Category: Personal Finance (Page 1 of 6)

3 Ways to Navigate the Rising Cost of Living

January 25, 2023 / Frank Nez

how to navigate rising cost of living — Educational: How to navigate the rising cost of living.

According to the World Economic Forum, around 16% of Americans say they are struggling financially and some economists have warned that the U.S. is on the verge of a cost of living crisis due to rapid inflation.

As the festive season fast approaches the cost of extras such as gifts, food and drink, and travel can place a strain on many households that are already finding it difficult to meet their daily expenses.

To help you take charge of your finances, this article has outlined some helpful ways to increase your disposable income and make these uncertain times a little more manageable.

Generate an Extra Income Stream

Aside from your nine-to-five, there are many simple and enjoyable ways in which you can generate some extra income.

One of the best ways is by starting a side hustle in any number of different areas.

Whether it’s paid online surveys from the comfort of your own home or creating an online course teaching students a subject you are an expert in, such side hustles can help to boost your monthly paycheck.

You may have a talent for photography or be a skilled software developer.

No matter your area of expertise, put your skills to good use by taking advantage of some of the online learning platforms that are now available.

If you prefer something more hands-on, you can offer your services by dog-walking, babysitting, or cake-making from your own kitchen.

Another great way to earn a passive income is by renting out a spare room to a tenant.

Lenders such as My Canada Pay can help you with the start-up capital you need to fund your new business idea.

Sell Unwanted Things

Declutter your closets and storage spaces to gather items you no longer want or need.

Rather than have them take up space in your home, there are many sites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace where you can sell possessions such as clothes, jewelry, gift cards, and books helping you bolster your bank balance.

There are also many second-hand luxury sites that cater to high-end or luxury items such as watches, designer clothes, and handbags.

If you have any antiques, heirlooms, or glassware that are gathering dust it is worthwhile getting these items valued.

If they do not hold significant meaning, you can then sell these through a reputable dealer or an auction house.

Prepare Your Own Food

The cost of eating out and ordering in takeaway can easily mount up. Buying your groceries in accordance with what you will prepare for the week ahead can help you budget more wisely and also reduce the cost of food wastage.

According to a study from Penn State University, U.S. households waste nearly a third of the food they acquire, the cost of which amounts to about $1,866 per household per year.

By being more mindful of your food spending habits you are more likely to buy only what you need, cutting down on excessive and unnecessary purchases.

By following the tips outlined, you can help to boost your household’s monthly income making it a little easier to navigate these times.

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How to Get Your Money Right in 2023

December 30, 2022 / Frank Nez

As the new year approaches, many people take the opportunity to reflect on their financial goals and make resolutions for the coming year.

Whether you are looking to save more money, pay off debt, or invest in your future, there are many strategies you can use to improve your financial situation.

In this article, we’re going to go over 5 key things that will help you get your money right in 2023.

#1. Budgeting is Underrated

One of the most important things you can do to improve your finances is to create a budget.

A budget is a plan that outlines how you will spend and save your money each month.

By keeping track of your income and expenses, you can ensure that you are living within your means and making the most of your money.

One key aspect of budgeting is to track your spending.

This means keeping a record of everything you spend money on.

By paying attention to where your money is going, you can identify areas where you may be able to cut back or save more.

Or if you’re like me, identify what it is you really like spending money on, and let that be a drive to increase your income.

But more on that later.

#2. Setting Financial Goals

Another important aspect of budgeting is setting financial goals.

Whether you want to save for a down payment on a house, pay off credit card debt, or save for retirement, having specific goals in mind can help you stay motivated and focused on your financial progress.

Getting your money right in 2023 is going to require you to really narrow down on what you’re trying to accomplish financially for the new year.

It’s important to note that it is never too late to set financial goals.

However, the earlier you get serious about meeting your financial goals, the sooner you will be able to realize your potential.

As soon as you’re done writing these goals, begin creating a plan of action.

Write down what you will be tackling with sheer focus for the new year to meet these goals.

Don’t just make it a goal, create a real plan.

#3. Increase Your Income

In addition to budgeting and setting financial goals, there are many other strategies you can use to improve your finances in the new year.

One strategy is to increase your income.

This could involve asking for a raise at work, taking on additional freelance or part-time work, or starting a side hustle.

When I was working for the family business, I was still looking for ways to increase my income.

Although my income was going up every year and I had a ‘safe’ career, I wasn’t satisfied.

I started a blog, learned how to earn 6-figures with it, and created time-freedom.

Increasing your income is going to provide you with opportunities to create an income generating side hustle on the side and give you the means to save or invest more for the new year.

#4. Reduce Unnecessary Expenses

Another strategy is to reduce your expenses.

This could involve cutting back on unnecessary expenses, such as subscription services or other bad habits that aren’t serving you.

Finding ways to save on everyday expenses, such as by shopping around for the best deals is a great way to keep your money in check.

Anyone can be wasteful or careless with their money.

Keeping an eye on where your money is going at all times separates careless spenders from responsible spenders.

#5. Invest Your Money

Another way to improve your finances is to invest in your future.

While investing carries risks, it can also provide the potential for long-term growth and financial security.

Investing in index funds such as the S&P 500 will not only yield dividends, but your portfolio’s value may also grow substantially in the next bull market.

While investments tend to fluctuate, the greater markets tend to trend up long-term.

Never invest more than you’re willing to lose, work towards generating and increasing your income, and you’ll feel on top of the world.

#6. Build a Strong Emergency Fund

Finally, it’s important to have an emergency savings fund in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.

This could be a savings account or other liquid investment, such as a money market fund, that you can access quickly in case of an emergency.

Having a strong emergency fund is like wearing strong armor in life.

An emergency fund will help you pivot when you’ve taken financial hits, such as losing a job, drop in business revenue, or losses in the market.

Your emergency fund should help you get on your feet if you happen to experience a financial bump in your journey.

Nothing feels greater than when you increase your income, know where your money is going, have your money working for you, and have a strong emergency fund to back you up should you take a small or big hit.

Stay Focused and Patient

As you work to improve your finances in the new year, it’s important to be patient and consistent.

Building wealth and improving your financial situation takes time, and it’s important to stay focused and dedicated to your goals.

It can also be helpful to seek the guidance of a mentor or people who are already where you want to be.

Overall, the new year is a great opportunity to take control of your finances and work towards a more secure financial future.

By setting goals, creating a budget, increasing your income, reducing your expenses, investing in your future, and building an emergency savings fund, you can take steps towards improving your financial situation and achieving your financial goals.

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How to Stretch Your Budget for Your Holiday Cooking

December 29, 2022 / Frank Nez

how to stretch your budget for holiday cooking — Personal finance: How to stretch your budge for holiday cooking | How to budget holiday cooking.

Holiday cooking can be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it can also be a significant financial burden if not properly planned and budgeted for.

Planning and preparing meals in advance can help you save money and reduce stress during the busy holiday season.

Here are some tips for managing your finances and incorporating affordable and delicious recipes into your holiday cooking:

How to Save Money on Holiday Meals

#1. Make a Budget

Make a budget and stick to it: Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on holiday meals and stick to that budget. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough money to cover all of your holiday expenses. Consider shopping sales and using coupons to save money on ingredients.

#2. Plan Ahead

Plan ahead: Make a list of all the dishes you want to prepare and create a shopping list based on the ingredients you will need. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you have everything you need when it’s time to start cooking. Consider making some dishes in advance and freezing them so you can just defrost and reheat on the day of your event.

#3. Shop for Ingredients at Affordable Stores

Shop for ingredients at affordable stores: Consider shopping at discount stores or farmer’s markets to find affordable ingredients. These options may not have the same variety as a traditional grocery store, but they can still provide high-quality ingredients at a lower cost.

#4. Make Use of What You Already Have

Make use of what you already have: Before you start shopping for ingredients, take inventory of what you already have in your pantry and fridge. You may be able to use up some of these items in your holiday recipes, saving you money on ingredients.

#5. Consider Alternative Ingredients

Consider alternative ingredients: Instead of using expensive or hard-to-find ingredients, consider using more affordable alternatives that will still add flavor to your dishes. For example, you can use chicken broth instead of beef broth, or canned tomatoes instead of fresh.

#6. Use Less Expensive Cuts of Meat

Use less expensive cuts of meat: Rather than using expensive cuts of meat, consider using cheaper cuts that can be slow-cooked or braised. These cuts tend to be more flavorful and tender when cooked slowly, and they can be a more affordable option.

Budget-Friendly Yet Tasty Holiday Meals

Now that you have some tips for managing your finances during holiday cooking, here are a few affordable and delicious recipes to try:

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast: This recipe uses a cheaper cut of meat, such as chuck roast, and slow cooks it in a mixture of broth, red wine, and vegetables. The result is a tender and flavorful pot roast that can be served with mashed potatoes or other side dishes.
Spaghetti with Meatballs: This classic recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and it can be made with affordable ingredients such as ground beef, breadcrumbs, and canned tomatoes. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians or for those looking for a healthier holiday option. It combines roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a homemade vinaigrette for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: This recipe uses a whole chicken, which is a more affordable option than buying individual cuts of meat. It also uses pantry staples such as canned vegetables and biscuit mix to make dumplings, making it a budget-friendly option.

By following these tips and trying out some of these recipes, you can enjoy a delicious holiday meal without breaking the bank.

Happy cooking!

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Why Aren’t Our Finances Where We Want Them to Be?

December 26, 2022 / Frank Nez

We’re starting a clean slate for the new year, and our finances are not where we thought they would be.

This applies to TWO kinds of people.

Maybe you slacked off, could have tried harder, or faced a year of nonstop setbacks which affected your finances deeply.

Or perhaps you had a great year but aren’t satisfied with your results due to your ambitious characteristics.

In this article, I want to zoom out and bring into perspective what is holding us back from reaching our financial goals.

And how sometimes these financial setbacks are actually part of a big financial setup for a financial breakthrough.

Let’s get started.

What to Do If Your Income Decreased?

If your income decreased, you need to first identify why it decreased.

Did your job cut hours? Lose a job? Did your business revenue drop?

Or did you take more days off this year? Were you distracted by things that took your time away from being productive?

These are all very real scenarios that we as human beings experience in life.

The incredible thing is that no matter what you identified as being the problem, there’s an actual solution to it.

For example:

If your job cut your hours or let you go, what could you have done outside your comfort zone to fill in those hours or get back in the game?

Could you perhaps have started a side hustle or looked for a part-time?

Absolutely.

If your business revenue dropped, identify why it dropped with full accountability.

Did demand drop? If so, what new systems can you put in place to offset any uncontrolled losses?

Or were you distracted? Which distractions took valuable time away from you?

We Failed to Step Outside Our Comfort Zone

Often times when we aren’t living the lives we hope to live, it’s because we continuously fail to step outside of our comfort zone.

Stepping outside our comfort zone, while painful and even challenging in most cases, forces us to do things differently.

It forces us to push forward when it gets tough.

And it helps us build the required discipline to excel to higher heights.

But what if you did step outside your comfort zone and you lost a lot of money?

The answer to this question has to do with risk management.

At some point in life, we will be forced to face the consequences of lacking a proper risk management system.

Whether you invested a lot of money in the stock market, real estate, in a business, or in self-developing skills, proper risk management is what will save you from going to $0.

See, whether you lost a lot of money, went to $0, or even negative doesn’t matter.

It’s what you learn from these experiences that matters.

Unfortunately, we don’t have mentors that teach us this about life and finances; it’s really all just a learning game.

Why Your Financial Setback is Actually a Financial Setup

You could have had a great financial year and still view it as a setback compared to previous years.

How we view a financial setback is completely tailored to each individual.

Someone’s setback might be someone’s dream or goal.

Perhaps your setback is setting you up to start somewhere new, or something new.

A setback isn’t the end of the world, but rather the beginning of a new one.

And if you’re able to fearlessly conquer adversity every time it shows, each setback, even as you feel you’re falling, will only be a step back in a much higher staircase than you once previously were.

You will look back and see how much you’ve grown; despite what new adversity you face today.

The only solution to move forward and to move beyond the pain, is yours to discover.

Also Read: 5 Easy Ways You Can Earn Leveraged Income

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