Home is where we spend most of our time, the safe space that welcomes us at the end of a long day, the special place where we raise our families, bond with our loved ones, or retreat to for some well-deserved solitude.
And much like everything else in life, our home needs to be properly taken care of. I’m not talking about property improvements, upgrades or anything fancy.
Today, we just want to go over some general home maintenance aspects that you’re likely well aware of, but we’re hoping that a little reminder will help bring them to the forefront.
There are many things you can do, from doing regular maintenance with proper cleaning products like the ones from HG to taking extra safety measures. When you take care of your home properly, it will be the most comfortable place in the world. Keep reading to learn more about how you can achieve that.
Perform regular maintenance
The first tip to make your home is always in top condition is to perform regular maintenance.
This usually includes inspecting some points in your house, such as pipelines, roofs, ceilings, and HVAC systems. When you find something wrong at one or some of those points, you have to quickly address the issue.
Of course, you can always rely on professionals who are specialized in fixing such problems if you don’t feel like you have the expertise to do it yourself.
Make a regular cleaning schedule
The next tip is to keep your house clean at all times by making a regular cleaning schedule.
You can set the cleaning schedule once a month, twice a month, or even once a week depending on how often your home gets cluttered. Usually, the more people living in the house, the more easily it gets cluttered and accumulates dust.
You can adjust your regular cleaning schedule based on how many people live in your house. Besides, you have to stock up on several kinds of cleaning products to make your regular cleaning activities much easier.
Take security measures
Another thing you must not miss when taking care of your home is to take security measures.
This is very important because the safety of your house as well as its inhabitants must be a key priority. And this doesn’t only mean safety from burglars who can break into your house. It also means keeping your home safe from hazards such as fire and potential short circuits.
A few easy ways to achieve this is to ensure your home has all the basic security features like security locks, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. It’s also a good idea to install an alarm system and several CCTVs around your home (if your budget can accommodate that) to make it more secure.
Perform landscaping and outdoor maintenance regularly
To make your home more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, you have to perform landscaping and outdoor maintenance regularly.
This is very important because the exterior of your house can change drastically if you don’t tend to it regularly. One of the most important outdoor maintenance activities that you have to do is to mow your lawn due to how fast weeds grow.
You also have to trim bushes and trees if you have any in your yard. You also have to check the drainage to make sure it’s not blocked by dirt.
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Inside: Dreaming of ways to make money fast as a woman? Stop dreaming and take action. These are genius ways of making money online and at home.
Making money fast is crucial for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, especially in the face of rising living costs. It can be the key to financial stability, providing additional funds to support and enjoy your lifestyle.
As a woman, you need to know how to make money fast.
This isn’t just about getting rich quickly. It’s about women gaining the freedom to live independently without financial constraints.
The feeling of financial security lessens stress; not having to worry over unexpected expenses plays a big role in your overall well-being.
This is what you want to do – make money fast!
Good news! You are in the right spot and I’ll show you my favorite ways to make money online.
Get into the right mindset, ladies! Making money fast isn’t just possible, but also liberating.
How can I make easy money ASAP?
Making easy money quickly can be achieved in various ways that utilize your skills and knowledge.
First and foremost, consider your own skills and expertise, and determine whether they could apply to jobs like cake baking, childcare, bookkeeping, house cleaning, or freelance writing.
This will tell you the easiest way for you to make money quickly. For me, I prefer to trade options in the stock market. Whereas someone else may choose babysitting or dog walking.
You need to find how to make money fast and we will help you with that decision.
Why Making Money Fast is Important
1. Makes it possible to live comfortably 2. Enables you to afford the best quality of life 3. Gives you the freedom to pursue your dreams 4. Gives you the freedom to live without financial constraints 5. Provides you with security and safety 6. Freedom to give back to your community 7. Freedom to choose how you spend your time 8. Opportunity to take risks and start a business 9. Provides you with a sense of power and control 10. Live without financial worry
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Are you passionate about words and reading?
If so, proofreading could be a perfect fit for you, just like it’s been for countless of readers! Learn how you can create a freelance business as a proofreader.
Check out this free workshop!
Bookkeeping is the most stable, reliable & simple business to own. This is how to make a realistic income -either part-time or full-time.
Find out TODAY if this is THE business you’ve been looking for.
How can I make a lot of money in hours?
Making income in a matter of hours for a woman is entirely feasible with a blend of freelancing, leveraging gig economy platforms, and capitalizing on your skills or assets. Here’s a quick guide for you:
Consider freelancing: Establish your writing, graphic design, or programming services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Dive into the gig economy: Sign up for TaskRabbit, Airbnb, or Turo to start earning.
Try online tutoring or content selling: Proficient in any subject or have strong graphic design skills? Go for tutoring or sell your content.
Indulge in buying & selling: If you’re good at purchasing low and selling high, then swap clothes or furniture, or even stocks.
Take online surveys or join market research groups on sites like Swagbucks for a rapid source of income.
Remember, time management is crucial for balancing multiple streams at once. Don’t forget to schedule wisely!
How to Make Money Fast as a Woman
No matter who you are, making money can be tough. But if you’re a woman, it can feel impossible.
From getting paid less than men for the same job to having a harder time getting promoted, the deck is often stacked against us.
Just so you know that making quick money in one day won’t happen overnight.
So, I’m going to tell you the best ways to make money fast as a woman.
1. Sell Services
Selling your skills or expertise is a fast, viable way to earn money. It’s all about utilizing what you already know to provide value to others.
Identify your marketable skills, such as cake baking, freelance writing, bookkeeping or even organizing spaces.
Brainstorm which of these services people could pay for.
Remember, you can tap into both physical tasks, like house cleaning or pet-sitting, and digital ones, like creating digital printables or offering consulting in your field of expertise.
Expert Tip: Launch your service with a few testimonials, helping to build trust with potential customers from the get-go.
2. Freelance
Freelancing is a savvy way for women to stack up earnings fast, offering flexibility and complete control over the workload. It’s a ticket to dodge conventional office politics and punch above your earning potential.
Start by identifying your freelance niche. You can be a writer, graphic designer, or anything you’re skilled at. Many people use their transferable 9-5 skills to side hustle.
Then, create your profile on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or Guru – be sure to showcase your accolades.
Set your rates, then start connecting with clients looking for your talent.
Remember, success in freelancing is driven by quality and consistency. So, sharpen your skills and always exceed your client’s expectations.
Freelancing may start as a side gig, but with dedication, it can grow into a full-time job.
3. Become a Product Reviewer
Being a product reviewer is an intriguing job opportunity for those who enjoy sharing candid feedback about their experiences with various products.
As a product reviewer, you are required to assess products often sent to you from diverse companies.
Your role involves providing a comprehensive review that could range from making an unboxing video to writing a detailed article about the product’s features and performance.
This kind of job requires an unbiased perspective and the capacity to articulate your thoughts and experience in a detailed, user-friendly manner.
Companies value this form of direct feedback as it provides them with significant data about their product’s strengths and weaknesses as perceived by an end-user.
4. Virtual Assistants
As a woman, becoming a virtual assistant could be your fast lane to earning a substantial income.
This is especially a great option if you’re excellent in organization and time management along with the need for flexibility.
For many becoming a virtual assistant with no experience is possible. And very lucrative.
Finally, for your best shot at success in this field, taking a course to improve your learning curve is extremely helpful.
Potential to earn up to $43,000 per year.
5. Sell Your Crafts
Ladies, have you thought of turning your love for crafts into a profitable venture?
Find out what crafts are in demand. The higher the demand, the more profitable it would be to make and sell these crafts.
Remember, profitability hinges on what you sell and how much you sell. Happy crafting!
While you are limited on what you can earn by what you can make, it is possible to make money doing something you absolutely enjoy.
6. Stock Trading
Stock trading may seem daunting but it can be a quick route to financial independence, especially for women.
With the right tools, information, and mindset, you can swiftly navigate the market and amplify your earnings. In fact, this is something Teri Ijeoma did herself.
Educate yourself on the basics before you invest. This is exactly what I did and my investment has paid off.
Always be aware of the risks involved in stock trading and proceed cautiously. However, building up an investing education is a wise decision.
Learn how fast can you make money in stocks.
7. Babysit
Babysitting is a versatile side hustle offering flexible hours and good earning potential.
It’s an ideal opportunity if you’re seeking quick, extra income and enjoy children.
Obtain optional certifications like CPR and first aid to enhance your appeal. Visit platforms like Care.com, Sittercity, or Urbansitter to create your profile and connect with clients.
8. Transcriber
One field that remains highly overlooked is transcription.
A transcriptionist listens to audio files and converts them into written documents.
Gain a thorough understanding of the industry. Check out this free webinar to get the basics right.
Consider specializing in legal or medical transcription. These niches often fetch higher wages.
You could easily make $3000-$4000 monthly, working on your own schedule.
Remember, practice and precision can help you achieve a lucrative transcription rate.
9. House Cleaning
Cleaning can be a rewarding gig, especially if you like tidying spaces.
Despite recognizing the need for a clean home, many people often struggle to find the time or energy to routinely clean their homes. This is where the prospect of a housecleaning business arises.
Busy homeowners, parents juggling work and childcare, elderly individuals needing assistance, and even businesses needing regular cleaning services are all potential clients for a housecleaning business. This demand provides a consistent income flow for those offering cleaning services.
In fact, individuals transitioning into this field of work can negotiate their wages with clients, potentially earning more than $15 an hour based on the complexity and demands of the job.
10. Sell Printables on Etsy
Selling printables is an effective and lucrative method to generate passive income.
Once printables such as planners, calendars, and journals are designed, created, and listed for sale on platforms like Shopify or Etsy, they can consistently produce income without requiring continual input or maintenance.
According to several experts, one of the keys to making substantial profits from printables is to differentiate your products.
Building upon this idea of making money from printables, the free Printables Workshop by Gold City Ventures offers comprehensive insights into the process of creating and selling aesthetically pleasing printable products online. This accessible course can be an excellent starting point for beginners looking to navigate the printables market.
Selling printables on Etsy might be the perfect venture for you!
11. Dog Walking
Looking for a fun-filled way to make some quick bucks?
Dog walking could be the right side hustle for you, especially if you’re an animal lover.
Easy to find jobs for dog walking.
Suitable for people with flexible schedules.
Offers an active way to earn money.
Option to select your rates with platforms like Rover.
High demand especially due to increasing pet adoptions and busy pet owners.
You can work when you need to and not take clients when you don’t want too.
12. Make Money Blogging
Blogging is a popular and prevalent way to earn money. Many blog owners are women who want the flexibility to earn significant money at their own pace and schedule.
Earning money through blogging allows you to focus on something you’re passionate about. Any topic that can provide value to an audience can be blogged about. Targeting a niche that has been overlooked by existing blogs can increase your blog’s potential earnings.
Starting a blog doesn’t require formal training, but it does require a willingness and ability to write effectively for an audience.
By employing monetizing avenues, like affiliate marketing and advertising, a blogger can boost their earning significantly.
Despite the vast number of existing blogs, the industry is very accommodating toward new voices, especially female voices. Thus, knowing how to monetize a blog can offer women many opportunities.
Remember, blogging is not just about earning fast bucks, it also needs consistent efforts. It’s rewarding but can start slow.
13. Ride-Sharing
Ridesharing is an excellent opportunity for women looking to make fast money. With apps like Uber and Lyft, you can earn an income simply by offering transportation services.
Here are a few tips to increase your earnings:
Consider driving during peak hours, weekends, or during special events to cash in on higher demand.
Choose busy locations such as city centers and nightlife spots to increase your chances of getting rides.
Maintain good customer service and ensure safe driving to uphold your rating and receive more ride requests.
14. Office Cleaning
Considering the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, office cleaning can be an untapped treasure trove for women seeking quick cash. Given the high demand and flexible hours, it’s an ideal source of extra income.
You must identify office premises needing cleaning services. Reach out to the owners or management, and propose your services.
Think about offering your services to offices in your local area. It’s a fast way to make extra money while managing your other commitments.
15. eBay Arbitrage
Looking to earn some quick money? eBay Arbitrage could be the game-changer you need.
Aimed mostly at women who love shopping, it’s about buying products cheaply and selling them on eBay for a profit.
First, hunt for bargains in thrift stores, sales, or online markets.
Go with high-demand items; electronics, collectibles, or brand sneakers are a good start.
Then, create your eBay store and list your finds at a competitive but profitable price.
Track each item’s demand through keyword research and buyers’ reviews.
Remember to calculate potential profits inclusive of shipping costs and eBay fees.
Armed with the right strategies, you can start earning with eBay in no time!
16. Freelance Writing
Did you know your writing passion can become a quick buck-making engine? That’s right, freelance writing is a gold mine you ought to tap.
First, identify a writing niche you love. It’s easier to excel when you’re passionate about your work.
Continually hone your writing skills. The more you practice, the better you become and the more valuable your skills. Finally, don’t be shy to market your skills. Reach out to small businesses and startups—they often need freelance writers.
Remember, quality over quantity will earn you a solid reputation in the long run. Now, go turn those wordy wonders into wealth!
17. Online Surveys
Curious about making a quick buck? Engaging in online surveys can be a fast money-making method just for you!
You don’t earn a huge amount per survey but when taking multiple surveys, it will add up fast.
Here are the top legit survey platforms:
Use your free time wisely. Take surveys during work breaks or leisure hours.
Redeem points for PayPal cash or gift cards.
18. YouTube Channel Building
Building a YouTube channel can be an interesting and rewarding venture.
It provides an incredible platform to share your content, express your creativity, and engage with a global audience. Whether you want to showcase your talents, teach something unique or simply entertain, having a YouTube channel opens up many opportunities.
Effective engagement with your audience is vital.
Last but not least, patience is something you will need in abundance. Building a successful YouTube channel takes time, so don’t lose hope if you’re not seeing immediate results.
Remember, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with your YouTube channel. It all comes down to how creatively you can use this platform to engage with your audience and grow your presence.
19. Bookkeeper
In our increasingly digital age, online bookkeepers are in high demand, with more businesses choosing to move their financial operations to the online platform. This shift in business operations has created a robust opportunity for those trained in bookkeeping to tap into the market and earn income while working from the comfort of their homes.
To be successful as web-based bookkeeper, you need to be well-organized and have previous experience dealing with numbers. However, even without a formal accounting education, individuals can take advantage of online learning platforms like Bookkeepers.com to learn and sharpen their bookkeeping skills for free.
Becoming a virtual bookkeeper is not just a fantastic full-time job opportunity; it’s also an excellent side hustle for women and mothers proficient with numbers. It provides flexible hours and allows the freedom to work from anywhere, making it ideal for those juggling multiple responsibilities.
The financial compensation for an online virtual bookkeeper is quite significant. On average, bookkeepers can earn at least $50000 a year helping business owners manage their finance and bookkeeping online.
20. Start a Dropshipping Store
Dropshipping is a viable option with low startup costs that lets you run an online store without handling any physical products.
There is still plenty of time to get into the dropshipping business.
Start by deciding what products to sell. Find a niche you’re passionate about for a higher chance of success.
Remember, a successful dropshipping venture involves effective marketing as well. So invest time and effort into perfecting your advertising tactics.
21. Do Clerical Work
Clerical work offers flexible, remote opportunities for women to make quick money.
With adequate admin experience and internet access, you can explore roles like Virtual Assistant, Online Data Entry Professional, or Court Transcriptionist.
This is one of the best non phone work from home jobs.
Experts tip: Perfection and punctuality are key. Attention to detail and meeting deadlines can make you stand out.
22. Resell Clothes
Reselling clothes online is a savvy way to turn your clutter into cash, especially if you love digging for hidden gems.
It’s a popular method for fast cash flow, with Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace being perfect platforms. One of my friends is very successful with this!
Begin with your own closet, and sell kids clothes they have outgrown too.
Reinvest your earnings, by buying second-hand clothing to resell can boost your profits.
Don’t forget quality. Run a quick check for authenticity and brand labels.
Visuals sell. Stage items and capture high-res photographs.
Providing a great customer experience is key, ensuring prompt shipping and maintaining politeness.
Play your cards right, you could earn anywhere between $100 to $1,000 a month or even reach a six-figure yearly income.
23. Do Home-Based Child Care
Home-based child care is a viable option to earn money, leveraging the natural maternal instincts and caregiving skills of many women. It can be a lucrative side hustle and a means to financial independence.
This is especially a great avenue to pursue when you are already at home raising your own children.
Make sure to follow any state regulations about running a daycare out of your home.
Begin by determining the number of children you can handle at a time, taking care not to overbook.
24. Podcasting
Podcasting is a wonderful opportunity for delivering narratives. It enables you to weave compelling stories while inspiring, instructing, or simply entertaining your listeners.
The unique format of podcasting lets you connect with your audience on a personal level. They listen to your voice, engage with your thoughts, and feel a stronger connection to you.
By starting a podcast, you are joining an increasingly popular trend, with the global number of podcast listeners has grown to 464.7 million listeners in 2022 (source).
Podcasting also opens up doors for networking and collaboration. You can invite experts, artists, or like-minded individuals as guests on your show, thus expanding your network.
There’s a potential to earn from podcasting. With affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and advertising, the commercial possibilities of podcasting are extensive.
25. Merch by Amazon
“Merch by Amazon” is a print-on-demand service that allows you to design and sell your merchandise.
It’s a great money-making alternative as it offers massive exposure and doesn’t require any upfront costs.
One of the significant advantages of using Merch by Amazon for passive income is that you are not required to maintain inventory or deal with shipping. Amazon handles these aspects, allowing you to focus on the creation process and customer satisfaction.
Amazon’s royalty system ensures that you get paid instantly whenever your merchandise is purchased. This allows you to earn money passively with every sale.
When your designs meet the current market trends and the preferences of your customers, they are more likely to be popular, leading to an increase in sales, hence, higher passive income.
26. Become an Influencer
Becoming an influencer is a smart, quick way for women to make money. While most people just stumble upon becoming an influencer, you can decide to pursue this avenue.
With earning potential that is unlimited, this opportunity is flourishing, requiring no specific degree or job experience.
Remember, platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube reward new, engaging creators.
Dedication and consistency could lead you to major earnings where you make thousands for each post.
27. Work as a Translator
Having mastery in more than one language opens up a world of opportunities, particularly in the realm of translation services. The ability to translate language effectively and accurately is a skill that’s in high demand in the current globalized world.
A top benefit of being a freelance online translator is the flexible work environment. You have the freedom to choose when, where, and how much you want to work. This flexibility for work-life balance is more appealing now than ever, especially in the unsteady job market.
Freelance translators also have access to a wider client base. Unlike full-time translators who work for specific organizations or agencies, freelance translators can work with various clients from all over the world, widening their potential income streams.
The need for translators is projected to grow substantially. In the United States alone, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for interpreters and translators will increase by 20% from 2021 through 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Among other freelance professions, translation can often provide a more stable income.
As most sectors including education, legal, business, medical, and technological firms continue to globalize, they regularly need translators to bridge the language gap, making freelance translation services a steady income source.
31. Become a Flipper
Becoming a flipper is a high-return, low-investment way to make money fast. It involves buying low and selling high, perfect for those wanting a profitable side hustle.
Here are actionable steps to kickstart your flipping journey:
Identify items to flip: Popular options include toys, clothes, electronics, books, and furniture. Pro-tip: Sell things you have around your house to start risk free.
Choose a selling platform: Sell locally via Facebook groups or Craigslist, use reselling apps like Decluttr, or open an online store on eBay.
Price it right: Pricing items competitively garners buyer interest and maximizes profit.
Learn more: Free webinars, like Flipper University and the Flea Market Flipper, offer insights for a successful flipping business.
Remember, flipping can be more than just a side hustle; it’s a potential full-time career.
32. Micro-Tasking
Micro-tasking offers a quick way for you to earn money by completing short and simple tasks.
As its popularity grows, so does the list of platforms where you can find micro-jobs. Here are the popular platforms.
This allows your the flexibility to work whenever you want. Plus no special skills or degrees are needed.
Just note… This is not a stable income source
Tips for Finding the Best Way for You to Make Money
As you can see, there are many different ways to make money fast as a woman.
You can find the best way for you by considering your skills, interests, and the amount of time you have available.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are earning money quickly.
1. Identify Your Skills and Offerings
You’re already gifted, let’s transform those skills into fast cash.
Make a list of your skills, passions, and expertise; you can tap into anything from programming to knitting.
That is where you want to start.
From personal experience, I can tell you it is way easier to work on a side hustle or business when you are passionate about the topic.
Remember, the digital world is your playground, so play, innovate and cash-in.
2. Research the Best Ways to Make Money
Now, that you know the skills and experience, look at the list above and determine which ones match up.
You will need to spend time watching a free webinar to learn more.
Compare different money-making ideas. From part-time jobs to freelancing, there’s a plethora of options. You need to pick what works best for you.
Remember, generating a consistent income requires effective strategies and the right mindset. So choose wisely!
3. Try Different Ways to Make Money – Not Just 9-5 Jobs
It’s vital to explore different money-making strategies as a woman for financial stability and independence.
Just because one avenue didn’t work out doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel.
Remember, the key to success is perseverance, so pick something you’re passionate about and stick to it. Try not to jump from one idea to another out of impatience; success takes time.
Also, as your revenue increases, start building a lifestyle business for passive income.
4. Focus on the Things You Are Good at
Unlock your financial potential by recognizing and utilizing things you’re excellent at.
To cash in fast:
Identify your standout skills. These could range from writing, fine arts, math, e-commerce to digital marketing or even passions such as sports and hobbies.
Assess the viability of earning via your skills. Research shows that the digital economy is filled with opportunities.
Exploit platforms that cater to your expertise. For freelance gigs, you can try platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Guru.
There are so many ways to make money online as a beginner. So, indulge in the digital playground, embrace exploration and innovation, and let your skills earn for you.
5. Find Opportunities That Allow You to Work Flexibly
You can choose when to work and when not to, rather than being constrained by a 9 to 5 workday. The flexibility to create your schedule means you can operate at your most productive times, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night.
Working from home or any location across the globe enables a better work-life balance, reducing stress and improving productivity. This is particularly beneficial for those who have families or are committed to other obligations.
When working for yourself, you may have the potential to earn more than traditional salaried roles.
Lastly, making a living from your passion is huge!
You are being paid to do what you love anywhere, anytime which is rare and precious.
6. Consider Specializing in a Niche Subject
Specializing in a niche subject can elevate your earning potential quickly, owing to smaller competition and a personalized audience.
Being a subject matter expert in a specific area can provide you with an edge over your competitors.
Specializing in a niche can help you stand out and garner a dedicated audience, ultimately leading to faster earnings.
Remember, the key to making money faster in your specialized area is persistence and patience. It may take time to build a strong following, but once you do, the financial rewards can be substantial.
Stick to your chosen area, continuously learn and improve, and consistently deliver high-quality content to make your mark in your chosen niche.
7. Take Advantage of Trending Opportunities
Jumping on trending opportunities can be a gold mine, especially for women who want to make money fast from home. These ever-evolving trends tap into various skill sets, interests, and experiences, potentially translating into a lucrative gig.
For many, it may have been TikTok when the company first started.
Remember, the digital world holds limitless potential. Just needing to innovate and execute your ideas!
8. Invest in the Right Tools and Equipment
The key to making money, either online or offline, is making an informed investment of your time into the right tools, equipment, and learning resources.
While this can initially seem like an expenditure rather than a money-making step, it is, in fact, a cornerstone of your financial growth strategy.
Investing time in learning and increasing your knowledge base is vital. This could mean spending your time reading about new insights in your area of work, attending webinars, or enrolling in online courses. The ROI of this proactive learning is immense.
Consider this an opportunity or a catalyst that speeds up your journey toward substantial income generation and financial freedom.
9. Commit to Consistent Efforts
Commitment to consistent efforts is the cornerstone of any successful endeavor, more so when running your own side hustle.
One of the fundamental principles for making money is the dedication to keep improving your craft, always learning, and always evolving.
This continual effort involves a long-term commitment to staying updated with the latest writing trends, styles, and industry standards.
With persistence and patience, the fruition of your investments will lead you toward the fulfillment of your financial dreams.
10. Utilize Social Media Platforms to Promote Your Business
Social media platforms are powerful tools for business promotion, and when used strategically, they can lead to fast monetary gains.
Understanding how to effectively utilize these platforms can drastically enhance your chances of making quick bucks.
Start by creating a robust online presence for your business on various social media platforms. Remember, consistency is key to building your brand.
Engage with your audience frequently and respond to their comments. This boosts engagement on your posts.
Post content that is engaging, relevant, and aligns with your business values.
Always monitor your performance using social media analytics to understand what works best for your audience.
Which side hustles for women have you tried?
Personally, here are the side hustles I have done or currently do:
Stock Trading as a swing trader
Online Content Creation
Social Media Influencer
Online Consulting
Pet Sitting or House Sitting
Teaching Dance Lessons
Personal Organizer
However, I know many people that have tried the ones listed above.
So ladies, which of these enticing hustles appeals to your skills and schedule the most?
FAQ
Stay-at-home moms have numerous opportunities to earn money from the comfort of their homes. Plus being able to bump up your household income while juggling parenthood is the perfect combination.
Find the best jobs for moms specifically!
Any of these opportunities requires dedication and consistent effort, but with time they can all yield substantial returns.
Thankfully, there are many ways for women to make money online.
Above we covered all of the interesting ways and many are online.
Remember, opt for an avenue that suits your skills, interests, and time availability.
Well. the answer to this will depend on who you speak with.
Personally, I find ways to build passive income with your side hustle as the best option. Then you aren’t trading your time for money.
As a woman, many opportunities are right at your fingertips. The most popular and profitable include:
Start a blog: With consistent readership, you can make thousands from ad revenue and sponsored content.
Virtual assistant: Services can fetch around $10-30/hour.
Social Media Management: Businesses are willing to pay up to $1000-2000 per month for proficient managers.
Bookkeeping: On average, freelance bookkeepers earn around $34/hour.
Selling products online: Sites like Etsy, Amazon FBA, or your own platform can earn you a substantial income with a successful shop.
Trading Stocks or Options: by improving your investing knowledge, you can quickly increase your net worth.
Remember – it all starts with a step. Your side hustle could turn into a full-time passion!
This is How to Make Money from Home as a Woman
In conclusion, as a woman, there are plenty of genius and fast ways for you to make money.
The article underlines the significance of grabbing the reins of your financial future.
Through the strategies shared – including investing in stocks, working from home, or using budgeting hacks, you can boost your income significantly.
One of the concepts, I’m big on is making sure you know how to make your money work for you.
With wise decisions and being open to possibilities, your financial independence is within reach.
Remember – the ball is in your court, so make sure to take that shot and score your financial goals. It’s high time to cash in on your potential!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
The kneejerk reaction of many renters is to search for apartments owned by a big company, complete with all the bells and whistles that implies. That said, it’s always a viable option to rent from a private landlord. In fact, depending on your way of life and communication style, it might actually be preferable to work directly with one property manager, rather than a whole office full of associates.
There are perks and drawbacks to both options. Let’s dive right in and learn all about the pros and cons of renting from a private property manager. First, the up-side.
Pro: private property owner, personal touch
Some private landlords lease out rental properties like condos, townhouses or single-family homes where they used to live. Because of this, they’re often more emotionally involved in the property than a faceless corporation. For other landlords, the rental property is a serious investment, so it’s important to keep the place well-maintained.
There’s also the fact that the typical individual landlord only has a small number of rental properties. This means that a new resident is likely to get a lot more individual attention than tenants in a community handled by a large management company.
Pro: easier communication
A tenant with a question, problem or maintenance requests need only contact one person when renting directly from a private landlord. This is a welcome change from large property management companies, which often require renters to fill out online forms or call special numbers for different types of requests.
That said, do try to honor some sort of business hours, unless your need is a true emergency. Private landlords need some downtime, too! Also, make sure to maintain honest and clear communication to develop a professional, trusting relationship with the property owner. That’s in everyone’s best interests!
Pro: more flexibility
Landlords in big communities are often hogtied by corporate policies and contracts and such. A private landlord, however, can make adjustments without having to go through a bunch of channels. So, for example, a renter who decides they want to get a cat can simply ask special permission from the private landlord to adjust the pet policy and have an addendum added to the contract.
Pro: more privacy
People who rent houses from a private landlord enjoy quite a lot more privacy than those who rent apartments. They don’t have to share a wall, walkway or parking lot with anyone else, after all.
Pro: fewer rules
Large apartment communities have to have a lot of rules in place to keep the peace. And, while a renter of a house should still be responsible and respectful of neighbors and follow city ordinances, individual landlords tend to impose fewer restrictions than a large property management company. So, if autonomy is your thing, consider looking at houses for rent.
A private landlord may also choose to forego the expense of doing a background check for a new tenant, in favor of getting a general rental history. Never withhold information if asked directly, however. This is grounds for eviction.
Of course, this is all subjective to the private landlord in question. Some people are really paranoid and may have all kinds of extras worked into the contract to avoid liability. As always, read the lease in detail and discuss any sticking points with the landlord before signing anything.
Now, for the flip side. Here are some potential downsides that may occur when you rent from a private landlord.
Con: tentative response to maintenance requests
Repairs to private rental properties have to come out of the pocket of the owner, so often, they’ll try to take the most conservative approach to avoid paying big bills. As a result, sometimes, maintenance issues take longer to get resolved than in a big community, where there’s usually a specific staff, resources and budget in place to manage such issues.
Con: might deal with a property management company
Some private landlords rent out the property themselves but rely on private property management companies to actually deal with the tenants. This is all well and good as long as the company is capable. Otherwise, it’s extra red tape to wade through, and nobody wants that.
Con: more responsibility
Renting houses, in particular, comes with more upkeep and responsibility than the average apartment. First, there’s the fact that homes are generally larger, so there’s more space to keep clean. The landlord will expect any tenant to keep the property reasonably clean, otherwise, they can cancel the lease.
A typical home also comes with land, including a lawn and flower beds, all of which require regular maintenance. If you’re not willing to do this extra legwork make sure that your lease agreement stipulates the private landlord is responsible for lawn care. Some property managers will agree to this, but others will outright refuse.
Con: fewer amenities
Large apartment communities often come with a full slate of amenities, including multiple pools, workout facilities, 24-hour maintenance request lines and so on. For people renting from a private landlord, however, amenities look a little different. Of course, those who rent a condo or townhome generally get to enjoy the same property perks as owners in the community. However, someone who rents a single-family home is unlikely to have access to such bells and whistles.
Con: more expenses
Renting a home from an individual landlord means that there is often more space to furnish, heat and cool than the average apartment. This is especially true if it’s an older home with outdated HVAC systems. Before you sign a lease, inquire about the average monthly utility cost, so that you’re not left footing the bill for some old dinosaur.
Also, renting from a private landlord sometimes comes with higher overall rent and additional monthly fees. This is why it’s important to figure out how much rent you can afford before you sign the lease. Check out this helpful rent calculator to figure out what you can afford on your take-home pay. Pro tip: experts suggest spending no more than 30 percent of gross income on rent.
Con: less streamlined
Compared with a rent-by-owner situation, apartments managed by large property management companies have a lot of tools in place to make it easy to pay rent, request maintenance, lodge complaints and so on. So, tenants who like things automated probably prefer this to writing an old-school check every month.
Con: they hold the ownership cards
Sure, the owner can’t violate the terms of the contract while you’re leasing and kick you out without cause, but they can decide to sell the property once the term is up. This could mean yet another move, even if you’re happy where you are. Obviously, this is a pretty big downside, as it can cost a lot of money to move, plus it’s inconvenient.
Beware of rental scams
Anytime there’s money involved, scams can happen. Make sure the rent by owner home you’re interested in is totally legitimate before handing over any cash because, believe it or not, people do try to rent out properties that they have no claim to!
Here are some helpful tips to avoid rental scams:
An in-person meeting with the landlord or property management company at the property
Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics. Only sign a lease when you’re completely ready to do so.
Comply with all standard requirements, like a background check, credit check, interview, etc. A good landlord wants to have a firm grasp on who will be occupying the property.
Hold onto your money until you sign a legal contract
Insist on a lease. This contract is in place to protect both the renter and the landlord. Without it, you have no claim to the property and they can kick you out anytime. Above all else, if your gut instinct is to walk away because of a hunch or shady behavior, then do so. There are plenty of other rentals out there.
Ready to rent from a private landlord, instead of big property management companies?
The decision of whether to rent directly from a property owner or a large apartment management company really depends on a lot of personal preferences. Whatever you do, ask all the questions and read the lease fully before you decide between rentals. It’s better to prepare too much than not enough.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
Inside: Looking for some unique cash app card design ideas? Look no further! This guide has 100+ cool and unique ideas to help you create cards that reflect your personality and style.
The concept of Cash App card designs has emerged as a trendy and enjoyable way to personalize your monetary transactions.
Rather than limiting yourself to traditional designs, Cash App allows you to express your creativity, resulting in a card that reflects your individuality, interests, and style.
From inspiring quotes to your favorite emojis and collages, you have the option to turn your Cash App Visa debit card into a distinct and exciting asset.
This not only enhances the visual appeal of your card but also adds a touch of personality to your buying experience.
Whether you are getting a Cash Card for the first time or looking to redesign an existing one, this segment will offer you a plethora of unique design ideas to inspire your creativity.
Browse through our cash app card design ideas to help make your card stand out.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is Cash App Card?
A Cash App Card is a free, customizable debit card linked directly to your Cash App account.
Let’s break this down:
It functions like your ordinary Visa debit card, capable of handling payments anywhere Visa is accepted.
Since it draws from your Cash App balance—not your bank account—you can use it for both online and in-store transactions.
Interesting perks include a unique design to suit your style.
Great for budgeting – like a cashless envelope system!
In essence, think of it as a flashy, convenient companion to your Cash App, ready to assist with purchases, whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or buying a cool online gadget!
Is the personalized Cash App card free?
Your personalized Cash App card is mostly free unless you opt for special versions.
The basic white or black card comes without a charge on your first order.
So as long as you stick with the basic options, you’re in the clear.
Just remember, additional cards, regardless of color, will cost you $5 each. For example, if you get a black one first and then decide you want a white one too, you’d need to fork out $5 for it.
How to Customize your Cash App Card
Your card design is like your fashion statement. It says a lot about you.
So, you want to design your Cash App Card to fit exactly what you want.
To start designing your Cash App Card, first, you need to open your app — the infamous green home screen should be your first sight.
Incorporate emojis, letters, or symbols that express who you are.
Use the freehand drawing option – use a stylus or finger to sketch directly on your card! It might take a few attempts, but experimentation is part of the fun.
Remember, keep your design concise but personal, and above all – have fun!
60+ Cool and Unique Cash App Card Design Ideas
When designing your Cash Card, it’s crucial to choose a display that best represents you and easily catches your attention.
Even though images or photos can’t be added, creativity can still run wild.
From selecting initial base designs to illustrating personal interests and hobbies, every idea is an opportunity to bring your card to life.
1. Create Inspirational Quotes Cash App Cards
Choose a quote that’s both meaningful and motivating to you.
It could be a famous quote or your personal mantra. Or even one of these millionaire quotes.
Personally, this is my favorite idea because I love constant reminders of inspirational messages!
2. Choose an Affirmation You needed reminding of
Having personalized affirmations and messages on your Cash App card can turn a regular transaction into a moment of reflection and inspiration.
It is like leaving an encouraging note on your Cash App card.
Common affirmations or quotes such as “Believe in yourself” or something more personalized like “Be the change you want to see”, can provide a boost of motivation every time you use your card. Here are more money affirmations to choose from.
Remember, these design features should reflect your personality and resonate with you on a personal level.
This way, every time you use your Cash App card, it becomes more than just a transactional tool; it becomes a unique extension of you.
3. Cash App Card Design with Word Art
With Cash App’s Word Art design, you can express yourself like never before! Instead of settling for a standard design, this feature lets you craft an emblem that’s truly unique – as unique as you.
Word Art breathes life into your card and makes it a conversation starter.
Personalized wording which can include your signature, favorite quotes, or your brand’s name
Variety of fonts and colors to choose from
Word Art designs can be both sophisticated and playful, matching your vibe and setting your Cash App Card a league above the rest. It’s about expressing yourself, your way!
4. Cash App Card Design with Emojis
Indeed, adding emojis to your Cash App card is a ground-breaking design concept. Just like you would sign a text message.
It gives the card a fun, personal touch that mirrors your unique personality, interests, and style—everything traditional card designs lack.
The available variety of emojis provides ample creative liberty.
5. Cash App Card Design with Symbols
Using symbols on Cash App card designs gives you an opportunity to personalize and add a dash of creativity to your card.
The beauty of using symbols is their versatility, and how they let you express your creativity and personality without overwhelming the card design.
Creating a design you love will certainly make every cash transaction a little more enjoyable!
6. Cash App Card Design with Patterns and Designs
Using patterns and designs on a Cash App card can significantly reflect your personal style and preferences.
If the idea of a standard and mundane Cash App card doesn’t appeal to you, you can customize it using a variety of patterns and designs, making it more personalized and meaningful to you. Here are a few ideas on how you can go about it:
Choosing to use patterns and designs on your Cash App card is not only a creative way to express your individuality, but it also adds a unique, engaging element to the otherwise utilitarian nature of financial cards.
7. Cash App Card Design with Color and Style
When it comes to card designs, color and style aren’t just aesthetic choices; they define your personality.
Choose your favorite hue or pick limited-edition colors to reflect your unique taste.
Customizable designs: Be it minimalist, neon, grunge, or vintage – tailor the card to match your persona.
The multi-colored, geometric designs offer a blend of personality and style, gearing towards a modern payment solution.
8. Create Freehand Card Designs
Freehand designs give your Cash App Card a unique, personal touch, turning it into a mini portable art piece.
Free-hand drawings add an artistic flare, turning your card into a unique piece of art. Various styles, from portraits to favorite anime characters or even cherished family names, can be featured.
You can also embed empowering quotes or use the cool street-art style of graffiti to make an imaginative statement.
Remember, the fundamental goal is not just to create a card but also to design an extension of your personality. Using a stylus will make this process much easier.
Expert tip: Sketch your design on paper first to get a feel.
Card App Card Design Themes
Using the above ideas, here are specific themes you can use for your personalized Cash App Card.
Space and Stars Theme: Display an image of the galaxy or stars in the night sky.
Music Theme: A melody note or a line from your favorite song could make a great design.
Sports Theme: Choose an image that represents your favorite sport, such as a football, basketball or ballet shoes.
Nature Theme: Use imagery of mountains, trees, or the beach.
Inspirational Quote: Choose a quote that motivates you each time you use your cash app card.
Emoji Theme: Use your favorite emoji, or a mix of them.
Family Picture: A sketch or silhouette of your family members.
Pet Theme: Show off your furry friends by depicting them on your card.
Anime Theme: Pick characters from your favorite anime series.
Movie Theme: Use a design related to your favorite movie.
Superhero Theme: Show your love for superheroes like Spider-man, Batman.
Zodiac Theme: Choose symbols or constellations of your Zodiac sign.
Food Theme: Use an image of your favorite food or a trendy food item.
Book Theme: Use symbols or important elements from your favorite book.
Art Theme: Paint splotches, abstract design, or famous art paintings.
Travel Theme: Landmarks of your favorite – city or vacation spot.
Western Theme: Perfect for the horse lover and cowboy boots!
Seasonal Theme: Images relating to different seasons like snowflakes, leaves, spring flowers.
Coffee Theme: A coffee cup or your favorite coffee order.
Fitness Theme: Dumbbells, yoga poses, or running shoes.
Floral Theme: Blooming flowers and foliage.
Gaming Theme: Iconography from your favorite games.
Minimalist Theme: Simple, clean lines and minimal colors.
Fashion Theme: Sketches of clothes, accessories or a runway.
Vehicles Theme: Cars, trains, planes, bicycles.
Career Theme: Symbols or tools related to your profession.
Hobby Theme: Images of something you love doing, from knitting to scuba diving.
Love Theme: Heart shapes, cupid, and other romantic symbols.
Health Theme: Medical or wellness-related symbols.
Educational Theme: Books, graduation cap and other study-related images.
Retro Theme: Vintage designs or pop culture from a certain era.
Birthday Theme: Balloons, cakes, party hats.
Cartoon Theme: Beloved characters from animated TV shows or movies.
Doodles Theme: A collection of small, simple drawings.
Marine Life Theme: Sea creatures or marine scenery.
Inspirational Icons: Images of people who inspire you like famous athletes, actors, or activists.
Favorite Color Theme: Feature various shades and gradients of your favorite color.
Fairy Tale Theme: Designs based on your favorite children’s stories or fantasy tales.
Skyline Theme: Capture the silhouette of your favorite city’s skyline.
Outer Space Theme: Planets, galaxies, rockets and astronauts.
Nautical Theme: Anchors, ship wheels, lighthouses and other seafaring symbols.
Dessert Theme: Images of your favorite sweet treats.
DIY/Handicraft Theme: Symbols related to different crafts – knitting needles, paint brushes, etc.
Wildlife Theme: Images of your favorite wild animals.
Geometric Shapes Theme: Create a sleek design with a variety of shapes.
Personal Logo: If you have a personal logo, you could use that.
Spirit Animal: Draw or paste in an image of your spirit animal.
National Flags: Show your pride of heritage with your country’s flag.
Camouflage Theme: Explore different types of camouflage patterns.
Mountain Landscape Theme: Use an image or drawing of a mountain range.
Festive Theme: Images related to different festivals or holidays.
Grayscale Theme: Designs with different shades of black and white.
Checkerboard Pattern: A timeless tic-tac-toe design for classic charm.
Vintage Theme: Checks, stripes, or polka dots—any of these can lend a nostalgia-tinged style to your card.
Money Theme: Start by drawing dollar symbols or creating designs inspired by currency
Other Cash App Card Ideas:
Draw a self-portrait: Keep it simple yet expressive, experimenting with different colors, lines, and shapes to highlight your persona.
Use your Favorite Movie Line: Choose a memorable quote from your favorite movie.
Choose Your Life Motto or Verse: Adding such text can create a unique reflection of your personality or beliefs. Here are a few neat examples:
Your Signature: This customized detail will not only make your card look original but also speak echoes about your personality.
Stick figure family design
A signature doodle
A caricature of yourself
Your kiddo’s names with whimsical stick figure drawings
A quote that resonates with you
Let that inner artist shine!
What are the Color Options Available?
Personally, I like to think about my design before I dig right into it. And knowing the background color makes things so much easier!
1. Standard Black
The standard Black Cash App card, often referred to as the “classy classic”, might very well be your next wallet staple.
With its timeless appeal and slick design, this card is perfect if you’re looking for something basic yet sophisticated.
Pros:
Its cool black color creates a refined and sleek appearance.
With its simple and traditional design, it fits well with any wallet.
It’s a popular choice, giving it mass appeal.
Absolutely free of charge, which is a bonus.
It has that classic and vintage feel that just screams style.
Cons:
Could be considered too ordinary or basic.
Can easily be misplaced or lost due to its dark color.
The strict black design offers limited personalization.
If you like colorful or vibrant designs, it may not appeal to you.
So, whether you stick to the black card is entirely up to your personal style and preferences, mate!
2. White Base
Isn’t simplicity more your style? The white base color option for the Cash App Card might be just what you’re looking for.
Plus it’s free of charge, which appeals to your budget-savvy side. Since it is a classic color that works with anything.
Most importantly, it makes a simple statement about your preference for chic, minimal styles.
Pros:
Bright and clean: Suits any design you wish to superimpose.
Versatility: Perfectly complements both formal and casual situations.
Designer-friendly: Adds neatness and clarity to your chosen design.
Cons:
White can make stains more noticeable.
May discolor and lose it’s bright coloring.
Being a popular choice, it lacks uniqueness.
3. Glow In the Dark Base
Are you seeking an edgy, unconventional look for your Cash App card?
Consider the glow-in-the-dark base color which stands out among the more traditional options.
It’s stylish, boasting a fun green color, adding a quirky twist to your finance management. You might find it quicker if it gets misplaced, thanks to its luminous feature.
The biggest con is it comes with an additional cost of $5.
4. Chameleon Metal Cash Card
If you’re looking for a sophisticated touch to your digital transactions, the Chameleon Metal Cash Card is a unique alternative.
This cool cash app card option brings a colorful twist to your wallet.
Pros:
Customizable to your taste.
Differentiates you from other cardholders.
It has a sophisticated multicolor design.
Heavyweight imitates a premium feel.
Cons:
There are rumors that metal cards are no longer currently available.
Being noticeable might attract unwanted attention.
Also, you can choose to get a black metal Cash Card for $50.
Not sure if you should unlock button on cash app to pay for it. That is probably not a great idea!
How do you make cool designs on Cash App cards?
Remember, “cool” is subjective, so tailor your card to represent you.
Whether it’s a movie quote for film enthusiasts, adorable flowering designs for the ‘girly’ users, or a sports team logo for sports lovers, choose design elements that reflect your personality and lifestyle.
To make cool designs on your Cash App card, follow these simple steps:
Open your Cash App on your Android or iOS device and tap the Cash Card tab.
Locate the three dots at the top right corner of your screen. Tap it and select “Design New Card”.
Begin designing by choosing a base color for your card and click on “Personalize Card”.
When it comes to card text, make sure it’s large and well-aligned for easy readability. Using clean, standard fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica will look professional and legible.
You might like to add graphic elements or simple illustrations, to make your card more visually striking.
Make this card your everyday inspiration. Go all out or keep it minimal — it’s all about you!
Tips for Designing your Cash App Design
Designing your Cash App card allows you to add a touch of personality, making not just transactions but also the medium of transaction a reflection of you.
With an array of options from inspirational quotes to your favorite emojis, from creative collages to minimalist designs, the customization possibilities are endless.
This section provides helpful tips on creating a Cash App card design that is uniquely yours.
Use these suggestions as a starting point and let your creativity shine through. R
1. Simplicity is Key
When designing your Cash App card, simplicity is your best friend.
A minimalist design using a simple color palette and clean lines can create sophistication and style. Too much information? It just makes things difficult to read.
Try these tips:
Start by choosing a design that’s easy to read.
Go for a solid color background with your impactful saying in a clean font.
Don’t cram too much onto your card.
Get creative with basic shapes or perhaps, draw a scene from your favorite movie with a stylus.
But remember, keep it simple.
2. Consider Your Personal Style and Interests
Designing your Cash App card is an opportunity to truly make it your own by considering your personal style and interests during the design process.
Is there a hobby you are passionate about?
Maybe you love reading, gaming, painting or even knitting.
Get creative, perhaps with a self-portrait or graffiti of your initials
Pick or draw a design that reflects you
Remember, this is your chance to showcase YOU on your card. Have fun with it!
3. Think About the Types of Transactions You Will Be Making
If you are currently striving towards a money goal, this is a great chance to use your spending card to get you there.
Your personalized Cash App card design will greatly enhance your user probability of racing your goals.
While a little creativity with your Cash App Card design, you want to make sure you stay without your budget.
4. Make sure it is easy to read
Simple – you don’t want a cluttered card that’s hard on the eyes.
Here’s how to ensure yours pops while remaining legible:
Opt for a straightforward design. Busy doesn’t equate to cool.
Choose a clean font. Messy typefaces smack of unprofessionalism.
Balance your color scheme. Overly bright or dark? Nah, we’re seeking a middle ground here.
Consider a stylus for freehand designs – it aids precision.
Keep it simple, keep it clean.
5. Don’t overcomplicate things
Overly complex or crammed designs make it difficult to comprehend.
Aim for a clean, minimalist vibe – it’s trendy and effective.
Remember, the last thing you want is a card you can’t read or love to use!
FAQ
You’re in for some disappointment – you can’t put a picture on your Cash App card.
Cash App lets you jazz things up with emojis, freehand art, or even your unique $Cashtag, but not personal pictures.
If this changes, we will update this post.
No, you can’t have 2 Cash App cards.
Each Cash App account is tied to one unique Cash Card account, so you can’t have multiple cards for a single account.
Keep in mind that while you can change designs, you’re still only using one card tied to your account.
Show us your Collest Cash App Card Designs
What better way to stay on budget than by giving your Cash App card a personalized touch?
By incorporating meaningful sayings, emojis that encapsulate your spirit, or a favorite anime character or brand logo, you can make your debit card an extension and reminder of your financial goals.
Perhaps your creativity stretches to a cool pattern or your childhood cartoon character, or you fancy keeping it simple with your initials or nickname – remember, the simpler, the better.
You can also play around with outdoor scenes, objects that inspire you, or even a drawing from your kids.
Whatever your design preference, your Cash App debit card design is an opportunity to make your banking experience truly yours.
And yes, feel free to share your innovative designs and ideas with us in the comments. We value your input and would love to hear from you!
And remember – the ultimate goal is to stay mindful of your spending habits and budget.
Enjoy this as a canvas of individuality in the cashless world.
Now don’t forget… where can I load my cash app card?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
You have your bathroom set up just the way you like it. Maybe it’s full of fun storage hacks, which means you’ve packed it to the gills, or maybe you finally figured out what essentials you need for a minimalist look. Either way, when it’s time to move, it’s time to pack bathroom items alongside everything else.
Packing a bathroom is tricky. You’re dealing with odd-shaped items like hairdryers, open bottles and fragile containers, as well. From the plastic bottles of shampoo and conditioner down to the bath mat, here’s how to pack your bathroom and get ready for a successful move.
Empty out all cabinets and drawers
The easiest way to understand what toiletries you have to pack is to see everything all in one pile. Take all your stuff out of your bathroom cabinets, empty drawers and pull items from the shower or tub. You can lay it all on the floor in the bathroom.
From there, you can assess the number of moving boxes you’ll need, as well as any additional packing materials. Since you’ll deal with liquid hair products, glass bottles and opened plastic bottles, among other items, you’ll need a decent amount of zip-top bags to prevent spills. In addition, to start packing you’ll need packing paper, packing tape and maybe even some bubble wrap.
Don’t forget to purge
Gathering all your toiletries together to pack everything up is also the perfect time to lighten the load by throwing out items that just shouldn’t make the move with you. These include:
Nearly empty containers of liquid hair products
Half-used bars of soap
Unused or broken bathroom appliances like that super-old curling iron
Everyday makeup that’s expired or you don’t use anymore
Expired medications (which you cannot throw in the trash)
Grimy shower curtains or bath mats
You also won’t want to pack cleaning supplies you keep in your bathroom. They’re inexpensive to replace, you’ll need them to clean your current bathroom once you’re all packed and many contain harmful chemicals movers aren’t allowed to transport. Include your toilet brush and plunger in this group, too, since they can contain germs and bacteria from being used that you don’t want to bring into your new home.
Separate your essentials
The next step before actually starting to pack a bathroom is to think about essential toiletries. It’s not uncommon to get so caught up in the moving process that you forget about that first night in your new home. If you pack up everything you’ll need that night in boxes, and it’s separated out all over the place, you’ll never find it all in time to go to bed.
The trick is to think about packing an essentials bag first to keep these items separate so you don’t accidentally pack them. Clothes and important documents belong on your essentials list, but so do certain toiletries.
Think about what toiletries you’d put into an overnight bag if you were going to stay at a friend’s house. These are your bathroom essentials and should, at the very least include:
Deodorant
Soap
Lotion
Shampoo
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hairbrush
If you wear contacts, make sure you have contact solution and a case (unless you wear dailies). If there are any additional items that go into your morning or evening routine, like eye cream, add that, too.
You also may want to consider creating a small first-aid kit for this essentials bag, as well. Grab some band-aids, painkillers and any allergy meds from your existing supply.
Set all these items aside to either put into a suitcase you carry with you or a small essentials box you clearly label so you know to open it first.
Pack your bathroom correctly
Once all that’s done, it’s time to begin packing. Grab some small sturdy boxes and start by lining each with a few clean towels. Not only will they provide cushioning, but unlike packing paper, they’ll absorb any spills that may happen.
Using small boxes ensures there’s not too much extra space to fill, and the less of that you’ve got, the less risk of stuff tipping over and spilling while within the moving boxes.
Make sure everything is completely dry to avoid the risk of mold and start to pack your bathroom items.
How to pack makeup
There are two ways to go about packing makeup when you’re working your way through the bathroom. If you’re not packing too much makeup, consider getting toiletry bags that have multiple compartments. They’re often waterproof on their own and can keep everything safe and secure. You’ll still want to bag glass containers like those holding foundation, to avoid spills, but putting specialized makeup bags into a box keeps everything much more secure.
The other method is to simply pack the makeup into a small box. You’ll want to arrange it all carefully, in layers, adding packing paper between so nothing can bang into itself. Contain all your makeup brushes and similar soft accessories in a plastic bag, and use plastic wrap as an additional layer of protection for eye shadow containers and similar items.
If you’re worried about pressed powder, you can put a cotton pad between the powder and the lid to prevent crumbling. If you’re packing nail polish, make sure to group it together in sealable plastic bags, force out the excess air and then wrap the entire bag in paper or bubble wrap. You can also get some small cushion foam pouches for all the fragile containers.
How to pack perfume
Perfume is a tricky bathroom staple to pack. It’s definitely one of your fragile bathroom items and belongs in a box with things like porcelain soap dishes and decorative glass containers. However, it also contains a liquid that can spill.
Regardless of what’s in it, wrap fragile items separately either with packing paper or bubble wrap. Empty bottles can just go into the box from there, but perfume bottles should then get put into sealable plastic bags. All fragile items should go together in boxes tightly packed and sealed, clearly labeled as fragile.
How to pack toiletries
When we’re talking toiletries, it’s all about the shampoo bottles, other liquid hair products like gel or mousse, lotions and more. Basically, anything that can spill fits into this category. Assuming everything is in a plastic container, you don’t have to worry about bottles breaking, so your priority is the lid. It needs to stay closed. Aside from making sure it’s on there really tight, you can use plastic wrap to create an additional seal. This is for already opened bottles only. Simply unscrew the lid, place a layer of plastic wrap over the opening and put the lid back on.
All toiletries should get put into plastic bags, where you’ve removed the excess air. They should then get packed into a few moving boxes upright to decrease the spill risk.
If you’re dealing with bottles with a pump on them, try to lock them into place so they can’t depress. If you can’t do that, separate the pump from the bottle and rinse and bag separately. Then, put a regular lid on the bottle or seal it with plastic wrap to prevent spills.
How to pack bathroom appliances
Since a spilled toiletry can damage anything electric, make sure your appliances go into their own moving containers. This means your hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, electric razor and more. Even better, if you can put them back into their original box, and then, box those up, everything is sure to stay safe.
If just putting items directly into the box, consider wrapping each in a towel for protection, and don’t forget to include all the appliance accessories in the box, as well.
How to pack other bathroom items
You’ve covered all the big parts to pack a bathroom successfully, but you’re probably still not done. You’ve most likely got a ton of small hair accessories laying around and a bunch of other stuff you want to get on that moving truck.
Thankfully, most of the leftover stuff is light. That means these bathroom items can go on top of heavier things in other boxes, or just get tossed into a small box on their own.
For hair accessories, toss them all into a plastic bag and put them at the top of any bathroom box. They’re not fragile and don’t need wrapping up or anything.
When it comes to shower curtains, bath mats and any towels you’ve got left over after you pack toiletries, they all make a perfect top layer for heavy boxes with stuff from other rooms.
Don’t forget to include paper products in your bathroom supplies either. Pack up your toilet paper here, too, or combine it with other paper products from the kitchen. Make sure to label this box in a way that you know it has toilet paper in it, though. You’ll want to open it pretty quickly when you get to your new home.
Pack a bathroom right
No matter how many bathrooms you have to pack up, assess how much extra stuff you can get rid of first, then, take care to bag and wrap everything up. You’ll have fewer spills and leaks when it comes time to unpack. This translates to a smoother move for everyone involved, whether you’re going a mile away or moving cross country.
When you throw a Halloween party (or any party for that matter) in a small apartment, there are a couple of minor challenges. But, where most people see limits, the true party planning expert sees possibilities. Like, Frankenstein-sized possibilities.
Here are some helpful tips on how to throw a Halloween party in an apartment. No doubt you want the guests to get a treat, rather than a rotten egg-like trick.
1. Choose between a chilling or chill theme
There are two main types of Halloween to celebrate, so it’s a good idea to choose your party’s motif before landing the old broomstick on anything else. The first type of Halloween is the kid-friendly sort, filled with décor featuring pumpkins, whimsical fake tombstones and not-so-spooky ghosts.
The other type of Halloween aims to terrify, with realistically gruesome zombies, jump-scares galore and probably more than one Stephen King character on site (Pennywise, we’re looking at you). Whichever route you take, it pays to choose one and see it through. Continuity is key! The cast of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” doesn’t really belong side by side with “The Walking Dead,” you know?
2. Get some ghoulish guests
To that end, make sure to iron out exactly what sort of audience you want. If families are coming, dial down the scary. But, if it’s adults only, feel free to go all out.
Most apartment-based events are also best kept to a limited number of attendees. Although it might be terrifyingly tempting to invite everyone you ever met, there’s only so much space to go around, which could cause the party to crash and burn prematurely. Shoot for around 30 attendees (not everyone will come, so invite a few more than that).
Also, strongly consider including nearby neighbors on the guest list. Otherwise, you might wind up with a flaming bag of poo on your doorstep. No one likes excessive noise without warning or being left out of the fun, for that matter. At the very least, a heads up on the upcoming event, plus saying “you’re welcome to stop by” goes a long way.
3. Set a not-so-dangerous date
Choose the date and time to suit your guest list, as well. Nothing petrifies parents of toddlers quite like a late evening party because that’s when the real monsters might threaten to come out. So, if kids are coming, opt for earlier in the day, and definitely not on actual Halloween night when they’ll be out trolling for candy. Otherwise, adults tend to prefer spooky soirees in the evening hours.
4. Clear the place out
If you’re tight with the next-door neighbors, ask them if you can store some extraneous furniture in their unit during the party. Or, choose a room that you don’t want people going in anyway (like the bedroom) and relocate some bits and pieces in there temporarily. Most parties need only be standing-room only, with maybe a couch or some chairs pushed up against the wall.
5. Set up a haunted micro-house
Lucky enough to have an extra bedroom or office? Transform that space into a miniature haunted “house” of sorts. It doesn’t have to go too over the top, either. Scary music, strobe light and a friend or two jumping out of the closet in zombie gear go a long way toward adding ambiance to an event.
6. Curate a creepy playlist
Nothing sets the tone for a party like a playlist. There are a ton of seasonal songs out there, but don’t feel like you have to limit the playlist to Halloween-specific tunes. Mix those in with other songs that lend the appropriate vibe, be it creepy, mysterious or scary.
Consider tunes from well-known horror flicks, like the theme from “Psycho,” pretty much anything from “The Shining” soundtrack or even classical music often featured in scary movies, such as Bach’s “Toccata & Fugue in D Minor” (you’ll know it when you hear it). Then, branch out into other pop culture favorites, like songs from the “Stranger Things,” “Us” or “Twilight” soundtracks, or even bands that lend themselves ever so slightly to the dark side, such as Marilyn Manson, Metallica, KISS, Black Sabbath and more.
At any point, you can pop in “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince for brevity.
7. Decorate safely and sparingly
Nothing says Halloween quite like flickering candles, but for the sake of safety, opt instead for battery-powered candlelight. With a lot of people rubbing elbows in a small space the real deal is far too dangerous.
Also, don’t clutter the space with too many decorations. Focus on high-impact areas, like the front door, the balcony or the previously mentioned haunted house. Otherwise, dim lights, string lights, battery-operated candles and maybe a cobweb or two are plenty. You don’t want anyone tripping over life-sized mummies, or whatever.
8. Choose space-appropriate games
An apartment is not the place to bob for apples. Leave that to the outdoor festivities. Instead, plan some activities to keep guests engaged that aren’t too space-consuming. Halloween costume contests are popular, and really encourage guests to step up their game if you give prizes. A Halloween-themed scavenger hunt, Halloween trivia or even a full-blown murder mystery are all easy to pull off with minimal extra stuff required.
9. Serve foods that won’t scare people away
Throwing a Halloween party in an apartment is not the time to serve sticky ribs or bowls of pumpkin soup, no matter how appropriate they might be for the motif. Such options are simply too messy and uncomfortable to eat standing up. Instead, offer a smattering of finger foods for guests to graze on. That way, utensils and other extra pieces aren’t necessary for people to get their nosh on. This will minimize the upfront cost and the back-end mess, both of which are good things.
Feel free to whip up a themed app or two, like meatballs that look like eyeballs or strawberry ghosts, but don’t feel obligated to get too cutesy. Instead, put a little extra effort into a signature drink or two, like Frankenpunch or Black Magic Jell-O shots. Also, don’t put all of the food and beverages in the exact same spot, unless you enjoy a logjam. Instead, designate a sideboard in the living room for certain apps, a kitchen counter for more and yet another spot for drinks.
10. Make the party literally chilling
A regular party can easily ramp the temperature way up in an apartment, but a party with people wearing costumes, makeup and even masks will really do some damage. Keep your guests from sweating their zombie faces off by cranking up the air conditioning and providing plenty of cold beverages.
Time to eat, drink and be scary
You can have a lot of fun in a small space if you know how to throw a Halloween party in an apartment. So, don’t be a scaredy-cat — start planning a ghostly event today!
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
As you’ve probably noticed, many people are traveling this summer. If that includes you, there are ways to save a bunch of money (and maybe a little sanity) while traveling this summer.
How can you navigate this high-demand travel environment while controlling costs and minimizing headaches?
Here are our top tips for travel this summer and how to overcome problems you might run into along the way.
Fly without breaking the bank
You’re not wrong if you think flights are more expensive.
Fares for summer travel have risen, sometimes dramatically, compared to both 2022 and 2019, according to data provided by the Airlines Reporting Corporation, a travel intelligence firm and ticket processor. The company says average fares were 9%-37% higher for the top 10 summer destinations, which include Yellowstone National Park and Hawaii. Flights are exorbitant to Europe this summer, too.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to reduce the cost of your flights.
Let the prices and availability decide your destination
If you want deals, this summer may be the one to let special offers inspire your next trip. Keep an eye on our flight deals, and book something that sounds interesting — either because of a good price or solid points and miles availability. The flexibility to go wherever the price is reasonable can lead to big savings.
Consider alternative airports
With prices on the rise, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports.
For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports. The New York City area has three. It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another before taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey, like flying into Philadelphia and catching a train up to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.
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Expand your search for awards when your first attempt strikes out if you want to avoid the highest prices this summer.
Use positioning flights
Positioning flights are not realistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport.
Can you get to your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago, for example? Would adding another flight to a different airport ultimately save you money or miles?
Just make sure you leave enough time between flights to avoid any unnecessary travel headaches.
Book a backup plan
If you can’t get the flight you really want, book an alternative trip with that same airline. Then, get on the standby list for the flight you really want.
Plan your itinerary so you’re at the airport in time to get on that other flight. You can also monitor other flights and take advantage of same-day change policies.
Use up your points and miles
Summertime is a great time to use up points and miles you were hoarding. One of our big pieces of advice at TPG is to earn and burn those airline and credit card points and miles. You’ll maximize the redemption value if you can use them when cash prices are high, especially if you can find a mileage deal.
Fly on a holiday
Have you noticed that flights the day before Thanksgiving are extremely expensive, but flights on Thanksgiving morning are often cheaper? That’s because everyone wants to get to their final destination before the holiday.
This phenomenon plays out during some summer holidays, too, so look to fly the morning of the holiday to see if that lowers the price. Flying on July 4 is cheaper, generally, than flying on July 3 or July 6.
Get a hotel at the right price — and place
The good thing about hotels is that there are usually a lot of options. The bad thing about hotels is that there are usually a lot of options.
Having multiple properties to choose from can sometimes make the process of picking one feel overwhelming. However, if you have a stash of points, you can use those to narrow the field.
Here are our tips for locking in the right hotel for your trip.
Instead of burning cash, consider using your points
Just like with flights, points redemptions can make a lot of sense when hotel rates are high. Do you have Chase or American Express points you can transfer to a hotel program? Or are you sitting on a bunch of Marriott Bonvoy points? Several of us at TPG like to transfer our bank points, like Chase Ultimate Rewards points, to World of Hyatt for otherwise-expensive hotels (like the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome).
Book early and use a flexible cancellation policy
Booking a refundable hotel that seems right while you finalize everything else may be the way to go, even if you’re not 100% certain you’ll stay at that hotel. Avoid “pay now” rates in favor of a room that you can change or cancel without fees. Many award bookings allow you to cancel up to a couple of days before check-in, but always double-check the terms.
Use your elite status
Some hotel programs set aside rooms for elite members or will bump non-elite guests in favor of those with status if all the rooms are booked. Taking this a step further, travelers with top-tier Globalist status in the World of Hyatt program have a concierge who can help reserve properties. Take advantage of these perks if space is limited.
Additionally, your elite status may be the key to money-saving perks such as waived resort or parking fees, free breakfast and complimentary lounge access.
Discover similar locations
If you don’t need to be in a specific location, this may be the time to change things up a bit.
For example, if you’re seeking time on the beach, consider the panhandle of Florida or even the coast of Alabama instead of Miami and other popular parts of South Florida. Think of places that seem similar but may have better pricing if you’re running into sky-high rates.
Book directly
Instead of booking a room through a portal or online travel agency, reserve one directly with the hotel. By booking directly, you’ll likely have access to more flexible terms, as hotel cancellation policies are typically more forgiving. Additionally, if something goes wrong, you’ll have an easier time changing your itinerary since you’ll be dealing with the hotel directly instead of a third party.
Consider alternative accommodations
If you can’t find hotels that work for you, consider vacation rental platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb, as well as hotel-branded vacation rentals like Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes and Accor-affiliated Onefinestay.
You can also go camping, glamping, stay in a “tiny home,” or rent a recreational vehicle for a few nights. There are even ways to use points to book vacation home rentals.
Score an affordable rental car
While not quite the same level of “car rental apocalypse” we saw in 2021, there are still some shortages of rental cars. There are already summertime sellouts happening in select leisure destinations. Hertz, as an example, is limiting one-way car rentals in Europe this summer due to supply constraints.
Even when vehicles are not sold out, demand (and prices) are still quite high, in part because car rental companies haven’t been able to completely replenish their fleets.
Planning ahead and leveraging your elite status can be the difference between getting a rental car and not getting one at all, according to Jonathan Weinberg, founder of AutoSlash.
Book first, plan later
Prices rise, and availability shrinks as you get closer to your travel dates. Take advantage of flexible car rental rules that usually provide a “pay later” option and book now, even if your plans aren’t finalized. Since car rental prices are up compared to pre-pandemic numbers, according to Weinberg, car rental prices may make or break some summer travel plans.
Use coupons or discount codes to save
If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn’t even know about.
Don’t despair if none of those reduced rates applies to you. AutoSlash can track prices and look for eligible coupon codes, too.
Leverage elite status
Having elite status with a car rental company can be the difference between getting a car and not — even if you have a reservation. That’s because cars are sometimes set aside exclusively for elite members.
Additionally, car rental program members can often skip the line at the counter and go straight to the lot, which can be what it takes to get one of the last vehicles. Luckily, you may already have a credit card that offers car rental elite status, which you could use to status match with other car rental loyalty programs.
Look beyond traditional companies and locations
Most people search for rentals at the airport with the standard companies. If you’re not finding good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte, Turo and Silvercar.
Consider a longer rental
If you have trouble finding an available or affordable rental car, try adjusting the rental period. Here’s an example of how adding one day to trigger a monthlong rental cut the price by about $3,000:
Just know you should plan to keep the car for the full rental period, as returning the car early has an inherent risk of the car rental company charging a fee or adjusting pricing back to the daily rate. However, this avenue can unveil better prices and expanded inventory.
Visit national parks for less and without the crowds
The busiest national park in 2021 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) saw 14.1 million visitors, according to statistics from the National Park Service. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska saw just 145 visitors in 2021.
While the major parks are undoubtedly busy, there are still parklands that are less frequented than others, though you’ll still want to plan ahead.
Here’s everything to keep in mind for a national park adventure this summer.
Book in advance
Many parks require advance reservations for campsites and lodging inside the park’s boundaries.
How far in advance you can book varies, but these limited reservations fill up quickly at the more popular parks. Find out when reservations open for the date you want, and plan to book as soon as possible.
Stay outside the park
You might be dreaming of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly, especially if you’re unable to pay for it with points.
However, just beyond the park, there’s probably a hotel where you can pay with points. For example, the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott points to spend.
Make reservations
Some parks limit how many people can visit on any given day. Others place limits on how many people can go on a particular hiking trail. Some locations even require you to enter a lottery to get a chance to visit.
Apply for these permits and lotteries as early as possible for a better chance of securing access.
Avoid ‘free days’
It may sound counterintuitive, but “free days” at national parks may not be the best time to visit, as they tend to be particularly busy.
Instead of visiting on a weekend, holiday or day with free admission, aim for an early morning in the middle of the week for more elbow room on hiking trails and at can’t-miss natural wonders.
Visit alternative parks
Given the sheer number of national parks, national monuments, state parks and protected areas in the U.S., there’s likely a parkland near you that isn’t regularly packed with people. In fact, there may even be a park that offers similar geography to the one you’re considering but with a slightly more remote location and, consequently, thinner crowds.
For example, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle, sees 4 million fewer visitors per year than the Grand Canyon.
Plan for maximum enjoyment with minimum stress
You may have all types of activities in mind for this summer: theme parks, a road trip to visit grandparents or even an isolated beach getaway.
To cut down on travel headaches and bank account woes for the many trips you hope to take, consider these helpful tips.
Visit amusement parks on weekdays
While summer is a peak travel season since kids are out of school, many parents are still working Monday through Friday, meaning weekdays are generally less crowded. As a result, visiting a theme park in the middle of the week and arriving early in the morning typically leads to shorter lines for rides and shorter waits at in-park dining venues. It may even help you score cheaper tickets and lodging.
Ditch major theme parks
Growing up in Ohio, I had easy access to Kings Island and Cedar Point — two great theme parks that didn’t require flying to Florida or California.
Do as my parents did when I was a kid and look for regional parks that provide a lot of fun without the hefty price tag. Getting tickets will probably be easier, plus you may not need to add flights or hotels to the list of expenses.
Book Disney reservations early
You still need actual reservations (not just tickets) for Disneyland and Disney World.
To avoid any unexpected surprises, lock in your reservation as soon as possible to guarantee access to your preferred park, as they can sell out.
Reserve airport parking in advance
If flights and airports are packed, you can expect full parking lots, too.
Reserving airport parking ahead of time can be the difference between having a spot and not — or paying extra for the premium or far-away lot. If you aren’t having any luck finding a space at the airport, try snagging one at an off-airport parking location that offers shuttle service to the terminals.
Take a road trip
When you fly, you may have to buy four tickets for your family. When you drive, you don’t have to put gas in four cars.
The price of gas has come down lately, and a road trip may be calling your name this summer. An added bonus: Driving your own car means you won’t need a rental car at your final destination.
Look for coupons and codes
You don’t usually see Marriott or Delta Air Lines on Groupon, but activities are definitely more prolific.
Watch for coupons, group deals or sales for activities you’re planning to do during your trip. From roller coasters to roller derbies, the internet offers all kinds of deals, midweek sales and discount codes for activities that can lead to big savings. AAA, AARP and other advocacy memberships can help here, too.
Buy gift cards on sale
This tip can apply to many areas of life, but it’s especially true for theme parks and other activities.
Your local supermarket, big-box store or office supply store may sell gift cards at a discount. E-commerce sites also sell discounted gift cards.
When buying gift cards, use shopping portals whenever possible and pay with a card that will earn maximum points. Once you have your gift cards in hand (or your email inbox), use them to purchase Disney tickets, a hot air balloon ride or whatever activity you’re hoping to enjoy while on vacation.
Consider a cruise
While we’ve written about sold-out theme parks and hard-to-come-by flight deals, you should know that cruises are not quite as expensive as many other types of summer vacation. You’ll often save money when you account for the costs of flights and hotel rooms for multiple nights. With a cruise, you could simultaneously unlock serious savings and avoid crowds.
Hunt for deals
Cruise deals are not as plentiful as they were at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. However, you can still find amazing deals on cruises. If you are flexible, sometimes cruise companies offer substantial deals on last-minute cruises if they have excess inventory (unsold cabins).
It’s not uncommon to see deals on cruises pop up, like this one back in March, but you need to act fast when you see them. Virgin Voyages has been offering some incredible deals this year, including a cruise for just 40,000 Virgin Atlantic points.
Look for bundles and packages
You may find that you can also save by bundling items. Search for deals on drink packages or onboard spending credits, or consider “kids sail free” options — even if the first number you see (the price for an adult) doesn’t look like a bargain right away.
Bottom line
Summer is here, and just like last year, prices and demand are through the roof.
It is possible, however, to avoid hordes of tourists if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. You may even be able to visit a popular destination without spending a fortune, having a 16-hour layover or coughing up all of your airline miles to get there.
Regardless of where you plan to go, flexibility is the best thing you can bring to your travel plans. You should book now (if you haven’t already) so you can make the most of your summer without breaking the bank.
Inside: Are you confused about how gross pay and net pay are calculated? This guide will clear everything up. Learn about the different deductions that are taken from your paycheck, as well as the tax rates that apply to your gross pay.
This is one of the most confusing questions for many people.
So, if you are wondering what the difference between gross pay and net pay, you are in the right place.
In order to become financially stable, you need to have a tiny amount of financial literacy.
If you’re like most people, you probably think of your “gross pay” as the amount of money you make before taxes are taken out. But in reality, gross pay is your total compensation from your employer before any deductions are made.
So what is “net pay,” then? Net pay is the amount of money that actually goes into your bank account or paycheck after all of those deductions are made.
Now you want to which one is more important between gross pay and net pay.
The answer is: it depends! If you’re trying to save money or make a budget, then net pay is probably more important to you. But if you’re trying to figure out how much taxes you’ll owe at the
We will dive into all of the details, you will not ever be confused again.
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What is gross pay?
Gross pay is the total amount of money earned by an employee before any taxes or deductions are taken out. It’s important to know your gross pay as it determines your overall income and can impact your taxes and benefits.
This is the total amount paid by your employer.
Knowing your gross pay is crucial for financial planning and paying taxes.
How can I calculate my gross pay?
To calculate gross pay, you need to know your hourly wage or salary, any overtime pay, bonuses, and additional reimbursements for work-related expenses.
For hourly workers, multiply the hourly wage by the number of regular hours worked within a pay period and include the overtime pay rate for any extra hours.
For salaried workers, multiply the gross monthly income by 12 to find the annual gross salary.
To calculate a paycheck, start with the annual salary amount and divide it by the number of pay periods in the year.
Find out 5000 a month is how much a year.
What deductions are taken out of gross pay?
Gross pay refers to the total amount of money an employee earns before any deductions are taken out.
As such, there are no deductions.
Learn what is annual income.
How are taxes calculated on gross pay?
Gross pay is the amount an employee earns before taxes and deductions are taken out by their employer.
Understanding taxes on gross pay is essential, as it affects an employee’s take-home pay and tax liability.
Taxes that are deducted from gross pay include FICA payroll taxes, federal and state income tax withholding, along with any state-mandated programs like this Colorado Paid Sick Leave.
To calculate taxes on gross pay, an employer uses a formula that subtracts all taxes and deductions from the gross pay amount. Learn how much you should withhold on your taxes.
Common issues that may arise during tax calculation include incorrect tax withholding and not considering voluntary pre-tax deductions. Understand why do I owe taxes this year.
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For U.S. taxpayers, you will find helpful tips in this new edition to help you apply the new tax incentives to your situation.
Tax breaks are not only for the rich. It is for everybody! You just have to take time and learn it.
What is net pay?
Net pay refers to the amount of money an employee takes home after all deductions and taxes have been taken out of their gross pay.
This is the money left over that you can spend, save, and invest.
Thus, you will be able to budget by paycheck like a pro!
How to calculate net pay?
Calculating net pay is crucial for accurate and compliant payroll management.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to calculate net pay:
Determine the gross pay based on hours worked or salary divided by the number of pay periods in the year.
Subtract mandatory deductions, including health insurance premiums, federal, state, and local income taxes, payroll taxes, and court-ordered wage attachments.
Subtract voluntary deductions, such as employee contributions to a 401(k) or other retirement plan as well as any flexible spending account.
The resulting amount is the employee’s net pay.
Learn about annual net income.
What deductions are taken out of net pay?
Net pay refers to the amount of money an individual receives after taxes and other necessary deductions have been subtracted from their gross pay.
It is a crucial factor in determining an individual’s income, as it represents the actual amount of money they take home.
There are various deductions that are commonly taken out of net pay, including mandatory and voluntary deductions.
Mandatory deductions are made in accordance with the law, while voluntary deductions are ones that employees have the freedom to opt out of.
The mandatory deductions include:
Federal, state, and local income taxes
Social security taxes
Medicare taxes
Local state or municipal taxes
Other common voluntary deductions from gross pay include:
Health insurance premiums (if signed up on a company plan)
Retirement contributions
Health savings account contributions
Flexible spending account contributions
Dependent Care FSA
Is gross before or after taxes?
Gross pay is BEFORE taxes.
Gross pay is the amount earned before taxes and other deductions are taken out. Taxes are then calculated based on the gross pay amount and deducted to arrive at the net pay. This means that gross pay is always before taxes.
Understanding the difference between gross pay and net pay is important to effectively manage finances.
Gross pay may seem like a large amount, but it is important to consider the impact of taxes and other deductions on the final amount received.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay and net pay are two important terms that employers and employees should understand.
Gross pay refers to an employee’s total earnings before any deductions are taken out, while net pay is the amount an employee takes home after deductions such as taxes, benefits, and garnishments have been subtracted.
Here are some key differences between gross pay and net pay:
Gross pay includes all earnings, such as wages, salary, reimbursements, commissions, and bonuses, while net pay is the actual amount of the paycheck after deductions.
Employers are responsible for deducting necessary expenses from an employee’s paycheck and making payments to the appropriate accounts before issuing the check or depositing the net pay into the employee’s bank account.
Gross income determines an individual’s federal income tax bracket and borrowing capacity, while net pay presents disposable income.
When budgeting for the year, starting with gross wages requires subtracting the total of taxes and other deductions to compute the actual amount left to spend from each paycheck.
Understanding the difference between gross pay and net pay is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning.
Employers must ensure proper employee taxes are collected and paid to the government, while employees need to know their take-home pay to manage their expenses.
How do gross pay and net pay work?
Gross pay and net pay are two important terms in the payroll world that employees should understand to manage their finances effectively.
Gross pay is the total amount of pay while net pay is the amount of money you have to spend each month.
Understanding the difference between gross and net pay can help employees and employers avoid confusion and manage their finances better.
What is better gross pay or net pay?
One term is not “better” than the other as they each have different meanings.
When you increase your gross pay, your net pay will rise as well.
Here is how to use gross pay to your advantage:
Provides a clear understanding of the employee’s total compensation
Helps employees plan for future expenses
Can be used as a basis for negotiating salary increases
Figure out the amount of taxes you are required to pay.
Here is how to use net pay to your advantage:
Reflects the employee’s actual take-home pay
Helps employees budget for their expenses
Provides a clear understanding of the impact of deductions on their pay
Can be difficult to compare with other job offers that list gross pay
Overall, net pay is better for employees as it reflects their actual take-home pay and helps them budget for their expenses.
However, it’s important for employees to understand both gross pay and net pay to make informed decisions about their compensation.
Why do you receive more gross pay than net pay in your paycheck?
Employees receive more gross pay than net pay in their paychecks because gross pay is the total amount of money an employee earns before any deductions are taken out.
This includes an employee’s salary, wages, commissions, and bonuses.
On the other hand, net pay is the actual amount of money an employee takes home after taxes, benefits, and other mandatory deductions have been subtracted from their gross pay. These deductions can include federal and state taxes, Social Security contributions, health insurance premiums, and retirement plan contributions.
Therefore, employees receive more gross pay than net pay.
Learn is social security disability income taxable.
FAQs
Overtime wages are included in gross pay when an employee works more than their regular hours and earns additional compensation for the extra hours worked.
This is the case for nonexempt employees who are entitled to overtime pay under federal or state law.
Net income is the take-home pay or the money that you earn on payday, which is why it may be best to focus on that number when creating a budget.
This number helps you determine how much you have to spend, save, or invest.
By tracking your expenses and using budgeting techniques like budgeting with percentages or the 50/30/20 rule, you can manage your finances effectively and make the most out of your net income.
Remember, creating a budget is about being realistic and disciplined with your spending habits, so make sure to adjust your budget accordingly as your income or expenses change.
The tax rates for gross pay depend on the specific taxes being withheld, such as federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax.
Federal income tax rates vary depending on the employee’s income level and filing status, with higher earners generally paying a higher percentage of their gross pay in taxes. Click here for the latest federal income tax brackets.
Social Security tax is a flat rate of 6.2% for the employee on the first $$160,200 of gross pay earned. Your employer must match the same contribution. (source)
Medicare tax is a flat rate of 1.45% on all gross pay with the employer matching the same percentage, with an additional 0.9% tax for high earners. (source)
Employees need to understand their tax liability based on their gross pay to accurately calculate their net pay and avoid any surprises come tax time.
Now, you Know the Difference between Gross and Net Pay
Understanding deductions and their impact on net pay is crucial for employees to accurately budget and plan their finances.
Since you know the difference between gross and net pay, you can make sure that you are getting the right amount of money in your paycheck.
Be sure to check your pay stubs carefully to make sure that all of the deductions are correct. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your human resources department.
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Today we’ll check out “Blue Spot Home Loans,” which derives its name from a combination of Blue the Cat and Spot the Dog.
Blue is apparently always on the hunt for tips and tricks to help you better understand how a mortgage works, while Spot is eager to fetch you a good mortgage rate and sniff out the perfect loan program.
Let’s learn more about this Denver area direct-to-consumer mortgage lender that says it’s proud of its “highly-competitive rates.”
Blue Spot Home Loans Fast Facts
Direct-to-consumer mortgage lender launched in 2017
Offers home purchase loans and mortgage refinances
Headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado
A division of Cherry Creek Mortgage Co.
Currently licensed to do business in 20+ states
Most active in their home state of Colorado
Also do a lot of business in California and Texas
Blue Spot Home Loans is a direct-to-consumer mortgage lender located near Denver, Colorado that offers home purchase loans and mortgage refinance loans.
They are actually the online lender division of their larger parent company Cherry Creek Mortgage, and have a pretty nifty website to boot.
Think of them as a more no-frills, straight to the point digital lender for those looking to complete a mortgage refinance quickly from a remote location.
Other than their corporate headquarters in Greenwood Village, Colorado, they don’t have any physical branches you can visit.
That should suit most folks these days as it’s now quite common to work with an online mortgage lender, pandemic or not.
One neat feature about Blue Spot Home Loans is the fact that their loan officers are salaried as opposed to commissioned, meaning they shouldn’t pressure or hassle you into a mortgage.
Per their website, they’re currently licensed in 20 states (but it might be more now), and seem to be most active in California, Colorado, and Texas.
How to Apply with Blue Spot Home Loans
You can call them up or send an email to get pricing and apply
Or simply visit their website and begin the application process there
Their loan officers are salaried-employees so you shouldn’t feel pressured
They offer a digital mortgage application and online loan portal where you can check your loan status 24/7
You’ve got a few options to get started with Blue Spot Home Loans. You can either call or email them to get in contact right away, or head over to their website.
If you visit their website, you can check out daily mortgage rates by clicking on “today’s rates,” or alternatively fill out a short lead form and wait for a loan officer to call you back.
They also give you the option to apply immediately via the website. First you need to register and then you can access the online loan portal from any device, such as a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Their digital mortgage application allows you to link financial accounts, scan and upload necessary documents, and eSign disclosures.
If you’re a prospective home buyer, they say you can get pre-qualified for a home loan in under 10 minutes.
Once your loan is submitted, you can check loan status and get a to-do list if any additional conditions must be met before closing documents are prepared.
Blue Spot Home Loans claims it can close loans fast, in as little as 14 days if no events beyond their control (home seller, appraisal or title/escrow issues) take place.
Loan Programs Offered by Blue Spot Home Loans
Home purchase loans
Refinance loans: rate and term, cash out, and streamline
Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Jumbo home loans that exceed the conforming loan limit
FHA loans
VA loans
Like all other mortgage lenders, Blue Spot Home Loans offers both home purchase loans and refinance loans.
They work with first-time home buyers and existing homeowners looking to refinance their mortgage, whether it’s a rate and term refinance or a cash out refi.
They lend on all property types, including single-family homes, condos/townhomes, and multi-unit properties (1-4 units).
You can get financing for a primary residence, second home, or investment property.
In terms of loan type, you can get a conforming loan backed by Fannie or Freddie, or a jumbo mortgage up to $3 million.
Additionally, they’ve got FHA loans and VA loans, which offer low-down and no-down payment options, respectively.
It’s unclear if they offer USDA loans or home renovation/construction loans, but if not, they could probably refer you to their parent company who does.
Blue Spot Home Loans Mortgage Rates
One advantage to using Blue Spot Home Loans is the fact that they openly advertise their mortgage rates and lender fees on their website.
So instead of having to call a loan officer, or provide your valuable contact information, you can simply cruise over to their website and generate your own free mortgage rate quotes on the fly.
They have a nifty mortgage rate table that lets you plug in various loan scenarios to compare different loan programs and closing costs at once.
You can toggle between purchase rate and refinance rates, and see both 30-year fixed and 15-year fixed rates.
Assuming you’re happy with what you see, simply click on “next,” at which point you’ll be asked to enter your contact information in order to be linked up with a mortgage loan officer.
From what I saw, their mortgage rates looked pretty competitive relative to other online mortgage lenders.
They say if you do happen to find a better rate, to give them a chance to beat the other lender’s quote.
While you can see rates and total closing costs on their website, it’s unclear what exact lender fees they charge as they aren’t listed individually.
So it’s unclear if they charge a loan origination fee, application fee, and so on. Be sure to get those details when you speak to a loan officer about a mortgage rate quote.
Blue Spot Home Loans Reviews
On Google, the company enjoys a 4.7-star rating out of 5 from just over 200 customer reviews.
They’ve got an even better 4.9-star rating on Bankrate from about 150 reviews, with 97% saying they would recommend this lender.
And on Zillow, Blue Spot has a 4.85-star rating from nearly 100 reviews, which is pretty close to perfect as well.
Remember, you can see individual loan officer reviews on Zillow if you want to fine-tune and seek out someone specific based on their past performance.
Lastly, they’ve got a 4.2 out of 5 on LendingTree from about 20 reviews, with a 79% recommendation rate. Not as good, but a pretty small sample size.
Their parent company is Better Business Bureau accredited (since 2014), and currently has a perfect ‘A+’ rating.
All in all, Blue Spot Home Loans could be a good choice for a borrower with a straightforward loan scenario looking to fund a mortgage quickly without a sales pitch.
Blue Spot Home Loans Pros and Cons
The Pros
They publicize their mortgage rates and lender fees
They use salary-based mortgage consultants
You can apply for a home loan directly from their website
Offer a digital mortgage application and borrower loan portal
Inside: A biweekly budget is a budget that is broken into two-week periods. Learn how to create biweekly budgets and download your free template.
Many people create budgets, but only a few budget on a biweekly basis.
That is an interesting statistic because 43% of Americans are paid on a biweekly pay period (source).
So, the thought process is more people should be interested in learning knowing how to create a biweekly budget. But, in reality, most people give up on budgeting or move to a budget-by-paycheck method.
Recently, we moved over to a biweekly pay period. And thus, we quickly had to change how we focused on budgeting.
While most financial bloggers and gurus would agree, budgeting with biweekly paychecks makes the whole concept of budgeting hard.
While biweekly budgeting isn’t easy, it can be done!
This post will show you how to create an easy-to-manage and effective biweekly budget so that you can conquer your financial goals in the most efficient way possible!
We will go through the exact steps I use to create a biweekly budget to cover two weeks’ worth of expenses, get one month ahead on your bills, or adjust your planning to cover your monthly expenses.
This is a basic example, and you should use your own personal situation when developing your own budget.
Do you struggle to keep your finances on track? If so, here are some tips for creating a biweekly budget.
What is a biweekly budget?
A biweekly budget is a budget that takes into account a person collecting a paycheck every 14 days. This type of budget is beneficial for those who are paid on a biweekly schedule, as it allows them to plan their spending more effectively.
However, many people find it difficult when bills are due on a monthly basis.
Difference between biweekly and semi-monthly paychecks
When receiving paychecks twice a month happens with two types of pay schedules either biweekly or twice-per-month. The difference between these two schedules is the number of checks per year.
Those who are paid biweekly receive 26 checks per year, while those who are paid twice-per-month receive 24 checks per year.
Making a budget on a biweekly income can be difficult because the total number of checks received in a year varies depending on the pay schedule you have.
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How does a biweekly budget work?
A biweekly budget divides your budget into two parts, one for each paycheck that is received. This can be helpful for those who want to better track their spending or for those who want to save money.
It can be helpful to think of your biweekly budget as two separate budgets – one for bills and one for everything else.
When you create a biweekly budget, you are essentially creating two budgets over the span of ten months. Then, in the other two months, you will receive three paychecks; thus, need to create three budgets.
Since many monthly expenses remain the same when switching from a month budget to a biweekly budget, knowing which expenses should be increased or decreased beforehand can make the process smoother.
Additionally, it is helpful to know how much money you will need for each check. That way, you won’t have to worry about bouncing checks or accidentally overdrawing your account.
How to create a biweekly budget
Creating a biweekly budget is a great way to start getting your finances in order. You can either create your own template or use one of the many templates that are available online for free.
One popular template is ours!
Money Bliss Biweekly Budget Template (see below to get your copy). This template is available as a free download and can be used in conjunction with our budget binder. The planner allows you to track your income and expenses, as well as financial documents such as bills and bank statements.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when creating a biweekly budget:
Adjust your budget as needed.
Be flexible when adjusting to this 2 week budget style.
Compare your regular expenses to your spending from the past month.
Now, here are the steps to creating a biweekly budget that works.
Step 1: Print out a calendar
You need to print out the dates you get paid from your employer. On the biweekly paycheck, Fridays are usually pay dates; you just need to know which Fridays!
So, print out a blank calendar. Write down when you get paid along with when your bills and expenses are due.
This will help you get an idea of where you are spending your money and where you can cut back.
Many people find it helpful to color code by category and add stickers. This will help you see your budget at a glance.
Step 2: Put in a buffer
This will help ensure that you don’t have to worry about going into debt if something unexpected comes up.
Ideally, you should try to save at least two weeks’ worth of living expenses so that you know you’ll be able to cover your costs even if something goes wrong.
For us, all of our income goes into an “income checking” account. Then, at the beginning of the month, we transfer money into our “bills checking” to cover our expenses for the month.
Then, we always have at least one month of expenses on hand – just in case.
Step 3: Organize expenses
The easiest way to do this is by category. There are a few different ways to categorize your expenses, but the most common are:
Fixed or recurring expenses: These are expenses that happen every month, like rent or utilities
Variable or occasional expenses: These are expenses that happen each month but vary in amount, like groceries or entertainment
Annual or quarterly expenses: These costs are less frequent, but take a good chunk of your budget like an annual insurance payment or kid’s sports fees
One-time only expenses: These are one-time only costs and you don’t anticipate them again.
For most people, the struggle happens when organizing expenses. The expenses you “forgot” about are what blow your budget. Honestly, these are not forgotten expenses – just something you forgot to plan for.
Step 4: Focus on Zero Based Budgeting
Additionally, it’s important to use a zero-based budgeting approach.
With this method, you start by assigning every penny of income a job, whether it be for rent, groceries, or savings. This way, you can make sure that you’re not overspending each month.
A zero-based budget is a type of budget that starts with the assumption that there is nothing in your bank account.
This includes both predictable and unpredictable costs.
In the next steps, you will lay out what paycheck will cover what bills.
For example, some costs, like your rent or mortgage payment, will likely stay the same from one biweekly period to the next. By taking into account both types of expenses, you can get a more accurate picture of how much money you will need each pay period.
Learn more about zero based budgeting.
Step 5: Write your first biweekly budget
Writing a biweekly budget is the first step to creating financial stability. It’s important that you set up a plan for each paycheck to make sure your bills get paid.
When creating your first biweekly zero-based budget, you’ll want to start by paying your immediate obligations. This includes any bills or fixed expenses like rent or car payments that are due during the first pay period. After that, focus on covering your variable expenses such as groceries, gas, or eating out.
To make sure every dollar has a job, you should consider these tips:
If you have any leftover money at the end of the month, send it to your savings or make extra debt payments.
Make sure that each category in your budget has a specific amount assigned to it.
Keep track of your spending so that you can stay on track and adjust as needed.
Paying your most important bills first is a crucial step in making sure that your finances are on track.
Step 6: Write Your second biweekly budget
The second biweekly budget is a budget that’s typically created for the 2nd paycheck of the month. This budget would cover the next two weeks and may need to cover expenses at the beginning of next month before you get paid again.
Just like creating a budget plan for the 1st paycheck, you will do the same again. Prioritize any fixed expenses first, then add in variable expenses or sinking funds to contribute to.
In order to make your budget as accurate as possible, you should account for fluctuations in your expenses. This is where the buffer comes in – you put a certain amount of money aside each month to cover any unexpected costs. Then, you can start planning for them in the upcoming months.
Once again, if you have leftover money after budgeting for the two weeks, you can either send it to your savings account or start paying down your debt. If you choose to save, make sure that the money is in a place where it will earn interest and grow over time. If you choose to pay down debt, make sure that the payments are more than the minimum amount due so that you can see results quickly.
Step 7: Start tracking
Now that you have your biweekly budget template set up, it’s time to start filling in the numbers and track your budget. This part can be a little tricky, but with a little effort, you’ll be able to save money and get ahead on your debt payments.
First, take a look at your income and expenses for the month. How does this compare to what you’ve budgeted? If you’re coming in under budget in some areas, great! You can either use this extra money to bolster your savings or make extra debt payments. However, if you’re over budget in some areas, don’t worry – we’ll work through that below.
Next, take a look at your sinking funds.
These are accounts where you save money each month to cover specific expenses. How much money do you need to save each month in order to cover your bills? If you’re not sure, take a look at your past bills and use that as a guide. Once you know how much money you need to save, divide it by two and put that amount into your biweekly budget.
This will help ensure that you always have the money you need saved when the bill comes due.
If you have any leftover money after filling in your budget, send it to savings or make extra debt payments.
You can also use this extra money to invest in yourself (by taking classes, for example), but be careful not to overspend!
Creating and sticking to a biweekly budget is a great way to start saving money and getting your finances under control.
Biweekly budgeting tips
When it comes to budgeting, biweekly budgets can be a helpful way to streamline the process. By taking an hour or so at the beginning of each month to set up your budget, you can avoid potential headaches down the road.
It’s also important to remember to write everything down! This includes both fixed and variable expenses.
Tip #1 – Change Due Dates of Bills
If you’re having trouble with your bills, don’t hesitate to call companies and ask them to change the due dates.
This is something I do whenever I open a new credit card. I want the credit card date to close at the end of the month.
Tip #2 – Age Your Money
You may also want to save up for one month’s worth of expenses so that you always have a cushion in case something unexpected comes up.
This is also the first step to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
When you have a cushion of savings, you’re less likely to fall into debt if something unexpected happens.
Tip #3 – Track Your 2 Week Budget
There are plenty of tools for budgeting out there. In fact, here are the best budgeting apps available.
It offers a variety of helpful tips for getting started, as well as ways to automate time-consuming tasks. With this tool, you’ll be able to improve your budgeting and financial insights in no time!
Many popular options include a budgeting app, Excel, or Google Sheets. Pick what works best for you
Tip #4 – Focus on Your Goals & Finances
In order to be successful, you’ll need to set financial goals for yourself and make plans to achieve them.
As with any other goal, it’s easier said than done! It can take a lot of time, work, and effort to reach your goal.
If you’re not sure where to begin or what goals are right for you, here are some examples:
This is just a sample of the types of goals you can set. If you’re not sure where to start, just think about what’s important to you and your family.
What are some financial goals that you have? Write down your goals and make a plan to achieve them.
What to avoid when you’re paid biweekly
When you’re paid biweekly, there are a few things you should avoid in order to make the most of your money.
You need to learn which payment type is best if you are trying to stick to a budget.
Since biweekly budgeting can be more difficult, you need to know the pitfalls to avoid.
Pitfall #1 – Spending All your Money Too Quick
First, don’t spend your money as soon as you get it. This will leave you with nothing left for the following two weeks.
When having to use one paycheck to cover most of your big expenses like mortgage/rent or insurance, that leaves very little money for groceries or gas
Try to have a savings goal and save for that.
For example, don’t wait until the end of the month to spend all your money. This can help you save more money and have something left over at the end of the month.
Pitfall #2 – Forgetting Bills
Second, don’t forget to budget for bills and other expenses. Make sure you have enough money to cover your costs, especially those non-frequent bills like car registration.
By doing this, you’ll be able to ensure that you have enough money each week to cover what you need.
Pitful # 3 – Quit Bi-Weekly Budget Completely
Yep, I get it budgeting your paycheck over a 2-week budget is difficult. It may feel like pushing a square through a circle. It takes a different mindset and a little more planning to make it happen.
If anything, try to avoid impulse buys. Wait until the next paycheck and see if you still want the purchase. That will help you not to overspend on unnecessary items.
What to do when you have a third paycheck?
This is the BEST benefit of a biweekly paycheck. Twice a year, you will receive 3 paychecks in a month instead of just two.
Looking forward to having a third paycheck, you can either save it or spend it.
If you save it, you can use it as a down payment on a house or invest it in a retirement fund. If you spend it, you can use it to pay down debt, remodel a house, buy a new-to-you car, or go on a vacation.
There are a few things you can do when you have an extra paycheck:
Use it to pay down debt: If you have high-interest debts, using your third paycheck to pay them off can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Invest it: If you’re comfortable with taking on some risk, investing your extra paycheck could lead to bigger returns down the road.
Sinking Funds: Those yearly expenses can weigh heavily on your budget. So, set extra money aside for those payments.
Put the money towards your goals: Whatever your ambition is, here is money to help you get there faster.
Spend it on something fun: Obviously, this isn’t the smartest option, but if you’ve been working hard and deserve a little treat, go for it!
Just make sure that you’re not spending more than you can afford.
Free Printable Bi weekly Budget Templates
There are a number of different printable 2 week budget templates that can help you get your finances in order. Most of them are simple and easy-to-use, and they’re not scary to look at. In addition, many of them have templates that you can download and/or punch holes into so that you can use them as binders or notebooks.
One great option is the budget tracking worksheet. This cute template is simple yet effective, and it will help you track your spending each month.
How do you make a monthly budget with biweekly pay?
There are a couple of ways to make a monthly budget if you receive biweekly paychecks. You can either budget by paycheck, divide out your expenses between biweekly paychecks, or focus on a monthly budget.
If you choose to budget by paycheck, you’ll create a new budget for each pay period and then stick to it. This method gives you a better understanding of the flow of money in your bank account and will help you keep track of your bills more carefully.
The other option is to budget monthly, which is for people who live paycheck to paycheck. In this case, you would budget off 24 paychecks and make plans for your two budget paychecks. Then, two of your paychecks would be budgeted for the monthly budget.
However, many people argue the Budget-By-Paycheck method can help reduce stress since it allows for more flexibility.
In either case, it’s important that you track your spending throughout the month so that you can make adjustments as needed.
Time to Create Your Bi weekly Budget Calendar
This budget will be a little more complicated than your monthly budget because your paychecks are not always going to be paid on the same day of the month. However, most of your bills are usually fixed and don’t change from month to month.
So, you need to plot out which bills you will pay with each paycheck ahead of time in order to make sure you have enough money to pay them all and keep them organized.
It is important to remember that when creating your budget, you need to give yourself some grace to make sure it works for you while you work on perfecting your budgeting style.
For us, having a buffer of money in our “income checking” account takes away the stress of bills and anxiety that we will run out of money. We understand that we need to use sinking funds for those variable expenses.
However, it is important to note that a biweekly budget tends to forget events such as birthdays or vacations from being considered in spending plans. So, make sure to include them.
Now that you have a good idea of how much money you make and how much money you need to live comfortably, it’s time to start creating your biweekly budget.
Also, taking time to understand your personal financial statement is important.
From all of the free and paid budgeting apps, here are our top budgeting apps to check out!
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Personal Capital Advisors Corporation (“PCAC”) compensates Money Bliss (“Company”) for new leads. (“Company”) is not an investment client of PCAC.
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