Category: Money Management

The kitchen is one of the important rooms in your house. People often refer to the kitchen as the “heart of the home” because it’s the epicenter of your family’s day-to-day living.

It is the place where we create memories with family cooking those famous family recipes together for special occasions and holidays. The place where you will go through your everyday routine, making your morning coffee and breakfast before work to cooking dinner after a long day.

Since you, your family and guests spend so much time in the kitchen, it is by far one of the places within your household that matters the most, therefore; you want it to be a room people find warm and welcoming.

There are many projects and modifications you can do to your kitchen to give it a new look without the expense of a full remodel. This article will cover some of the most common do-it-yourself upgrades. Go from dull and drab to fun and functional.

Whether you hire a dedicated remodeler like A+ Construction & Remodeling, or you do it by yourself, it’s essential to know how you can make adequate changes within your budget.

Lighting

Light makes all the difference in a room. A kitchen should be well lit for so you can see what you’re doing when preparing food, but you also want to create a nice ambiance.

Under-cabinet lighting is a quick and easy upgrade – and an affordable DIY approach. Use xenon light bulbs as they are cooler than halogen.

If your ceiling light is dated, replace it with a new model to match your kitchen decor. You may also want to add a bit of decorative lighting such as hand-blown pendant lamps to add to the overall look of the kitchen.

When adding more natural light to your kitchen, consider going for white neutral colors for your decor. If you have kitchen windows that have curtains, make sure to use sheer curtains to help bring in sunlight. The curtains you use for your kitchen can make a big difference in the amount of light that reflects in your kitchen.

Paint

Give your kitchen a mini-makeover with a coat of paint. Whether you paint the walls or cabinets, a fresh set of paint can make your kitchen look brand new. Depending on if you own or rent a home, you might have to consult your landlord for approval. When it comes to painting, you should have in mind what design you want for your kitchen to make sure it all goes together. Even if you paint using the same color, it will still make a difference in your home.

Replace Hardware

If you decide to paint your cabinets, you’ll also want to update the cabinet pulls. When updating hardware such as cabinets, perhaps consider installing pull-out cabinets which will make your kitchen space easier to access while keeping things in place. If you rent a home, make sure you keep the old cabinets stored somewhere they won’t get damaged and maintain their condition. That way, when the time comes, they can easily get installed back. Use knobs or linear pulls with a finish matching your kitchen design. Make sure the new hardware is the same size as your existing ones, so you don’t have to drill the cabinets.

Upgrade Your Faucet

Replace your old faucet and add a little shine to your kitchen by upgrading to a new one. It will make your kitchen stand out and not to mention more modern as well. With so many unique faucets on the market today, you can choose from many different styles and finishes. The kitchen faucets should fit in with your other appliances.

New faucets also have more functionality so it’s not just about style. Updating your kitchen faucet will not only make your place more modern but it will also make your life easier when doing dishes. Make sure you follow directions and take the appropriate measurements and precautions needed such as carefully shutting off the water when needed.

Peel and Stick Backsplash

While adding tile to your kitchen can be a big financial investment, peel and stick tiles are a great and low-cost alternative. The all-in-one tile kits have everything you need including tools. You can incorporate a great style into your kitchen while saving time and following the right budget. Plus, there won’t be a mess to clean up.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are a new trend in kitchen design. Concrete is ver+y durable, making it a great option for a countertop although installing can be time-consuming. Pro tip from real estate expert, and founder of Source Capital; Sacha Ferrandi

“Concrete countertops come in different looks and can completely transform your kitchen with a bold and modern style. Even making the smallest changes can add value to your home over time”.

Get rid of that old countertop you are tired of looking and replace it with an easy step by step more modern countertop. Depending on the style of design you want for your kitchen, you can even get creative and make them different. Mix and match kitchen countertops are also appealing if you choose the correct materials and coordinated colors.

Kitchen Rug

Add some color to your kitchen while also giving yourself a soft place to stand while doing the dishes with a kitchen rug. This will also help to keep your kitchen clean by preventing spilling water all over the floor while doing dishes. Keep in mind that kitchen rugs can be appealing as well. When shopping for your perfect kitchen rug, make sure you find one that coordinates with your kitchen decor.

For kitchen decor with brighter colors, consider adding a neutral rug to avoid making your kitchen space too overwhelming to look at. On the other hand, if you are looking to brighten up your kitchen space, you can add a solid-color rug whether it be directly under your kitchen table or in front of your sink.

This is a great tip for neutral colored kitchens since it will allow you to easily alter your decor from time to time. If your floor isn’t as nice as you’d like, using a rug can help distract the attention from the floor and cover it up.

Wall Storage and Organization

There is nothing worse than a kitchen that looks too cluttered. Take the time to organize your kitchen essentials in such a way that it makes your space more appealing and get rid of things you do not need. The organization is the key to maintaining a clean space, especially for smaller kitchen spaces. When your kitchen space is limited and disorganized as well, it can be overwhelming to look at yet stressful to find enough space to cook in peace.

If you are short on storage space, there are many great storage solutions such as adding to your backsplash and walls pre-made shelves, hooks, racks, and rails to hold all your kitchen necessities. These are great to hang kitchen items such as cutting boards, pots, pans, and other kitchen necessities and can easily be installed so you can reduce your expenses and avoid hiring someone. When installing shelves, make sure they are being installed in a place within your kitchen that won’t look too cramped. A perfect example would be adding a shelf above your kitchen window to make additional space for bowls and other big kitchen necessities that may take up space in other places.

Another helpful organizational tip for your kitchen would be investing in plastic containers, glass jars or bins to keep items organized. There are even containers that you can keep labeled to keep things organized. This can be extremely helpful for keeping your pantry organized as well! These can easily be found at retailers such as Target, Walmart Home Goods, and Amazon.

Keep items that are visible always clean and ready to use for guests. Typically, the nicer items are the ones that are displayed in such a manner to make the kitchen more appealing.

For smaller kitchens, adding a bar cart can be a great idea! It makes a great display for kitchen necessities. Bar carts do not necessarily need to be just for cocktails and drinks, but they can be used in so many ways to help you keep your kitchen organized.

Add or Replace Kitchen Seating

There are many kitchens that have a bar for additional seating other than the dining table. When upgrading your kitchen, consider changing your old kitchen stools and getting new ones. Do your research and make sure your stools go hand to hand with your decor.

Make a Kitchen Island

Always wanted a kitchen island but do not have the budget for it yet? You can easily add an island to your kitchen by giving some of your old furniture a makeover. Get creative and take an old dresser of yours that you no longer want or use and paint it to match your kitchen decor. This is a great DIY project especially when you have limited counter space. Adding additional counter space will make your cooking a lot easier and more enjoyable. You can also use the drawers for kitchen storage making things easy to access while also staying organized.

Add Plants to Your Kitchen

A kitchen with plants not only gives your kitchen a fresher smell, but it can also help boost your overall mood. Regardless of the size of your kitchen, adding plants can make a difference in your kitchen. Whether you choose big or smaller plants, you can always find a perfect spot.

There are many ways you to include plants in your kitchen. Get inspired and find the plants that you want to see in your kitchen every day. A great area to add your plants within your kitchen would be in the center of your kitchen island, around your kitchen countertops, by your kitchen window or even hang them. If you want to get more creative, there are many plant hanger ideas you can tackle yourself. Plant hangers are a great boho-chic inspired trend that usually requires a rope, thick cord, brass rings, screw hook or another type of hardware for placement. If you want to add color to your kitchen, you can even paint your pot or choose a specific color for your rope or cord other than white. You can search online for tutorials and different types of designs to choose the perfect one you want to create.

Make a Kitchen Chalkboard

A kitchen chalkboard is typically expensive but with the correct tools, you can easily create one yourself which can be useful and modern for your kitchen in many ways. Ideally, you will need materials such as chalkboard paint, brushes to stain, staple guns or other materials depending on the type of chalkboard you want to create. Often you can find magnetic options as well, it just depends on the chalkboard you are looking for. There are many kitchen chalkboards projects you can look into and decide which one will fit best for your kitchen.

Kitchen chalkboards can be used in multiple ways such as for writing important messages or reminders, inspiring quotes for the family, adding the menu for the day, the list of groceries, and much more. Using a chalkboard for your kitchen is not only appealing for others to see but it helps you stay organized as well. Instead of having multiple papers of reminders or grocery lists you can just add it to your chalkboard, take a photo on your phone and you are good to go.

Summary

Giving your kitchen a new look doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways to upgrade your kitchen on a budget. If you are ready to spruce up your kitchen, use the ideas in this article to avoid overspending and try things yourself. Get inspiration on what you would want your kitchen to look like; online, home improvement magazines, books, etc. and start little by little. Slowly but surely you will be able to make those changes for your home. Investing in your home is always beneficial and if done the smart way it will save you so much money in the long run. Make sure you do your research, take the appropriate precautions, and have some fun.

Plumbing and gasfitting services are highly expensive for any home or commercial property owners. New Zealanders find it difficult to manage the cost of repairs or new installation from a professional plumber. Many of them prefer a DIY path for any small alterations or fixes with a leaky faucet. However, not all plumbing or gasfitting jobs are done on your own. A number of risks and health hazards associated with redoing a kitchen or bathroom. You can hire a professional Wellington plumber for the lowest price.

Reduce the chances of an accident or mechanical failures by having a professional plumber on your side. Ask for an expert service from the nearby contractor for a new installation, repair, or regular maintenance work.

Hire a plumber who will charge you less

When there is an urgent need for plumbing or gasfitting service in the home or office, look for the most affordable options near you. Hire a plumber who will cost you less for a service than any plumber or gasfitter in the Wellington area. NZ plumbers and gasfitter may charge extra money for any repair or installation work depending upon the set-up. Some of them charge you money on an hourly basis, or others cost extra for at-home facilities. Getting the plumbing system or your heating system repaired is time-consuming and costly. So, use Google searches to locate the professional, reliable, and affordable Wellington plumber for you.

How to Hire a Low-Cost Plumber in Wellington Region?

Finding a low-cost plumber or gasfitter is an arduous task. It’s important to do some legwork before finalizing anyone for your plumbing failure or gasfitting task. Otherwise, you may end up with the extra cost and further restoration later.

Dealing with a plumbing issue needs a step-by-step guide.  It may simplify the search process; you may save more money and time by finding the right plumbing contractor in the Wellington region. Hiring a professional is a responsible job that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Failure to hire high-quality or experienced plumber can result in costly and dangerous repairs in the future.

Top Six Things to Consider – Hiring a Professional Plumber or Gasfitter in New Zealand

It’s essential to consider a few things before taking the decision. Doing so may narrow down the list of most qualified service professionals in your area. These six points will help you identify the best plumbing and gasfitting partner, as well as save you money before you sign up the contract.

#1 – Do a Comprehensive Research Work

Plumbing and gasfitting services are not a thing today. Several experts are out there to help you out in any repair and installation task. Not all plumbers are created equally. There are basically two types of plumbers, small scale family-owned operations and larger-scale corporations. Corporate plumbing contractors tend to have expensive services than a small-scale business because their plumbers work on a commission basis. It encourages them to oversell you on goods and services. Some of them even show a price book and tells you what his company charges for every service. Don’t get fooled over them. Go through proper research and analysis of the past details, or go for family-operated business. Smaller in size but highly efficient in work, the small scale family-owned operations can give you full job satisfaction. Think and then take the decision.

#2 – Check the Plumbing and Gasfitting License & Insurance

Many states in New Zealand need professional trade licensure to operate a plumbing or gasfitting business. Every tradesperson needs to have a valid license. Having a valid license means the professional carries state-mandated insurance and boding. Suppose you need a plumber in wellington region, they have to be registered and certified with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayer Board. In addition to that, having Master Plumber’s membership is an added benefit. Some of them even guarantee Quality Assurance. Check for the plumbing and gasfitting license, when you start vetting for the companies. Since every plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying should be done by authorized tradespeople only.

#3 – Know for How Long the Company has been in the Business

Ask the plumber about the work experience. For how long the company has been working in the industry tells how professional and committed they are to customers. Also, the one who is exposed to larger number of satisfied customers knows everything about a plumbing or gasfitting service. A well-experienced and knowledgeable technician can get the job done correctly. Experience is the true identity of genuineness. Whether you have an instantaneous gas hot water installation or a burst pipe repair and replacement, an experienced Wellington plumber and gasfitter, the most reputed professional can get the job done on time without charging you additional money. So, have a thorough look at every detail of a professional serviceman.

#4 – Get Price estimations before

A professional has all the knowledge; he knows all the ins and out of a plumbing task. The plumber will be able to give an accurate estimate, barring, or course, any other major problems. On the other hand, inexperienced plumbers could not provide you price estimation before the start of the project. They will give you a lump-sum idea of the expenses and later charge additional after completion of the project, which is unprofessional and risky. You might have decided to work on a budget, but additional hidden charges could lead you to break your bank. Make sure you get accurate pricing, at least three estimated with exact details about every tax, discounts and all. Choose the one with the lowest price quote, but be wary of any estimate that is much lower than others because the plumber might be saving money by using inferior parts.

#5 – Check the Workmanship guarantee    

New Zealand has a list of plumbers and gasfitters for your repair, maintenance, and installation service. Especially if you are searching for dedicated professionals in the Wellington region, the number of plumbing technicians will go far beyond. Not all of them are best for you. For finding a low-cost, reputed, and reliable contractor check for the workmanship guarantee. Does the company provide Quality Assurance guarantee on services and products will let you identify the credibility of the business holder? Many warranties cover the plumber’s work for at least one year. If the plumber refuses to give a guarantee on work or product, move on to others. There are wellington plumbers that provide hundred percent guarantees on services, products, and price and are on-time in delivery.

#6 – References or Testimonials, if any!

Word-Of-Mouth is the strongest marketing tool for any business. Plumbing and gasfitting service is not so different from others. References and testimonials are still the best tools to identify low-cost plumber in your area. When you are hiring a professional plumbing technician, feel free to ask local friends and family for suggestions. Remember some personal recommendations may not be appropriate for your project, and that you should verify the pro’s qualifications on your own. Start by visiting the online directories to read Wellington plumber reviews on all the pre-screened professionals you might call.

Take a look through the reviews and testimonials posted by previous customers on the website. You might see negative and positive comments on the services. If the company has kept everything open and clear to the public, then find them to be genuine and fair. Maximum of negative comments is not good at all. Find someone who gets balanced feedbacks from the customers and has established a long term relationship with every customer.

These are six best things to consider while selecting a professional plumber or gasfitter in Wellington or anywhere on earth.

Make a list of all the available options and compare them based on their performance, experience, licensure, and workmanship. If the company matches perfectly with your expectations, and fulfill all of your demands, feel free to ask them for any services. Also, check whether they provide you instant plumbing and gasfitting services in times of an emergency break-out or mechanical failure. Always prefer time-savvy and cost-savvy technicians for your repair, installation, or maintenance task.

No one wants to live with financial limitations, they always want to become rich and can buy whatever they want. However, there are only a few people can actually achieve prosperity. While some people make a lot of effort to earn money, others seem to be irresponsible and often make excuses for why they are not financially independent. The bad news here is that making money excuses is one of the worst habits that prevent us from achieving our financial goals.

So, what are common money excuses, and how to get over them? Let’s have a look at this article to know the answer.

What are the most common money excuses?

I cannot earn enough money for my daily expenses.

This is one of the most common excuses you may have ever heard. If you do not earn enough money for your daily expenses at your full-time job, why don’t you ask for a raise or find a new job with a higher salary level? You can also start a side hustle to earn more money.

If you are determined and make enough effort, you can increase your income. You can start delivering pizza, selling handmade products, working as a freelance writer at night, and so on. Whether it is $100 or $500 extra per month, it helps improve your finance.

I am bad at money management.

Normally, people do not understand how money works at first. They even do not know how to save money for retirement, create budgets for different purposes, or simply pay all debts. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources available for them to learn how to manage their money and finance. They can read books, search for information on the Internet, learn from friends and successful people, and so on.

If you have the same thought, break it down. Try to find out what you are struggling with. You spend emotionally, don’t you? You do not have enough knowledge of how savings work, do you? When you understand your situation, you will know how to turn it around.

I only live once.

You tend to spend impulsively when thinking that you only live once. You buy anything you want, go wherever humored to be beautiful, and eat anything you feel mouthwatering without considering your budget. Some people even use their credit cards to pay for expensive but unnecessary items. It is a bad habit that you reward yourself too much.

Remember that you will never live comfortably with debts. It is only when you become debt-free and raise your income, you can live without inhibitions. This is exactly the thing you strive for because you only live once.

I will save later

Retiring is expensive, but many people seem to have no or very little money for this stage of their lives. It is because they spent most of their money earned on things that they want now.

No matter how old you are, you maybe 20 or 50, you still have to save for your retirement and increase your savings annually. If you have a very tight budget for your living, try to save a small portion of your salary.

Budgets are tediou

Budgeting is often considered time-consuming and worthless, so many people ignore it completely.

However, if you are serious about your financial situation, you should know where your dollars go and compare what you estimate with what you actually spend. This way, you will take better control of your cash. It will also show you a clear picture of how you are spending and whether you can adjust it or not.

I’m at least better at money management than some of my friends.

Many people try to compare their finance with others to feel better about their situation. However, it is time-consuming. If you are doing so, you only shift your focus from your own to others, which will decrease your working productivity and likeliness to save more money.

You may have heard many wealthy people who look people support their lifestyle finally end up with debts, while true millionaires live in small and humble houses.

We cannot truly know other people’s financial situation; therefore, focus on what is in your hand instead of comparing yourself to others. The only way to get financial freedom is to pay off debt, build up savings, and stick to budgets.

Why do people make money excuses regularly?

Here is the answer:

1. They spend extravagantly

This is one of the most popular causes among the youth. You can easily see a lot of young people queuing in line to buy expensive technological devices. They agree to pay a large amount of money, which equivalent to their weekly and even monthly income, for these items. In addition, they purchase a lot of expensive costumes, perfumes, watches, etc. And, if they do not have enough money, they will borrow from their friends and relatives.

2. They have never been in an emergency

Young people don’t know why or how to save money, because they don’t understand how meaningful savings are in an emergency. Their purpose in making money is to serve their daily demands and reward themselves whenever they want. They have no definition of a problem that will need a lot of money to solve. Have you ever thought of a serious illness? Without saving money, how will you pay for treatment fees and living expenses during this period? Remember that you will have to leave from work for treatment. Therefore, change your mind immediately and start to save for unexpected situations such as illness, accident, or changing career.

3. They do not keep track of their spending

Many people with a high salary still cannot save or have very little in their savings accounts. The reason is that they never keep track of their spending. Hence, form a habit of tracking your monthly, weekly, and even daily expenses to know what you can cut back on to save for bad times. If you do not follow your spending, you will waste a lot of money each month.

4. They have no goals on savings

Having no specific goals may result in being unable to save. Some people want to save for retirement or buying a car, but they do not have a specific number on how much they should save. It is very difficult for them to realize their dreams.

If you want to save for something special, you should set a final number and try your best to achieve it. For example, after researching, you know that you will need at least $1,000,000 for your retirement, now consider how long you will work and how much you have to earn each month. Then, follow what you have planned strictly, you can live a wealthy life after retiring.

5. They cannot do what they think

You have just received your salary, but you do not have any plan on how to spend or save it. You think that you will save some money at the end of the month. However, at this time, you have to borrow money from your friends to pay your electric bills and bank debt. Is it familiar? You must have been in the same situation, but you still do not have any savings plan, don’t you? Spend time balancing your expenses at the beginning of each month and save immediately if you do not want to regret later on.

6. They think that money cannot be taken with death

It is the fact that money cannot be taken with death; however, burial costs are increasing day by day. The cost of funeral observances, including finding a place to rest in peace can be up to $10,000 nowadays. It means, if you don’t have any savings, you will leave a great burden on your loved people. Therefore, instead of rewarding yourself all the time, you should learn to save money.

7. Their friends are prodigal

Your friends’ habits will significantly influence yours. When you are with people who invite you to go shopping or eating regularly, it is very difficult for you to refuse them, and it costs you an unnecessary extra amount of money. Instead of being with people who encourage you to spend more, create relationships with those who teach you how to earn more and save more.

Saving money does not mean living an austere life, it means learning how to spend money intelligently and mindfully. When you have a saving, you will be financially free to invest or buy what you want. You can also leave your work to travel whenever you like, for instance.

Habits of good money savers

Saving money is also an investment. Studies show that people with these characteristics and habits are often very knowledgeable and good at saving money.

1. Reading books

Many people believe that books are more precious than gold. People who are keen on reading seem to see gold in their books. When they find an interesting book, they will stick to it like a spiritual dish.

Scientists also point out that people who are persistent in reading often endure and understand how to save money for business opportunities in their lives

They are well-informed and live very comfortably. They know when to act or not and are more careful than anyone else.

2. Knowing how to allocate personal properties

Wise people realize that if they work as a salary earner for a lifetime, they cannot be rich. They also know that if they allocate their personal properties smartly, their lives will be better and more abundant than those who spend extravagantly.

Good money-savers know how to spend their income properly and save a certain amount for bad situations. They understand that they will die if they have no money in these cases.

Remember, saving money is also an investment.

3. Having good time management skills

Each day has 24 hours, equivalent to 24 coins. It means that a hard-working person can earn a maximum of 16 coins per day because we all have to spend 8 hours per day sleeping. This person does not know how to use his time effectively.

If you work hard in an unusual way, you only need 4 hours to pick up 24 coins per day. The rest hours, you can play, sleep, and figure out how to make money faster. If you are doing so, you are good at time management. You value the amount of money you make and are good at saving as well.

4. Focusing on one work

Imagine how you will appreciate your money when you have to put all of your efforts making it in a long time. In this case, you will never be extravagant.

A good money saver has some similar characteristics to a person who focuses on one work only. They like one thing only and rarely change their stance. They are proud that they are professionals in that field and seldom listen to outsiders.

5. Taking care of physical and mental health

Life is an inherent property; taking care of physical and mental health will help people retain their lives – an invaluable asset. People who care for their own health often highly prize money; they are afraid of getting serious illness and will have to spend all of their savings on treatment. Therefore, they try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by doing exercise regularly, eating more vegetables instead of fast food, sleeping well, keeping stress and pressure at bay, etc.  Above, we have introduced to you the top 6 most common money excuses people often make and how to get over them. We also present to you some healthy habits of good money savers. Do you find them helpful? If you want to live a comfortable and happy life after retiring and getting older, stop making money excuses and start to save it from now on.

In our consumer-driven world, we’re constantly surrounded by the temptation to purchase new items—electronic gadgets, fashionable clothing, expensive gold chains. Regardless of what types of products tempt you, there is always a cycle that surrounds major purchases. Many people recognize their desire for an item, but then feel guilty about spending the money. At this point, the person either makes the purchase anyway and feels additional guilt afterward, or they don’t buy the item and live to regret it later.

While it’s important to know how to manage your money, it’s also important to let yourself make those big purchases sometimes. If you’re considering investing in an expensive item, use some of these tips for smart purchasing before you make that final decision to swipe your credit card.

Tips for Purchasing High-Priced Items

Determine Whether This Item Is a Need or a Want

Before you dive into any research or start shopping around for your big purchase, you need to think about the reasons why you’re looking for this item. If you’re trying to buy an expensive appliance like a refrigerator or washing machine, this might be an example of a need. Appliances are used on a daily basis in your home and, if one of these important devices isn’t working properly, it’s worth investing in a new one even if there’s a high price tag. For anyone looking to make more of a luxury purchase like buying gold chains or an expensive handbag, this type of item is probably more of a want. Even if the item is a want and not a need, that doesn’t mean you should skip the purchase. You should just be more careful about spending a lot of money on a nonessential item, meaning you need to have a plan for how to pay for it, and you should be smart about the timing of your purchase. Every business offers some type of sale at least once a year. Look for these times or plan to make your major purchase around your yearly bonus to ensure that you can afford the luxury.

Before you dive into any research or start shopping around for your big purchase, you need to think about the reasons why you’re looking for this item. If you’re trying to buy an expensive appliance like a refrigerator or washing machine, this might be an example of a need. Appliances are used on a daily basis in your home and, if one of these important devices isn’t working properly, it’s worth investing in a new one even if there’s a high price tag. For anyone looking to make more of a luxury purchase like buying gold chains or an expensive handbag, this type of item is probably more of a want. Even if the item is a want and not a need, that doesn’t mean you should skip the purchase. You should just be more careful about spending a lot of money on a nonessential item, meaning you need to have a plan for how to pay for it, and you should be smart about the timing of your purchase. Every business offers some type of sale at least once a year. Look for these times or plan to make your major purchase around your yearly bonus to ensure that you can afford the luxury.

Do Your Research

When making an expensive purchase of any kind, you need to do your research to guarantee that you’re spending money on a high-quality product. The last thing that you want, as a consumer, is to drop a huge chunk of money only to receive a cheaply made product. Read up on multiple companies offering the item you’re seeking and compare qualities and prices. If you can examine the item in person, there are a few tricks to tell if it is authentic. Also, with the internet, it’s easier than ever to find information on product lines and read reviews, which is another crucial step when making a major purchase.

Because online shopping is such a common way to buy items, even expensive ones like furniture, gold chains, or other jewelry, the impact of consumer reviews has become even more important.

In fact, Bright Local’s 2018 Local Consumer Review Survey found that 86 percent of shoppers are looking at other buyer reviews before deciding to purchase. This can give you some insight into the product’s quality and value, as well as how the business responds to reviews that are less than satisfied. A company without a good customer support policy may be a red flag in case you also have an issue with your purchase.

Buy from a Company That You Trust

A company’s credibility is vital to how customers view their products, which is why major brands often net higher sales than smaller businesses. Brand recognition and loyalty often play a role in how shoppers buy. If you know of a reputable company that sells the item you’re looking for, consider researching more about their product line. It’s always a safe bet to opt for a company that you’ve purchased from before and had a good experience with. But, if this is your first time investing in something expensive like gold chains for men, you may want to examine the business a bit more carefully. Ask friends for recommendations, conduct outside research on the company itself, and potentially even contact the company for additional information. When it comes to high end products, especially via the internet, you want to make sure that this brand is trusted in the industry so you don’t end up with a counterfeit piece or a cheaply made chain.

Develop a Smart and Reasonable Financial Plan

Once you’ve decided that you are going to follow through with the purchase, and you’ve selected a company that you trust, you should determine how you’re going to pay for the item. Impulsively buying a major item can be dangerous, as people often overspend or buy on credit without a plan for how to pay it back.

Learn to budget for your expensive item ahead of time by either making a plan to save the right amount of money or using a credit line that you can pay back in a timely manner. Buying expensive items on credit can be risky because it often feels like you’ve already spent the money and, sometimes, you can procrastinate paying it off. Refer to your financial records and determine how quickly you can pay back the loan and whether or not this makes sense in regards to your other financial obligations.

Consider Waiting for a Sale

Because expensive items can be a financial burden on the shopper, it’s smart to brainstorm ways to save money on major purchases. Looking for sales is an excellent method for this. Buying expensive products around the holiday shopping season is a great way to save money because nearly every company is running some type of promotional sale at this time of year. You can also consider signing up for the business’s loyalty program or email letter because this is usually an avenue for companies to offer potential shoppers exclusive discounts.

Be a Conscious Consumer

Whether you’re looking to buy a big-ticket item as a necessity or a luxury, it’s important to be smart about buying. Too many shoppers make impulse buys that they later regret. As soon as you’ve decided to buy something expensive, start researching the product and find a reputable company with a good return policy and satisfied customer reviews. As long as you’ve also considered a plan for how to finance the item, it’s safe to press the “check out” button and eagerly await your new item.

Looking for ways on how to manage your money effectively?

Financial problems are due to poor money management skills. It’s a silent culprit as people cannot identify what’s causing problem in their financial lives. They think they need a better paying job or invest in some new scheme that promises high return when in reality, effectively managing money can solve all their problems.

So how to manage money effectively?

You don’t have to hold your breath anymore. Here come the tips.

Tally income and expenses

A mistake people make is they don’t realize the synchronicity between income and expenses. You need to better understand your income and your expenses. Ever wondered why you lack an in-depth understanding? It’s because you live in denial and pop culture fuels this denial by insisting you to spend recklessly. Those who belong in the low-income group must spend frugally if not in a spendthrift manner. But there’s no end to their whims and fancies thanks to the growing consumerist culture.

Tallying income and expenses helps you come out of denial. You could see how much money you are making every month and how much are your expenses. After seeing this, you could take a better and more mature decision.

Maintain a monthly budget

Some of your expenses are necessary. Other expenses are unnecessary and can be avoided. Creating a budget every month helps you recognize which expenses are necessary and which expenses are not. Cut down on the unnecessary expenses. Resist the temptation to purchase the expensive deodorant or the designer t-shirt. Bear in mind that these expenses are not necessary, so you don’t need them if you monthly earning doesn’t support them.

Which expenses are necessary? Grocery, electricity and phone bill, rent, mortgage, clothing, etc are necessary expenses. Prioritize them and spend the largest chunk of your monthly income to pay these bills. Now, I am not telling you not to spend money on things that catch your fancy but are not essentially needed. You can purchase such products/services, just make sure you are spending a very tiny amount of your monthly income there. Having a budget helps you do that.

Pay bills on time

Take it seriously. Make it a habit. Oftentimes, we miss the deadlines because of sheer lethargy. Can you believe that? I know, it’s hard to believe. But it’s true. Paying bills on time means no debt in the future, thereby saving more money than you’ve originally planned. It also means a reduced list of expenses. Late payment of bills appears difficult for not having enough money at the end of the month. Hence, always pay your bills on time, never miss a due date, ever. And never discriminate between them. You have to pay all the bills, so each one of them is a priority.

Consider debt consolidation

Want to know how to manage money more effectively. Consolidate your existing debts. If you don’t have any debt right now, congratulation. You are among the very few Americans who are totally debt-free. But if you do owe money to the fed and if the amount you owe is close to the standard mean of household debt in the USA, debt consolidation might be the best way forward.

The process of debt consolidation is simple. Every single debt you have, be it credit card debt, student loan or even personal debt can be consolidated and merged into one. The benefit? You get the lowest interest rate. Of course, you have to sit on the negotiation table for that.

Many people snub debt consolidation, sometimes out of ignorance and sometimes out of sheer lack of motivation. What these people fail to realize is debt consolidation may take time to show result, but when it does, it’s absolutely amazing.

Have a back-up fund

It may not be possible for you to slash unnecessary expenses completely. Sometimes, during the holiday season or when a friend throws a birthday party or a colleague’s marriage comes by, you spend more than the usual. To counterbalance the outflow of money in scenarios like the ones described above, you should have a back-up fund. Some people call it an emergency fund.

The benefits of a back-up fund are quite a few. It comes in handy during a financial crisis. Even if it’s not a crisis, a back-up fund can help you pay for cost that you haven’t estimated before. However, don’t exhaust a back-up fund unless it is absolutely necessary. If you lose your job or lost money or if your business hasn’t been going well, you’d have to use your emergency fund.

Summing up

A lot of people wonder how to manage money effectively. Very few end up getting the right answer. Those who are accepting, who are characterized by self-reflection and who take their finances seriously and research belong in the latter group. Are you one of them?

Understanding your own financial goals is the first step towards building a comprehensive financial plan for both you and your family.

There are several ways an individual can make money by making simple changes to their current lifestyle. Taking care of your finances doesn’t have to mean cutting back, and adapting your expenditure to compliment your lifestyle can ensure you keep a constant stream of positive cash-flow.

# Switching Your Current Account

Many individuals keep their current account, simply because they are comfortable, and find the thought of switching to be too much hassle. There are several banks that offer great switch rates for new account holders. Many individuals find that the fee’s they wrack up on their current account are much higher than the original “fault” they were fined for, in this way, bank charges can often push individuals into negative equity. Switching to a new current account can often provide you with a great introductory interest offer, as well give you any benefits that are assisted with opening a new account.

# Wear Branded T-shirts

This one may sound a little off the cuff, but many businesses will actually pay you to wear their logo on your clothing, if you agree to speak about the brand. Of course, the amount of money you gain from this will vary, but in 2005 Jason Sadler approached multiple companies with this exact idea. Needless to say the advertising idea worked and he now earns a great $500,000 a year.

 # Scrap Metal

Sometimes there are several ways to make money right before our eyes that we just can’t see. Many people have scrap metal parts around their homes, or tucked away in their garages that they simply forget about. Selling your scrap metal parts to your local garage or recycling centre can provide you with your much needed funds quickly, without any need to wait through an application process, or have your credit score checked.

# Claiming Back PPI

Many individuals are still unaware that they have been miss-sold PPI. Banks have put aside millions of pounds to repay those that were sold PPI along with their loan, without them knowing. Individuals may not know they were miss-sold PPI, but a few simple checks with a reputable claim back company can guide you through the application process, smoothly and efficiently, without the hassle of multiple phone calls and correspondence.

# Utilise Your Skills

From dog walking to ironing, cat sitting to car cleaning, there are several tasks in and around the home that multiple individuals will pay others to do. You won’t need an up to date CV, and a quick and casual chat about what they expect from you and how much you would like to charge for your time will usually secure you the job. Try putting up adverts in your local shop or newspaper to advertise your services, or simply ask friends and family if they require any additional help in exchange for a small fee.

# YouTube

The online world has exploded in recent years, and video blogging platform, YouTube has thrown multiple individuals from all walks of life in to the spotlight, consequently boosting their bank balance too. People love to watch those that are passionate about a subject they are interested in. Whatever your forte, from gaming to makeup, gardening or healthy living, YouTube has space for it all. Some of the most popular YouTubers are earning thousands in one month, as well as securing books deals, makeup lines and even bringing out their own merchandise. Just set up a camera, edit and upload!

# Rent Your Space

Do you have a driveway, a garage, a plot of land or even unused office space? Selling space is an easy way to make money, without having to commit to any extra tasks, or even give up something you enjoy spending money on. Many people fill up space they own with unnecessary items, but advertising in local shop windows, or even in the local newspaper can present your offering to multiple people in your immediate vicinity.

When your money doesn’t quite stretch over the entire month, it can feel that there is no way of boosting your income without already having money upfront to invest. Not all money making ideas will get extra money rolling in straight away, but short term endeavours can prove profitable and easy to fit around existing jobs and commitments.

We all plan differently, and whether you’re a pen and paper list maker, a post it fanatic or a calendar lover, writing down your budget plans can help you prioritise, as well as put in to perspective the importance of each of your current outgoings.

Evie Nash is a Content Executive for PPI. She sticks by the motto: ‘live simply and give generously’. When she is not typing away at her desk, her idea of the perfect day consists of a long country walk followed by an evening under the stars eating tapas with her husband of 30 years.

We have almost made it a routine to take a long-time tour at least twice a year. Sometimes we are accompanied by our extended families and/friends while other times, we travel on our own. Now we have learned two important lessons from our frequent travelling. First of all, it is almost certain that you have to incur unexpected expenses and secondly, babies can make things worse for you during the journey.

Over the last few trips, we have made it a point to reduce costs on our travelling expenses. And since our baby has been a new addition to our team, we have become extra careful about how to save expenses while travelling with the little champ. I just hope that the following tips, which we applied and got satisfactory result, could also help you a lot.

Do some homework ahead of trip

Smart driving is what could save you expenses on petro/diesel bills. Take the tires to the maximum level of recommended pressure as it will optimize gas mileage. Have you loaded your car with some stuff that you can do without during your trip? If yes, take those out. Taking a road map is important even if you own a GPS device. If GPS meter fails or the device runs out of charge, the printed copy will serve your purpose.

Smart driving can save your fuel expenses

If you are driving a long distance during summer or spring time, it will be painstaking not only for you but also for your car. The vehicle is to work a lot harder and that leads to burning of more fuel, slapping you with more expenses on refueling. We have changed our travelling time and usually undertake journey in winter. Even if we go out in summer, we set out early in the morning to avoid heavy shower of sunlight. If possible, keep the car windows open instead of shutting them all and switching on air conditioner.

Pack foods with you

If you don’t pack snacks during your trip, you have to stop several times to feed your baby. Now purchase of drinking water and snacks for your babies will inflate your unforeseen expenses. Carry healthy snacks and water in a separate bag so that neither you nor your baby feels hungry during the journey. We pack a lot of vegetables and fruits as they are healthy, inexpensive and their remains can be disposed of quickly. We take out water bottles from the freeze just at the eleventh hour and drop ice in them. Over time, ice melts but we can still feel cool water in the bottles.

Arrange low-cost entertainment in car

While you will love to wag your glances on both sides of the road, it will not appeal your toddlers. Within minutes of starting the road trip, they will start whining. And you know what, they are never easy to console. So pack in inexpensive entertaining things to keep your baby busy. Also make sure to carry enough of diapers as you may need changing them to keep your baby in high care and comfort.