Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

12 Ways to Spend $1,000


Imagine $1,000 falls into your lap. How would you spend it? Or would you save it? Here are some ideas on what you should do with that extra cash.


Kick Debt Out the Door.

Take the responsible option and get rid of that $865 balance remaining on your credit card. This option may not be the most adventurous route, but it will definitely be a weight off your shoulders. It could also add an extra $50 to your monthly disposable income and you can say "Good-bye" to interest.

700/300

Ever heard of the 700/300 ratio? Me either, but this option may work the best for you. Pay off some debt with $700 and have some fun with $300; a conservative approach with a spin.

Upgrade Your Wardrobe.

This may be a great opportunity for you to upgrade your wardrobe. Maybe purchase a new suit or that new purse you’ve been eyeing at your favorite high-end store. A new suit or new purse are style staples and can also come in handy when you need to look professional.

Quick Getaway, Anyone?

Sometimes we just need a break to relax, recharge, and getaway. Use $1,000 for exactly this. Purchase a roundtrip flight, or gas up your car and head towards that destination you’ve always wanted to visit. Spend a couple nights in a hotel, experience the culture, eat some delicious food, and then make your way back home.


Save, Save, SAVE!

Some people may consider this a less exciting option, but for those who want to play it safe – invest your $1,000 in a money market account or share certificate. Make that  money work for you!
 

Electronic Upgrade, Please!

It seems like every day there is a new upgrade available for your laptop or your cell phone. Maybe it’s time to upgrade your computer. If it weighs over five pounds, then it’s time to get rid of that desktop still using dial-up and invest in a new laptop. Upgrading your cell phone to the latest and greatest is always useful and, well, fun! Our society uses and relies on mobile devices more and more every day. You can make purchases by paying with your phone, find your location within seconds, or take a photo - all on your 5in x 3in device. It’s a good idea to invest in something so present and usable in today’s age.

Save It for that Unexpected Expense that WILL Come Up Next Month.

This seems to always happen. You get some extra money, spend it, and then shortly after you conveniently get a flat tire. Well, say “NO” to that unexpected expense by saving your spare $1,000. When you find yourself at the dentist with a $500 bill, okay let’s be real, a $900 bill, guess what? You can cover that no prob. Be prepared for these situations that conveniently hit you at the most inconvenient times.

Redecorating; Hello New Walk-In Closet!

Tired of staring at that old couch? Are your wooden floors starting to look like potential firewood? Time to consider a mini-home remodel! Use your extra $1,000 to do some spring cleaning around your house. Maybe organize your closet, hire someone to shampoo your carpets, replace some old furniture, or hire a landscaper to make your backyard a jungle of beautiful vegetation. Did we hear some say, "Pool Day"?

Continuing Education.

Dust off your thinking cap and enroll in some classes to further your skillset. Maybe learn a new language, improve your graphic design skills, or take some cooking classes. Improve yourself mentally by taking on a new challenge.

Healthy YOU!

Take advantage of your extra cash by hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym. Gyms can be on the expensive side, add a personal trainer and a new diet and watch that total grow. Clean up your diet by purchasing organic or shopping at your local grower’s market. Your body will thank you!

Donate.

Give your extra cash to a charitable organization of your choice. The money will be much appreciated and you’ll feel good knowing you contributed to a worthy cause. Go all out and donate some of your time too!

Invest in a New Hobby.

 

Always wanted to learn pottery? Maybe gardening is more up your alley? Well the moment you’ve been waiting for is here – take on a new hobby with your spare cash. Escape your daily routine by cycling through the mountains or canoeing down the nearest river.


There are a lot of ways to spend $1,000. Just remember to weigh out the pros and cons, and make a decision that is right for you and your financial situation.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Vacay Without Breaking the Bank!

Summer is almost here which means a vacation is in order. How do we go about planning a vacation without breaking the bank? Here are some ideas:

1. ROAD TRIP! Gather the family (or friends) and hit the road. Make a stop at the Grand Canyon or Elitch Gardens and spend some time in nature or touring some shops and museums. Quality time with the fam or your closest pals is always a fun time.

2. Use Airbnb! For those of you who don't know, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 191 countries! Talk about some options. If you're home for the summer and looking to make some extra cash, put that spare bedroom on Airbnb and earn some money.

3.  Tour New Mexico. New Mexico is beautiful and if you like the outdoors, then you're in luck because you have a lot of options. White Sands, Santa Rosa Blue Hole, Carlsbad Caverns, camping in Ruidoso, zip-lining in Angel Fire...the list really goes on...be a local tourist!

4. STAY-cation. Yes, this is a thing and it's pretty fun. Here's the idea- you stay at home, but you act like you're on vacation which means no work, eating junk food, going to the pool, shopping, and watching movies until 2am. Affordable, yet still a vacation.

5. Camping. Grab your cooler and fill it with hotdogs, marshmallows - the necessities, and head for the mountains. Set up your tent, lay out your sleep bag, and tell your best spooky story. Camping is affordable and away from the city, so you still get that vacation-feel with the plus of nature for the weekend.

Summer is right around the corner, so remember, you can still vacay without spending thousands of dollars. A vacation can be a tent in the backyard or a movie marathon in your living room. Just remember to take some time off, relax, and maybe spend some quality time with your loved ones or pet!