How to enjoy the weekend for FREE
January 18, 2012
The weekend is almost here and you are looking for something fun to do. However, you are on a tight budget right now and trying to get your personal finances in order. You might be thinking that you won’t be able to find anything fun to do because of your budget. Here are some tips and ideas to show you how to have a good time for FREE.
- Start in your community - You can easily find a list of free events going on in your local community by checking out their website or going to city hall. You’ll often be surprised at how many interesting and fun activities are going on in your city that you didn’t even know about.
- Organize a walking tour or hike - Research the interesting historical sites in your hometown, and then go on a walking/hiking tour of those places. You can easily turn this into a full day if you live in a compelling area. Invite a group of friends to join you. Make this a weekly/monthly thing. It’s not only free and fun but it’s healthy for you too.
- Visit a zoo or museum (free admission days) - Many cities have free educational attractions, such as zoos or museums. If they are not free to the public in your city, ask those places if any days are free to get in. If not, ask about possible opportunities for “free to the public” exhibits or “free admission days” in the near future.
- Movie night with friends - Invite some friends over and have them each bring one of their favorite movies. Then just settle in with some snacks (whatever you have on hand or ask them to bring something) and burn a lazy afternoon and evening just watching movies together. It’s a ton of fun and is sure to create lasting memories.
- Throw a yard sale - A yard sale is a very rewarding way to spend a money-free weekend. Not only does it provide you an excuse for cleaning out unwanted stuff, it can also bring in some good money as well. Plus, it will give you a whole weekend’s worth of entertainment and fun.
- Go to open mic night or a free show – Many local restaurants, coffee shops and pubs have free entertainment in the form of open mic night, free shows or even karaoke. Call around or grab your local paper to find these events. Get a group together and see how many free shows you can attend.
- Take a bike ride - If you’ve got a bicycle in your garage or closet, you already have everything you need for some exercise and good fun. Almost every town and state park has an extensive array of bike trails, so you can always find somewhere new and interesting to ride. Don’t have a bike? See if you can borrow your neighbor’s or a friend’s.
- Host a potluck dinner - Make a dish out of food you already have in your pantry. Invite some friends to do the same, and then get together for a potluck dinner. It makes for a “free” meal and a lot of fun for everyone involved. Set up a theme for the party and get ready to have a blast.
There are many ways to have a fun-filled weekend for free. You have to be willing to do a little research and ask around. Get creative and think outside the box. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good time. Invite friends over this week to brainstorm some ideas. Have fun with it! Here’s to more money in your wallet come Monday morning!
Let us know about some of your favorite FREE activities and how you enjoy spending your weekend. We’d love to hear from you!
Ways to earn extra income and save money
January 16, 2012
Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck and worrying about unforeseen expenses? You might be looking for ways to make extra money each month. That is a really wise decision and it’s easier than you might think. We’ll show you some great ways to make extra income each month and save money.
Job market is tough but online selling is strong:
Is your basement, attic or garage full of unwanted and unused items? You could find a lot of stuff that you want to get rid of and sell it online. Post any items that you think have value on eBay, Craig’s List or an online consignment store. If you don’t want to sell online, then have a yard sale or find a local consignment shop and try that. You’ll have less clutter and more money in the bank.
Freelance writing for online companies:
If you enjoy writing then you might want to look into getting paid to write articles, blog posts, etc. for companies online. It’s really easy to set up an account to collect the funds and post your work. Check out sites like https://www.elance.com/, http://www.freelancercareers.com/, and http://www.freelancewriting.com/.
Take online surveys and get paid:
This can be a fun and rewarding way to make some extra cash. It’s not that time consuming either. You just answer simple questions and give your honest opinion. Sign up for free with several survey sites and jump right in. Avoid sites that want you to pay for an account. There are survey scams out there, so do research and read reviews about the company.
Teach people a skill or talent:
You can try teaching a cooking class, knitting class, scrap-booking class, etc. at local recreation centers or community centers. Try picking up a swim teacher gig, if you’re a good swimmer. Keep in mind that some places may require a special certification. If you like yoga, check out what it takes to become a yoga instructor. There are always ways to make money teaching and showing people a new skill or talent.
Check your credit score and save money:
One of the best ways to save money is by checking your credit score and fixing errors on your credit report. The three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian & Trans Union) have a big influence on your current interest rates. Improving your credit score could save you money on interest payments. Check out Annual Credit Report for your free credit report once every 12 months.
Design Company Logos or Banners:
If you’re good with Photoshop or other design programs, you could make some decent cash by designing and creating company logos or banners. Companies usually don’t have the resources to design their own logos, so they look online for help with that. There are many freelance design sites that you could sign up with and get started making bids on projects. Just remember to use good time management when working on a project.
Focus Group Participant:
Become a member of a focus group in your city and get paid for participating. Call your local university, museum, or look in your local paper for opportunities. Some of these studies include weight loss, quitting smoking, stress tests, etc. Not only would you make money but you could also improve your health.
Get a part-time job as a Census Taker:
Work opportunities usually begin around spring. The local Census Bureau hires field staff to help gather some information. There are part-time temporary jobs that often require evening and weekend work. In late 2012, nearly 5 million businesses will receive 2012 Economic Census forms. You could make some extra income this way.
There are many ways to make some extra cash and to save money. It just takes a little research and motivation. We’d love to hear from you about how you’ve earned extra income or some ideas that you might have floating around. Let our audience know about what works and what doesn’t work. Please leave us a comment and we’ll get this conversation started! Thank you.
Don’t take advice from a movie character when putting personal finances in order
January 13, 2012
Millions will watch the upcoming Golden Globe Awards (Sunday, Jan. 15th 8pm EST). Some will be envious of the movie stars’ talent and lifestyle. However, even though the stars’ lives may appear glamorous, it might not be financially smart to think like some of the characters that have been portrayed on the big screen throughout the years.
AdvantageCCS reflects on the following famous movie lines and relates them to personal finance:
- “Gone with the Wind”- “I can’t think about that right now” didn’t work out too well for Scarlett O’Hara, and it won’t work for today’s financially strapped heroine, either. Delaying reaching out for help with your financial situation will only make matters worse.
- “Casablanca” – Wanting Sam to play the same song over and over is one thing, but repeating the same financial mistakes month after month is not music to anyone’s ears. If your financial hole is getting deeper, it’s time for a new tune.
- “Wizard of Oz” – Dorothy knew that “there’s no place like home,” and the millions of Americans who have been displaced from their homes would agree. A home is typically a person’s largest investment. Don’t risk losing yours. Reach out for help at the first signs of trouble so that you and Toto will always have a roof over your heads.
- “Dr. No” – James Bond was a convincing secret agent in dozens of films, identifying himself simply as “Bond, James Bond.” Today, even James Bond could have trouble keeping his personal information secure, as thieves have sophisticated methods of stealing identities. Unauthorized charges on existing accounts, new accounts opened in your name, and drained bank accounts are just some of the results of being a victim of identity theft. To keep from needing your own secret agent, educate yourself with identity theft protection tips at www.ProtectYourIDNow.org.
- “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” – Many may think that this movie title describes their financial life. If so, do something about it by facing the financial facts. Take charge of your financial future by tracking spending, creating a payday cash-flow calendar, and knowing how much you owe. It’s your money and your financial future. No one cares more about it than you.
AdvantageCCS is a proud member of The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization, can help build a financial plan that’s customized to your situation. To find the location closest to you, call (866) 699-2227, or go online to http://www.advantageccs.org.
Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AdvantageCCS, on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AdvantageCCS, and on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AdvantageCCCS
AdvantageCCS offers three simple steps to make managing finances easier
January 11, 2012
Advantage Credit Counseling Service (AdvantageCCS) offers three simple steps consumers can easily implement that will put them on the road to financial stability.
The three A’s of financial wellness are as follows:
Action– Many are paralyzed by their situation, frozen in a state of financial anxiety. Others feel that they are in such deep financial trouble that there is no real help available. Some may fear that they’ll reach out for help to the wrong organization, thus ending up worse off than when they began. Failure to act only makes matters worse, as the problem isn’t going to cure itself. Likewise, delaying action only makes the situation more difficult to resolve. Consumers owe it to themselves and their family to sit down with a Certified Credit Counselor at a legitimate nonprofit agency. These counselors are trained to do a thorough review of the situation and provide concrete solutions, ones that can mean the difference between financial failure and financial success.
Automate – Make technology your friend by signing up for direct deposit, automatic bill paying and online banking. You can avoid ever having a late fee by arranging credit card payments to be sent automatically before the statement due date each month, making sure the payment amount equals at least the minimum amount due. You can always circle back and pay the balance in full, but knowing the bill has been paid on time brings you peace of mind and avoids negative dings on your credit report and score. Direct deposit helps to avoid the long lines at the bank on payday, as well as providing a degree of safety since the paycheck can’t be stolen from an unattended mailbox. Further, the surest way to save is to have money automatically deposited into a savings account before you ever see it.
Accountability– People are well-intentioned justifiers. Financial accountability starts with financial honesty. If you find that you have more excuses than money in the bank, enlist the support of an accountability partner. Make sure this person is someone you’re comfortable revealing your financial dirty laundry to, is someone you respect enough to follow their advice, and is strong enough to speak the truth to you. It may be tempting to pick someone who is in the same financial shape as you, but that type of relationship often ends up being a two-person pity party. Instead, find someone who is a responsible money manager and is willing to share those skills with you.
The Certified Credit Counselors at AdvantageCCS, are proud to be a member of The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nations largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. We can help build a financial plan that’s customized to your situation. To find the location closest to you, call (866) 699-2227, or go online to http://www.advantageccs.org.
Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AdvantageCCS, on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AdvantageCCS, and on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AdvantageCCCS
Anniversary plans on a budget
January 9, 2012
How do you celebrate with the one you love while staying within your monetary means? If you are on a budget and watching your spending, you might think it’s impossible to have a good time while pinching pennies. That’s just not the case but you do have to be a little creative.
Have a fun filled evening without breaking the bank.
The first step is planning out your night. Create a total spending budget for your evening. Ask yourself this, “What can I afford to spend right now”? Make a list of places you want to go, how you are going to get there, what gifts you might buy, etc. This can help eliminate some places or things to avoid because they’re just too expensive.
Some ways to save money while having a wonderful time.
- You could have a romantic dinner at home and really save some money. If you can’t cook, then order out from your favorite restaurant. Decorate the table, light candles, dim the lights and set the mood. Use your best dishware and silverware to make it fancy. Have an intimate meal in the privacy of your home.
- Look for free shows in your area instead of paying for tickets. There are many local theaters, bars, coffee houses, and clubs that host open mic night for comedians, musicians, poets, and other performers. This is a cost effective way to see a free show and have a good time.
- Movies are another activity that can be cheap, if done correctly. You don’t have to drive to a movie theater, pay for the tickets, and buy overpriced snacks and drinks. Do it all from the comfort of your own living room. The library is a great source of free entertainment. You can also borrow DVDs from neighbors, friends and family.
- Go on a picnic or take a nice long walk. Eat in your local park or even your own back yard. Walk around your city or neighborhood and reminisce about why you decided to live there. It will bring back wonderful memories and feelings. Walking is not only free and enjoyable; it’s also healthy for you.
You can always find free and fun things to do in your area. Don’t be tempted to get more money out or to use credit cards because your money is running low. Just remember to make a budget, create a list of places to go and things to do, stick to your budget and enjoy this time with your loved one. You are going to have a great anniversary while keeping your bank account in check.
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