Tag Archives: cash money

Aug14

6 Smart Ways To Lower The Cost Of Travel

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6 Smart Ways To Lower The Cost Of Travel

If you love to travel but hate the price tag that comes with it, then this guide is for you. We are going to look at some of the most brilliant ways people have come up with to lower the cost of flying overseas and experiencing new cultures and adventures. Here are some of the ways you can cut expenses without sacrificing trip quality:

Travel in the shoulder seasons:

If you’re looking to travel at a lower cost then going in the shoulder seasons is the obvious solution. February to May and September to November tend to be far cheaper, which is something you’ll notice if you regularly book flights throughout the year. What’s more, many destinations are still worth visiting during these shoulder seasons. Weather is often pleasant, avoiding extreme heat or cold.

Use flight deal alerts:

We’d also recommend using flight deal alerts to lower the cost of travel. For many trips, the cost of the flight is the biggest item and often larger than staying in accommodation, especially if you’re traveling to a long-distance destination. Signing up for airfare is easy these days. Just find your favorite flight aggregator and get them to send you their weekly newsletter. They can tell you which destinations will be cheaper to book for the following week, giving you more flexibility.

Win back money:

There are numerous competitions available these days that allow you to win back money on your travel expenses. Playing a lot of these on average can help you reduce the cost of your travel significantly and even enable you to get things that you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to obtain on a regular budget. The key here is volume. The more games you play, the more likely you are to win. Many games are free to enter.

Hack your accommodations:

Flights are usually the largest travel expense with accommodations coming in second. You can lower your budget significantly by looking into alternatives to conventional rentals or hotel stays. For example, you might sign up for a house-sitting platform or go to reputable hostels with private rooms. You could also look at short-term apartment rentals away from sightseeing hot spots. All of these options can significantly lower the price of staying in a particular city or location.

Travel light:

Another popular option is to travel light to avoid baggage fees. More people are mastering the art of packing everything they need into a single personal item-sized backpack. Most airlines won’t charge for this as long as it’s under around 7 kg. When you travel light, you avoid the hassle of stowing your regular baggage or having to pick it up from baggage collection. Usually, you can save around 10 to 15% of the price of a flight by traveling this way.

Eat like a local:

Finally, to seriously cut the cost of travel, you could skip the restaurants located directly next to major tourist monuments and go to the ones that the locals use instead. The best way to find these is to look for eateries outside the city center with hundreds of thousands of reviews on Google Maps.

^^^ Unsplash Image

Travel smarter and cheaper with the tips above! Bon voyage!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug7

What A Duty-Free Harbor Adds To The Value Of A Ring

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What A Duty-Free Harbor Adds To The Value Of A Ring

Jewelry shopping looks remarkably similar from one glass counter to the next: Velvet trays, loupes, and patient staff walking a customer through clarity grades and carat weights. But the industry behind that counter changes dramatically depending on where in the world it sits. Tax structures, sourcing relationships, certification customs, and even the pace of a sales conversation shift from region to region, and those differences quietly shape what a shopper actually gets for their money. Most buyers never think to ask why a ring costs less in one place than another or why an appraisal in one city looks different from one issued somewhere else. Understanding those regional mechanics reveals benefits that rarely make it into the conversation at the counter:

Why Geography Changes the Price Tag:

Duty and tax policy is one of the most consequential, least visible forces in retail jewelry. A diamond or gemstone that crosses an international border typically picks up import duties, value-added tax, or sales tax layered on top of the wholesale cost. In jurisdictions designated as duty-free, those layers disappear or shrink substantially, which is why certain ports and island territories have built entire retail districts around fine jewelry. The savings are not a gimmick or a markdown; they reflect a genuine difference in the cost structure a retailer operates under. A ring that would carry a noticeably higher final price in a heavily taxed market can be priced more competitively in a duty-free one, with the same materials and the same craftsmanship. Buyers who understand this distinction shop with more confidence, because they know the discount is structural rather than promotional.

Regional Expertise Built Around Specific Stones:

Certain regions develop deep, generational expertise in particular gemstones simply because of trade routes, historical ties, or proximity to cutting and polishing centers. A retailer in a region with strong ties to Colombian emerald trade routes tends to carry more emeralds and employ staff who can speak knowledgeably about clarity characteristics unique to that stone. A retailer near historic diamond cutting centers may have stronger access to well-cut, well-calibrated diamonds at competitive prices. This regional specialization means a buyer often gets better selection and more informed guidance on the stones a given area is known for, compared to a general jewelry counter with no particular concentration.

How Local Standards Shape Trust at the Counter:

Certification and appraisal practices are not identical everywhere and that variation matters more than most shoppers realize. Some regions have well-established networks of independent gemological labs that issue widely recognized grading reports, while others rely more heavily on in-house appraisals. Neither approach is inherently better, but understanding which is in play helps a buyer interpret the paperwork they receive. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission oversees how jewelers describe metal content, gemstone treatments, and pricing claims, which gives shoppers a consistent baseline of disclosure regardless of which state or territory they are in. That regulatory consistency is itself a regional advantage worth recognizing, since it means a buyer working with a retailer under that oversight can expect certain disclosures as a matter of course rather than as a courtesy.

Everyday Advantages Travelers Rarely Notice:

Some of the most meaningful regional benefits show up in ordinary, unglamorous ways. A traveler who spends an afternoon browsing st thomas jewelry stores, for instance, is shopping in a market shaped by decades of cruise tourism, duty-free status, and a concentration of retailers competing for a well-traveled, comparison-minded clientele. That competitive density tends to push service quality up: longer appointment times, more willingness to source a specific cut or setting on request, and staff accustomed to explaining grading terminology to buyers who may be shopping for fine jewelry only once every few years. None of this appears on a sign or a receipt, but it changes the actual experience of buying a piece. A buyer in a less concentrated market might find fewer options for immediate comparison, while one in a dense, tourism-driven district benefits from retailers who have every incentive to make the buying process transparent and unhurried.

What Regional Differences Mean for the Everyday Buyer:

Taken together, these regional distinctions add up to something buyers rarely articulate but often sense: the feeling that one jewelry shopping experience was smoother, more informative, or better priced than another, without quite knowing why. The reasons are structural. Tax policy determines baseline pricing. Trade history determines which stones a region handles with the most expertise. Regulatory environment determines what disclosures a buyer can expect as standard practice. Tourism density determines how competitive and service-oriented a local market becomes. None of these factors require a buyer to become an expert in international trade or gemology. They simply reward a little curiosity about where a piece is being purchased and why that place developed the retail character it has. A buyer who asks a jeweler about sourcing, certification, or how long the business has operated in that location often gets a richer answer than they expected, and a better sense of what makes that particular market distinctive.

Fine jewelry will always be judged first by the piece itself: the cut, the setting, the way a stone catches light. But the market surrounding that piece, shaped by geography, taxation, trade history, and regulation, plays a larger role in the buying experience than most people ever stop to consider!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun12

When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

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When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

Many people have their old jewelry tucked away in drawers, storage containers, and jewelry boxes. Some people’s pieces may have been gifts and others may have been left over from changing their fashion and preferences. Some may simply be broken or incomplete. While all of these items often remain out of sight for many years, they will still hold a lot of value. Deciding whether you want to keep or sell your old jewelry is a very personal choice. However, there are situations where selling may be the most practical and financially sensible thing to do.

Understanding the factors that are involved can assist individuals in making informed decisions about the pieces that they no longer wish to use:

Let every piece hold the same value:

One of the first things to consider is whether or not the jewelry is going to serve a purpose. Some pieces are going to carry sentimental value simply because they are connected to important memories, life events, and family members. The emotional significance will often outweigh any financial benefits that can be had from selling. Other items may have very little personal meaning. Broken chains, outdated designs, and single earrings may simply take up space without providing a lot of value in everyday life. Evaluating the role that each piece plays will make the decision a lot easier.

Changing financial priorities:

Life circumstances can change as time goes on. People may choose to save up for a major purchase, build an emergency fund, or pay off debt. In situations like these, selling unused valuables is going to provide access to funds without it having an effect on your everyday income. Jewelry that has not been worn for many years will often represent an asset that could be put towards your more immediate financial goals. This does not mean that every item needs to be sold, but it can be very worthwhile to understand what pieces are worth it for you.

Gold continues to hold value:

Unlike many consumer products that lose their value over time, precious metals will often retain their worth. Due to their material gold remains a sought after asset because of its long-standing role in investment and manufacturing. As a result, items that appear damaged or outdated may still have value based on the gold content. This is one reason why many individuals start to explore options for obtaining cash for gold when evaluating the unused jewelry in their collection. Understanding the value of precious metals will assist you making more informed decisions.

Consider both emotional and financial factors:

Before you sell your jewelry, it’s extremely important for you to think about financial and sentimental considerations. A piece may have a limited market value but be significant emotionally or vice versa. Taking the time to evaluate each item on an individual basis will help to prevent regret. In many cases, keeping a meaningful piece while selling unwanted items will give you a more balanced approach.

Old or damaged jewelry could be providing you extra funds for a rainy day. What’s in your jewelry box that you could sell?!

Featured Image By: Mian Shahzad Raza from Pixabay

Jun11

Conversations Families Should Have About College Costs

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Conversations Families Should Have About College Costs

For a lot of families, preparing for college involves a lot more than simply choosing a school and completing applications. One of the most important parts of the whole process is discussing how higher education will be funded. Unfortunately, a lot of families avoid having open conversations about college costs until those acceptance letters arrive, and this is not ideal because it can lead to confusion, disappointment, and a whole lot of financial stress. Having honest conversations as early on as possible is a much better idea because it means everyone can make informed decisions and develop realistic expectations. Here are some of the most important conversations every family should have about college costs:

Discuss what college really costs:

Many students focus primarily on tuition when thinking about college expenses. In reality, the total cost of attendance often includes:

  • Housing
  • Meal plans
  • Textbooks
  • Technology
  • Transportation
  • Activity fees
  • Personal expenses

The final cost can be significantly higher than the advertised tuition rate. Families should review complete cost estimates for each school being considered so there are no surprises later. Understanding the full picture helps students make more informed choices.

Be honest about family contributions:

A lot of students just assume that their parents will cover most, if not all, of their expenses, while a lot of parents assume that their kids understand their financial limitations, and this can lead to lots of misunderstandings that can create tensions in the family if expectations are not clearly established. Families should discuss:

  • Available college savings
  • Annual contributions
  • Financial limitations
  • Potential future changes in circumstances

Honesty helps everyone to plan more effectively, so it is much better to have those difficult conversations early on than it is to have to have a very stressful one further down the line.

Talk about student responsibilities:

Paying for college is often a shared effort. Students may contribute through:

  • Savings
  • Part-time employment
  • Summer jobs
  • Scholarships
  • Work-study programs

Discussing these expectations ahead of time helps students understand their role in the financial plan. It can also encourage valuable financial responsibility and budgeting skills. Clear expectations reduce confusion and help create accountability.

Explore scholarship opportunities together:

Scholarships are great because they can significantly reduce the costs of college for the average student, but many kids underestimate just how many opportunities are out there for them to explore. You should work together to identify the following:

  • Academic scholarships
  • Community scholarships
  • Merit-based awards
  • Industry-specific opportunities
  • Local funding programs

Applying for scholarships takes a lot of time and effort but the potential rewards are really worth it, so do not let your child slack off from doing so and be around to help them with it all if you possibly can. Remember that the sooner your student starts searching for scholarships, the more opportunities they will discover.

Understand financial aid options:

Financial aid can be confusing, particularly for first-time college families. Taking time to understand the various forms of assistance available can help reduce borrowing needs. Families should discuss:

  • Grants
  • Federal aid
  • Work-study programs
  • Institutional aid
  • State-based programs

Completing required financial aid applications as early as possible often improves access to available resources. Education about the process can prevent missed opportunities.

Have a conversation about student loans:

Loans are a reality for a lot of students heading off to college and their families, however, borrowing decisions are something that should be approached very carefully and with full understanding. Kids heading off to college and their parents should understand that money that is borrowed will eventually need to be repaid, and it will often take many, many years to do so. Topics that it will be worth discussing include:

  • Loan amounts
  • Interest rates
  • Repayment obligations
  • Future monthly payments
  • Expected career earnings

A lot of families explore private loan options like Ascent Funding Student Loans alongside other funding sources so that they can get a look at the whole picture and work out which options suit them best. If you are going to do that, you need to make sure you research all loan options thoroughly to get the best deals and the best funding for your family. It really pays to have the whole picture and explore every avenue. The goal is not simply securing funding but making informed borrowing decisions.

Compare cost versus value:

A common misconception is that the most expensive school automatically provides the best education. Families should evaluate:

  • Graduation rates
  • Job placement outcomes
  • Academic programs
  • Alumni networks
  • Financial aid packages
  • Total projected debt

A college that offers strong value may provide better long-term outcomes than a higher-priced alternative. Choosing a school should involve both educational and financial considerations.

Plan for all four years:

Many families focus heavily on first-year expenses but overlook the long-term picture. A financial plan should consider:

  • Annual tuition increases
  • Future housing costs
  • Ongoing living expenses
  • Potential changes in financial circumstances

Looking ahead can help prevent unexpected financial challenges later in a student’s academic journey. College financing is a marathon, not a sprint.

The more you discuss, the better chances you will have of ensuring your student gets to college and has a great time without getting into higher-than-necessary levels of debt. Being on the same page about what is and is not possible right from the start is crucial, so sit down and talk!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar26

10 Money Mistakes Most People Don’t Realize They’re Making

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10 Money Mistakes Most People Don’t Realize They’re Making

Most people believe they are good with money, able to manage their finances without issue, and ensure they have enough in the bank to keep their households running smoothly. But so many individuals make significant mistakes in regards to money management, consistently losing small amounts without noticing in a completely avoidable and unnecessary way. These mistakes are common, and are often so subtle that they go under the radar. Each error might only cost a small sum, but over time these issues can add up to a significant amount. Fixing these money mistakes and building good habits can lead to huge savings in the long run. The following article outlines ten of the biggest mistakes everyday people make when it comes to their finances, and some smart ways that you can avoid them and save money:

Not tracking everyday spending:

Small purchases quickly add up. If you are partial to a daily coffee shop beverage or a snack from your favorite deli, there is nothing wrong with the occasional treat. But if these little expenses become a regular occurrence, it’s easy to underestimate just how much they are setting you back. Track your spending with a budgeting app, making a note of everything you buy in a week and categorizing your purchases into groups, such as food and entertainment. This will make you more aware of where your money is going, and make you more mindful next time you go to grab your wallet.

Forgetting about subscriptions:

We all have regular subscriptions that suck money out of our bank accounts every month. From streaming services to gym memberships, some of these payments may be essential to your life and well-used. Others, on the other hand, could just be wasted money. Have a monthly review of your subscriptions, cancelling or pausing any that you don’t currently make use of.

Always renewing automatically:

A lot of people renew services like insurance and utilities automatically every year. This does reduce the headache of applying annually, but it almost certainly costs more than the alternatives. Rather than auto-renewing, compare deals from different providers to find the cheapest option. Loyalty means convenience but it doesn’t always translate to savings. Use comparison sites to find bargains and always pick the best value deal.

Not understanding financial agreements:

Too many individuals sign finance agreements without fully understanding the terms. This is commonplace, because most people have no comprehension of the complex jargon involved in legal documents and paperwork. There are often extra costs involved such as interest fees and admin charges that aren’t always clear upfront. It’s important to understand what you are signing up to, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure. When buying a vehicle, for example, many people explore options like car finance claims if they feel their initial agreements were unfair or unclear.

Relying too much on credit:

It’s so easy to get a credit card these days, putting all your expenses on plastic and not having to think about them until the end of the month. But such easy access is dangerous, as it often leads to major overspending. Not to mention the interest charges that increase the overall cost and the risk to your credit score which could impact later purchases such as cars or mortgages. Use credit carefully and make sure to pay all balances quickly.

Not having an emergency fund:

Unexpected expenses can arise when they are least wanted. Your car breaks down and you need a new one or your house floods and you have to replace all your furniture. Whatever it is, you’ll be thankful for an emergency fund in the bank. If you have the capability to put a little bit of money aside each month into an emergency pot, this can save you when problems arise in the future.

Overpaying for convenience:

Sometimes it’s easier to pay a little bit more money for the added convenience of a particular service. This might mean buying an expensive takeaway instead of preparing a home cooked meal. Or getting a taxi home from a night out rather than waiting for the bus. Sometimes convenience is essential, but it’s important to balance it with cost. If you can save money on the less speedy alternative, your bank account will thank you for it. This links back to the need for tracking your spending and being aware of where your money is going.

Ignoring small price differences:

Do you always buy the cheapest or best value option? The answer is probably not. But maybe you use these outlets for convenience or simply out of habit. The price differences from one place to another, or even between similar products, might seem negligible, but they can really accumulate over time. Try comparing prices and shopping smarter to reduce your expenses and have more money left over by the time your next paycheck arrives.

Neglecting maintenance and repairs:

Maintenance is a chore, whether it’s on your car, house, or appliances. But it is essential to keep items in good condition and prevent the risk of costly repairs cropping up down the line. Prevention is the best cost saving strategy. Inspect your home, vehicles, bikes, and other equipment regularly, teaching yourself how to perform basic maintenance and make minor repairs. For anything major, call in a professional. This will save you a fortune in the long run.

Not setting clear financial goals:

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not having financial goals, which can lead to unfocused spending and a lack of savings. Set yourself short term and long term targets, such as putting aside a certain sum of money every month or having enough to buy a new car by the end of the year. These goals will help you with financial management as they will give you motivation to make better decisions with your money.

Ready, set, save with the tips above!!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar23

Creating A Gaming Setup On A Budget

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Creating A Gaming Setup On A Budget

If you want to create a gaming setup on a budget but you’re not quite sure how to go about doing it, then this is the guide for you. Here you will find out what steps you can take to try and find out what you can do to cut back, without compromising your setup:

Game Online:

The best way for you to save money when trying to create a gaming setup is for you to game online. If you play online games, then you will find that you don’t often need as much hardware to power them, as they tend to be smaller in size. You may also find that by gaming online, you can cut down on the amount of physical copies you need to buy and an even bigger catalogue of games to pick from. After all, some games are not available on hard copy. If you have never played slots before, then this can be a great starting point, as you can claim welcome bonuses, and you can use them to play several games. If you want to play slots and casino games, check out https://jp88.my/slots.

Buy Second-Hand:


If you want to save money, then another thing you can do is buy second-hand options. If you opt for second-hand games and accessories, it’s easier than ever for you to not only get what you would like but do so on a budget. Buy sell trade stores for games and music are an excellent place to start. One thing to take note of is that you shouldn’t really buy second-hand computers online, because if you do, they might end up having issues that cost more to repair in the long run. With that said, you can buy upgrades for your existing PC, as you know where you stand with it, and you can make sure that you’re making solid choices that will benefit you later down the line.

Consider Accessories:

If you want to feel content with your gaming setup, then you may want to give some thought to accessories as well. Buying accessories from time to time can give your gaming experience a boost and allows you to make sure that you’re not blowing your budget. For example, simple accessories like buying a mouse mat for a mouse that’s not working as well as it could is a great way to avoid buying a new mouse. A headset is another good option as it can unlock a whole new style of playing with games that you already have.

Ready, set, game!

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Jan15

3 Things To Consider When Looking At Your Finances

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3 Things To Consider When Looking At Your Finances

When it comes to finances, we know that it can be hard to keep yourself on the straight and narrow. There are so many unknown elements to factor in. Will you get a raise at work? Will one of your kids need to go to the ER for stitches? What should you spend on and what should you save for? The answers to these questions are not black and white. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at three of the things that we encourage you to consider:

Finances Won’t Stay The Same Forever:

We’re going to kick things off by saying that your finances are not going to stay the same forever. If you’re struggling financially at the moment and you’re finding it really hard to keep pushing forward, then you need to remember that the situation can improve. Things will get better, the tide will turn, and there will come a time when managing your finances doesn’t make you feel like tearing your hair out. If your budget isn’t stretching as far as you would like it to, or you feel as though you’re constantly behind where you should be, just remind yourself that it’s all temporary, and your time will come soon. For now, you just need to do your best.

Ensure Your Taxes Are Done Correctly:

Another thing that you’re going to need to do is make sure that your taxes are done correctly. Taxes are complex, and it’s always advisable to have an accountant on your side helping you with them. We understand that this seems counterproductive to some as you’re just adding another expense to your list, but it actually does help. This will ensure that you get all of the breaks and deductions that you are entitled to. It’s worth looking at an individual income tax service for yourself, seeing what is out there, and watching how much it benefits you. We’re not saying that you don’t need to know how to do your taxes though, as it’s still an important life skill, just that help is available.

Saving Is Your Best Friend:

The last thing that we want you to consider is that saving is your friend. Yes, it’s hard to save money, and yes, you may feel as though no matter what you can’t save. If that’s true, refer back to the first point that we mentioned and keep pushing forward. If you can save and you’re just choosing not to, that’s a whole other issue. Take a look into all of the options for saving, and see what you think would work best for you. At the end of the day, budgeting is a skill and you cannot improve if you don’t practice.

A new year is a brand new opportunity to better manage your finances. Get started with these tips!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec23

Why Growing Income Streams Need Better Systems

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Why Growing Income Streams Need Better Systems

It is exciting when your freelance hustle blooms and feels like it will grow even more into a business. This is progress. And of course it is! But this is also the exact moment when money starts feeling weirdly harder to manage, not easier. Let’s explore why this is and how you can better manage the finances of your business:

Every Income Stream is Different:

Freelance income behaves one way, but online sales behave another, and rental income comes with its own rules, timelines, and costs. None of them plays nicely together. Basically, the money comes in differently, different amounts, different times, that’s the premise there. Just trying to treat all income the same usually causes confusion. One stream might look profitable until fees, refunds, or expenses get counted properly. Another might quietly be doing most of the heavy lifting without getting noticed. So, without separating things, it’s hard to see what’s actually pulling its weight and what’s just along for the ride.

Personal and Business Money Slowly Start Blending Together:

This part doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps in. Think of it like this: a client payment covers groceries, a business subscription comes out of a personal account, and maybe even some receipts get forgotten. It feels convenient in the moment but that convenience creates confusion later. The problem here is that profit gets fuzzy. Well, that and planning feels risky. Oh, and don’t you forget about tax season, which will turn into a stressful exercise in trying to remember what happened months ago.

What Worked Early On Eventually Stops Working:

Early systems usually rely on memory and good intentions but growth exposes cracks fast and there’s this constant low-level feeling that something’s being missed. You can’t have that, be it one business, one side hustle, well, anything that’s making you money. You need tools, like if you’re owning and renting property, even a bedroom in your house, then you need to explore accounting software rental property or other systems for whatever you’re earning money with, so the complexity can be taken away and you can get your finances in order nicely and evenly.

Decisions Start Feeling Heavy:

When numbers aren’t clear, decisions stop feeling logical and start feeling emotional. Like, every little decision needs to be calculated, but you’re so stressed, you’re scared, what’s going to happen? For example, hiring help feels risky. Even just investing in growth feels uncomfortable. This all leads to even the smallest of choices coming with hesitation. Instead of confidence, there’s second-guessing. Instead of planning ahead, there’s reacting to whatever comes next. And you better believe that wears people down. But most small business owners aren’t struggling because they’re bad at what they do. They’re struggling because the financial picture isn’t clear enough to support good decisions.

Having multiple income streams isn’t the problem. It’s actually a sign of adaptability and resilience. But the struggle comes from trying to manage them without the right structure. Clarity creates confidence. It makes planning feel possible instead of scary. And most importantly here, it turns growth into something intentional instead of reactive!

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Dec18

Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

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Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

You usually have two roads to travel down when you want to buy a car:

  • Buy it outright with your own money
  • Seek some sort of financing option

Most people can’t use 100% of their money to buy a car so they go down the financing route, though this also throws a fork in the road:

  • Buy your car using an auto loan
  • Buy your car with dealership financing

Both are very viable options, but which one is better from a personal finance standpoint? Let’s take a closer look at them and see how they compare:

Car Loans Explained:

A car loan is one of the most straightforward auto financing options available. You approach a lender, apply for a loan, and receive enough money to cover the full cost of your purchase. Deposits/down payments are required – and this is usually a secured loan, meaning the car itself is collateral. In essence, if you fail to repay the loan, the lender can repossess your vehicle.

A very simple idea that comes with some massive benefits:

  • You own 100% of the car straight away
  • Car loans tend to come with lower interest rates, making them less costly
  • You gain the flexibility to buy your car from any dealership or brand

There are only a couple of downsides to a car loan, particularly when compared with regular dealership financing. It normally requires more effort to find a suitable lender and apply for your loan – and lenders are strict when it comes to accepting applications. Still, if you’ve got a great credit history, then there’s no need to worry about approval.

Dealership Financing Explained:

With dealership financing, you normally approach a car dealer and buy a vehicle from them, using their financing product. You pay a deposit, and then the dealer charges monthly payments based on the vehicle’s value and how much you already paid. The interesting thing here is that you’re normally locked into a 1-4 year deal. When your term ends, you either pay a balloon payment to own the car or take out a new deal on a new vehicle.

Dealership financing is popular for a couple of key reasons:

  • It’s fast and easy to set up
  • You normally get better deals than buying a car outright with a loan
  • It’s easily accessible
  • You can cycle through brand-new cars every few years

However, the main downside is that you do not own your car. The dealer will retain a majority share of your vehicle unless you pay the balloon payment at the end. This means you lack any flexibility when it comes to modifying your vehicle – and you’re also often forced to go to specific garages for servicing.

Which Is The Better Option Financially?

Speaking from a strictly financial standpoint, car loans are the better choice. You have lower interest rates, gain ownership of the vehicle right away, and have a longer term to split your repayments, making them more manageable. Truthfully, dealership financing only makes sense if you like cars and want to buy a new one every few years.

If you’re on the market for a new car, explore your financial options carefully and don’t rush into a decision you’re not fully comfortable with!

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Sep17

Pet Supplies Plus Is A Must

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Pet Supplies Plus Is A Must

Hello!! Johnny and I adopted our beloved bunnies, Melvin and Penelope, in November of 2022 and will be celebrating our three year buniversary here soon! They have brought an indescribable amount of joy into our lives and I simply couldn’t imagine our home without them. Since the homecoming of our pets, I have been a loyal shopper on Chewy and was making purchases at least every month. The convenience of ordering all of their supplies in a matter of minutes couldn’t be beat so I never bothered shopping anywhere else. However, my tune has changed drastically…

Every once in a while, I will need a new bag of hay or bedding before a Chewy order is due and will visit the Pet Supplies Plus down the road from me for a reup. These trips were few and far between so I wasn’t interested in signing up for their loyalty program. One faithful day about two months ago, I stopped in for more bedding and saw that they were running a stellar buy one get one half off promotion and was able to purchase bedding and hay for the tune of thirty something dollars. It was a TOTAL steal and in that moment, I realized I was sleeping on Pet Supplies Plus for far too long. In almost three years, I have never seen Chewy run a promotion that good.

After making my purchase, I immediately went home and created a rewards account and the savings have been nonstop. Since signing up for it, I receive thirty percent off coupons constantly and that is a substantial amount off of bunny supplies. Now, I am often getting their hay and bedding for twenty-five to thirty dollars in total. With Chewy, I was spending at least forty-five for these necessary supplies and that is a huge difference! I still shop Chewy for their hutch cleaner, favorite toys, and pellet food because Pet Supplies Plus doesn’t carry them. Believe you me, I wouldn’t be ordering on Chewy period if they did!

When I find a brand or company I like, I tend to be fiercely loyal to it and that was certainly the case with Chewy. But listen, literally EVERYTHING is so damn expensive now that if I can find a better deal elsewhere, I’m just going for it. My bunny supply cost went from roughly one hundred dollars a month to seventy if that and that is an amount that can’t be overlooked. I also really appreciate that Pet Supplies Plus teams up with a lot of the local rescues in the greater Akron area! While I love the convenience of online shopping, I love saving moolah even more. 😀

If you are a pet parent and have a Pet Supplies Plus in your neck of the woods, I truly can’t recommend making a visit there enough. You will be amazed at the difference that their promotions, coupons, and rewards cash can make!

Where do you shop for pet supplies? Have you changed where you shop recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah