Articles

The Best Time To Buy Popular Items

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What do stone crabs, strawberries, and big screen TVs have in common? They all have seasons. Just like fresh seafood and produce, there is an optimum time to purchase just about anything. Here are a few frequently purchased items and the best time to buy them! Airfare When it comes to purchasing airfare, there are a number of theories regarding when you should book your tickets. Some may think that waiting until the last minute will help ensure the best deal possible. Others may believe that purchasing a ticket at least 2 months in advance is the way to go....
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Step 2: Set Up a Budget

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This month we move on to creating a budget. Admittedly, the “B” word can be scary and intimidating. We think of a budget as a prison, and fear tempts us to jailbreak. In reality, a budget is more like a nav system. You decide where you want to go (your financial goal), key in the critical information (all the info you gathered in Step One) and allow the budget to be your guide. You can follow the prescribed itinerary or you can take the scenic route – it all depends upon how soon you want to arrive at your destination....
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Wildlife Webcams – A View into a Mysterious World

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Albert Einstein once said, “look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better”. With today’s technology, you can quite literally observe every different type of wildlife anywhere around the world. With the use of wildlife cams, commissioned by conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts, it is possible to watch everything happen, from a nest of bald eagle eggs hatching, to a colony of sea lions basking in the sun on the shores of a San Francisco beach. Some of the best wildlife cams happen to be on America’s public parks.  High atop the branches of the tulip poplar trees within the...
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Take Control of Your Money – A 12 Step Guide to Financial Fitness

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When was the last time you balanced your checkbook? Do you manage your money by checking your online balance multiple times a week, hoping you have enough for groceries? If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time for a financial intervention. In true self-help style, we’re giving you a twelve-step guide to organizing your finances. Each month we’ll give you one step to tackle, so the program won’t be overwhelming or take too much time. The program begins this month, so by this time next year, you’ll have it all under control. STEP 1.  AUDIT YOUR SPENDING HABITS We’ll give...
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Nifty, Thrifty Valentine

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Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember by breaking from tradition without breaking the bank. These money saving tips show that the best recipe for a cheap and fun valentine’s day is equal parts creativity and love. Homemade cards The first ever Valentine’s Day message was sent in 1477 by a Miss Margery Brews to John Paston, and within it she described her beau as “my right well beloved Valentine”. Still today, there’s nothing simpler yet more meaningful than a homemade card.  It’s simple and time saving, since construction paper, scissors, and glitter are craft drawer staples, especially if you...
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Five Things Millennials Should Know Before Filing Taxes

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Tax time is here again. Are you prepared? We've created a top 5 list of things Millennials should know before filing taxes. You're totally going to want to read this one. It's full of commonly overlooked deductions that could potentially save you hundreds. Do we have your attention? Of course! So, before you head out to your certified tax preparer, make sure to read this entire article. Tax prep fee deduction is a thing. Number one on our list of things Millennials should know before filing taxes, is that tax prep fees are deductible. Say what? Yes, you read that correctly. If you...
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Super Bowl Super Savings; Party Planning on the Cheap

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Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching. And whether you’re planning a small gathering for a few friends or a block party, you still want to save a buck or two. It’s easy to get carried away with food and drink purchases, and all the extras in between. So, to keep costs from spiraling out of control, here are some tips to help you score a touchdown for your savings while planning a Super Bowl extravaganza.  Start with a budget Set strict budgetary restrictions and stick to them. This will ease any stress on your bank account, give you piece of...
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Consistent Exercise: How to Keep the Habit

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We all know proper fitness is essential to having a holistic lifestyle. Not only does healthy living help your body in the physical sense, it also does wonders for one's self-esteem. The best part is, you don't even have to be a super athletic person to practice consistent exercise. Our post will cover all things necessary to keep the habit, day in and day out. Consistent exercise starts now. You heard us. Now. As in now, now. There's no more waiting for Monday. A consistent exercise habit requires the proper mindset and starts with a desire for change. So, get ready....
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Millennials and Money: Tips for Retiring as a Multi-Millionaire

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The statistics are disturbing: older Millennials – those born in the early 1980s – will need to stash approximately $1.8 million for their retirement, and younger Millennials – those born in the 1990s – will need more than $2.5 million. That’s not the disturbing part, however. The most distressing statistic is that currently 57% of the Millennial generation hasn’t even begun to think about saving for retirement. Entrepreneur John Rampton cites these and other statistics in his October 2016 article in Inc.com. He notes that although Millennials believe they will have a better retirement than past generations, they are overlooking...
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Life Goals: 12 Months to a Better You

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To begin, we all want to improve ourselves. Be it our health, finances, or even world experiences, we aim to have better life goals. As much as we desire to have all the good things in life, consequently, most of us don't know how. What if there was a simple list of 12 months to a better you? Well, coincidentally (never mind that you totally knew it was coming), we have one for just you. Continue reading to understand how life goals begin with forming good habits. Why the month by month approach? I'm sure you've heard, it takes 21 days to form a habit. Fortunately...
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