The wedding dress has been altered, the tuxes are pressed, and the rings are tucked safely in velvet boxes. Chefs are preparing an elaborate meal, bartenders are ready to fill Champagne flutes, and a DJ is putting the final touches on his playlist. The venue is decorated with flowers and candles, and the hotel is packed with happy guests.
The only question is: Who’s paying for all this?
Weddings are notoriously expensive. But they are also an important and romantic day in a couple’s life. Who foots the bill for this party has changed over the years. Below, we’ll break down who pays for which wedding expenses in 2023 — and who traditionally paid in previous generations.
Who Pays for the Wedding in 2023?
In the past, it’s been the tradition for the bride’s family to pay for nearly the entire wedding, and the groom’s family to pick up smaller expenses such as the rehearsal dinner. In some cases, families still follow these traditions, but increasingly people are embracing new ways of covering these costs.
Nowadays, wedding expenses can be split any number of ways, and couples are exploring many different ways to pay for their big day:
• Independent couples may decline help from parents and instead pay out of pocket or borrow money to cover the wedding costs.
• Both families and the bride and groom may decide to split the costs. Sometimes grandparents or other extended family members will offer to pay for a portion of the wedding.
• If the groom comes from a wealthier family, his parents may chip in beyond their traditional requirements.
• Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States, LGBTQ+ couples are creating their own traditions since there’s not a single bride or single groom at the altar.
That’s the beauty of your wedding day: It’s yours. Many brides and grooms are embracing the fact that they no longer have to follow outdated customs if they don’t want to.
For others, however, tradition matters — and that’s OK, too. If you’re planning to follow cultural traditions to a T when funding your wedding, how do you split the bill?
Let’s break down who traditionally pays for the wedding and other related expenses.
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The Bride’s Family
Historically, the bride’s family pays for most of the wedding expenses. Depending on the size and extravagance of the wedding, it can add up.
If you’re the parents of the bride who plan to foot the bill, but you don’t have enough money in savings, it might be worth taking out a personal loan to cover the wedding expenses. In the long run, it’s typically a cheaper option than putting everything on a credit card.
While the bride’s family traditionally takes care of many of the wedding expenses they don’t pay for everything. And every wedding is a little different. You may choose to skip certain items or events (and you may find yourself adding, too). Here’s what the bride’s family typically covers:
Expenses the Bride’s Family Is Traditionally Responsible For
• Engagement announcements
• Engagement party
• Wedding planner
• Invitations, save-the-dates, and wedding programs
• Venue for the ceremony
• Venue for the reception
• Flowers and decorations
• Wedding photographer and videographer
• Wedding dress
• Transportation and lodging for the bridesmaids
• Transportation and lodging for the officiant
• Food at the reception
• Wedding cake
• Brunch the morning after the wedding
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The Groom’s Family
If you have only sons and think you’re off the hook, don’t get too excited. You still have to cover some costs at the wedding as the parents of the groom.
Though less extensive, the groom’s family’s financial burdens can add up. Personal loans are also an option for the groom’s family; in fact, weddings are one of the most common uses for personal loans.
Here’s everything the groom’s family traditionally pays for at a wedding.
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Expenses the Groom’s Family Is Traditionally Responsible For
• Rehearsal dinner
• Marriage license
• Officiant’s fee
• Boutonnieres for the groom, his groomsmen, and family members
• Bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids
• DJ or band
• Transportation and lodging for the groomsmen
• Alcohol at the reception
• Honeymoon (in some cases)
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The Bride
Many women have dreamed of their wedding days since childhood. But as little girls, they probably didn’t think much about the actual wedding costs they’d have to pay themselves — and there are quite a few.
Expenses the Bride is Traditionally Responsible For
Traditionally, the bride pays for her future husband’s wedding ring, as well as a special gift for him. She may also buy gifts for her bridesmaids. In some cases, she’ll pay for the flowers, and she usually pays for her own hair and makeup.
Nowadays, however, brides may step up and pay more to help out her parents. Many brides choose to do this in part so that they can feel like they have more say in determining the plans for their special day.
People are also getting married later than they did in past generations (the average age for women is now 30 and for a man it’s 32), which means brides (and grooms) may feel more financially capable of covering the expenses themselves.
The Groom
The groom isn’t off the hook either. At weddings, he’s responsible for a few purchases as well.
And even though he and the bride may have separate wedding responsibilities, as a newly married couple they are likely planning to combine their finances, if they haven’t already. Even if they don’t have a joint bank account, the bride and groom are essentially covering their wedding expenses together.
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Expenses the Groom Is Traditionally Responsible For
The first big expense a groom encounters is the one that sets the whole wedding in motion: the engagement ring. The average cost of an engagement ring is now about $6,000. Grooms who don’t have that kind of cash lying around often turn to engagement ring financing options, including personal loans.
While the ring is often the groom’s biggest expense, he’s also responsible for the bride’s wedding band, gifts for his groomsmen, a gift for his bride, his own tux, and the honeymoon — if his parents aren’t footing the bill. (The honeymoon isn’t cheap either; the average cost of a honeymoon is now $5,100.)
Some grooms may also pay for the license and officiant, instead of asking his parents to cover that cost.
Who Pays for Other Wedding Costs
There is also the cost of being in someone’s wedding. For instance, groomsmen and bridesmaids are typically responsible for paying for their own tuxedos and dresses.
These two groups also pay for the bachelorette and bachelor parties for the bride and groom. Bridesmaids may also need to pay for their hair and makeup on the big day.
As someone attending a wedding, you should give a gift, unless the couple has discouraged this. And if it’s a destination wedding, you’ll have to pay your own travel costs, which can include hotels and transportation.
Wedding Costs
Now we know who traditionally pays for what at weddings — and that many modern couples are foregoing these traditions. But how much does a wedding cost?
In 2023, the average couple will spend $29,000 all-in on a wedding. For couples who are paying without their families’ help, a personal loan is the best route, if they don’t have the money in savings or have that money earmarked for buying a house or starting a family.
Are you considering taking out a loan to cover the cost of your wedding? Here are the typical personal loan requirements you’ll need for approval.
The Takeaway
Weddings are expensive, and traditions usually put the bulk of the financial burden on the bride’s family. However, many couples are breaking from tradition nowadays, paying for wedding expenses themselves or splitting the cost among family members more evenly — or in a way that reflects each family’s means.
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FAQs
Who pays for the wedding reception?
Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for most of the wedding reception, including the venue, food, and decorations. However, the groom’s family usually pitches in by covering the music and the alcohol. Increasingly, couples are choosing to pay for their wedding receptions themselves or splitting the cost with their parents.
Who pays for the engagement party?
The bride’s family is traditionally responsible for paying for the engagement party. Nowadays, however, engaged couples often pay for such parties on their own.
Photo credit: iStock/Halfpoint
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We know it’s the week before Halloween, but it’s not too late to grab the perfect Halloween decor! Whether you’re looking for the perfect finishing touches to complete your Halloween home or you haven’t even begun to decorate, Amazon has you covered with all kinds of Halloween decor.
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Architect Louis Naidorf had a disastrous 80th birthday cake. In 2008, Naidorf, who designed the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, was presented with a celebration cake that had been custom-baked in the shape of his iconic cylindrical building. But the pastry soon reflected the rather substantial difference between concrete and flour.
“When the cake was brought out, it gently collapsed, and everyone applauded,” Naidorf says, laughing over the phone from his home in Santa Rosa. “It was like in one of the movies where the Capitol Records building was destroyed.” Thankfully the cake for his 95th birthday, which he celebrated last month, was more structurally sound.
Designated a historic-cultural monument in 2006, the building has long been a favorite Los Angeles landmark to demolish on film — especially for filmmaker Roland Emmerich, who blew it up with an alien spaceship in “Independence Day” and slammed it with twisters in “The Day After Tomorrow.” Yet no movie can ever write the building out of a central place in popular music history. The tower is synonymous with the illustrious Capitol Records, home of Nat King Coleand Frank Sinatra, and the American record label of Pink Floyd and the Beatles, with the latter’s stars lining the Hollywood Walk of Fame right in front of the building.
Over the last several years, the building has been illuminated in support of various sociopolitical causes. In 2020, it was lighted red to support independent music venues. Last year, during their performance in Hollywood, Duran Duran lighted the Capitol Records building blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine. “I think that’s excellent,” Naidorf says. “Anything that vigorously engages the public on the right side of good causes transcends other issues. I’m flattered they use the Capitol Records building. It means it has enough cachet to merit being chosen to do that.”
Like the famous landmark he designed, Louis Naidorf has of late been experiencing his own brush with stardom, with postcards from autograph seekers arriving at his door. He is flattered but doesn’t take the attention too seriously.
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“It’s obvious that if someone asks me for four signatures I’m part of trading baseball cards or something,” he says. “They are going to trade four Lou Naidorfs for one Joe Smith.”
Still, he’s surprised and somewhat baffled by the sudden burst of recognition after all these years. “I guess my name ended up on a list or something,” he shrugs.
Naidorf was just 24 years old when he designed the Capitol Records building, in 1953. It was the world’s first circular office building.
Though it was 70 years ago, he vividly recalls how he felt when he received the assignment for his first solo project. “At one level, I felt enormous anxiety that if I didn’t get a solution, very, very quickly, something terrible would happen,” he says. “On the other hand, I felt a total confidence that I could do it. So it was a crazy contradiction.”
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Naidorf notes the building’s porcelain enamel sunshades with carefully spaced gaps to play with light and shadow. These cause spiral lines to appear on the building, drawing the eye into a rhythm rather than straight up and down. “You can see Capitol Records from quite a distance and you get a first impression of its basic form and character. You have a reading of it as complete,” he says. “But the building is designed so that the closer you get to the building, you discover more details.”
What about the long-standing myth that its round shape was designed to look like a stack of records with a rooftop antenna resembling a phonograph needle? As hard as it might be to believe, the legendary story about the building is just a coincidence — an urban legend that Naidorf has tried to debunk for decades.
In fact, when his boss, Welton Becket, tasked him with the assignment, the building was simply referred to as Project X. Shrouded in secrecy, Naidorf was given little guidance for the project other than being asked to design a 13-story building on a sloped side street in Hollywood that had to be kept as cool as possible and had smaller than usual floor space. He also didn’t know for whom he was designing it. Naidorf says it was common for clients’ identities to be kept confidential during the initial planning stages of a project.
However, Naidorf relished the creative latitude. The absence of information left him unburdened by preconceived ideas. “I knew the door was open for something special. It urged me so strongly,” he says earnestly. “I felt, and I think all architects feel this way … there’s a drive to translate the mundane bare requirements that clients come in with into something that has some poetic qualities about it.”
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Naidorf then had an epiphany: The project’s requirements were “eerily resonant” with a series of circular buildings he had designed for his master’s thesis in college. “The round shape is a very efficient enclosure of space,” he says. “You get more bang for your buck.”
Not everyone agreed with his approach. Naidorf says that Capitol Records co-founder and President Glenn Wallichs became irate when Naidorf presented him with a model and drawings of a round building, and “violently rejected” the design. “He thought it was a cheap stunt designed by a young guy to make the building look like a stack of records,” Naidorf says, laughing.
Wallichs insisted that Naidorf replace the round design with plans for a rectangular building. But when both rectangular and circular designs were presented to the insurance company financing the land, Naidorf says that Wallichs was urged to proceed with the round design.
Soon after, when talk of the building housing a radio station (that never came to fruition) was raised, Naidorf fretted when he was asked to design an antenna. He was worried that it would look like a phonograph needle and cement the idea that the building was designed to look like a stack of records.
Owing to his nagging concern, Naidorf positioned the rooftop spire asymmetrically, poised to appear as if it touches the roof delicately, like “a ballerina en pointe.” He calls it the building’s “grace note.” Still, the stack-of-vinyl myth persists. Laughing, Naidorf says, “It’s the most enduring myth of all.”
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Despite his good humor, it leaves him conflicted. “The building was not designed as a cartoon or a giggle. To have it trivialized with the stack-of-records myth is annoying and dismaying,” he says. “There’s not a thing on the building that doesn’t have a solid purpose to it.”
Naidorf’s ingenuity has been especially impressive to Los Angeles-based architect Lorcan O’Herlihy, who says he has “often responded strongly to the fact and admired that here was this interesting architect [Naidorf] who was combining science and art, or artistry and technology. Welton Becket [& Associates], very much to their credit, were at a period where modernism was at its heyday and they had to come up with ideas that were new and fresh and they did it, and Lou was certainly instrumental in that. His work is extraordinary.”
Naidorf was born in Los Angeles in 1928. His father owned a shop where he made and sold women’s clothing, with Naidorf’s mother lining the garments. Owing to his father’s lack of accounting skills and business acumen, however, the business often collapsed, forcing his parents to work at a garment factory until debts could be paid off to reopen the store.
Throughout his childhood, Naidorf’s family struggled financially as they moved around, living mostly in Silver Lake and Los Feliz. With only enough money to rent studio apartments, Naidorf’s parents slept on a Murphy bed while Naidorf spent his nights on a mattress on the floor.
As a little boy, Naidorf felt drawn to buildings. When his third-grade teacher decorated the classroom with a Hawaiian vacation theme, his fascination morphed into a calling. “I asked my teacher who made the drawings and she said, ‘Naval architects.’ And then I asked her who draws the plans for houses and she said, ‘Architects.’ She told me to ask my mother to show me the floor plans that were published in the real estate section of the Sunday edition of the newspaper.
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“When I saw them, I was a goner,” he swoons. “I now knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be an architect.”
Naidorf remembers, at age 8, designing a three-bedroom house, using a card table as a makeshift drafting table. Soon after, he began designing small towns. “It wasn’t anything brilliant, but I was learning to draw, learning to scale and learning to think in spatial terms,” he says. When he was 12 years old, Naidorf got a part-time job at a bookstore, where he spent his first two paychecks on architecture books, absorbing them until they were threadbare.
Beyond literature, Naidorf amassed a growing collection of architectural materials (T-square, rectangles, instruments for ink drawings), thanks to his bar mitzvah presents, and decided he was ready to get to work. Sanford Kent, a young architect who had just graduated from USC, hired a tenacious 13-year-old Naidorf, paying him out of his own pocket.
Naidorf says tackling the abstract problems Kent gave him at once stimulated his mind and were instrumental in forming his long-standing ethos. “It got me thinking about architecture in terms of its effect on human emotions. The key issue is, ‘How do people respond to your work, whether from a distance or by living it?’” he says.
He continued to soak up whatever he could about architecture, gearing his junior and high school classes toward studying architecture in university. He attended UC Berkeley instead of the privately funded USC, not only to leave home and expand his horizons but also because of its affordability.
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Even still, Naidorf couldn’t afford all of the program’s required materials. He borrowed airbrushes from his fellow students, who would also give him their pencil stubs instead of tossing them out. Naidorf submitted his assignments on pebble board, which was not only cheaper than illustration board but allowed him to draw on one side, flip it over and draw on the other.
In 1950, Naidorf graduated at the top of his class and got his master of architecture degree a year early. He skipped his graduation ceremony because he had a job interview the next day at Welton Becket & Associates, where he was promptly hired. Among his earliest design assignments: a tray slide for a hospital cafeteria, a clothes closet and a “Please Wait to Be Seated” sign for a restaurant.
Three years into his employment, he began working on the Capitol Records building. Naidorf says he would design it the exact same way if he were given the assignment today.
Andrew Slater, former Capitol Records president and chief executive (2001-07), attests to the building’s distinctive charm. “When you go to work every day in that building it’s like you’re going into a piece of art, and it informs your attitude … to do something with that mindset, which is great,” he says. “Even though working in the music industry is, in a sense, an industrial endeavor, you never felt like you were doing anything industrial when you walked into that building.”
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Still, Naidorf fears being perceived as a “Johnny One Note,” as he puts it. Noting the plaque bearing his name outside the building’s main entrance, he expresses gratitude but wariness “that this one modest project has to carry my whole reputation on it.”
It’s a fair point, given the magnitude of Naidorf’s notable oeuvre. It’s earned him 17 regional honor and merit awards and AIA California’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2009). His work also has been featured at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
“I know Capitol Records is always the first one people talk about and it’s a splendid, iconic building that fuses artistry and functionalism, but he’s also produced other projects over the years,” says fellow architect O’Herlihy. “The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is brilliant.”
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Naidorf designed the 3,000-seat capacity Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on the heels of the Capitol Records building, in the late 1950s. Essentially two buildings in one, it was a challenge to design a locale that functioned at once as a performance space with a sloped floor and an exhibit hall with a flat floor for sports events, banquets and trade shows.
He transformed the floor from flat to tilted using a hydraulic system that was hailed for its innovation. “I don’t think you’ll find any place that has a symphony on a Friday night and a gem show, or some kind of hobby show, on Saturday,” he says.
Formerly home to the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestrabut currently sitting vacant, the Civic Auditorium opened its doors to the public in 1958. From 1961 to 1968, it hosted the Academy Awards. It also was the site of live recordings including George Carlin’s comedy record “Class Clown” and the Eagles’ “Eagles Live,” a double LP recorded during their three-night run at the venue. It also hosted “The T.A.M.I. Show” in 1964.
In the meantime, while the Civic was still under construction, Naidorf designed the 15,000-seat capacity Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, the biggest arena in Los Angeles when it opened in 1959. (The arena was demolished in 2016 to make way for the Banc of California Stadium, now called BMO Stadium.)
Naidorf says the Sports Arena, home to various Los Angeles sports teams including the NBA’s Lakers (1960-67) and Clippers (1984-1999) and the NHL’s Kings (1967-68), was built to attract sports teams to Los Angeles, but uncertainty about whether they’d catch on meant the facility had to be viable for other purposes.
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In 1960, a year after it opened its doors, the Sports Arena hosted the first Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, where John F. Kennedy became the presidential nominee. Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) won a boxing match there in 1962. It also hosted rallies by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Dalai Lama, and saw concerts by legendary rock acts including the Grateful Dead.
Bruce Springsteen played the venue’s final concerts before the building was demolished, a three-night stint during which he dedicated his song “Wrecking Ball” to the building lovingly nicknamed “The Dump That Still Jumps.” “Well, it was pretty dumpy by the end,” Naidorf says, laughing. “Not all architecture is permanent,” he continues. “I’d rather it was demolished and some useful purpose made of the site than having it sit there old, shabby and neglected as it was.”
Naidorf’s credits also include the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the Beverly Center and the Reagan State Office Building downtown. Outside of Los Angeles, Naidorf helmed the restoration of the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento, a six-year undertaking and then the largest-ever restoration undertaken in the U.S., and he designed President Gerald Ford’s house in Rancho Mirage.
The tallest building in Arizona, the Valley National Bank building (now Chase Tower) in Phoenix, also was designed by Naidorf, as well as the Hyatt Regency Dallas and adjacent Reunion Tower, the most recognizable landmark of the city’s skyline.
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He details these and his other high-profile projects in his 2018 book “More Humane: An Architectural Memoir”, filled with photos, backstories and personal anecdotes. Flipping through its pages, one learns that Naidorf not only took risks designing his projects but even risked his job on occasion.
He writes in his memoir that in 1958, when he was designing the Humble Oil (now Exxon) headquarters in Houston, he refused to design separate locker rooms and drinking fountains for Black and white people, as the company asked him to. When he went home on that Friday night, he describes not knowing if he’d have a job the following Monday. Not only did Naidorf not lose his job, he says, but the company ceased segregating its locker rooms and drinking fountains after that.
“I realized architects have access to some of the most powerful people in the world and it is our job to bring up issues that represent social issues rather than just architectural design,” he says. “The only thing for evil to triumph is for good people to remain silent. Architects should not remain silent.”
Naidorf also understood that sometimes he was designing projects where people don’t want to be, like the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, which opened in 1988. “I felt that there were two emotions we had to contend with,” he says. “One was to lay the sense that this would be welcoming and have a more personal quality. But if you go to a hospital you want a quite contradictory thing. You want to have a sense that it’s state-of-the-art, that whatever powerful forces can cure you, they’re there.”
Instead of one medical building, which he felt would seem ominous, he designed several structures and a series of outdoor walkways to make the facility feel warm and comforting. The treatment and diagnostic part of the facility was bold, with an abundance of steel and glass. Walkways were lined with floor-to-ceiling glass to allow patients to see the outdoor courtyard, grass, trees, sky and distant views of a golf course “based on the primitive feeling you have in the hospital, which is to get out of the damn place,” he says.
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When he was out shopping a few months ago, Naidorf met a woman who mentioned that she had been in the Navy, forcing her to move around a lot when her son was battling childhood leukemia. Without knowing she was talking to the Naval Medical Center’s designer himself, she told Naidorf that it was the only hospital that didn’t scare her ill 6-year-old son, who has since made a full recovery.
“What kind of an architect…,” Naidorf says, overcome with emotion and his voice breaking, “do you have to be not to hold that as better than any design award?”
Though Naidorf had risen through Welton Becket & Associates’ ranks to become vice president, director of research and director of design, he grew increasingly unhappy after the firm’s merger with Ellerbe Associates (it was renamed Ellerbe Becket). He moved into academia full-time in 1990, spending just one day a week at the firm.
Naidorf became dean of the School of Architecture and Design at Woodbury University, earning numerous distinctions, including teacher, faculty member and administrator of the year. He was also a guest professor at UCLA, USC, Cal Poly Pomona and SCI-Arc. At his retirement ceremony in 2000, he was awarded an honorary doctorate, marking not only the end of his academic career but also his time in Los Angeles.
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Charmed by the beauty of Northern California, Naidorf moved up the coast to Santa Rosa. For the next 15 years, he continued working with Woodbury University as campus architect, designing and remodeling some of its buildings, and was invited to be a board member.
When he parted ways with Woodbury at 87 years old, it was not with the goal of taking it easy. Naidorf had other pursuits in mind, including his work with City Vision Santa Rosa revitalizing the city’s downtown area.
He also helped his close friend, Mike Harkins (who edited Naidorf’s memoir), design his new house free of charge after the 2017 Tubbs Fire burned Harkins’ home to the ground and he and his wife lost 99% of their belongings.
“Lou offered without solicitation: ‘I’d like to design your house,’” Harkins says. “To me or anyone else who knows him, it was a heartfelt offer that of course he would make, and yet so much more. One analogy might be if Eric Clapton said, ‘I’d like to play at your wedding.’ The knowledge and sensibility that comes along with a Naidorf design offering is huge, just like his heart.”
Most recently, Naidorf has been experimenting with plans for a project to help people who are unhoused.
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Naidorf has made the most of his architecture license over the last 71 years. His voice fills with pride when he reveals that he holds the earliest issued active architecture license in the state of California, obtained in 1952.
“It’s something I wanted to be since I was a little kid. My architecture license was so hard to come by. I don’t want to give it up,” he says with palpable emotion. “I don’t want to be retired. I want to be an architect until I fall over. I plan to be buried as a licensed architect.”
Of recently turning 95, he jokes that he feels like a bad vaudeville performer who soon will be pulled offstage by a hook. But Naidorf remains in remarkably good health after surviving both prostate and esophageal cancer in his 80s.
To keep his brain sharp, he does exercises including counting backward from 100 by sevens and taking IQ tests online.
As a nonagenarian, he says there is no key to living a long life. He suggests, though, that it helps to try to use it well. “It’s not how big the steak is but how tasty it is,” he says. “I think you have to seek a calling, listen for it and search for it. Find something in your life that is really yours. … Get engaged with something that’s going to scare you, something where the problems are hard. And take risks. There is no failure.”
He also notes the importance of adaptability. “I have had four marriages. I’d better be resilient,” he quips. Twice divorced and twice widowed, Naidorf has a daughter from his first marriage, four stepchildren (who call him “Dad”) from his fourth marriage, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. An intensely private man, he’s reticent to speak publicly about his relationships and family, preferring to focus on his work.
“I remain so fascinated with architecture,” he says. “I cannot even walk past a store where somebody is putting in an electrical outlet without stopping to look in and watch it.”
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The chatty Naidorf turns summarily succinct, saying, “I certainly have had a good run.”
Dark interior design refers to a decorating style that uses predominantly dark hues and tones to create a desired ambiance or aesthetic in a space. This style can evoke a range of moods, from cozy and intimate to dramatic and sophisticated. When done correctly, dark interiors can be incredibly captivating and undeniably luxurious, even when it comes to the bathroom. Check out our dark bathroom ideas for a full idea of how to achieve this moody, ultra-luxe look.
Key features of dark interior design
Deep color palettes: This includes shades of black, gray, navy, deep green, burgundy and dark browns. These colors can be incorporated into walls, furniture, textiles and pieces of decor.
Contrast: Even within a dark palette, contrast is important. Using varying shades of dark colors while incorporating lighter accents, can break up the monotony and add depth to any room.
Texture variation: To prevent a space from feeling flat, it’s essential to incorporate various textures. Think of velvet cushions, silk curtains, rough wood and smooth metal. These differences create contrast and drama.
Ambient lighting: While it may seem oxymoronic, lighting plays a crucial role in dark interiors. The right lighting can enhance the perception of dark colors, create warmth and highlight unique design details. Consider using dimmable lights, candles or string lights to set the tone.
Metallic accents: Metallics like gold, brass and silver can pop beautifully against a dark background. They add a touch of luxury and visual interest to the overall design.
Art and decor: Choose art pieces and decorative items that complement or contrast the dark theme.
Layering: In a dark interior, layering textiles like rugs, throws and pillows can enhance the coziness of a room.
Benefits of dark interior design
Creates intimacy: Dark colors tend to bring walls visually closer, making large rooms feel more intimate.
Accentuates luxury: Dark shades, especially when paired with plush fabrics or metallics, can conjure a sense of opulence.
Highlights architectural features: Features like moldings, archways, and built-in shelving can be accentuated with dark colors.
Versatility: Dark interiors can be styled to fit a range of themes from modern and sleek to vintage and ornate.
Variables to keep in mind
Room size and natural light: As explained above, dark colors can make a small room feel even smaller. Ensure the room receives adequate natural light or has enough artificial lighting to prevent it from feeling like a cave.
Maintenance: Dark surfaces can show dust and smudges more easily, so regular cleaning may be necessary.
Balance: If not executed with care, a dark interior can feel oppressive. It’s essential to strike the right balance.
When approaching a dark interior design, it’s crucial to plan carefully and consider how each element contributes to the overall mood and function of the space. It’s also beneficial to take inspiration from design portfolios, magazines or online resources to visualize the result.
Dark bathroom basics
Dark bathroom interiors can create a particularly luxurious and spa-like ambiance when done correctly. Here’s a deeper dive into using dark design principles specifically in bathrooms.
1. Materials
Stone and tiles: Dark marble, slate or tiles look classy. Consider using them for countertops, shower areas or flooring. Textured tiles can also add dimension.
Wood: Dark-stained or naturally dark woods add warmth in the way only natural materials can. Consider this for vanities, shelving or even certain types of wall treatments.
Metal: Matte black or brushed bronze fixtures (like faucets, showerheads, and handles) contrast beautifully with dark interiors.
2. Wall colors
Navy, charcoal, forest green or even a deep plum can serve as your base wall color in dark design. If painting yourself, opt for a finish that can withstand moisture, like semi-gloss or satin.
3. Lighting
Task lighting: Essential around mirrors for activities like shaving or makeup application. Consider wall sconces or illuminated mirrors.
Ambient lighting: Recessed ceiling lights or even a statement chandelier can elevate the ambiance. Dimmable lights are a great choice for adjusting mood. What’s better than kicking back in the bathtub in a perfectly dimmed room?
Accent lighting: LED strips under vanities or behind mirrors can create a soft glow while maintaining a darker vibe.
4. Textiles and details
Towels and bath mats: Go for rich, plush fabrics in colors that either complement or contrast with the overall color scheme.
Decor: Plants, especially those with dark foliage, can thrive in well-lit bathrooms and complement the dark aesthetic.
5. Mirrors
Large mirrors or mirrored walls can break up the dark tones and help to reflect light, combating the condensing effect dark walls can have on a room.
6. Balancing with lighter tones
If you’re hesitant about going completely dark, consider balancing dark walls or floors with lighter-toned fixtures, textiles or accessories.
7. Consider natural light
If your bathroom has a window, think about the quality of natural light it receives. Sheer dark drapes or blinds can filter light while maintaining privacy.
8. Maintenance
Dark tiles and surfaces can show water spots or soap scum more prominently. Regular cleaning and using squeegees post-shower will help. Diligence is key here in keeping everything looking pristine.
Executing your dark bathroom ideas
Incorporating darkness into your bathroom can result in a chic and modern aesthetic. Here are some dark bathroom ideas to inspire your design journey.
Dark walls: Opt for matte black paint or dark tiles for a bold statement. Pair it with contrasting white fixtures for a clean look.
Dark floor tiles: Choose dark tiles, whether glossy, matte or textured, for your flooring. This can be especially dramatic when contrasted with lighter walls or fixtures.
Black fixtures: Install matte black faucets, showerheads and handles. They pop beautifully against neutral or lighter-colored tiles.
Dark vanity: A sleek dark vanity can serve as a focal point in the bathroom. Opt for one with gold or chrome handles for an added level of luxury.
Black bathtub: Consider a freestanding black bathtub as a striking centerpiece, especially if it’s set against a contrasting backdrop or white floor tiles.
Dark accessories: Incorporate dark colors through smaller items like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, trash bins and even towels. In a bathroom, even the most basic functional pieces should be thought of as opportunities to enhance the overall aesthetic.
Black framed mirror: A large mirror framed in black can be both functional and stylish, helping to break up wall spaces and reflect light.
Black grout: If you’re not ready to commit to larger black elements, consider using black grout with white or light-colored tiles. This creates an intriguing grid-like appearance.
Black ceiling: A black ceiling can make a dramatic statement, especially when the walls are in a contrasting lighter shade. This is a great idea for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms. It allows you to embrace a dark aesthetic without shrinking the room.
Black window frames: If your bathroom has windows, black frames are both modern and timeless.
Patterns and textures: Play with black patterned wallpapers or tiles for added depth. Think about using a black herringbone tile pattern or a damask wallpaper.
Contrasting elements: Balance the dominance of black with natural materials like wood or plants. For instance, wooden shelves or a few potted green plants can add warmth to the space.
Benefits of dark bathroom ideas
Timelessness: Black is a color that seldom goes out of fashion, making it a wise choice for those looking for a lasting design.
Versatility: Black pairs well with almost every color, allowing for easy updates or changes in the future. It also compliments most metallic finishes, making it a failproof choice for anything from pewter to bright brass.
Sophistication: The color black inherently carries an air of elegance and refinement. Beyond that, black is an excellent color for concealing the type of wear and tear that naturally accrues through regular use.
Welcome to the dark side of bathroom design
Dark bathroom designs can transform an everyday commode into a luxurious escape. As with all design endeavors, the key lies in balance and attention to detail. Incorporating contrasting textures, varying tones, and adequate lighting ensures the design remains inviting and functional.
Remember, while these black bathroom ideas can be captivating, it’s essential to ensure that the space doesn’t become too dark or overwhelming. Proper lighting, reflective surfaces and contrasting elements can keep the space feeling open and inviting.
Still looking for the perfect space to decorate in your style, whether dark academia, modern, farmhouse or otherwise? Explore apartments and houses for rent here.
Inside: Are you thinking about moving out? This guide will help you identify the costs of moving, calculate how much you need to save, and advice on expenses. You need to learn and plan for the practicalities of living on your own.
Taking the leap to move out and start living independently is a significant milestone.
However, it’s important to ensure you’re financially prepared for this exciting new chapter in your life.
One vital step you need to take is to start saving money, essential for covering your future expenses, emergency fund, and even fun activities. Through careful budgeting, consistent saving, and efficient spending, you can make the transition smoother and stress-free.
Around here at Money Bliss, we focus on the need to save money before making a purchase or taking the next step, so you will be better equipped and stay debt free.
This way, you can fully enjoy the freedom and responsibilities that come with having your own place.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Why is Moving Out on Your Own Important?
There comes a time in one’s life when one feels the need to spread their wings and live independently. We all wanted to move out at 18 – I remember!
This crucial step, however, requires substantial planning. Yet, most just jump right to moving out.
The key thing you must do? Save. But, why so important?
Here’s why: independence means bearing your own expenses. Rent, groceries, utilities, they’re all on you.
Plus, unforeseen emergencies are less shocking when you have a well-stocked safety net.
What’s a good amount of money to have before moving out?
The amount you need to move out depends on many factors.
However, on average, you should aim to have between $6,000 and $12,000 stashed away before you pack your bags.
This sum would cover initial moving costs, deposits, furniture, essentials, and a few months of rent.
Remember, it’s not just about surviving your first month. You’ll need enough to keep you comfortable while you’re settling into your new life.
How much should I save before moving out?
Remember, there isn’t a “magic number.”
Yet, many wonder is $5000 enough to move out?
Your savings should cater to your housing costs, which ideally should not exceed 1/3 of your monthly income. Besides, factor in regional cost of living, moving expenses, and an emergency fund.
What determines the amount needed?
The amount to save before moving out varies greatly. It hinges on factors like your targeted living area because there is a wide fluctuation of HCOL vs LCOL areas, your projected expenses, and your income level. The rent in one city might be higher than in another.
As well as your personal lifestyle choices and spending habits will greatly affect monthly expenses.
Evaluation: Your Financial Status
Your financial status, including current income and expenditures, plays a crucial role in determining the proportion of your earnings you should save before moving out.
If you have a higher income with lower outlays, you can save more, whereas having roommates can significantly cut down your living expenses, enabling better savings.
A careful review of these factors allows you to create a realistic saving plan tailored to your unique financial circumstances.
You need to make sure you are on track to how much money should you have saved by 25.
Assessing your current income
Take a deep look at your income. How much do you earn each month? How regular is this income? These are vital questions.
Your net income (what you earn after taxes) sets the tone for what you can afford. This is the amount listed on your paycheck.
Learn more about gross pay vs net pay.
Understanding your debt load
Debt can be a significant hindrance when contemplating moving out. How much do you owe monthly?
You need to consider your debt-to-income ratio. This is what mortgage lenders do to figure out if I make 70000 a year, how much house can I afford.
If your debt is taking up more than 30% of your income, you need to be careful on how much you spend on rent and other mandatory expenses.
Learn how to pay off your debt faster using Undebt.it.
Know Your Expenses: Breaking Down the Costs
I’ll be honest. This is what most people overlook when they move out or even purchase a new home.
For instance, the couch I loved couldn’t fit into our new house. Sigh.
Now, is the time to learn how to save 5000 in 6 months.
Identifying the cost of moving
Moving costs can bite! They depend on relocation distance, packing supplies, and the complexity of the move.
Movers can range from hundreds to thousands. According to Moving.com, the average costs for a studio or one bedroom range from $501 – $985. 1
Thankfully, you are young and you can pay friends for help with pizza. But, you still need to account for a moving truck if needed.
Hidden costs you need to consider
When moving out, some costs aren’t glaring. These include fees for installing new services, delivery fees for new furniture, or penalties if foregoing a current lease. Yes, these hidden costs can pile up!
Even, the costs to put blinds up at your new place! A room darkening shade can easily set you back $50; I know, I like my sleep.
So, be sure to consider them when saving for your move.
Setting Up a Personal Budget
A budget plays a crucial role in being financially stable. Period.
Call it adulting if you want to, but you cannot spend more money than you make. That is a recipe for a disaster and way too much debt.
By adhering to a well-planned budget, one can prevent financial stress to ensure financial security and start your journey to financial independence.
How to start a personal budget
Starting a personal budget is simple.
List your income and expenditures. Include rent, groceries, utilities, subscriptions, and yes, even luxuries.
The goal is to spend less than you earn.
Then, you can save and plan for your future.
That means you may not be able to afford everything you want. And using credit cards to fill the gap isn’t smart.
The 50/30/20 budget rule explained
For many, the 50/30/20 rule serves as a rough guide for managing your finances.
It suggests allocating 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.
This is a beginner-friendly method to manage spending without feeling overwhelmed.
Starting to use a budget app is extremely helpful.
YNAB
Enjoy guilt-free spending and effortless saving with a friendly, flexible method for managing your finances.
Pros:
Comprehensive approach to budgeting, helping you plan monthly budgets based on your income.
Offers expert advice, making it suitable for those who require an in-depth, forward-thinking budgeting strategy.
Superior synchronization skills make it the winner in this area.
YNAB has extra features like goal setting for budgeting, shared budgeting tools for partners.
Option to manually add and upload transactions from accounts each month.
YNAB prioritizes user privacy.
Avoid These Budget Downfall
The most common expenses that are forgotten are irregular expenses such as vacations, weddings, or holiday spending. These variable expenses do not occur on a consistent schedule.
To manage these, note these big-ticket events on a calendar, estimate their cost, divide by 12, and contribute that amount to a high-yield savings account each month, offering you a guilt-free way to cover these costs without stressing over money.
Make sure you remember all of your expenses by checking out this full list of personal budget categories.
Creating and Managing an Emergency Fund
Why an emergency fund? It provides you with a safety cushion.
This fund prevents unexpected expenses from ruining your plans or sending you spiraling into debt. It acts as your financial parachute when you need it the most.
Around here at Money Bliss, we consider it a staple in financial wisdom.
Ideal size of an emergency fund
As a rule of thumb, your emergency fund should cover at least $1000-2000 in savings. This will provide money to cover a car breakdown or new car tires. Honestly, the goal is never to use your emergency fund.
However, you may look at a bigger rainy day fund that will cover 3-6 months of living expenses. This will provide you with a comfortable safety net against unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies.
But remember: start small. Even $1,000 can buffer you from financial shocks. Check out these mini savings challenges.
Enough Money for One Year
A year’s worth of savings may sound excessive.
However, it provides unmatched stress relief and financial stability that can be life-changing, especially for young adults.
This tip will change your financial landscape immensely and provide you with more opportunities than you can imagine.
You can handle life’s ups and downs more easily when you have an entire year’s expenses sitting in your bank account.
Raisin
Simply select one of the high-yield savings products offered by their network of federally insured banks and credit unions to begin your savings journey.
You can open a free Raisin account in just a few minutes!
Compare Rates
Better Planning for Potential Bills and Fees
When preparing to live independently, don’t forget to plan for unanticipated costs.
Rental fees and deposits explained
When you rent, you’re likely to encounter a range of fees.
First off, you’ll have to foot a security deposit – typically equal to one and a half month’s rent. This upfront cost acts as insurance for landlords against damages. If you leave the place in top shape, you’ll get your full deposit back!
Additional fees could include application fees or non-refundable move-in fees like background checks. Know what you’re paying for before you sign the lease.
Utilities and recurring expenses
Electricity, gas, water, and internet – these utilities fall on your shoulders when you’re living solo.
These costs can eat a hole in your wallet if unchecked!
To avoid surprises, ask for estimates before signing a lease or find a place that includes utilities.
Other recurring expenses? Consider subscriptions. Gym, Netflix, Spotify – they all add up!
Trim
Perfect for the person who hates to hassle with canceling subscriptions and checking spending.
Trim adds value in such ways as canceling old subscriptions, setting spending alerts, checking how much users spent on ride-sharing apps the previous month, and automatically fighting fees.
Learn More
Go for a Trial Run Before Moving Out
Adopt the practice of “paying rent” beforehand by setting aside a third of your income into a dedicated savings account which can test your financial readiness for the move. See if you can move out and afford it before you actually move.
Remember, being savvy with money while planning to move out involves carefully auditing your spending over the last 3-6 months and developing a budget that accounts for future expenses, savings, and essential purchases.
This may save you headaches in the future.
Smart Moves: Making Rent Like a Boss
You need to understand how you are starting to make financial decisions.
In fact, reading this financial advice for young adults would be helpful.
Understanding rent payments.
Rent payments can be daunting as prices for a single bedroom apartment are $1700/month. 2
Many landlords may tenants to earn at least three times their rent.
Payments are usually due on the first day of the month. Late payments can lead to hefty fees!
Stay organized by setting reminders or setting up auto-pay.
Considering a roommate.
On the fence about getting a roommate? It’s worth considering!
A roommate can drastically cut your living expenses. Half the rent, half the utility costs… that sounds like a sweet deal.
On the flip side, you may have less privacy and there can be disputes.
However, with clear communication and shared responsibilities, it can be a great experience. It’s a great option if your income is tight. Choose wisely!
Opting for second-hand furniture
Furniture expenses can add up quickly, but there’s a savvy solution: opt for second-hand furniture! Yes, it’s cool to be frugal.
In fact, vintage pieces can add character to your home. Perhaps snag a few items from your parent’s home, Buy Nothing Group, or thrift stores. It’s not about being cheap, but about being smart!
You can always upgrade later.
Key Takeaways Before Taking That Leap
Moving out with roommates not only gave me a firsthand experience of independent living but also exposed me to the nuances of financial management. These initial steps helped me understand budgeting and the importance of balancing expenditures with earnings.
Then transitioning into renting my own place, I was armed with the knowledge I gained and was better prepared to face the challenges, creating a smooth transition to living completely on my own.
Checklist before getting your own place
Before making the big move, have you:
Saved enough to cover deposit, rent, moving, and utility hook-up fees?
Started a personal budget, tracking income and expenses?
Drafted a rough spending plan using the 50/30/20 budget rule.
Built an emergency fund?
Discussed potential apartment rental fees and deposits?
Considered recurring expenses and variable expenses?
Weighed the pros and cons of having a roommate.
Looked into second-hand furniture?
Can you comfortably cover living expenses with your income?
Have you accounted for all possible costs? Think of moving costs, utilities, groceries, health insurance, and more.
Have you considered the cost of living in your preferred location?
How stable is your income? Can it sustain your independence long-term?
Check out this first apartment checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before moving out of your parents’ house, aim to save at least $5,000. But, you want to start off financially sound, so aim higher like $10,000. This amount would ideally cover your moving costs, early rent payments, and the setting up of utilities.
Remember, the real magic figure depends on your cost of living and your current income.
Put simply, saving $1,000 a month is excellent!
As an expert, Money Bliss often recommends saving at least 20% of your income each month. If you can stash away $1,000, you’re well above this bar.
Remember, every little helps when working towards financial independence. Check out our 52 week money saving challenge to get started.
Start Saving for How Much Money I Need to Move Out
Taking the leap into independent living can feel daunting. But with careful planning, budgeting, and saving, it’s an exhilarating journey.
The best advice I can give someone who is looking to move out is to plan ahead for the journey in front of you.
Remember, having anything between $6000 and $10,000 saved up is an excellent starting point.
As you navigate your financial freedom, adopt the 50/30/20 rule for managing expenses. Around here we call it the Cents Plan Formula.
Most importantly, stay prepared for life’s unexpected twists with an emergency fund. And don’t be shy to make some smart moves like considering a roommate or opting for second-hand furniture.
The journey towards independence is rewarding and fun – as long as you’re financially prepared. So pop that calculator, get budgeting, and start saving for your own place!
Source
Moving.com. “Moving Cost Calculator for Moving Estimates.” https://www.moving.com/movers/moving-cost-calculator.asp. Accessed October 25, 2023.
Rent Cafe. “Average Rent in the U.S.” https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/. Accessed October 25, 2023.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Thanksgiving decor can look just as good outside the home as it can inside. From beautiful wreaths and garlands, to pumpkins and cozy lights, these festive decorations are all about making your home look and feel more cozy, special, and seasonal.
The beauty of outdoor Thanksgiving decor is that you can use a lot of the same items that you would use for outdoor fall decor and even outdoor Halloween decor, so many of these decoration ideas can be embraced from the beginning of fall all the way through to Thanksgiving – then it’s time to start getting creative with outdoor Christmas decor.
Spruce up your outside space with outdoor Thanksgiving decor
fall flower and foliage inspiration for your front door, or are looking to decorate with pumpkins on your front porch, our ideas can elegantly elevate your exterior so it’s beautifully in sync with the season.
1. Pumpkins
This seasonal squash is synonymous with fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving decor, and is probably the most traditional and popular seasonal decoration of them all.
Whether you style your outside space with pumpkins freshly picked from a day out at the pumpkin farm, or opt for a more contemporary look with stylish faux pumpkins that can be used year after year, it doesn’t get easier than placing a pretty pumpkin by your front door.
Here, interior designer Shea McGee from Studio McGee has created a beautiful blend of traditional Thanksgiving decorations with more modern color palettes. The scattered pumpkins in a palette of pastel shades perfectly complement the planters and their home’s white exterior. Shea says of the design, ‘our wreath (currently sold out but our Oversized Fall Leaf Wreath can create a simple effect) is from our Target for Threshold line, we tied a pretty fall-hued ribbon around the top of it to add some more interest.’
For some further inspiration, take a look at Shea’s similar Halloween porch look below.
Faux Pumpkins & Gourds
Lit Woven Pumpkin
Full Moon Pumpkins (Set of 5)
Studio McGee, with her husband Syd in 2014. They later launched their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co, and starred in their very own Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover.
2. Wreaths and garlands
A traditional festive decoration that beautifully celebrates the colors of fall and seasonal plants and flowers, a wreath or garland can add wonderful texture, color, and shape to your outside space. Wreaths are perfect for sitting pretty on a front door, and garlands can be used to decorate door frames and porch railings.
Whether you fancy embracing a Thanksgiving craft and having a go at making your own Thanksgiving wreath from flowers, branches, and foliage gathered from your yard and garden, or opt for an artificial design (we love Balsam Hill’s Autumn Abundance collection) you can never go wrong with styling your outside space with stylish natural accents.
Autumn Abundance Foliage – Wreath
Autumn Abundance Foliage – Garland
Autumn Abundance Foliage – Swag
fall planters filled with fall flowers and plants for fall color’ says designer, Chantelle Malarkey. ‘It’s great to get bunches in reds, oranges, and purples.
‘Or, for a more modern Thanksgiving decor idea, why not try styling your outside space with some pretty pampas grass? It’s one of my all-time favorites to style with, both indoors and outdoors, and can add a unique, neutral texture to your Thanksgiving decor.’ Pampas is perfect for using in a minimalist Thanksgiving scheme.
In this colorful outside space by @carlosriveracruet, the front porch area has been elegantly uplifted by pumpkins, a unique hanging foliage basket on the door (a great alternative to a wreath), and pretty pots filled with orange, yellow, and white flowers.
Chantelle Malarkey
Outdoor Fortune lanterns from Pottery Barn are great for using all year round too, creating a wonderful seasonal scene that can look just as good at night as it can during the day.
Designer and landscaping expert Ward Dilmore also suggests, ‘as the sun sets, create a cozy and warm atmosphere with string lights. Hang them across your outdoor area or wrap them around porch railings. These lights not only provide illumination, but will add a magical touch to your Thanksgiving gathering.’ These Connectable String Lights from Balsam Hill are perfect – and they can be used for your outdoor Christmas lighting ideas too.
Ward Dilmore
Liz Marie Galvan has created at her farm, featuring cushions, throws, and decorations from the Target x John Derian Thanksgiving collection.
Square Pillow Fall Pumpkin, 18″
Quilted Throw Blanket Fall Mums, 50″x70″
Assorted Fall Paper Decor Pack
fall porch ideas for some further outdoor seasonal inspiration.
Embracing festive window decor, similar to Halloween window decor ideas, can also help to elevate your outdoor Thanksgiving scheme. Hang wreaths and lights in the window or style a window ledge with a stack of pumpkins, perfect for creating a cozy seasonal display that can be appreciated both inside and outside of the home.
Want to learn how to make money on maternity leave? Parental leave can be a time of joy and excitement with a new baby around, but it can also mean money stress for parents. While you spend time taking care of your newborn, you may also need to find ways to make extra money to…
Want to learn how to make money on maternity leave?
Parental leave can be a time of joy and excitement with a new baby around, but it can also mean money stress for parents. While you spend time taking care of your newborn, you may also need to find ways to make extra money to pay for your expenses.
I had a baby not too long ago (she is currently 1.5 years old – time flies!), and being able to work while taking care of her has been a lifesaver. So, I understand why you’re reading this article – because I also had to work with a newborn.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make extra money while still being present for those early months with your new baby.
Why You May Need Extra Money On Maternity Leave
Many families have to take unpaid maternity leave, and others may find their leave is simply not long enough and want to extend it longer (many families in the U.S. get 3 months or even much less time).
Not only that, but maternity leave is an expensive time with medical bills coming in, the cost of baby essentials (diapers aren’t free!), and everyday living costs.
Also, there might be unexpected costs that weren’t part of your maternity leave budget. Perhaps your baby needs special formula or medication, or maybe your car broke down. These unplanned costs can put a dent in your finances, especially when your income may already be reduced during your maternity leave.
Or, you might also be looking to create a financial cushion for the future such as by saving for vacations or even starting a college fund for your baby. So, finding ways to make extra money during your maternity leave can be very helpful.
Recommended reading:
How To Make Money On Maternity Leave
When trying to earn money during maternity leave, here are three things to think about:
Flexibility is key – Choose work that can adapt to unexpected baby-related needs. It should let you manage your time effectively.
Think about earnings and growth – Think about how much you can make, how quickly, and if there’s room to grow.
Pick something you like and fits your goals – Do you enjoy the work? You may want to find work that matches your interests, skills, and future plans.
Read further to learn how to make money on maternity leave.
Top ways to make money on maternity leave
There are 27 ways to earn extra money on maternity leave listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
1. Start a blog
Blogging is my favorite way to make money from home, and this is what I do while also raising my daughter.
Being a blogger involves creating content for online readers. You have the freedom to write about a topic you’re interested in (such as finance, travel, lifestyle, or family,) and freedom to decide how you want to make money on your blog – there are many different ways available such as affiliate marketing or displaying ads.
Blogging is my main source of income, and it has completely changed my life. I have the freedom to travel whenever I want, set my schedule, be my own boss, and I can spend all day with my daughter.
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
2. Sell printables on Etsy
Creating and selling digital printables on Etsy is a great way to work on your own schedule and earn money.
Plus, it is fairly passive income as you only have to make one digital file for each printable, and you can sell it as many times as you like. Another positive is that you can start it very affordably because you only need a laptop and internet.
So, what is a printable? They are digital items that you can download and print at home, such as grocery shopping checklists, budget planners, wedding invitations, wall art, and more.
I recommend signing up for Free Workshop: How To Earn Money Selling Printables. This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Other than printables, there are many other things you can sell on Etsy as well, such as soap, candles, jewelry, and more.
3. Transcription work
Transcription jobs are flexible and can be done from home. By turning audio files into text, you can earn money when it’s most convenient for you.
An online transcriptionist listens to audio or video recordings and writes down exactly what is being said. This process is called transcribing. The goal is to do this without any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
If you want to learn how to make money on maternity leave, this can be a great option as you can do this at home.
I recommend watching Free Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? to learn more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
4. Freelance writing
Freelance writers write articles, website content, social media posts, or even ebooks for clients.
I was a freelance writer for many years before switching to working full-time at writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It is a great career path where you can work from home and make your own schedule, such as writing while your baby is sleeping.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners
5. Virtual assistant
One of my first side hustles was working from home as a virtual assistant. This is a great way to work from home and have your own schedule.
Virtual assistants do many different kinds of tasks for clients, such as answering emails, scheduling appointments, managing websites, sending invoices, and so much more. It simply depends on what the person who is hiring you needs done.
If you want to become a virtual assistant, I recommend watching the free training 5 Steps To Become a Virtual Assistant.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
6. Bookkeeper
If you’re good with numbers, you could sell bookkeeping services online or for small businesses, either on a freelance or part-time basis.
Bookkeepers are individuals responsible for managing financial things for businesses. This includes recording sales, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports.
If you want to become a bookkeeper, I recommend watching the free training How To Become A Bookkeeper.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
7. Freelance graphic design
With design skills, you can create logos, website designs, business cards, marketing materials, and more for clients and make money even during your maternity leave.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
8. Data entry
Data entry clerks are like computer organizers. They enter, update, and double-check information in lists or tables. They type things like numbers and names to keep everything neat and organized.
Data entry jobs pay around $15 to $20 an hour, on average.
9. Create Canva templates
A Canva template is a pre-made design you can sell for things like social media graphics, ebooks, and presentations. It’s a handy starting point if a person is not great at designing from scratch.
Businesses, advertising professionals, social media influencers, and more all buy Canva templates all the time.
Canva templates have blank spaces where you can add your own words and pictures. You can also change colors and fonts to suit your preferences. They’re really useful for making things look good without spending a long time on it.
With Canva templates, you can sell a single design an unlimited amount of times. If you are looking for something passive, this is a great way to learn how to make money on maternity leave.
Recommended reading: How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates
10. Tutor
Tutoring students can be a great way to make money while on maternity leave, as there are many options to tutor from home. You may be able to create your own schedule and pick how much or how little you would like to work.
You can find online tutor jobs on websites such as Tutor.com. If you’d prefer to do in-person tutoring, you can call or email local tutoring companies in your area or share your tutoring services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.
Recommended reading: 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour)
11. Rent out your baby gear
Since you have a baby, you probably have a lot of baby gear.
Did you know that you can make extra money by renting it out?!
Renting out your baby gear on sites like BabyQuip can be a game changer when it comes to making extra income during maternity leave. This site allows you to share your baby items with families in need (such as a person on vacation), turning your baby gear into a source of income.
From strollers and cribs to high chairs and toys and more, you can list many different items on BabyQuip’s site.
Plus, you don’t need to have a lot of baby gear in order to get started – you can start with as little as a crib (which is the most commonly rented item).
According to BabyQuip, the average person can earn around $1,000 a month, and some are able to make over $10,000 per month.
12. Baby sleep consultant
As you already know, sleep is so important for a baby (and for the parents!).
You can earn a living while on maternity leave by becoming a sleep consultant. This is where you help other parents by helping them improve their baby’s sleep habits and routines.
Pediatric sleep consultants are experts in helping children sleep better and they make a big difference in families’ rest.
Read more at How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month.
13. Deliver groceries
If you want a flexible side gig while on maternity leave (and you also have someone to watch your child), then you may want to look into delivering groceries and food.
This can be a flexible side hustle because you can choose your hours and how much you’d like to work each week.
Services like Instacart need grocery shoppers, and the average shopper makes $15 to $20 an hour to deliver groceries. Drivers are paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. With Instacart, you would be physically going into grocery stores, picking out the food items yourself, checking out, and then delivering the groceries to your customer.
You can also learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
There are other food delivery gigs that you can do as well, such as GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.
14. Airbnb host
If you have a separate space to rent in your home, such as an in-law’s quarters or an apartment above a garage, then you may be able to make money during your maternity leave by renting this space out.
You can learn more about this at What You Need To Know About Renting A Room In Your House.
15. Pet sit
If you are a pet lover, consider pet sitting for friends, family, or through an online service. It’s a great way to make some extra cash while you’re home and can be a fun addition to your day if you already have pets and babies at home.
If you’re interested in watching pets or dog walking, Rover is a platform where you can list your services and find clients.
16. Answer surveys
While answering online surveys and focus groups isn’t a way to make a ton of money, it can be a way to earn some extra money with whatever spare time you have from your newborn (such as when they are sleeping).
You simply share your opinions and answer simple questions, and in return, you can get cash or rewards like Amazon gift cards.
The survey companies I recommend include:
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
Branded Surveys
InboxDollars
PrizeRebel
American Consumer Opinion
User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
17. Affiliate marketing
If you want to learn how to make money while on maternity leave, one of my favorites is affiliate marketing.
I have been an affiliate marketer for years through this blog, and it is what allows me to stay at home with my daughter.
Affiliate marketing means making money by sharing a referral link on your website, YouTube channel, social media account, and more. When people use your referral link to purchase something, you then earn money.
For instance, consider sharing books from Amazon on your blog. You give your readers a link to a particular book and encourage people to buy it through your affiliate link. Companies like Amazon value affiliates who bring in high-quality traffic because they appreciate the extra support in helping them make more sales.
If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing, I recommend Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook.
18. Proofread and edit
If you have an eye for detail, you may be able to sell your services as a proofreader or editor for different types of content.
Writers, business owners, and more hire proofreaders and editors to improve their work. There’s a big need for these types of positions, and you can find jobs through many different platforms.
If you want to become a proofreader, I recommend joining the free 76-minute workshop – Learn How to Become a Proofreader…and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
19. In-home childcare
One great way to make money while on maternity leave is to provide childcare services for other families in your area, either part-time or full-time.
This is one of the best stay at home jobs for someone on maternity or paternity leave because it allows you to stay home with your kids while making money at the same time.
Depending on your location, you might need specific licenses. But you could potentially begin without the extra legal steps by working with just one or two children. Just be sure to verify with your local city or state regulations beforehand. It’s also very important to make sure that your home is safe for children and that you are CPR certified.
20. Sell baked goods
Do you like to cook? You may be able to make money at home by starting a home bakery for people and/or pets. You can sell homemade baked goods at local farmers’ markets or online too.
You can read more at How To Make Extra Money By Starting A Home Bakery. Here, you’ll learn about the equipment you need to start a home bakery, food laws, how much to price your baked goods at, and more.
If you are interested in baking goods for pets, then I recommend reading How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
21. Stock photo photography
Selling stock photo photography can be a great way to learn how to make money on maternity leave. This is because you would be working for yourself and can take pictures in your free time.
Stock image sites are popular sites for photographers to sell their photos. These sites allow customers to purchase pictures for various uses like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.
One great thing about stock photo sites is that they can be a great form of passive income. You can take pictures, upload them, and earn money from an older photo for months or even years in the future.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
22. Social media manager
Social media managers handle businesses’ social media accounts with the goal of attracting new customers and helping a business grow.
They might share images or videos showcasing products or the company, take part in popular social media trends (like on TikTok) to increase visibility, and respond to common customer questions.
23. Book reviewer
Book reviewers read books and share what they think through paid reviews.
Yes, there are websites where you can receive payment (as well as a free book) for sharing your thoughts about books. Some companies that pay for book reviews are Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, and BookBrowse.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
24. Flea market flipper
A flipper buys items from places such as garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores and resells them online for a profit.
You may be able to earn extra money by flipping items for resale or possibly earn a full-time income! You can even be able to make this a more flexible gig, such as only working during nap times.
A helpful free training that I recommend is Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days.
25. Rent out storage space
If you have unused space in your home, you can sell it as storage for rent to people in your local area. This can be a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or even an attic.
You can use a site called Neighbor to list any extra space you have available for rent and have the potential to make up to $15,000 per year.
You can sign up at Neighbor for free here and list your space.
You can also learn more about Neighbor at Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.
26. Sell an online course
Selling an online course is a great option for stay-at-home moms and dads who want to have control over their schedule and earn a somewhat passive income.
Some topics that you can teach in a course are:
Fitness and exercise programs
Time management and productivity hacks
Parenting
Arts and crafts
Languages
Programming
Personal finance
Traveling
Photography and photo editing
Plants and gardening
Baking and pastry making
And so much more!
You can sell a course in many different ways, such as through Udemy or Teachable.
27. Rent out your unused RV
Instead of letting your RV sit in your driveway unused, you can list it on RVshare and make some semi-passive income. My sister has rented a few RVs from this site, and she has had a great experience each time!
Renting out an RV can earn you anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars each month.
How To Manage Your Money On Maternity Leave
Managing your money while on maternity leave can be tough at times. If you are looking for more things that you can do other than only learning how to make money on maternity leave, you do have some options.
Below, I will be talking about how to cut your budget so that you can save money, as well as your rights and benefits on maternity leave.
Cut your budget
During parental leave, cutting your budget can be a great way to manage your finances while adapting to life with a newborn.
Here are a few ideas to help reduce your expenses during this time:
Evaluate your current spending habits to determine where you can make adjustments – This might involve tracking your spending for a month or looking back at bank statements. You’ll likely find areas where you can save, such as dining out, entertainment, or shopping.
Cut back on subscriptions and memberships – Assess each subscription and determine the must-haves and those you can temporarily suspend or cancel.
Batch cook freezer meals before the baby comes – This is where you make a bunch of meals before the baby is born and freeze them. This can give you an easy meal to pop in the oven before the baby comes.
Cook at home – Getting food delivered can be convenient, but it’s usually more expensive than making your meals at home. Plus, cooking allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes.
Buy in bulk – When possible, get the items you use most frequently in bulk. Items like diapers, baby wipes, and nonperishable foods have a longer shelf life, and buying them in larger quantities can offer considerable savings.
Get secondhand and borrowed items – Instead of buying new baby gear and clothing, try borrowing from friends or family, or shopping at thrift stores like Once Upon A Child. Babies grow quickly, and they often outgrow items before they wear out.
Negotiate medical costs – If you have medical bills, you can try to negotiate them. Medical providers may be open to setting up payment plans or giving discounts for paying up front.
Short-term disability insurance
You may want to look into short-term disability insurance options before your maternity leave starts to help cover lost wages during your time off.
In some cases, your employer may provide this benefit, or you can purchase a policy separately. These policies typically cover around 60% to 80% of your regular income and may have a waiting period before benefits start (so, you will need to have the policy before you get pregnant).
Government assistance programs
There are government assistance programs that could help you during your maternity leave. For example, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits for eligible families.
You can also check to see if you qualify for financial assistance from your state or other programs related to maternity and family support.
Find charities for help
During maternity leave, managing money might be tricky, but there are places that can help, like charities and groups that want to support new parents. You can find them online or at local community centers. Libraries, online parent groups, and special organizations are also great places to get help.
Remember, asking for help is a strong and smart thing to do, and there are lots of resources out there to help parents during this special time.
I recommend reading:
Know your state and federal law rights
I recommend learning about relevant state and federal laws governing maternity and family leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The law also says that you cannot be replaced or overlooked for pay raises and other promotions during your leave.
However, paid maternity leave policies differ by state and company. Some employers may offer a certain amount of paid leave, while others may offer none. Make sure to review your state’s laws and your employer’s policies to understand your rights during your maternity leave.
By knowing your rights, insurance options, and the benefits available to you, you can better plan your financial strategy during your maternity leave.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Money on Maternity Leave
Below are commonly asked questions about how to make money while on maternity leave.
Can I make money while on maternity leave? Are you allowed to make money while on maternity leave?
If you are in the U.S., then yes, you should be able to make money on maternity leave. If you are unsure, check your employment contract or talk to your employer’s human resources department to be positive.
Before starting any side income streams, if you’re worried about whether or not you are allowed to make extra money while on maternity leave, then double-check your company’s policies and your leave agreement to make sure that earning money during your time off is permissible. Some employers may have restrictions on outside work or income during your leave.
How do I survive financially during maternity leave?
To survive financially during your maternity leave, you may need to find ways to cut your budget as well as learn how to make money on maternity leave.
Does unpaid maternity leave qualify for unemployment? Can you collect unemployment after having a baby?
This depends on why you are no longer working at your job. If you simply stopped working because of your pregnancy, then you may not be able to receive unemployment pay.
However, if you are pregnant or recently had a baby and were fired or laid off, then you may qualify for unemployment pay.
What are some ways to make money while on maternity leave? How can I make money while taking care of my baby?
There are many ways to make money while on parental leave, such as by working online, selling photography, renting out storage space or an RV, and more.
How can new mothers use their time efficiently while working from home?
Time management is important for new moms working from home. I recommend creating a routine, setting realistic goals (if you are working and watching your baby, it won’t always go perfectly), and designating work hours during the baby’s nap time to help manage work alongside childcare responsibilities. It’s also important to take regular breaks to avoid burnout and feeling stressed. Working while also taking care of a child can be very tiring.
How to Make Money on Maternity Leave – Summary
Federal law, specifically the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), does not require employers to give paid maternity leave. Eligible employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and because of this, you might be worried about money during your maternity leave or feel like you can’t afford to take the full 12 weeks.
There are many ways to make money while on maternity leave, which may help you to pay your bills without sacrificing quality time with your new baby.
For example, you can sell handmade items or even sell consulting services. Remote jobs and work-from-home jobs are also an option (and my favorite), allowing you to use skills like graphic design or writing to make money.
Remember, it is possible to make money while on maternity leave. Yes, it will most likely be very hard at times and even feel impossible. But, you do have many options to try and make it work.
Do you want to learn how to make money on maternity leave?
It’s the spookiest time of the year — and also one of the most fun when it comes to decorating and entertaining.
Halloween is celebrated every year on Oct. 31 and can be oodles of fun for adults and kids alike.
Even if you opt to go sans costume this year, you can enjoy transforming your home and yard into a much creepier version of its former self.
5 WHIMSICAL HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS TO HELP YOU HAUNT UP YOUR HOUSE
A Bankrate study found that $3.4 billion was spent on decorating for this frightful day last year alone.
From animated skeletons to lawn blow-ups, from creepy candy dishes to throw pillows, you can deck your halls in all the sinister accoutrements your heart desires.
Get ready for this year’s group of trick-or-treaters by decorating your yard or home with some cool Halloween-focused ideas available from Amazon. (iStock)
Here are five ideas for getting your spook on for All Hallows Eve this year.
You can find them all on Amazon, and they can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you’re an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to shop.
This fun and frightful Halloween skeleton from the Joliyoou shop is available on Amazon. (Amazon.com)
Want to be the house that everyone talks about on Halloween?
This life-sized animated grim reaper will give a fun fright to any trick-or-treater who dares to step foot on your property.
It has light-up eyes, sinister smile and wears a hooded cloak.
HERE’S THE LIST YOU NEED TO FIND BUDGET-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES AND DECORATIONS
Hang the ghoul in a terrifying position and watch as the animated figure spooks unsuspecting visitors with its watchful eyes.
No matter where he stands, his presence will be felt by all.
Invite the reaper to your home this Halloween — but be warned, it’s not candy he wants to collect!
You may not think of zeno when you think of Halloween — but this whimsical cotton couch throw featuring meditating skeletons available on Amazon may be the perfect add this season.(Amazon)
When you think of Halloween, you don’t typically think of it as a zen holiday.
Yet you can bring the zen into your home with this whimsical cotton couch throw featuring meditating skeletons.
THESE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT IN 2023
A couch throw and pillows are considered one of the best ways to freshen up your home decor on a budget.
This one comes with a matching pillow, too — if you dare.
Some fun Halloween decor this season includes this ZALBYUY Store Witch Wreath, sold on Amazon. (Amazon.com)
Instead of finding this wicked witch under your house, put her on your house to welcome — or “UN-welcome” any visitors.
The Halloween-themed wreath is adorned with festive ornaments, mesh bows and orange pumpkins.
It’s topped with a classic witch’s hat and legs that hang from the bottom.
This Skeleton on Bike sold at Amazon could be just the trick for your yard or home this Halloween season. (Amazon)
Dress up a shelf or mantel with this kitschy skeleton riding a bike.
It’s a fun and unique addition to your home decor for anyone looking to save a little space.
The battery-powered lights underneath, the haunting noises that emanate from it, and the ability to move will give your Halloween decorations an eerie touch.
Just in time for Halloween this year, these “Hocus Pocus” Halloween Silhouette Yard Signs might be the perfect lawn decoration. (Amazon)
The movie “Hocus Pocus” — about a trio of witches — has been around for 30 years.
Yet nothing seems to be halting its reign as one of the most popular Halloween flicks ever.
This “Hocus Pocus”-inspired yard stakes set is an affordable and adorable way to bring the hilarious characters to your home.
For more Deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals.
Jené Luciani Sena is a contributing lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
You may not think of saving money as being a creative pursuit, but with a little effort, you can find fresh (and even fun) ways to help you stash away some cash. This can make the pursuit more engaging and motivating.
Perhaps your goal is to save for the down payment on a house or build up your kid’s college fund or simply take a great vacation next year. You can try some clever methods to make saving money more interesting and maybe a bit exciting.
Read on to learn such tactics as partnering up with a savings buddy and tapping your DIY skills. You’ll also learn ways to make the most of the cash you sock away. Get set to save more.
15 Creative Ideas to Save Money
You are probably familiar with some of the usual tactics for saving money, such as comparison shopping and clipping coupons. If you’re ready to mix things up and try some less common tactics, consider the following 15 quirky but effective ideas.
1. Identifying Your Saving Goals
2. Finding a Saving Buddy
3. Seeking Out Free Activities
4. Getting Creative and DIY
5. Gamifying Savings
6. Swapping Goods and Trading Skills
7. Increasing Income
8. Switch Your Bank
9. Split Your Direct Deposit into Checking and Savings
10. Change Your Due Dates for Bills
11. Save Every $5 Bill
12. Take Advantage of Cash Back Credit Cards
13. Round Up Your Purchases Automatically
14. Consolidate Credit Card Debt with a Personal Loan
15. Automate Your Savings into an Investment Account
💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.60% APY, with no minimum balance required.
1. Identifying Your Saving Goals
Not sure how to make saving money fun or prioritize it? You could start by identifying your goals. Are you saving up for a big purchase, like a down payment on a house? Are you saving for your child’s future education?
Once you’ve figured out what you want to accomplish, you could determine a target amount of money you’d like to save. While this number might change over the course of your savings journey, you can always readjust your plan.
If you have an idea of how much money you’d like to work toward saving, you can consider diving deeper into your finances to pinpoint realistic objectives. You can use a tracking and budgeting tool, such as SoFi Insights, to get a big-picture snapshot of your money and drill down on ways to save.
Once you’ve reviewed your individual financial circumstances and have a better idea of your savings goal(s), you could try these fun ways to save money.
2. Finding a Saving Buddy
With the right company, even the most mundane tasks can be enjoyable. You could talk about your savings goals with your friends and family members to potentially identify a saving buddy with similar objectives.
An ideal saving buddy will be supportive of your financial goals, offer good advice, and have a positive money mindset.
Checking in with your buddy regularly could help keep you both stay on track and you can celebrate each other’s accomplishments. This person might also be able to talk you down if you’re on the verge of making a big impulse buy. If you’re stressed about how to make saving money fun, you could brainstorm creative tactics with your saving buddy and implement them together.
3. Seeking Out Free Activities
Saving money does not have to be synonymous with missing out on exciting opportunities around you. You could enjoy free activities offered in your area.
Perhaps your local park offers free theater performances or concerts in the summer, or your area bookstore hosts interesting literary panels and author discussions with no attendance fee. Think about the resources provided by your local library, such as book clubs, language exchange programs, craft nights, and movie screenings.
This can be a great option to pricey movie or concert tickets. And here’s a way to save money on streaming services: You could try a free service like Hoopla or Kanopy, which are offered at no cost to library card holders.
4. Getting Creative and DIY
Here’s another clever way to save money: Adopt a DIY (do-it-yourself) attitude. You could create things using materials you already own instead of buying new products. You can save money on food by meal-prepping for the week ahead; think about recipes that incorporate ingredients you already have in your pantry.
You could make your own household cleaners out of vinegar, lemon rinds, and herbs or face masks using fresh ingredients like avocado, tea, honey, and oatmeal. There are ways to reuse materials that might otherwise be thrown out or recycled: Newspapers and coupon booklets could make fun wrapping paper, for instance.
5. Gamifying Savings
If you’re looking to break up the monotony of saving, you could consider incorporating games and challenges into your overall savings plan. A friendly competition with your saving buddy could be seeing who can save the most money every week, month, and/or year.
Creating small rewards for reaching your goals might be an incentive, too. (Bonus points if these rewards are free!) No-spend weeks, where you refrain from spending any money for seven days, also might help with saving. If you succeed at that, you might want to ramp up to a 30-day no-spend challenge. You can tailor this to cut down on all discretionary spending or just a single category, such as dining out.
6. Swapping Goods and Trading Skills
Getting serious about saving money doesn’t mean you need to give up “luxuries” such as exercising, new clothes and accessories, or home goods. Trading skills and swapping goods are two potential examples of how to make saving money fun while not depriving yourself of the things you want.
You could go to your favorite yoga studio and ask if they have a work-trade program where you can do administrative duties in exchange for classes. A clothing swap with your friends could refresh your closet at no cost.
You might also consider an informal exchange with skilled friends. For example, if you’ve been eyeing an original painting from your artist pal but don’t have the funds to pay her, you could offer your website design services (or some other helpful skills) for the painting.
7. Increasing Income
Sometimes, cutting down on expenses might not be the most effective way to reach a savings goal. It might be easier, in some cases, to make a bit more money than to reduce costs, especially if you are spending more than 50% of your income on non-discretionary expenses like groceries and debt payments. (That’s the figure established by the popular 50/30/20 budget rule, that half of your take-home income goes toward necessities.)
You could reflect on your particular skills and/or hobbies to see if there is a way to translate one of them into an income stream. For example, if you love to knit, you could start an online store for your yarn creations. Or you could offer your writing or editing services in a freelance capacity. A successful low-cost side hustle could help bring additional money into your bank account and add more fun and enjoyment in your life.
Recommended: 39 Passive Income Ideas to Build Wealth
8. Switch Your Bank
If your financial institution seems to be charging you endless fees and offers little interest on your savings account, consider switching banks.
You might consider an online bank. Because these institutions don’t have brick-and-mortar locations to fund, they can pass those savings along to customers in the form of lower or no fees and higher interest rates.
You might also consider a credit union instead of a big name bank. Credit unions are run as financial co-ops, meaning each member has a stake in business. As nonprofits, they are designed to serve their members, typically paying higher interest rates on deposits and charging lower fees.
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9. Split Your Direct Deposit into Checking and Savings
If you have regular paychecks, one of the easiest ways to start saving a bit more money is to guarantee some automatically ends up in a separate savings account, making it that much harder to spend. If you have a checking account, odds are you have a savings account too, or at least access to one.
Maybe you find it hard to remember to put some money away into savings or harder still to force yourself to part with it. If so, splitting your direct deposit into two accounts helps make sure your savings grows every paycheck, without you needing to worry about transferring the money. Check with your HR department or your online pay system to see if you can add a bank account and designate a certain amount of each paycheck to go into your savings account as part of your direct deposit.
Most banks also have the option to set up recurring transfers yourself between your accounts. If you don’t have the option to split up your paycheck or would prefer not to, your bank can likely automate your savings with a transfer the day after you get paid. You won’t have to think twice about stashing money away.
💡 Quick Tip: As opposed to a physical check that can take time to clear, you don’t have to wait days to access a direct deposit. Usually, you can use the money the day it is sent. What’s more, you don’t have to remember to go to the bank or use your app to deposit your check.
10. Change Your Due Dates for Bills
Having extra money in your savings account doesn’t help if you are constantly pulling from it to pay bills.
If you are overdrafting frequently or borrowing from savings, especially at certain times of the month when big payments are due, consider this unique way to save money: Change the due dates of some of your bills. Sometimes spreading out your larger payments — like credit card bills or student loans — throughout the month can help when those more inflexible due dates, like rent, roll around.
By changing the date of some of your bills, you will hopefully avoid overdraft or NSF fees. This will encourage you to not touch your savings account, as opposed to pulling from it every time your checking account balance gets precariously low.
11. Save Every $5 Bill
This is a classic adult remix of the piggy bank you had as a kid. Only this time, instead of squirreling away quarters, take every $5 you get and put it in a separate drawer at home. Keep all of these $5 in the back of a closet somewhere, tucked away and out of sight.
Once you get into the habit of identifying $5 as “no spend” bills, you’ll find it can really be a creative way to save money — depending on how much cash you use in a typical day, of course.
The benefit of this method is that $5 isn’t really enough to miss if you are just putting away a bill or two, but that at the end of the year, it can easily add up to enough cash to help with holiday shopping, a loan payment, or even a nice charity donation without having to touch your savings in the bank.
12. Take Advantage of Cash Back Credit Cards
Need another clever way to save money? Simply put, if you have a credit card that has a decent rewards program, you can likely get your rewards in cash. While getting cash back won’t boost your savings directly, it can allow you to spend rewards points instead of your savings.
However, if you tend to carry over a balance on your credit card, cash back cards may not be a good solution for you right now.
13. Round Up Your Purchases Automatically
There are plenty of apps available to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar and then save the change for you. Your bank may offer this kind of savings tool, which can be an easy way to save money automatically.
The amount these apps save for you is small, so you aren’t likely to notice $1 or even a few cents when it transfers, but it can add up to hundreds stashed away per year.
14. Consolidate Credit Card Debt with a Personal Loan
If your credit card debt is preventing you from saving as much as you would like, you might use a personal loan as a creative way to shake up your finances.
If you owe money on more than one credit card or have a high balance relative to your credit limit, the rates on a personal loan could help lower your monthly payments. Often, taking out one personal loan to pay off credit cards can help you with savings in the long run. While you’ll still be paying off the personal loan, the interest rate is likely to be significantly lower than that of the credit cards. That means you can probably pay off the total sooner, leaving more cash free for savings.
15. Automate Your Savings into an Investment Account
It’s the age-old financial advice worth repeating here: If your company offers a match on your 401(k) savings, take advantage of it! If your company match is 6%, you should set your contribution for at least 6% to get the most out of your retirement funds.
It can be simple to creatively save money using the following technique. Most company wealth management accounts can be set to automatically deduct contributions from your paycheck, but you can schedule other automatic investments too. You can make scheduled, recurring transfers between your bank account and your wealth management account.
You get to select the dollar amount, the date and the frequency you want. This is a great way to put your savings to good use — send it into an investment account. There are plenty of other technologies available to help make this easy, too.
Why Is Making Saving Money Fun Important?
Trying tactics like the ones above can help make it fun to save money. That’s important for a couple of good reasons. Shaking up your savings routine can make socking away cash seem fresh and more engaging, meaning you are more likely to get the job done. Basically, it can rev up your motivation to save money.
Also, when you find a technique that is fun, such as a no-spend challenge, it can help encode the new savings behavior in your routine. If it’s enjoyable, you are more likely to keep up the good work.
How Can You Make the Most of the Money You Save?
When you save money, you likely want it to grow over time, not just sit there. One good way to do that is to stash your money in an interest-earning account. This will be especially effective if the financial institution where you save charges low or no fees and doesn’t have high minimum opening deposit or balance requirements.
You might look for a high-interest or high-yield savings account. These can pay a significantly higher rate than standard savings accounts, and your money will be accessible and likely insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, or NCUA (the National Credit Union Administration).
Optimizing Your Savings
Beyond the creative ways to save that you just learned, there are other important ways to optimize your savings.
• Budgeting wisely can help you better understand your personal finances. It can help you get a grip on your earnings, spending, and savings. When you see where your money goes, you can tweak your spending to help funnel more towards savings.
• Putting a spending limit on your credit card (or cards) can help you rein in spending, which can reduce high-interest credit card debt and allow you to save more.
• Lastly, it you are struggling to put away money, one dramatic move that can help you save more is to move to an area with a lower cost of living. Whether that means moving across town or across the country, it could make a major difference in your finances.
The Takeaway
Putting away money for your future does not need to be a boring task; there are countless fun ways to save money that could be customized to your specific financial needs and wants. From finding a savings buddy to gamifying your saving, creative tactics can help enhance your motivation and your ability to put away cash.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
What is a clever way to save money?
There are several clever ways to save money. Automating savings so you don’t have to remember to transfer funds is one good tactic; so is giving yourself a no-spend challenge, finding free activities, and doing a skills swap to reduce spending.
How can you save $1000 in 30 days?
To save $1,000 in 30 days, you can try a spending freeze, a savings challenge, and/or use a card that gives you cash back. Make sure you are keeping the money you save in a high-yield savings account.
What is the 50 30 20 rule?
The 50/30/20 budget rule is a popular technique for managing your money. It advises spending 50% of your take-home pay on the needs of life (housing, food, healthcare, etc.), 30% on the wants in life (such as dining out, Ubers instead of public transportation, travel, and so forth), and 20% goes into sayings.
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Mortgage rates managed to have a nice, boring Friday with minimal movement. That’s a victory considering yesterday saw a decent move lower, but victories are eternally tempered by the long term chart as long as the long term chart looks like this:
Not a fun chart, but look at it this way: the higher we go, the closer we are to the top. That may sound like a meaningless platitude, but there’s a real kernel of logic behind it.
We know that the Fed hikes short term rates (which filter through to longer-term rates like mortgages) in order to crimp economic demand and bring prices lower. In that sense, higher rates do indeed bring about lower rates.
This is an interesting and important time for that thesis, as a matter of fact. In the past few weeks, the Fed has increasingly flagged the sharper rise in longer term rates as evidence that it doesn’t need to hike short term rates anymore. The Fed has also said it is hearing talk of economic softening that’s not yet showing up in the data.
This comes at a critical moment for a few reasons. First off, longer term rates actively bounced against an important ceiling over the past two weeks. The following chart shows it in terms of 10yr Treasury yields, the most commonly used benchmark for longer-term rates.
While the chart is labeled with 4.99, this is really about the big psychological impact of “5% Treasury Yields!” Some investors think that’s an attractive entry point to buy bonds. Others simply think it’s a big psychological level and thus time to get sideways before the next big dose of motivation arrives.
That brings us to the next few reasons for the critical timing. The next big dose of motivation stands a very good chance to be arriving in the coming week. Here’s why:
We’ll get all of top tier economic data typically seen on the first week of any given month, including the exceptionally important jobs report on Friday.
We’ll hear from the Fed itself on Wednesday when the latest rate announcement comes out
We’ll see updated borrowing amounts from the U.S. Treasury for upcoming Treasury auctions (this informs rate momentum by changing the supply/demand equation).
The Fed is all but certain to leave rates unchanged on Wednesday. Moreover, given the abundance comments over the past two weeks, it might be hard for the statement or Powell’s press conference to offer much by way of new ideas. Nonetheless, markets will be listening closely for more clues or confirmation about last week’s ideas.
The data is of the utmost importance. If it does anything to confirm the anecdotal signs of economic softening mentioned last week, it could strongly reinforce recent rate ceilings. It’s a double-edged sword, however, because if the data is strong enough, it could easily lead investors to explore 10yr yields in the 5% range. In that scenario, the average top tier mortgage rate would have a hard time staying out of the 8%+ range.