The Importance Of Saving Money

Throughout your life, you should always try to save a significant portion of your income. Saving is important as not only could it help you in an emergency, but it also allows you to purchase big-ticket items like your first home, or a new car. It doesn’t matter what type of job you do, whether you work for a law firm like boulder legal group, or are a teacher, you can always save a certain percentage of your salary. Below are four reasons you should consider saving if you aren’t already. 

In Case Of An Emergency 

Unfortunately, accidents do happen and they tend to happen when you least expect them. Having an emergency fund can help protect you. If something is to happen that will have a financial impact, you can feel rest assured that you have the money saved in your bank to cover the costs. Maybe your boiler at home breaks and you need to fix it, or you have a car accident and need to repair your vehicle? There are many apps that you can use to help save more money and keep track of your savings. 

Buy Your First Home 

Buying your first home is a big achievement at any stage of your life. More often than not it involves you saving for many years and putting a set amount behind. A house deposit can be a lot of money which is why the sooner you start saving, the sooner you will be able to buy a property. If you haven’t done so yet, why not set up a separate savings account and a direct debit that will take a certain amount of your wages into your savings account each month?

Helping Others 

Being financially stable and able to help others is a really rewarding thing. By putting in the effort of saving, you can feel rest assured that you can help your friends or family should they have any financial difficulties. Alternatively, by saving you know that you have more of a spare income to donate to charities and help worthwhile causes. There are many charities out there that need the support of the public to keep operating and doing the fantastic job that they do. 

Big Purchases 

By saving you open the door to being able to purchase big items that may make a difference in your life. Is there a car that you have always dreamed of having? Well by saving you can achieve this dream. Maybe you want to buy your partner a wedding ring and get married? Again, without savings, this is not possible. There are so many doors that open when you have some money saved. 

Legal Fees

Hopefully, you are never in the position where you need to pay legal fees. However, you can never fully predict the future, and even the most careful and law-abiding citizens can encounter bad luck. Depending on the case, you will want the best legal representation possible, and you can learn more about the different types of cases some law firms cover. In some cases, it may not even be you that is required to pay these legal fees. Instead, it could be a family member, such as your children, or even a friend. Whatever the reason, it’s essential that you consider what could happen and understand the available options.

There are so many reasons to save money. Not only will it reduce your stress but also help open new doors and reduce the chances of you getting into debt. Why not try and put a plan in place to save a small amount each month. Once achieved you can up this amount and keep saving until you reach your goal. 

What are you like at saving? What reasons do you like to save money? Let me know in the comment box below, I would love to hear from you. 

The Benefits Of Home Relocation

Whether you want a better social life, have been offered a better job, or want a change of scenery, relocating can be a good option. 

Relocating is a pivotal moment when you are committed to self-improvement, want to seek out new opportunities to change your perspective, understand diverse points of view, or cultivate compassion and empathy. Today, you will discover the benefits of relocating and what it can do for you and your life.

Maximize Your Money

The great thing about relocating is that you may be able to afford a property in the luxury real estate market. Depending on the location and the profit from your previous property, you may have a bigger deposit to put down for a bigger property. Thus, relocating can result in you living in your dream home and maximizing your money. 

Instead of staying in the same home for years and it not being worth what you paid for it, your money will be better spent elsewhere. You may find an affordable property in a new town or even a new country for less than what you paid for your current home. Price often depends on location, and sometimes your money may be better spent on a luxury property abroad. 

In a new home, you may witness reduced living costs. Newer more are more energy-efficient, with reusable energy features and less need for heating due to better insulation. Thus, you will save on household and energy bills, which will help you save money and maximize your earnings.

More Job Opportunities

Relocating can increase your number of job opportunities available to you. This is especially the case if you move to a city with a lower unemployment rate. You may also have limited opportunities in your career in your hometown and more in a bigger city. 

Whatever the case, decide which city you want to move to. Conduct an online job search for the type of job you want. Compare the number of job listings in your target city with those where you live now and it might give you the answer to whether or not you should relocate. 

Or, it might increase the security of your current job. If your company is relocating to a new city or country, a home move can save your job. Top managers will also recognize your willingness to leave with them, which may increase your chances of getting a promotion at some point. For example, some employees, including your boss, may be unwilling to relocate. Consequently, the move could expedite your promotion to replace your boss. 

A Better Social Life

When you relocate where you live, it may do wonders for refreshing your social life. You may relocate to a new city with better nightlife, better places to visit, or closer to your loved ones. Either way, you could improve your social life. 

A good social life contributes to improved happiness. As humans, social interaction is essential to every aspect of our health. Having a strong network of support or strong community bonds fosters both emotional and physical health and is an important component of adult life. Thus, if you want to move to have a better social life, then go for it. Your mental health and happiness will thank you for it.

The Chance To Build Your Own Home

If you have lived in your current property, or several, and do not feel entirely satisfied, building your own home could be the answer. Although it takes a lot of time and money, the money you have saved or make in profit from your current home will be a huge contribution. If you move country, building a home may be cheaper than the home you are currently in. 

Building your own home seems like a dream that cannot come true. But, with the help of an architect, lawyer, and construction team, it can be more straightforward than you might think. Once the land is purchased, the legal team will sort the insurance and finances, and then it can be built. Relocating to a cheap town or more affordable country will maximize your money, satisfy your living needs, and create more opportunities for socializing or jobs. 

If you have been trying to make your mind up on whether to relocate, this guide may help you make the decision. You have to do what is best for you, your family, and your priorities. Sometimes, change is what everyone needs to grow and refresh.

4 Ways To Be Better Organized With Your Money In 2021

Being “good” with money seems to be something that you either are, or you aren’t. Some people spend frivolously without a second thought, while others are meticulous in their planning and execution of their financial decisions. Whichever camp you fall into, there are always ways to improve your attitude and actions when it comes to cash.

If you struggle with organizing your finances or you want to start thinking big-picture, here are four ways to be more organized with your money in 2021!

1. Get Into Neo-Banking

Neo-banks, such as MonZo or Revolut, are great ways to organize your money better. Not only are these easy to access from your mobile phone, but these banks have ‘pot’ functions into which you can save money for a specific purpose.

For example, if you are saving up for a big purchase like a car or a house, you can simply name the pot after the thing you’re saving for, then put money into it whenever you can. This will help to motivate you to save up for the things you want while providing a simple way to designate funds for a specific purpose. 

If you are interested in neo-banking, or perhaps if you’re skeptical about the whole thing, you can find out more by researching neo-banks for yourself. 

2. Invest Wisely

Anyone can invest their money, no matter what kind of budget you have. Even if you invest $5 per week in something, you will still see returns on this in the long term. Remember that financial organization is often about spending small amounts of money to see long term returns, rather than constantly keeping your cash under wraps.

Here are a few ways to make wise investments to better your financial organization in the long term.

• Trade on the stock market. This requires a little research and some practice before you can make any serious money, but many people supplement their income this way over long periods of time. While you may hear about the benefits of the S & P 500 or how well Bitcoin is doing right now, research is crucial to understanding how you can make the most of this type of stock. There are many different options, so you can invest as much as you are comfortable with, but you have to learn how much risk there is in a certain project. This is why some people prefer to day trade, as they can dip in and out of the market during one day. Remember, you should never trade more than you can stand to lose, so don’t go throwing half your income into the stock market just yet.

 

• Invest in property. One way of organizing your money for positive returns is by diversifying your portfolio. Investing in property is a great way to inject some of your cash into assets, making it more secure and tying up your money in something concrete. Plus, you can reap rewards if you invest carefully.

3. Go Back To Basics

Sometimes the basics are the best. Here are a couple of basic steps to help you be more organized with your money in 2021!

• Making a spreadsheet of your income and expenditures will help you to focus on what you can cut down on, creating a tighter budget and saving yourself money this year. 

• Go back to using checks. Checks, available to buy at cheapochecks.com, are a great way of keeping a physical record of big expenditures that you can easily file away.

• Use cash. A weekly budget of cash withdrawn from your bank account allows you to keep track very easily of what you are spending. Sometimes it is easy to overspend if you are just swiping your card every time; it’s easier to keep track with physical money.

4. Make Long-Term Plans

One way to help yourself be more financially motivated is by making long-term plans. If you assess your income and prospective income for the next five-to-ten years, you can begin to figure out the next steps you could take to diversify your assets and achieve your goals.

These goals could be to own your own home, start a business, pay off your student debt or become totally debt-free in the next five or ten years. These goals sound simple, but they are difficult to achieve without financial motivation and organization. You have to stay on target every single day to make serious improvements to your financial situation. 

If you are interested in making long term financial plans, meet with your accountant or a financial advisor who can assess your situation and provide insights. By working with a professional on these goals of yours, you can begin to make solid, practical steps towards achieving them. Plus, you’ll avoid making mistakes when it comes to investing or saving money.

Final Thoughts

Being better with money takes discipline, but anyone can achieve it, no matter whether you are naturally talented with money or not. Use this guide as a starting point to help you propel your financial organization into a brighter future!

How To Make Your Roof More Environmentally Friendly

When it comes to being more environmentally friendly, there are many different things you can do in your daily life. You could drive less and walk more; you could make an extra effort to recycle; you could pick up litter when you go for a walk; you can wash your clothes at a lower temperature and dry them naturally; and much more. 

 

Something you might not have considered is that your roof can be more environmentally friendly too. Here are some ideas to make that a reality and ensure you are helping the planet all day, every day. 

Solar Panels 

Solar panels use the energy from the sun to make electricity. This can then be used throughout your home which means you’ll have to use less – or perhaps none at all – of the electricity from elsewhere. Since solar panels convert the sun’s energy and not its heat, it doesn’t even matter if you live somewhere that doesn’t see that much sun; solar panels will still work.

 

Solar panels are installed on the roof, hence why they can help to make your roof more environmentally friendly. In some cases, you can even sell your excess electricity back to the providers and not only benefit from what you’re making but earn some money too. 

 

Collect Rainwater 

Rainwater is a natural resource that we often don’t think about using at all. In fact, when we do think about it, it’s usually because we’re complaining, upset that it has ruined our plans for the day. Yet rainwater is extremely beneficial, and gathering it when you can is a great idea. Note: It's not legal to collect rainwater in all areas of the world, so you need to check your local regulations.

 

Rainwater doesn’t contain any of the chemicals that water from your faucet will, making it purer. It is also free (although you will need to invest in specialist purification equipment if you intend to drink it), and, if you’re using rainwater in your daily life, you’ll be using less of the municipal water source and leaving more for others. 

 

To collect rainwater, you should have a specially made barrel into which your rainwater can fall. It will be best placed under your gutters so that it fills the bucket quickly when it rains. This will mean ensuring that you have regular professional eavestrough cleaning and gutter maintenance so that your water runs easily and without contamination. 

 

Insulation 

Don’t forget that there are two sides to your roof; inside and outside. The outside is something you can have checked over regularly – and you should – and you’ll soon notice if there are any problems such as broken tiles or if your solar panels need readjusting. 

 

The inside, however, is a different matter and can easily be forgotten. This is why it’s crucial to check in your attic or roof space to ensure that all is well. Something you’ll certainly want to check is your insulation. The insulation in your roof will help to regulate the temperature in your home, and it will stop you from losing heat in the winter and trapping heat in the summer. If either of these things happens, you’ll find you will use more energy because you have to keep your home at a constant temperature, something that is impossible if your insulation is not doing its job. 

 

The more energy you use – either heating or cooling – the worse it is for the environment and your bank account. If your insulation is of high quality and in place, you’ll be saving money as well as doing your part to be more eco-friendly. 

Things to consider before investing in a foreign property

Real estate is one of the most common investments, for the very simple reason that it is incredibly lucrative. Perhaps you've already got a home, or you are considering investing in another property to rent out. But you may be also looking at venturing further overseas. Many people invest in property overseas, and it can be incredibly lucrative, especially when it's in the desired location as long as you can afford it so make sure you have checked a mortgage calculator based on your income for where you are looking to buy, this makes sure you understand the costs this is going to have for you. But some people hear horror stories about a property not being finished in time, or the builders causing problems, ultimately resulting in investors losing thousands of dollars. So before you sell your home or expand your portfolio, what does it take to invest wisely in a property overseas?

Really Think About the Right Location

The temptation from an investor’s perspective would be to find a market that is up-and-coming, and cheap. But this could very well fall flat on its face. Because, after all, you are relying on the rumor more than anything. It is far better to go for an established market, especially when you are a first-time investor. When you see a house for sale in another country, take the time to see if it is an established location. Mortgage providers will look more favorably on properties in areas with a proven rental market. As nice as it is to be investing in a property, based in a beautiful location, it's got to be a sure thing, investment-wise.

Remember the Taxes and Exchange Rates

As romantic a notion as investing abroad is, you must consider the different tax rules to each country. It's vital to get to grips with each country's tax rules before you purchase anything. Countries have their own additional taxes, sometimes known as Stamp Duty. If you are using this property as a rental, and are charging money to tenants, it's important to speak to a tax advisor to get a clear picture of how your overseas investments could impact your tax obligations. It's a great idea in theory, but if you are paying more money in taxes than you are making in rent, you will either have to increase the rent and run the risk of losing out on good tenants, or think about getting rid of the property altogether. In addition to this, you have to factor in the exchange rates. You might be savvy when it comes to the exchange rates, but it's a good idea to use a specialist that can figure out the best way to transfer payments, minimizing the chances of your money being lost in poor exchange rates.

Understanding the Local Area

Investing in a property in another country is not just about getting a feel for the place. You need to use a legal specialist who has knowledge of the local property market. There are law firms that specialize in properties overseas, and it's important to find these individuals because they will have an understanding of the destination, as well as the financial assistance. You can always choose a legal firm based in your chosen destination, but make sure you keep the lines of communication open. It's a little thing, but you need to be aware of things getting lost in translation. This is especially true when it comes to legal documents. If you are investing in a country where you have no knowledge of the lingo, it might be best to have somebody that is able to liaise so you can get the best deals, as well as make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.

Investing in a New Development

If you decide to invest in a development where the properties are yet to be built, you need to communicate with the developer. You need them to show you some of the recent projects. If there's no information online, or they are not able to show you anything they've done recently, you need to hold back on transferring any cash to the developer. You need to make sure that there is a clause in the contract that states you will get any money back if the development is not completed. It sounds like a fantastic idea to invest in a property, especially if it is a new one with modern materials. But this can be dangerous and can result in you not getting any money back if you don't cover yourself.

Do it right, and investing in a property can be very lucrative. Do it wrong, and it can land you in heaps of trouble, financially, professionally, and in terms of your reputation.

7 Tips on How to Start Saving Money

Sometimes, getting started is the hardest thing about saving your money. However, saving is an achievable goal. It only requires commitment and having financial discipline. Regardless of the amount you earn, you can achieve your short-term and long-term financial goals.

To realize your financial goals, you need to develop a realistic and simple strategy. The following is a step-by-step guide on how you can successfully save money for your future.

1.       Determine your Expenses

The first step to start saving your money is to determine the amount you spend. Ensure you keep track of your expenditures. Once you have the figures, classify the figures based on the categories of your expenditures.

After classifying the figures, get the total amount. You can use your bank and credit card statements to obtain accurate data. You can also use spending trackers such as digital programs or mobile apps to help you automate these figures.

2.       Budget your Savings

Once you have developed an idea of what you spend monthly, start organizing your detailed expenditures in a workable budget. The budget should be based on your monthly income. Developing a budget enables you to strategize your spending and reduce any overspending.

Your budget should also consider regular expenses that do not occur every month, for instance, car maintenance. Aim to save at least 10-15 percent of your total income.

3.       Develop Methods for Reducing your Expenses

If your expenditures are too high, you should consider developing some mechanisms to reduce them. You can identify and reduce the budget for non-essential expenses such as dinner outs and entertainment. You can also reduce your expenses by reducing your fixed monthly expenses like cell phone subscriptions and television packages.

4.       Set your Savings goals and Objectives

Setting a savings goal is a strategic way of saving money. Establish the short-term and long-term goals you would like to achieve. These goals may include marriage, vacation, and retirement plans. Determine the amount of money you need and the approximate period you need to save it.

If you are saving money for your kid’s education or for your retirement, it is recommendable for you to open an investment account. You can also enquire info on retirement planning on high-income earners from online sources. Ensure your goals are realistic and achievable.

5.       Determine your Priorities

Besides your income and expenses, your goals should also determine your savings allocation. Learn to prioritize your savings.

6.       Select Appropriate Tools

Use your savings goals to determine the most appropriate channel of savings. Some tools are ideal for long-term goals (such as retirement), while others are ideal for short-term goals. These tools include savings accounts and insurance programs.

7.       Automate your Saving 

Most of the banks offer automated transfers. Automated bank transfers facilitate convenience and discipline in saving.

Conclusion

Saving money for future use is an achievable goal. You only need to develop a smart and workable strategy based on your income. To successfully realize your long-term and short-term goals, stay committed and focus on your saving strategy.

Date Night--Have one weekly! (Plus Ideas for Cheap Dates)

Check out some great stay-at-home date night ideas here!

My husband's co-workers can't get over the fact that we go on a date EVERY week (alternating between at-home and going-out date nights). He gets comments like, "What do you DO week after week?"
Honestly, I understand their confusion because a couple years ago, I would've said the same thing. But since date night has morphed into this new and amazing thing--so different from what our date nights used to be--I don't know how we used to live without it.

My husband and I on a date

My husband and I had a few important realizations that led to making weekly date night a priority:

1. Our spouse is the most important human on the planet. Our relationship with them will affect every other aspect of our happiness, including our children and family as a whole. Our relationship thrives when we set aside time to communicate with each other.

2. We both need to unplug and get stress-free time away from our work, routines, technology, etc.

3. It's too easy to get caught in the thick of thin things and never take time out to evaluate our lives, goals, and dreams. What better time to discuss our "big-picture" plans than with our most trusted friend and advisor?

Why We Go Out

First of all, if doing date night at home is effective (or more affordable) for you, I FULLY support that. Own it. Discuss with your spouse how to make at-home date nights most meaningful.

Personally, I find that my mind and body are able to relax and rejuvenate more effectively when I leave my job site, which happens to be my home.

Budgeting

You know I'm a budgeter. Hard-core. But budgeting is NOT about spending as little as possible on everything, it's about putting your money towards whatever is most important to you and letting other things go. Date Night is a priority for me, so I am willing to give up other things (clothes, home decor, vacations, etc.).

Date Night Ideas

For cheap dates, we use gift cards and/or deal websites. Here's a few of our dates:

Hiking--my personal fav

Bowling (way more fun as a double-date)

Cheesy Arcade

Rock Climbing

For me, the most enjoyable dates are the ones that allow us plenty of time to talk while trying fun, new things together.

Finding a Babysitter

We do babysitting swaps sometimes, but we usually hire a babysitter. If you're new to a major metropolitan area and don't know any babysitters, check out UrbanSitter. Hiring a babysitter online seemed sketchy to me, but we used UrbanSitter last week and had a good experience with both the site and the babysitter. Here's what I liked most:
(1) These babysitters are background-checked AND vetted by other families. You can read reviews about them and/or link your social media accounts to see which babysitters your friends recommend.
(2) You can scroll through a list of babysitters and check out their profiles, including a video of them. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million.
(3) You can schedule online.
(4) YOU CAN PAY BY CREDIT CARD. As someone who lives for my 2% cash back, this was awesome.
If you're interested in trying out UrbanSitter, they're hooking up our MHM readers with a free month of membership--use the code FORFREETRIAL.

And that, my friends, is why I love date night. 

What's your idea of a perfect date night?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

What You Should (AND SHOULD NOT!) Insure

Okay, we have officially left the realm of "What is absolutely the only correct way to do things" and entered the land of "What Lisa believes, due to what she was taught by her CPA dad, college personal finance professor, and a bunch of other really smart people." Meaning, this is my own personal opinion. What you decide to insure or not insure is your personal decision since you're the one who will have to live with the consequences so don't sue me. Seriously, don't. :)

So here is my take on what you should and should not insure. It can be summed up in one brief sentence: INSURE ONLY WHAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE.

What do I mean by that?

Holiday Shopping: Four Money-Saving Websites You Should Know About

It's that time of year again. In honor of Black Friday, let us show you how to do your holiday shopping, Money Hip Mamas style. :) Here are four money-saving website your should know about and how to use them to their full advantage.

1- Ebates - Get Extra Cash Back for Shopping Online

My tech-savvy husband first introduced me to