Everyone has heard of Nashville. It’s not called Music City, U.S.A. for nothing! Most people think the city is all about country music, cowboy boots and line dancing, but locals know the Nashville facts that are the truth behind the stereotypes.
It has great weather and amazing views. Some of the most unique architecture in the country is here. Two U.S. Presidents are buried in or near Nashville. As for music, sure we’re the home of country music, but Elvis also recorded more than 200 songs at RCA Studios. Here are a bunch of other Nashville facts known only to locals.
39 facts only real Nashville locals know
1. BBQ is a separate food group. Don’t argue about it. Just try all the different kinds and decide on a favorite. Not all of them involve pork and tomatoes. Barbecue chicken with Liquid Gold barbecue sauce is a national treasure.
2. Named “The Athens of the South,” Nashville is the only city in the world that has a replica of the Parthenon from Athens, Greece. You can find it in Centennial Park.
3. The city hosts Tin Pan South, the largest festival for songwriters in the world. Songwriters of all genres, not just country, descend on the city every spring for the weeklong festival. Many perform their work on street corners, as well as at local music venues.
4. The creators of Maxwell House Coffee did it in Nashville. President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly gave the brand its famous tagline “Good to the last drop” when he tried it on a visit to the city.
5. The Grand Ole Opry has been airing weekly for 94 years. It’s the longest-running show in the entire world. It’s still carried on the radio, as well as on TV and the auditorium is always packed with a live audience. Good luck getting tickets if you don’t make plans in advance!
6. Revolutionary War general, Francis Nash, is the inspiration for the name Nashville. The city was founded in the middle of the war in 1779.
7. The famous music scene began with African-American gospel groups, not country music. It all started with the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University way back in the 1870s. Emancipated slaves studying at the university were the first members of the group. They traveled the country to raise money to fund the school. The group is still around and continues to travel and perform.
8. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is an overrated tourist attraction that’s not worth the admission price except in December. That’s when Opryland turns into a true wonderland that delights Christmas lovers of all ages. It’s the best Christmas display in the city.
9. The first seeing-eye guide dog in the United States was trained in Nashville by a native named Morris Frank. He left his studies at Vanderbilt University to travel to Europe to find out more about the seeing-eye dogs he’d heard about. He returned with his first guide dog, Buddy, and began training more. The foundation he created, The Seeing Eye, is still in Nashville.
10. Hunting for the best apartments in Nashville is easier and more fun compared to other cities. There are many types of apartments to choose from here. Nashville is more affordable than most other big cities, too!
11. Nashville is where the phrase “Old Glory” became popularized to describe the American flag. It started in the Civil War when a retired sailor named William Driver retrieved his hidden flag and flew it over the city after the Union Army recaptured it from the Confederates. He referred to his flag as “Old Glory” and the nickname caught on.
12. Famous thoroughbreds War Admiral and Seabiscuit were both born in Nashville. Move over, Louisville. They’ve got the Triple Crown winners right here in Nashvegas. Belle Meade Plantation, which bred both horses, is open to the public for tours. They also offer tastings at the on-site winery.
13. Every neighborhood in Nashville is distinctive and has its own personality. You’re sure to find one that suits you perfectly.
14. The architecture at the Country Music Hall of Fame is better, but the real country music history is at the Johnny Cash Museum. They’re proud of their favorite native son. (Yes, he was born in Arkansas, but they overlook that small flaw.)
15. Pancake Pantry’s pancakes aren’t worth the wait. Neither are the biscuits from Biscuit Love. They’re both overpriced restaurants that cater primarily to tourists. Many other restaurants have pancakes and biscuits that are homemade, just as good and don’t require an hour-long wait.
16. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack IS worth standing in line for. Be prepared to drink a bucket of water to douse the heat. That chicken is hot, hot, hot.
17. Nashville was the first city in the South to desegregate public businesses. The protests and sit-ins that led to the victory sparked civil rights advocates in other cities to do the same.
18. RCA Studio B stays decorated for Christmas since Elvis recorded his first Christmas album there in the middle of July. The Music Row Studio is open to the public year-round.
19. Goo Goo Clusters were created in Nashville and are still made right here. The company makes over 3 million pounds of chewy confection every year.
20. The city has thriving hip-hop and rap scenes. Some of the best rappers have come from Cashville, including Young Buck, Lil Queze and Starlito.
21. Speaking of music, Nashville has a ton of live music venues and might be the only place in the world where you can listen to bluegrass, walk next door to catch a country concert, then go downstairs to listen to a rap battle and finally finish off the day by driving down the road to listen to the Nashville Symphony perform.
22. Nashville has more people working in the music industry than anywhere else in the country, including Los Angeles and New York. Over 60,000 music industry jobs are in Nashville. That’s four times as many as the next nearest city.
23. No one really knows what goes on in the Batman Building downtown. Supposedly, it’s owned by AT&T and is an office building for them, but locals aren’t so sure. Could Bruce Wayne have an office on the top floor?
24. Nashville has the only music studio left in the entire world that can record music directly on vinyl records. The Blue Room is part of Jack White’s Third Man Records and has live performances, too.
25. The only American to ever become President of a foreign country was born in Nashville. William Walker became Chief Executive of Nicaragua in 1856.
26. Ryman Auditorium started off as a meeting place for local gospel churches. It was only later converted into a concert venue. It’s been a designated Historic Landmark since 2001.
27. The Frist Art Museum is an underrated landmark. It’s one of the only museums on the National Register of Historic Places. The building itself is a work of art in the Art Deco style. It was the main post office!
28. Nashville is home to the oldest FM radio station in the country. It’s another reason for the nickname “Music City.” In fact, local legend has it that it was one of the DJs for this music station back in the day that first called Nashville by the famous moniker.
29. The Gulch is still an old hippie neighborhood, despite the new businesses moving in. It’s still the best place to find eccentric shops and bars. There’s no better location in town to hear eclectic music, either.
30. We’re the only city other than Los Angeles to ever host the Grammy Awards. They’d love to do it again if anyone from the Recording Academy is reading this.
31. Sri Ganesha Temple and Sanctuary will transport you to another time and place. It’s a replica of Hindu Temples built in India between 900 and 1100 AD. The temple welcomes visitors and holds tours daily, but it is a working temple, so it closes periodically during the day for services. There’s a restaurant and a gift shop on-site, too.
32. Nashville has the largest Kurdish community in the U.S. More than 15,000 Kurds call Nashville home, though the U.S. Census has yet to recognize the refugees from Iraq. The community calls its neighborhood Little Kurdistan.
33. Percy Priest Lake is the best place to go boating and hiking despite the entry fee, which is only $5, anyway. There are miles of trails and campgrounds, as well as plenty of boat ramps.
34. Nashville is home to over 678,000 people. It’s the biggest city in the state of Tennessee and is rapidly growing. Its population has grown by almost 13 percent since 2010 and it’s the 23rd largest city in the United States. More and more people are discovering the charms of Music City and deciding to call it home!
35. The monument to Lysicrates in Athens was the inspiration for the Tennessee State Capitol building, which is one of the oldest capitol buildings in the country still operating. President James Polk and his wife are buried on the grounds.
36. Even people who don’t like country music will admit that the architecture at the Country Music Hall of Fame is amazing. From the front windows designed to look like piano keys, to the physical representation of recording technology evolution that makes up the rotunda’s roof, it’s worth visiting just to see the building.
37. The Honky Tonk Highway is the nickname for an area of South Broadway that has bars and other venues playing live music — and letting it flow outside onto the streets —from 10 a.m. every morning until 3 a.m. the following morning. Many of the venues have multiple floors and they rarely publish their playing schedules in advance. Sometimes, music stars just show up and start playing.
38. President Andrew Jackson lived just outside Nashville on an estate named The Hermitage. He’s buried on the grounds. The estate is now a museum dedicated to the history and the President’s life.
39. Wave Country is the place to go during the summer. The freshwater swimming pool and water park complex can easily be an all-day affair to help the family keep cool during the hot Southern summers. There are concession stands but you can also bring your own picnic. You can even bring a tent if you like.
Did we miss any Nashville facts?
Residents are proud of their city and heritage. If you’re moving to Music City, you can find apartments in Nashville here.
Did we forget any Nashville facts that we should have included? Did we get anything wrong? Let us know in the comments below!
Attorney General Kamala Harris wants to put the brakes on most foreclosure sales in the state of California, according to a letter obtained by Bloomberg.
Apparently Harris sent a letter to Edward DeMarco last week, the acting director of the FHFA (which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), asking that foreclosure sales be suspended while the agency determines if principal reductions are in the best interest of homeowners.
Long story short, DeMarco has been against offering principal reductions to distressed homeowners who hold Fannie and Freddie backed mortgages, mainly because of the cost burden to taxpayers, and also over concerns it may lead others to strategically default.
Principal Reductions Only Go to Those Behind on the Mortgage
You see, principal reductions probably wouldn’t be offered to homeowners unless they were behind on mortgage payments, and/or in the process of foreclosure.
This has led many to call the practice unfair, as it rewards the “irresponsible homeowners” and punishes those who keep up with their obligations.
However, the recently agreed upon National Mortgage Settlement includes $10 billion directed toward principal balance reductions (the lion’s share), which calls into question what should be offered to those with Fannie and Freddie backed loans.
That settlement doesn’t cover Fannie and Freddie loans, and is only good for mortgages tied to the nation’s five largest mortgage loan servicers, including Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo.
Harris pointed out in the letter that California has already secured a minimum of $12 billion in principal reductions from banks, and noted that they are the most meaningful solution for homeowners and most cost effective for investors.
Additionally, she said the FHFA’s data itself revealed that principal reductions would best serve taxpayer interests, who happen to be on the hook for Fannie and Freddie’s losses.
Are Principal Reductions the Answer?
A month or so ago, I actually argued against principal reductions on loan modifications (shocking I know). For the record, it’s not about politics.
I noted that the cost of refinancing high-cost mortgages to today’s ultra low mortgage rates is much cheaper compared to offering principal reductions, and more equitable.
It’s easier to swallow for other homeowners, including the underwater ones that aren’t behind on their mortgages but also need payment relief.
The lower rates alone can serve as a means to lower payments and keep borrowers in their homes. And also increase homeowner optimism.
Principal reductions, on the other hand, may just be a drop in the bucket for many California homeowners.
After all, data from way back in 2009 revealed that the average negative equity on foreclosed properties in the state was a staggering $200,000.
So if the average underwater homeowner receives $20,000 off their mortgage, will it have any meaningful impact? I doubt it.
The smaller principal reductions may work in other lower-cost regions of the nation, but in California, where home prices were/are sky-high, I doubt there will be enough money on hand to justify such a move.
Roughly 60 percent of the mortgages in the state of California are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so any action they take will be significant.
Tresinski’s idea to use this throw, which she would have otherwise discarded, was a good move. The deeper texture contributes to the illusion that this is a piece of furniture. The fringe-y throw has a lot of body and calls to mind the corded, ribbed, and sometimes even shaggy ottomans, covered with everything from boucle to faux fur, that have been popular for years. Ultimately, you can choose any fabric that works with your decor. Bonus points if you bought it for your living space and you haven’t redecorated; it will fit in. A less dimensional weave will work just fine, and there’s no reason you can’t add some poly fiber padding if you’re concerned that it will turn out looking like a cloth-covered paint bucket. Use your imagination; ottomans with playful fabrics are enjoying a fashionable moment.
You don’t have to use the same fabric on the lid. Choosing a different pattern or texture will call attention to the fact that this piece is for storage. Still, unless your fabric choice is as quirky as Teresenski’s, that might be obvious anyway. It’s intuitive to find something similar for the lid, but don’t be afraid to play with contrasting colors and textures. And if you’re more interested in dressing up the bucket than disguising it, you can skip the lid entirely and craft toy buckets for a child’s room. They’re fun and useful, and you can keep the handle.
The Essentials is a weekly series interviewing notable people in and around Columbia about some of their favorite things
After several years selling and refurbishing antiques on Instagram, Ansley Whiteside has found a brick-and-mortar location for Turner and Moss, her shop that features homewares and art on Saluda Avenue in Five Points.
The shop is filled to the brim with goodies; tons of candles and votives and glassware line the walls and antique furniture dominates the corners of the tiny shop, but the effect isn’t overwhelming. It’s like stepping into a well-loved home with a touch of whimsy, and that’s exactly what Whiteside wants people to feel.
“I really wanted to figure out a way to incorporate everything that I love,” Whiteside said. “Not just the antiques and vintage but also the small makers, the artists, people that I personally have had in my home or follow… just things that I loved.”
The shop is a haven for homemakers and entertainers looking for unique plateware or a fun set of glassware — both items Whiteside said are essential in entertaining guests at one’s home.
Whiteside gave Free Times tips and tricks to entertaining, a pastime she heartily enjoys:
It’s about the details
I want everybody to feel like they’re just having a good time and they look at their watch and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve gotta go.’ I want all the little details covered and I just want them to just enjoy, kick back, relax. So, setting up a bar, things like that. It’s all those little details.
Light some candles
I always just like to have candles lit around the house. I think it’s important. It’s cozy. It smells nice. … Even in the daytime. I do it because it’s smells good, and I’m not as big of a baker. I wish I was, but I feel like (lighting a candle) is my equivalent to baking cookies to sell a house.
Drinks at the ready
I love everybody to have a drink when you walk in. So we have some really cool vintage champagne buckets for setting up the bar. We’ve got an assortment of these. These are something I’ll always collect because I love that they make something fancy, casual. It makes it seem more approachable and chill. Which I think is great. Oh, and cocktail napkins.
I like a batch cocktail. Southern Living does a great — I forget the exact one I have it written in my recipe box — bourbon punch. But it’s just awesome. And it’s easy to do ahead of time. And I like gin, so a gimlet is really easy to reproduce in a batch. So I do that, and then I also love anything with Prosecco.
Mix it up
Always have glassware, an assortment of glassware. I’m all about the mix. I like to mix modern glassware with antique glassware, but if I find like a full set that’s not chipped, it’s coming to the shop.
And then china. I’m all about china; I love china. Mixing and matching the china is great, it’s all about layers. And I’m always looking for fun pieces.
When setting a table, you can totally mix and match, which is also the fun of it.
Make an effort so guests don’t have to
(Setting the table) makes people feel like you took the time to make it special. And I’m all about like making it easy. To give those details and give that feeling — with the brass candlesticks, it’s an easy way to elevate your tablescape real, real quick. (And actually light the candles.)
Maintaining a spotless home is essential for your well-being and comfort, and to achieve this, you need the right cleaning gear. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top cleaning supplies and tips every young renter should have and why they are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. We broke our cleaning supplies list down by room to save you time, so scroll to a specific room if needed.
Why keeping a clean home is important
Keeping your house clean offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. On the physical front, a clean home reduces exposure to allergens, dust and harmful bacteria, which can help prevent respiratory issues and allergies — and not to mention, needless illness.
Regular cleaning also promotes physical activity, as tasks like vacuuming, mopping and decluttering engage your muscles and contribute to a more active lifestyle. Moreover, a tidy and organized living space minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries, such as slips and falls.
Mentally, a clean home can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. A clutter-free environment promotes mental clarity, allowing you to focus better and feel more in control of your surroundings. The act of cleaning itself can be therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and order in your life. Additionally, living in a clean and organized space can boost your self-esteem and overall well-being, as it fosters a sense of pride and comfort in your home.
Essential cleaning supplies list for every room
Before we dive into room-specific cleaning essentials, let’s start with the basics that are indispensable for maintaining a clean home regardless of the room.
Cleaning gloves: A pair of durable cleaning gloves is your first line of defense against dirt and germs. They protect your hands from harsh chemicals and ensure you can tackle even the messiest cleaning tasks with confidence.
Cleaning caddy: Invest in a portable cleaning caddy or bucket to keep your cleaning supplies organized and easily accessible as you move from room to room.
Trash bags: Keep a stash of high-quality trash bags on hand. Regularly emptying the trash (think once per day) is key to maintaining a clean space.
Multi-purpose cleaner: Opt for a versatile, all-purpose cleaner that can be used on various surfaces. This will save you money and space compared to having specialized cleaners for every surface. If you want to go the natural route, we’ve provided some low-cost, DIY cleaning solution ideas below.
Kitchen cleaning essentials
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so keeping it clean is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics.
Dish soap and sponges: You’ll need these to hand wash dishes and clean countertops, sinks, and appliances.
Oven cleaner: To tackle baked-on grease and grime in your oven, a specialized oven cleaner is a must.
Refrigerator cleaner: Keep your fridge smelling fresh and bacteria-free with a dedicated refrigerator cleaner.
Dishwasher detergent: If your apartment comes with a dishwasher, make sure you have a good quality detergent to keep your dishes sparkling clean.
Bathroom cleaning supplies
The bathroom is another area that requires regular cleaning and sanitizing to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew and bacteria.
Toilet bowl cleaner and brush: A dedicated toilet bowl cleaner and brush are essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic toilet.
Tile and grout cleaner: To keep your bathroom tiles looking pristine, invest in a tile and grout cleaner.
Shower and tub cleaner: Prevent soap scum and grime buildup in the shower and bathtub with a specialized cleaner. Some of them have mold and mildew cleaning agents that keep buildup in check.
Glass cleaner: For mirrors and glass surfaces in the bathroom, a good glass cleaner is a must-have for streak-free surfaces.
Living room cleaning essentials
The living room is where you unwind and entertain guests, so make sure to keep it clean and inviting.
Furniture polish: Keep your furniture looking its best with a quality furniture polish.
Carpet cleaner: If your living room has carpeting, a carpet cleaner or stain remover is essential for tackling spills and stains.
Electronics cleaner: Safely clean your TV, computer screen and other electronics with an electronics-specific cleaning solution.
Bedroom cleaning necessities
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so it’s important to keep it clean and comfortable.
Bed linens spray: A bed linen spray can freshen up your bedding between washes, creating a cozy sleeping environment.
Mattress protector: Protect your mattress from spills and stains with a waterproof mattress protector.
Dust cloths: Dusting regularly is essential for maintaining a clean bedroom. Microfiber dust cloths are effective at trapping dust and allergens.
Eco-friendly cleaning options
If you’re environmentally conscious, consider incorporating eco-friendly cleaning supplies into your arsenal.
Biodegradable cleaning products: Look for cleaning products that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Reusable cleaning cloths: Reduce waste by using washable and reusable cleaning cloths and sponges instead of disposable ones.
DIY cleaning solutions
For those on a budget, DIY cleaning solutions can be just as effective as store-bought products.
Distilled white vinegar and baking soda: These two household staples can clean and disinfect various surfaces.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural degreaser and can add a pleasant, energizing scent to your cleaning solutions.
These cleaning products keep your house clean and green
If you prefer store-bought green cleaning products, there are many options available.
Plant-based cleaners: Look for cleaning products that are made from plant-based ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals.
Certified Green products: Some cleaning products carry certifications like the Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice, indicating they meet specific environmental and safety standards.
Cleaning tools and accessories
To efficiently tackle cleaning tasks, you’ll need the right tools.
Mops and brooms: A good quality mop and broom are essential for keeping your floors clean. If you want an AI-powered version of either or both, there are now robot brooms and mops available for sparkling floors, but they’re pricey.
Microfiber cloths and sponges: Microfiber cloths are excellent at trapping dust and dirt, making them versatile cleaning tools.
Vacuum cleaners: If your apartment has carpets, invest in a vacuum cleaner that suits your space and needs. If you have more than one pet or a heavy shedder, consider a vacuum specifically geared toward eliminating pet hair concerns.
Organizing your cleaning supplies
Now that you have your cleaning supplies, it’s crucial to keep them organized for easy access.
Storage solutions
Shelving or cabinets: Consider adding shelving or a cabinet in a convenient location to store your cleaning supplies neatly.
Labels: Use labels on containers and shelves to ensure you can quickly locate the right cleaning product.
Time-saving techniques
No one has endless hours to devote to cleaning tasks. Here’s what you can do to stay on track and clean more efficiently so you can get back to what you actually enjoy at home.
But first, declutter
Before cleaning, declutter the space to make cleaning more manageable. Decluttering nearly automatically decreases mess because it’s one less item you have to clean — or an obstacle to clean around. Plus, a decluttered space is one that collects less dust.
Try a room-by-room approach
Clean one room at a time to stay focused and maximize efficiency. Some people have even suggested closing the door to the room until it’s clean to keep you from noticing things you might need to clean or tidy in surrounding areas.
Deep cleaning vs. routine cleaning
All of the products and techniques we outlined above apply to both deep cleaning and routine cleaning, but it’s important to know the difference between the two.
Routine cleaning for a healthy home
Regularly scheduled cleaning tasks are considered preventative because they help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes per day to take care of routine cleaning tasks, like washing dishes, vacuuming, tidying or cleaning kitchen counters eliminates the need for a deep clean later. If it helps keep you on track, stick to one area at a time: Committing to clearing one counter will save minutes and hours later.
Deep cleaning for a spotless home
Not everything can be taken care of by the spot cleaning we mentioned above. Whether you’ve let cleaning tasks pile up for a while or you just want a total cleaning reset on your home, deep cleaning might be your best bet. Set aside time for deep cleaning sessions to tackle more thorough tasks like cleaning the oven or scrubbing tile grout.
Basic cleaning supplies checklist
To recap, here are all the house cleaning supplies and organization tools mentioned in this article, listed for your convenience. Next time you’re headed to the store, make sure you have all the supplies we discussed here.
What you need:
Cleaning gloves
Cleaning caddy or bucket
Trash bags
Multi-purpose cleaner
Dish soap and sponges
Oven cleaner
Refrigerator cleaner
Dishwasher detergent
Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
Tile and grout cleaner
Shower and tub cleaner
Glass cleaner
Furniture polish
Carpet cleaner
Electronics cleaner
Bed linens spray
Mattress protector
Dust cloths
Reusable cleaning cloths
Vinegar and baking soda
Lemon juice
Plant-based cleaners
Certified Green products
Mops and brooms
Microfiber cloths and sponges
Vacuum cleaners
Start your pre-spring clean today!
In conclusion, having the right cleaning solutions and supplies is essential for keeping your apartment clean and comfortable as a young renter. By investing in these essential cleaning supplies and following a cleaning schedule, you can maintain a spotless home that you’ll be proud to call your own. Whether you prefer eco-friendly options, DIY solutions or traditional cleaning products, there are plenty of choices on our cleaning supplies list above to suit your cleaning needs.
Home is where the cleaning happens, after all. Still looking for a place to call your own? Browse our available apartments for rent today.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on Tuesday announced a series of legal requirements lenders must adhere to when using artificial intelligence (AI) or “other complex models” when making decisions about the creditworthiness of borrowers.
“The guidance describes how lenders must use specific and accurate reasons when taking adverse actions against consumers,” the CFPB said in the announcement. “This means that creditors cannot simply use CFPB sample adverse action forms and checklists if they do not reflect the actual reason for the denial of credit or a change of credit conditions.
Requirements like these become “especially important” due to the evolving pace of using advanced algorithms and personal consumer data in consumer credit underwriting, the Bureau said. Explaining why certain actions are taken will also improve consumers’ future chances for credit while protecting against illegal discrimination.
“Technology marketed as artificial intelligence is expanding the data used for lending decisions, and also growing the list of potential reasons for why credit is denied,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in a statement. “Creditors must be able to specifically explain their reasons for denial. There is no special exemption for artificial intelligence.”
In the consumer credit marketplace, the use of advanced algorithms often marketed as “artificial intelligence” is increasing. AI and other predictive decision-making technologies are increasingly being intertwined with underwriting models, the Bureau said.
“Creditors often feed these complex algorithms with large datasets, sometimes including data that may be harvested from consumer surveillance,” the announcement explained. “As a result, a consumer may be denied credit for reasons they may not consider particularly relevant to their finances.”
Certain creditors may also “inappropriately rely on a checklist of reasons provided in CFPB sample forms,” but the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) does not permit creditors to “simply conduct check-the-box exercises when delivering notices of adverse action if doing so fails to accurately inform consumers why adverse actions were taken,” the Bureau said.
A circular published in 2022 detailed that ECOA requires creditors to “explain the specific reasons for taking adverse actions,” a requirement that remains in force even if such companies “use complex algorithms and black-box credit models that make it difficult to identify those reasons.”
The guidance handed down on Tuesday expands on the perspective shared in that 2022 circular by explaining that “sample adverse action checklists should not be considered exhaustive, nor do they automatically cover a creditor’s legal requirements.”
Reasons for “adverse actions” such as credit denials must be specific and avoid the generalities that may arise from the sample language previously provided by the CFPB. Failure to provide enough detail about a particular decision and instead rely on a “broad bucket” remains just as applicable for advanced algorithms as anything or anyone else.
“Creditors must disclose the specific reasons, even if consumers may be surprised, upset, or angered to learn their credit applications were being graded on data that may not intuitively relate to their finances,” the CFPB said.
Welcome to Murfreesboro, TN, a city brimming with Southern charm and a rich history that’s as vibrant as its present. If you’re contemplating a move to this delightful city nestled in the heart of the Volunteer State, you’re in for a treat. Beyond the beautiful landscapes and friendly locals, Murfreesboro has a treasure trove of fascinating and fun facts that make it an ideal place to call home.
In this Redfin article, we delve into 10 fun facts about Murfreesboro, from its Civil War significance to its thriving cultural scene and green spaces. So whether you’re on the hunt for a home in Murfreesboro, TN, or you already call this city home, read on to learn why Murfreesboro is such a special place to live..
1. The city has a rich history
Murfreesboro played a pivotal role in the Civil War, serving as the site of the Battle of Stones River, one of the most significant conflicts in American history. History enthusiasts will find themselves in their element as they explore the Stones River National Battlefield, an area that preserves the memory of this historic event. Walking the hallowed grounds, you can trace the footsteps of soldiers, gain insight into the strategies employed, and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. It’s an opportunity to connect with the past and understand the enduring impact of the Civil War on Murfreesboro and the nation as a whole.
2. The city was originally named Cannonsburgh
Murfreesboro’s name carries a unique history. Originally called Cannonsburgh in tribute to Tennessee politician Newton Cannon, the city underwent a name change to honor Colonel Hardy Murfree. However, “Murfreesboro” can be a bit of a tongue-twister, so it’s commonly affectionately referred to as “The ‘Boro” by the locals, a more succinct and friendly nickname.
3. You can enjoy a relatively low cost of living
Compared to larger cities in Tennessee, Murfreesboro offers a more affordable cost of living. In fact, the cost of living in Murfreesboro is 9% lower than the national average.
If you’re looking for an affordable Nashville suburb to call home, Murfreesboro might be perfect for you. Located 34 miles southeast of Downtown Nashville, Murfreesboro is actually the largest suburb of Music City. Housing costs are relatively low, with a median sale price of $407K, nearly $53K lower than the Nashville housing market and almost $15K below the national median sale price.
4. There is a vibrant arts and culture scene
The Murfreesboro Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub for entertainment, featuring a diverse range of performances, from concerts and dances to enchanting magic shows and compelling theater productions. Since its inception in 1962, the Murfreesboro Little Theatre has captivated younger audiences, breathing life into the stage. Additionally, don’t miss the annual FolkFest every second week of June, where you can immerse yourself in a delightful showcase of global songs, dances, and performances from around the world.
Murfreesboro’s vibrant arts scene comes alive through the Boro Art Crawl, a bi-monthly event that beckons art enthusiasts and locals alike. This creative extravaganza spotlights the talents of local artists, providing a platform for them to showcase their work to the community.
5. The picturesque downtown encapsulates the city’s charm
Downtown Murfreesboro boasts a charming, historic district filled with unique boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions. A leisurely stroll down the picturesque Main Street reveals the city’s small-town charm and rich heritage. Quaint storefronts offer an array of treasures, from handmade crafts to vintage finds, while local eateries serve up delectable cuisine. The district also hosts a variety of cultural events, art galleries, and historical sites, making it a vibrant hub where past and present coexist harmoniously.
The community gathers together at the square for events like the annual Christmas tree lighting and trick-or-treating. It’s where you’ll find festivals like Jazz Fest and Friday Night Live.
6. Murfreesboro boasts a thriving music scene
Tennessee is famous for its music, and Murfreesboro is no exception. The city has a vibrant local music scene, with live performances happening regularly in various venues, making it a haven for music lovers. Whether you’re into country, rock, blues, or indie tunes, Murfreesboro offers something for everyone.
7. Murfreesboro is a tight-knit community
Murfreesboro boasts more than just historical landmarks and vibrant green spaces—it’s renowned for its tight-knit community. The warmth and welcoming nature of its residents foster a sense of belonging rarely found in larger cities. Whether it’s neighbors helping each other out or the whole town rallying behind a cause, the spirit of unity in Murfreesboro is palpable, making it a truly special place to call home.
8. You can get your nature fix within the city limits
Murfreesboro’s natural beauty shines through its abundant parks and green spaces, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Barfield Crescent Park and Gateway Island are prime examples of the city’s commitment to preserving nature. Barfield Crescent Park boasts expansive trails, a pristine lake, and picturesque picnic areas, inviting residents to hike, bike, or simply unwind amid lush surroundings. Gateway Island, on the other hand, offers serene gardens, tranquil ponds, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation or contemplation.
9. Murfreesboro was the capital of Tennessee before Nashville
Nashville may be recognized as Tennessee’s capital today, but its historical predecessor was Murfreesboro, which held the title from 1818 to 1826 due to its strategic accessibility to the rest of the state. Dive into these intriguing historical facts and explore the rich tapestry of Murfreesboro’s past at the Oaklands Historic House Museum, where a wealth of captivating history awaits discovery.
10. You can step back in time in Cannonsburgh Village
Step back in time to the 1800s in Tennessee at the captivating Cannonsburgh Village. This meticulously preserved village provides an authentic glimpse into a century of Tennessee’s history. Explore its charming streets, featuring a gristmill, a schoolhouse, a telephone operator’s residence, a museum, a caboose, an enchanting old wedding chapel, a bustling blacksmith’s workshop, and even the world’s largest red cedar bucket. It’s a nostalgic journey that immerses you in the rich heritage of the region.
Fun facts about Murfreesboro: the bottom line
Murfreesboro, TN, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich historical roots with a vibrant present, offering a diverse range of experiences for those considering a move here. From its pivotal role in American history to its thriving cultural scene, lush green spaces, and strong sense of community, Murfreesboro has all the ingredients to make it an exceptional place to call home.
Inside: Looking to celebrate Christmas on a budget? This guide has you covered with creative and affordable ways to do just that.
Are you stressed out about how to afford a fabulous Christmas on your budget? Worry not.
This festive season isn’t about how much cash you fork out, it’s about creating lasting memories and spreading joy.
Why let financial woes dampen the joyous yuletide spirit when you can celebrate a charming Christmas on a budget?
Remember, it’s your money, your decisions, and your rules – no guilt trips or social pressures should force you into spending Christmas in debt.
Today you will learn:
Determine your Christmas budget: Figure out what’s a comfortable amount for you to spend and stick to it religiously.
Be creative with gift giving: Homemade presents or heartfelt letters can be more valuable than pricey items.
Find simple ways to save money: Use these money saving tips to enjoy a festive holiday season.
This holiday season, celebrate responsibly, within your means, for a Christmas that’s merry, bright, and totally guilt-free!
Why Celebrate Christmas on a Budget?
Embracing a budget-friendly Christmas can prove to be not only a smart choice but one filled with warmth, delight, and genuine joy.
Enjoy valuable family bonding time with exciting games and shared activities. Volunteer work, a day of holiday baking, or a simple drive-through Christmas lights sightseeing trip can leave a lasting impression. Look through this Christmas bucket list.
Opt for economical, yet thoughtful gifts or stick to fun gift exchange rules, such as the “four gift rule” for your kids. Remember, it’s the sentiment behind the gift that matters the most.
In essence, an economical holiday season needn’t be a dull affair, rather it’s an opportunity to make it more heartfelt and unforgettable.
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 to buy for Christmas on a tight budget?
Yes, friend, you can buy meaningful Christmas gifts while sticking to a budget.
In fact, the thought behind a gift is often what makes it special, not the price tag.
A few ideas include homemade gifts, gift cards, subscriptions, and second-hand items. With a little creativity, you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list without spending a fortune.
Below you will find plenty of great gift guides for Christmas that won’t break the bank.
Benefits of a Budget Christmas
1. Allows you to plan ahead and stay on track 2. Prevents overspending 3. Buy gifts that are within your budget 4. Focus on quality over quantity 5. Ensures that everyone gets a gift 6. Helps you avoid debt during the holidays 7. Prevents you from feeling stressed out about money during the holidays 8. Be creative and come up with unique gifts 9. Save for next year’s holiday budget 10. Stay connected to the spirit of the holidays
Savings with Christmas on a Budget
From homemade Christmas decorations to unique gift ideas, it’s possible to create magical moments that’ll last a lifetime without a hefty price tag.
Embrace the true spirit of Christmas – love, family, and togetherness, rather than commercialism, and read on to discover how.
Learn the simple ways to celebrate the festive season without breaking the bank with our creative and budget-friendly Christmas ideas.
1. Think about a No Gift Christmas
Having a No Gift Christmas is a creative and budget-saving alternative to traditional holiday festivities, especially suitable if funds are tight. Why not consider it?
Here are some benefits:
You can alleviate the holiday stress often associated with spending on gifts.
It fosters the idea of Christmas as a season of togetherness, not just gift-giving.
It offers the potential for unique and memorable experiences, like volunteering or creating fun traditions with your loved ones.
Remember, having a memorable Christmas doesn’t have to cost much, or anything at all Learn more about a no gift Christmas.
2. Make Your Own Gifts
DIY Christmas gifts are your perfect solution. They not only save pennies but are laced with your love and creativity.
Start by exploring plenty of creative gift ideas available for free online. Need help? Look for “homemade gifts for Christmas” and you’ll be surprised.
Compile a list of possible gifts from homemade candles to personalized coupon books, keeping the recipient’s likes in mind.
Remember, your efforts will reflect in your gift. So, unleash your creativity and let the magic begin.
3. Borrow Instead of Buy
Borrowing instead of buying is a clever way to have a festive holiday while keeping things budget-friendly. This concept is simple: swap decorations, games, or even gifts with friends, neighbors, or family
Discuss your idea with your circle and organize swapping parties to exchange items.
The key is to creatively engage and make it a fun, budget-conscious activity. After all, Christmas is about sharing and caring!
Remember, return borrowed items in their original condition to maintain trust.
4. Attend Free Events
The Christmas season doesn’t have to be a strain on your wallet. Attending free community events can provide fun and festive celebrations:
To find these events, check your local newspaper or community websites. Be sure to:
Take advantage of free refreshments, but also bring your own to share.
Consider hosting a potluck dinner before or after community events.
Attending free events supports your local community.
Remember, Christmas is about togetherness, not extravagant spending.
5. Make Your Own Decorations
To create a festive atmosphere this season, you could repurpose items around your house or make your own decorations.
Choose a color theme and gather items in those shades, then place them together on a mantel or coffee table to create a coordinated layout.
For a natural touch, clip pine needles, branches, or herbs from your garden, and enhance them with glitter.
Additional budget-friendly options include taking advantage of sales and discounts at thrift stores or crafting handmade decorations such as ribbons from fabric strips or Christmas cookie ornaments.
6. Keep Track of Your Christmas Expenses
Just like throughout the year, budgeting is critical to your financial success.
Nothing changes with Christmas, it is crucial to track and budget your holiday expenses. Jot down every potential cost – from the Christmas tree, and food, to holiday décor.
Be thoughtful about what you really need and opt for items you can use for years.
This is one of the cash envelope categories I recommend saving for. To effectively manage your expenses, assign specific dollar amounts to each item on the list, ensuring you stay within your budget.
Enjoy guilt-free spending and effortless saving with a friendly, flexible method for managing your finances.
Start Your Free Trial.
7. Share the Spirit
Embracing frugality during the holiday season can not only help you save money, but can also create memorable experiences and meaningful connections.
Small gestures, such as sending heartwarming physical letters to loved ones instead of emails, can still convey thoughtfulness and spur the holiday spirit.
By centering your holidays around family activities and endeavors, like homemade ornaments or a scavenger hunt with small gifts, the focus shifts from materialism to fellowship and unity.
Find more frugal Christmas ideas.
8. Check Out Bargain Stores
Bargain stores provide the perfect solution for savvy holiday shoppers looking to save money without compromising on quality or variety. Not only can you find unique, quirky gifts, but you can also keep a lid on your spending while doing so.
Stores like consignment shops or websites such as Craigslist often have high-quality used toys that are nearly new if you’re willing to look carefully.
Another option is to look at discount retailers like TJMaxx as they often host sales during the holiday season, making it even easier for you to save money while hunting for the perfect gifts.
9. Save Money Throughout the Year
Automating your savings for the Christmas season can be a practical and efficient strategy. The 100 envelope challenge is perfect for this!
By setting aside just $50 each month, you could accumulate up to $600 by December, providing a decent budget for your holiday expenses. This method can ease the financial stress during the holiday season, letting you enjoy the festivities without worrying about overspending.
Consider setting up automatic transfers to a high-interest savings account. This ensures your Christmas funds grow without your intervention.
Lastly, try a no-spend month where you only cover essential bills, giving your savings a significant boost.
10. Start a Side Hustle for More Money to Spend
Engaging in side hustles throughout the year can help you significantly cover your holiday expenses.
By delivering food, completing microtasks, selling gently used items, or shoveling snow, you create extra earnings that can go directly into your Christmas fund.
For instance, extra income from a seasonal retail job could help finance gift-purchasing without straining your usual budget.
This strategy not only prevents potential post-holiday debt but also allows you to enjoy the season without financial stress.
In fact, more people are interested in how to make money online for beginners.
This is the perfect side hustle if you don’t have much time, experience, or money.
Many earn over $10,000 in a year selling printables on Etsy. Learn how to get started by watching this free workshop.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a full-time income while working from home, you’re in the right place!
This intensive training combines thousands of hours of research, years of experience in growing a virtual assistant business, and the power of a coach who has helped thousands of students launch and grow their own business from scratch.
11. Shop Online Instead of Going to the Mall
Shopping online for your Christmas gifts can seriously ease your holiday stress, and potentially save you money.
Let’s explore why skipping the mall and clicking your way to a merry Christmas might be your best bet this year:
No dealing with holiday crowds or cranky shoppers.
Enjoy sales and deals without leaving your home.
Track prices over time to grab the best deals.
Use Rakuten to save even more money on purchases.
For smart online shopping, prepare a list of gifts before diving in. Take advantage of the “wish list” option on platforms to curate items of choice and make sure you first glance over deal sites before making purchases.
12. Have a Christmas Potluck
Host a festive potluck! Invite friends and family, asking each to bring their favorite dish.
Here are some tips for a successful event:
Get organized and ask guests to bring specific types of food. This prevents duplicate dishes and ensures a balanced meal.
Introduce a fun element. Try a cookie swap or a silly game like “Guess the Cookie.”
Keep decor simple. A large vase filled with greenery and baubles can effectively replace a pricey Christmas tree.
Remember simplicity is key in food and decor. Costly ingredients and complicated recipes aren’t prerequisites for a memorable Christmas.
Remember, the holiday is about togetherness, not extravagance!
13. Make Your Own Cookies
There’s a unique pleasure derived from making your own cookies during the holiday season instead of buying them. More so, the cookies you’ve invested your time and creativity into can double as thoughtful, homemade gifts, adding another level of sentiment.
Apart from being a cost-effective option, it brings an opportunity to bond with friends and family during cookie exchange or decorating gatherings.
Making your personally crafted cookies also gives you control over ingredients catering to specific dietary needs or preference
Indeed, making your own cookies adds value that surpasses the mere cost savings, it infuses the holiday season with warmth, joy, and a sense of shared experience.
14. Cross Off Activities from your Christmas Bucket List
Having a joyful Christmas doesn’t necessarily mean overspending. In fact, integrating cost-effective activities into your holiday routine can make the season more meaningful and fun.
This Christmas Bucket list post offers an extensive and diverse list of creative ideas for budget-friendly Christmas shopping, gifting, and celebrating.
Additionally, downloading the free printables and a Christmas Budget Template will make the process even more manageable and fun.
15. Have a No-Gift Party
A no-gift Christmas party is an affordable and fun holiday celebration where attendees do not exchange gifts. It’s a great option for those looking to save money and still enjoy the festive season.
Here are steps to make it happen:
Step 1: Decide on the party type, either a simple gathering or a potluck dinner.
Step 2: Inform guests about the no-gift policy in advance.
Step 3: Organize exciting, cost-effective activities such as a game night.
Step 4: Engage guests with games for a joyful event.
Expert Tip: Conversation and laughter are your best tools.
16. Make a Christmas Memory Book
Creating a Christmas memory book is an affordable and engaging way to celebrate the holiday season, especially when you’re on a tight budget.
To start, you can utilize items already at your disposal in your house such as old photos, greeting cards, and crafts.
Spend some time penning down heartfelt messages and your favorite holiday memories associated with each picture or craft. Embellish the pages with affordable decorating materials like glitter, stickers, or color pens.
Not only does this create a personalized touch, but it also serves as a nostalgic keepsake that can be cherished for years to come.
Tip: Digitize your memory book by creating an electronic version. This can also help preserve the original items.
17. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Celebrating Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean skipping on the fun.
It’s about cherishing time spent with loved ones, harnessing creativity, and making priceless memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some cost-effective activities you can embrace this festive season:
Share stories of memorable Christmas experiences.
Organize virtual celebrations with extended family and friends.
Create your own family-themed board game.
Bake Christmas cookies or make a popcorn Christmas tree.
Stream a Christmas church service.
If snow is around, engage in snow play.
Dance to classic Christmas music.
Put together an annual family calendar.
Participate in one of these Christmas Challenges!
Remember, it’s not about what’s under the tree that matters, but rather, who’s around it.
18. Stash Christmas presents all year
Do what I do! Begin addressing the issue of holiday budgeting by stashing Christmas presents all year round.
This is a smart and stress-reducing move!
Find deals throughout the year rather than spending lavishly in December. Hang on to items like discounted gifts in your secret gift closet!
As you build an inventory of diverse items, you will be ready for birthdays or sudden party invites – you’re always prepared!
Just be careful to stop shopping when your list is fulfilled to avoid overspending.
19. Write a Christmas Gift List
Creating a Christmas gift list can be an effective way to manage your holiday spending. This helps you understand the overall picture of your holiday expenditure.
Start by writing down the names of every person for whom you consider buying a gift.
Then, determine how much you’re willing and able to spend on each individual. This helps you understand the overall picture of your holiday expenditure.
Take time to brainstorm potential gift ideas within your decided budget for each person. This process can be even easier and more informative if you’re able to reference a gift list from previous years.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that your total intended spending is reasonable and manageable for your personal financial situation.
Remember, you may not need to buy gifts for everyone on your list – some individuals might appreciate homemade or free gifts just as much.
20. Choose Great holiday things to do for less
Set aside the societal notion of linking the joy of holidays to copious spending, and welcome small, inexpensive, yet heartfelt gestures.
Adopting a mindset that finds value in low-cost or even free activities, especially during the holiday season, can not only alleviate financial pressure but also create cherished memories.
Instead of focusing on extravagance and materialistic desires, turning attention to experiences and emotional bonding can revolutionize the celebration!
You can always find things to do on Christmas Day.
21. Think Outside the Box With Gifts
Finding affordable gifts doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or thoughtfulness.
By utilizing a gift guide such as the 4 gift rule – something they want, need, to wear, or read – you can ensure a well-rounded and meaningful set of gifts for each child.
Alternately, consulting lists of inexpensive yet creative suggestions like those curated by Money Bliss can help you find unique presents that won’t break the bank. These affordable finds range from books, gadgets, to personal care items, and home accessories.
Regardless of budget, the key to successful gift-giving lies in understanding the recipient’s needs and interests.
22. Consider Re-Gifting
Re-gifting is a practical, budget-friendly, and environmentally-friendly way to celebrate Christmas. It allows unused or unwanted items another chance to be appreciated and might save you some cash too.
Here are some regifting tips:
Ensure the gift is in good condition, unwanted but quality, and not linked back to its original giver.
Consider the preferences of the new recipient, ensuring the gift suits them.
Completely re-wrap the gift to give it a fresh appearance.
Some may debate the etiquette of re-gifting but remember, it’s more about the thought and less about where the gift originated.
Making smart choices can ensure a successful and fun re-gifting experience this festive season.
23. Use Gift Cards or Cash App to Stay on Budget
Purchase a prepaid gift card from your favorite store to ensure you’re limiting your spending to a specific amount and preventing the temptation of overspending.
If you’re planning to shop from a range of places, opt for a Mastercard of Visa prepaid card. While there may be an activation fee, it’s ultimately going to be less than what you’d potentially overspend.
Another great option is using the Cash App card and learn where you can load your Cash App card.
Also, you can use budget tracker apps like YNAB or Simplifi. These can help you meticulously keep track of your spending and stay within your budget.
Remember, the key is to stick to a budget and avoid falling prey to impulsive purchases. Using gift cards or these budgeting apps makes it easier to limit and monitor your expenses.
24. Use Money Gift Ideas Wisely
Money gift ideas can be an excellent alternative to traditional presents, especially when budgeting is a critical aspect.
Too many times, money gift ideas are overlooked as impersonal, but a money gift box or money cake will definitely surprise the recipient.
This will guarantee you will stay within your target budget by using money gift ideas.
For larger families, a gift exchange with a set price limit can keep costs manageable.
25. Donate to Charity Or Volunteer
Volunteering at a charity is a meaningful way to give back during the holiday season that doesn’t put a strain on your budget.
Instead of buying more items a person may not need, you’re investing time, money, and energy in causes they care about. Although this doesn’t require a financial commitment, it’s a generous gift full of sentiments.
Furthermore, donating money to a charity in someone’s name is a thoughtful and effective way to honor someone who already has everything they need. It allows the recipient to feel the joy of giving, yet remains a budget-friendly option for the giver.
If you’re keen on frugal yet meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas, how about considering charitable donations? It’s a splendid alternative to traditional gift-giving – not hard on your wallet, plus it makes a difference!
Most people know it is hard enough to buy gifts for the woman you who has everything or kids who have everything.
How to Make a Christmas Budget
A lot of joy and goodwill is associated with the holiday season; however, it also brings with it the challenge of managing finances meticulously to avoid slipping deep into credit card debt.
One of the effective ways to keep your finances under control during this festive time is by creating an efficient Christmas budget.
In the following sections, we will delve in detail into the simple process of creating a feasible Christmas budget that you can adhere to.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Spend on Christmas
Determining how much to spend at Christmas depends on your individual budget and financial situation.
On a general basis, most people will overspend at Christmas in order they don’t look broke or not generous.
However, that thought process is backward if you are trying to reach your financial goals. You need to decide on how much you want to spend at Christmas time.
That is why these consumable gifts tend to be popular.
Expert Tip: Avoid surpassing your Christmas budget to prevent feeling the pinch of holiday debt later on. Stick to your allocations and plan things out in advance.
Step 2: Make a List of Christmas Gifts
Creating a list is essential for budget-friendly and stress-free Christmas shopping.
This prevents you from forgetting someone important by intuitively documenting all the people you intend to get gifts for. Also, allows for the clear allocation of your total Christmas budget, preventing overspending on some individuals and under-spending on others.
If you aim to economize, consider the 4-gift rule: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. This method provides thoughtful gifts for children while maintaining a manageable budget.
More importantly, a well-planned list significantly reduces the time spent shopping and aids in buying gifts early before the holiday rush begins.
Expert Tip: Don’t forget to consider items like stocking stuffers, last-minute gifts, or teacher’s gifts, and the cost of extra food for holiday gatherings.
Step 3: Prioritize Your Spending
Prioritizing where to spend money relative to your financial goals is crucial to achieving long-term financial stability and health. It ensures that your money is allocated effectively, giving priority to necessities and matters that directly support your objectives.
This practice can also prevent unnecessary expenditures and helps in averting serious overspending, especially during high-spending periods like the Christmas season.
Thus, you will need to prioritize your Christmas budget before the festive season. It helps prevent overspending and keeps you debt-free.
Step 4: Limit Your Christmas Spending
First, it is important to abandon the notion of a “perfect Christmas” and focus on enjoying the holiday within your budget.
You can even educate your family members about the concept of holiday budgeting and involve them in your planning process.
Consider proposing less expensive alternatives to traditional gift-giving within your extended family such as handmade or recycled gifts, or conducting a white elephant exchange with budget-friendly novelty items.
Don’t overlook smaller gifting costs that can accumulate, like Christmas stockings – instead fill them with practical, affordable items that your family needs.
Save money on wrapping supplies by using items readily available at home like newspaper or butcher paper and involve the kids in a fun, cost-saving activity by having them create homemade gift tags.
Remember, sticking to your budget doesn’t mean letting go of the Christmas spirit. It’s about celebrating responsibly and starting the New Year without financial stress.
Step 5: Ignore Sales and Keep it Simple
Sales, sales, sales – the deal is too good to pass up!
Here are key ways to overcome this common dilemma.
Resist impulsive purchases compelled by sales, and stick strictly to your shopping list.
Pause before purchasing an item not on your list, consider the necessity.
Keep emotions in check, they run our shopping decisions.
Conquer emotional spending, stay true to your budget.
Discourage additional spending once your list is fulfilled and the budget exhausted.
Remember that it’s better to focus on affordable presents rather than seeking the perfect, but expensive, gift.
Step 6: Shop for Christmas Gifts Early
Start early. Begin watching for sales on items from your Christmas gift list way before the season’s rush.
Begin monitoring for sales early, especially during holidays that precede Christmas, to stretch your budget further.
Make use of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. They provide excellent opportunities to snag deals on your gifts.
Expert Tip: Remember to stick to your list. If it isn’t on your list, pass it up. It’s challenging but keeps your budget in check.
Step 7: Reuse and Recycle Holiday Decorations
Start by taking stock of items in your house. Don’t limit yourself to traditional decorations—choose a color theme and scan your home for items that fit and can be repurposed.
Use the resources outdoors. Pine branches, pine cones, mistletoe, and holly can be fashioned into decorations from nature’s catalog.
Even consider trading decorations with friends or family. This can bring a new look to your home without the need for new purchases.
Get creative with items from dollar stores that can be combined to appear high-end and save costs.
How to buy gifts for Christmas on a budget?
Maintaining a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy giving gifts this Christmas.
Use these gift guides to help you out:
Remember, the joy is in the giving, not in the cost of the gift.
Time to Create Your Holiday Budget and Make it Memorable
Regardless of your financial situation and the extent of your holiday plans, this guide will help you maintain financial stability while fully embracing the Christmas spirit.
By setting aside a prescribed sum for your holiday expenses, you’re able to enjoy the season without the stress of unexpected expenditures or financial shocks after the holiday haze has cleared.
Celebrating Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean skipping the fun or the warmth.
With just a dash of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can make the yuletide season enjoyable and meaningful without breaking the bank.
Use the festive tips provided and start planning your budget-friendly Christmas now. Remember, the true essence of Christmas isn’t in extravagant spending—it’s about love, joy, and spending quality time with those who really matter to you.
Don’t forget to access a free printable worksheet for your customized holiday budget.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Staying at a hotel so famous that it’s printed on a country’s currency isn’t something that was on my travel bucket list. In fact, I didn’t even know that such a hotel existed. But it turns out that the Grand Pacific Hotel in the capital of Fiji is famous enough to earn that honor.
While it’s no longer the most luxurious hotel in the country, the Grand Pacific Hotel is still the go-to hotel for celebrities, politicians and business travelers when visiting the Fijian capital of Suva. Here’s what it’s like to stay at this historic hotel.
During my stay in April 2023, the Grand Pacific Hotel still operated as an independent IHG hotel — not flagged as any particular IHG brand. However, the hotel is in the process of joining the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand.
At the time my wife and I booked our stay, award nights at the Grand Pacific Hotel cost a steady 30,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. As an IHG® One Rewards Premier Credit Card holder, I received a fourth night free on this stay.
That means my four-night stay only cost 90,000 IHG points. At NerdWallet’s valuation of 0.7 cent per IHG One Rewards point, that’s approximately $630 worth of points.
An equivalent cash booking cost $1,006 total at the time we booked. That means this fourth-night free award booking netted around 1.1 cents per point in value.
The Grand Pacific Hotel is located on harborfront land in the Fijian capital of Suva, surrounded by some of the nation’s most important sites. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the nation’s seat of power, historic Thurston Gardens and the Fiji Museum.
Directly in front of the hotel, you’ll find Albert Park. This expansive park has hosted dignitaries throughout the years, was the site of the unveiling of the new Fijian flag when the archipelago gained independence from the British and remains a center of Fijian culture.
During our stay, Albert Park constantly bustled with life — from soccer and rugby practices to a cricket tournament featuring teams from all across the island nation.
The Grand Pacific Hotel is located just south of other Suva highlights. The bustling Suva Municipal Market, historic Carnegie Library and shopping streets are all located within a mile.
The Grand Pacific Hotel is the most storied hotel in the country of Fiji — so much so that the hotel is featured on the back of the Fiji $10 bill. Originally opened in 1914, this fittingly named grand hotel has hosted a long list of celebrities. Among the most famous are Queen Elizabeth II during several visits to the once-British colony and Charles Kingsford Smith in his famous “Southern Cross” flight from the U.S. to Australia in 1928.
A display case near the entrance to the hotel displays memoirs of the hotel’s past.
Photos of the hotel’s history line the walls of the original building, with plenty of photos of Queen Elizabeth’s multiple visits fittingly surrounding the so-called Queen Elizabeth Suite.
The hotel maintains a “Wall of Fame” with the many politicians and celebrities who have stayed at the hotel. Next to the Wall of Fame, the hotel hangs a mirror with the label “our most important guest of all.”
Accommodation
The original Grand Pacific Hotel building hosts just 10 so-called “heritage rooms” and suites. These are the classic rooms originally built in 1914 but updated in a 2014 remodel.
However, there’s much more to the Grand Pacific Hotel than just these 10 rooms and suites. A 2014 expansion added the Harbour and Kingsford Smith Wings to the hotel — adding over 100 new rooms. Most of the rooms in the Harbour Wing offer a balcony with an angled view over the pool or harbor.
At the far end of the Harbour Wing are 16 harborfront rooms and suites — eight standard rooms plus eight so-called “Grand Pacific Club” corner rooms.
As a Diamond Elite, I received an upgrade to one of these harborfront rooms, which was dubbed “Daveta” per a sign next to our door.
This harborfront room offered an expansive view of the beautiful — but surprisingly quiet — Suva harbor.
The nice — if a bit plain at first glance — room offered all of the standard amenities you might expect from a hotel room. The king-size bed visibly consisted of two twin beds but was plenty comfortable.
The 42-inch flat-screen TV offered only around a dozen mostly sports-related channels.
A minibar fridge came stocked with around a dozen self-serve drinks. As is customary in Fiji hotels and resorts, the fridge had a carton of complimentary fresh milk for your coffee or tea.
Tucked away in drawers, the hotel provided complimentary teas, French press coffee and even “drinking chocolate” packets.
The closet housed staples such as a blow dryer, safe, laundry bags, hangers, an iron and an ironing board — as well as luxury items, including robes and InterContinental-branded slippers.
The open-design bathroom offered a partially walled shower and refillable Pure Fiji-branded white gingerlily-scented amenity bottles.
Food and beverage
Guests have two options for breakfast: a la carte or a breakfast buffet costing around $20 ($45 Fijian dollars) per person. As an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member, I opted for the daily breakfast as my welcome amenity.
Each morning, the buffet breakfast spread was a bit different. However, the expansive buffet always offered more than a half-dozen main dishes — including a couple of vegetarian options and one vegan option — plus fruits, deli meats, cereals, breads, baked goods, salads and juices.
If you want something fresh, you can order from a menu of custom-made egg dishes.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the eggs Benedict I ordered a couple of mornings.
On Thursday and Friday evenings, the Grand Pacific Hotel offers tapas complete with a live band out on the veranda.
Thankfully, our stay overlapped with the events and we could enjoy a selection of reasonably priced tapas and local Fijian beer.
Our appetite not quite suppressed, my wife and I split a bowl of kokoda — the Fijian national dish.
Pool
The Grand Pacific Hotel pool is located adjacent to the Heritage and Harbour Wings. This long but rather simple pool is open from dawn to dusk.
Fitness center
The Grand Pacific Hotel fitness center was located next to the spa. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., the fitness center has several stationary bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, free weights and various weight machines.
Spa
The Grand Pacific has a full-service Bliss Spa on-site. During our visit, the spa offered reasonably priced specials including:
60-minute table massage: around $54 ($120 Fijian dollars).
45-minute hot stone therapy: around $61 ($135 Fijian dollars).
30-minute foot massage: around $20 ($45 Fijian dollars).
50-minute pedicure or manicure: around $27 ($60 Fijian dollars).
After a long day of walking around Suva (and then a shower), my wife and I opted for one of the 30-minute foot massages. The therapists adapted to our pressure preferences and provided a wonderful massage.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You cannot charge gratuities to the room. While tips generally aren’t expected in Fiji, you might want to have cash on hand in case you want to tip your therapist.
Wi-Fi
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the internet in Fiji can understandably be spotty — even at some of the top resorts on the islands.
Thankfully, Wi-Fi was not an issue at the Grand Pacific Hotel. While not particularly speedy, the Wi-Fi was solid throughout our stay. A Wi-Fi speed test reflected download and upload speeds of around 10 Mbps.
Business center
Need a place to get some work done? The Grand Pacific Hotel offers a business center on the ground floor of the heritage building with a couple of computers, a printer, magazines and newspapers.
If you’re considering staying at the Grand Pacific Hotel
Many foreign tourists stick to Fiji’s excellent resorts when visiting the island nation — as my wife and I did on a previous trip and much of this trip.
However, if you want a true taste of Fijian culture, I recommend basing your visit to the Fijian capital at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
(Top photo by JT Genter)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Learn why a broken appliance doesn’t have to drain your savings, and how to fight financial fears to enjoy your money.
This Week in Your Money: Should you repair your appliance instead of replacing it? Hosts Sean Pyles and Liz Weston delve into the latest data from Consumer Reports and share handy tips that could end up saving you money and reducing electronic waste. They also discuss the “right to repair” movement and what it could mean for appliance owners in the future.
Today’s Money Question: Sean talks with Jenna, a 29-year-old listener in St. Louis, about how to overcome her financial fears and start enjoying her money more. They discuss how her upbringing may have led to her feeling the need to exert more control over her spending than she needs to at this stage in her life, and they share ideas for how to let go of some of that control in order to enjoy life more fully. They also delve into different methods of budgeting for hobbies, “lifestyle creep,” and saving for long-term goals like a down payment on a house.
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Episode transcript
Liz Weston: Sean, what would you guess makes up the majority of e-waste?
Sean Pyles: Electronic waste, you mean? I’m guessing computers, iPhones.
Liz Weston: Not a bad guess, but those actually make up less than 10% of electronic waste. The majority comes from appliances, and most appliances end up rotting in landfills where they release various poisons into our environment and contribute to climate change.
Sean Pyles: Oh, well, that’s depressing.
Liz Weston: This episode we’re going to give our listeners tips to extend the lives of their appliances to keep that from happening.
Sean Pyles: Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where you send us your money questions and we answer them with the help of our genius Nerds. I’m Sean Pyles.
Liz Weston: And I’m Liz Weston.
Sean Pyles: Listener, you’ve got money questions, and we’ve got a boatload of genius Nerds to answer them. So send us your money questions.
Liz Weston: You can leave us a voicemail or text us on the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373, that’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected].
Sean Pyles: This episode, I chat with a listener about how they can overcome their financial fears and start enjoying their money more. But first, Liz and I are talking about how you can save money and cut down on electronic waste by being good stewards of the machines that come into your life. So, Liz, you just wrote a column about how to decide whether to repair or replace an appliance, and apparently Consumer Reports has changed their advice on this matter. What’s the latest?
Liz Weston: OK. Well, the old-school advice was to think about replacing an appliance if the repair cost would be 50% of a new unit. But then Consumer Reports took a closer look at all the data they collect from members, and those members bought over 500,000 appliances between 2012 and 2022. Once they crunched the numbers, they came up with interactive tools that you can use that take into account the cost of the appliance, how long you’ve owned it, its remaining useful life and the cost of the repair.
Sean Pyles: That’s pretty cool. So before you and I got on this recording, we were talking about how you have a 17-year-old refrigerator and that let you put this tool to the test. Do you want to tell us about that?
Liz Weston: Well, yeah. It was 17 years old when it started making this funny noise and I thought, oh, yay. I get to replace it. I get to have a nice French door version. It’s going to look great. But I called in a repairman just to try to be semi-responsible, and he wound up replacing the compressor, repairing it for less than $200. That was eight years ago, so now that refrigerator is 25 years old and it’s still plugging along.
Sean Pyles: Wow. OK. So you used this tool. Did it approve of your decision to repair this very old fridge?
Liz Weston: It did not, but sometimes I think stuff is worth repairing, even if it doesn’t make strict financial sense, just to keep things out of a landfill.
Sean Pyles: Totally.
Liz Weston: As we mentioned at the top, big appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators and smaller appliances like coffee makers and blenders make up a big chunk of e-waste. And in fact, the number of small appliances that we Americans toss in the trash quadrupled between 1990 and 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Less than 6% is recycled.
Sean Pyles: Yikes. This makes me think about how, like many financial decisions, there’s so much more than the dollars and cents to consider when you’re trying to figure out what to do with an appliance. I’m a big advocate of repairing your belongings if you can, even things like clothes and shoes. There’s also a right to repair movement that’s trying to encourage manufacturers to make it easier for us to fix our own products.
Liz Weston: Yes. I just had this whole saga trying to get a vacuum cleaner repaired that convinced me first, I’m never going to buy this brand again because they make their units incredibly hard to fix. And second, I should always talk to a repair person about what brand to buy next because the repair folks at the vacuum shop know what’s well-made and what’s not and which products the manufacturers make impossible to repair. So asking them what they recommend and what they have in their own homes really will help guide me for my next purchase. And by the way, some repair shops will take your old appliances and rehabilitate them for sale or at least use the parts to fix other units. So that’s another option when you’re replacing an old appliance.
Sean Pyles: Oh, good to know. OK, so I want to talk about another type of machine — one that just about every person has, whether they’re a homeowner or not — an electronic that many of us, myself included, seem helplessly addicted to, and I’m of course talking about our phones and tablets and computers for that matter. For so many years, many of us have been duped into the annual or biannual upgrade of these devices, and this is wild to me considering the price tag. Like if you replaced your washing machine every year because a new model came out that had shinier buttons or something, people would look at you like you had a screw loose. And yes, that is an appliance pun.
Liz Weston: Good one. OK. Well, Sean, what do you suggest people do?
Sean Pyles: Well, my motto for my phone at least is if it ain’t broke, don’t replace it. And if it is broke, try to fix it first. Here’s how I approach that in practice. First I get AppleCare for my phone, because I am an Apple fanboy unfortunately, and that lasts two years. Something usually happens to my phone around the two-year mark, so I do try to get it replaced with a new one before my AppleCare is up. I did that last year and I was able to get a new phone for no additional charge beyond what I had already paid for my AppleCare.
Liz Weston: Oh, nice.
Sean Pyles: Yeah, it worked out pretty well for me. But now that I’m living in the wild and dangerous world of not having a warranty, I have a solid case on my phone and I may be less reckless with my phone than I was when I had a warranty, which means I’m no longer texting in the shower.
Liz Weston: OK. But what about when something does go wrong with your phone, are you going to try to swap it out or try to repair it?
Sean Pyles: It depends on the issue. If it’s something like a battery going kaput, I can get that replaced for under $100 by Apple, and that is a heck of a lot less expensive than a new phone. But if something more catastrophic happens, like it falls out of my pocket and is run over by a bus, I will probably replace it.
Liz Weston: Just as an aside here, so it used to be you couldn’t replace the battery, so you can now?
Sean Pyles: You can have your phone serviced by Apple and they will swap it out for you. Although that actually brings up a good point. There is a new program from Apple that allows you to do self-service, but it’s in its early stages right now, and also repairing your own phone isn’t very easy, I’ll say, from experience. Years ago I had an old iPhone 4 that had a very shattered screen, and I tried to replace that screen myself. I ended up doing it, but when everything was assembled again, I found myself with about five extra screws that I had no idea where they went to. So yeah, next time my phone breaks, I will bring it into professionals.
Liz Weston: That’s a good idea.
Sean Pyles: Well, I’m always curious to hear how others approach this, whether to repair or replace devices from phones to dishwashers. Listener, if you have any strong feelings about this, let me know. Text me or leave a voicemail on the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email me at [email protected]. And that wraps up our This Week in Your Money segment. Today’s money question is up next, stay with us.
This episode, I’m talking with a listener, Jenna, who’s 29 and lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She has some questions about her financial anxieties and how to shake them. Jenna, welcome to Smart Money.
Jenna: Hi, Sean. So nice to be here.
Sean Pyles: It’s great to have you on. To start, I’d love if you could describe your financial situation in general right now.
Jenna: Sure. My husband and I recently moved to St. Louis last year. Before that and during the pandemic he was in law school, and so we were on one income going through law school during an uncertain time. And so he graduated. We moved, and now we have two incomes, no children, renting in St. Louis and trying to figure out what our financial lives look like with both of us working. We obviously have some financial goals to fulfill over the next couple of years, but the markets are a little bit uncertain right now, so we’re trying to navigate a balance of spending and enjoying being in a city and being young, but also saving for those larger ticket items down the road.
Sean Pyles: Got it. How long have you now had two incomes in your household?
Jenna: Oh, since August of 2022, so less than a year.
Sean Pyles: And how do you feel like that changed the way you’re managing your household finances on a monthly or even daily basis?
Jenna: For me, I think I had this idea that we would live on one income and completely save the other one, and my husband looked at me like I was crazy. And so I think for me, it’s been an exercise in releasing the control that I held on to so tightly for so many years and trying to maybe look at a larger apartment or go to a concert that maybe we wouldn’t have previously, and just try to enjoy some of the entertainment aspects that we’ve been cutting back so much on over the past couple of years. We want to enjoy our 20s and our 30s and being in a fun city, we can do that now. And so he’s been really good about being the other side of the coin, where I am the aggressive saver and calculate all of the things about retirement and down payments for a house, and he’s more of let’s try to enjoy it. Money is not only something to control, but it’s something to use as a tool, and so I’m trying to get more into that mindset.
Sean Pyles: Yeah. Well, one thing I’m hearing is that it seems like you and your partner have a really well-balanced dynamic and that you have an ongoing dialogue about your money, and I do love to hear that. I feel like you kind of need a little bit of both in a relationship. Like in my relationship with my partner Garrett, I would say I’m maybe a little more of the spender, willing to buy some new clothes, willing to go on a maybe more expensive vacation. And Garrett is saying, “Hey, we really need to save for this specific goal. Maybe we don’t need to eat out tonight.” And I’m like, “OK, that’s a fair point.” But I think it’s nice to have that back and forth. But I want to go back to a word you’ve mentioned a couple times now, which is “control.” In your original question to us, you mentioned that you have some financial anxiety that is tied to the way you control your finances. Can you talk about that a little bit?
Jenna: Sure. I think also something that I’m learning is how people grow up affects how they handle money maybe when they’re older. Growing up, I am from a rural town in Missouri, part of a blue-collar single-parent household and money was something that was not abundant, so to speak, and we were very conscious about how we spent it. And so growing up, I was rewarded for being able to be frugal and think through financial decisions strategically and have a level head about it. And it was always something that I thought I was being very, I guess, logical about, and I wasn’t using emotions at all. Turns out I was absolutely using my emotions. They were just emotions of control and anxiety of what happens if something out of my control happens and I don’t have the resources to do it.
So now whenever we have funds to do something with, I always want to control it to try to see what I can do with it, see what’s the most I can stretch it, and how I can utilize it to the best of my ability and be very resourceful. So it’s been something that I’ve been trying to work on because it’s not something that I want to continue by any means. But I think also you look at the news, is a recession happening, is it not happening? The housing market is a little bit crazy. And so in my mind, what I always seem to default to is if I can control something, then things are going to be OK, but that’s not always necessarily the case.
Sean Pyles: It’s great that it sounds like you’re giving every dollar of yours a job. That’s something we talk about a lot on Smart Money, and that can be a really empowering way to manage your finances. But you at the same time maybe don’t want your sense of control coming from a place of fear and maybe a fear stemming from a financial context in which you no longer live. When you were younger and money was tight, even going back to a year ago when you were living off of a single income, maybe that mindset was a right one. Things were tight, you wanted to save more money, you didn’t have a lot coming in. The world is precarious and scary. So I think you aren’t unjustified in a lot of those feelings because the idea of control is in some sense an illusion. We can do everything right, but no one really knows what the future holds.
So for me, the way I try to find a balance between those things, because I have similar fears sometimes, is that I like to focus on improving the conditions that I can control, like saving aggressively and limiting my spending. And I think that might be a way where you can try to exert an appropriate amount of control, but still find ways to enjoy what you have earned because you are working hard for the money, you’re spending your life earning this money, you need to then turn around and find ways to have it enrich your life, right?
Jenna: Exactly. And that’s something that my partner talks about constantly as well, is yeah, money is a tool, like I mentioned, and I don’t want to squirrel away money for retirement, as an example, and get to my 60s and not be able to do the fun things that I could have done in my 20s if I had just loosened up a little bit. So it is a balance, and it’s just been 20 years of this mindset, and so it’s definitely going to take a couple of years or so to try to find a middle ground. I don’t think it would be healthy for me to swing all the way on the other side of the pendulum and be a big spender, but also there is a balance to strike with this for sure.
Sean Pyles: Yeah, of course, to your point, you’re not going to totally change and rewrite the script of 20 years of viewing and interacting with money overnight. But it is important to think about how you can adjust your habits and financial outlook to get to a point where you feel better about the way you’re viewing money and interacting with it. And one of the best ways to adjust your money mindset is just to get super clear about those patterns and behaviors that you do want to change. So you can think about what those are for you and write them down, and then try to be really intentional in your day-to-day life and be aware of when you are feeling those feelings that you don’t like and doing those things that you want to change. And that can be difficult to do in the beginning, but it’s a really useful skill to break entrenched habits that you’ve established over 20 years.
And so when you do find yourself acting or thinking in a way that you don’t want, grasp that moment and think about that feeling in a full-body way. Think about the sensations that you have when you’re feeling anxious about money or you are putting something back on the shelf because you’re feeling hesitant about buying it. What is that for you? Being able to diagnose those feelings can be a good step toward recognizing them coming on and then changing the script in that moment. And maybe you are buying whatever it might be or you’re going to that concert and you’re able to enjoy the money that you’re earning a little bit more.
Jenna: That’s so funny that you say putting something back on the shelf that I initially grabbed. That happened over the weekend and my husband made me get the thing that I —
Sean Pyles: Oh, yeah.
Jenna: Yeah, I have curly hair, it was this very fancy, special curly mousse, and it was three times the amount that I would normally spend, and my husband made me get it. He’s like, “You’re getting this. I know you want it. It’s happening.” And it was great. So I think having people around you that can check you, and I’m obviously in a committed relationship, we share accounts, but sometimes friends don’t want to talk about money, but I think having someone be a little bit accountable to you to help you figure it out and guide you along that path is really helpful because it’s almost subconscious.
Sean Pyles: That’s so interesting. It seems like you have a really supporting partner that just knows you so well. So I love that for you. And this also is bringing to mind for me, ideas around lifestyle creep, and sometimes it’s framed as a really negative thing. Like, oh, you’re spending beyond your means because you have a higher salary. In this case, it seems like you could maybe afford to have a little bit more lifestyle creep. When I first got a pretty sizable raise earlier on in my career and I realized, “Hey, I’m tired of buying these $20 T-shirts at these fast fashion stores that disintegrate in a year or two.” I would rather invest in something that is higher quality and will last me longer, and that I really appreciate, even if it was twice the amount of what I typically felt comfortable spending money on.
Jenna: Yeah, I’m glad you brought that up as well, because I was listening to a financial podcast over the summer and they talked about lifestyle creep, and the host mentioned something about, I don’t want to live like I lived in college. I don’t want to live in a one-bedroom apartment —
Sean Pyles: You’re an adult.
Jenna: — next to the train tracks. Yes, I’m an adult, I make adult money, I have adult benefits. I should be able to discern what is the most important and where my priorities are and adjust accordingly at different stages of life. And so I think for people who may have control or anxiety, it just may take longer to balance that out and adjust that out over time. Whereas my husband was not concerned at all about lifestyle creep. If anything, he thought of it as a good thing and I’m still adjusting to it. So yeah, I agree, I think lifestyle creep has a bad rap, but in some ways it is necessary for mental health, for stability. So you know that you worked hard for a raise or you worked hard to change jobs, and we worked hard to get him through school and this is the final destination or the reward of all that hard work.
Sean Pyles: And it’s a day-to-day way where you can embody the idea of living for today while planning for tomorrow. Yes, you are putting away money for retirement. Yes, you have a savings account that you’re contributing to, but what are those things that you’re going to appreciate over the weekend? Are you going to go out to that nice brunch? Are you going to have a good date with your partner? What are those few things that you are just going to say, “This is for me, I’m enriching my life with the money that I earn.” And one thing that you and I talked a little bit about before was that you’re interested in getting a hobby that you could spend some money on. Can you talk about what that might be and how you are maybe working that into your budget?
Jenna: I think growing up, I didn’t really have many hobbies, and if I did have hobbies, they were pretty low cost, like something I could get at the library or something my friend was doing that I tagged along with. So I didn’t really have my own hobbies, which sounds crazy, and I want my own and I want to be able to formulate those. And so yeah, this summer I’ve gotten really into gardening. So I bought the nicest tomato cages I’ve ever seen in my life, which —
Sean Pyles: Some of them can be very beautiful.
Jenna: Yes.
Sean Pyles: I am a gardener, as you maybe know, listening to the podcast. So I also know there’s a lot of money that can be spent on gardening gear.
Jenna: Yes, the nice pots, the extra nice soil to make sure my tomatoes grow well because they’re a little needy and all those things. And I went to a local garden shop, paid for tomatoes that were a little bit more than what they would’ve been at maybe a larger box store. So I felt good about giving back to my local community. And so that’s something as well, whatever hobbies that I end up doing, I want to be sure that they’re rooted in supporting local businesses. I want to make sure I know where my money is going and supporting the families in my community. So that’s been something that’s been interesting and it’s paid off. My garden is doing really well, and so I think I found my new thing.
And so I typically try to have a summer hobby and a winter hobby, and I think my winter hobby, I might get into baking, and that can really go down a rabbit hole with what you can spend on baking, I’ve already learned. So it’s really good, it’s really healthy, and I’ve noticed it impacts other areas of my life. I mean, I can maybe have a stressful day at work, go out and garden for 30 minutes, so it’s worth it. And it’s taken me a while to understand why and how it’s worth it, but ultimately I think I needed to prove to myself that it’s worth it, otherwise I would’ve just kept doing, I don’t know what I was doing before, not hobbies. I guess I was reading and maybe watching TV.
Sean Pyles: Hearing you say that it’s worth it really makes me feel good, because it’s so true. When you find something that you really care about, you want to spend your time doing, whether it’s learning a skill like gardening or baking, and you begin to see yourself bear the literal fruits of it, in the case of gardening. You realize how much bigger it can make your life, that you have these different interests that are allowing you to connect with your community, to create things that you can share with your loved ones, in the case of gardening.
So that’s just fantastic to hear, but both of those hobbies can get really expensive. And I’m wondering if you’ve thought about how you are pacing purchases like this because with some things like gardening, yes, you want those tomato cages, yes, you want to get the really good soil, but there are some things that you can maybe actually get for cheaper at a used hardware store, like hoses, for example. Those things get dirty immediately and it’s pretty easy to find a cheap one elsewhere. So how have you thought about being frugal when it comes to approaching your hobbies?
Jenna: So I bought this very, very nice soil at the gardening store, and turns out my local parks and rec department has a compost pile right next to my local gym that I had no idea about. And so going forward, I’ll definitely be utilizing that. It’s free to the public, which is a wonderful service. And so utilizing that going forward, but also I think I might try to harvest the seeds from my tomato plants and reuse them next year, instead of buying plants that are already started and maybe try to do seedlings, starting in maybe, I don’t know, March or February. That’s a whole different ballgame. I didn’t feel confident enough in my gardening skills this year to try that, but maybe this year it could work.
Sean Pyles: That’s great. Well, I want to zoom out a little bit and talk about some of your longer-term financial goals and how you can maybe take steps now to work toward them, even if that means maybe allocating more money from your paycheck to a savings bucket than you would maybe previously have felt comfortable doing. So you’ve mentioned that you are interested in buying a house. Are you and your partner currently saving for a down payment right now?
Jenna: Yes. Yeah, very aggressively as well. But the housing market is still very active and doesn’t seem to be slowing down, so we are probably going to be saving longer than what we anticipated. We’re trying to buy a house right now; it’s not going very well, if I’m being candid with you.
Sean Pyles: It’s hard.
Jenna: Yeah, we’re looking at maybe trying next year or even the year after. There are worse things in the world than renting for a few more years than what you anticipated. So with that, maybe we were saving very aggressively for that and we will still continue to save, but I’ve thought about to maybe allocate towards a nice vacation or a place we’ve never been before, and just try to enjoy life in the meantime because the time will pass anyway, so I want to make memories while we still can. A year ago, I would have thought that’s crazy, we need to save as much as possible for it. But I think our experience with the current housing market is like, well, sometimes it’s very much outside of your control, and that’s OK. Instead, we’ve looked at a couple of places to go next spring or so and try to utilize some of those funds instead of just for the house.
Sean Pyles: Yeah, I think that’s great. Have you looked into any sort of first-time home buyer programs in your state? Because each state has their own programs.
Jenna: We have, and we don’t qualify. In Missouri, they’re very income-based and we are very fortunate in some ways we don’t qualify for them, which is totally understandable. Those should go to people who need them the most.
Sean Pyles: So, Jenna, can you also talk with me about your current savings and debt situation right now?
Jenna: Yeah, so my husband was very fortunate to graduate without any student loan debt. So we don’t have any debt to speak of, either consumer wise or education wise. And so we’re able to save pretty aggressively for the things that we kind of pushed off while he was in school. So that could be anything from a new car to his retirement accounts, a house down payment and all those things. So we understand that we are in a very fortunate position to be able to do those things at our age. A lot of our friends aren’t in that position, so we don’t take that for granted. And with that, I mean, we are a little behind, I guess, technically, because he was in school for so many years, and so in some ways we are trying to play catch up, but that is easier to do without any debt.
Sean Pyles: Yeah, I would say being behind or ahead is an illusion in some ways.
Jenna: Fair enough.
Sean Pyles: You’re just where you are and that’s fine.
Jenna: Yes.
Sean Pyles: Everyone has their own pace; that’s how I think about these things. But I have another question for you around your savings, since you mentioned that you are able to save. How do you approach savings accounts? Do you have a high-yield savings account? Do you have savings buckets like we talk about a lot on the podcast? What do you and your husband do there?
Jenna: Yeah, it depends on the term of the savings that we’re trying to reach, I guess. So for shorter term, like a car, for instance — we’re trying to buy a new car for him — we have a shorter-term savings account that’s just at our bank, and so we’re hoping to buy a car in the next two months here. But for longer-term things like a house down payment, we are in a high-yield savings account. So it depends on the item, and also we want to possibly take a trip to Europe in the next five years, so that’s a longer-term thing, obviously, and that’s also in a high-yield savings account.
Sean Pyles: OK, great. We stress these accounts a lot because especially right now, the yields are so fantastic that if you have money in them, it’s really working for you in a way that if it’s sitting in a more traditional non-high-yield savings account, it just wouldn’t be doing as much for you.
Jenna: A quick question on that. So are high-yield savings accounts recommended regardless of the time frame that you have to save or does it matter?
Sean Pyles: It’s a personal preference, but I use high-yield savings accounts for everything, even regular pots of money that I have to pay my credit card balance monthly. And with student loan payments resuming, I recently opened up a new high-yield savings account, so I have my money for my monthly amount that I’m paying for my student loans dedicated into that fund. So for me, it helps me break out the way I have different pots of money allocated, those savings buckets that we discuss a lot. So you can do it for a short-term goal, it is earning you more on a regular basis than a traditional savings account would. I don’t see much of a downside of having any savings at all in a high-yield savings account because it can be pretty accessible in a pinch.
Jenna: OK. That’s good to know. I think I had just assumed that that was for kind of a longer-term savings goal, but it seems advantageous regardless of what the savings goal is, short term or long term.
Sean Pyles: Yeah, I mean otherwise you could just be leaving money on the table, and I always advise people against that.
Jenna: Yeah, exactly.
Sean Pyles: OK, great. Well, Jenna, now that we’ve talked about a few ways that you’re thinking about changing your money habits and your mindset, and will be working toward your longer-term and even shorter-term financial goals, do you have any thoughts around how you might work to lessen some of the financial anxiety that you feel and really enjoy your financial success?
Jenna: Oh, that’s a great question. I think continuing to invest in things that matter to me, whether that is gardening or maybe giving to organizations that I feel passionately about or know what I’m working towards when I’m working towards a goal at work. Great that I’m getting possibly a raise, but is that raise just going to maybe invite me to be more stringent with my money, or is that going to be a raise that I can utilize to do something for myself or for my community? So I think changing the mindset that I have about money, again, into it being more of a tool or something that I can utilize to make my life maybe a little bit easier, more enjoyable, and enjoy the people around me, versus something that I feel like is scarce, that I’m fearful about it.
I think it might help for me to maybe not check the news so much. I can’t control the federal interest rates or what the Fed does at all really, and no one really knows what’s going to happen in the future. And so I try to be informed about what’s happening in the world, but sometimes you can be a little bit too informed to where that causes you to overthink and have anxiety about things that you cannot control or maybe don’t even impact you.
Sean Pyles: Yeah, you have to know when you need to step away and maybe go tend to your garden and touch some grass, as the kids say.
Jenna: Right, exactly. So it’s twofold, I think changing my mindset into where money is a tool more than something to control, and maybe not look at the news so much. So we’ll see where that goes; I might delete some apps off my phone.
Sean Pyles: I think that’s a good piece of advice for everyone, regardless of your financial situation. But I’d love to hear about how intentional you’re being around your mindset and your habits, whether it’s for news consumption or for managing your finances, because those two things are so interlinked. When you are trying to establish a new habit, whether it’s being able to enjoy your money more or saving more money, you need to think about the way that you’re going to get there psychologically. What is it going to take you to overcome any sort of hurdles that you have? And then what are the actual physical day-to-day tasks that will allow you to bring that goal to life? And then once you start building on that, whether it’s saving more or enjoying your money more, it just becomes easier to do overall. And you’ll be surprised how far you can come just by regularly working on these things. Well, Jenna, thank you so much for talking with me.
Jenna: Yeah, thank you, Sean. I listen to the podcast regularly and I always find something to take away from it, so I’m just happy to be a part of it.
Sean Pyles: Well, that makes me really happy to hear, and please keep us posted on how things go for you and your husband.
Jenna: I will, yeah. Thank you so much.
Sean Pyles: And that’s all we have for this episode. If you have a money question of your own, turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373, that’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]. Visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. And remember to follow, rate and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
This episode was produced by Liz Weston and myself, with help from Tess Vigeland. Kevin Tidmarsh and Kaely Monahan mixed our audio. And a big thank you to the folks on the NerdWallet copy desk for all their help.
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