Slashing Moving Costs

14/03/2023
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 |  money, saving

In the late spring and summer, many people choose to move. Families are trying to move before the school season starts up again in the fall and many college students are moving away from campus now that most exams and courses are winding down. Moving can be a huge expense. Moving house can easily cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $10 000 to move a family. Moving costs depend on how many things you have and how far you have to go. There are many ways to slash your moving expenses, however:

Weed out everything you don’t need. Most movers evaluate your moving costs based on weight. Therefore, taking old furniture that you plan to get rid of anyway might increase your costs significantly. You can slash moving expenses by getting rid of as much stuff as possible as you pack. Put your stuff aside for a yard sale or sell through online classified ads – all the money you make you can put towards movers.

Consider storage. If you are not moving permanently, consider putting your stuff in storage to do away with moving costs entirely. This is an especially good option for students who will return to the same spot for school in a few months.

Do not borrow to pay for your moving costs and new apartment costs unless you need to. Credit cards, payday loans, and other unsecured loans will only add to your total costs. Budget carefully, as you will likely have to pay a security deposit on your new home as well as moving costs.

Do it yourself. Renting your own truck and getting a few friends to help you move can save you thousands. Just make sure you adequately thank your friends with a nice dinner or a night on the town.

Save on packing materials. Look for inexpensive or free boxes at your grocery or beer stores. These stores sometimes give away boxes for free. Call around to find a business willing to give you boxes at no cost. Boxes alone can add up to hundreds of dollars if you have lots of stuff.

Schedule your move during the off-season. Moving during peak season can be expensive due to high demand. If possible, schedule your move during the fall or winter when rates are lower.

Get multiple quotes from moving companies. Shop around for the best deal and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Some companies may offer discounts or special promotions.

Use your own blankets and towels for padding. Instead of buying expensive packing materials, use your own soft items to protect your belongings during transport.

Label your boxes carefully. Properly labeling your boxes can save you time and money. This way, you won’t have to open every box to find what you need when you arrive at your new home.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the costs of moving. Planning ahead, decluttering, and doing some of the work yourself can help you save money and make the moving process less stressful.…

Sneaky ways to save money

09/03/2023
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 |  save money

Spending too much on anything can run up your credit cards and make you more reliant on cash loans. Save your money and keep your debt in check with savings. It’s not just about shopping sales. Here are some money-saving tips you may not have considered:

– Lower medical bills by always asking for an itemized bill and checking for errors. Do not just accept the charges you are handed when you visit a hospital or clinic. Check for any charges that are placed there in error. For example, many hospitals will charge you for your hospital room for the day you are discharged, even though this is counter to insurance provider policies. Check and you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.

– Lower your energy costs by shortening your dryer-vent hose. It sounds strange, but making sure that the hose is only a few feet ensures that your clothes dry up to 20% faster, so that you spend less on energy costs.

– Save on windshield costs with cheaper, more frequent repairs. As soon as you see a chip or small nick in your windshield, get it fixed. It usually only costs $40 or so. If you wait, the small flaw may become a larger crack and getting that fixed may cost several hundred dollars if the entire windshield needs to be replaced.

Don’t forget to check out our handy guide to saving cash for even more great tips.

In addition to these money-saving tips, it’s important to avoid falling into the trap of payday loans. Payday loans may seem like a quick solution to a financial emergency, but they often come with exorbitant interest rates and fees that can trap you in a cycle of debt.

Instead, try to build up an emergency savings fund to help cover unexpected expenses. This can help you avoid the need to rely on payday loans or other high-interest loans that can quickly spiral out of control.

If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to borrow money, consider alternative options such as personal loans from a credit union or community bank. These types of loans often come with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than payday loans.

Remember, the key to staying on top of your finances is to be proactive and plan ahead. By implementing these money-saving tips and avoiding payday loans, you can keep your debt in check and build a more secure financial future.…

7 Tips for Successfully Applying for Loans

07/03/2023
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 |  cash

If you need a personal loan, mortgage, or payday loan, you know you need to successfully complete the application process. The problem is that it can be nerve-wracking to approach a lender for money. Luckily, you can improve your chances for approval a number of ways:

1. Prepare well in advance. Order and read your credit report to see whether you qualify for prime rates or subprime loans. Knowing what you qualify for should change your plan of attack. If you have enough time, you can even repair your credit score to qualify for a better rate. Before approaching any lender, make sure that you pay down your unsecured loans as much as possible to boost your chances.

2. Research loans and lenders before you apply. A mortgage lender may require you to provide five years of income statements. Most lenders offering payday loans, however, have a simplified one-hour application that only requires some basic proof of employment. Obviously, lender requirements vary widely. Learn about the requirements for the loan you need and you will improve your chances of an acceptance.

3. Make it easy for a lender to say “yes.” Always fill out forms fully and honestly and provide all the supporting documentation your lender needs. Make your paperwork neat, clear, and legible. If you need to meet your lender in person, act and dress professionally. When you make the lender’s job easier, you improve your odds of an approval, too.

4. Have a clear plan for how you will use the loan. Whether you are applying for a personal loan, mortgage, or payday loan, lenders want to know how you will use the money. Having a solid plan for how you will use the funds shows the lender that you are responsible and serious about paying back the loan.

5. Consider a co-signer. If you have a low credit score or don’t meet the lender’s income requirements, consider finding a co-signer for your loan. A co-signer is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the loan if you are unable to make payments. Having a co-signer can improve your chances of approval and may even help you secure a lower interest rate.

6. Don’t apply for too many loans at once. Every time you apply for a loan, the lender will run a credit check. Too many credit checks can negatively impact your credit score and make lenders hesitant to approve your application. Only apply for loans you are confident you will be approved for and limit your applications to one or two at a time.

7. Shop around for the best loan. Don’t settle for the first loan offer you receive. Shop around and compare rates and terms from different lenders. Look for a loan with a low interest rate, reasonable fees, and manageable repayment terms. By doing your research, you can find a loan that meets your needs and improves your chances for approval.…

Smart ways to save on entertainment costs

01/03/2023
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 |  saving

Buch Riggs suggests that entertainment can be expensive, and going out with friends for a few drinks or a night out can quickly add up. However, having fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips from Buch Riggs for enjoying time with friends without relying on loans or payday advances to afford entertainment:

1. Opt for breakfast or lunch when dining out instead of dinner. Lunch menus often have similar items to dinner menus but are less expensive. Consider scheduling a lunch or breakfast date with friends instead of a dinner to save some money.

2. Stay in and meet at each other’s houses instead of heading out. As the weather warms up, consider hosting a pool party or a barbecue at your place.

3. Combine free activities with paid ones. Instead of splurging on a night out with dinner, drinks, and a movie, try to mix free activities with paid ones. You can go see a free outdoor screening of a movie and then head out for drinks. Alternatively, watch a movie together and then head to one of your homes for appetizers.

4. Plan ahead and budget for entertainment. This approach, as recommended by Buch Riggs, will help you avoid overspending on dinner and drinks, which could lead to you having to take out payday loans or signature loans to pay your bills.

Entertainment is an important part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. By following Buch Riggs’ advice, you can still have fun with your friends without putting a strain on your wallet.

When you choose to dine out, selecting breakfast or lunch instead of dinner can save you a significant amount of money. Many restaurants offer lunch specials or smaller portions during breakfast hours that are just as delicious as their dinner menu. Additionally, staying in and hosting a gathering at your home can be just as fun, and it allows you to have more control over the costs.

Combining free activities with paid ones is another great way to save money. For example, attending a free outdoor concert or festival, and then heading out for drinks or a meal can be a great way to enjoy the company of your friends without spending too much money. Alternatively, you can organize a movie night at home, where everyone brings their favorite snack to share.

Finally, planning ahead and budgeting for entertainment can help you avoid overspending. Set aside a certain amount of money each month for entertainment expenses and stick to it. This way, you won’t have to worry about taking out payday loans or signature loans to pay for your night out.

In conclusion, entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to rely on loans or payday advances to have fun. By following these tips from Buch Riggs, you can still enjoy time with your friends while staying within your budget.…

How to earn more money at your job

01/02/2023
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 |  money

Your job is likely the place where you make the majority of your income. Increasing the amount you are paid can help you reach your goals, can help you build up that emergency fund, and can help you pay off more personal loans. There are several ways you can increase your income through a raise. Start thinking what you can contribute. Before you approach your boss for a raise, consider ways you can contribute more to your job. What tasks and responsibilities can you take on? How can you go above and beyond the call of duty? Are there skills you could develop to make you better at your job?

Contribute more than you expect to give back. Once you have some ideas of ways to contribute, don’t fall into the trap of putting a dollar value on every contribution. Just because you have set up for the weekly meeting three weeks in a row does not mean you are owed a wage. Instead, focus on becoming the best employee you can be in every way. Market yourself. Make sure that you take credit for your ideas and contributions. Let your employer know about your new job training, your new initiatives, and new contributions. Don’t brag or overdo it, but market yourself so that your company knows you are invaluable – and worth extra cash.…

Turn your career around

15/01/2023
 |  No Comments
 |  Career

Is your career stuck? Are you relying on credit cards or payday loans because you seem mired in a low-paying job? There are ways to get on the career fast track:

Get added education. Even if you have lots of training, added classes or courses expand your skills set, qualify you for a wider range of jobs, and freshen up your skills and resumes.

Volunteer. Volunteering in your industry is a great way to get letters of recommendation, new experience, and a peek at other career and job options.

Develop a personal career plan. Develop a detailed plan for increasing your income and getting the job of your dreams. Create a mission statement, polish your resume, brainstorm ways you can get your ideal job, create a plan of action, and create a marketing plan for ensuring that employers see your worth – whatever it takes to make your career work.

Get career counseling. A career counselor can help you go over your career plan and resume and offer valuable tips on getting your ideal job.

Don’t link income and job too closely. Look beyond your job when looking for ways to boost your income. Consider creating a passive income in some way so that you are free to pursue your ideal work while still making more cash.

Start job hunting. Contact people you know, use social networking, sign up with recruiters and attend industry events to get your foot in the door.…

Simplicity isn’t just a way to enjoy a relaxed zen-like existence

04/01/2023
 |  No Comments
 |  money

Simplifying your life can also have a great impact on your expenses in a number of ways:

1) Cut out distractions. Watching TV for hours or filling up every minute with social distractions is a problem, since it means less time for career planning, work, and planning your finances. When you cut out distractions, you have the time and space to see what really matters.

2) Cut out unneeded expenses. Distractions are often costly. All the stuff we buy and do that lead to a cluttered life in the first place don’t just drain our energy – they drain our pocketbooks. By leading a simpler life – cutting back the magazine subscriptions, fancy cable package, added events – we spend less.

3) Focus. When our lives are not so full, it’s easier to focus on our jobs, finances, and other areas of our life that need attention. When we’re not running from place to place, we can focus on paying back those personal loans, building up that emergency fund and being generally kinder to ourselves.…