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.
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.
Holiday spending has got you down in the dumps
January 4, 2012
Did you spend way more on the holidays than you had originally planned? Believe me, you are not alone. The NRF (National Retail Federation) said that the average American is projected to spend around $704.18 on holiday shopping this year. That is a big number and sometimes we don’t realize how much we’ve spent until it’s too late.
So where does that leave you now that the holidays are over? If you’ve used credit cards for your purchases, you might start falling behind on your bills. Maybe you can’t make the minimum payment anymore and then the extra fees come. You could feel like you’re in over your head. This is the case for many people after the holiday season. Here are some tips that could help:
Set up a realistic budget for shopping.
Budgets are easy to create but a little harder to stick with. That’s why you have to be honest with yourself and set obtainable goals. Think about what you spent last year during the holidays. If you have old receipts, checkbook entries or credit card statements from the previous year, look over them. They will help you figure out what you’ve spent in the past and where you might be able to cut corners.
Heading out to go shopping with a budget plan is a smart idea. How many times have you purchased things for yourself while shopping for others? Those unexpected things can really add up. If it’s not in your budget, it doesn’t go in the shopping cart. You may need some wiggle room for unforeseen expenses after the holidays.
Really try hard to stick to your budget.
Eliminate impulse buying to help you stay on track. If you set a limit to spend $25 or less per person, don’t spend $50 on a friend just because they spent a lot on your gift last year. Be strict and mindful when you are at the mall, boutique or shopping online.
Budgeting isn’t about how much money you have, but how you handle the money you do have. It can be scary when you find out how much you’ve been spending on coffee, clothing and accessories but you need to know. That’s the first and most important step to fixing your personal finances.
If you need help with planning a budget or you need some free counseling, contact Advantage Credit Counseling Services. We are a non-profit organization. AdvantageCCS educates consumers on debt management and the responsible use of credit. We assist thousands of people each year through free, confidential credit counseling, debt management program and various community education presentations.
Steps To Save
January 2, 2012
Saving money can be difficult. Many live from paycheck to paycheck and often overspend on things they don’t need. This can cause issues that turn into major headaches. Rainy days can come when we aren’t prepared, and for that you need to have a savings plan in place. By following the steps below, you can get a good jump-start on your plan and have that umbrella ready.
Start a Savings Account
You may be surprised, but 1 out of 3 Americans have no savings set up. Setting up an account is a relatively easy thing to do, and most banks that you check with can help you do so. Prior to signing up, do some research on your own to add to your banks recommendations. For instance, high interest savings accounts will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Also, don’t be afraid to save with another institution that isn’t the same bank you check with. Sometimes those banks may not offer the best features for your plan. Remember, this is to help you out so research is important.
Set A Savings Budget
Budgeting is important to make sure you live within your means. When budgeting, take into account your savings. How much are you able to put into your rainy day fund? If you make $100 and it only takes $90 to cover your expenses, put the remaining $10 into your savings account. It will grow.
Deposit on a Regular Basis
Your savings account is meant to be used in emergencies, or when you have a pre-determined purchase in mind that you would like to save for, but you need to add to it. Scheduling deposits into the savings is rather easy. Many banks have easy to use scheduling systems such as, online transfers or automatic paycheck deductions. Whatever your method, be sure to follow it consistently.
The best offense is a good defense and by setting up a savings account, you can defend many financial woes if the time comes. The decision to choose and set up your savings account should derive from the research you have put into it. Make sure you are getting the best service, the greatest benefit, and protection. By doing so, you will succeed at building a financial nest.
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