This Year Start Your Holiday Shopping Early

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In years past, Thanksgiving (and subsequently the holidays) have probably involved family bonding opportunities and hassle-free trips to the grocery store and mall. However, because of the pandemic and its effects on retailers and shipping delays, the holiday season might look a little different this year.

What Changed?

Because of supply chain issues, fluctuating prices on common goods, and increased consumer demand – shortages are coming into play for the holidays in 2021. Consumers can expect a “shopocalypse” as COVID-related shipping issues slow down the movement of goods from manufacturers to the shelves of retail stores.

International brands aren’t exempt from the effects of COVID, either. For example, the sales of H&M slowed down in September because of delivery delays. Nike, also lowered its sales forecast for Thanksgiving after closing 80% of its factories in Vietnam. Bed Bath and Beyond’s revenue also fell 26% due to shipping issues.

Aside from the disruptions in the supply chain – the holiday season is also shorter this year, which means that retailers have less time to sell. Because of this, most stores will be more incentivized to create deals as early as the first week of November to beat the competition. In short, you can still get Black Friday-worthy deals earlier in November – so if you can, don’t wait and risk running out of your favorite items this year.

With all of the changes happening in the supply chain, it’s vital for you to start shopping early to get ahead of the uncertainties of retail store closures and potential shipping delays.

3 Top Holiday Shopping Tips for 2021

Even though there have been a lot of changes in the retail industry, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy shopping for the holidays this year. Below are some of our best holiday shopping tips so you can still make the most out of the season!

Start Early

Unlike previous years, don’t wait for any major discounts from your favorite retailer before you start shopping. If you’re planning to get someone a new item that’s popular, buy it as soon as possible before the item goes out of stock.

Be Realistic

Some retailers are whittling down their products to ensure that they can keep certain items in stock. When buying products for the holidays, don’t fixate on a specific color or style. Be realistic and consider other styles of the same product.

Shop From Local and Domestic Stores

When shopping for gifts, buy from local and domestic stores. Aside from having the opportunity to check out the items in person – shopping from local stores (rather than buying items online), is also the best way to make sure that your loved ones receive their gifts on time.

Start Shopping Now

As you shop this year, don’t forget that 2021 has taken a toll on everyone — from small business owners to customer service associates. Help businesses recover from the pandemic by shopping early and only buying items that you need.

5 Ways to See Your Favorite Sports Team on a Budget

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Seeing your team win in person can be great, but it can also be very expensive. If you’ve ever been to a game, you know very well that even cheap seats don’t really come cheap. Plus, if you want to take your entire family with you – it will cost even more. You’ll be paying for game tickets, snacks, parking, and most likely a souvenir or two. What some may not realize, is that you certainly can attend a sporting event on a budget.

Here are five ways to not to miss out even when you’re on a budget:

Keep an Eye Out for Discounts

If you’ve never heard of “discount nights,” read on. Some sports teams offer all-in-one deals that cover everything from parking, tickets, and food. You just have to take your time to compare prices, stay tuned for updates, and save the dates on your calendar. This will give you more than enough time to plan and save up.

Consider Buying from Resellers

Buying tickets directly from your sports team is still the most popular option, but there’s a less expensive world you may not have explored: ticket reselling. You can typically find deals on platforms like StubHub, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you’re buying from legitimate sellers. One way to do this is to check their reviews and ratings.

Say No to Buy Now, Pay Later

As they say, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” You might be asking yourself, why shell out $500 when you can pay for the total in five easy installments? These types of online payment plans are only good if you can pay consistently, but what if you suddenly can’t? You can easily rack up interest, and you’ll usually end up paying more than what you’ve bargained for.

Try the Cheap Seats in the Back

We’ve already mentioned that cheap seats aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re still exactly that — the cheapest. You and your family may not be able to see your favorite players up close, but at least you’re ready to cheer them on even if you’re all seated on the upper level.

Rely on Word of Mouth

Have you ever been to a game and noticed empty seats? We have two words for you: Ask around! Sometimes, tickets don’t get purchased. Other times, there’s that colleague of yours with an important family event to go to, who needs to sell their tickets — fast. Try to negotiate, especially when the date is close. You’ll likely end up with a good deal.

To Wrap It Up

Attending sporting events can be a fun experience for you and your family, but going to a live game can empty out your wallet. If you want to have fun at sporting events without breaking the bank, keep these tips in mind to stay within your budget.

Go team go!

Article Source:

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/6-ways-to-enjoy-sporting-events-on-a-budget

 

5 Creative Ways to Pay Off Student Loans Faster

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Student loans can be a real thorn in one’s side, but there are reasonable and attainable ways to pay them off.

With a little bit of hard work and imagination, you can certainly start your journey toward financial independence. The faster you address and pay down your debt, the sooner you can apply for a mortgage and other loans you might need.

We’ve created a list of five clever ways to pay off your student loans faster. Let’s make it happen!

1.  Join a Ridesharing Company

Driving for companies like Lyft or Uber can be a great gig for young professionals or students.

This is a top side hustle pick because you can essentially do it anytime, anywhere and on your own schedule. You can choose your work hours, earn instant money, and bag special bonuses.

Check out this chart to learn how much you can earn per hour by driving around your area. Besides, working a few hours on a weekend can help you cut through your debt.

2.  Collect Spare Change

Try apps like Qoins to collect spare change digitally. It works the same way your typical piggy bank does — saving small amounts for a bigger expense. By the end of each month, the app forwards the accumulated sum to a lender.

Don’t underestimate the power of spare change. A Moneytips article shares that Qoins users have collectively paid off over $2 million worth of debt.

3.  Get a Roommate

If you find yourself struggling to make housing payments, it may be time to find a roommate. Apart from the emotional benefits of living with someone, it can save you some money that you can use for your student loan. It’s time to say goodbye to hefty rent, furnishing, and utility expenses.

4.  Use Coupons

A pro hack in cutting back on grocery bills is to use coupons on items you would normally buy anyway. Get a hold of a Sunday newspaper to discover exciting food discounts. You can stock up on goods you usually use with various promotions. Read more about couponing to learn how you can save hundreds per month.

5.  Include Additional Payments in Your Budget

American personal finance personality Dave Ramsey once said, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”

If you don’t have a budget, now is the perfect time to start one. Instead of spending extra on fancy meals, name brand clothes, and memberships you don’t need – focus on making additional student loan payments.

To pay off your student loan faster, try to make an additional principal payment monthly. Doing so will not only cut the length of your debt, but it will also impact the interest you pay.

In Conclusion

By trying some of the above ideas – you can definitely start to chip away at your student loans and continue to pay them off sooner. If you set reasonable goals for yourself and put your mind to it – you can be student loan free!

Sources:

Debt.com

https://www.debt.com/news/creative-ways-pay-off-student-loans/

Life Hack

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/10-creative-ways-pay-off-your-student-loan-debt.html

Budget-Friendly Halloween Party Hacks

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Are you tired of hosting the same Halloween party over and over — and spending a lot to boot?

You might have searched high and low to find budget-friendly Halloween ideas, but with no such luck. Or maybe you saw something that interested you, but was so expensive that you had to put it on the back burner for another year.

The answer is really as simple as making your own decorations and party treats. So, let’s give your home the Halloween party look you want to have this year — on a budget.

Halloween Party Ideas on a Budget

Is it really October without at least one Halloween party? Trick or treating time is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking to get creative but don’t have the time or money to hire fancy caterers or set up elaborate decorations – these easy hacks will get you the best results on a budget.

DIY Halloween Decorations

DIY projects are inexpensive, easy to make, and customized, and unlike store-bought decorations (that typically look the same every year). It also allows for time to strengthen your family bond as you create your decorations together. Check out the following decoration ideas below:

Make a Halloween-Themed Bento Box & Other Treats

If you’re planning a party for a group of kids, it’s a good idea to have Halloween-themed bento boxes on hand. This can also be a great way to keep kids entertained.

There are also other Halloween themed food ideas that you can try. Check out the list below:

Halloween Photobooth Props

Taking party pictures is a must, so why not make props for a Halloween photo booth? This will also add to your party fun! Here are some ideas and a link to purchase a set of them or download some free printables:

  • Ghost Face Photo Booth Props
  • Witch-Themed Photo Booth Props
  • Pumpkin Photo Booth Props

Haunt Your Kitchen with Spooky Foods

Making creepy Halloween food doesn’t have to be that difficult or time-consuming. Just add some homemade Halloween props to your dishes, and you can instantly spruce up your table.

The Takeaway

It’s not necessary to go to a specialty store to get Halloween-themed props or decorations that will blow your budget. Sometimes, a simple yet detailed idea is a big hit. Use the above tips (and don’t forget to check out your local dollar store as well), to make your own Halloween party decorations and snacks — for a fraction of the cost.

Happy Halloween!

 

 Article Source: Pinterest.com

How to Save on PSLs this Fall

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If you’re a pumpkin spice latte lover – this is probably one of your favorite times of the year. However, this tasty Fall coffee drink can get expensive. How can you save some money during PSL season? Follow these money saving tips!

1. Join a rewards program. If you’re a frequenter of Starbucks, Dunkin, or Panera Bread for your PSLs – make sure you subscribe to their rewards program and use their mobile apps for extra savings. You’ll be able to rack up points with each purchase for future discounted or free menu items.

2. Make your own PSL at home. It’s much easier than it may sound! Follow this recipe, which will get you two 10 ounce pumpkin spice lattes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of milk
  • 4 Tbsp of canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ cup of brewed coffee or espresso
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

  • Stir the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice together in a stovetop pan over medium high heat. Bring it almost to a boil, but don’t actually let it boil. Stir constantly and after about one minute, the mixture will begin to froth.
  • Pour the mixture into two mugs, then slowly add your brewed coffee or espresso by pouring it at the edge of the cup so your milk stays frothy. If you’d like, top with whipped cream and another pinch of pumpkin pie spice topping or a dash of cinnamon on top. Enjoy!

3. You can also DIY your own pumpkin spice coffee creamer. If you’d rather brew your own regular coffee at home, but make your own pumpkin spice creamer – check out this easy recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 & ½ cups of heavy cream or half & half
  • 2 Tbsp of canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 Tbsp of maple syrup
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks

Directions

  • Whisk together the cream or half & half, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a small stovetop pan over medium heat. Add a cinnamon stick and turn the heat up until the mixture is boiling, whisking occasionally.
  • After one minute, take the mixture off the heat and let it cool for five minutes before adding it to your home brewed coffee.
  • You can keep the leftover creamer in your fridge for generally about one week afterward – just be sure to shake it before using. Enjoy!

And there you have it – three simple ways to save on the most popular coffee drink of the season. Happy Autumn!

 

Article Source: Pennyhoarder.com

Halloween Fun on a Budget: 12 Costume Ideas Using Common Items in Your Home

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No matter what your age, it’s hard to not get excited for Halloween. Whether you’re going to a Halloween party or trick or treating, one of the best parts is getting to dress up. Halloween costumes can be expensive, so what are some ways to save this year?

To come up with an easy Halloween costume on a budget, scan your closet or check your pantry for things that you can easily transform into festive attire. Your craft box and garage may already have the items that will level up your Halloween experience.

If you still need some inspiration for a great affordable costume, we have some fun ideas to further inspire you!

Instagram Filter

Add a modern twist to your costume party by dressing up as an Instagram Filter. Bring out one of your empty cardboard boxes from storage. Trim the box into a large rectangle to transform it into an Instagram frame. Cut out a square hole in the middle of the frame so you can peek out from behind it. Paint a filter on the frame. Get ready to pose as if you were snapping an IG selfie!

Magic 8-Ball

Bring a touch of magic to your festivities by wearing a Magic 8-Ball costume. Put on a black shirt and black pants. Cut a white piece of paper into a circle and tape it to your shirt. Snip out an “8” number from a black piece of paper and stick it to the middle of the white circle. Make a paper hat and write down some Magic 8-Ball answers on each section. Wait for others to consult you about their questions!

Audrey Hepburn

Say hello to Audrey Hepburn as you don a sleeveless little black dress to start your Breakfast at Tiffany’s look. Matching black gloves, large sunglasses, and pearls will help you nail this costume. Oh, and don’t forget that croissant and coffee for a complete ensemble.

Tiger

Paint black stripes on an orange t-shirt. Prepare ear cutouts and paste them onto a headband. Don’t forget to print a mask or paint your face with orange, white, and black to finish the tiger look.

Superman

Become Clark-Kent-who’s-about-to-transform-into-Superman by wearing a Superman shirt under a jacket. Wear reading glasses as part of your disguise.

Lara Croft

Show your adventurous side along with a tank top, khaki shorts, and jungle boots. Braided hair and aviator shades will make you stand out as Lara Croft.

Wednesday Addams

Nail the classic Wednesday Addams look using a long-sleeved black dress over a white-collared shirt. Braid your hair and apply some dark lipstick too.

Stick Figure

Get a plain white shirt and matching pair of pants. Then use electrical tape to create the lines for a stick figure. Draw a head on a paper plate and wear it as your mask. Multiply the fun by making the same costume for the rest of your family.

Miss Universe

Be glamorous for Halloween by wearing an evening dress. Wear a Miss Universe sash, and flaunt your crown as you sashay the evening away.

Mime

If you’ve got a striped white shirt, suspenders, and a pair of white gloves – you’re almost ready to dress up as a mime. All you need is some white face paint and you’re good to go. And don’t forget to get into character by trying not to talk!

Greek Goddess

Take a white top sheet, wrap it around your body, and tie the two ends on your left shoulder. Get a thin belt, a cord, or a golden chain – and wrap it around your waist. Leaf accents in your hair add to the subtle charm of this Greek attire.

Ghost

While we’re on the topic of top sheets, if you’ve got an old one – cut out holes for the eyes. Going as a bedsheet ghost is one of those fun, classic old school costumes everyone should try at least once!

Are You Ready to Dress Up for Halloween?

Hopefully the ideas above can inspire some costume creativity this Halloween. If you look, you’ll most likely find that your home is a treasure-trove of easy to use costume pieces that will work great for your DIY Halloween outfit – and save you money in the process.

Have a great Halloween!