Q&A: How Should I Fund my Holiday Expenses?

Q: I’ve listed all my anticipated expenses for the holiday season and I’m ready to hide under my covers until January. There’s so much to buy and so little money! How can I pay for my holiday expenses?

A: Yep, ‘tis the season to shop until you drop and your budget goes pop! But with proper planning, you can celebrate the holidays with your budget intact. Here are four ways you can pay for your holiday expenses along with the pros and cons of each.

1. Credit cards

Pros:

Convenient. Credit cards negate the need to carry cash around and are accepted at most retailers.
Rewards and cashback. Many credit cards offer rewards points, miles or cashback for your purchases.
Purchase protection. Most credit cards offer protection on big purchases so you can reverse a charge if a product turns out to be different than promised. Some cards also offer extended warranties, price matching and coverage for lost or damaged purchases.

Cons:

High interest rates. If you don’t pay off your balance each month, interest charges can pile up, making your holiday spending far more expensive.
Overspending. The ease of swiping a card makes it easy to overspend, especially during the holidays.
Debt accumulation. If you carry a balance into the new year, you might be stuck with lingering debt that could take months, or years, to pay off.

2. Holiday club accounts

Pros:

Encourages saving. Holiday clubs help you save for the holidays throughout the year.
No debt. Using money you’ve saved helps you avoid going into debt from holiday expenses.
Set it and forget it. You can set up your holiday club to take automatic monthly contributions from another account or payroll deposit throughout the year.

Cons:

Limited access. The funds are usually only accessible at the end of the year, which can be problematic if you don’t have other liquid savings to cover you in case of an emergency.

3. Unsecured/personal loan

Pros:

Fixed payments. Unsecured loans offer predictable monthly payments, which can make budgeting easier.
Low interest rates. Unsecured loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards.
No collateral needed. Most personal loans are unsecured, which means you don’t need to risk your home or car.

Cons:

Increased debt. Taking out an unsecured loan adds to your overall debt load.
Interest costs. While rates are lower than credit cards, you’ll still be paying interest on the money you borrow.
Eligibility requirements. You’ll likely need good credit to qualify for the best rates; some people may not qualify.
Temptation to overspend. Borrowing a large lump sum can tempt you to overspend.

4. Home Equity Loan (HEL) or Line of Credit (HELOC)

Pros:

Lower interest rates. Since these loans are secured by your home, they typically come with lower interest rates than credit cards or unsecured loans.
Large borrowing capacity. You can potentially borrow a significant amount of money.
Flexible terms. A HELOC allows you to borrow what you need, when you need it.

Cons:

Risk of losing your home. You risk losing the home if you default on the loan.
Fees and closing costs. HELOCs and HELs may have application fees, appraisal costs and more.
Long-term debt. Using home equity to fund short-term holiday expenses could result in carrying debt for years.

There are several ways to pay for your holiday expenses, and each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. Use our guide to choose the one that best suits your purposes.

Anatomy of a Car Payment

When you get a loan to buy a car, you’ll get a new set of keys — and a new monthly payment. It may have you wondering how this payment is determined and how it’s calculated.

So many questions, and we’ve got answers! Let’s break down the parts of a car payment, explain how monthly payments are calculated and offer tips for managing your payments well.

What are the components of a car payment?

Principal

The principal is the amount of money you borrow to purchase the car. For example, if you buy a car priced at $35,000, and you put $5,000 as a down payment, the principal of your loan is $30,000.

A portion of each monthly mortgage payment will go toward paying down the principal balance of your loan.

Interest

Interest is the cost of borrowing money from a lender. It’s calculated as a percentage of the principal amount and is added to your monthly car payment. The interest rate on your loan will depend on a handful of factors like your credit score, the length of the loan term and the current market conditions.

Loan term

While this is not really a part of the loan, you’ll likely see this referenced on your monthly statement or loan bill. The loan term is the length of time you have for repaying the total loan, typically expressed in months. Common auto loan terms range from 36 to 72 months, with some loans extending even longer. The longer the term is, the lower the monthly payments will be, but the more interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.

If you’ve rolled additional costs into the loan, they may also be part of your monthly payment. This can include:

Taxes and fees

If you choose to finance taxes, registration fees or other upfront costs of the loan, these will be included in your loan amount and will increase your monthly payment. These costs are not itemized separately; instead, they’ll be incorporated into the principal.

Add-ons

Optional add-ons like extended warranties, gap insurance and other products you choose to finance will also be included in your loan principal, thus increasing your monthly payment.

Additional costs of car ownership

While not included in your monthly loan payment, these expenses are an inherent part of owning a car:

Insurance. Lenders typically require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage as part of your financing agreement, ensuring the car is protected if in an accident.
Maintenance. Your car will need regular maintenance and upkeep, which you’ll need to budget for.
Fuel or electricity. Of course, you won’t be able to drive a car without gas or springing for electricity to power it.

How are car payments calculated?

To calculate your monthly payment, the lender will take the principal of the loan along with any add-on costs, and the interest amount due, and divide this number by the months in your loan term. This is the amount you’ll need to pay each month.

Managing your car payment

Managing your car payment well requires careful planning and budgeting. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of your payments and minimize the overall cost of your car loan:

Compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best interest rates and loan terms.
If possible, make a larger down payment to reduce the amount you need to finance.
Choose a shorter loan term.

High Point FCU auto loans offer great terms, easy eligibility requirements for qualifying members and a quick application process. Call, click or stop by today to learn more.

Summer Entertaining on a Budget

Summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends to enjoy warm weather, but all that hosting can come with extra costs. Fortunately, you can have your party, and your budget, too. Here’s how to host the best gatherings this season without draining your wallet.

Plan ahead

Start by creating a guest list and deciding on a theme or menu. This will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute impulse buys.

Keep it simple

Keep your menu simple and focus on a few crowd-pleasing dishes that can be prepared in advance. Of course, you can always go for a barbecue in the summer, and grill your proteins and veggies on the spot.

Host a potluck

If you want to host another dinner, but you don’t want to cook for it, have a potluck. Divide your menu and have each guest bring one dish along for a varied meal that’s easy and inexpensive for everyone.

DIY décor

Get creative and make your own decorations using items you already have at home or inexpensive materials from a dollar store. You can use fresh flowers, candles, Mason jars or colorful tablecloths to add a festive touch to your outdoor space.

Choose budget-friendly beverages

Save money by serving budget-friendly beverage options like homemade sangria or signature cocktails. Consider shopping at discount stores or keep it dry and stick to refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.

Take it outside

There’s no need to book a venue when the weather is gorgeous outside. Take advantage of your outdoor spaces and host your gathering in your backyard or out on your patio. You can also have your party at a local park or scenic waterfront.

Shop smart

Shop discount stores, warehouse clubs, or dollar stores for affordable party supplies, decorations, and disposable tableware. If you’ll be hosting often this season, consider buying in bulk to save even more.

Get creative with entertainment

Entertainment doesn’t have to cost a fortune … or anything, actually! Get creative with budget-friendly options like backyard games, DIY photo booths or even just a playlist of your favorite tunes. Encourage guests to bring their own games or sports equipment to add to the fun.

Let those savings sizzle!

Emergency Funds – Not Just For Adults

Divvying up your kid’s allowance into different jars, each with a specific label and purpose, has become pretty standard. Your kids probably have one jar for savings, one for spending and maybe another for giving.

What most parents and kids omit, though, is one more jar for emergencies. Yes, emergencies, even for kids. Granted, they won’t be shelling out thousands of dollars for a roof repair or a medical crisis like their parents might, but emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, and to all-sized people.

No one needs convincing that having funds for an unexpected expense is crucial to financial security. In fact, building an emergency fund is the first of Dave Ramsey’s famous seven baby steps for getting out of debt. It’s definitely something you want to build into your kids’ psyche. So why not start now?

Some examples of small and not-so-small emergencies for children are:

The pair of new sneakers left in the locker room after PE, now gone forever
The shattered car window from an overeager, but poorly aimed, baseball
The huge data plan overage charge
The misplaced spending money for an afternoon at the mall

So yes, kids have emergencies. Helping them set up a fund to pay for some of these mini crises instead of bailing them out each time will teach them to be prepared.

Here’s how to do it:

Help your kid add an extra jar to their existing set and mark it for emergencies.
Allocate a portion of your kid’s weekly allowance or chore payment to the emergency fund.
With your child, create a goal for the new jar. For a younger child, $25 should be enough, with the number steadily growing to about $100 for preteens.
Once the jar has hit its target, revert back to the original division of money among the other jars.

The next time your child has a financial emergency, have them pay for all or part of it. It’s okay to share the costs for larger emergencies, or even for smaller ones. Your child will still learn responsibility by coughing up some of the funds on their own.

These should be situations due to negligence, irresponsible behavior or simple forgetfulness on the part of your child.

When the fund is depleted for an emergency, be sure to encourage them to replenish it by going back to step two.

Remember, it’s baby steps like these that will prevent your child from having to crawl their way out of debt later on in life.

Building Financial Resilience: Strategies for Overcoming Financial Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, we face many financial challenges as we juggle a lot of responsibilities. The constant pressure to earn enough for covering day-to-day expenses while remembering to put away money for your financial goals never lets up. To make it even more difficult, life only gets more expensive as time goes on. However, despite the inherent hurdles, overcoming financial stress and living a financially fit life is very doable. Let’s take a look at key strategies for building financial resilience.

Manage debt

Debt can be a big source of financial stress. To effectively manage debt and gain control of your finances, take a proactive approach:

Assess your debts and choose which to prioritize.
Create a repayment plan, like the snowball or avalanche method.
Maximize debt payment until you’ve paid them all off.

Build an emergency fund

Building an emergency fund is important for creating financial resilience. Here’s how to do it:

Start small. Gradually increase the amount you regularly save over time.
Automate your savings. Make saving automatic by setting up regular transfers from your checking account to a separate savings account.
Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses. While this can take time, make this amount your ultimate goal so you can weather any surprise and keep your finances intact.

Set financial goals

Setting clear financial goals will empower you to take control of your financial well-being and build your financial resilience. Follow these steps to successfully set financial goals:

Identify your short-term and long-term goals.
Make your goals specific and measurable.
Break goals into actionable steps.

Practice self-care

Taking care of yourself is a vital part of reducing financial stress. Find time to pursue your interests and to take frequent breaks from the daily grind. And it doesn’t have to put you into debt, either. You can go for a walk alongside a beautiful lakefront, learn a new language, visit free galleries showcasing your favorite art or develop a hobby by watching free DIY videos.

Managing money responsibly in current times is super-challenging, but financial resilience is within reach. Use the tips outlined here to achieve and maintain financial resilience.

8 Creative Ways to Save on Heating Costs this Winter

Q: I’ve sealed all leaky windows and doors in my home, but my heating bill is still astronomical. Is there anything else I can do to keep my heating costs down?

A: Sealing air leaks is a great first step toward lowering your heating bill. Luckily, there are many other methods for hacking your way to a lower heating bill.

Here are some creative ways to save on heating costs.

Dust your vents

This can be an easy, effective way for lowering your heating bills. Dust acts as a natural insulator and can block some of the hot air from heating your home.

Lower your thermostat

The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter for maximum energy savings. For every degree you crank it down over an 8-hour period throughout the month, you can shave 1 percent off your heating bill. If you can lower your thermostat by 10 degrees at night or while you’re at work, you’ll save 10 percent off your heating bill! A programmable thermostat can do the job for you so you don’t have to remember to turn it down.

Turn on your ceiling fans

Most ceiling fans are equipped with a “summer” and “winter” setting. In the wintertime, set the blades to move in a clockwise direction so hot air, which naturally rises toward the ceiling, can be blown downward to warm up the room.

Use aluminum foil

Tape a piece of aluminum foil behind the radiator to reflect heat into the room instead of into the wall.

Use zone heating

If you live in a large home, keep the lesser-used areas just warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. Close some of the vents in these rooms and shut the door to keep that heat in. On the flip side, open the doors of the rooms that see heavy use so hot air can flow evenly throughout the house.

Rearrange your furniture

Check if you have any furniture situated near your heating vents. You don’t want to be paying all that money just for hot air to be flowing into the underside of your living room sofa.

Let the sunshine in

The low-in-the-sky winter sun can give you hours of free solar heat each day — if you let it in. Be sure to open the curtains in the early morning hours and to close them at night to keep that warm air inside. You may also want to swap your curtains for thicker, insulated ones in the winter for further protection against the cold night air.

Humidify your air

Use humidity to your advantage by investing in a humidifier for the winter. Moisture helps to hold onto heat and will keep the air warmer longer.

Financial Preparation for The New Year

The new year is almost here. Are you ready?

Usher in the new year with plans for financial improvement and resolutions to do more.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Tune your budget

It’s great to start off the new year with a plan. A budget is just that — a plan — that starts with the income you expect and your fixed expenses such as your mortgage, insurance, and utilities. The plan incorporates your savings goals, and the remaining money is designated for your other expenses. A realistic budget will help you set your financial goals and will remind you to stick to them. Now is the perfect time to assess last year’s budget or create a new one if you don’t yet have one in place.

Reviewing how you spent last year’s money will help you make better financial decisions for the year ahead. While thinking about it, include a method for tracking your spending. You can do this on a spreadsheet or tag items in your checking account.

Even with a solid plan, there can be surprises along the way, so be sure to build an emergency fund into your budget.

Plan ahead to meet your goals

Consider how you will accomplish your goals. You might have shorter-term goals, such as purchasing a new home, as well as longer-term goals, like retirement. Each set of goals requires different kinds of planning and saving.

Financial planners recommend setting up a separate savings account for each goal. This way, your progress toward that goal is clear.

It’s best to work backward for determining how much you need to save for each goal. Determine the cost of your goal and then establish a reasonable timeframe as well as how much you’ll need to save each month to reach it.

Spend mindfully

Make your financial future more secure this year by identifying your wants and needs. Your needs are necessary for survival and include food and shelter. Your wants are simply things you desire-like a luxury car. Tend to your needs first. Then, if there is money remaining, consider your wants.

This might sound obvious, but for many of us, the lines between wants and needs are blurred.

Maximize tax contributions

Tax deductions can be a valuable source of savings. If you have employer-matching funds available, take advantage of them. Also, verify with your HR contact and your accountant that you are contributing the optimal amount to your 401(k) and IRA.

Check your flexible savings account (FSA)

If you have unspent money in your FSA, now is the time to use it. Your pre-tax dollars in such accounts typically need to be spent before the end of the year or they are lost.

Put the brakes on holiday spending

Avoid going overboard on holiday spending or you might spend the beginning of the year trying to pay it all back.

These are just a few of the many ways you can prepare financially for the coming year. With a little attention to some often-overlooked details, a little perseverance, and a little mindfulness throughout, you’ll be moving forward with a strong foundation and positive outlook.

What’s the Best Way to Pay for Holiday Shopping?

Q: Holiday shopping season is here, but I can’t pay for it all! What’s the best way to fund my holiday shopping?

A: When it comes to covering the cost of your holiday shopping, you have several choices. Let’s take a look at some options and explore the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

Credit cards

For many shoppers, the most obvious way to pay for a purchase you can’t cover now is with a credit card.

Pros:

Significant purchase protection.
Convenient payment method.

Cons:

Interest charges for unpaid bills can be very high.
You may be paying off these bills for months or years.
Extended debt can hurt your credit score.
You may be more tempted to (or unknowingly) overspend.

Savings

Dipping into savings to pay for your holiday purchases can free you from sky-high interest charges but comes with drawbacks.

Pros:

You’ll enjoy a debt-free holiday season.
No incurred interest charges.

Cons:

Depleting the savings that’s meant for emergencies can leave you up a creek later.
You’re losing the money your savings may have earned had it been invested or saved longer.

Unsecured/holiday loan

An unsecured loan, also known as a personal loan or holiday loan, is a loan that’s taken out with no collateral.

Pros:

You’ll secure quick funding.
Low interest rates compared to credit cards.
You can stretch the repayment over a longer term for smaller monthly payments.

Cons:

You’ll need to pay the full monthly payment when it’s due.
You may be hit with a fee if you pay off the loan early.
Missed and late payments can hurt your credit score.

Check out our Holiday Loan Special!

Holiday club account

When you open a holiday club account , you’ll make regular contributions toward your set goal throughout the year, and then have funds you’ll need for covering your holiday purchases when the season arrives.

Pros:

Holiday costs get more manageable when spread across the year.
Favorable dividend rates.
Prevents overspending and accumulating new debt.

Cons:

Funds in the account cannot be accessed until the goal (or preset date) is reached. Tying up savings can be irresponsible for those who do not have an emergency fund.

Use this guide to make an informed choice about paying for your holiday shopping.

Super-Scary Halloween Hacks to Save You Money

Don’t let Halloween costs spook you! Here’s eight great hacks for saving on costumes and decor.

Ghastly ghosts

Create an army of floating ghosts using nothing but white trash bags. Gather a bunch of bags and stuff them with crumpled newspaper. Tie the “head” with a rubber band and use a permanent marker to draw spooky faces on your ghosts. Hang your frightful friends around your house and yard to scare your party guests and trick-or-treaters.

Spooky bird houses

Create a mini haunted house to hang on your door or decorate your table using a basic bird house, black paint and cotton. Paint the bird house black and stretch cotton over it for a cobwebby effect. Finish it off with a few paper ghosts peeking out the windows and doors, and you’ve got yourself a tiny haunted house!

Shark attack!

For a fun and freaky costume that costs next to nothing, go as a surfer being eaten by a shark. Dress in swimwear, with a towel slung over yourself if the weather makes it necessary, and apply fake blood to a visible spot on your neck or arm. Use face paint to create a shark bite and apply the blood so it surrounds the bite and drips out. For a fun touch, attach an inflated or stuffed toy shark to your costume.

Mason jar lanterns

For easy DIY decor, paint Mason jars with spooky designs and insert battery-powered tea lights for a bewitching glow. Line your walkway or porch with these lanterns to welcome trick-or-treaters.

Creepy crawlers everywhere

Use an inexpensive package of plastic spiders to scare your guests silly! Freeze some in ice cubes for a spooky surprise in everyone’s drinks, scatter some across the table to make someone shriek and even add some to your soap dispenser to really freak everyone out. Let your trick-or-treaters in on the fun by sprinkling some into your bowl of candy.

An eerie flicker

For a super-easy and super-cheap centerpiece, paint old wine bottles black. Use matte paint for the best effect. When your candlestick holders have dried, insert long orange taper candles into each one to add a festive look to your table.

Care for a lollipop?

Turn your pumpkin into a fun lollipop dispenser with the help of an electric drill. Drill small holes in your pumpkin and then stick a lollipop into each hole. Set it up on your steps for an adorable, help-yourself trick-or-treat.

Retro costume

For a costume that will make everyone laugh and won’t cost a penny, go as your college-aged self. Dig out your old clothing and accessories, and if you had a crazy hairstyle back then, incorporate it into your costume, too.

Should I Adopt a Minimalist Lifestyle?

Q: Minimalism is all the rage, and with everyday expenses at an all-time high, I’m wondering: Should I adopt a minimalist lifestyle?

A: The minimalist movement, or the idea of living with just the barest of necessities, has exploded in popularity in recent years. Let’s take a closer look at this trending lifestyle choice so you can make an informed decision about embracing its philosophies.

What is minimalism?

The generally accepted definition of minimalism is: Less is more. But adopting a minimalist lifestyle is more than just decluttering. It also means getting rid of, or whittling down, any expense category in your budget along with any activity you engage in that is not necessary for your life or peace of mind.

Getting started on minimalism.

There are lots of ways to live a minimalist life. Here are some popular ways to get started:

The 90/90 rule. Choose an item in your home and ask yourself if you’ve used it in the last 90 days and if you will use it within the next 90. If the answer to both questions is no, toss it.
The 30-day declutter. In this challenge, throw out one item from your home on Day 1, two items on Day 2 and continue this progression until Day 30, when you throw out 30 items.
The 100-item life. Here, you choose 100 essential items you need to live with and toss out everything else you own.

It’s important to know there is no “right way” to embrace this lifestyle. Since minimalism means living with what you need and what brings you joy, it will look different to everyone. As long as you are left with a home and a lifestyle that fills you with peace and serenity, you have adopted the minimalist lifestyle.

Pros of living a minimalist life

Improved mental health. Evidence shows that a cluttered life is a stressful life.
Increased opportunities to experience life at its purest level. Walking away from extraneous commitments can free you up to experience the true pleasures in life.
More room in your budget. When you throw out all unneeded expenses from your budget, it’s easier to save and avoid falling into debt.

Cons of living a minimalist life

Feelings of deprivation. If taken to an extreme, a minimalist life can be depriving and ultimately backfire.
Unhealthy obsession. Minimalism can require a lot of brain power. If you spend all day thinking about your stuff, it still owns you.
Owning just a few items means a large initial outlay. You’ll need to invest in a few items that really last, and these don’t come cheap.
It can be isolating. Unless you jump into this lifestyle with a partner or friend, it can be a very lonely life.

Use this guide to make an informed decision about embracing a minimalist life.

Three Common Money Mistakes People Make

Managing money responsibly doesn’t just happen. Even with the best of intentions, many people make mistakes in how they handle money – and they don’t even realize it. But there’s good news! Harmful behaviors can be unlearned. Let’s look at three common money mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Ignoring one’s financial situation

It is common for people to go about everyday living without a whole lot of thought toward their money. They may not know how much they have in their checking and saving accounts. They could also jam their heads in the sand when it comes to their outstanding debt. Awareness of how good or bad their credit score is? Forget about it! The hard truth, though, is that ignoring money can lead to big-time consequences, like excessive debt, missed payments and zilch in savings.

The fix: To avoid this mistake, assess your income, expenses and savings regularly. Creating a budget can help you get a handle on your financial inflows and outflows. This way, you can identify areas where you can cut back, save more and achieve and maintain financial wellness.

Mistake #2: Not having a clear money vision

The second common money mistake is a lack of financial plans or goals. Without an established money vision, it can be challenging to make smart money choices.

The fix: Establish short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, starting a business or planning for retirement, having a clear vision will guide and motivate all your financial decisions while ensuring they’re choices you can live with for years to come.

Mistake #3: Not discussing money

The third common money mistake is failing to talk about money with one’s life partner. Money is a sensitive topic, and many people believe they can avoid arguing over money by not talking about money. Unfortunately, though, not talking about it can lead to misunderstandings, conflict and financial instability within the relationship.

The fix: Have open and honest discussions about money with your partner. By establishing open lines of communication, you can work together to create a joint financial plan that aligns with both partners’ values and aspirations.

Use this guide to learn how to fix three common money mistakes and avoid making them in the future.

The Importance of Saving for a Rainy Day

Life is full of surprises, and some of them can be expensive. Whether it’s a medical emergency, job loss, car repairs or any other unforeseen event, having a financial safety net can provide a sense of security and stability. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important to save for rainy days.

Stay out of debt

When life throws an expensive surprise your way and you don’t have money to pay for it, you may fall into debt just to get by. On the flip side, if you had a well-padded emergency fund, you’d have the cash you need to fall back on in case of an emergency.

Be prepared for sudden unemployment

When you live paycheck to paycheck, your job is your financial lifeline. But no job is guaranteed to last forever. Your workplace may decide to downsize, close its doors or even to replace you with a bot. Or, you may find yourself unable to work due to personal circumstances. Having an emergency fund when you’re gainfully employed can help you stay afloat should you suddenly find your lifeline is reduced or cut out.

Flexibility and freedom

Saving for a rainy day brings an element of flexibility and freedom to your life. It enables you to pursue new opportunities, take risks and make major life changes without the constant fear of financial instability. Whether it’s starting a business, furthering your education or taking a sabbatical, savings provides the support you need to confidently explore these possibilities.

Peace of mind

Financial stress can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. Constantly worrying about money can lead to anxiety, depression, strained relationships and more. Knowing you have an emergency fund prepared and on the ready for a rainy day can offer a sense of security and peace of mind.

Achieve long-term financial goals

Saving for a rainy day is not just about preparing for emergencies; it’s also a stepping stone toward achieving long-term financial goals. Whether it’s buying a house, starting a family or planning for retirement, having savings will help you stay on track.

Avoid economic downturns related to market fluctuations

The economy is subject to fluctuations, and financial markets can be volatile. During economic downturns or recessions, people will often face reduced job opportunities, pay cuts or decreased business revenue. However, an emergency fund can make a challenging economic climate easier to navigate. People who’ve saved up money for emergencies will be less reliant on credit cards and loans during such times, thus lowering their vulnerability to economic uncertainties.

If you don’t have a well-padded emergency fund, start building one today! Most experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund. Review your monthly expenses to reach this number, and then make a plan for building up your fund until it’s complete. You may want to prioritize your emergency fund over other investments until it’s set up.

When the sun is shining, it’s hard to believe the rain will come, but no one’s life is all sunshine, all the time. Saving for a rainy day is a crucial part of financial wellness. Start saving today for a more secure and financially fit life.

6 Tips for Building an Energy-Efficient Home

Building a new home involves many decisions and expenses. As you work through the process, try making your new home as energy-efficient as possible. Let’s explore six ways you can build an energy-efficient home that promotes a sustainable future.

1. Optimize site selection

The first step in building an energy-efficient home is to choose the right location. Consider factors such as solar orientation, prevailing winds and surrounding vegetation. Maximizing natural resources, like sunlight and wind, can really reduce the need for artificial heating, cooling and lighting.

2. Efficient building envelope

A well-insulated building envelope is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy loss. Use high-quality insulation materials in walls, roofs and floors of your new home. Opt for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings to reduce heat transfer. Finally, properly seal any gaps or cracks to prevent air leakage, ensuring your home remains airtight.

3. Use sustainable materials

Choosing sustainable and locally sourced materials can have a positive impact on both the environment and your health. Look for materials with low embodied energy, such as recycled content or renewable resources, like bamboo and cork. Opting for sustainable materials reduces the carbon footprint of your home and creates a healthier living environment.

4. Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting

Energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption. Look for appliances with an ENERGY STAR® label, as they meet strict efficiency standards. LED lighting is another excellent choice, as it consumes less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

5. Consider renewable energy systems

Integrating renewable energy systems into your home is a proactive step toward energy independence. These include solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems that generate clean energy while reducing your reliance on the grid. Generating electricity sustainably will pay off for many years to come.

6. Water conservation strategies

Conserving water is an essential part of building an energy-efficient home. Install low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. Implementing water conservation strategies will save water while also reducing the energy required for water treatment and distribution.

Use the tips outlined here to build a home that has a lower carbon output and saves you money for years to come.

How Can I Beat Inflation and Save on Back-to-School Shopping?

Q: How can I beat inflation and save on back-to-school shopping?

A: Lucky for you, there are ways to save on back-to-school shopping. Follow these tips.

Shop with a budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend and set specific amounts for different categories such as clothing and supplies. Having a budget will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Take inventory

Before hitting the stores, inventory what you already have at home. Check your kids’ closets, drawers and study areas for supplies and clothing that can be reused or repurposed for the coming school year. This will give you a clear idea of what you really need to buy.

Plan ahead

Start shopping early and take advantage of sales throughout the summer. Watch for clearance sales, promotions and discounts. By planning ahead, you can secure better deals and avoid the rush and price hikes closer to the start of the school year.

Buy generic

Don’t hesitate to reach for generic brands when purchasing school supplies for your kids. Store brands, like Walmart, or Target’s Up & Up, are usually cheaper than name brands without compromising on quality.

Shop without your kids

Shopping with kids is an easy budget-killer. Kids have their own ideas of what’s best to spend money on, and their opinions may not align with your budget. Leave your kids home for at least some of your shopping trips this season.

Think secondhand

Consider purchasing used textbooks, clothing and electronics. You can find gently used items at much lower prices on secondhand websites like ThredUp, and at thrift stores like Goodwill.

Use discounts and coupons

Before you shop, look for coupons, promotional codes and student discounts to bring down the prices of the items you need to buy. You can sign up for loyalty programs and use a discount-finder app or extension to pull up any coupons for the items you need.

Buy in bulk

Whenever appropriate, buy supplies in bulk. This is useful for items that are commonly used throughout the school year. Buying in bulk often comes with a lower per-unit cost, providing long-term savings.

Follow the tips outlined here to beat inflation and save on back-to-school shopping.

Money Tips for College Students

Hello, college, hello, money worries!

College life brings a sense of independence that extends to personal finances. Being in charge of your own money can seem like an impossible challenge, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If the thought of managing your money in college is stressing you out, dig into these tips for some help!

Create a budget

Living with a budget is a must for good financial wellness. First, track your income, including all earnings from part-time jobs, scholarships and student loans. Next, list your expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, rent, groceries, transportation and entertainment. Set a realistic spending amount for each category, and your budget is good to go! Review and adjust as necessary.

Minimize student loan debt

Student loans can be a big financial burden after graduation. To minimize your debt, explore options such as scholarships, grants and part-time jobs to cover educational expenses. You can also get ahead on your debt by saving for your student loan payments before you graduate.

Live frugally

You can have your fun while in college, and your budget, too! First, buy used when possible. This goes for textbooks, sports equipment and your college car. Next, consider pooling some of your expenses with roommates. For example, you can split the costs of food items, cleaning supplies and more. Finally, get used to eating in and save big. Remember, every dollar saved can go toward your future.

Prioritize essential expenses

Life while in college is filled with temptations and social activities, so it’s crucial to prioritize your expenses. First, make sure your tuition, rent, utilities and groceries are covered and then you can spend money on fun! Having a good budget developed, and a regular review of it, will help you plan in some of that fun.

Build your credit

College is a great time to get your credit score ready for adult life. A strong credit score is essential for qualifying for large loans, getting favorable interest rates, securing a job and more. To build credit responsibly, consider getting a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on a family member’s credit card. Use the card sparingly and make full payments on time each month.

Take advantage of campus resources

College campuses often provide many resources to help students manage finances. Take advantage of financial literacy workshops, counseling services and career centers at your college.

Use these tips to manage your money smartly in college.

How to use Appliances Efficiently

Did you know that appliances account for approximately 13% of your home’s energy use? The good news is, you don’t have to completely pull the plug to save on your energy costs. Here’s how to use your appliances more efficiently to reduce your energy use and do one for the environment.

Choose energy-efficient appliances

When purchasing new appliances, choose models with high energy efficiency ratings. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the appliance meets strict energy efficiency standards.

Follow the user manuals

User manuals provide valuable information about the optimal usage and maintenance of appliances. Take the time to read the manuals thoroughly, as they offer specific instructions on how to maximize efficiency and extend the lifespan of each appliance.

Use appliances smartly

Take full advantage of any automatic settings on your appliances to use them more efficiently. For example, you can set your HVAC system to adjust its temperature when no one’s home or everyone is asleep.

Saving on energy around the house

Follow these tips to use appliances more efficiently around the house:

Computer

Choose “sleep” over “screen save” to use less energy when away from your computer.
Consider switching from a desktop PC to a laptop, as these use 10% of the electricity.
Turn off your monitor when it’s not in use.
Think three times before you print.

Oven/range

Match up your pots to your burner size
Cook with aluminum pans for even heat conduction.
Keep range-top burners clean for better reflection of heat and saved energy.

Refrigerator/freezer

Keep your thermostats at the recommended settings.
Position your refrigerator away from a heat source.
Clean the condenser coils of refrigerators and freezers regularly.

Dishwasher

Only run full loads.
Avoid pre-rinsing dirty dishes unless absolutely necessary.
During warmer times of the year, run the dishwasher in the early morning or evenings, when it’s cooler out.

Washer/dryer

Wash with cold water as much as possible.
Keep the lint filter clean for quicker dry times.
Make sure your dryer is vented properly.

Air conditioner

Cook less when it’s hot out.
Set your thermostat to adjust automatically.
Clean or replace your filters regularly to maintain proper airflow.

Use these tips to use your appliances more efficiently and save on energy usage and total costs.

Going Organic on a Budget

Going organic is a great way to improve your personal health and the health of the environment. Fortunately, it does not have to mean spending big. Here’s how to go organic on a budget.

Prioritize your purchases

If you’re on a strict budget, you likely won’t be able to go completely organic all at once. Start with what’s most important to you. You can move on to another area as the budget allows until you’ve completely embraced the lifestyle.

Buy in bulk

Look for bulk b ins at your local natural grocery store for steep savings. If you can’t finish all your bulk organic purchases before they’ll go bad, partner with a friend and split the costs.

Shop the seasons

In-season produce generally tastes better than off-season fruits and vegetables, and it’s cheaper. Choosing organic produce grown locally while it’s in-season can really bring down your grocery bill. A quick Google search can tell you what’s in season now in your area of the country.

Grow your own

If you have the time and space, consider growing your own organic greens and herbs. This way, you’ll have access to inexpensive produce that’s fresh and ready to eat.

Shop the farmers market

Your local farmers market is a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce at affordable prices. Plus, it supports local business.

Stalk your favorite organic brands on social media

Brands will alert followers to fantastic deals and discounts that may otherwise be missed. As soon as you find an organic food brand you love, follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This way, you’ll never miss a sale.

Look for store brands

Lots of grocery stores now offer their own line of organic products. These tend to be cheaper than companies that are not affiliated with a specific store.

Shop smart

Finally, follow the basic rules for smart shopping to save on your purchases. Plan your menu around the sales, shop with a list and take a smaller cart, or even a basket. If all else fails, shop with cash.

Follow these tips to make the switch to an organic lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Travel Hacks 1 of 12: 5 Ways to Save on Airfare

Planning a trip overseas? Airfare will probably be your largest vacation expense. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on airfare to leave you with more to spend while at your destination. Here’s a list of five ways to save on airfare.

1. Be flexible with dates and destinations

If you’re willing to be flexible about the dates and destination, you can potentially save hundreds on your airline ticket. Instead of choosing a date and destination for your vacation and then searching for the best prices, select a date and destination based on the best available deals.

2. Shop smart online

Harness the power of technology to score the best airfare price. Searching sites and apps, like Expedia, Orbitz and Priceline, is like using multiple travel agencies to find the best flights for your vacation. Kayak, another popular travel app, plugs your preferred dates into its search engine and searches airline sites and agency sites to provide you with all the prices and options available.

3. Act quickly to snag mistake fares

When an airline accidentally discounts a ticket, you can snag a flight for as much as 90% off its conventional price. Mistake fares get snatched up fast, so check your favorite airlines and flight apps often so you don’t miss a deal.

4. Consider booking with a foreign currency

If you’ll be flying a foreign carrier, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket with the local currency of your destination. Before paying for your flight, check to see if it’ll cost less if you don’t pay in dollars. It can sometimes actually cost more this way, but you can often save a lot by simply changing your location from the U.S. to your destination.

5. Book early

You’ll typically find the best deals on international flights 3-6 months before the departure date. If you’ll be traveling during peak times, like summer or during holiday seasons, start your ticket search even earlier. Flights are updated constantly, so check often to get the best deal.

Use the tips outlined here to get the best deal on your tickets and keep your vacation budget intact. Happy travels!

How Can I Save on Holiday Shopping?

Q: The holidays always have me worried about money. With inflation soaring, I’m more stressed than ever. How can I save on my holiday shopping this year?

A: If you’re worried about making it through the holiday shopping season in the midst of record inflation, you’re not alone. A recent survey shows that 59% of American shoppers are stressed about buying holiday gifts due to higher prices this year. With some careful planning, though, you can enjoy stress-free holiday shopping. Here are seven easy ways you can save.

1. Shop early

Experts are urging shoppers to hit the stores earlier than normal this year to take advantage of early-season sales. Lots of big-box stores are struggling with a supply surplus thanks to an inflation-triggered decline in demand. This will likely lead to sales events to make room for more current inventory. Shop these sales for big savings.

2. Set a budget

Before you start shopping, build a reasonable budget for your holiday shopping. Make your budget easier to keep by allocating a specific amount for every gift, shopping with cash and/or reviewing your budget often.

3. Shop with a list

Instead of blindly hitting the stores, make a list of every gift to buy for friends and family. You’ll be far more likely to stay within budget when your purchases are pre-planned.

4. Leave some last-minute shopping for Green Monday

While it’s best to do the bulk of your shopping early in the season, you can leave some last-minute gift-shopping for Green Monday on Dec. 14. This is when retailers make their final pre-holiday markdowns.

5. Think outside the box

If ever there was a holiday season to get creative with gifting, this is it. Retail inventories are full of products that were backed up during the post-pandemic supply-chain disaster. Think furniture, home decor and more. While these items may not be typical holiday gifts, there’s no real reason you can’t delight a loved one with a new office chair, exercise bike or coffee organizing station.

6. Give gift cards

Protect your gift list against inflation by giving some gift cards. You can find discounted cards on sites like GiftCardGranny and CardCash, or use cash-back apps to earn them at no cost. Gift cards are easy to shop for, easy to budget for and appreciated by the receiver.

7. Use apps to save

In 2022, there are so many apps that can help you spend less on your shopping, and even put money back into your pocket. Try coupon-scanning apps like Honey, cash-back apps like Ibotta and points apps like Drop to save this season.

Use the money-saving tips offered here to shop for the holidays without breaking your budget.

Step 8 of 12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Know When and How to Indulge

Living a life of financial wellness means being happy with a lifestyle that’s within your means, but doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re lacking. At the same time, financial wellness means money choices are governed by discipline and not by emotion. So how do you strike a balance between the two?

Here’s how to indulge responsibly.

Live with a budget

To do this, track your spending for three months. Next, make a list of all your expenses and list your income in a parallel column. Tally up your totals and assign a realistic dollar amount to each expense. Going forward, be sure to only spend within the allocated amount for each expense category.

Leave room in your budget for “just for fun” purchases

As you work on building a budget, leave room for the occasional treat. The exact amount will vary by income level, lifestyle and personal choice. However, wisely choose an amount you can easily afford without feeling deprived.

Review your savings

Before giving yourself permission to indulge, make sure you’re setting aside some of your monthly income to savings. Ideally, short-term savings should be enough to keep you afloat for 3-6 months if you have no source of income. Long-term savings should be sufficient to support your retirement and any long-term savings goal you may have.

Choose your “treats”

Everyone’s got a personal vice or three. Take a look at where your non-discretionary money went over the last month and highlight the more expensive impulse buys. Hold these purchases up to these questions:

Did this purchase bring me happiness or positive energy the day I bought it? How long did that feeling last?
Did this impulse buy blow my budget?
Does thinking about this purchase now fill me with joy, guilt or something else?

Use the insight about your indulgences to help you make better money choices in the future.

Lose the guilt

Once you’ve decided how much you want to spend each month on indulgences, it’s time to let go of guilt. If you’re spending responsibly, there’s no need to eat yourself up over an impulse buy you could have done without. As long as you’re keeping these just-for-fun purchases within your budget, you can maintain your financial wellness.