Want to find some of the best places to work out in Philly? Look no further than your own apartment home.
A slightly more expensive city on average, living in Philadelphia means having all the fun and convenience at your fingertips. What will be important for you to get to do if you decide to move here? Is it all about drinks with friends on the weekends, making nice dinners at home or something else?
You don’t want to have to sacrifice any of those bonus activities you love, which means you want to make your workout reasonable. The best way to do this? Find a Philadelphia apartment that has a gym already. You’ll work out for free.
Where are the best gyms in Philadelphia you ask? We know. Here are some of our favorites.
Source: Rent. / The Alexander
Two-story ceilings and paneled windows that reach all the way to the top bring so much light into the fitness center at The Alexander. Pops of yellow and great city views make this state-of-the-art gym attractive. You’ll find cardio machines, strength equipment and free weights along with an indoor lap pool. The Alexander also has tennis courts.
The Alexander is in Logan Square, a northwest neighborhood full of culture. Though Logan Square is a quieter community, you’re still close to all the action of Philadelphia living here.
Source: Rent. / Piazza Alta
Situated in the middle of the charming and quirky neighborhood of Northern Liberties, Piazza Alta has a massive, multi-room gym. The space is bright and sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows and cardio and strength equipment nicely spaced out. The fitness center at Piazza Alta also has a yoga studio and boxing trainer/CrossFit box set up.
Close to bars, restaurants and boutiques, this non-smoking, green community also features a palazzo, pool and hot tub, as well as a recreation room and playground.
Source: Rent. / The Franklin Residences
On-site retail shops, resident events and a clean and spacious fitness center are just some of the amenities at The Franklin Residences. Open 24 hours, the gym is bright, with an entire wall of mirrors on one side and a black-and-white mural on the other. You’ve access to free weights, cardio machines and strength equipment.
Within the vibrant performing arts neighborhood of Avenue of the Arts South, The Franklin Residences are right in the heart of Philadelphia.
Source: Rent. / The Left Bank
With a nice collection of strength equipment and multiple rows of cardio machines, the gym at The Left Bank has it all. You’ll even find a separate fitness studio and a fitness lounge. Other amenities include a rooftop deck, a game room with billiards, a theater room and a clubroom with a catering kitchen.
This University City community is a perfect spot for students and academics alike. It’s close to both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.
Source: Rent. / The Poplar
Within East Poplar, you’ll find the aptly named community, The Poplar. This amenity-filled spot has a rooftop terrace with city and waterfront views. There are also three infinity-edge saltwater pools, two hot tubs and private cabanas.
The gym at The Poplar is a shiny and modern space with large windows. There are a lot of cardio and strength machines, CrossFit boxes and a separate fitness studio for yoga.
Source: Rent. / Apex Manayunk
The art deco-inspired design gives the gym at Apex Manayunk a unique feel. Among the cardio and weight machines, what really stands out are the pops of red in the SYNRGY360 CrossFit box. It has multiple stations that really help make a complete workout possible. There’s also an outdoor jogging trail for those who want to add some fresh air to their exercise routine.
In the trendy Lower Northwest community, Apex Manayunk also features a game room with ping pong, arcade games, billiards and shuffleboard. There’s a bocce ball court, Bark Park and a barbecue and deck area as well.
Source: Rent. / Locust on the Park
For some quieter urban living, many folks turn to Fitler Square. Located right on the Schuykill River, this welcoming neighborhood is home to Locust on the Park. The gym here is open 24 hours. It’s nicely organized and bright, with pops of color throughout.
Full of amenities, the big attraction to living in Locust on the Park is that it’s next to Schuykill River Park. This green space, which runs along the river, has everything, from walking/biking paths to a pool, dog run and playground.
Source: Rent. / Solo on Chestnut
With a gaming lounge, roof deck, roof dog run and study lounges, the smoke-free community of Solo on Chestnut comes fully stocked. The fitness center pops thanks to a colorful, abstract wall mural and wall-length mirrors. Good windows and lighting really complete the space’s perfect brightness. Containing everything from free weights to strength equipment, a CrossFit box and more, you’ll get the perfect workout here.
Located in the eclectic and diverse neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Solo on Chestnut works to tap into the local vibe with its decor.
Source: Rent. / The Atlantic
Impressive and classy, with a living wall of greenery and marble columns, The Atlantic boasts a large gym with plenty of strength machines, cardio equipment and a CrossFit box. Separated by a wall of windows, you’ll also find a spin and yoga studio with virtual classes.
Another Avenue of the Arts South neighborhood gem, The Atlantic is a LEED Gold green building with his-and-her spas, a waterfall-edge pool and oversized hot tub, a rooftop dog park, a music room and more.
Source: Rent. / Palazzo at the Piazza
Also in Northern Liberties, you’ll find Palazzo at the Piazza. The most impressive amenity here is the pool. There are a ton of lounge chairs, with a separate in-water sunbathing area. Cabanas and comfy patio furniture, which includes beds, round out the area.
The fitness center impresses too, with a green, living wall, floor-to-ceiling windows and neat clusters of exercise machines. There’s also a bright and spacious spin studio and sauna.
Grab a home workout at one of the best gyms in Philadelphia
There are a million things to do in Philadelphia, and if you want to do them all. Nix the need to pay for a gym membership and find a Philadelphia apartment with its own fitness center. You’ll free up more of your fun money and stay in shape at the same time.
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We are going to under the cover and discover $12 an hour is how much per year.
For most Americans, this is hovering near minimum wage.
Let’s get this straight… This is not a livable wage.
If you are in high school or college and have support from your parents, then this is great spending money for you.
However, if you are making it on your own, $12 per hour will not make ends meet each month.
For most people, being at minimum wage is common and the goal is to make your way up the payscale and quickly!
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $12 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
When living close to minimum wage, you must know how to manage money wisely.
More than likely, you are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to survive to the next paycheck. Take a deep breath and make this minimum wage just a season.
The ultimate goal is to make the most of your hourly wage with inspirations to make more money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$12 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $12 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $12 = $24960
$24960 is the gross annual salary with a $12 per hour wage.
Breakdown Of 12 Dollars An Hour Is How Much A Year
Typically, the average work week is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiple the hourly salary of $12 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $24,960.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $12 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiple the hourly salary of $12 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $12480.
How Much is $12 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $2,080.
Annual Amount of $24000 ÷ 12 months = $2080 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $1040.
How Much is $12 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $12 = $480 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $240.
How Much is $12 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $480 and double it.
$480 per week x 2 = $960
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $12 an hour = $960
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $480.
How Much is $12 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight hour work day.
8 hours x $12 per hour = $96 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $120 per day. (10 hours x $12 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $48.
$12 Per Hour is…
$12 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$24,960
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$24,000
Monthly Wage (173 hours)
$2,080
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$490
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$960
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$96
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$1,588
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 12 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly, close to minimum wage employee, more than likely you will not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees, get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $24960 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $12 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiple the hourly salary of $12 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $24,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $12 = $24000
You would average $96 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$12 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
This is why you always wondering why your take-home pay is so much less.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $24,960
Federal Taxes of 12%: $2,995
State Taxes of 4%: $998
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $1,909
$12 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $19,057
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$19057 ÷ 2080 hours = $9.16 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $9.16 an hour. That is $2.84 an hour less than what you planned.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
$12 an Hour Budget Example
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 12 dollars an hour? How much rent can you afford on 12 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best case scenario on how to budget your $12 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated $12 an hour was $9.16 after taxes. That would average $1588 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high level view of a $12 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $794
Save Money of 20% = $318
Give Money of 10% = $159
Fun Spending of 20% = $318
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable when living so close to minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic on ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $12 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $12 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$62
Savings
15-25%
$104
Housing
20-30%
$645
Utilities
4-7%
$125
Groceries
5-12%
$187
Clothing
1-4%
$21
Transportation
4-10%
$125
Medical
5-12%
$208
Life Insurance
1%
$18
Education
1-4%
$10
Personal
2-7%
$31
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$52
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$492
Total Gross Income
$2,080
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
$12 an Hour Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $12.01-12.99.
Here is a handy calculator to use if you make $12.60, $12.30, or $12.75 an hour.
Living on $12 Per Hour
Living close to minimum wage can be a very difficult situation.
Is it doable? Probably not for long.
You just have to be wiser (or frugal) with your money and how you spend the hard-earned cash you have been blessed with.
A lot of times when people are making under near the minimum wage mark, they feel like they are in this constant cycle that they can never keep up with (which completely makes sense it is hard!).
When your thoughts are constantly focused on how you are struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, that is all you focus on.
You need to realize that your mindset is everything.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I am making near minimum wage for now. I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. For now, I am going to make sure that I am able to live on my 12 dollars per hour. I’m going to try and avoid debt and payday loans at all costs.
Other Tips to Help You:
Check your minimum wage for your state and city. You might find a higher minimum wage in a nearby city.
Look to living in a lower cost of living area to stretch your money.
Find ways to minizine your basic expenses.
Thrive with a minimalist lifestyle.
Decide if a roommate or moving back with your parents would help.
Bike or walk to work.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, you must focus on living on $12 an hour.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $12.50 will add up over the year. Even better $13 an hour or $15 an hour!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $12 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine to five position or typical 40-hour-a-week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and being financially sound happens.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $75,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Tips to Live on $12 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $12 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $12 an hour. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $12 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is your home $12 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, social security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your net income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. Period.
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
Check out the 200 envelope challenge (which is doable on your income)
It could be challenging friends not to go to Target for a week.
Maybe changing your habits and not picking up takeout and planning meals.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, it was not until week paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt free journey.
Jobs that Pay $12 an Hour
You can always find jobs that pay $12 per hour. Polish up that smile, fill out the application and be prepared with your interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas for Jobs Paying $12 an hour:
Cashiers
Back of the house restaurant staff
Landscape Laborer
Retail jobs
Virtual Assistant – learn how to get started now!
Paraeducators at schools
Janitors
Farm help
Warehouse workers
Call center
Hotel Housekeeper
Delivery driver
Product demonstrator
Caregiver
Busser at restaurants
companies paying $12 an hour
Target
Amazon
Walgreens
Great Wolf Lodge
Olive Garden
Sonic
$12 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 12 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 12 dollars an hour annually…
$24,960
This is under $30000 per year and you need to make at least $38k a year.
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Spend your time wisely and make money doing it. All of these quick ways to make money are simple and easy to do!
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Wondering what to do when you can’t pay your bills can be a horrible feeling. You may feel stressed, tired, angry, along with 1,000 other emotions.
Falling behind on your bills can also impact many areas of your financial life. It may lead to:
Late fees
Interest charges
High interest rates when you need a loan later on
A damaged credit score and credit report
Non-stop calls from collection agencies
Bills piling on bills piling on bills
Debt
You may have fallen behind on your bills due to many different reasons. You could have recently lost your job, taken a pay cut, or had surprise expenses pop up.
Whatever your reason may be, there are steps you can take to get back on track.
Here are my tips on what to do when you can’t pay your bills.
Don’t ignore the problem.
Ignoring the problem isn’t going to help you at all. Many people get extremely stressed about being unable to pay their bills, which can lead to completely ignoring the problem in hopes that it will go away.
You have to do something.
By facing the problem, you will be able to dig yourself out of debt, get rid of late bills, and have a better grasp of your financial situation.
Try to relax when figuring out what to do when you can’t pay your bills.
You may feel very panicky if you can’t pay your bills, but remember that wasting time on worrying won’t help you at all.
Being negative, panicky, regretful, etc. leads to feeling as if you will never get out of the mess you are in. Those feelings may cause you to give up and let the bills pile up, because you can’t see a way out.
Instead, you need to take action.
Try to relax, stay positive, and focus on making changes.
Related: Why I Believe Being Positive Can Change Your Financial Situation And Your Life
Call the company.
Call the company as soon as you can. By calling them, you may be able to have late fees waived, receive a discount, and/or get more time to pay your bills.
You won’t know what they can do for you until you ask.
The worst thing that can happen is that they say no.
The best thing that can happen is they say yes and help you out!
And, yes, some companies will help you out. They aren’t all out to get you. You may want to try explaining your situation, to tell them how great of a customer you’ve been over the years, to ask what your options are, and so on.
Evaluate your income and spending.
You need to get organized so you know exactly where your money is coming from and where it is going.
This will help you spot your financial problems, and see whether working towards earning more money or cutting expenses is a better use of your time. By finding expenses to cut or areas to make more money, you will be able to put more money towards your bills and savings which can help you work through the bills you need to pay.
Related: How to Live On One Income
Cut your expenses as much as you can.
Even if it seems like there is nothing to cut from your budget, by digging deeply you can probably find a spot you can cut.
Something needs to be done so that you are no longer behind on your bills.
You may want to consider completely cutting expenses related to your:
Monthly car payment
Cable
Any memberships or subscriptions
Entertainment (there are plenty of ways to have free fun!)
Eating at restaurants
You may want to consider lowering or negotiating expenses related to your:
Car, home, or other insurance
Cell phone (you may even want to cut this completely)
Internet
Utility bills
Groceries
Related: 30 Ways To Save Money Each Month
Increase your income.
My recommendation for the best way to pay your past bills is to work on making more money. There is really no limit to the amount of money you can make. Earning more money can be a great way to get ahead a little more quickly than if you were to just cut your budget (you should still do that too, though).
To make extra money you can find a part-time job, ask for a raise or additional hours at the job you already have, start a side business, and so on.
Related: 75+ Ways To Make Extra Money
Think carefully about extreme options.
Some people put everything on their credit cards or take out payday loans when they are having a hard time paying their bills.
This can be a huge mistake. Occasionally there is a positive story about someone able to use one of these methods to their advantage, but the average person will experience a lot of money lost and increased stress.
Using a payday loan or credit cards when you fall behind on your bills can lead to digging a hole that feels nearly impossible to get out of.
I recommend analyzing the other options listed in this blog post before taking any extreme options.
Prioritize your bills.
One of the most important steps is deciding what order you should pay your bills.
You should write (or type) out all of the bills you owe, how much you owe, how late you are, and negatives that you may experience if you don’t pay a bill.
This will help you with the next action you will need to take.
Pay off your bills.
I couldn’t forget this one. Actually paying your bills is what you are working towards and what you will eventually need to do.
I recommend finding the bill that’s going to impact you the worst, then pay that one first. Then, go down the list you made prioritizing each, then pay each one off as described above. Keep paying your bills until you are done.
Prepare for the future.
You should make a plan so you don’t fall behind on your bills again.
Without a plan, there is a chance you will fall into the same habits again and again, possibly getting yourself into an even bigger financial mess.
You should:
What other tips would you give to someone who is wondering what to do when you can’t pay your bills?
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about buying now and refinancing later, once mortgage rates drop.
Of course, that’s if mortgage rates do indeed fall at some point in the near-future.
There’s no guarantee they will, but if inflation does settle down, we could see a return to more reasonable interest rates before long.
And that would support the marry the house, date the rate supporters, who believe it’s better to buy now while rates are high.
After all, if rates drop again, competition to buy a home could heat up fast.
Enter the Navy Federal No-Refi Rate Drop
While there’s logic to buying now and refinancing later, it still involves a pesky mortgage refinance.
And even if rates are lower, there are downsides to refinancing. For one, it’s time-consuming and paperwork-intensive.
There are also closing costs involved, stress, and of course you need to qualify for the thing. That’s never a guarantee if your situation changes. Or if home prices fall, etc.
To alleviate some of this concern, select lenders have been offering to waive fees on subsequent refinances if you use them for a home purchase loan.
But this still requires the borrower to go through the entire home loan process a second time. Not fun.
That’s where Navy Federal Credit Union’s “No-Refi Rate Drop” comes in. They’ve taken both the big cost and hassle out of it.
As the name implies, you can refinance your high-interest rate mortgage into a lower-rate mortgage without refinancing.
That way you can take advantage of lower mortgage rates without all the hoops and hurdles, and the closing costs.
And it seems super easy, with apparently only one document to sign.
How It Works
If you buy a home and use Navy Federal to get your mortgage, keep an eye out for lower mortgage rates.
After six consecutive monthly payments, you can take advantage of their No-Refi Rate Drop if they fall by at least 0.25% versus your existing rate.
For example, if your current interest rate is 7%, and rates fall to 6.75%, you could take advantage.
Aside from needing to make six payments, you also must be current on your loan with no more than one 30-day late payment within six months of the rate drop request.
Additionally, your loan must be a Homebuyers Choice, Military Choice, or 15- or 30-year jumbo fixed-rate loan.
Note that cash-out refinances are not eligible for the no-refi rate-drop option, nor are adjustable-rate mortgages.
Assuming you fit that criteria, and rates drops enough, all you have to do is call them to start the process. If eligible, they’ll send you a single document to sign within five business days.
Simply return that signed form and a $250 payment and your new lower rate will take effect within 30-60 days.
They say you’re guaranteed to get the mortgage rate that is offered on the day you call in, similar to a traditional mortgage rate lock.
So it doesn’t matter if rates increase while they process your application.
What’s more, you’re able to lower your rate multiple times during the loan term as long as you are eligible and pay the $250 fee each time.
Another perk is your loan term will stay the same. So if you make the request two years into a 30-year loan term, you’ll still have 28 years remaining.
It won’t increase the loan term like a standard refinance could.
Is the No-Refi Rate Drop a Good Deal?
As always with promotions like these, you have to use the company now for the promise of future, potential savings.
In other words, you won’t get to take advantage of No-Refi Rate Drop if you don’t use Navy Federal initially.
That means you need to compare loan rates and fees with Navy Federal versus other options.
If you plan to use them regardless, it’s an added perk that may or may not come to fruition.
If you’re deciding between them and other lenders, you need to consider if this potential benefit tips in their favor.
Of course, mortgage rates may not fall in the future, there’s no guarantee that they will.
But if they do, the mere $250 fee to lower your rate 0.25% or more sounds like a pretty good value.
Not just from a monetary standpoint, but the time savings as well.
Read more: Can you lower your mortgage rate without refinancing?
Eating out—whether it’s at nice sit-down restaurants or a drive-through window—is one of the biggest leaks in a lot of people’s budgets, including mine. It’s an, albeit tasty, money suck. And to make matters worse, eating out gets harder to stop doing the more you do it.
If you need a little help breaking the cycle, here are 10 tips to stop eating out that actually work.
What’s Ahead:
Reasons to stop eating out (as often)
The biggest reason to stop getting takeout as often is saving money. Eating out is an expensive alternative to getting food at the grocery store (even if you don’t cook). A single person getting takeout for lunch or dinner five days a week might spend $100 without even realizing it while another person who ate at home would have spent a fraction of that.
Another reason is your health. Even if you feel like you’re making the healthiest choices possible when carrying out or dining out, restaurant meals are almost never as nutritious as your own food would be. And often, you don’t exactly know what’s in them.
So, how do you stop eating out?
1. Start small
As with any lifestyle change, the key to lasting success is to take baby steps. If you’re on a steady diet of Big Mac lunches and pizza dinners, try starting by trying to pack your lunch four days out of five. If you hit all five, great, but allow yourself some wiggle room.
The next week, cook dinner for yourself once (or at least avoid ordering or going out by getting some frozen pizzas at the store). Each week, do a little more. Pretty soon, you’ll find that eating out is the exception rather than the rule.
2. Avoid social pressures to eat out
If you spend a lot of money going out to sit-down restaurants, your habit may be more social than gastronomical in nature. Are you eating out with friends or your significant other? If a group of friends is the culprit, suggest dinner parties as an alternative. Or, grab a quick bite at home and meet the group after their meal.
3. When you do eat out, choose wisely
Be strategic about how you spend money when you are going out. At sit-down restaurants, desserts and alcoholic drinks tend to have the highest markups, so order them sparingly. Then, try to choose foods that will give you leftovers you can take home so you get two meals for the price of one.
4. Pack your lunch, but don’t ditch your break
Just because you bring your lunch to work doesn’t mean you should eat at your desk. When I used to eat lunches out almost daily, I savored the 10-minute drive to my favorite sandwich shop as a much-needed chance to get out and see the sun. Eat with coworkers in a common space, go outside, or even take it in your car and eat somewhere quiet if you have to! If you do eat at your desk, take at least 20 minutes to walk outside and get some fresh air.
5. Love your slow cooker
For anyone who doesn’t actually like to cook or doesn’t have the time in their busy schedule to stand over a stove, the slow cooker saves the day. The humble crock pot is the secret not only to a quick dinner but also to making your whole house smell amazing for hours. If you don’t have one, there are many inexpensive brands and models. You can often find these for sale at secondhand and thrift stores too.
6. Shop more frequently
If you’re making food for one or two, you might find yourself wasting ingredients often, which doesn’t exactly make you enjoy cooking. It can be hard to use up things like fresh produce and perishables before they go bad, especially if you start out the week with good intentions and end up too busy or tired to cook. Going shopping more often and buying smaller quantities is the key to eating out less and eating at home more.
Read more: How to save $100 a month on groceries
7. Meal prep
Meal prepping is the secret sauce. It can help you save time, eat healthier and achieve your fitness goals, and yes, stop eating out. Taking an hour or two one day a week to meal prep what you’re going to eat is worth it. Because later in the week when you don’t feel like cooking, you won’t have to. Even just prepping go-to ingredients like proteins, veggies, or side dishes is a game changer.
8. Try meal kits
If part of your problem with cooking at home is never knowing what to eat or not having time to think about it, meal kits can make your life easier. They come with pre-portioned ingredients so you don’t have to worry about wasting what you don’t finish, get shipped right to your door so you don’t have to go grocery shopping, and come with recipes and instructions for preparing impressive meals.
Read more: Best meal delivery kits of 2023: How they compare
9. Freeze, freeze, freeze
Learn to freeze foods and do it whenever possible. Freeze what you can’t eat and freeze extra food when you have time to spare. Meats, bread, even milk and some fruits and veggies can be frozen just fine. You can also make freezer meals so you always have quick meals for those long days when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
10. Make copycat meals
Restaurant meals are a whole different level of deliciousness, especially at your favorite spots. But if you didn’t already know there’s a whole corner of the internet devoted to “copycat meals,” or recreations of restaurant dishes, now you do. You’d be surprised how spot-on some of these recipes are. Bonus, you’ll know every single ingredient.
11. Make it special
When you get into a habit of eating out every night of the week, it becomes a little less exciting each time. The less frequently you get takeout and restaurant food, the more fun it will be when you do. Reserve this treat for date nights, special occasions, and celebrations.
Final thoughts
There’s nothing wrong with going out to restaurants once in a while or treating yourself to takeout. But eating out can quickly get expensive, and most restaurant meals aren’t known for being nutritious. Follow these tips for cooking at home more to avoid eating out as much and help yourself save money.
These are the best apartment gyms in Sacramento. Which one matches up with your workout style?
Known as the “City of Trees,” there’s no doubt that Sacramento is a beautiful place to call home. Because the city is peppered with parks and full of fun options to fill your days with outdoor activities, it’s important to stay in shape if you want to experience the full scope of everything Sacramento has to offer.
Whether you’re a CrossFit junkie, dedicated treadmill runner or committed to curls, there’s an apartment gym on this list that will look like it was built just for you. Find the Sacramento gym that best fits your exercise style and start the process toward signing that lease today.
Source: Rent. / The Press Apartments
The Press Apartments is a modern complex designed to help residents maximize every aspect of their daily lives. From the private office spaces and 24-hour hangout area to the hound lounge to, of course, the pristine fitness center. Equipped with everything you’d expect to find in a community with more than a few things you seldom see outside of the most expensive monthly membership gyms, this gym sets the bar in Sacramento.
Providing residents with a yoga studio, multiple rowing machines and even a boxing machine, this gym has what you’re looking for regardless of how you like to get your heart rate up. Located in Sacramento’s highly sought-after Richmond Grove, life is good when you’re lucky enough to call The Press Apartments home.
Source: Rent. / Capitol Towers
The amenities at Capitol Towers are extensive. These downright beautiful apartments are located in Downtown Sacramento and it’s safe to say they boast one of the best apartment gyms in Sactown.
Featuring a loft-style fitness center with leg machines, a lat pulldown machine and enough free weights for all to enjoy a workout without any wait time, this fitness center doesn’t leave any room for complaints. The wellness amenities don’t stop at the expansive gym either. There are also two dry saunas, a spa/hot tub area and a large, rectangular pool that’s perfect for swimming laps.
Source: Rent. / Vasari
Situated south of Sacramento in Elk Grove, the Vasari apartment complex is complete with a fitness center that just might put your current gym to shame. With a dedicated spin area and yoga studio alongside a large gym equipped with an array of upper and lower body machines, heavy ropes and treadmills with pool views, it’s easy to see why residents often fall in love with this fitness center soon after signing the lease.
Whether you’re an early-morning lifter or more of an after-work elliptical person, you’re never short on options at this apartment gym. Not to mention the fact that you can work out hard with the comfort of knowing there’s a hot tub waiting for you to soak the soreness away.
Source: Rent. / Miramonte and Trovas
Lit up by large windows and a lime green accent wall, the fitness center at Miramonte and Trovas is more than meets the eye. With everything you’d expect in a well-equipped gym, like a Smith machine for safe reps without a spotter, large free weight racks and plenty of benches to help you get a full workout with ease, this gym clearly covers all the essentials.
Where this North Natomas complex really separates itself from the rest is its offering of fitness on-demand. The gym TVs have fitness on-demand, a system that allows residents to learn more about working out and fitness from the comfort of their home gym. No personal trainer is required, this fitness center has it all and then some.
Source: Rent. / The Mansion
With a name like “The Mansion” you better have some high-end amenities to match. Needless to say, the beautiful fitness center at this beautiful Boulevard Park apartment complex does not disappoint.
With strength and conditioning equipment as far as the eye can see, mirrored walls, flat-screen TVs and plenty of natural light, this gym sets up its residents for success and supports the journey toward accomplishing even the loftiest of personal fitness goals. Enjoy full-circuit workouts with top-tier equipment in this fine fitness center.
Source: Rent. / Kensington
Stationary bikes, Hoist machinery and Matrix treadmills are just a few of the stellar pieces of equipment you can expect to find at the Kensington fitness center. With vaulted ceilings letting in all the natural light you could ever want and, most importantly, enough space to stretch out and get your sweat on without being disturbed by others, this gym was built with residents’ comfort in mind every step of the way.
This Arden-Arcade apartment complex also boasts three pools and a relaxing spa. That means you can start your day swimming laps and then cap it off by soaking away the pains of the day.
Source: Rent. / Academy65
Known for its youthful resident population, proximity to Sacramento State and impressive list of amenities, Academy65 is a great place for active people to call home. Boasting a 24-hour fitness center complete with a StairMaster, multiple treadmills under flat-screen TVs, and a mountain of medicine balls, this fitness center is equipped to handle all types of exercise styles.
Not just catering to the heavy lifters, the fitness center at this College Town complex is also equipped with a yoga studio and spin area. Whether you’re looking to pedal away your problems or just improve your flexibility a little bit, there’s a space for you at the fitness center at Academy65.
Source: Rent. / The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a magnificent Metro Center apartment complex with, as you may have guessed from the name, an appealing cabin feel. With more than one StairMaster, a lat pulldown machine and a squat rack all at your disposal, among many other pieces of top-tier equipment, there’s no questioning the Woodlands fitness center’s place on this list.
The opportunities for recreation don’t end at the fitness center either. This complex also provides residents with a cornhole court, three pools and two hot tubs. Regardless of what you’re feeling, there’s always something to do at The Woodlands.
Source: Rent. / Irongate
Located in North Natomas, Sacramento, the fitness center at Irongate isn’t just spacious, it’s also equipped with everything you need to not just achieve but to exceed your fitness goals. Whether you are looking to up your cardio, tack on some mass, drop a few pounds or anything in between, you have more than a few options thanks to the exercise amenities at this North Natomas fitness center.
Adorned with upper and lower-body machines, lots of free weights and flat-screen TVs for when you need a mental break from your treadmill running or leg pressing, exercise options are never an issue. Thanks to white walls, a high ceiling and plenty of natural light, this fitness center feels large and always has enough space for residents to work out, even during the busier hours.
Source: Rent. / The Fremont
Easily recognizable by its unique Mediterranean architecture, The Fremont is one of the more desirable buildings in Midtown to call home. With sizable windows to let in natural light, large free-weight racks, stacks of stationary balls and a couple of shelves of complimentary towels, this fitness center is fully stocked and ideal for fitness-minded folks from all walks of life.
Also boasting a professional-grade stationary bike alongside a state-of-the-art elliptical machine and treadmill, The Fremont’s fantastic fitness center supports your cardio goals.
Get your sweat on in Sacramento
Whether you’re a daily runner, a weekly weightlifter or someone just looking to improve flexibility the slightest bit, Sacramento is full of apartment gyms that are capable of supporting you through even the most ambitious fitness goals.
See yourself getting your sweat on in one of these next-level fitness centers? Fill out an application today and reignite your passion for personal fitness in your new apartment gym.
Featured image source: Rent. / The Press Apartments
Weddings are a big deal. You plan them for months or even years and invite everyone you know, then you have the highly-anticipated, heavily-photographed event and they all live happily ever after. (Cue the end credits.)
So much goes on behind the scenes before the big day, as anyone who’s ever attended or been in a wedding should know. But what you don’t really find out until you plan one for yourself is just how expensive and wasteful they can be.
What’s Ahead:
The true cost of a wedding
When I was planning my wedding between 2018 and 2019, I learned pretty quickly what weddings actually cost. And I’m not just talking about the bill.
Each year in the U.S., couples spend thousands of dollars on average on their weddings. In 2022, the national average price of a wedding was around $30,000, according to The Knot. Of course, these averages vary by state and city but could be much higher. And destination weddings can add another several thousand onto your final total.
And every year, these averages go up.
I didn’t know any of this when I got engaged. But once I started actually planning and crunching the numbers using quotes from vendors and venues, I realized that there was no way I could afford the “average wedding,” and I wasn’t sure I wanted to.
Creating my lists also had me thinking about how all of these different “to-do” items would eventually become “to-dump” items. Those flowers would have to go somewhere, right? The table decorations would need to be disposed of, the cards tossed, and the wrapping paper from the gifts thrown in the trash.
So I decided to try to do things a little differently. Both out of necessity because I was poor when we got married – like still in college, barely 22 years old poor – and out of a desire to be eco-friendy.
I’m going to share seven real ways I made my wedding greener and some ideas for making your big day low(er)-waste too.
Read more: Are you financially ready to get engaged?
1. Swap the flowers
My flower total: $94.55
Swapping real flowers for sola wood, paper, fabric, or anything else that will last is a smart place to start. Because the fact of the matter is, flowers are incredibly expensive. And then they wilt and die, as cut plants are prone to doing.
For my flowers, I opted for sola wood. This is a material that comes from tapioca that can be treated and shaped almost like paper. It’s lightweight and looks darn close to the real thing.
I found a shop on Etsy that sold individual sola wood flowers in a bunch of different colors and varieties, and I used 24 of these for my bridal party. For myself, I purchased a pre-made sola bouquet from another store so I didn’t have to cobble one together.
The great part about using sola or another material for your flowers isn’t just that it’s inexpensive but also that you get a keepsake.
I let my bridesmaids keep theirs as a memento and I have the leftovers in vases.
For me, that was it in the way of flowers. I used other decorations for everything else, including repurposed antiques and some DIY items. But there’s nothing saying you couldn’t go all out with the sola since it’s a fraction of the cost of live flowers.
Tip: Purchase sola flowers in large quantities to save even more, and buy them early so you can match them to your other decorations and customize them.
2. Buy your dress secondhand
My dress total: $700 (without alterations)
I know, I know. This one is a harder sell. Many brides have very clear visions in their heads about how they want their dresses to look and make them feel, and purchasing secondhand limits your options. Plus, thrifting a top or a pair of jeans is different from thrifting one of the most important outfits of your life.
But hear me out. No one is going to know someone else wore your dress before you. Wedding dresses usually get worn once, maybe twice, before collecting dust. And creating gowns is so labor and resource intensive that even repurposing one has an impact.
For my dress, I went to The Brides Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is a nonprofit bridal boutique that collects donated dresses, sells them, and uses the profits for charitable causes. The Brides Project donates to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor and everyone who works there is a volunteer.
Buying secondhand saves serious money and prevents a dress from being wasted. At the end of the day, I spent $700 on my dress and I loved it. This was in 2018 when the average cost of a wedding gown was right around $1,750.
Tip: If you don’t have access to a secondhand bridal shop, check out your local consignment and thrift stores, go on eBay and Poshmark, or browse a marketplace specializing in pre-owned bridal gowns.
Secondhand marketplaces include:
Point is, you’ve got options.
3. Use one venue
My venue total: $1,850
If you can find a venue with enough room for both your ceremony and reception, book it. This is one of the best decisions we made. Venue rental fees will eat up a big chunk of your budget no matter where you go, but choosing one for the whole event can help you save a little money and make things easier on yourself – and your guests.
With one venue, nobody has to kill time in between, you don’t have to get multiple places set up, and you don’t need to pay for twice the decorations. You save your elderly relatives from climbing into a car more than necessary and nobody gets lost.
This creates less waste and simplifies your planning. Plus, without all those cars on the road getting from one place to another, you’re not responsible for as many carbon emissions.
Tip: To pull this off, you have to love whatever venue you choose. Rather than picking a “blank canvas” venue you’d have to style from floor to ceiling, consider one with some personality. If you choose a place that suits your style, you don’t need to do as much decorating.
We got married in a city club that had vintage art, furniture, and accents throughout, and our wedding was in spring when the flowers were blooming. It felt timeless and setup was minimal.
Overall, highly recommend.
4. Skip (some of) the cards
My card total: $117.19
Physical engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations, and programs are nice to look at. But that’s a lot of material that’s probably just going to get recycled. And wow is it pricey.
The only paper I purchased was invitations and RSVPs. We ordered these from Paper Culture, a company that creates custom eco-friendly cards using recycled paper and bamboo.
The cards included links to our wedding website where people could RSVP and find out everything they needed to about the event. We did receive some physical RSVPs back, but the majority of our guests used the website to “joyfully accept” or “regretfully decline.”
There are so many wedding planning websites and apps that organize everything from responses to registries in one place. You can pretty much skip most of the cards if you want to.
Great wedding websites include:
The Knot
Zola
Joy
WeddingWire
Tip: Send invitations a little earlier than recommended if you’re doing digital. This will give guests more time to “save the date” and you more time to track down RSVPs. And you might need to give your tech-averse relatives a call if they don’t respond.
As for programs, you might not need them. I wrote down the schedule of events with times on an extra-large mirror (that I got on sale for $35) and displayed this centrally at the venue. I still have this mirror today, with the writing on it, on my wall.
Bonus tip: Not everybody needs a plus-one
Maybe this seems selfish, but we gave out plus-ones very sparingly. If we had met a person’s significant other, they were invited. Otherwise, we didn’t really want to give them hugs in the receiving line or pay for their dinner.
We made a note on the RSVPs that if someone wanted to request a plus-one they could, but no one actually did this. People get it.
5. Choose food wisely
My food total: $3,077.50
For many couples, the food and drink bill ends up being the biggest. The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study found that the average food bill for a wedding comes out to $75 per person.
But most people don’t go to a wedding for the food. In fact, this is often the worst part (just stating facts). Don’t put too much pressure on the meal you’re serving to be a highlight of the day or evening, and don’t fork over more cash than necessary.
That said, we decided to do a menu of just appetizers. We ordered enough that everybody would be able to pile their plates with several individual bites and have plenty to eat, but not so many that we’d have leftovers to deal with.
Every venue is different, but ours charged a per-plate or per-head price on dinners and a per-item price on appetizers (or hors d’oeuvres if you want to be fancy). By choosing apps instead of plates, we saved a ton of money and gave our guests more options. They were able to enjoy dinner-sized portions and we still hear from people about how fun this was.
Tip: Some venues require you to use their caterers and might place a minimum on how much you need to order. Try to get this information before signing a contract to rent a venue. And if your venue doesn’t offer appetizers or you’re not into the whole strolling dinner thing, buffet-style meals can be an economical alternative to plated dinners.
For 130 guests, we could have spent over $9,000 going the traditional route. I’m glad we didn’t.
6. Ask for money
It’s not weird anymore to tell people you just want cash.
Especially if you and your partner already have most of the things you need or have been living together for a while, chances are you don’t need a gift from everybody coming to your wedding. Feel free to ask for money.
Many wedding planning websites have built-in options for collecting cash contributions (we called ours the “Honeymoon Fund” but I’ve also seen “Newlywed Fund”). This is easier for your guests because they can just virtually send cash without having to buy and wrap a gift and better for you because you can get what you really need. Bonus, there are no boxes or piles of wrapping paper to get rid of.
Tip: Don’t worry about offending anyone. A lot of your guests have been in your shoes. They know weddings are expensive and would probably be more than happy to help you out this way instead of buying you a pan or sheet set.
7. Rethink the diamond
My ring total: $2,000
Okay, so this one isn’t technically for the wedding. But it’s important.
Consider an alternative to a diamond engagement ring if you’re planning to get engaged. There are much more sustainable options out there than the standard diamond, and ones that won’t break the bank.
Moissanite is one of the trendiest non-diamond stones but precious gems like sapphires, emeralds, morganite, and opal can be fantastic choices for couples looking to save money.
And if you love traditional diamonds, that’s great too! There are so many ways to buy diamond rings that don’t involve going to a big box store.
Tip: Antique shops and estate sales are perfect for finding vintage rings and many online retailers carry gorgeous rings without the markups you typically see. Try Blue Nile for discounted conflict-free diamonds.
You can also choose an “imperfect” diamond. This is what I did. I have a salt-and-pepper diamond from Alexis Russell and it’s pretty perfect to me. It’s certified conflict-free and made with recycled gold.
When I got engaged in 2018, my husband spent $2,000 on this ring. That year, couples were spending over $7,800 on average for engagement rings.
Read more: Where’s the best place to buy diamonds?
When to splurge
The great thing about getting married is that you get to do what you want. It’s your day.
You and your partner can strive for a greener wedding if you feel compelled, and that can look however you want it to look. Compromising in some areas and splurging in others is the best way to have the wedding you’ve been dreaming of without too much guilt or sticker shock.
You should splurge on the parts of your wedding that matter most to you and your partner, and try to save on the things that don’t. For example, maybe you love fresh flowers. You can’t imagine a wedding without fresh flowers, so you get these and rent the rest of your decorations or buy them used.
Or maybe the pictures are most important to you. To balance out this cost, maybe you serve cupcakes or cookies instead of a tiered wedding cake.
There are no wrong answers, as long as you’re doing what makes you happy.
Bottom line
The wedding industry is due for a shake-up, and enough people making tiny changes to their big days could have a huge impact on the planet.
With careful planning and some compromises, we were able to completely recoup what we spent on our wedding in gifts and cash contributions. That means we got married without debt, and that was worth celebrating in and of itself.
Our wedding was by no means the most eco-friendly it could have been. And if I were to plan it again today, I’d probably try to do better. But I feel good about the little changes we did make.
This guest post from Shelley Turner is part of the “reader stories” feature at Get Rich Slowly. Some stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success — or failure. These stories feature folks from all levels of financial maturity and with all sorts of incomes.
They’re coming! Like it or not, the holidays — and all the stress of buying the Perfect Gift — are just around the corner. I actually like brainstorming gift ideas, and have been told I’m pretty good at it. Today I’ll share my secrets with you.
The best gifts are appropriate for the recipient, yet don’t cost a small fortune. You want your gift to say “I know what you like”, not “I didn’t have a clue of what to get you for a gift for but here it is anyway”. I once received a leopard-hair belt. Anybody who knows me, or has seen how I dress, understands that there’s never been (nor ever will be) a time that I’d wear a leopard-hair belt. A gift like that screams “I just bought you something because I had to”.
Gift-giving ground rules Before you buy, take a few minutes to think about what your recipient has in her house or on her desk, what she spends her time doing, what she likes to talk about, where she likes to eat, and even what she keeps in her refrigerator. Even if you don’t know her that well, this exercise will help you get some ideas of what the recipient likes.
I’m not a collector, so I prefer practical and useful gifts. However, if your gift recipient is a collector, that’s a perfect opportunity. Even if his collection is filled with expensive items, you can often find a small token within that collection that you could give him. The trick to buying a great gift for somebody, no matter what the occasion, is to buy what your recipient would enjoy — not what you’d enjoy.
Often, a consumable gift that provides momentary pleasure and then disappears is best, especially around the holidays when people usually get many gifts. Consumables can be given, enjoyed, and remembered without becoming Stuff.
My husband’s 90-year-old grandmother is a perfect example. What can you give a 90-year-old woman who already has everything she wants and needs? Not much. However, I know she really enjoys a good cup of coffee. And I found some European butter cookies and a some jars of preserves made in her native Denmark. I give her this same gift every year. She tells me she waits eagerly for our gift because not only does she enjoy consuming it during the winter, but because it’s a small reminder of her home country.
Inexpensive gift ideas No matter which gift you choose, if it’s something your recipient uses over and over, you can give a great gift without spending too much. Here are some of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas. These have all been well-received and cost less than $20. You can tailor the gift idea to fit your budget. Some of these can be used as hostess gifts for holiday parties you may be attending.
Personalized note cards
A book by her favorite author
Monogrammed wine stoppers
Travel journal
Engraved metal bookmark
Monogrammed soap bars
Bread basket with quick bread or muffin mix inside
Dog or cat breed-specific items — calendars, notepads, keychains, etc. of their pet
Cookbook (specific subjects like fondue, vegetarian, appetizers, etc or you could get a book representing their hometown like the Chesapeake Bay, etc.)
Personalized insulated tote-style lunch bag (put his favorite snack inside)
Sports team items — pick her favorite team mug, hat, t-shirt, scarf, etc. (fill a mug with her favorite hard candy)
Gourmet chocolate bars tied with ribbon or raffia
Favorite bubble bath & bath pillow
Wallet with gift cards or cash inside
Amaryllis or Paperwhite bulb package
Old-fashioned jar filled with favorite candy or snack
Hand-made soap with an interesting soap dish
Handmade crocheted or knitted scarf or hat
BBQ sauces, hot sauces, grilling rubs, etc (some have funny labels)
Ice cream dish with favorite topping
Decorative candy bowl with favorite candy
Ornament representing current hobby
Charm to add to an existing charm bracelet
T-shirt from favorite restaurant
Crabtree & Evelyn hand therapy (super-rich hand cream)
Nice colored pencils and/or sketch notebook for artists
Small decorative bowl and package of dip mix
Hand towels with initials embroidered (especially if newly married)
Here are a few more ideas with a bit of explanation:
Magazine subscription (hundreds of subjects to choose from — and you can give crossword puzzle and comic book subscriptions too). Buy the current issue and put a note on it that you got him a one-year subscription.
Lolita glasses are painted wine, beer, or margarita glass that have themes painted on them based on hobbies. There’s a recipe painted on the bottom of each glass too.
Year of Napkins! This requires advance planning, but makes a unique gift for a very reasonable price. For each holiday throughout the year (plus Happy Birthday), pick up one pack of luncheon-sized napkins. When you’ve collected all the holidays, package them in order of the holidays in small CD crates, baskets, etc. Usually you can find the napkins in the clearance section right after the holiday. Decide how many of these you want to put together in advance so you can buy as many as you need during each holiday.
Remember that you can also go in with others to purchase bigger gifts, such as theater tickets, cooking classes, and other “experiences”. If you’re very organized, you can shop all year and pick up interesting gifts along the way. My sister-in-law has a birthday in January, but I often find stuff she’ll love in the summer, so I buy it and keep it until her birthday.
Check the clearance racks all year to get even better deals. Unless you really enjoy going shopping the week before Christmas, you may find that buying gifts ahead of time will not only save you money, but also make the holiday season a little more relaxing, as well.
Reminder: Another way to save money on gifts is to make them yourself. Here’s a list of 34 great homemade Christmas gifts almost anyone can put together. And over at The Simple Dollar, Trent has been documenting his own quest for family-produced Christmas presents.
A note on packaging When packaging your gifts, you’re not stuck using a gift bag or plain wrapping paper unless you want to. Tulle (that material used to tie up rice/birdseed to throw at weddings) is great for wrapping unusually-shaped items, such as the bowls & dip mixes, candy bowls & jars, ice cream dishes, bottles of hot sauces, soap, etc. It’s really inexpensive to purchase by the yard, comes in many colors, and your recipient can see what you gave her without unwrapping it. Tulle is especially good for hostess gifts so they don’t have to open them upon receipt.
Some other tips:
Magazines roll up perfectly in those tall wine bottle bags.
Chinese-food boxes and small tin buckets are inexpensive and fun to use.
Bread baskets work nicely to hold all kinds of items and they can reuse the basket later.
When packaging your gifts, use your imagination!
Gift giving can be fun — if you allow yourself to be creative and take a few minutes to think about your recipient. The bottom line: If he’ll enjoy it, it’s a great gift for him!
You’ve probably heard of the 100 envelope challenge, but it may have been way too intense to complete based on your salary.
So, this 50 envelope challenge is perfect for you and you can also save $1275!
The premise of the envelope challenge is simple: each day (or enveloped) save the money listed on the envelope.
The goal is simple: save $1275 by following through with your envelope challenge and documenting your success!
The 50 envelope challenge is a great way to save cash on a budget.
You will be surprised at how much money you can save by following this simple challenge.
The good news is more people are starting to save money than ever before. Savings rates are rising (source) and that is a good thing!
Thanks in part to many of the popular money saving challenges available today. What is your savings goal?
Here are the guidelines for how it works.
What Is The 50 Envelope Challenge?
The 50 Envelope Challenge is a fun game that helps you save money and prove to yourself that you can.
With the 50-envelope challenge, you have envelopes each day or each week, if you prefer.
The challenge lasts until all 50 envelopes have been filled.
This money saving challenge is easier to do than the 100 envelope challenge but has many of the same outcomes.
How much can you save with the 50 envelope challenge?
The 50 envelope challenge can be a great way to save money, especially if you are new to saving money. By participating in the 50 money envelope challenge you can save $1,275.
That is something to be proud of!
How does the 50 envelope Challenge work?
The 50 envelope challenge is a money saving challenge.
Start with 50 envelopes and write a number from 1-50 on each envelope. Draw an envelope each day (or each week). Put the amount of cash equal to the number on the envelope inside. Do this for 50 days (or weeks) until all envelopes are filled and you have over $1,000 saved.
The 50 envelope challenge math is simple: add up your total money saved after completing the challenge.
Should you do the 50 Envelope Money Challenge? YES!
So what are you waiting for? Start saving today!
Why the 50 Envelope Challenge?
Now, let’s dig into why the 50 envelope challenge works better than the popular 100 envelope challenge…
For many people, trying to save those higher dollars amounting over $51 a day can be pretty tough. Especially if you get high numbers on consecutive days.
But, if you still want to save money then try out this 50 envelope challenge.
With the 50 envelope challenge, you will save $1275.
That is a great start to saving over $1000!
50 Envelope Challenge Chart
How much money do you save with the 50 envelope saving challenge?
You need to the numbers behind everything so you truly understand how the 50 day money challenge is set up.
Let’s break down how the math works with this 50 envelope challenge chart.
50 Envelope Challenge Variations
There are many variations of the 50 Envelope Challenge that you can try, such as filling all the envelopes with different amounts of cash or changing up the rules every day to see what works best for you!
Here are a few ideas:
Pick any number from 1-100 and label those envelopes.
Use numbers 51-100 for a higher saving challenge.
Pick one envelope a week and complete the challenge in 50 weeks.
Up the ante and complete the 52 saving challenge with 52 envelopes – one for each week!
Regardless of the rules for your 50 day envelope challenge, you will still be saving money.
Many people prefer one of these challenges instead:
What do You Need for the 50 Day Envelope Money Saving Challenge
The supplies needed for the 50 Day Challenge are not complicated and you should have most of them around your house.
Remember, the 50 envelope challenge encourages participants to cross off each envelope as it is filled with its corresponding amount of money saved.
To participate, you will need the following items:
Supplies Needed:
Envelopes – Plain old white envelopes work, but colored envelopes make everything more fun.
Sharpie or Marker Pens – You need something to write with in order to keep track of those envelopes.
Cash – You need to figure out where you have the extra cash to stuff those envelopes. You may need to run to the bank quite a few times.
Stickers or Rubber Stamps – To make sure you don’t cheat and reopen a finished envelope.
Box or Container – Just make sure you have enough space for your envelopes!
Related Read: Best Cash Envelopes – Pick Your Favorite
Don’t want to make your own? Then, pick up these handmade envelopes from Desire Your Curves. Check out these 100 mini envelopes!
Also, it is super helpful to have a free printable 50 day challenge to keep you accountable! Don’t worry… we have you covered!
At the bottom of the post, you have the opportunity to download a free 50 envelope challenge PDF.
Printable 50 envelope challenge
The 50 Envelope Challenge is a printable tracker chart that you can download and print.
The idea is you will save $1,275 with 50 envelopes.
This 50 envelope challenge tracker is a useful tool to track the progress of your endeavor and motivation high!
Check Out: Free Printable 100 Envelope Challenge
What do you think of this money-saving challenge?
I think it’s a great idea.
In the long term, this challenge can save you a lot of money. If you fill up 50 envelopes with cash and put them away, you will have saved $1275! That’s a lot of money that can be used for other purposes.
This money-saving challenge is a great way to pave the way to save a significant amount of money over time.
All you need to do is put $50 in 50 envelopes and don’t touch the cash until the envelope is filled. Once all of the envelopes are filled, you’ll have saved $1275!
Then, next time, come back and try another one of our popular money saving challenges.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
No matter what kind of apartment building you live in, units that come with their own private balcony are among the most coveted. Having a small outdoor space like a balcony for your apartment opens up a world of entertaining possibilities, from dinner parties to simply enjoying the view with your morning coffee. Our apartment balcony ideas take you through all four seasons of festivities and relaxation.
But there’s a catch: Unless you live in an area where the weather and climate are mostly the same throughout the year, you’ll need to decorate your balcony in accordance with the seasons. That doesn’t just mean fun seasonal decorations for different holidays like the Fourth of July or Christmas, but weatherizing it so the space is actually usable from installing rain protection during the rainy season to adding a safe outdoor heater during winter. Apartments that come with balconies typically fetch higher rents than other units without, so you don’t want to let it go to waste for half the year. Reclaim and fully enjoy your balcony space with these year-round apartment balcony decorating ideas.
How to decorate your apartment balcony space for all seasons
Unsure how to decorate your tiny balcony for winter so it’s both cute and cozy? Don’t have a ton of floor space but still want to add plants to your small balcony? We’ve got you covered.
For each of the four seasons, we’ve got balcony ideas for how to decorate and best use the space. That way, you can enjoy your balcony as a living space and lounge space throughout the year instead of just for a few months.
Winter
Winterize your outdoor balcony — but keep it cute at the same time — with these winter balcony decorating ideas.
Add a space heater
Set up a cozy space heater in one corner to keep things warm and toasty. If you only have a small space to work with, be careful to keep the heater far from flammable objects like curtains or outdoor rugs. For an extra charming touch, choose one of the models that feature fake logs.
If you have enough space, an outdoor heating lamp works as well.
Enclose the outdoor space to keep it warm
Use zippable plastic walls, curtains or privacy screens to keep heat in and keep the cold out by creating a contained indoor space.
This is also for safety reasons. If your balcony is open-air or snow and ice can still get into the balcony through curtains or tarp coverings, you’ll need to prevent them from building up and turning your balcony into a slippery, potentially dangerous ice zone. Keep a shovel or broom on hand as well.
Add winter plants
Instead of summertime flowers or fall cornucopias, pick out some seasonal or hardy, cold-weather-withstanding plants like miniature conifers. Around the holidays, poinsettias are another nice touch!
Add lots of cozy rugs, blankets and pillows
Gotta stay cozy while enjoying your balcony outdoor space in the winter! Cover your table and chairs, as well as couches and other patio furniture, with plenty of plush, warm throws, blankets, seat cushions and pillows. On the ground, a fuzzy outdoor rug also completes the snug, “cabin in the winter woods” aesthetic.
Light things up with candles
Add candles with seasonal scents like pine to tables and shelves, bringing a warm glow to your outdoor area. But be sure to monitor them and don’t leave them burning unattended. If you don’t feel comfortable with real candles, battery-powered ones also work great.
Make s’mores with a portable mini-firepit
Go all out on the winter season with a mini-firepit to make s’mores, fondue and other cozy foods from the comfort of your own balcony.
Celebrate the season with holiday decor
Tis the season! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah or another seasonal festivity, deck the halls (or more accurately, balcony and balcony walls), with colorful lights, wreaths, miniature trees and more. Add garlands to your balcony railings, set up a nativity scene on an outdoor table…the options go on and on!
Use a terrarium or small greenhouse to protect plants
If you want to protect plants that don’t do as well in the cold, try adding a small greenhouse or terrarium to shelter them from the elements.
Spring
Spring has sprung, and apartment balconies everywhere should be bursting with life and color! Get your outdoor space ready for the warm season and create your own outdoor oasis with these tips.
Outfit the space with plenty of plant life
Have a green thumb but live in an apartment building that only has tiny balconies? Celebrate the return of greenery by turning your balcony into your own private garden! Potted plants, hanging plants, flowers and more are all great ways to bring greenery and life to your outdoor space. Plus, they’ll all flourish in the fresh air. Just be sure to choose plants that will do well in the apartment environment.
Add hanging planters if you only have a small outdoor space
Don’t have enough square footage or floor space for tons of plants? Install plant hangers from the ceiling instead. You can also hang planters from your balcony railings.
Install a rail planter or vertical garden
Another great option for plant lovers with small balconies is to install planters that hang off your balcony railing. A railing planter won’t take up space on the floor and makes for easy watering (just make sure you’re not dripping on your neighbor down below!)
The exterior wall of your balcony is an often overlooked space when it comes to decoration and utility. Put that vertical space to use with vertical planters. Vertical planters are another easy way to have potted plants in small spaces. Vertical gardening maximizes space, holding lots of small potted plants so you can have everything from flowers to fresh herbs.
Set up furniture
Store away the cold-weather coverings in favor of colorful, warm-weather comfortable furniture like tables and chairs. If you have enough space and love spending time outside, you can even try to install a day bed in one corner so you can lounge.
At the same time, though, you don’t want to overfill the whole space. Give yourself more space to move around by choosing stylish but space-appropriate furniture like a small table or
Choose furniture that’s easily storable
With summer right around the corner, you know what that means? Parties and having friends over! Because of this, you’ll want to make sure your balcony isn’t too crowded or has too much stuff. During spring and summer parties, people can hang out on the balcony to drink, smoke or just chat. You want to have as much access to the entire space as possible so your guests aren’t crowded.
An easy way to seamlessly change the space for parties is by choosing folding furniture and stackable chairs that easily disassemble and can be stored away. Nesting tables are another great option. If you have hanging chairs or hammocks, they should be easy enough to take down for parties.
Choose weather-resistant fabrics
If you plan on leaving your balcony open to the elements during spring and summer, you want to protect your furniture and decor from rain. Choose weather-resistant fabrics or have them treated to be more water-resistant so they won’t grow mold or get discolored.
Jazz up the floor with tiles or rugs
Does the balcony have ugly or uncomfortable flooring that draws the eye, becoming a sad focal point amid all the other thoughtful interior design you’ve done? Hide flooring with colorful, patterned rugs or interlocking deck tiles for a more sophisticated, upscale look.
Summer
It’s summertime, so spend all your time outdoors on your balcony in the perfect space you created for the season.
Get your grill on
A great idea for how to enjoy your balcony in summer is by adding a grill! If space permits, stick a grill into a corner to host summertime barbecues and dinner parties. Just be sure to make sure your apartment complex allows grills on balconies, as some only permit them on a small patio area.
Add fans to beat the summer heat
Install ceiling or small table fans to keep airflow going on hot days.
Add a hanging chair to maximize room on your small balcony
Only have a small balcony space with not enough room for lots of balcony furniture? Install a hanging chair, swing or hammock to maximize floor space.
Elevate the space with tall plants
One of the best small balcony ideas for making the space seem bigger is adding the illusion of height. Lengthy palms and tall plants help the space open up, as well as make you feel like you’ve entered a literal urban jungle.
Add a festive feel with string lights
Swap out the colorful holiday lights for chic string lights to illuminate your balcony at night. Just make sure they’re intended for outdoor use. Even better: a great alternative to regular lights is eco-friendly solar string lights. That way, you don’t need to plug them in or swap out batteries.
Add new summertime decor
Break out the Independence Day decorations, watermelon-themed decor and more to help your balcony match the summertime vibe. That calls for new throw pillows, light-colored cushions and fabrics, wafting flags and banners. Have fun and get creative!
Fall
Make your balcony feel like fall in all its color-changing foliage glory with these tips.
Add a cozy rocking chair
Sit back, relax and watch the leaves change while snuggled up with a good book and hot drink in a rocking chair.
Keep things spooky with Halloween or autumnal decor
From pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to putting a cornucopia on your balcony table, there is no end of ways you can decorate the space for fall. Wind garlands around railings, hang fake spider webs (just make sure birds won’t get caught in them), carve jack-o-lanterns and set up tons of candles for an extra spooky atmosphere.
Keep it clean
Keep a broom on hand to sweep fallen leaves and other debris
Start adding the cold weather cozies
It’s time to start breaking out the blankets, throws and snug rugs again as the days get colder.
Use our apartment balcony ideas to stay practical and stylish
Make your balcony the place to hang out and be no matter the season. And as you can see, you don’t have to be a professional interior designer to turn an open balcony into an all-season space for socializing, alone time, gardening or whatever you want to do.
Still looking for a place with an outdoor getaway built right in? Find your next home here.