As a personal finance blogger, I often get asked the question of which is better; a joint account or separate accounts for couples. So today I’m going to look at the 3 options for this. I say 3 because another option is to do both (which is what my husband and I do). There are pros and cons to each and there are situations where each will be best. So if you’re debating on what to do with finances in your relationship, check this out.

Read more »

How to Be More Productive

 

#1 Put It In Writing

Writing everything down is a great way to ensure it’s always out of your head so there’s less chaos and clutter in your mind. I have a yearly checklist of things that need done, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily. This also makes it super easy when you are filling in your planner (GET A PLANNER!). I never have to worry about when something needs serviced because I know when I get to that time in my planner, the reminder is there. In order to manage your life and your time the best way possible, you must have it all down in writing. Whether it’s writing your daily tasks down for the day when you get in your office, or making a to do list on your phone for the things you need to do as soon as you get home, get it all written down.

Read more »

Practical Ways To Maintain Your Kitchen Cabinets And Drawers

 
The kitchen is where you prepare meals, gather with family and friends, and create memories that last a lifetime. However, with all the activity in the kitchen, it's no surprise that it can quickly become untidy. Keeping your kitchen cabinets and drawers organized is a simple and effective way to improve the functionality of your kitchen and reduce stress. This article will explore four simple ways to keep your kitchen cabinets and drawers organized.


Label your cabinets and drawers

Image credit 

Labeling your cabinets and drawers can be a helpful way to keep track of where everything belongs. You can use a label maker or write labels by hand using sticky notes or tape. Labeling can help you and your family members quickly find what they need and put items back in their proper place. If you have multiple cabinets or drawers that serve a similar purpose, use color coding to differentiate them. For example, use a red label for all your baking supplies and a blue label for all your cooking supplies.


Use drawer dividers and organizers


Drawer dividers and organizers can help you separate and categorize your items, making it easier to find what you need. You can find a variety of drawer dividers and organizers at home goods stores or online. For instance, you can use a utensil tray to separate your silverware, a spice rack to organize your spices, or a pot lid organizer to keep your lids in one place. You can also use dividers to separate kitchen towels, oven mitts, and other linens, so feel free to consider this.


Install shelf risers and lazy Susans


Shelf risers and lazy Susans are two items that can help maximize the vertical space in your kitchen cabinets. Shelf risers can help you create extra space in your cabinets, allowing you to store more items. Lazy Susans are rotating platforms that make it easy to access items in the back of your cabinets without digging through everything in front. You can use shelf risers to stack plates, bowls, and cups or to store small appliances like blenders and mixers. Lazy Susans are perfect for storing spices, oils, and vinegar or classifying your baking supplies like sprinkles and cupcake liners.


Declutter and donate

Image credit 

Decluttering is a crucial step toward organizing your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Consider going through them and removing any items that you no longer use or need. This includes kitchen tools, appliances, and expired food items. Once you have decluttered, consider donating items in good condition to a local charity. Not only will decluttering make your kitchen feel more spacious, but it can also help with termite control. Termites are attracted to areas with moisture and food sources, and cluttered cabinets and drawers can provide both. Removing excess items can reduce the likelihood of an infestation in your kitchen.


Keeping your kitchen cabinets and drawers organized can help you save time and make your kitchen more functional and efficient. And while it may seem daunting, it is achievable. Hopefully, you’ll consider these tips for the desired outcome.

| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |

Smart Ways to Grow Your Savings Right Now

 

Pexels - CCO Licence

Are you looking for ways to grow your wealth and increase your financial security? Even if you have plenty of money to spare, it's never a bad idea to look for ways to grow your savings and investments. Here are some tips to help you do just that:


Invest in stocks or other assets


Investing your money in stocks or other assets can be a great way to grow your wealth over time. Consider working with a financial advisor to build a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. With a solid investment strategy, you can watch your money grow and achieve your financial goals faster. Whether you’re investing in government bonds or learning how to trade Fantom, the more money you invest and the smarter your investments are, the more money you will accrue for the future.


Use a high-yield savings account


While investing can be a great way to grow your wealth, it's important to have some cash on hand for emergencies or unexpected expenses. Consider opening a high-yield savings account that offers higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. This can help your cash reserves grow faster while keeping your money easily accessible.


Automate your savings


Automating your savings can be a great way to ensure that you're putting money away on a regular basis by taking away the temptation to spend. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month, or consider using an app that rounds up your purchases and deposits the difference into your savings account. This can help you save without even thinking about it.


Start a business or invest in startups


If you're looking for a more hands-on approach to growing your wealth, starting a business or investing in startups can be a great option. This can be a risky venture, but with the right idea and team, it can lead to significant financial rewards. Be sure to do your research and seek advice from experts in the field before taking the plunge.


Consider real estate investments


Real estate investments can be another great way to grow your wealth over time. Whether you're interested in rental properties, commercial real estate, or house flipping, real estate can offer solid opportunities. Consider working with a real estate agent or investment firm to find the right opportunities for your goals and budget.

Pexels - CCO Licence

Build a passive income stream


Creating a passive income stream can be a great way to grow your wealth over time. This could include rental income from real estate investments, dividend income from stocks, or royalties from creative works such as books or music. Look for opportunities to create a recurring income stream that requires minimal effort on your part.


Give back to the community


While giving back to the community may not seem like a way to grow your wealth, it can actually be a great way to build relationships and connections that can lead to financial benefits. Consider volunteering your time or donating to causes you're passionate about. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might arise as a result.


Network and build relationships


Building relationships is key to growing your wealth, whether it's through networking events, social media, or community involvement. By building a strong network of professionals and like-minded individuals, you can learn about new opportunities, gain valuable insights, and make connections that can help you achieve your financial goals.


Set financial goals


Setting clear financial goals can help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards growing your wealth. Whether you're saving for retirement, building a nest egg for your children, or simply aiming to achieve financial independence, having a clear goal in mind can help you make smarter financial decisions and stay on track towards achieving your dreams.


Don't forget about estate planning


Finally, as you grow your wealth, it's important to think about estate planning. This includes creating a will, establishing trusts, and taking other steps to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Be sure to work with a reputable estate planning attorney and update your plans regularly to reflect any changes in your circumstances.


Even if you have money to spare once all of your bills are paid each month, there are always ways to grow your wealth and increase your financial security to build an even more secure future for you and your family. By doing as many of the above as possible - be sure to talk to a financial adviser who has your best interests at heart first - you can build your wealth and achieve your financial goals faster. So, get started today and watch your money grow!

| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |

16 Clever Ways to Spend Money Now and Save Big Later

 
In today's economy, it is more important than ever to make smart financial decisions. One way to do this is to spend your money in a way that will save you money down the road. Here are 16 clever ways to spend money now and save big later!

Photo by Frugal Flyer on Unsplash

Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and dryers can take up a lot of electricity, but there are energy efficient options available that can save you money on your utility bills for years to come.

Upgrade Your Insulation

Upgrading the insulation in your home or office is one of the best investments you can make for long-term savings. Not only will it help keep your space warm in winter and cool in summer, but it also has the potential to reduce your energy bill significantly.

Buy Quality Furniture

Investing in quality furniture may be more expensive upfront, but it will last longer than cheap alternatives, saving you money over time by not needing frequent replacements.

Plant-Based Nutrition

Making the switch to plant-based nutrition is a great way to save money in the long run. Plant-based meals are often cheaper than those that include animal products, and they have been linked to numerous health benefits like improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease. For example, Juice Plus is a vegan supplement that can help you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Purchase Home Maintenance Supplies

Having a variety of home maintenance supplies on hand can help you address some small repair issues before they become full-blown problems. This not only saves time but it also helps avoid costly repairs in the long run.

Invest in Quality Clothing

Investing in quality clothing items may seem expensive upfront, but it will save you money over time by not needing frequent replacements. Plus, higher quality clothing tends to last longer, which means you'll get more use out of it.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bill by allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can lower the temperature at night or when you're away from home to reduce energy consumption.

Take Public Transportation or Ride a Bike

When possible, take advantage of public transportation or ride a bike instead of driving. This not only saves money on gas, but it also reduces your carbon footprint.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures like shower heads and faucets are designed to use less water than traditional fixtures, which can help you save money on your water bill.

Buy a Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are an inexpensive way to collect and store rainwater for use in your garden or lawn later. Not only is this an environmentally-friendly option, but it also saves you money by reducing the amount of water you need to purchase from the city.

Make Your Own Cleaners

Making your own cleaners at home is not only better for the environment, but it’s also much cheaper than purchasing commercial products. All you need is some basic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice and a few essential oils to make your own all-purpose cleaner that will last several months before needing to be replaced.

Buy in Bulk

Buying food, toiletries and other household items in bulk can often save you money over time because the cost per item is lower when purchased in large quantities. Plus, it’s more convenient and sustainable because buying fewer products reduces packaging waste.

Use Reusable Bags

Using reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags is an easy way to save money over time. Not only will you avoid having to purchase new single-use bags each time you go shopping, but you'll also be doing your part for the environment by reducing plastic pollution.

Invest in Quality Tools and Supplies

Investing in quality tools and supplies may seem expensive upfront, but it will save you money over time by not needing frequent replacements. Plus, higher quality tools are often more durable and efficient than cheaper alternatives, making them a great long-term investment.

Make Your Own Gifts

Making your own gifts is an easy way to show someone you care while also saving money. It can be as simple as baking cookies or putting together a photo album of your favorite memories together – the options are endless! Plus, homemade gifts tend to have much more meaning behind them than store bought ones.

Take Advantage of Free Resources

Taking advantage of free resources can save you money on things such as entertainment and education. For example, many museums offer free admission days, libraries have a wide variety of books and movies to borrow for free, and there are plenty of online tutorials if you want to learn something new.

Photo by Mihai Surdu on Unsplash

Saving money doesn't have to be difficult. With a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you can start to see small savings that add up over time. From learning how to budget and shop smarter to investing in quality items, there are many ways you can save money and live more sustainably.

| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |

How To Save Money On Your Closet This Year

Clothing costs money and it’s something that not every household or individual has a lot to spend on. Budgeting your closet is something that can be achieved easily if you know how to do it. A big benefit of saving money on your closet is that there are some tips that will help better the environment as a result.


If you’re looking to save some money on your closet this year, here are some top tips worth taking on board.

Image Source

Invest in good quality footwear

Footwear is something that you want to splurge on. Even though it’s a cost upfront, it’s something that will pay off in the future. Buying cheap footwear that you’re using every day or on a weekly basis, is going to lead to footwear that falls apart a lot quicker.


When you invest in good quality footwear, like men's Alden Indy Boots, you’re investing your money into shoes that are going to last for a long time. That means fewer soggy socks and wet feet from soles that have come away from the shoe!
Wash your clothes according to the care label

It’s important to take a look at your care label when it comes to saving money on your closet. Washing your clothes is something that will help keep your clothes lasting longer if you follow the care instructions properly.


For example, putting certain clothing in a dryer might be a big no-no or there may be certain clothing that should be washed at a specific temperature. Be careful to wash your clothes carefully so you get the most out of them.
Embrace a capsule closet

A capsule closet is something that you should certainly take advantage of. This is something that you definitely want to look at doing when it comes to saving money because a capsule closet is all about limiting the amount of clothing that you have.


Utilizing a few different pieces and then swapping them in and out with other pieces, can help you get dozens of outfits with just a handful of clothing.
Sell your old clothes for extra cash

When cash is limited, it’s always worthwhile to see what’s lying around in your own closet currently before you go buying anything else. You may find that there are some clothes that you can sell and make some extra cash with.


That’s ideal for when you fancy buying something new but don’t necessarily have the funds to do so. There’s always going to be something in your closet that you can get rid of too.
Shop out of season

To save money, look at shopping out of season. Want to get some fall outfits for next fall? Buy them in the winter or in a new year sale. By shopping for them out of season, you’re going to get them for a much-discounted price as a result. It’s a great way to save some money for future purchases.


Saving money on your closet is a must for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on clothing this year.

| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |