Living frugally is all about a simple principle: Spending less than you earn. It may sound super easy, but putting that philosophy into practice can be a challenge.
You already know the advice about not signing up for every streaming platform under the sun and not having a fancy coffee every day. Fortunately, living a frugal life doesn’t have to feel like you must sacrifice your favorite things. By adopting some basic money-saving moves, you can stash cash without even thinking about it.
Being More Frugal in 5 Simple Steps
Here are five tips on how to be more frugal and save money — without giving up all the fun (and caffeine) in your life.
1. Reform Fixed Expenses
Regardless of what specific items might appear on a budget, they all come in two general varieties: fixed expenses vs. variable expenses.
Fixed expenses are, as the name suggests, those bills that are fixed and consistent each month, such as rent, insurance payments, and student loans. Variable expenses, on the other hand, are those whose amounts aren’t fixed… but that doesn’t mean all variable expenses are optional (or “discretionary”). For example, your electric bill probably varies from month to month, but you still know you’re going to have to pay it.
Let’s hone in on those fixed expenses first, though — because cutting down on regular, consistent costs can lead to regular, consistent savings. There are a variety of ways to do this, some more radical than others.
For example, moving to a less expensive neighborhood or splitting bills with a roommate might cut your rent in half; deciding to forgo a car can eliminate not only the car payment and insurance cost, but also variable expenses like parking, maintenance, and gas. These kinds of global lifestyle changes can take a lot of effort to set up at the start. However, the payoff is months or years of significant savings without too much ongoing effort.
💡 Quick Tip: Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts do, and online banks are more likely than brick-and-mortar banks to offer you the best rates.
However, there are plenty of ways to cut fixed expenses without making such seismic shifts to daily life. For instance, switching to a less expensive cell phone carrier can lower the monthly burden, as can ditching a gym membership in favor of hiking or cutting back on streaming service subscriptions. (Even those low per-month amounts can really add up when there are three or four of them!)
Recommended: Building a Line Item Budget
2. Gear Up Your Grocery Game
Groceries count as a variable expense, but they’re certainly not optional. That said, there’s an incredible margin for savings when it comes to stocking up on food each month.
So how to go about saving money on food and other grocery store items?
One easy way to start is to choose discount grocers and chains that are known for their low prices. Aldi, Trader Joe’s and WinCo, for example, all have well-founded reputations for their frugal choices, particularly when compared to upscale grocery chains like Whole Foods. Shopping at a cheaper store can take some of the footwork out of saving; you may be able to spend less on the exact same grocery list. But it’s also possible to take the project even further.
Coupon clipping might not be the most glamorous activity, but those deals can create substantial savings, particularly for practiced couponers. These days, apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 make it easy to score savings on the items you’re already shopping for.
Additionally, aiming to make cheaper meals can stretch each grocery store dollar even further. Relying on inexpensive staples like rice, which can be dressed up and filled out in many different ways, can help keep both bellies and wallets full.
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3. Decide to Do It Yourself
Buying things is one thing. But maintaining them is a whole ‘nother can of worms — and it can be a downright expensive one. For instance, going in for an oil change vs. doing it yourself can be a pricey undertaking. And calling in a plumber when the sink or toilet is clogged can be expensive compared with going into DIY mode.
All of which is to say: honing some handiness skills could easily help save money over the course of a lifetime. And thanks to the fact that we live in the digital age, it’s relatively easy to become a Jack or Jill of all trades. YouTube is full of free video tutorials that can walk you through everything from fixing a dishwasher that won’t drain to rotating your own tires.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re creating a budget, try the 50/30/20 budget rule. Allocate 50% of your after-tax income to the “needs” of life, like living expenses and debt. Spend 30% on wants, and then save the remaining 20% towards saving for your long-term goals.
Other high-cost services to consider DIYing: mani/pedis, facials, pet grooming, landscaping, moving, and more. Basically, anytime you could spend money on hiring a professional, think seriously about whether you actually need the help.
Recommended: Pros and Cons of Online and Mobile Banking
4. Enjoy Free Entertainment
While some events are worthy splurges — like a once-in-a-lifetime concert — it’s also important to consider all the free forms of entertainment at our fingertips. For example, your local library may offer streaming movies along with books and audiobooks (or try services connected to libraries, like Kanopy and Hoopla), and many museums offer cost-free admissions on specific days of the week or month.
Even the national parks offer free admission from time to time! Free national park entrance days vary slightly from year to year, but generally include the first day of National Park Week in mid-April and National Public Lands Day, which falls on the fourth Saturday in September, along with Veterans Day and the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
5. Take Frugalism With You Wherever You Go
Speaking of national parks: Travel is another big ticket item as far as discretionary expenses are concerned. Seeing the world can be enriching — and it doesn’t have to strip away all your riches, either.
Finding ways to be a frugal traveler, such as choosing budget-friendly destinations and scoring the cheapest flights possible, can mean saving money without sacrificing this major life experience. You might even try a home swap or being a house-sitter in a foreign country to make your journey as affordable as possible.
💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.
What Does Frugal Mean for Your Money?
Adopting frugal habits and creating a savings plan can be ways to improve your financial health. Cutting back on day-to-day living expenses can mean more money set aside for retirement as well as major life milestones, like owning a home or having a baby.
One of the most important first steps toward frugality is getting organized, financially speaking. Having a budget and tracking your finances are valuable moves. How often to monitor your bank accounts is a personal decision, but a couple of times a week can help you see how your money is coming in and going out.
Living frugally can also mean more money goes towards realizing your long-term financial goals and building wealth. Whether that means saving for a child’s college education or for retirement, by cutting back on spending now, you can help assure a better future.
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Christmas is a time filled with joy and wonder. It’s the best season of the year to celebrate all that life has given us.
I wanted to share 93 things you can do on Christmas Day, from spending quality time with your family over a cozy fire in your fireplace or at an outdoor party, playing games around the house (even if it means taking turns), making food for others during holiday celebrations, going outside for walks during snowfall so we stay active and healthy this winter, and even taking a day off from work to do something relaxing.
Are you looking for a list of activities to do on Christmas Day that is fun?
Don’t worry, I got your back. Here is my list of over 90 ideas so you can spend the day with friends and family in style!
To be honest, this is my list of favorite things to do on Christmas Day.
If you need ideas, then start here…
What to do on Christmas day?
There are a variety of things you can do on Christmas day to make the most of the holiday.
You have to decide how you want to spend the day.
We will cover ideas with family, in the kitchen, with kids, at home, and just for you!
Quick Christmas Things to Do
You could help your loved ones decorate the yard with some inflatables– there are plenty of options available, from classic characters like Santa and snowmen to silly options like dinosaurs and unicorns.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even head out for a hike in the morning- nothing beats fresh air and stunning views in winter.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, why not prepare a festive feast? There are plenty of recipes online that will let you show off your culinary skills. Or if cooking isn’t really your fancy, take advantage of convenient delivery services and enjoy Christmas dinner without having to lift a finger.
Once everyone’s bellies are full, it’s time for some fun (or a nap)!
Get the family together for some party Christmas games or put on a movie marathon. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to savor every moment spent with your loved ones- after all, Christmas only comes once a year!
What are some traditions people have on Christmas day?
There are many different family Christmas traditions that people partake in.
Some common traditions include:
Counting down to Christmas
Doing crafts on December 25th
Exchanging gifts.
These traditions are often passed down from generation to generation and are a lot of fun for both children and adults.
Another popular tradition is saying “Merry Christmas” to one another. This usually happens when family members gather together to celebrate the holiday.
Families come from all over to spend time with each other on Christmas day, and the joyous atmosphere is something that can’t be replicated any other time of year.
What do people typically eat on Christmas day?
Christmas is a time when many people come together to celebrate. While the exact traditions may vary, there are some acts that remain the same. For example, many people will eat turkey, mashed potatoes, and cookies on Christmas day (source).
If you’re looking to give back to your local community this Christmas, consider donating to your local food bank. Many food banks are able to help those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Things to Do on Christmas Day with Family
Every year in December, the holiday season brings a rush of family time.
Christmas is a day that you can spend with your family, and there are plenty of things for the whole family to enjoy on this special day.
Here are some activities to enjoy with your loved ones on Christmas Day that you might not have thought about:
1. Spend time with family and friends. This is probably the best part of Christmas day! Enjoying good company is what makes this holiday special.
2. Karaoke Time. If you have a talent (or not) for singing, take turns with your family and friends by caroling the Christmas classics..
3. Watch Christmas Movies. Pick one of the many Christmas-themed movies that are on TV or streaming online to get into the spirit of Christmas. Watch classic holiday films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Story.”
4. Game Night. There are a lot of fun and interactive ways to keep you entertained this holiday season, including board games and card games! Start a family competition with bragging rights for the whole year!
5. Eat Christmas Snacks. What is Christmas without the traditional treats? Enjoy some of your favorite holiday foods, like cookies and candy canes.
6. Christmas crafts. There are a lot of fun DIY projects you could do this year to celebrate the holiday season, like making decorations or ornaments.
7. Host a Christmas party. If you’re hosting a Christmas party this year, make sure to get into the spirit of the holiday event by decorating your house and putting up a Christmas tree!
8. Refine Your Christmas traditions. There are some fun family traditions you can do this year, like baking cookies or watching classic holiday movies. Pick a handful of activities you want to do each year.
9. Prepare Christmas dinner. The Christmas meal is a big part of the holiday tradition, and there are lots of different foods you can make for your family this year — from ham and turkey to yummy desserts!
10. Make cookies. If you want to make Christmas cookies, now is the time to start thinking about what kind of treats you’d like to make. You can use a recipe, or you can make up your own recipe.
11. Video Chat with Your Family. Time to say hello to your family that you don’t get to see in person. Get on Zoom, Whatsapp, or Facetime with your family, even if they’re not in the same country.
12. Have a Family Meeting. What are some matters you can do as a family to help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas? Write them down and discuss how you can incorporate these into your holiday.
13. Puzzle. At my aunt’s house, there was always a puzzle on the table. Family members would stop and put a puzzle piece together while chatting and laughing.
14. Stream the Nutcracker Performance. Do you have a favorite performance of The Nutcracker? Be sure to watch it on Christmas day, even if it’s just for an hour or so.
15. Make Gingerbread Cookies. If you want to do something really special for someone, try making gingerbread cookies! Bake up a batch of gingerbread cookies with your family.
16. Craft a Gingerbread House. Cut out gingerbread men, stars, and snowflakes from construction paper or cardstock, then use them to decorate a gingerbread house. You don’t have to use the traditional kit with frosting.
17. Listen to Christmas Music. There’s nothing like listening to some holiday music while you’re baking cookies or hanging out with family and friends on Christmas Day.
18. Play the Game “Secret Santa.” If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, why not play the game “Secret Santa”? Everyone brings an inexpensive gift to the party, and then one person is chosen to be Secret Santa. Everyone draws a number, and the person with #1 picks out a gift from Secret Santa’s pile to open. Then everyone else has to figure out who their Secret Santa is by guessing which person brought them their gift.
19. Ugly Sweater Contest. You might even want to combine it with a white elephant gift exchange!
20. Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game. This is a fun activity for the whole family. Have each person do some research about Christmas traditions from around the world, and then come up with an item to bring back that symbolizes one of those countries. Or press the easy button and pick a ready-to-go Christmas scavenger hunt game.
More Things to Do on Christmas Day at Home
Christmas is a time for family get-togethers and relaxing with loved ones. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it’s still a fun day to have some activities that are holiday-oriented.
As the saying goes, “The home is where the heart is.” Here is a list of more fun things to do on Christmas Day at home.
21. Read a Christmas book. Pick up JK Rowling’s latest, The Christmas Pig.
22. Write Letters to Open on Milestone Christmases. Write a letter to your future self on Christmas day, putting any sort of advice you give to yourself as well as predictions you have. Pick milestone years. For example, when you celebrate Christmas with your baby, when your kids leave for college, or even the first Christmas without a parent.
23. Create a “Christmas Bucket List.” What are some undertakings that you want to experience in your life? Create lists for everything. For example, family trips in which everyone gets to pick the destination, a Christmas wedding, or even watching your children give their first speech.
24. Eat Christmas Cookies. Bake some sugar cookies and spread a bunch of frosting over them to make them look like Christmas trees.
25. Christmas Movie Marathon. Watch all of the Christmas movies!
26. Listen to Christmas songs. You could listen to some of your favorite Christmas songs while hanging out with friends and family. you’re decorating the tree or wrapping presents.
27. Shop Online for What You Didn’t Get. Buying a gift for your future self is a bit of an existential dilemma: what do you want to have? Truly people didn’t listen to what do I want from Christmas.
28. Send Christmas cards. If you’re going to be sending out Christmas cards this year, now is the time to start thinking about who you want to send them to! Better late than never!
29. Host a Party. Plan an open house for Christmas, and invite friends and neighbors to enjoy food, games, and gifts together.
30. Book Reservations. Those experience gift ideas need to be booked and put on the calendar.
Things to Do on Christmas Day In the Kitchen & Food to Eat
As Christmas Day approaches, now is a great time of the year to start planning what you plan to eat, make and bake in the kitchen. Whether you like cooking or not, there is something for everyone on this list from the kitchen to the backyard.
The Christmas season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. And food brings people together.
So, here are some fun activities you can bake on Christmas Day:
31. Make Christmas Star Bread. This is one of the traditions in our house. Please note, that you need to start this a day in advance. Here is our favorite Christmas star bread recipe.
32. Christmas Morning Brunch. This is a Sunday tradition in our house, but for Christmas, we have the favorite egg casserole prepared in advance for no work needed during opening gift time! Always cooked and ready to be enjoyed once everyone is done opening presents.
33. Bake and Decorate Christmas Cookies. My friend, Haley, over at If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen, always has great cookie ideas. And they are delicious!!
34. Cook a Fancy Meal. Let’s be honest… You more than likely don’t have the extra time to spend time in the kitchen and try a new recipe you have been wanting to try! Christmas is the perfect day to spend time cooking to your heart’s content.
35. Plan a Themed Christmas Dinner. Say bye-bye to classic turkey, ham, and beef! Each year choose a new theme for dinner. Here are some of our favorite themed ideas: Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, or Costa Rican Casado. Even football favorite appetizers! Every seven years there is guaranteed to be football on.
36. Mix a Christmas Cocktail. Enjoy being by a nice fire and enjoy watching the snowflakes fall. It sounds perfect, right?
37. S’mores by the Fire. Who says, campfires and summer are the only time for smores. Grab the sweet supplies, jackets, and blankets, and nestle around a firepit.
38. Serve Cake for Dinner. Serve your family a big slice of cake for dinner instead of turkey or ham. Can you see their faces of amazement!?!?
39. Make a Christmas Tree Out of Fruit and Vegetables. This is a fun activity for kids of all ages.
40. Cook Frozen Pizza. This doesn’t happen often, but it is always well received by my crowd. Pizza for the win!
Things to Do on Christmas Day with Kids
Christmas Day is a time for family, and often children are the ones who make it so memorable.
To help you find something fun to do with your children on Christmas day we have compiled an extensive list of activities that you and the kids can do together.
41. Open Christmas Gifts. Yes, this is what kids look forward to the most each Christmas. In fact, here are $10 gifts approved by my own kids.
42. Play in the snow. Throw a snowball, build a snowman, or make snow angels. Kids NEED to get outside and burn off their energy.
43. Play hide-n-seek outside. No snow? Don’t worry. Start a game of hide-n-seek outside. The last one to be found picks the next activity.
44. Candy Cane Hunt. First of all, you need a lot of candy canes and some good hiding places. Make sure you count all of the candy canes before to make sure you find them all!
45. Make Christmas Tree Ornaments. This project is perfect for the kids in your life! I love how easy they are to make and that they can be decorated however you choose.
46. Decorate Windows with Paper Snowflakes. This is one of the best activities for kids to improve their motor skills. How many can you make? And what size snowflakes? This is a great project for kids! They can make them any size they want and hang them on the tree or around the house.
47. Visit Local Attractions. Every city may have something cool on Christmas Day that is open. Check out Living on the Cheap for your closest city for local attractions.
48. Art4Kidz Hub. Seriously, they have some of the best videos on how to draw! Hours of entertainment. Plus their artwork can turn into thank you cards!
49. Make Kid Christmas crafts. This is a fun way to do something different from presents. Spend quality time making various crafts. Just make sure to buy the craft supplies in advance!
50. Play kid-approved board games. Time for a family game night or afternoon. Invite friends and family over for a game of Uno, Connect Four, or Apples to Apples! Even Scrabble or Monopoly- so many fun options!
List of Crafty Things to Do on Christmas Day
Christmas is one of the most exciting and fun holidays to be a part of. But everyone loves it when they get something in return for all their hard work, right?
So, spend the day doing the craft projects you always want to do!
Here are some great ways to give your friends and family something special.
51. Photo Book. Photo Books are a great way to preserve memories for special occasions. Plus, they can be shared with other people so everyone is able to see the good times! You can create a printable photo book or a digital photo book.
52. Make Christmas Ornaments. Christmas is the best time of year to wear new ornaments! You can make some really fun and unique ornaments using recycled materials, like bottle caps.
53. Make Christmas Headbands. These are so adorable for little kids and adults alike! They can be made in any colors you choose.
54. Decorate Homemade Gift Bags. Gift bags are a great way to personalize your gifts and make them look extra special!
55. Make A Holiday Recipe Book. Create a recipe book for all of your holiday dinner favorites. You can include the recipes for stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and any other dishes that you love to cook during the holidays. Here is the digital recipe book organizer I use.
56. Create a Card Christmas Tree. Arrange photos and Christmas cards to make a Christmas tree on the wall. Even wrapping paper can be reused to “build” your tree.
57. Make New Year’s Cards. Seriously, it is SO stressful trying to get Christmas cards out in advance. So, let’s start sending New Year’s cards instead.
58. Make a Christmas Tree skirt. This one has been on my list forever. So, I decided to dedicate time on Christmas to finally complete my project.
59. Put Together A Memory Box. This is easy, but thoughtful idea that you can give as a gift to your family. You can fill the box with photos, recipes, and other special items that you have collected over time.
60. Make Salt Dough Ornaments. This is a fun and easy project. I love how they look on the tree, too!
Outdoor City Attractions to Do on Christmas Day
Open the door and enjoy the weather. Whether you go for a walk, play in the snow, or go for a drive, getting some fresh air is always a good idea.
On Christmas Day, many attractions and businesses are closed. So, opt for open parks and space for your wintery fun!
You can even pair the outing with these National Park gifts.
Snow is here, but it doesn’t have to be all about snow. Take advantage of the winter weather and get outside for some fun activities!
61. Run a Christmas 5k. Running has become a prominent form of health and fitness activity in recent years. Have fun during a fast-paced run (or walk) by taking on a Christmas 5k. Challenge your friends and family to join you!
62. Take an ice-skating lesson. If you’ve never tried ice skating before, this is a great way to dip your toes in.
63. Go sledding! You may not have the equipment for traditional snow tubing, but taking a trip down a hill is just as much fun.
64. Go ice fishing! If you don’t want to go too far, make your own pond in the backyard.
65. Play in the snow. This can lead to hours of fun! Don’t dread the snow because you have to shovel it. Think of ways to build a snow fort, throw snowballs or just play around.
66. Play tennis, golf, or pickleball. Not every year will there be snow on the ground. On those sunny days, pick up your racket or golf clubs and get a game or two in.
67. Go cross-country skiing. Time to get some exercise and burn calories. Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outside and hit your fitness goals.
68. Watch a movie in the snow. How fun does that sound? Thanks to technology you can snuggle up while watching a Christmas classic. Make sure to buy a projector ahead of time!
69. Ride roller coasters. Sounds thrilling, right?!?! But check to see if they are open first.
70. Drive Around to See Christmas Lights. A simple and classic activity to do on Christmas day. Go around and find the best light display!
Things to Do on Christmas Day to Refresh Your Soul
Do you often get bored of the same old ideas on Christmas Day? The answer to that question is probably a resounding “yes” if your answer has been anything like mine.
Here is a compiled list of relaxing Christmas Day activities for people who are looking to enjoy their day while rejuvenating their souls.
71. Relax and take it easy. There’s no need to stress out about anything – just relax and enjoy yourself!
72. Enjoy a LuxuriousHotBath. Time to destress from the hustle and bustle of the season. Grab some must-have bath essentials to make your experience more spa-like.
73. Treat Yourself. What is one intention you’ve always wanted to do? Buy it for yourself or give yourself the gift of time and allow yourself to enjoy that experience.
74. Escape on a Christmas Vacation. Do you always want to try something new for Christmas? Let’s make this year the best one yet and plan that special Christmas trip!
75. Take a walk in nature. Enjoy the sun and soak up some Vitamin D!
76. At Home Manicure/Pedicure Experience. While it’s not the same as being pampered in the salon, there are many at-home manicure and pedicure sets, that you can use all year round.
77. Personalized Playlist. Spend time finding new songs that revitalize your mind.
78. Stay in Christmas Pajamas. Even better plan matching PJs for the whole family!
79. Spend time cuddling on the couch. A dream come true for a busy mom or dad!
80. Make a List. Make a list of activities to do or places to go that are not centered around Christmas. Focus on items that you are grateful or blessed to have in your life. This will help you avoid the “Xmas” overload and keep you focused on what is really important.
81. Attend a Christmas Eve Service. What is one church in your area that you’ve never visited? Take the opportunity to attend a service on Christmas Eve.
Ways to Show Generosity on Christmas
Giving is always better than receiving.
Christmas is a time of giving, but it can be difficult to know how much you should give.
This doesn’t mean that Christmas has to be all about presents or expensive gifts for your loved ones, but you can still show your gratitude with small acts of kindness. Here are some ways to do that:
82. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter. This is a great way to serve and be appreciative of what you have been blessed with. Find your nearest homeless shelter and volunteer to serve a meal, or help set up cots for a cold night. Maybe set fundraising parties to help gather monetary donations.
83. Take a Meal to Someone. Many people don’t want to cook on Christmas because they are by themselves or unable to spend hours in the kitchen anymore. Bless them with a cooked meal and your decorated Christmas cookies.
84. Write Thank You Notes. We all know this needs to be done. So, practice writing thank-yous before you start playing and using the gift you received.
85. St. Nick’s Giveaway Day. St Nicholas was known for giving out toys to all the children. Pay it forward by passing along toys, clothes, or other furnishings you don’t need anymore.
86. Be a Santa. Adopt a family for Christmas and provide gifts, food, or other items that they would enjoy.
87. Random Acts of Kindness. Write a list of ways you can bless people with random acts of kindness. Small actions go a long way toward making someone’s day, especially around the holidays.
88. Serve Others. Visit a nursing home or assisted living facility. Bring them cookies, sing Christmas carols with them, read to them and spend time with people who may not have the opportunity to see you on another day.
89. Pray for Others. What is one way to pray on this day that would make someone else’s life better?
Things to Do on Christmas Day for Adults
Christmas is an exciting time of the year, but it can also be a very stressful holiday due to work and family commitments.
There are many different activities that adults can enjoy on Christmas day.
90. Cook a Traditional Meal. One popular option is cooking a traditional Christmas meal. This can be a great way to learn about other cultures and traditions.
91. Ice Skating. There is no shortage of places to go ice skating on Christmas Day.
92. Ugly Sweater Time. Wearing an ugly sweater is always a festive tradition, and it can be especially fun on Christmas Day when everyone else is dressed up too. Just make sure you’re prepared for people to make fun of your outfit!
93. Be Alone. Some people prefer to spend Christmas day alone, either because they don’t have any family nearby or because they simply want some time to themselves. There are plenty of activities that can be done by oneself without requiring any specific skills or knowledge. For example, reading a good book, watching a movie, or taking a walk in the park are all enjoyable ways to spend the day.
Honestly, as an adult, you can choose any of the above activities that would be a perfect way to celebrate Christmas day.
What are some unique or interesting ways to celebrate Christmas day?
There are many unique ways to celebrate Christmas.
Honestly, it comes down to your preferred traditions. This is something you will find over the years about how you want to spend the day.
One popular way is to place an elf in your child’s bedroom to monitor their behavior! Another fun tradition is singing carols or skating on the ice. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, consider driving down a festive pathway or reconnecting with old friends over dinner.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to enjoy yourself and have some fun!
More tips for making the most of Christmas day
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and fun.
Christmas day can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to make the most of it!
The best tips for making the most of Christmas day include spending time with your family and having a good time.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when celebrating.
Tip #1 – Watch for Stressors
Make sure to take a break from the “seasonal grind” and forget to enjoy the holidays yourself.
Before Christmas day arrives, make a list of the stressors you tend to experience on this joyous holiday. Make a conscious decision to avoid the stressors as much as possible. If you cannot completely avoid one of them, then limit your time and plan for decompress time afterward.
Tip #2 – Spend Quality Time with Family
Christmas is a time of celebration and family gatherings.
However, you must make sure you are spending quality time with your loved ones can make the holiday much more enjoyable.
This may be easy or difficult depending on your family situation. Yes, spending time with your family and friends during the holidays is important- especially for kids! Just make sure you can look back and enjoy the day.
Tip #3 – Get Outdoors
On Christmas Day, go outside and enjoy all the fitness opportunities that a cold day has to offer.
Many people stay inside their buildings and homes for the holidays, but outdoor time is actually beneficial. The colder the weather, the better, because when your body is cold even a small outing helps release some of the heat that has been gathering in your body.
Getting outside will help you stay away from any possible triggers, too!
Tip #4 – Spend Less Money
It’s Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas is often a heavy financial burden for many individuals who are required to buy gifts and arrange an evening meal for loved ones.
All the extra expense can sap people of the energy and life they relish in the rest of the year, hence leading to depression which leads to a number of other health complications.
So, plan your Christmas budget ahead of time, so you can walk away happy.
Tip #5 – Remember the True Reason for Christmas
Christmas Day is one day of the year that is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.
Yet, we tend to forget the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ.
While we are called to celebrate in community, keep the real reason at the center of your get-togethers with family and friends, and enjoy some of the traditional festivities.
What activities are open on Christmas day?
First of all, before you go, check online or call to see if the business is open.
Typically, you can find convenience stores, gas stations, movie theaters, and some restaurants open on Christmas.
Also, many local attractions may be open as they are focused on the activities they can provide.
Just be prepared for possible long wait times and always be sure to tip well.
Best Holiday Memories for the Season
Ultimately, those are the fun things to do on Christmas day are activities to experience.
Christmas is a time of joys and festivities, giving gifts to friends and family, and decorating your home with Christmas lights or greenery. But the best day always comes when it’s over!
Just remember…
Have Fun!
Remember that Christmas is a time to enjoy and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is not just about shopping, eating, and being with family.
Relax! Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy the priceless gifts you have been given.
Find More: 101 Fun Things To Do With No Money
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Don’t you just love your home appliances when they’re brand new? When they still retain that spotless shine, with no dents, scratches or signs of use?
While new appliances can do wonders in updating your kitchen, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should be considering replacing your old ones quite yet.
Especially if all you’ve got are a few dents in your home appliances — that can easily be fixed, at home, with minimum costs. How’s that for a quick kitchen upgrade?
To remove dents from home appliances, there are quite a few DIY dent removal tools that are inexpensive and fairly easy to use.
To make your research easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best types to choose from. And the best part: they’ll come in handy the next time you get a dent in your car, saving you some serious $$$ along the way.
The best tools to removedents from your home appliances
Suction puller
This is considered one of the most effective tools to remove dents from home appliances (as well as car dents). This tool basically works just as well on plastic as on metal bodies.
The cups of this tool are basically constructed out of plastic or rubber. Total pressure created by a cup can go more than 120 pounds thus they can easily remove even greater dents from your car.
The suction puller has an ergonomically designed handle with which you can effectively pull out even a serious, deep dent. In most of the cases, the handle is made up of carbon fiber and can easily bear a lot of pressure. Moreover, the size of the cup usually ranges from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, considered ideal for every other type of dent.
Glue pull
This tool basically uses high-quality glue which is placed on one end of a sophisticated tool or a suction cup, with the cup then being placed over the dent and pulled with force to remove the dent.
Through the glue pull, you can effectively remove the dent from a car without even causing any harm to the outer body paint of your car.
When you use this tool, there is no need to spend money on repainting your car.
The gun basically produces melted glue which sticks to the surface easily, but doesn’t prompt any corrosive reaction.
Dent pushing tool
This is another tool which is very effective as you will get to push the dent from behind by using various types of rods.
One has to use different types of rods depending on the size of the dent and the place where it has occurred. This tool is considered most cost-effective in nature but requires greater manual work — especially compared to the suction pull.
Most of the rods are manufactured either from stainless steel or with aluminum, which makes them very durable and rust proof.
These rods have different types of lengths ranging from 15 to 35 inches and sizes, making it the perfect choice for dented parts that are a little harder to reach.
More tips to make your home more beautiful
10 Unique Picture Frames and Holders to Create the Perfect Photo Wall The 15 Best Luxury Candles on Amazon to Brighten your Home & Complement your Decor 10 of the Most Stylish Minimalist Wall Clocks You Can Buy on Amazon
Everyone loves a good do-it-yourself project, especially when it saves you a ton of money and looks like it was bought at a high-end store. You don’t have to be an expert builder or even that educated in DIY in general with all of the millions of YouTube and TikTok videos done by non-experts that are willing to walk us all through the steps to put something together. This DIY bathroom tray from TikToker “woman.of.gold” is both of those, costing less than $5 and giving that high-end vibe that everyone wants in a bathroom.
How to pull it off
Woman.of.gold wrote that the “plastic plate was only £1.49” and “the tea light holders only 50p each” so the total cost was £3.49 (approximately $4.34) since she already had the paint and baking soda at home. (And even if you don’t have those supplies, a little paint and baking soda won’t add too much to your total cost.
In the video, you can see her gluing four upside-down tea light holders onto a plastic tray, ones you can find in any home decor store for cheap. Then, using books, she lets the holders and tray set and dry. Once all is set, she spraypaints the entire piece in a gorgeous ivory color. She uses a baking soda paste to antique the finish and, once dry, turns it over to show a beautiful bathroom tray that you can put candles, lotions, soaps, and your finest perfumes on. This would look stunning in a primary bathroom next to a bathtub or in a guest bathroom holding everything your family and friends need to get ready in your home.
Other uses
There are endless possibilities that you could find to use to make a similar tray, and even one that is larger that could be used on a coffee table in a living room. You might need to support a larger tray with two more tea light holders in the middle, but using a plastic serving tray would give more room to place books, candles, or even picture frames. The tray offers a depth and character that you wouldn’t get just from a painted tray alone, and it allows varying heights on a table or countertop.
There are so many similar videos on TikTok showing viewers everything from how to restore a car to refinishing a piece of antique furniture to easy and inexpensive decor updates you can make that offer a high-end look for a fraction of the cost of buying it in a store. You can use the search bar at the top of the app to narrow down what you are looking for or, on sites like Reddit, search for a subReddit page like r/HomeImprovement to get a wealth of information at your fingertips. Happy DIY’ing!
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Being a homeowner comes with a steep learning curve, and many first-time homebuyers struggle financially in their first year of owning a home. After years of saving for a down payment, they are blindsided by the extra expenses that come with buying and owning a house. It’s frighteningly easy to exhaust your cash reserves before you even move in.
Misunderstandings about the costs of owning a home can push people even further into financial distress. You can avoid a lot of this trouble by doing your research and determining how much house you can actually afford. Develop a sample budget to help you prepare for the cost of homeownership and the expenses that come along with it.
Hidden Costs of Homeownership
Here are some expenses prospective homeowners often forget to consider while they are shopping for a new place to live. Keep these figures in mind as you set your budget for a home.
Utilities
If you’re used to paying for utilities and other costs of living as a renter, it can be tempting to think that homeownership won’t alter your budget significantly — especially if your estimated mortgage payment will be less than what you’ve been paying for rent. However, your new home may use substantially more electricity and gas than an apartment, townhouse, or smaller rental house. Plus, your monthly rent may have included utilities like water or internet.
Mortgage Payment
Each month, most of your mortgage payment will go toward your principal and interest. However, you’ll also pay additional expenses such as property taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance. Insurance companies assess these expenses annually, but your lender will collect the fees each month with your mortgage payment and hold the funds in escrow. If you choose a home in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you’ll also have HOA dues to include in your budget.
Furniture and Decor
New rooms could mean new needs. When you buy a house, the furniture you used in your rental may not be a perfect fit for your new home. Paint, curtains, furniture, and other decorative items can personalize your new home but can be a strain on your budget. If the thought of all new furniture and decor is overwhelming, choose one room to finish at a time.
Lawn Care
As a first-time homeowner, you may find yourself with a whole new set of outdoor responsibilities — mowing grass, trimming hedges, and keeping weeds at bay. If you buy a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, you may face strict lawn care standards. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a service to take care of it for you, lawn care can get expensive. If you go the DIY route, you’ll need to purchase equipment and supplies to get the job done, such as:
Lawnmower
Weed-eater
Hedge trimmer
Weed killer
Fertilizer
Grass seed
Pest control products
If you hire a company to take care of your lawn, expect to pay between $100 and $200 per month for basic care.
Renovations
Once the excitement of buying a new house starts to subside, your focus may shift to how your new home meets your needs. Unless you built a home with custom options, you may eventually want to update or renovate.
Renovations are becoming increasingly common among first-time buyers. According to a 2017 study by Houzz, first-time homebuyers spent an average of $33,800 on home renovations in 2016 — up 22% from 2015. Among all homeowners surveyed, the greatest motivating factor for renovating was a desire to customize their home.
Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance and repairs can be a major budget killer for new homeowners. Many first-time homebuyers overlook the age of the roof, exterior paint, AC unit, and furnace when they buy a home. Even if you buy brand-new construction, you should begin saving for necessary maintenance updates and unforeseen repairs.
Don’t exhaust your savings to purchase your home; keep some money aside for necessary or unexpected repairs. Some financial experts suggest saving 1-4% of the home’s purchase price each year, depending on the age of your home.
Your homeowner’s insurance should cover damage due to fire or weather, but you’ll still need cash to cover the deductible, which could be anywhere from $200 to $2,000, or more. If you’re concerned about having enough cash on hand in the event of an emergency, look into plans with a higher monthly premium and a lower deductible.
A Sample Budget for Your First Year of Home Expenses
The price for a starter home will vary widely depending on where you live. Looking at average starter home prices around the country and landing somewhere in the middle, here’s a sample budget.
The following sample budget is an example of what your monthly home-related expenses would look like if you purchased a $200,000 home with a 5% down payment. For this sample, we used an online mortgage calculator and the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate of 5.10%.
Mortgage Payment
Monthly mortgage payment: $1599
Utilities and Lawn Care (based on national averages)
Gas
$82
Electricity
$183
Water
$40
Sewer / Garbage
$20
Internet / Cable
$147
Lawn Care
$150
Monthly utilities expense:$622
Recommended Maintenance/Repair Fund
Repairs/ Maintenance
$4,000 (based on 2% of purchase price)
Monthly repair/maintenance savings: $333
For this sample budget, your expenses would work out to $2,554 per month. That’s nearly $1,000 more than your monthly mortgage payment.
The Takeaway
Don’t make the mistake of asking how much house you can buy — instead, examine your income and projected expenses to figure out how much you can afford. If you’re buying a home with a spouse or significant other, be sure you’re on the same page.
An experienced real estate agent is an excellent resource. Ask lots of questions: inquire about the home’s roof and exterior, as well as appliances and heating or cooling systems. Your agent can also request information about HOA fees and utility usage from the seller.
For more information on home buying and selling visit Owners.com.
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If you’re in tech in Utah, you probably already know Lehi. As the home of industry giants Adobe, Ancestry.com, Workfront, SirsiDynix, IM Flash and other large, small and up-and-coming firms, Lehi has grown from bedroom community to destination location for families looking to be in the center of the action.
Just south of Point of the Mountain, Lehi’s family-friendly lifestyle gives residents quick access to recreation, quaint restaurants, ample shopping and a perfect place to call home. Plus, its center-of-the-valley location means you’re never far from anything.
Considering a home in Lehi? Here’s what you’ll find.
Small town charm with top amenities
Lehi is growing— and fast— but it still retains the small town charm that drew families to it in the first place. Want a peek at what Lehi used to be? Take a drive by Lehi Roller Mills; if it seems familiar, that’s because this still-working mill was the set for the original Footloose. Just a few blocks down Lehi’s Main Street and pop into Paper Crush for a DIY custom day planner and other party supplies or grab a burger and old-fashioned shake at Porter’s.
If a wedding is in your future, Flowers on Main is your stop for fresh-cut beauties and handmade leis, which are great accompaniments to the custom dresses at Gowns by Pamela.
Family game night goes all out at Gamers’ Inn, where you can try games before you buy them or join in with a group to play your favorite board games. Sweeten the day with treats from Lehi Bakery, where the donuts are square, and cupcakes at the Little Cake and Dessert Shop.
If community events are more your style, attend Lehi’s annual Round-Up celebration and rodeo each June and mark your calendar for the carnival-style Foam Day in July. (Why the name? Because before the activities end, everything is covered in soapy foam.) And October wouldn’t be complete without a visit (or two!) to Cornbelly’s, where attendees can get lost in an old-fashioned corn maze —haunted or not—and test their punkin’ chunkin’ skills before settling in to make DIY s’mores.
Walkability/Drivability and Livability
Don’t work in Lehi? Not a problem. Your average commute will still only be 23 minutes, or you could hop on FrontRunner to take the train to Salt Lake, Provo, Ogden and points in-between.
When you return home, it’s a quick walk, drive or bike ride for a bite to eat. Depending on the direction you prefer, both Tsunami and Jimmy Johns are both highly accessible, thanks to the Murdock Canal Trail, a 17-mile paved trail that runs parallel to an unpaved equestrian trail, and connects seven communities in Utah County.
If your destination is a dream home with all of the modern amenities, Lehi is your place. Thanks to the tech corridor, most homes in Lehi were built since 2000 and have all of the amenities homeowners are looking for. Best part: home values in Lehi average $266,300 and climbing, which makes a home in Lehi a smart investment but still affordable. Check out the homes for sale in Lehi on Homie for current availability.
Get out and play, nature’s way
Flanked by Thanksgiving Point to the West and Mt. Timpanogos to the East, Lehi’s access to the great outdoors means you can play hard by day—regardless of your preferred activity.
Take in a round of golf at Thanksgiving Point’s championship course or Frisbee golf at Dry Creek Trail Park, the city’s first disc golf course. You can also run, bike or walk the 17 miles of the Murdock Canal Trail or cool off at the city pool.
For a high-flying adventure, Flight Park State Recreation Area, accessible from Minuteman Drive, has facilities to help you get your hand glider, paraglider and model airplanes in the air.
And for a quick reminder of Mother Nature’s brilliance, Mt. Timpanogos looms just 10 miles east, where you can tour the cave, go for a hike hiking or have a quiet picnic.
Indoor fun
Shopping anyone? Traverse Mountain’s diverse stores include something for everyone, whether your style is H&M, Michael Kors, Quicksilver or Coach. And there’s Cabela’s, where you’ll find everything you could possibly want to feel at home in the great outdoors.
Across the highway are the restaurants of Thanksgiving Point, including Harvest Restaurant, known for its locally-sourced ingredients and fresh take on lunch and dinner. Top off the day by visiting the Museum of Ancient Life or Museum of Natural Curiosity, and the requisite trip to the Ice Cream Shop for an old-fashioned float—with bubblegum ice cream, of course.
Nightlife for everyone
Don’t expect the carpet to roll up at sunset. Evenings are a great time to catch a box office favorites at the Megaplex. In summer, Sundays end with a serenade from some of the best local talent at Wines Park. Or catch a nightcap at Scorez Sports Bar or Buffalo Wild Wings, both prepped for late-night fun.
Want to find your place in Lehi?
If Lehi sounds like the perfect place for you to call home, the Homie team is here to help. You can start the process by browsing through the current homes for sale in Lehi and click “Schedule a Tour” whenever you’re ready to get a closer look. When the time is right, Homie will help you create an offer, answer questions and secure your financing—and Homie’s services for buyers are completely free. You’ll find more details in our Buyer package.
One of the obvious perks of working from home is the opportunity to cut some expenses.
Almost one in three workers remains fully remote in early 2023, and no wonder. When you no longer have to commute every day, you save time and money. You can prep lunch everyday versus buying a pricey takeout salad, and you don’t have to buy (or clean) work clothes anymore. You’re likely to notice some savings quite quickly.
However, there are other costs that might ratchet up just because you’re home more — and that includes energy costs. The extra time you may be spending on your laptop, watching Netflix, or even boiling water for a ramen lunch could nudge your energy usage upward — and your monthly electric bill.
If you have those bills set on autopay, you may not have noticed an increase. Or maybe you noticed the expense creep up but didn’t know what you could do to manage it.
Fortunately, with some planning, you can probably minimize your energy bill. Here are some strategies that might help while you’re working from home:
In the Home Office
You may have put some thought into setting up your office in a way that works ergonomically and looks presentable on Zoom. But have you thought about making your workspace energy efficient?
Choosing Power-Saving Equipment
If there’s a choice, consider using a laptop instead of a desktop computer to do your work. According to Energy Saver, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource, it takes much more power to run a desktop and its monitor than it does to run a laptop.
And with the laptop, there’s a battery for backup if the power fluctuates or there’s a brownout due to high electricity demand in your area.
Those who are new to working at home and purchasing their own office equipment may want to check out Energy Star-certified computers, monitors, and printers, which run more efficiently than standard equipment and use about half as much electricity.
💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a high-yield bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.
Unplugging at the End of the Day
Remote workers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a break at the end of their day. The computers, phone chargers, and other pieces of office equipment they rely on may continue to draw power even when not in use.
For convenience, workers may want to consider attaching these “energy vampires” to a smart power strip, with just one easy-to-reach switch to flip when it’s time to call it quits.
Also: Not to be a Grinch, but come the holiday season, if you like to keep the holiday lights on all day to brighten your work area and deliver a holiday mood, you might rethink that. The cost of holiday lights can add up.
Recommended: Adjusting Your Budget for Working from Home
Letting Computers Take a Nap
Another way to save money on energy is to set a computer to sleep or hibernate if it’s going to sit idle for a while. This differs from using a screen saver, which actually may take extra energy to keep an animated display active on the screen.
When a computer enters sleep mode, the power is cut to any unneeded systems, and the memory receives just enough power to maintain data.
In hibernation mode, the computer saves open documents and running applications to the hard disk instead of to RAM, which means it uses zero power. It takes a little longer to start back up from hibernation, though, so sleep mode may be better for shorter breaks.
Recommended: Do You Qualify for Home-Office Tax Deductions?
Choosing the Right Light
Making the most of natural light in the layout of a home office can cut down on eye strain and energy use, so it can help to create a workspace by a window.
But if a desk lamp will be on for much of the day, using energy-efficient bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs could decrease the amount of energy the light will use by as much as 80%.
Because LED light bulbs produce less heat, they also may help cut costs associated with home cooling. And LEDs, halogens, and compact fluorescent lamps typically last longer than traditional bulbs.
Elsewhere Around the House
Working from home typically means more time spent using appliances; opening and closing doors; and running the air conditioner, fans, or the heater.
Many power companies offer free home energy assessments with a custom report that shows a home’s past and current power use and offers tips on how to save energy in the future.
For those who prefer to DIY their audit, the Environmental Protection Agency provides the Home Energy Yardstick , which compares a household’s actual energy use (based on a year’s worth of utility bills) to that of similar households.
There are also companies that, for a fee, will come and inspect a home’s energy usage . They will also report on areas where the home and its residents could be more energy efficient (though it may require changing some old behaviors).
Making Chores More Efficient
If the local utility company offers “time of use” pricing plans — charging less for power consumed during off-peak hours — it might be another opportunity to save.
Taking advantage of lower pricing may require breaking some old habits — running the dishwasher in the morning, for example, or doing laundry in the late evening — but the reward might be a lower utility bill as well as a healthier planet.
Running full loads in the clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher can be another way to save. Tempting as it may be to run a load just to get a favorite pair of jeans clean, you’re much better off waiting till you can fill the washer.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re faced with debt and wondering which kind to pay off first, it can be smart to prioritize high-interest debt first. For many people, this means their credit card debt; rates have recently been climbing into the double-digit range, so try to eliminate that ASAP.
Adjusting the Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to be more energy efficient is to set the thermostat up or down a degree or two to keep a home’s heating or air conditioning from running constantly.
The DOE advises consumers to set the thermostat to 78 degrees — or as high as is comfortable — when home in the summer.
In the winter, the DOE recommends setting the temperature at 68 degrees when everyone is awake and turning it down when they’re asleep or not at home. (Using a smart thermostat that can be operated from a smartphone can make it easier to manage adjustments.)
Getting Creative When Cooking
If eating at home more often is giving the oven a workout (and heating up the house in the summer), consider using the microwave, slow-cooker, or toaster oven to save on electricity and keep things cooler.
So can using the charcoal or gas grill out on the deck, and that might lend a party atmosphere to your regular dinner.
💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.
Keeping the Fridge Filled
A well-stocked freezer operates more efficiently than one that’s sitting half-empty, so feel free to load it up (but look for ways to save money on groceries when doing so). And, of course, if you are buying a new fridge, look for an Energy Star one.
Showering Responsibly
According to the DOE, about 18% of the energy consumed in the average home is from heating water. That means long, hot showers, or even standing at the sink shaving with the water running, can drive up energy bills. So can using the hot water setting on the washing machine or rinsing dishes in hot running water.
One option is to turn down the temperature on the water heater. That will help cut your energy bill when you’re working at home without impacting your comfort much at all. Shortening those showers (which can also help you save on water bills) and changing other habits, regardless of whether you are working from your kitchen table or an office, also can help conserve energy and save money. Extra points awarded to those who air-dry their hair or use the same bath towel more than once.
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The Takeaway
Whether this is a temporary situation or working from home becomes a regular thing, you may find you’ll have to rethink your budget to accommodate the changes to your lifestyle. While typically your energy bill may go up when you are spending more time at home (at your laptop and perhaps peeking in the fridge), it’s possible, with a little effort, to manage your power costs.
Better banking is here with up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
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SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 4/25/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. SOBK0423061
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Do you remember what it’s like being a kid with no financial responsibilities? Neither do I. It seems like we have been adulting forever. If life insurance isn’t quintessential adulthood, I don’t know what is. As you are reading and researching life insurance, one of the biggest questions you ask yourself is “Do I even need life insurance?”
Ask yourself this question: Does someone rely on me financially? If the answer is yes, then you likely need life insurance. Let’s discuss a few different types of people and their need for life insurance.
Single? You probably don’t need it.
If you are single and have no children, you probably don’t need life insurance. However, if you’re an ultra-planner or want to have a family sooner rather than later, locking in those low rates while you’re young and healthy can be a wise move.
Here are a few situations in which buying life insurance would be recommended even if you’re single:
Co-signed loans
Maybe your grandparents are co-signers on your private student loans or your parents co-signed on your mortgage. If you die before the balance is paid, the creditors can go after your co-signers. Life insurance can pay for these debts.
Caring for relatives
If you are caring for siblings or aging relatives you should consider life insurance to ensure that your loved ones are still provided for even if you are no longer around.
Have dependent children? You definitely need it.
Those with children have the greatest need for life insurance. Children rely on you for food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and everything else. If you die, life insurance can continue to fund these things, and it can also pay for hopes and dreams such as college tuition or a wedding.
Let’s take a closer look at specific parental situations:
Dual income families
If your household has two incomes contributing to standard of living, the sudden loss of a parent can cause financial upheaval if there is no life insurance to replace the lost income. One parent is now responsible to provide what two incomes previously did. For example, the proceeds from a life insurance policy can pay off the mortgage ensuring the children do not have to be uprooted from their home or school district.
Single parents
Let’s face it, the loss of a single parent to a child would be devastating. When married couples purchase life insurance, they often plan with the possibility that one spouse will remain to care for the children. Single parents do not have this luxury and absolutely need life insurance.
Stay-at-home parents
When you think of life insurance, you may only think a breadwinner needs coverage and not a stay-at-home parent – this could not be further from the truth. Imagine everything a stay-at-home parent does: babysits, cleans, cooks, transports, grocery shops… the list goes on. According to Salary.com, a stay-at-home mom is worth approximately $112,962. If the stay-at-home parent were to die unexpectedly, life insurance can pay for someone to help with these tasks.
Married? You most likely need it.
You don’t need to have children to rely on your significant other’s income. You’re building a life together and doing so requires money. You are likely both contributing to rent or a mortgage, car payments, utilities, and credit card bills. What happens if one of you were to die prematurely? The death benefit from a term life insurance policy can help pay for those expenses and cover the cost of a funeral.
It’s not uncommon today for couples to be in a committed relationship but postpone marriage. While it’s a little easier to own life insurance on your significant other if you are married, non-married couples can still purchase life insurance on one another as long as they can prove insurable interest.
Insurable interest is when a person can expect to suffer financial loss upon the death of another specific person. Having both names on a mortgage loan, both named on a lease, or owning a business together are just a few examples of how you can prove insurable interest.
The two types of life insurance
There are two main types of life insurance: term life insurance and permanent life insurance.
Term insurance:
Basic, inexpensive life insurance
Temporary – lasts a certain length of time (typically 10, 20, or 30 years)
Ideal for most people
Permanent insurance:
Lasts a lifetime
Accumulates cash value
Much more costly than term insurance
Not necessary for most people
For most individuals, term life insurance is suitable coverage. It is designed to last only during the years in which you have the greatest need for it. Permanent life insurance can be beneficial for more complicated situations such as managing wealth for large estates.
The key benefits
Buying life insurance means you hand over some of your hard earned dollars to an insurance company – so what do you get in return?
Your life insurance policy will provide significant funds to your loved ones when they need it most, allowing them to grieve without the added financial stress.
The death benefit is typically considerably greater than the premiums you paid.
The proceeds are generally safe from creditors. Even if you die with debt, creditors cannot go after the life insurance proceeds paid.
Life insurance proceeds are typically not taxed by the federal government.
Peace of mind in knowing your loved ones will be financially protected if you are taken from them too soon.
Natasha Cornelius is the content manager and editor for Quotacy. She has worked in the life insurance industry since 2010 and has been making life insurance easier to understand with her writing since 2014. A long-time Mint user, Natasha lives in Bozeman, Montana where she loves to garden, DIY anything she can, and explore beautiful Big Sky country. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Home is no doubt where our mama’s heart is. Let’s celebrate her with home decor gifts that remind her of the people she loves most. Whether it’s practical day-to-day items like a fresh new set of towels or personalized gifts like a print of her kiddos or grandkids, these gifts for the home decor enthusiast will spruce up her space while thanking her for a job so well done.
We curated these gifts from our new favorite app, Ibotta, which has hundreds of cash back offers on everything from home decor items to groceries to beauty and fashion gifts, even gift cards! Earn real cash back (no points here) while you shop your favorite brands like Target, Sephora, H&M, Trader Joe’s, Container Store and much more. Give the gift that makes mom feel loved and her space feel just a little more charmed with these $60-and-under ideas!
Lucky Seven Wall Art ($58)
Earn 9% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Print your favorite photos on sustainably sourced canvas and make a collage of mom’s favorite little and big people. Nothing like a photo gift to remind her that all the hard work is paying off.
Stackers White Classic Jewelry Box Collection ($18-$40)
Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Jewelry is big around Mother’s Day and birthdays. Help her keep it all protected in this modular box that’s all velvety inside (with vegan leather outside) and keeps all her jewels intact.
OAKE Ethicot Bath Towel ($14)
Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Baths are a mom’s best friend. Treat her to a set of new cotton towels in her favorite hues so she can feel all warm and cozy coming out of one!
Society6 Los Feliz Pillow ($28)
Earn 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Throw pillows are a fun way to change up your decor for the season. Find tons of modern, even quirky, prints to suit your mom’s style personality.
Voluspa Mini Candle Set ($48)
Earn 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Send her on a sensory vacay with these mini scented candles. Depending on her mood, she can choose from Barbados Grapefruit, Tahitian Coconut Vanilla, Kalahari Watermelon and French Cade Lavender.
LUCID Comfort Collection Weighted Blanket ($54)
Earn 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
A mom needs her sleep (beauty or otherwise). Give her a great big hug in the form of a weighted blanket, which can help reduce anxiety and acts as a sleep aid by soothing her to sleep.
Flower.com Lady in Pink Peony ($60)
Earn 10% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Flowers are the more traditional gift route but can still brighten a mom’s day, especially if her favorite petals are in season. Send a pretty bouquet on her big day to boost her mood and decor.
Chevron Seagrass Belly Basket ($15)
Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Every decor lover has a basket problem – they’re the perfect clutter busters! These seagrass baskets are roomy enough for things like cleaning supplies, toys, media, and blankets – and don’t cost a pretty penny.
Black+Decker Cordless Drill and Charger ($47)
Earn up to 8% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Creative moms who like to DIY will love this gift that puts the power in her hands to take on projects around the house. It’s lightweight and cordless, making it the perfect power tool for small projects like hanging art and putting furniture together.
Wayfair Gift Card ($25+)
Earn 4% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!
Know your decor-loving mom needs a lamp or rug or something specific, but you want to give her the chance to choose? Ibotta offers cash back on loads of gift cards too, including Wayfair, Lowe’s, Michaels, Crate & Barrel, Macys and more!
All offers were valid as of publish date. Check your Ibotta app for details, as offers change frequently and may not be available in all areas.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
If you’ve been looking into cruises, chances are you’ve come across some deals that sound almost too good to be true. Maybe you’ve even been lucky enough to score a cruise offered for as little as $100 by leveraging hotel elite status matches.
But once you put down your deposit and start looking into all the extras, you’ll find that what you actually end up paying for your cruise vacation can easily be many multiples of the advertised rate that initially lured you — especially once you factor in flights and hotels.
Cruise companies, like airlines, make a lot of their money off ancillary fees. But there are ways for you to avoid some of these pesky surprises. Here’s how to save money on a cruise.
1. Cruise excursions
Potential added cost: $600-$1,200 (3 full-day excursions for 2 people at $100-$200 each, per person).
Frugal alternative: DIY at a level you’re comfortable with.
From the moment you book your cruise to the days you’re sailing, you’ll hear and see a lot of pitches for cruise excursions, which can be a tempting way to fill your hours in port while leaving every small detail to the cruise line.
But you’ll pay a huge premium for that convenience.
Assuming you’re open to some (extra) adventure, many excursions can easily be replicated for a fraction of the cost.
For example, on a recent Mexican cruise, a friend and I walked about 20 minutes from the cruise port along a well-maintained sidewalk to undertake a mountain hike for free that had been offered as an excursion for $60 per person. We figured we were already hiking anyway, so why not tack on an extra mile or so? A local bus would have done the trick, too.
Not quite so adventurous? Look into taking taxis, which are generally easy to find at any cruise port. Even that would have cut the price from $60 per person to roughly $5-$10 per person.
Here are a few other overinflated offenders you can easily replicate on your own or by booking ahead of time with well-rated local vendors:
Bike or walking tours.
Open-air bus tours.
Transport and entry to a beach club.
Boat excursions.
Cooking classes.
Pretty much anything offered in port can be put together independently. And local vendors are very much aware of ship times, so don’t worry about getting left behind. Their reputations depend on getting you back safely.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Sometimes, cruise excursions are worth the cost — for instance, accessible tours for those in wheelchairs, or things impossible to replicate yourself, such as behind-the-scenes ship tours that take you to the bridge and the engine room.
2. Wi-Fi packages
Potential added cost: $300-$600+ ($15-$30 or more per day, per person, on a 10-day cruise for 2 people).
Frugal alternative: Free Wi-Fi in port.
For those of us who are always online, some of the most difficult — and mystifying — charges to swallow are cruise Wi-Fi fees. Making matters worse is that cruise lines often require you to purchase a package for the whole cruise, so you can’t do, say, one day on and one day off.
The most obvious workaround, especially if your cruise has many more port days than sea days, is to simply spend an hour or so in port catching up on your internet needs.
A local library is your best bet, but often the port facilities themselves will offer free Wi-Fi. Bars and cafes generally offer Wi-Fi too, which allows you to take in some local flavor while you’re scrolling your Instagram feed.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Even if you’re not buying an internet package, log on to your ship’s Wi-Fi connection anyway and just see what happens. On two recent cruises, I was immediately able to use iMessage, and in one case I even had full internet access at certain times (but not at others). If it works for you, consider it a pleasant surprise.
A more complicated route would be to purchase a SIM card for your phone that works for each destination, but it’s unlikely to work while at sea.
3. Alcohol packages
Potential added cost: $1,000-$2,000 ($50-$100 per day, per person, on a 10-day cruise for 2 people).
Frugal alternative: Bring your own booze.
Many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of alcohol on board. Here were the allowances for a few of the more popular cruise lines at last check:
Carnival: One 750-milliliter bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person age 21 or older in your carry-on luggage upon departure. No alcohol otherwise.
Celebrity: Two 750-milliliter bottles of wine per person of legal drinking age at departure. No alcohol otherwise.
Norwegian: Any amount of wine or champagne, as long as it isn’t boxed wine. No alcohol otherwise.
Princess: One 750-milliliter bottle of wine or champagne per adult. Extra bottles are allowed for a nominal fee per bottle. No alcohol otherwise.
Royal Caribbean: One sealed 750-milliliter bottle of wine or champagne, but no boxed wine or other alcohol.
You might have to pay a small corkage fee if you consume your own alcohol in an onboard restaurant, so be on the lookout for that.
What about nonalcoholic drink packages? They’re cheaper, as you’d expect, but again, you can generally bring some on board instead. (Coffee and tea are often available for free throughout the ship.)
Here’s the rundown of how many nonalcoholic beverages you can bring on board some popular cruise lines:
Carnival: Up to 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less, per person, in your carry-on.
Celebrity: Their terms don’t explicitly mention non-alcoholic beverages. On a recent cruise, I took that to mean there was no limit; I brought two 2-liter bottles on board with no problem.
Norwegian: Not allowed, with limited exceptions.
Princess: Up to 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.
Royal Caribbean: Up to 12 standard cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom.
One underappreciated thing about bringing your own drinks: It’s a lot more convenient to serve yourself than it is to wait to be served at a bar.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you’re tempted to try splitting a drink package with multiple people, don’t bother. Cruises generally only serve you one drink at a time, and they have their ways of knowing the purchaser is the one getting served (for instance, via wristband or scanning your onboard card that shows your ID).
4. Spa services
Potential added cost: $100-$200 or more per treatment at sea.
Frugal alternative: Skip the treatments or get them in port.
Lots of things are typically included on cruises — most food, entertainment, pools — but spa treatments are generally extra. (Probably a good thing: If everyone on the ship got bottomless massages, that’s about the only thing many of us would want to do the whole week.)
Although there might be no such thing as a free spa day, cruise lines will occasionally offer short “sample” treatments meant to entice you into paying for more. If you can resist a sales pitch, give it a shot, though these free offerings tend to fill up very fast.
Here’s another case where getting your fix in port can save you a bundle. While cruising in the Caribbean recently, I paid the equivalent of $30 for what turned out to be a world-class massage. It might have been just as great on board, but it would’ve cost about five times as much.
🤓Nerdy Tip
On two recent sailings I was able to access the onboard spa’s common areas for free throughout the week. So, if you want “spa-adjacent” goodies — like a sauna, heated loungers or extra-comfy chairs — just wander a bit and see what you find.
5. Paid room service
Potential added cost: $100 ($5-$10 per item, or a set delivery fee).
Frugal alternative: Pack your baggies.
More and more, cruise lines are charging for room service that used to be free. (For instance, on Carnival and Celebrity, only continental breakfast is included for most guests now.)
Room service items generally aren’t expensive, but a few cases of the midnight munchies can add up quickly. One alternative is to bring a few clear plastic bags so you can “pack” easy-to-carry items from elsewhere on the ship.
At dinner, order that extra cheese plate, bag it up and stick it in your room fridge. Or if you have a sweet tooth, grab some cookies from the buffet.
Made-to-order sandwiches can travel well, too — so well that you could bring a couple with you on your port days, as we did on a recent cruise. But don’t get too carried away. After all, you might not want to miss the local cuisine.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Generally speaking, the room service menu isn’t going to be that memorable anyway, so you’re probably not missing much by not partaking. And besides, free food is never more than a few minutes away on most cruise ships.
6. Tips and taxes
Potential added cost: Roughly $100-$300 on average for taxes; roughly $10-$25 per person per day for tips (so figure $200-$500 total for a 10-day cruise for 2).
Frugal alternative: Score an onboard credit to help lighten the blow of these mandatory extras.
As cruise ship fees go, there are only two sure things: tips and taxes. Even the least expensive cruise offers will tack on both, and generally you won’t see either fee mentioned upfront when you’re first starting to book.
Port taxes vary based on the length of your cruise and where you’re stopping, but on average you can expect to pay $100 to $300 on top of the cost of your room.
Tips are a baked-in way of saying thanks for the service you’ve received on the cruise from front-line workers such as your room steward, wait staff and guest services. Charges vary wildly but range from $10 to $25 a day in many cases.
Port taxes generally must be paid no matter what, but tips (or any other costs mentioned above) can generally be covered in full using onboard credits. Cruises often offer such credits to entice you to book. In one case, I received $100 in onboard credit on a line I hadn’t cruised before simply by calling and requesting it, citing the fact that I was a new customer. (Motto: It really never hurts to ask.)
7. Flights to the cruise port
Potential added cost: Easily hundreds of dollars, plus hotel costs as needed.
Frugal alternative: Use points and miles.
In the heat of booking that dream cruise, one of the easiest expenses to overlook — but one of the costliest — is the travel to and from the cruise port.
If you aren’t lucky enough to live within easy transit or driving range of your departure port, you’ll need to factor in costs for flights. And unless you like living dangerously, you’ll want to fly in a day in advance, which means budgeting for at least one hotel night.
Any number of travel rewards credit cards come with sign-up bonuses that, alone, could more than cover the cost of your transit in the form of hotel points or airline miles. For the best value, focus on cards that earn reward currencies in the American Express, Capital One, Chase or Citi ecosystems. These points can be transferred to a wide variety of airline or hotel programs.
🤓Nerdy Tip
For a different kind of flexibility, consider cards that offer the ability to redeem points toward “erasing” any travel purchase you make with the card, such as the Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You could even use such cards to pay for, then erase, those pesky port fees referenced above.
The bottom line
That cruise you’re seeing marketed for just a few hundred dollars (or less) can easily balloon to many multiples of that amount if you’re not careful.
But with the right travel rewards credit card, a healthy sense of adventure and some good old-fashioned resourcefulness, you can fully enjoy the vacation you’ve earned while resting assured that you haven’t broken the bank.
(Top photo by Brad Walters)
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: