on time, there can be incorrect information on your report. This can cause your credit score to be lower than it should be. When you look at your credit score, there are certain things that are taken into account and can change your score:

  • Payment History: This is how well you pay your bills. If you are slow paying or missing payments, you are a bigger risk.
  • Amount of Debt: How much do you owe. Are your credit cards near their limits? Do you have several loans? This is what is looked at when looking at your amount of debt. The higher the debt, the less likely you are to get a new loan or credit card.
  • Age of Accounts: Creditors want to see that you have had credit cards or loans for some time. This shows you continued to pay on your accounts.
  • Account Mix: Do you have loans and credit cards? Do you only have one type of credit?
  • History of Credit Applications: If you have too many credit inquiries on your account can lower your credit score. There are hard inquiries and soft ones. Any new inquiry can ding your credit score.

Get Payments on Track. If you have late payments or missing payments, the first thing you need to do is start making your payments. Every payment can start getting your credit score back on track.  As you establish that you are paying, the numbers start to go back up again.

The last thing to do, and most important but takes the longest is to pay off your debts. As you decrease the amount of debts you have, including the ones in collections, your numbers start to go up. I love the Dave Ramsey snowball method for this. Pay the minimum on all your debts. Start with the smallest and try to pay more than the minimum. Once the smallest is paid off. You take the amount you were paying and add that payment to the next smallest amount. This way you are paying this one off faster because you are throwing more money at it. You do this all the way through all the debt. Like a snow ball going down a hill it gets bigger. As the number of accounts, you have gets smaller, the payments can get bigger and before you know it, the debts are cleared.

It is overwhelming to think about paying off debts and fixing your credit score where it needs to be. But it can be done. And once it is, you will need to stay on top of it. It takes no time at all to ruin your credit, but it can take a long time to fix it back again.

 

 

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Solo is Not Always Good: Fighting a Personal Injury Case Alone is Risky and Unnecessary

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If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, there is a good chance that your legitimate claim is going to be challenged by the defendant. This can end up being the most prominent hurdle you have to overcome to get the settlement you deserve for the damages you’ve suffered. Some of the most common personal injuries that you can encounter are product liability, medical malpractice, public liability, and vehicle accidents, according to data acquired by Newswire. When it comes to defending your personal injury case, it can be risky to fight it on your own. Here are the top reasons why you should hire a personal injury attorney to help with your case.

They Understand the process

While you may have a good idea what you can get from your personal injury lawsuit, you may not understand the legal procedures that are involved with litigating or mediating your claim. This includes, how to properly complete the forms, what documents are necessary to file your claim, or that the statute of limitations in personal injury cases can be anywhere from one year to six years, according to the legal experts at Nolo. The gap that is present in your legal knowledge may provide the insurance companies the opportunity to deny your claim on a legal technicality.

They Improve Your Odds

Going up against an insurance company can be like preparing for battle. Entering into this kind of campaign by yourself is like showing up to a fight with no weapons. No matter how much you prepare yourself, you won’t be able to put your best foot forward. The insurance companies will use your lack of knowledge with the claims process to ensure they protect their interests. Don’t fight your personal injury case alone, let a skilled personal injury attorney help increase your odds of getting the compensation you deserve.

They Know How Much Your Claim is Worth

A majority of people have no idea how much money they can get from a personal injury claim. While there are tools online that can help you determine your settlement to help you establish a rough idea of your claim’s value, it isn’t always accurate. Getting a high settlement for your injuries requires an understanding of the subtleties of your specific case. A personal injury lawyer will analyze your injuries, put a value on your pain and suffering, knows how the insurance companies operate and can negotiate your settlement. Hiring a personal injury attorney gives you with their knowledge and expertise to get you the high settlement you deserve.

They Can Take Your Case to Trial

Most of the accident injury claims that are filed, never make it to trial. Statistics show that most of these types of cases are settled out of court. They also show that juries are more than likely to rule against the insurance companies. This makes hiring a personal injury attorney a smart decision, showing the insurance companies that you are willing and prepared to go to trial.

Personal injuries cost money in medical bills, time away from work, and other complications. Let a personal injury attorney help you with your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.

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5 Important Facts About Extended Drivetrain Warranties and How They Protect Your Car

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Your car is important. It gets you to work, to school, and to fun outings with friends. That’s why it’s important that you protect it as best as you can. Beyond standard vehicle insurance, getting a drivetrain warranty is one of the best ways to make sure your car stays in tip-top shape. It also makes sure you are prepare for the inevitable breakdown.

But first, what is a drivetrain warranty? A drivetrain warranty is new car coverage that covers the cost of repairs if the machinery inside your car breaks down. A drivetrain warranty is different from the more commonly-known powertrain warranty.

The powertrain is made up of every part of your vehicle that “converts the engine’s power into movement.” The drivetrain, on the other hand, is made up of the parts of your vehicle that power the wheel apparatus—everything in between the engine and the tires themselves. This includes the transmission, the driveshaft, the axles and the metal part of the wheel.

Why should you have special coverage for this part of your vehicle? Here are 5 reasons why an extended drivetrain warranty is right for you:

    1. A drivetrain warranty will cover your vehicle after the typical dealership warranty expires. Many car dealers will offer a warranty that expires after the first 100,000 miles. But that is exactly the time your car is most susceptible to problems. You need extra coverage for the parts of your vehicle most affected by wear-and-tear.
    2. A drivetrain warranty will ensure that you don’t have to cover the cost of repair. Let’s face it: vehicles aren’t perfect, and they do break down from time to time. Often the cost of the best vehicle repair is expensive and most owners aren’t able to pay out of pocket. It’s best to be prepared for this eventuality so that your pocketbook won’t be hurt when your car is.
    3. A drivetrain warranty can come with a flexible, customizable plan. Most warranty providers know that a drivetrain warranty isn’t a typical vehicle expense, and they will be willing to work with you to put together a plan that will work for you.
    4. A drivetrain warranty gives you options when the time comes for vehicle repair. One of the unpleasant aspects of warranties provided by vehicle manufacturers is that they often require you to bring your car into the dealership for repairs. However, most drivetrain warranty providers will let you choose where you take your car to be repaired. If you have had vehicle problems before, you probably shopped around before finding a repair shop that you like and are now used to. Going somewhere you feel comfortable and are certain you will get a fair price and good service is a difference-maker when it comes to vehicle repairs.
    5. A drivetrain warranty provider will often handle payment details directly with the repair shop. When it comes to your car, it is always good to be prepared. And an extended drivetrain warranty allows you to do just that.

 

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5 Tips to Searching for Deals Online

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Online shopping bargains can yield great savings. The best and most convenient way to begin searching for products, according to Consumer Reports, is comparison shopping online. Price comparisons can help you recognize great deals online. Product and price comparisons don’t just help get great deals, but also save big time.

A good strategy and a few clicks might just be what you need to get great rewards and beat prices in stores near you. You can find or create great shopping deals online in a few steps. Online bargains always bloom and the internet weather conducive for 24/7 shopping. Here are 5 tips to help you find deals online:

Top 5 Tips to Finding Great Shopping Deals Online

1.    Explore Rebate Sites

Dedicated rebate sites link you to your favorite online shopping portals. The sites direct traffic to shopping sites for a commission. The sites share their commission with you to continue using their links. Rebate sites offer 2% to 20% of your purchase value depending on their policy with the percentage varying from one merchant to another.

You can access rebate amounts and participating merchant lists on rebate sites. Accrue a certain dollar amount or predetermined points to qualify for a payout. Sign up with different rebate sites to compare their rebate awards and merchant lists.

2.    Find Coupons

Shopping online and at your local store share some similarities as they offer discounted sales. Coupon sites gather coupons from different retailers across the web for easy access under one roof. You might be required to sign up for a free account to access coupons on a site. Scour different coupon sites on the web for coupons offered by a merchant you want to shop on their site.

3.    Become a Loyal Shopper

Online retailers use rewards programs to get loyal shoppers for repeat business. Join a merchant’s club for buyers, register for promotional emails or simply fill out a questionnaire to get additional discounts. Providing retailers with your information on your shopping habits and email address can qualify you for discount coupons, free freight or freebies.

Getting on a retailer’s mailing list ensures you get first-hand information about upcoming sales in your favorite stores before it gets to the public. You might also qualify for discounts on specific products or get extra discounts on your purchases.

4.    Apply for Merchant Credit Cards

Credit card deals can earn you rewards or double points on your purchases. Choose a good combination of merchant site and card to score additional savings on everyday products you have to buy.

5.    Browse Consumer Review Sites

Consumer review sites display product pricing on various online retail sites for comparison purposes. Basic knowledge of a product’s general price range is a good start to finding great deals online. Watch out for sites displaying low product prices with hefty handling and shipping fees. Always start from a consumer review site when looking for good deals online.

Don’t forget to read product reviews and comments made by customers on consumer review sites. The information on the sites might just be what you need to find a good retailer with great deals on the product you want to buy.

Visit https://www.dontpayfull.com/ to find great deals online for whatever product you want to buy.

 

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How to Calculate the Gas Mileage before Your Trip

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If you’re planning a road trip in your vehicle, you know that there are a lot of things to plan. You need to make sure your vehicle is serviced and in good working order before you go. You also need to plan your route, pack your bags, and pack your car for easy access to the things you will need on the road. You also need to plan for how much gas you will use. DCH Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Temecula wants to help you know how much money to budget for gas on your next road trip.

Going on a road trip? Want to know how much to budget for gas? Use this information to learn How to Calculate the Gas Mileage before Your Trip

Fuel costs are one of the most important things for you to plan in advance. Gas prices can fluctuate, but you need to have a general idea of what to expect when it comes to your expenses. It’s actually really easy to calculate an idea of your gas mileage beforehand.

All you need to do is estimate how many miles you are traveling from Point A to Point B. Then, you need to determine the average miles to the gallon your car gets. You can look at a site such as AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator to help you determine overall gas mileage by putting in your car make and model and details for your trip.

If you need to figure it out manually, you can zero out your car’s trip odometer after filling up the tank and see how far you go around town on one tank of gas. Then when your tank is empty, you divide the mileage driven by the number of gallons it took to fill your tank at the start, and this will give you your average miles per gallon. Some modern cars will now even tell you this on the dash.

Then you can use Google Maps to determine the mileage of your trip. Then, you can find out current gas prices and calculate your estimate gas mileage from these factors.

 

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Teach Kids About Money and Investing

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This is a sponsored by BusyKid. All thoughts are my own.

When I was in college, I had a class that thought about how interest is accrued on a loan. I was lost. My high school never taught anything like how to manage money. My mom was not much help because she was bad at managing her own money. I wanted to make sure I taught my own kids how to manage money. The problem, I wasn’t sure how to teach it. I am not the only one. The majority of US kids do not receive any kind of financial education and they never learn money management skills. It leads to a generation of adults that do not know how to manage their money, are deep in debt and have little to no savings.

Want to teach kids about money and investing? Want a way to encourage kids to do chores and work hard? Use the BusyKid app to help teach kids about managing money and investing. AD

My kids have always had chores. I am a big believer in kids need to understand that certain tasks are expected of them. I am happy to pay allowance to them once the jobs are completed and completed correctly. For some reason, things never went smoothly. I was always looking for another way.

A recent survey from BusyKid found that while 90% of parents said they benefited from chores growing up but only 55% have their kids doing chores. 89% of parents say tying allowance to chores is good training for the real world.

BusyKid has found a great way to help kids get up off the couch and earn money, while completing chores. It also helps kids learn how to manage their money once they have earned it. BusyKid is the first and only app that is designed for kids ages 5-17 that teaches kids how to save, share and spend the allowance they earn through completing chores. It helps kids get real life experience in money management and how to manage money that is not physically in their hands.

There is nothing more important for children to learn between the ages of 12-18 then managing finances. While some parents don’t want their children focused on money from such an early age, the truth is that the U.S. ranks far behind globally when it comes to financial literacy, and part of the reason is that our kids are introduced so late or to this process.

There are several ways the BusyKid app helps kids. Working hard leads to a payday. Using the app, kids get their allowance on a payday. Parents can approve the work the child has done and then pay the kids. Parents can also pay a bonus when kids go above and beyond what is asked of them. Most adults love when they get a bonus in their paychecks and kids can get one too.

Parents can add a BusyKid VISA Prepaid Spend Card. Most people do better with cash in hand, but when they spend from their debit or credit cards, people tend to spend more money than they expect. The invisible money is what hangs us up. Using the Spend Card, kids get an idea of what invisible money is.

The BusyKid app helps kids learn to invest. Investing is a concept that many adults have trouble understanding. It is a great way to build a passive income, but where to start. Kids can learn how to invest using the BusyKid app. With a unique partnership with Stockpile, kids using the BusyKid app can spend their allowance on fractional shares of real stocks.

With Summer here, many kids will be home alone. Instead of spending time outside playing with friends at the park or swimming at the pool, kids will sit home and watch tv or play on some form of electronic. The percentage of children aged 6-12 who were physically active three or more times a week had its biggest drop in five years and now under 25% of these kids are active. With summer break here, the laziest time of the year for most kids, parents are looking for ways to have kids more active.  Parents can tie chores to summer days by assigning specific chores for each day to keep kids busy, active and productive.

Want to get started with Busykids? Parents can enroll the entire family for only $14.95 a year, and as a bonus, parents can get the first 30 days free. Add the BusyKid Spend Card for just $5 a year. Using the Spend card allows kids to spend their allowance in-store or online or transfer the money to another bank account. Kids can also spend their allowance on gift cards and stock through the BusyKid app or make direct donations to several charities.

Many kids will not get financial education unless it is taught by parents. BusyKid is a great way for parents to start teaching kids today.

 

 

 

 

 

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Save Big with HP 4th of July Sale

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This is a sponsored post from Savings.com and HP 4th of July Sale. All thoughts are my own.

Electronics are expensive. And we need them for a lot of things in our lives, from running an online business, to work, paying bills and for kids to complete their school work. When you need a new electronic, you can suffer from sticker shock. That is why I always shop sales when I can. Right now, you can save big from HP.

With Back-to-school around the corner, now is the time to take advantage of these great deals. With the average savings of about $200, parents can load up and get the computers they need for a fraction of the cost.

HP ProBook 430 G5 Notebook PC - Customizable

For example, the HP ProBook 430 G5 Notebook PC – Customizable is normally $1059. Right now, smart shooppers can get it for $476.55. That is over half off. This laptop has everything you need with:

  • Windows 10 Home – HP recommends Windows 10 Pro.
  • 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor
  • 4 GB memory; 500 GB HDD storage
  • 13.3″ HD display (1366×768)
  • Intel® HD Graphics 620

Whether you need a new laptop for work, college or for the new school year, now is the time to grab some great deals from HP. See the sale page for all of the great deals being offered.  Be sure to order today in order to save up 55% off HP computers.

 

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Buy Vibes! Get a $5 Music Gift Card

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TridentVibes #CollectiveBias

What’s better than getting something free after purchasing your favorite gum? You simply upload your Walmart receipt, including the purchase of Trident VIBES® gum, and wait for it to be validated and you’ll receive a $5 iTunes gift card. Trident VIBES® has this rebate offer running until 11/1!

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Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper at Family Dollar

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #UnbeatableComfort #CollectiveBias

Heading to the store to prepare for the upcoming holidays? Make sure that you don’t forget to include Scott® ComfortPlus Toilet Paper on your shopping list! From crazy schedules, to parties, to guests galore, keeping Scott® Toilet Paper on-hand is key to surviving this busy holiday season.

If you used to purchase Scott® Extra Soft, Scott ComfortPlus is the new and improved version! NEW Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper is the only bath tissue designed to care for you with everyday comfort, plus a little extra. With thick and plush sheets for a trusted, comforting clean, Scott Toilet Paper is tested for strength and designed for comfort. Scott ComfortPlus is preferred over Angel Soft (vs. Angel Soft® Double Roll) and is 5 in 1 – soft, strong, thick, absorbent, and clog-free!

For a limited time, save $0.50 on Scott ComfortPlus 12 ct. Big Roll at Family Dollar! Click here to check out these great savings, and enjoy everyday comfort all season long! And don’t forget to click here or on the image below to find your closest Family Dollar store!

Heading to the store to prepare for the upcoming holidays? Make sure that you don’t forget to include Scott® ComfortPlus Toilet Paper on your shopping list! From crazy schedules to parties, to guests galore, keeping Scott® Toilet Paper on-hand is key to surviving this busy holiday season. For a limited time, save $0.50 on Scott ComfortPlus 12 ct. Big Roll at Family Dollar! Get the Coupon ----->  https://ourwabisabilife.com/scott-comfortplus-toilet-paper-at-family-dollar/ #AD #UnbeatableComfort #CollectiveBias

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Apps to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Looking for ways to save money on a road trip? Use these apps to save money on gas and other ways to save money on a road trip.

Looking for ways to save money on a road trip? Use these apps to save money on gas and other ways to save money on a road trip.

As the holidays approach, everyone is thinking about time with family, near and far. For many people, this time of year, that means planning a road trip. While road trips can be a cheaper way to travel, compared to flying, depending on how far you have to drive, it can still add up. Today we have partnered with Westborn Chrysler Jeep, in Dearborn, MI, to bring you apps to save money on a road trip.

Apps to Save Money on a Road Trip

We all want to save money. Use these apps to save money on a road trip.

Gas Buddy

When on a road trip, the biggest expense is usually gas. Using an app called Gas Buddy, you can money on gas. According to Gas Buddy, you can save an average of $340 a year on gas. Gas Buddy shows you the gas prices of the gas stations around you. It is supposed to help you be able to find the cheapest gas in the area. It will also send you alerts when there will be a price increase on gas so you can fill up before the price rises. Gas Buddy has another feature that let’s use the app to pay for gas, and you can save an additional 5 cents per gallon on every fill-up.

When using Gas Buddy during a road trip, it will help you know what to expect at the gas stations near you. Users can review each location and locations can be sorted by if there is a restroom, car wash, or restaurant.

Using Gas Buddy can also save you money in the longer term because it has a built-in detector that will analyze your driving to help you find ways to drive more fuel efficiently.

BestParking

Parking can be a huge expense when you are traveling. Once on a trip to New York City with my kids, parking alone cost almost $150 for a day and a half. Using BestParking, you can find parking that is the cheapest or the closest to where you want to be. Simply add the location where you would like to park as well as your arrival and departure times. The app then maps out the best parking options. This saves time searching and money by choosing the cheapest parking option.

The app gives information like total parking amount, when the parking lot is operational, if it is indoor or outdoor, whether it is self-park or valet, and if it is cash or credit. Sometimes, there are also coupons and discounts.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. You have everything you need for a trip in one place, including hotels, car rentals, airlines and things to do in an area. While Trip Advisor is available as an app, it is also available online, so no app is required. I use TripAdvisor as a one-stop shop for everything, especially hotels. Whether you need a last minute hotel because you are tired and have to stop, because of a delay due to car trouble, or if it is a planned stop, let TripAdvisor help you save money on hotels.

Tollsmart Toll Calculator

When road tripping, nothing is worse than not knowing there is a toll road and not having the cash on hand to pay it. Some of these tolls need exact change. Use Tollsmart Toll Calculator to know exactly how much you will be spending on tolls or use the Tollsmart calculator to help you avoid toll routes. The calculator lets you figure out the toll charges for cars, truck, and RVs, all of which can be charged different amounts. The calculator also works for tolls in Mexico and Canada.

Open Bay

No one wants to have to deal with a car issue while they are on a road trip. It can be considered one of the biggest nightmares imaginable for many. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. If it does happen, there is a solution to take some of the stress out of it. Use Open Bay.

Open Bay allows you to get service quotes from local mechanic shops and then book the appointment all in one place. While most people don’t know what is wrong with their car, you start by choosing what services you need or by describing the problems you are having with the car. Shops near you review the information and then respond with a quote. Since all of the shops have been vetted and approved by Openbay, it means that the service is high quality and there no hassle.

Using the app, you book the appointment with a credit card. When the work is completed, complete the service on OpenBay and the card is charged. There are no hidden fees. This app will save you time finding a mechanic, money on the service by getting quotes and helps find a mechanic you can trust when you are away from your own mechanic.

PlugShare

If you have an electric car, you know that it is cheaper to charge the car than to buy gas for it. PlugShare is a mobile app that is also available online. It shows electric car owners where to locate and use EV charging stations using the most comprehensive and up-to-date listings of the country’s EV Charging networks. The app updates every few minutes and has a community of people who are passionate about electric cars.

The app lets people add, review and edit the electric charging stations information and it also lets private residential charging stations be listed. It is all about crowdsourcing. When you open the app or look online, go to where you are or type in an address. This will show you the number of charging stations in that area. The list shows level 2 public charging stations, public quick chargers, private residential charging stations and public stations that are currently in use.

Use these apps to save money during your road trip. Enjoy the travel and save money at the same time.

 

 

 

 

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Ways to Get Free Money

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Looking for ways to have more money? Whether you are struggling to make more money or save more money, money issues can cause a lot of stress. Use these ways to get free money.

Looking for ways to have more money? Whether you are struggling to make more money or save more money, money issues can cause a lot of stress. Use these ways to get free money.

Yes, you read that correctly. There are ways to get free money. There are ways to get free money from the government, free money for college, free money from crowdfunding sites and free money from online sites.

Ways to Get Free Money from Companies

One of the easiest ways to get free money is to take advantage of promotional offers and bonuses from companies. This ways to get extra money is doing things like opening a savings account or a new checking account, or by applying for a credit card. Companies offer these bonuses in order to get new customers and you get the money by signing up. That is free money for doing something that you might be in the market for anyway.

Sometimes these companies pay up to $100, but most often it is a smaller bonus like $5 to $10. While this may not sound like a lot of money, and you certainly are not going to get rich from it, combining the money from many of these companies and it could add up to hundreds and even thousands of free dollars.

Finding these companies in order to earn free money can be hard. Use this list in order to find ways to make extra money that you can use to save money or use towards a larger purchase.

If you are looking for other ways to make more money try:

  1. Knowing What to Sell
  2. The Best Items to Sell on Ebay
  3. The Best Places to Find Items to Flip for Profit
  4. 25 Best Items to Flip for Profit
  5. Ways to Make Money Online
  6. 4 Creative Ways to Earn Money
  7. How to Start a Blog and Work from Home
  8. 5 Ways to Make Money Online

Free Money from the Government

There are many programs that help people and provide free money. Most people don’t know about these programs that are offering free money.

Money for College

When Joey started college a few years ago, I was blown away with how much it was going to cost. When I went to college I went to a local community school and it was all covered by financial aid.

Ways to get money for college

The first thing to do when looking for free money for college is to look into financial aid. Parents fill out the for and it helps them to see how much money the family qualifies for. In addition to that financial aid, there is also the PELL grant. This is a grant that does not need to be paid back. While this is free money for college, it won’t cover the full cost of school. The maximum amount is $5,920 per semester. There are factors that determine how much you will get and you might not qualify for the maximum. Check out the website to learn more about this grant, how it works and how to apply.

Help to Avoid Foreclosure

Many people struggle to make their mortgage payments. This can lead to foreclosure. There is a government program called HOPE, the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation. It is a website that is designed to help people stay in their homes. With more and more people struggling against foreclosure and the issues with the housing market, this program can be just what you need in order to stay in your home. Learn more about possibly getting help with your mortgage and have a plan set up for you. Call the organization on 888-995-HOPE, or visit its a website at 995HOPE.org.

Help with Renting or Buying a Home

There is a part of the government called HUD, which is the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD is designed to support home ownershipand rentals. It is a great resource for anyone who is a homeowner, who wants to be a homeowner or tenants. HUD offers cash for things like down payments and closing cost. To get more information and to see how it can help you, visit HUD.org. There is also a rental assistance page with information about the Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8. This program can help pay part or even all of your rent.

Unclaimed Money

As you leave one job and start another sometimes you don’t get that last check. Sometimes you start a bank account and then forget about it and you move, or just start using another bank account. Or maybe you have put down a security deposit with a utility company and never gotten it back when you moved. This money is waiting for you.

There is a website named Unclaimed.org that is there to help you find money that you have coming to you. This website is run by a government agency that is holding over $3 billion dollars in money that is owed to people.

When you are ready to look for money that is owed to you, go to unclaimed.org and click your state. Then search your name to see if there is money owed to you.

If you have lived in multiple states, you can search on a federal level by using MissingMoney.com.

Unclaimed Pension Benefits

As you work at different jobs, you might have had a job that started a pension plan in your name that you have forgotten about as you have moved from one job to another. You could be owed pension benefits. According to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, there are 38,000 people who haven’t claimed the pension benefits that they are owed. This adds up to more than $300 million dollars

How to find pensions you might be owed

  • Step 1: Go to https://www.pbgc.gov/search/unclaimed-pensions.
  • Step 2: In the search box, enter your name or the name of any company you’ve ever worked with and hit “Search.”
  • Step 3: Click on your name (if the displayed results show it.)
  • Step 4: The next page will tell you how to contact them to get the money owed to you.

Cash to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

If you need to make your home more energy efficient, then the governement have free money to help you do that. Things like having the house properly insulated, buying energy efficient windows and installing weather stripping can go a long way to reducing your energy bills. The government is helping people with the Weatherization Assistance Program. They are willing to help people with up to $2500 to make their homes more energy efficient.

Get Help with your Taxes

Taxes themselves are stressful for most people. Trying to figure them out is even harder. It can cost a lot to get the taxes done by a professional. There is an initiative from the IRA called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). It is for people with low income to help them get their taxes done. For more details on the initiative, visit the website, or call 1-800-829-1040. It isn’t free money but it can save you about $100, which is like getting free money.

Get Cash Back from Websites

There are a lot of sites that let you get money back when you shop using their sites or report your shopping to their sites. It is easy to do, and it is money you are spending anyway. It is a simple way to get money back.

CouponCactus – $3

Coupon Cactus offers both discount coupons and cash rebates. The sign-up bonus is $3, the minimum requirement for cashing out is $10.

Ebates

Ebates has been around since the late 90’s but these days, it is growing in popularity. It is a cash back site that pays you to shop through their website. As you search their deals, and most of the times they are great deals, you get money back on what you spend. If you do a lot of online shopping, you would be crazy to not use Ebates. Also, as you refer friends to Ebates, you will earn $25 per referral. Right now, there is a bonus for joining: Either a $10 Walmart Gift Card or $10 Ebates cash bonus. You get $10 just for signing up.

ExtraBux

Sign up for ExtraBux and you will earn 30% cash back on anything you buy through their site. That is a great saving on something you want to buy anyway. Also, when you sign up, you get $5 just for signing up and providing some details. The cashback rate is high and there are over 2,500 stores to shop from.

BeFrugal

BeFrugal is just like Ebates. It is a cashback and coupon website. As you are shopping, you earn money back as you are buying what you already want to buy. Also, just for signing up, you earn $10.

 MrRebates

MrRebates is another site like eBates. It has over 2,300 participating stores and the number is still growing. There is a $5 sign up bonus and you can cash out when the account reaches $10.

 ShopAtHome

ShopAtHome is a cashback and deals website. When you sign up for the site, you can get another $10 bonus!

Free Money for Opening New Savings and Checking Accounts

There are a lot of different banks that offer sign up bonuses. The bonuses are usually dependant on things like adding a deposit or maintain the balance. Be sure to check what each account needs in order to get the free money.

Chase Total Checking Account

When you open a Chase Total Checking account, and use the available coupon, you can get a total of $350. When you open the account with at least a $25 deposit and have a direct deposit within 60 days of opening the account, you will get $200. Open a saving account and get an additional $150.

 Citizen Bank CollegeSaver Account

If you have a child in your life under the age of 12, open a Citizen Bank CollegeSaver account. When the child turns 18, you will receive $1000  plus interest if you make the madatory monthly deposits each month, children under the age of 6 – $25, children 6-11 $50.

U.S. Bank Start Smart Savings Program

Take advantage of the U.S Bank Start Smart Savings program. As a member, you will recieve a $50 bonus when you are a new customer oprning a Silver Checking or if you have a money market account. When you open the Silver Checking Package, you will need to schedule a qulifying transfer from your money market account. Once both accounts have been open for 12 months, you will receive your bonus.

Free Money for Opening New Credit Cards Accounts

There are credit card companies that are happy to pay you for getting one of their cards. You can use this money any way you want. If you have good credit this is a great idea to get a little extra cash. Just make sure you are making good credit decisions.

AT&T Access Card From Citi

With this card, you can get 10,000 bonus ThankYou points.

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Get $150 back in the form of a statement credit, when you spend $1,000 in the first three months on purchases on this card.

Blue Cash Preferred from American Express

When you spend $1,000 on purchases using this card in the first three months, you get $250 back in the form of a statement credit.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card

Once you have been approvedfor the Capital One VentureOne reward Card, you will get 20,000 bonus points once you spend $1000 in the first three months. Using the point converstion, this is like $200 in travel rewards.

Capital One Savor Dining Rewards

With the Savor Dining Rewards, your get 3% on all dining charges, and between 1% to 2% cash back on other purchases. You will receive $150 in bonus cash if you spend $500 in the first three months.

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

This credit card offers 30,000 American Airline AAdvantage miles if you make $1000 worth of chrges in the first three months. Some flights are available for 7500 points so you should be able to book several flights.

Citi/AAdvantage Executive World EliteTM Mastercard 

This card offers 50,000 American Airline binus miles with you spend $5000 in the first three months.

Citi Business/ Advantage Platinum Select World Mastercard

This card offers 60,000 American Airline AAdvantage points when you spend $3000 in the first three months of opening the card. This is a great deal for someone who flies often.

Citi/AAdvantage Gold World Elite Mastercard

With this travel card, you will earn 25,000 American Airline bonus miles when you spend $750 in the first three months.

Citi ThankYou Premier Card

This card goves you 30,000 binus points as a ThankYou when you spend $3000 in the first three months. These points vary in value depending on how you redeem them.

Expedia+ CARD From Citi 

With the Expedia+ Card, you will earn 15,000 Expedia+ points that can be used towards free travel when you spend $1000 in the first three months.

Expedia + Voyager Card

With this card, make $2000 worth of purchases in the first three months and you can earn 25,000 Expedia+ Bonus points. Redeem these points for free travel stuff, like flights and hotel stays.

Free Money for Transferring Your Prescription

being the ones to fill your prescription is a big business. All of the pharmacies are competing for your business. These different pharmacies are offing anything from cash or gift cards to get you to become a new customer and use them for your prescriptions.

 RideAid – $25

RideAid will give you $25 wellness+ BonusCash within 24 hours of you transferring your prescription to them.

 Safeway

Safeway is offering up to $75 in gift cards when you transfer your prescription to them.

Other pharmacies offer these kinds of deal off and on during the year. Look for the coupons and ads and then you can take advantage of their offers as well.

The post Ways to Get Free Money appeared first on Our WabiSabi Life.

$5 Walmart eGift Card from all® laundry products

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #allLaundryatWalmart #CollectiveBias

Let’s face it! Laundry is a part of life that we can’t escape! So let’s find an easy way to get it done at a great value! With all® laundry detergent, you can get the stains out and save money at the same time! Mom’s have big decisions to make every day so picking a laundry detergent shouldn’t be one of them.

Right now when you spend $15 on all® laundry products you can receive a $5 Walmart eGift Card. Check out the information below for details!

  1. Shop all® laundry products: Shop at your nearest Walmart/super Center and stock up on qualifying all® laundry products
  2. Register and Upload Your Receipt Online: complete the registration form and submit your receipt showing the qualifying $15 in all® laundry products at www.all-laundrypromo.com
  3. Redeem: After the receipt is validated, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to download your $5 Walmart eGift card.

Right now when you spend $15 on all® laundry products you can receive a $5 Walmart eGift Card. Get the details!

The post $5 Walmart eGift Card from all® laundry products appeared first on Our WabiSabi Life.

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