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Inflation has hit all aspects of daily life, including that fun and romantic ritual known as date night. The average cost of dinner and a movie for two now rings in at a steep $159. Ka-ching!
But that doesn’t mean you need to go broke enjoying fun times with your sweetie or getting to know someone new.
Here, you’ll find 27 ideas for date nights that don’t cost much. In fact, some of these date night ideas are more than cheap; they’re free.
Fun Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget
Whether you’re just getting to know each other or you’ve been married for years, here are some ways to enjoy a romantic day or evening out without busting your monthly budget.
1. Watching the Sunrise or Sunset Together
Watching the sun come up or sink over the horizon with your sweetie can be a very romantic and cute date idea. Depending on which time of day you choose, you can bring coffee and donuts or a bottle of wine and some cheese and crackers to mark the occasion.
2. Taking Dance Lessons
Couples can show off their moves while taking a lesson in salsa, ballroom dancing, or swing. Consider a home viewing of “Dirty Dancing” afterwards to close out the date.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield savings account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.
3. Going on a Hike
Getting some fresh air and walking in a beautiful area together can be a great bonding experience. To make sure you don’t take on more miles (or hills) than you can handle, you can read reviews of hikes and check out trail maps online before you head out.
4. Picking Apples or Berries
This can be a great idea for a “sweet” date. In the fall, couples can pick apples together and then go home and make some baked apples or an apple pie. In the summer, consider heading to a local farm to pick berries. You can use your harvest to make some tarts or smoothies afterwards.
5. Checking Out a Botanical Garden
Many towns have beautiful botanical gardens where people can walk around. This is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and it should be either free or low cost.
6. Staying In and Watching a Movie
One (or both) or you may have a Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime subscription. Why not take advantage and watch a movie together at home? You can open some wine and order a pizza or inexpensive takeout.
Not a member of those networks? Look into free services like Hoopla or Kanopy.
Recommended: How to Save Money on Streaming Services
7. Gardening Together
Another cute date idea is to garden together. Whether you and your honey live together or apart, you can start your own garden and fill it with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. At the end of the day, you’ll have a shared sense of accomplishment.
8. Checking Out a Free Museum
Some museums are always free, while others will have free days throughout the month. Couples can go and see cool artwork and have stimulating conversations about the artists.
💡 Quick Tip: An emergency fund or rainy day fund is an important financial safety net. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses saved in case you get a major unexpected bill or lose income.
9. Going to a Free Concert
Many towns will hold free concerts in the park during the summer. You can bring a blanket and some food and enjoy a picnic dinner while listening to great live music.
Recommended: How to Save Money Daily
10. Taking a Scenic Drive
You can pick somewhere you’ve never been or head to a favorite spot, such as a nice drive in the country or along the coastline. Consider creating a playlist of tunes you both love for the ride.
11. Breaking Out the Board Games
Who doesn’t love a little competition? This can be a great idea whether you play against one another or with another couple. You can even throw in some prizes from the Dollar Store to up the ante just a bit.
12. Eating at Happy Hour
Want to sidestep a pricey dinner? Here’s a way to save money on food: Couples can find out which establishments have a happy hour and then enjoy some appetizers and drinks for a cheap date idea.
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13. Visiting Open Houses
Whether you are actually looking to buy a house or just want to be a voyeur, or pick up some design ideas, consider checking out open houses in your area. You can search for open houses on sites like Redfin and Zillow.
14. Cooking a Dish Together
For a fun and tasty evening, you might go to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and then come home and make a gourmet meal together. If neither of you are skilled in the kitchen, you can order a meal delivery service that sends all the instructions and ingredients you need.
15. Checking Groupon for Deals
You can often find some interesting things to do for date night by checking Groupon to see what experiences are on sale. You might find a wine-and-paint night or perhaps a sale on arcade tickets.
16. Renting a Pool
For a fun date on a hot summer day (or night), consider checking out Swimply to see if you can rent out a private pool in your area by the hour. Pool toys and snacks may not be included, so you may want to pack everything you need before heading over for a swim.
17. Going on a Bike Ride
Another cute date idea is to go on a bike ride together. If you don’t own bikes, you may be able to rent them from the city or a local company. You can research local biking trails online before you go.
💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided
18. Taking a Ferry Ride
Typically, ferry rides are pretty cheap. They may even be free. Consider taking a ride at sunset so you can enjoy a beautiful view.
19. Checking Out a Local Park
When the weather is nice, you might want to pack a blanket and some food and head to a nearby park to enjoy a lazy afternoon together. Have any leftover bread? Maybe you can feed it to the ducks or birds.
20. Going to a Pet Cafe
Pet cafes are now located in many towns around the county. Couples can sip on lattes while petting cute dogs and cats at the same time.
Recommended: Tips to Save Money on Pets
21. Renting a Canoe or Kayak
If you split the cost of a kayak or canoe rental, you can enjoy a relatively inexpensive afternoon paddling around a lake or bay together.
22. Taking a Walk in the Mall
Just because you go to the mall, it doesn’t mean you have to shop. Instead, you can do some browsing and not spend any money. Though you might want to share some favorite cheap mall food like Cinnabons and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.
23. Listening to a Podcast
Podcasts can be just as entertaining as television and movies. Consider grabbing some drinks and snacks and listening to a great podcast together.
Recommended: What Are Average Monthly Expenses for One Person
24. Thrifting Together
Here’s a great way to save money on clothes and spend time together: Hit some local thrift stores for a cute and cheap date night. Maybe you’ll find some treasures or just try on outfits from decades past and make each other laugh.
25. Competing in a Video Game Competition
If you and your mate enjoy playing video games, consider challenging each other in a video game competition. You can offer fun rewards, such as the winner gets a gourmet home-cooked meal or doesn’t have to do any dishes all week.
26. Having a Spa Night
For couples who live together, a nice date night idea is to have a spa night at home. You can include foot massages, a bubble bath, and face masks for some relaxation, and laughs.
27. Doing Crafts Together
Couples that are feeling crafty can go to their local art store and buy supplies they need to create something together. You might even choose a sentimental project like a wreath made of corks from bottles you’ve shared or a scrapbook of vacation memories.
Recommended: How to Create a Budget in 6 Steps
The Takeaway
Going out on a “date” doesn’t have to mean dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by a movie. With a little bit of imagination and planning, couples can enjoy a night (or day) out that costs considerably less, yet can be just as romantic and fun.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Do you own a home that could benefit from some overdue upgrades?
Investing in one or more home improvement projects – such as a kitchen reno, bathroom facelift, room expansion, basement conversion, or garage rebuild – can make your home more functional, comfortable, and valuable.
But before pulling the trigger on any of these endeavors, spend some time researching the likely expenses involved and the cost of renovating a house.
In this article (Skip to…)
Why estimating home renovation costs is important
Understanding and estimating remodel costs is crucial to prevent financial stress, set realistic, and avoid project delays or cancellations, according to Shri Ganeshram, CEO of Awning.com.
“Accurate budgeting also helps homeowners make informed decisions about project scope and materials,” says Ganeshram.
Remember that home improvement projects often turn out to be more expensive than planned, and there can be major trade-offs involved.
“A renovation project will likely require financing of some kind, so it’s important to make sure you can afford to take on the debt involved,” says Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent To Own Labs. “You’ll also need to decide if it’s better to go with a more affordable renovation that might need to be updated again sooner or a more expensive remodel that can last longer.”
Factors that impact the cost of a renovation
Several factors can significantly affect what you will pay for a renovation project. Per Danna Rabin, CEO of Networx, they include:
The project’s scope. “The larger and more complex the project is, the higher the cost,” Rabin said.
Materials used. Higher-end materials and supplies, like exotic woods, custom cabinets, or imported tiles, will usually cost more than standard goods.
Labor costs. This expense can fluctuate significantly depending on the project’s complexity and the skill of the professionals hired.
Where your home is located can affect the final price, as material and labor expenses can vary significantly between cities and regions.
Permits and fees required by your municipality.
Structural modifications. “Renovation jobs that necessitate structural changes – such as removing load-bearing walls or adding support – can seriously increase your cost,” adds Rabin.
If you have an accelerated deadline, your labor and material prices may go up; longer timelines, on the other hand, could result in additional expenses like temporary housing costs.
Additionally, hidden problems or deficiencies, such as a pipe leak that isn’t discovered until you remove a wall or insufficient electrical outlets within the room you want to remodel, can jack up your expenses, too.
Ultimately, square footage is perhaps the single biggest factor that will determine your cost.
“The more space you are renovating, the more you will spend, as there is an average cost per square foot for every remodeling project,” cautions Orefice. “Also, the more different contractors you need, the more you will need to spend, as plumbers, electricians, tiling experts, drywallers, and other skilled trades can get pricey.”
Ballpark estimates for common renovation projects
How much does it cost to renovate a house?
That depends on the room or area being remodeled as well as many of the factors explored above. But here’s a quick breakdown of what you will likely pay, on average, for various home improvement projects, according to HomeAdvisor:
Kitchen remodel: The average kitchen redo will set you back $26,264, or approximately $150 per square foot. Common kitchen renovation prices span anywhere from $14,603 to $40,615, with major new kitchens carrying a price tag of about $70,000 to $130,000 and up versus $10,000 to $15,000 for a minor kitchen remodel.
Bathroom renovation: Typically, a bathroom remodel today will cost $11,422, or around $125 per square foot; most prices average between $6,621 and $16,800, depending on the project scope and materials chosen. Major redos can add up to $28,000 or more.
Room/home addition (such as a bump-out, converting an attic, adding a room, or building a balcony): Anticipate paying $49,847, on average, for a home addition, with prices varying between $22,340 and $81,236. Many additions will run approximately $80 to $200 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Living room remodel: Count on forking over anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000, with an average spend of $8,000.
Basement renovation: $12,073 to $33,379 is the average price range to remodel a basement, which equates to $30 to $75 per square foot.
Window replacements: Swapping out your old windows for new ones can cost between $300 to $2,100 per window, with the average cost clocking in at $850.
Whole house redo: Renovating your entire house will cost about $47,000, on average.
Other projects: Expect to pay, on average, $17,238 to build a patio enclosure; $13,000 to renovate a garage; and $2,056 to build a closet.
Best home renovations for adding value to your home
The money you put into a remodel project should have some pay off when it’s time to sell your home. But your expected return on investment will vary depending on the renovation. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost Vs. Value Report, here is what you can anticipate recouping for each project:
Garage door replacement: Expect to recoup 102.7% of your costs, on average
Minor kitchen remodel – midrange: 85.7%
Window replacement – vinyl: 68.5%
Bath remodel – midrange: 66.7%
Roofing replacement – asphalt shingles: 61.1%
Major kitchen remodel – midrange: 41.8%
Deck addition – composite: 39.8%
Bathroom addition – midrange: 30.2%
Primary suite addition – midrange: 30.0%
“When considering which projects to undertake, it’s good to know which ones add the most value to your home,” says Joy Aumann, a realtor with Luxury SoCal Realty. “Kitchen and bathroom remodels are often the superheroes of home renovations – they swoop in and save the day with a high return on investment. On the other hand, luxury upgrades, swimming pools, or unconventional designs might not offer a high return on investment and could scare off potential buyers.”
Tips for budgeting and saving for a renovation
It’s crucial to create a renovation budget prior to committing to a home improvement project. Also, explore the costs of materials, labor, and any required permits or fees involved.
“Research costs carefully, prioritize needs and wants, and set aside a contingency fund of up to 10%-20% of the project cost,” recommends Ganeshram. “In addition, consider the long-term benefits and return on investment of proposed improvements, and obtain quotes from multiple contractors.”
Hiring a skilled and reputable contractor can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes or shoddy work that may need to be fixed later, per Rabin.
Don’t just take your chosen contractor’s word for it: Price around for materials yourself to better understand what you’ll pay and where you can save. To find the best deals on materials and supplies, compare prices at several different brick-and-mortar and online retailers. You can further save cash by purchasing in bulk or choosing recycled or refurbished materials.
“Look for a contractor who is licensed, insured, and has positive reviews from past clients,” Rabin advises. “If you have the skills and time, consider doing some of the work yourself to save even more. This can include painting and installing flooring. Just be sure to only take on projects you are comfortable with, and leave the more complex work to professionals.”
Ways to pay for a home renovation
To fund your home improvement project, explore these different options:
Cash-out refinance
By choosing a cash-out refinance, you essentially replace your current home loan with a brand-new mortgage. The new loan amount will exceed your previous balance, and you will receive the difference as cash (minus any closing costs).
Cash-out refinancing options usually permit conforming and FHA loans to lend up to 80% of your home’s value, while VA loans can provide up to 100% of your equity. However, cash-out refinancing is not allowed with USDA loans.
Home equity loan
A home equity loan provides you with a second mortgage, which does not replace your current one. Upon closing, you will receive a lump sum amount, which you can repay in equal installments throughout the loan’s duration or “term.”
Typically, these loans come with fixed interest rates that remain the same throughout the repayment period. While the interest rates on home equity loans are generally higher than those of cash-out refinancing, your closing costs should be significantly lower.
Home equity line of credit
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a second mortgage that operates similarly to a credit card. You can borrow funds from the available credit line, repay it, and borrow again up to your credit limit. Additionally, you only pay interest on the amount of money you have borrowed.
Following the “draw period” (when you can borrow from the HELOC), you enter a “repayment period” (where you cannot borrow any more funds and must repay the balance you owe). This feature could be particularly beneficial if you have a longer renovation project or several projects to complete over an extended period.
You can borrow funds as required, and you won’t pay interest on any money you’re not actively using. However, HELOCs can be complicated, so it’s crucial to learn about their pros and cons and weigh all of your options before applying.
Personal loan
If your home equity isn’t enough to cover your financing needs, a personal loan is an alternative option for funding home improvements. Because personal loans are unsecured, you don’t need to use your home as collateral.
This means that personal loans can be obtained much faster than HELOCs or home equity lines of credit, sometimes even on the next business day or with same-day funding. While personal loans may have adjustable or fixed rates, these rates are usually higher than those for home equity loans or HELOCs.
However, if you have good or excellent credit, you can still receive a competitive rate. The repayment period for personal loans is less flexible, generally lasting from two to five years. You’ll also have to pay closing costs for the loan.
Credit cards
Another option for financing your home improvement project is using credit cards. This is the easiest and most straightforward financing option since you don’t need to fill out a loan application. However, since home improvements can be quite expensive, you will need to be approved for a higher credit limit, or you may need to use multiple credit cards.
Additionally, credit cards typically have higher interest rates compared to home improvement loans. If you have no other choice but to use a credit card for your renovations, consider applying for a card with an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR). Some cards offer up to 18 months to pay back the balance at the introductory rate. However, this strategy is only worthwhile if you can pay off your debt during the repayment period.
The bottom line
Take the time to think through your home renovation project thoroughly before taking the plunge.
Remember that remodeling jobs can cost a lot more than you expect, so research materials, labor, and associated costs carefully, set a realistic budget, and shop around among several different contractors to find the right experience professional.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to remodel or build a new house?
It’s usually a lot less expensive to renovate your home than to rebuild it entirely or buy a newly constructed comparable house. But remodeling your existing home may not address all of your issues or fulfill all of your needs or wants; new construction, even if it is more costly, can provide greater customization and energy efficiency, for example.
Is remodeling a home worth it?
Renovating areas of your home can be worth it if the end result improves your quality of life, comfort, and safety, addresses changing needs, and provides a reasonable return on investment. Remodeling is almost always less costly than building a new home, and renovating can have less of an environmental impact than new construction.
What is the average cost per square foot to remodel a house?
According to HomeAdvisor, you’ll likely pay between $10 to $60 per square foot to remodel your home, although the price can escalate to $150 or more per square foot if you pick upscale materials and high-end appliances and products.
What home renovation has the biggest return?
Experts often say kitchen and bathroom remodels yield the highest return on investment, but that will depend on your location, what you actually paid for the renovation, buyer interest, and other factors. For more details, view the 2022 Cost Vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine, which ranks remodel projects by costs recouped.
This week, we interviewed Andrew Sidhu from Foyer.
Without further ado…
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Andrew Sidhu, and I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Foyer, Inc., a PropTech development company. We just introduced Foyer Insight, the most advanced computer vision Artificial Intelligence (AI) suite which is focused solely on the real estate industry. It uses multi-label image classification and image segmentations to give real estate agents and platforms the tools to be more responsive to client needs by automatically ensuring the highest quality images and building an image-first experience at the fingertips of a new generation of home buyers. It is my belief that by doing so, we can elevate and streamline the home buying process.
Our company is headquartered in Trumbull, CT and we have an excellent team of developers who are working to push both our machine learning tools to a new level through breakthrough unsupervised learning techniques, and our image validation suite to ensure the highest quality of listings. I personally head the research and development of our ML team, as well as running the company as its CEO.
What problem does your product/service solve?
During my own house hunt a few years ago, I began to feel that finding your perfect home should be a more intuitive and streamlined process. I wanted to be able to search for my new home by its Kitchen, but ended up having to click for 30 seconds or more just to get to the kitchen pictures of each listing. Until now, property search sites usually relied on simple preferences such as location and price to display properties for sale.
That’s because the most important part of any real estate listing, the photos, were both completely disconnected from the rest of the listing and each other. In order to be able to jump to the kitchen pictures, Listings need to have the context of what is in the photos, nothing like that was available.
Foyer Inc was created to solve that problem and provide linked, detailed context to each photo and feature of the home. We have taken it a step further by cataloging the features of each room, stainless steel appliances, fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and contextualizing it to searchable parameters. We can find your perfect home, like the one that has a view of the fireplace in your living room from the kitchen island, and allow you to get as specific in your search as you want. Not just limited to bedrooms, price, and a couple checkboxes which provide arbitrary results.
We give real estate companies the drop-in tools to enhance their own services and platforms the tools to evolve the buying process into something new. Whether it be an image first search experience, a better recommendation engine, and ensuring that each listing is of the highest quality.
By combining big data and our AI, Foyer Insight allows real estate agents to provide interfaces that allow clients to search photos and information based on room type, lighting, specific features (hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances), and more. Foyer also allows realty search sites to evaluate pricing trends by home features which are not usually available by just the listing details, such as the color of kitchen cabinets and countertop combinations.
In the past, the industry seemed reluctant to embrace technology for fear of eliminating the personal connection between broker and buyer. I wanted to help real estate professionals turn to solutions that can help them enhance that relationship. In fact, the human connection between the agent or broker and the home buyer is still one of the most important elements of the real estate transaction. This is why I believe it is so important to put the most advanced technology into the agents’ hands. Companies like Zillow have been using advanced tools to bridge the moat that a personal connection has in order to compete with local agents. I want to empower those agents with the same tools and democratize real estate information to make a better experience for every home buyer.
The use of AI and unsupervised machine learning allows us to produce actionable data which has been hiding in plain sight within every photo, and using that to help agents enhance and improve their clients’ experiences during the home buying process.
What are you most excited about right now?
I’m most excited about the potential impact that unsupervised learning will have on image classification because it cannot be underestimated, especially in the real estate industry. Real estate imagery is subjective in general, and can vary greatly by cultures, regions, or even neighborhoods. The only way to be consistent in all cases is to eliminate human biases by the people building the model. Removing the bias and combining it with Foyer’s ability to work off millions of images, means it isn’t overfitted to a certain décor. This allows it to be easily scalable to other markets and to perform at an equivalent level anywhere its deployed.
The adaptable nature of unsupervised learning means it can be used for many kinds of A.I. models, but it is especially good for real estate because the classifications are not cut and dry, or mutually exclusive in nature. In the past, it has been difficult to deal with edge cases with a supervised training dataset, even between developers we would have arguments about how much of an image has to be in the kitchen, or where the kitchen starts and ends. But now using unsupervised learning, the model grows on its own and develops its own consensus. Additionally, with unsupervised learning, new features can be scaled into production much more efficiently, without the need to hand feed large amounts of data. The models are able to accurately develop new classifications on their own with far fewer validation examples, rather than requiring our developers and client partners to walk it through every step.
What’s next for you?
My focus now is on working with top real estate company development teams across the U.S. to implement our technology into their stack and adapt it to each company’s own unique brand and specifications. We are also continuing to develop our visual suite that can be used by any agent in the United States on their own to provide an image first search solution to their clients today, and help them build and validate their own high-quality listings.
What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?
I’m extremely passionate about right-to-repair and technology in the automotive space. Maintaining a fork of OpenPilot, an open-source aftermarket self-driving system, for Pre-Autopilot Tesla cars produced before 2015 is currently my primary hobby. Working with the community, I help maintain a fleet of over 100 cars which are all running our fork and hardware.
Many of these cars are out of warranty or salvage cars, and are usually only able to be repaired by Tesla themselves, and there’s even a question if Tesla will even repair the car at all. I have personally helped hundreds of people diagnose, repair, and get their cars running again after Tesla has refused. I don’t accept payments for this or any of the work I do on OpenPilot and redirect anyone who insists to donate to Planned Parenthood instead – My spreadsheet of donations currently has a total of $12,850.00 donated since 2017, I’m pretty proud about that.
I have recently taken an interest in 3D printing as well, but that is honestly just an extension of my OpenPilot hobby as our latest hardware requires us to build custom parts.
Thanks to Andrew for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.
We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop us a line (Community @ geekestate dot com).
Nothing says vacation like a trip to the beach, where the ocean washes away our day-to-day lives, a cold drink helps beat the heat, and the only care in the world is remembering to apply (and reapply) sunscreen.
A great beach vacation usually starts with a great place to stay — and for points and miles enthusiasts (and those new to the game), one of the best ways to get a top-notch beach resort is booking through World of Hyatt, considered the most award-friendly hotel program out there.
The U.S. is full of both great beaches and great Hyatt properties where the sun and sand are as friendly as World of Hyatt’s award chart. Here, you’ll find Hyatt resorts — from the iconic beaches of Maui to the East Coast sands near Charleston, South Carolina — and plenty of family-friendly beaches perfect for all ages.
Just don’t forget the power of the World of Hyatt program and how easy it is to book some of the portfolio’s best beach resorts by transferring points from credit card reward programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, so all of your summer dreams can come true.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT/HYATT
Best for: Easy beach access with plenty of dining and outdoor fun to be had right at the hotel.
Why stay here: Enjoy boutique hotel-style design amid all the amenities and outdoor fun of a sprawling beachside resort.
As one of the best hotels on Maui and among the best hotels in Hawaii as a whole, it makes perfect sense that the chic and family-friendly Andaz Maui at Wailea is also one of the absolute best U.S. beach resorts in Hyatt’s extensive portfolio.
The resort checks all the boxes, starting with location: 15 stunning beachfront acres on Mokapu Beach. Add in 320 guest rooms with private lanais, a series of suites, plus two- and four-bedroom villas, and you’ve got all the necessary ingredients for the perfect Hawaii vacation.
At the resort, guests can spend their days lazing by any of the resort’s five pools — including infinity pools, a lagoon pool and even an adults-only option — or head to Mokapu Beach and relax in a lounge chair under an umbrella.
For something more active, the resort can arrange snorkeling and whale-watching excursions, golf days or a trip to a pineapple farm. After a day of exploring, head to the 14,000-square-foot Awili Spa and Salon for a heated hibiscus body wrap ($205 for 60 minutes) to truly become one with paradise.
As for food, don’t worry about going hungry as there are four restaurants to enjoy, including the family-style Hawaiian restaurant Kaana Kitchen; a lounge with tropical cocktails and small bites; a beach/pool bar serving light lunches perfect for a day out in the sun; and Morimoto Maui, a world-class sushi restaurant from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto. Also, since it’s Hawaii, after all, be sure to make a reservation for The Feast at Mokapu Luau, where guests are served a delicious dinner with a side of culture in the form of music, dance and more.
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Rates at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort currently start at $890 per night plus a $50 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 35,000 points per night.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT AND SPA/PATRICK KELLEY/PARK HYATT
Best for: Families traveling to Hawaii who want to enjoy a full roster of activities without leaving the resort.
Why stay here: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a destination unto itself with pools, waterfalls, a water park-style waterslide and tons of scheduled activities for the kids, including Hawaiian cultural lessons.
Called “a crown jewel in Hyatt’s resort lineup” by one of TPG’s most well-traveled staffers, it’s safe to say that this massive resort full of fun for all types of travelers should be on every Hyatt loyalist’s bucket list.
On a pristine stretch of beach in Poipu, this place is exactly what you think of when you conjure up images of a Hawaii resort: multiple pools and a saltwater lagoon, a lazy river, waterfalls and dozens and dozens of slender palm trees swaying in the breeze.
With over 600 rooms and suites, there’s an accommodation option for every need, and they all come with a private lanai to help breathe in some of that salty Pacific Ocean air. For a full family affair, consider one of the resort’s many suite options, such as the Alii Suite, which can be combined with a connecting guest room to create a three-bedroom suite.
There’s no shortage of activities, which include hitting up the Poipu Bay Golf Course (adjacent to the resort), learning classic Hawaiian songs on a ukulele, attending an over-the-top luau, volunteering with a nearby organization to help keep the island as beautiful as you found it, relaxing at the spa, or just simply parking it on a beach lounger and listening to the sound of the ocean.
Dining options are equally as expansive. For breakfast, hit up the open-air Ilima Terrace for a seared ahi Benedict, have fish tacos for lunch at casual poolside restaurant Hale Nalu, and enjoy a fancy dinner at Tidepools, where Hawaiian dishes are served at a lagoon by a waterfall that’s as beautiful and romantic as Kauai itself.
Rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa currently start at $761 per night plus a $45 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 25,000 points per night.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
Key West, Florida, USA
HYATT
Best for: Sunseekers looking to explore the Keys.
Why stay here: Right on the water and right in Old Town, this hotel is close to all the action.
There’s nowhere quite like Key West, a funky and lively island community in Florida that happens to be the most southern city in the continental United States — and there are few places better to stay there than the Hyatt Centric, a charming oceanfront resort tucked away between the Gulf waters and town.
Here, you won’t find sweeping beaches with views for miles, but rather a small stretch of sand where you can claim a beach chair and live that American island life.
At the pool, which is heated during the cooler months, guests can snack on popsicles while enjoying the southern Florida sun. For full relaxation, spend a few hours at the pool before heading to the Jala Spa for a deep tissue massage (starting at $160 for 50 minutes) or a full-body treatment.
Guests need not worry about dining, as there are a handful of options to choose from on the property — not to mention that Key West itself has tons of incredible restaurants. At the hotel’s dockside location, Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen serves sea-to-table dishes like oysters, a fresh catch of the day and more. There’s also a casual bar and grill concept, Blue Mojito Bar and Grill, as well as in-room dining and a coffee shop.
Rates at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa start around $300 per night plus a $56.25 daily resort fee (on paid rates). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 45,000 points.
The Confidante Miami Beach
Mid-Beach, Miami, Florida, USA
DANIEL ZULIANI/PARK HYATT
Best for: Hyatt status chasers who yearn for something chicer than your typical Hyatt Regency or Hyatt Place.
Why stay here: With an art deco design in a 1940s-era building, a stay here feels vintage – in a good way.
Both Hyatt enthusiasts and beach lovers know that The Confidante Miami Beach, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, is a top-tier resort on a sandy stretch of Miami Beach. Known for its colorful beach and pool chairs, you’ve probably seen this Category 5 Hyatt property on social media at one time or another.
With 339 rooms (including over 30 suites), accommodations at The Confidante range from hip 300-to-400-square-foot king and double rooms with bold textures and a big writing desk to a 980-square-foot penthouse.
The hotel boasts a range of restaurants and eateries, including a casual beach bar-style restaurant; an indoor, midcentury-themed restaurant and bar that harks back to Miami’s past; a grab-and-go coffee shop; and Ambersweet, a restaurant serving local and regional food for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a beautiful setting with tables indoors and out.
The stars of this resort, though, are the pools (including an adults-only option) and direct access to Miami Beach, where dozens of chairs with pastel umbrellas are available for hotel guests to enjoy, along with an attendant to take care of all your needs.
Just know if you’re considering a stay at this iconic hotel, you’d better book fast. The Confidante will be transformed into an Andaz; it was announced in 2022, but we’re still waiting to hear when.
Related: The best hotels in Miami, from luxury beach stays to points properties
Rates at The Confidante start at $279 per night plus a $49 daily resort fee (on paid stays). Reserve this hotel for 17,000 World of Hyatt points on off-peak dates, 20,000 on standard dates and 23,000 points on peak dates.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA
RAMON C PURCELL/HYATT
Best for: Beachgoers who want a hotel with home-like amenities right on the water.
Why stay here: For longer stays, this resort offers rooms with full kitchens and laundry facilities, plus a year-round rooftop pool overlooking the ocean.
Roughly 21 miles west of Tampa International Airport (TPA), the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a family-friendly affair that’s also a great value.
On the Gulf near Pier 60, the resort has plenty to do and experience, starting with an 8th-floor, year-round pool overlooking the ocean and cabanas to rent with 55-inch TVs and high-speed internet access. There’s also a fitness center to get your workout in and the Sandava Spa to indulge in a little self-care.
The resort has 286 rooms, all with lots of space and balconies. Many rooms have kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens and even multiple-bedroom options, so you can really treat the place like a home away from home while on vacation.
However, if you want to skip home cooking, don’t fret, as there are plenty of food options to enjoy. At SHOR American Seafood Grill, enjoy American fare for breakfast and seafood dishes for dinner. Savor the lunch or dinner menu of Latin favorites at Tropico Rooftop Cantina. There’s also a casual bar-style restaurant, OffSHOR, with light bites and cocktails, plus a full in-room dining menu.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa start at $269 per night, plus a $35 daily resort fee (on paid stays). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA
HYATT
Best for: With an assortment of accommodation types, ranging from standard rooms to large suites and standalone vacation rentals, this resort really is perfect for everyone.
Why stay here: Wild Dunes may feel like an island escape, but it’s an easy commute to Charleston’s cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife.
At over 1,600 acres, Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms — a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown Charleston — really has it all and then some.
The resort is made up of four different accommodation styles to fit every type of traveler’s needs: the costal-style Sweetgrass Inn, the more intimate and upscale Boardwalk Inn, one- to three-bedroom suites at the Residences at Sweetgrass and Wild Dunes Vacation Rentals, which offers full property rentals ranging from one-bedroom condos to seven-bedroom houses — and everything in between.
Activities at Wild Dunes are plentiful and can be as fast-paced or relaxing as you need. For a little adventure, go kayaking or paddleboarding before an afternoon of fishing. Practice your golf swing at an oceanfront golf course, or give your backhand a go at the tennis courts. You can also just let it all go at the Spa at Sweetgrass.
Across the resort, there are a handful of pools, including a fun pool complex at Sweetgrass Inn, two smaller pools and the Swim Center, which features a pool with swimming lanes. Of course, there’s also a beautiful stretch of beach to relax in the sunshine with the sound of the waves crashing along the coast.
Being a large resort, there are lots of places to dine, from upscale seafood restaurants and family-friendly Italian restaurants to quick bites and ice cream parlors. There’s even a rooftop bar with beautiful views across the island.
Rates at Wild Dunes start around $315 per night plus a resort fee on paid reservations of 16% daily rate plus tax. Award nights are available starting at 24,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Huntington Beach, California, USA
HYATT
Best for: Families who want space to spread out after long days by the pool or beach.
Why stay here: Pool cabanas and waterslides make for a perfect day in the sun, while a private beach bonfire complete with chairs and s’mores are a fine way to end the evening.
In California, the beaches of the Pacific are calling — and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a great place to enjoy it all. Great for families, the resort offers spacious rooms to spread out in, a pool with cabana rentals, fire pit rentals and beautiful Spanish-style architecture fitting of Southern California.
During the days, relax by the pool, book a whale-watching excursion, or sign your kids up for mermaid lessons so they can live out their “Little Mermaid” fantasies. Adults can enjoy time at the Pacific Waters Spa and a cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants, like the poolside Mankota’s Grill.
Other dining options include the casual and family-friendly Slyders Bar and Café, located by the pool, a grab-and-go pizzeria, coastal cuisine at Pete’s Sunset Grille and the upscale, date-night-appropriate Watertable, which has a menu of Southern California favorites.
As for the accommodations, choose a room that features an outdoor fire pit to really feel like you’re somewhere special or splurge on a larger-than-life suite to make sure the entire crew can spread out comfortably. If you really need more space, there’s even a 2,500-square-foot Presidential Beach House with a fireplace, walk-in closet and giant soaking tub.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa start around $305 a night plus a $42 per night resort fee (on paid bookings). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Encinitas, San Diego, California, USA
ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT/FACEBOOK
Best for: Beach lovers looking for a touch of laid-back luxury.
Why stay here: With a world-class spa and direct beach access, this resort has everything you could want for a sunny SoCal getaway.
North of San Diego in Encinitas, the Alila Marea Beach Resort is a coastal gem that offers luxurious fun in the sun with a side of local-influenced activities designed to make every guest happy.
For starters, the location is just plain gorgeous, as the resort is tucked away on a coastal bluff, and each of the 130 rooms and suites offers picture-perfect views. Speaking of those rooms, each is airy and modern, with a design that reflects the rugged nature of the coastline. For an extra-special experience, book a first-floor Fire Pit Room to unwind in a private seating area in the glow of a fire pit.
At Spa Alila, let your troubles melt away after picking the perfect treatment, like a walnut husk and sugar scrub ($225, 50 minutes) or a Himalayan salt stone massage ($230, 50 minutes).
Guests can also join one of Alila’s signature “Journeys” that incorporate local experiences into your stay, like the Surfboard Quiver. It allows guests to rent (for an extra fee) a surfboard curated by local surfer Rob Machado. If you want to relax oceanside, hit up the beach concierge, who can help you plan the perfect day.
Or, simply post up for the day at the pool overlooking the ocean, where servers are on hand to deliver drinks. For meals, check out the hotel’s signature restaurant, Vaga, helmed by executive chef Claudette Zepeda, or stop for drinks and snacks at The Pocket, a surf-inspired bar with beautiful views of the coast.
Rates at Alila Marea Beach Resort start at $629 per night plus a $55 resort fee (on paid stays). Award nights start at 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Mission Pacific Hotel
Oceanside, California, USA
KATE AUDA/HYATT
Best for: A modern stay near the beach that’s welcoming to your four-legged friends.
Why stay here: The heated rooftop pool overlooking the picturesque pool is second only to the pristine beach across the street.
Not all of Hyatt’s best beach hotels are massive resorts with hundreds of rooms.
One stellar resort that’s on the boutique side of things is the Mission Pacific Hotel, part of JDV by Hyatt. In North San Diego County (technically in Oceanside), the hotel has just 161 rooms and 38 suites, with many featuring breathtaking ocean views, balconies and laid-back but modern interiors. For more space, opt for a suite with a kitchenette.
There’s plenty to do outside of the hotel, like enjoying a stroll on the wooden pier across the street. If you don’t feel like leaving, you won’t get bored. Spend days relaxing in a cabana at the rooftop pool, chilled rosé in hand; hit up the associated Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge across the street for a treatment; or cozy up by an outdoor fire pit and relax in the breezy air.
Guests can’t go wrong with the hotel’s dining options, especially Valle Restaurant, a Michelin Guide-recognized Mexican restaurant from Chef Roberto Alcocer that serves a popular prix-fixe meal. There’s also High/Low, a seasonal California restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, as well as The Rooftop Bar, where pool-goers can drink cocktails and party Thursday-Sunday night with a DJ.
Rates at Mission Pacific Hotel start around $281 per night plus a daily resort fee of $46 (on paid reservations). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 29,000 points per night.
Mar Monte Hotel
Santa Barbara, California, USA
TYSON ELLIS/HYATT
Best for: World of Hyatt members looking for an upscale but understated SoCal spot to redeem their points.
Why stay here: Bright, breezy rooms, a sun-splashed pool area and an elegant restaurant that showcases coastal Italian cuisine are all reasons to spend a night or two here.
In Santa Barbara, California, the Mar Monte Hotel, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is a timeless property across the street from a great beach that guests can enjoy.
With 200 rooms, guests can select from options that include large ocean-view suites, as well as rooms and suites in the off-property Palmoro, a block-and-a-half away from the main property.
At the hotel, there’s much to enjoy, like live music during the summer, yoga on the beach, a bocce ball court and house bikes guests can rent to explore the area. The hotel can also direct guests to local activities, like sailing or coastal wine tours.
Although Santa Barbara has a great food scene, the hotel’s two restaurants are good reasons to stay put. At Café Lido, grab-and-go breakfast is served in the morning, while the rest of the day features a shareable menu of small Mediterranean plates and cocktails. Costa Kitchen & Bar features a local wine menu accompanied by Italian and Mediterranean dishes served in an ocean-view setting.
Rates at Mar Monte Hotel start at $275 per night plus a $30 daily resort fee (on paid stays). World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 21,000 points per night.
When you have a need or a problem, there’s usually a solution that can be bought. Buying a solution is often the easiest and fastest way to solve a problem — but it also can be the most expensive.
When my husband and I were in debt-repayment mode and had our discretionary spending locked down, I began to see that there are alternative solutions to problems that I once thought could only be solved by buying something. Sometimes quality counts, but more often than not, I would choose a solution that required spending more than necessary, when some forethought might have yielded a solution that was less expensive (or even free). Or maybe if I had stopped to think about it, I’d have realized it wasn’t a critical problem, and I could just choose to do nothing about it.
We set a strict budget while we were paying off our debt, so it was necessary to think about alternatives before every purchase to meet our payment goals. The great thing is that it became ingrained in me, and it’s something I continue to try to do. Here are some of the techniques I use.
Repair what you can Repair what you have instead of replacing it. You can do this with clothes, appliances, furniture, and cars. I know someone who used throw away a shirt when it was missing a button rather than paying to have it mended, or learning how to sew on a button himself.
But even if you’re not apt to go the do-it-yourself route, sometimes paying for a repair is worth it when it’s something that is expensive or difficult to replace. Last year I took my boots to a shoe doctor for the first time. I was ready to replace them, but I thought I’d try a repair shop first, and I was pleasantly surprised. The boots were re-heeled, the leather was conditioned, and they looked good-as-new. It would have been much more costly to replace them.
Delay spending Put off the purchase. People do this if they lose their jobs or if they live paycheck-to-paycheck and run out of money at the end of the month. I do it as a game when the credit card closing date is coming up, just to keep the number as low as possible.
Simply shelf the issue for the time being. Give it a week or two. (Or 30 days.) You might even think of a better solution during that period.
You also can do this with regular services. See how long you can stretch out time in between haircuts, for example, especially if your cut is low-maintenance to start. Stretching it out just four more weeks in between appointments reduced what I spend in a year by one-third. And you know, so far my hair is just fine.
Rent, trade, borrow, or take Can you borrow or trade for a solution? If you want a book or a DVD, try out a service like Book Mooch or Swaptree. Try renting tools if you won’t use them enough to warrant owning them. See if friends or family members will let you borrow a tool or appliance (just be sure to send a lovely thank-you note).
Also, don’t forget to check out sites like Freecycle for furniture, appliances, toys, and more. Items are given away for free; you just pay for the gas to pick up your stuff.
Plan ahead Many times we overspend because we’re pressed for time. Maybe you have to get a last-minute Christmas gift for a picky relative. The mall is typically where we end up in that kind of situation, and it’s not likely that you’ll find the perfect gift at a killer price when you’re in a hurry.
Planning ahead gives you the time to find the perfect gift at a great price, or maybe even free if you’re really creative.
Planning ahead isn’t limited to gifts. You can plan ahead for travel, social events, house guests, and more. You can plan your expenditures for any situation that you know about ahead of time.
Find creative solutions to achieve your goal There’s usually more than one way to solve a problem or reach a goal. Craving Chinese take-out? Try making stir-fry at home. Want to have a fun Saturday night with your friends? Throw a potluck or host a game night instead of meeting at a restaurant. Bored and feeling the urge to shop? Try reading a book, going for a walk, or doing something creative.
I’ve found the most inspiration from fellow bloggers:
Instead of completely redecorating a room, try a bit of wallpaper and a fresh coat of paint.
Rather than buying new furniture, consider how a few yards of fabric might breathe new life into the furniture you already own.
Hate the fit of a dress, but love the fabric? Consider a refashion.
Overwhelmed by the expense of baby gear? Find frugal ways to make it yourself.
A quick Google search usually provides new solutions I might not have thought of on my own.
Do nothing Just ignore the need and try to do without. A lot of times if you simply do nothing, you find it’s not as bad as you thought. The best personal example of this was our decision to do nothing about replacing our second car. We also do this when we’re swept off our feet by fancy kitchen gear, and then realize that our cast iron Dutch oven may not be as gorgeous as a porcelain enamel Le Creuset, but it gets the job done.
Make a habit out of questioning your purchases, and try a quick Internet search to see if there’s a less expensive solution out there.
What about you? What have you done lately to improvise, get by with what you have, or find a cheap solution, instead of buying something new? Share your tips!
Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware will host the Women in Power workshop to teach women how to operate lawn and landscaping equipment with confidence.
The workshop will be from 4 to 5 p.m. July 11 at the hardware store, 2800 Raeford Road, Suite 24A, according to a news release.
Participants will learn to safely operate a leaf blower, weed trimmer and hedge trimmer; the features, benefits and pros/cons of various gas and battery models; and how to maintain the equipment, the release said.
“Since opening in March, we’ve had several female customers ask us how to operate the outdoor power equipment,” said Lori Tracy Stobbe, president and co-owner. “Many women are taking care of the lawn and landscaping duties but may not feel confident in their ability to use the equipment. We can help them.”
The workshop will include a hands-on demonstration and Q&A session. Presenters will include Nate Stobbe, co-owner, and Aaron Russell, assistant store manager. Both have extensive experience operating outdoor power equipment and teaching customers how to use it, the release said.
Reservations can be made by calling the store at 910-900-4455.
Lori’s Ace opened March 15. The nearly 20,000-square-foot store includes an outdoor garden center, patio furniture, home decor and gifts, toys and games, kitchen and bath accessories, and wild bird food and feeders.
Optometrist opens practice on Ramsey Street
Optometrist Joseph Ballard has opened his own practice, Northside Family Eye Care, at 5811 Ramsey St.
Ballard is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and has a doctoral degree from the Southern College of Optometry. He worked at Professional Eye Care in Hope Mills for eight years before opening his practice at the first of the year.
Northside is a full-service eye care practice that helps patients with routine eye exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, emergency eye care needs, chronic eye treatment and prevention of diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye disease. It is the only locally owned and operated eye care practice in north Fayetteville, according to a news release.
New patients are being accepted, and most insurance coverage is accepted.
Stress recovery center secures art therapy grant from Arts Council
SPRING LAKE — Enclave Stress Recovery Center has received a Mini Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County.
The grant is for seed funding for art supplies and equipment to host adult art therapy classes called “Weekly Wind-Down,” according to a news release. The counselor-led therapy classes will begin at 6 p.m. June 30.
“We are very fortunate to have an art therapist and two licensed counselors on our team at the Enclave,” said Executive Director Taneshia Kerr. “They put a lot of time and research into the curriculum creation, and we are ready to use this award as a steppingstone to bring even more stress recovery opportunities to Cumberland County.”
The Weekly Wind-down will be a 90-minute art therapy program that is open to the public. Participants will meet in a suite that has been prepared with therapeutic-grade aromatherapy diffusion and Tibetan singing bowls, the release said. These modalities are designed to lower physical tension and improve mood.
The program includes a five-minute talk about a stress recovery technique, a guided deep breathing exercise, and an art station with mixed media, the release said.
The Enclave has been providing mental wellness and emotional support services to Cumberland County since 2020. For more information, call 910-354-6287 or email [email protected].
School resource center named for former Superintendent Harrison
Cumberland County Schools’ Educational Resource Center, located at 396 Elementary Drive, has been named in honor of William “Bill” Harrison, former superintendent of the school district.
Principals, Board of Education members, district staff, elected officials, retired personnel who served with Harrison as well as his family and friends attended a renaming ceremony on June 13.
Current Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. presented Harrison with a plaque.
“Today, we stand on the shoulders of Dr. Harrison’s remarkable legacy,” Connelly said. “His tireless efforts, vision and passion have transformed the lives of countless students, educators and families in our community.”
Harrison spoke candidly about the significance of the honor.
“This is more special to me than a school would have been … because of my history with it and because of how important I think professional development is,” he said.
Harrison began teaching in Fayetteville after receiving a bachelor of arts degree in intermediate education from Methodist College in 1974. His work began at Vanstory Elementary School in 1974. He was superintendent starting in August 1997 and served until March 2009.
He was appointed by former Gov. Bev Perdue as chairman of the North Carolina Board of Education and served from 2009 to 2012. He then was superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington County School system and retired in 2018. In total, Harrison served Cumberland County for 26 years.
The Board of Education approved naming the center for Harrison on Feb. 14.
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The ripple effect of a financial mindset can be seen in every aspect of your life.
Think about it: If you are not mindful of how you spend and save money, then you will be in a constant struggle each and every month.
If you are simply someone who is struggling to make ends meet, there are many things we can do to save money. If you are trying desperately to reach financial freedom sooner, then you need these best money hacks to make it happen sooner.
Around here at Money Bliss, we spend a lot of time on our money mindset and setting goals.
Everyone is in a different season with their finances.
But, one thing is true… Most of us never learned proper money management.
Do you find yourself in a constant cycle of financial struggle? Do you feel like you are constantly trying to live up to unrealistic standards?
It is easy for people to feel that they are constantly broke, and in some cases this is true. But, it is also important to remember that there are ways in which you can make more money and start saving for your future.
Since changing money habits does not always come easy and often requires some serious changes in our mindset, we are here to support you to find the top money hacks.
Read on as we share 50+ ways you can start saving more money as well as making more money while also saving your sanity!
What are Money Hacks?
Money hacks are the ways in which people stretch their money.
These money hacks can come from a variety of sources, such as personal experience, family members or friends, and other individuals on social media.
Money hacks can come in many forms such as:
Simple money saving hacks
Ways to make money on the side
Strategies to make every dollar count
Thrifty ideas to be more frugal
Ideas to be more conscious of our waste
All in all, money hacks will help you to spend less money. Thus, saving more money.
As you will learn at Money Bliss, saving money opens up doors of opportunities
Best Money Hacks
Money hacks are ways to build long-term wealth.
Even though most of the hacks for money include quick saving wins, over the long term, you will actually start a snowball effect of more money in your bank account.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the motivation to save money, but these 7 best real money hacks will help you reset your financial mindset and start saving!
The best money hacks are the overarching big picture concepts that you must master for long-term success.
1. Think Big
Open up your mind.
One way to reset your financial mindset is by opening yourself up to new ways of thinking about spending and saving.
Too often, we are focused on what is directly in front of us instead of thinking about the big picture.
A great way to think big with your finances is to decide how you want to live life with intention.
2. Habit of Saving Money
Get back in the habit of saving.
If you have been beyond your means or barely scraping by, the best way to get back on track is by saving at least 20% of your income.
This may seem a little ludicrous. However, by prioritizing saving first, you will be pleasantly surprised how well you live off the rest.
In this post, there will be so many simple and easy ways to start saving today.
3. Make a Plan for Your Money
Create a spending plan (aka that dreaded word budget).
Creating an outline for what you want and need will help you to make smarter decisions about your spending.
This concept has been made too difficult over the years.
The bottom line is you want to spend less than you make. So, make a plan for that to happen today.
4. Make Money on the Side
This one is huge!
Personally, making extra money has been a priority for the last 5 years. We spent many years trying to cut our expenses and hating our inability to actually spend less as a growing family. So, we changed our focus to finding ways to make more money instead.
Start a side hustle. If you are not making enough to live comfortably, start a side hustle! Use your unique skill set to make extra cash.
Pick up a second job or ask for more hours.
There are plenty of ways to make money fast.
5. Invest in Stock Market
This means a way to make money or increase your net worth. AKA make your money work for you.
Too many times, the concept of investing is big and scary. The thought of starting is way too overwhelming. So you put it off until next week or next month. Then, a couple of years go by and you have not invested your money.
That is the biggest financial mistake you can make.
Start small by investing in an index fund. Each month consistently add more money.
If you want to learn to trade stocks, then you must enroll in the best investing course I have found.
Read my in-depth investing course review.
6. Pay Off Debt
Ugh… debt is the cash flow killer.
You are unable to make forward progress if you are straddled by debt.
Figure out how to pay off debt ASAP.
When calculating how long it will take to pay off high-interest debt, you should consider paying the highest interest rate first. Here is the best debt payoff app available.
7. Watch Your Spending
Be mindful of your spending.
This is a great practice that many people need to start doing again, regardless of how much money or how little money they have.
Every few months, you need to evaluate your spending to see if it matches up with your values.
As you can imagine there are many money hacks that can help you save, but the list above is the money hacks that will make the biggest difference the quickest. Below we have many more money hacks for you to explore.
Hacks for Saving Money
Money app hacks are small, quick, and easy ways to improve your finances.
They can range from things like automating your budget or creating a money jar that pays for itself, to more complex solutions like changing your tax withholding or moving money around to get a higher return.
Honestly, there are so many life hacks for saving money.
8. Automatic Savings
This is a practice of automatically transferring money from your checking account into your savings account on a regular basis.
It is best to set a transfer amount and stick to it.
Since it is easier to save your money before you spend it, you must save as much money as possible in order for this strategy to be effective.
9. Financial goals
A financial goal is a long-term, quantifiable expectation for how much money you want to have, or what you plan on doing with your money. Your goals can be as simple as saving for the down payment on a house or as involved as saving for retirement.
Our financial goals allow us to set specific, numerical targets that help us achieve our desired lifestyle in a more concrete way.
You must set smart financial goals.
10. What brings you joy?
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that life is all about finding what brings you joy.
The question is open-ended, but your money must line up with what brings you joy.
Spend a few minutes and stew on the question.
11. Build an emergency savings fund
Building an emergency savings fund is a great idea if you are in the habit of saving money and want to make sure that you have some money saved up when times get rough.
If you are struggling to save, there are a few ways you can increase your savings.
For example, you might be able to set up automatic transfers from your checking account into an investment account. You should also make sure that you have a way to save money outside of your checking account.
Saving cash in a jar or saving up coins are ideas for some people.
12. Invest spare change
If you go shopping and buy something, most stores will give you change. If you use a debit or credit card, you can do the same thing with help of a popular app!
Simple money hack: investing your spare change.
In order to invest your spare change in an account, you can open one for as little as $5. Acorns then automatically invest the money from your checking account and into a savings acorn account.
As the round-up feature continues to add upon each purchase, it is a good idea to invest in this app so that you can save more dollars!
13. Challenge Yourself to Save
If you are looking to save money, it is best to set up a budget that includes challenging yourself.
A great way to do this is with the no spend challenge.
A no-buy is when you decide to simply not make any purchases for a certain amount of time.
A no-spend is when someone decides to not spend any money in a certain period of time.
When you are struggling with spending too much money and want to reset your wallet, then give up spending money. Period.
14. Join a buy nothing group
The buy nothing groups are a growing movement that started in order to help people cut their ecological footprint, save money, and break free of consumerism.
This is a great way to find things you need as well as declutter your house.
15. Negotiate everything
The key to successful negotiation is preparation.
Research the company’s past sales, price changes, and discounts offered in order to get a better understanding of what you’re negotiating for.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
What is the worst thing that can happen when someone says no!?!
16. Refinance Your Mortgage
It is never too late to refinance your mortgage.
In fact, it might be a good idea if you’re in the market for a new home or refinancing your loan on an existing property.
You must weigh the costs of refinancing to how much you will save over the time period of the loan.
Ask around for mortgage broker recommendations and get at least two quotes.
17. Downsize your Home
Downsize your home is the term for reducing a residence in size. This can be done by either moving to an apartment or buying a smaller house. There are many benefits of downsizing, including living a more affordable lifestyle and having less upkeep.
Downsizers use their homes as investments and save money on rent or mortgage payments.
18. Cut the cord
With the internet becoming accessible to everyone, people have started cutting their cable and watching shows online. People can save up to $500 a year by cutting cable from their bills.
Cut the cable & stop watching TV!
19. Learn about Finances
Ask for help.
If you are struggling, there is no shame in asking for assistance from your friends or family members.
The goal is to get ahead with money and not keep digging further into a hole.
Check out any of our courses to help you.
20. Save for What You Want
Decide what you want most and work towards it with the money you have now, instead of waiting for a windfall or a large inheritance.
This may mean setting aside $200 a month.
For example, as a reminder of your long-term goal of buying a beach property, you may buy something you would hang in the new place. Every time you see it, you will be reminded of what you are saving towards.
Budget Hacks
Financial hacks are not unusual.
Since it is so easy to overspend, you must know a few budgeting hacks ahead of time.
21. Need vs Want
A want is a desire for something, while a need is something that fulfills the requirement of your body like food or shelter.
When you think about buying something, ask yourself if it is a want or a need.
By uncovering needs vs wants, you are quickly able to find ways to spend less and save more.
22. Avoid Temptation
To avoid temptation, it is important to maintain a healthy amount of physical and emotional distance from the things that tempt you.
Sometimes, spending triggers are easy to avoid but other times they’re not.
However, people should always be aware of their temptations and try to stay away from them because it will lead to unnecessary debt or stress in the long run.
23. Practice the 30-day rule
Many people wonder what’s the 30 day rule with money…
The 30-day rule is the principle that states that you should practice a new habit or stop an old habit for at least thirty days before expecting success.
When it comes to your money, it means to wait thirty days before making big purchases or changes.
24. Keep a Budget Binder
A budget binder is an important tool that helps people keep track of their finances.
The binder can help people plan out their finances by providing a place to record expenses and income.
Keeping a budget binder is an effective way to track your spending and keep yourself accountable.
By keeping it, you can easily plan for future expenses in advance as well as see what money could be saved or spent on different items over time.
25. Get a spend tracker and use it regularly
Track your spending for 30 days. It can be a good idea to track your spending for at least a month to get an idea of what you’re spending and where.
A spending tracker is a tool that helps people keep track of how much they are spending on a certain item. It is important to use this tool regularly in order to be able to see patterns in your spending.
Then, review your spending. Share it with a trusted friend or family member to come up with some goals to reduce expenses in order to save money.
26. Create a budget
Create a budget, and follow it.
When you schedule your spending, make sure to leave room for savings. This is the easiest way to ensure that you can stick to your budget.
Find more budgeting resources on our site.
27. Pay Bills on Time
This should be a simple statement that we all know. However, life can throw curveballs.
Try to pay your bills on time and in full every month, and make sure all of your bills are paid each month.
This will show lenders that you are responsible and that you are taking care of your credit. Plus you don’t rack up those pesky late fees and high interest rates.
28. Avoid Missed Payments
Don’t miss any payments, and pay off your balances each month to avoid paying high interest rates or fees on late or missed payments.
Read again… do not miss paying your bills.
29. Reconcile Your Checking Account
Balance your checkbook monthly. Okay, no one really uses a checkbook anymore, but you can still do this with pen and paper.
Even better, use Quicken as a simple way to balance your checking account. Read my Quicken review.
This is a great way to check for being charged too much or find a subscription you don’t use anymore.
30. Avoid Summer Budget Busters
Avoid spending money for the summer by just being conscious of your spending and reviewing what is different than the norm.
It is too easy to get into the trap of spending money because the weather is warm.
31. Review your Credit Card Statements
If you’re like most people, you probably review your credit card statements once every six months.
What’s the best way to go about reviewing them?
It depends on how often you use your credit card, how much debt you have, and what your credit score is. You should review your statements at least once a year if you’re carrying a balance on your credit cards.
If you use your credit card, then you should review your statements at least monthly.
32. Use the Cents Plan Formula
While the 50/30/20 budgeting rule is popular, our method of budgeting your money will be more helpful.
Learn how to divide your income into various categories.
Check out the Cents Plan Formula.
33. Use Cash
Use cash instead of credit cards to spend, which will make it easier to limit yourself to how much you can spend.
The envelope system helps you save money by only spending from one designated cash stash each month and withdrawing a set amount for different types of expenses (like groceries).
34. Spending Freeze
Implement a spending freeze, which helps you get used to not buying things for an allotted time so that when the freeze is over, it’s easier to buy what you want.
You will be surprised how much random online shopping you do.
Begin your spending freeze now.
35. Use a Budgeting App
Use your bank’s budgeting tools, like Quicken, which can help you track how much money is coming in and out of your account.
This is the simplest way to manage your money wisely.
Using a money app or a personal finance website can help you to stay organized and get more creative about your budgeting.
Check out this list of the best budgeting apps available.
Hacks to Make Money
Hacks to make money are a list of ways to generate income for yourself. Many ways to make money include blogging, affiliate marketing, or day trading. These money making hacks are great, but they can take more time and energy invested.
36. Use cash back apps
Cash back reward apps like Ibotta are a way to get extra money for your purchases.
They take some time getting used to and you only have access to partner stores that offer cash-back offers. It only takes a few seconds to make some extra cash.
Check out the best cash back apps available.
37. Ask for a Raise
A raise is an increase in pay for a job, labor, or service.
If you are concerned about asking for a raise, then you are missing out on lost money.
Your boss may be receptive to it, then try negotiating more money. Not only will this be good for your career, but also the relationship between you two can improve as well.
38. Get a side hustle
A side hustle is an additional job or career, usually, one that requires only a small amount of time and effort.
For example, someone who wants to work on the weekends might start a side hustle as a bartender.
Side hustles are a form of entrepreneurship that allows you to earn money and do little tasks. They are not difficult or time-consuming, but they can still help you make extra cash on the side.
Pick one of the best gig economy jobs.
39. Rent out a part of your home
A part of your home is often a room, which can be rented out on Airbnb.
Airbnb is the largest and most successful company in the world that lets people rent their extra space or properties. They are a well-known company that provides an easy way for people to make money from their extra space.
Use Neighbor to lend out your space in your home.
40. Declutter: sell your junk for cash
Decluttering is the act of getting rid of excess or unnecessary items.
In order to declutter, you must be willing to give up something that has been a part of your life for a long time. It is important to remember that decluttering does not have to be a quick or easy process.
Then, sell your stuff on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, eBay, etc.
Learn more at Flea Market Flippers.
41. Earn Money While Watching TV
Although it is not a fast way to get rich, this can be used as a side hustle.
It’s better to use the money earned from watching TV or something else that takes up your time for other things like bills and groceries.
Survey platforms are online sites that allow people to earn money while watching TV.
The survey platform will send surveys through the mail or email, and then they can choose whether they want to take the survey for a set reward amount or if they would like cash back on their purchase.
One of these options is MyPoints, which allows users to earn points by completing tasks such as taking surveys and shopping online at specific retailers.
Others include:
42. Maximize Your Income
Find ways to increase the amount of money you bring in, whether that’s through a side hustle, increasing hours at work, or asking for a raise.
In today’s society, there are plenty of ways to make more money.
Only you put a limit on what you are capable of earning.
43. Build Your Credit
Building your credit can be a long process, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re trying to establish or improve your credit score, here are some tips that might help:
Try to keep your credit utilization rate below 30% at all times.
Do not open too many new lines of credit in a short period of time.
Pay your bills on time.
This will help you avoid damaging your credit score.
Hacks for Free Money
Hacks for free money are a form of fraud wherein the perpetrator solicits payment via PayPal, credit card, or other methods in exchange for access to what they promise will be a legitimate business opportunity.
Hacking free money is a way to make more cash, fund your financial goals, or help you pay off debt. There are lots of ways that people hack their finances and use cash back apps for some extra income.
Other options include signing up for bank bonuses or credit card bonuses.
Honestly, real free money hacks are more likely to be scams. So, beware when searching online.
Money Hacks in the Kitchen
You can save the most money by looking at what you eat.
Typically, people waste over 25% of their grocery budget and throw out food. Would you willingly throw out $250 a month? Probably not.
So, learn how to stretch your money for food.
44. Start meal planning
Meal planning is a money-saving strategy that can help in the long run. It’s also important to eat healthily and reduce food waste when meal planning.
But planning ahead will help save on the grocery budget, and it’s not too late to start now.
Start meal planning by deciding what you want to eat for each day. Then, make a list.
45. Say no to prepackaged foods
Packing your lunch for work or school can be time-consuming, especially if you have a family.
Some people prefer to buy prepackaged foods because they save time, but this is not always the best option.
A better choice is to make your own food at home and pack it for lunch, which you can then eat in peace without worrying about what other people might be saying about the food you packed.
46. Eat at home
Eating at home is a way to save money. It may be uncomfortable for those who do not enjoy cooking as it requires extra effort and time.
Instead of getting food at restaurants, consider cooking your favorite meals at home.
You can save money and time by eating the same meal over and over again.
Learn about the frugal home must haves.
47. Grow your own herbs and food
The most common methods of gardening include container gardening, hydroponics, and both indoor and outdoor gardening.
Many people are growing their own herbs and food for the satisfaction of being able to eat something that was grown with their hands.
48. Take your lunch
If you are interested in saving money, consider taking your lunch. This will save you up to $1,000 a year on work lunches and make it easier to meet the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables as well.
“Take your lunch” is an invitation to eat at home. There are many benefits of eating out less often, such as saving money and gaining more control over food choices.
Travel Hacks to Save Money
The following are travel hacks that can help you save money on your next trip.
Some of these hacks include traveling during weekdays, using public transportation, staying at hostels and Airbnb instead of hotels, and using a travel credit card.
49. Use foreign websites for lower prices abroad
Foreign websites are websites that have been created by people from other countries, and they sell products in the language of their country. These websites often offer lower prices on products than what is offered in the United States.
If you’re traveling abroad and need to find a place to stay, there are plenty of websites that can help. A few websites have deals on places where travelers often stay while they travel internationally.
50. Stay for free or get paid to house sit abroad
A house sitter is someone who looks after someone’s property for a certain amount of time in exchange for the promise of payment.
House sitting is typically offered by homeowners to travelers and others who are looking to stay in a particular location for an extended period of time.
The main types of house sitting include:
– full-time house sitters, who are responsible for all aspects of the house and who are typically paid a monthly salary,
– part-time house sitters, who may be responsible for taking care of one or more specific tasks such as gardening or handling the mail
51. Hide your search
To avoid being taken advantage of by airlines, it is best to open a new incognito or private window between searches.
This will make sure that you are not tricked into buying tickets that may be significantly more expensive than they need to be.
Airlines use cookies in your browser to make you believe the prices are going up and up.
Money App Hacks
Money app hacks are ways that people have figured out to make their money work for them in terms of saving and spending. These apps offer different features, such as budgeting, tracking your spending, and saving money.
If you want a simple way to save money, then any of these money apps are designed to find excessive spending.
52. Billshark
This is a legitimate way to save money on monthly bills. Billshark offers you the opportunity to save up to 25% each month (when compared with regular bill payments).
All of this can be done for you by BillShark team, and there are no fees involved!
Try Billshark for free!
53. Trim
Review your spending habits to find what you can cut out, like subscriptions.
Find other ways to save by looking for ways to reduce costly bank fees or getting a discount on your cell phone plan. By using Trim, you are saving money and improving your financial health.
Sign up with Trim now.
54. Truebill
Truebill can help you to track your spending, save money and get a clear picture of your financial life.
This helps you identify services that you are no longer using but continue to pay for. It will help save money by automatically negotiating prices with your service providers and receiving a refund of the money going to waste, which is free money.
Get started with Truebill.
Which Life Money Hacks Can You Start?
This is a lot to take in, but don’t worry.
Take the time to read through each suggestion and consider how you can implement it into your life.
The more hacks you try out, the closer you’ll get to a healthy financial mindset.
These are the life hacks to save money I have found to work for me and my family in order to reset our financial mindsets and grow our net worth.
Everyone will find their niche and what will work best for them.
Personally, you need to figure out how do I make more money. That will make the biggest impact the fastest.
What have you done with your money lately?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Mold in the home is no joke—and it’s safe to assume actress Megan Fox agrees.
She apparently had to deal with mold and leaks in her luxurious, four-bedroom home in the hills of Malibu. She filed a complaint about these toxic issues in 2018 with the former owner, who happens to be Brad Pitt‘s longtime manager.
At last, in 2021, the case was settled and the parties agreed to move on. In early April, the 3,300-square-foot home landed on the market for $4,650,000.
Despite its notorious backstory, the property seems to have attracted a potential buyer. Marketed as a “dream home [that] looks and feels like an oil painting,” the place is in contingent sale status. And while the house is lovely, the disclosure statement is sure to be a compelling read for the would-be buyer.
The unique bungalow sports a boho vibe, with bright paint, attractive wallpaper, colorful tile, and a whimsical personality.
Set in Ramirez Canyon by a creek in a gated community, the house sits on a generous, two-acre lot with fruit trees, a greenhouse, stone walls, little bridges, and trails that wend their way through the lush grounds.
Color abounds, from the foam green cabinets in the kitchen to the fun tile work on the backsplash and around the living room and primary bedroom fireplaces.
The main bedrooom comes with its own glassed-in sitting area and adjoining spa bath. The lower level offers access to the outdoors, where there’s a cute patio with a fire pit, a sport court, pool, and an in-ground trampoline.
Fox, 37, starred in “Transformers” and a couple of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movies. This year she’s joining the fourth installment of “The Expendables”, an action franchise starring Sylvester Stallone.
This 1975 design, inspired by midcentury modern architect John Lautner, is flawless. And the home’s workmanship and materials, which include premium wood, glass, and stone, are impeccable.
The list price for this slice of paradise is $4,995,000; but if you’d rather try before you buy, you can lease the three-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 3,000 square-foot home for $17,500 a month.
And the location, nestled in its own private Bel Air canyon off Beverly Glen, is surprisingly convenient.
The home last sold in 2021 for $3,175,000.
Its extensive glass walls, skylights, and cantilevered bedroom wings set it apart from all others.
“This home has this charming feel to it, with incredible energy,” says Daniel Milstein, who is listing the property with Aaron Kirman, both of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate. “If you want to live in a private nature oasis, yet close to the sights and sounds, this is it. The incredible architecture is breathtaking and works perfectly in this unique, abundant space.”
The impressive, wood-clad entry leads to an airy, two-story great room, illuminated by skylights and crowned by the second-floor gallery.
The lovely dining area is adjacent to an upgraded chef’s kitchen, where more windows flood the space with natural light.
Up the winding, modern staircase, there’s a glittering master suite with spa amenities. Further up, there is a third-floor landing with a guest suite and private deck.
Multiple decks, balconies, dining areas, and terraces beautifully mesh together this hillside home with its grassy yard and outdoor spaces.
And while many of its virtues are apparent to the naked eye, the house has a whole slate of hidden, high-tech features— a smart home system, automated lighting, a built-in sound system, and automatic blinds, which are essential in a home with this many windows.