Pixabay – CC0 License

Everybody’s trying to keep themselves within a certain budget right now. Times are tough, and this means we start making choices that aren’t necessarily going to benefit us in the long run. But the fact is that if you want to stay healthy on a budget, it is perfectly achievable. Let’s show you some ways to give you the edge. 

Filling Up on Water

Water is by no means a replacement for healthy food, but we’ve all been guilty of overeating. One of the best things we can all do is to have a glass of water before we sit down to eat. And while many people like to buy bottled water, if you want to save money, you can easily use a water filter system to make cleaner water at home. A glass of water before you sit down for your meal means that you have more control over the portions. Eat until you are 80% full, and you may be surprised as to how much food you have leftover for a meal the next day. 

Plan Your Meals 

Something that everybody needs to do if they want to save money. Because when you start impulse buying at the supermarket, this is where your grocery bill can skyrocket out of control. Instead, think about your meals and what ingredients you need for them. When you are looking at your eating habits, you may believe that you need treats in your life, and the fact is that if you are constantly scrambling for cash, you deserve something naughty to keep you going, but this is where portion control is so important. Fill up on water and hot liquids so all you need is one small chocolate bar rather than something far more indulgent. 

Have Oats in Your Pantry

If we feel that we’re hungry, that’s all we can think about and before we know it, it’s become something that just hangs over our heads. If you want to stave off hunger, you’ve got to find cheap staples that will keep you full. Oats are fantastic because they can work in so many different ways. Of course, you can eat porridge, but you can also make overnight oats. When you are trying to keep healthy, one of the best things anybody can do is to have oats with yogurt and frozen fruit. There are plenty of overnight oats recipes out there that can help keep you full so everything goes further. 

Don’t Eat if You’re Not Hungry

While many people talk about the benefits of intermittent fasting, for most of us who have incredibly busy lives, the fact is that we need some form of energy, but we can still get the benefits of intermittent fasting by just moving our breakfast to lunchtime. Many proponents of the 16/8 diet have found that they are much healthier and happier, and this means you will be able to save money because you’re spending less. 

There are plenty of ways for you to be healthier on a budget, and these are just a few. It’s not easy right now, but the fact is that when it comes to our health, and indeed, our mental health, we cannot scrimp on this.

Not everyone knows how to dress well. If you know how to put together an outfit that rocks, then you’ve got a skill. And when you’ve got a skill, you can make money from it. While it’s fine to simply keep your fashion expertise a hobby, it can be worth exploring whether you can use it to supplement your income. The benefit of doing this? You’ll have more money in your bank account that you can use to buy clothes!

In this blog, we’ll run through some money-making options for the fashion conscious. You might just get started on a part-time basis, but you never know where it might lead! 

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Become a Personal Shopper

Some people don’t have time to go shopping, or they just don’t know what to buy when they’re hitting the mall. But you? You do know what’s worth buying and what isn’t. So why not look at becoming a personal shopper? With this, you’ll take a look at a person’s style and the colors they suit, then hit the store with their credit card — and you’ll charge for your time, too. 

Or a Stylist

If you don’t want to hit the mall every weekend (if you love shopping, then that might just be pure temptation), you can also consider becoming a stylist. This is when you use an existing wardrobe to put together an outfit, usually with a specific tone or outcome in mind. This can be an exciting career option, as you can end up working in movies and television shows. The clothes that people on the big screen wear don’t just come from thin air. The outfit has been put together by someone who knows what they’re doing with clothes, someone just like you.

Sell Clothing Online

If you’ve got an eye for trendy clothes, then why not look at starting your own online clothing store? This is relatively easy to set up; you’ll just need a website, some stock, and a payment and shipping process. There are two methods for running your own eCommerce store. You can buy stock from elsewhere, or you can sell your own creations. The latter is better, as it’ll help you to create a brand; plus, it’s easy. You can work with a jeans manufacturing company and create your own expertly designed jeans without having to do the manufacturing yourself. Just be sure to market your business well, because competition in this area can be fierce. 

Become an Influencer

Another option, a very modern option, is to become an influencer. If you’ve been putting together great outfits and have built a big following, then now could be the time to monetize your followers list. With this, you’ll work with fashion brands to promote their clothes. This can be a tough job, of course, and competition can be very fierce, especially since everyone wants to be an influencer these days. But it’s also fun, and you’ll get the satisfaction of making a living doing something that you positively love!

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: 

There are many reasons why home repairs need to be done in a timely manner. The most obvious reason is that homeowners want their home to be safe and comfortable. In addition, home repairs can increase the value of a home if they are correctly done. Finally, home repairs can help avoid more costly problems.

Home repairs: What to expect

When you are doing home repairs, you can expect a few things. First, you can expect to be inconvenienced. Whether having to move all of your furniture out of the way or dealing with a lot of dust, home repairs are not typically a fun experience. 

Second, you can expect to spend a lot of money. Even if you are doing the repairs yourself, the materials and tools you need will likely cost a lot. Finally, you can expect the work to be messy and time-consuming. For example, repairing a hole in the wall will take longer than putting up a new piece of wallpaper. Not to mention getting in touch with a contractor similar to a bathroom remodeler so you can get whatever repairs or remodeling you need to be done without issues. 

How to get ready for home repairs

Home repairs can be a daunting task, but you can make it through with minimal stress with the right preparation. First, make a list of the repairs that need to be done. This will help you to stay organized and ensure that nothing is forgotten. 

Gather the necessary tools and materials. This will save time and frustration later on, such as planning for the unexpected. Murphy’s Law always seems to apply when it comes to home repairs! Be prepared for setbacks and have a backup plan in place. Take pictures of your wiring and plumbing before starting any repairs. This will help if you need to hire a professional later on. Label all of your wires and cables. This will help you stay organized and avoid any issues later on. 

Planning and preparing your home for repairs

It is important to plan and prepare your home for repair because it can save you time, money, and stress. By planning, you can get an idea of what repairs need to be done and develop a budget for the work. You can also identify potential contractors and get quotes from them.

When you know what to expect, you can make preparations accordingly. If you know the work is going to take a few hours or a few days, you can book time off to get it done. For instance, if your furnace has broken down, it can help to know what’s included in a furnace repair. This means you’ll know exactly what will be done, how much it will cost, and how long it will take.

If you plan and prepare your home for repair, you will be able to get the work done quickly and efficiently. You will also have a better idea of what needs to be done and what can wait. This will help you stay organized and keep your home in good condition.

What to do when the repair crew arrives

When the crew pulls up to your house, there are a few things you should do. First, familiarize yourself with the crew. Make sure you know who and what their role is on the crew. Second, you have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done. 

Take some time to walk around the property with the crew leader and identify any areas of concern or let them talk through what they are going to do if they were hired to take care of a room or part of your home. Third, be sure to have all the necessary materials ready and accessible, and ensure that you have removed any furniture or obstructions so the contractors can work without any issues. This will help minimize wasted time and ensure that the job is done efficiently.

Handling the aftermath of repairs

If you’re not sure what to do to handle the aftermath of home repairs. Try to assess the damage. This will help you determine how much work needs to be done and what supplies you will need. Once you have an idea of what needs to be done, start cleaning up the area. This will make the repairs more manageable and safer.

If there is any water damage, use a mop or towel to soak up as much as possible. Once the area is clean, start repairing the damage. If you are not sure how to do something, ask a friend or family member for help.

If you are dealing with structural damage, you may need to call a professional. Be sure to get several estimates before choosing a contractor, or if you’ve used a contractor, make sure to take pictures of any damage made. 

Now that you have got your business up and running, it becomes about sticking to the budget that you have set for it. Remember that you set the number at whatever it is for a reason, and you should not be going over it unless absolutely necessary. It’s very rare that you actually need to go over the business budget, so that’s something to keep in mind. In this article, we’re going to be looking at how you can go about sticking to this budget without causing problems in your business, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Image Link – CC0 License

Make The Most Of Outsourcing

The first thing that we recommend is that you learn to make the most out of outsourcing. If you can’t afford to hire new employees, or you simply don’t want to, then outsourcing is a fantastic idea. You can outsource entire departments if you are ever struggling for money, as there are companies out there for pretty much every service. You can hire an IT service, a HR firm, an accounting firm and so much more. Each of these professionals are trained to a high standard, so you know that you are getting the best when you choose the right company.

It’s true to say that outsourcing provides you with a lot of benefits, which is why so many businesses are choosing Employee benefits outsourcing. Not only is it cheaper, and you get professional help, but it’s also true that it’s more productive for your business as a whole.

Do A Lot Of The Work DIY

Location Image – CC0 License

When it comes to doing the work inside the business office for example, if there is work to be done, then you can do a lot of this yourself. Of course, if you have a maintenance team, and you really should because of health and safety, then they can handle the majority of issues. If they come across an issue that they cannot handle, then you can take a look and see if it’s something that you know how to sort. If nobody knows then there’s nothing that can be done, you simply have to call in someone to fix whatever is wrong.

However, a lot of the time there is going to be someone who knows what to do. This is true unless you are looking at anything to do with the plumbing or electrics. Never let anyone touch either of these without the proper training, both because it can be dangerous, but they could also make a small issue into a huge one.

Focus On Working Efficiently

If you want to stick to your budget, then you need to focus on working efficiently rather than anything else. Working on your business efficiency means that you won’t need as many people working for you, leading to less costs here.  It might even be a good idea to send your employees and yourself on courses that teach you to work more efficiently. Of course sometimes there needs to be a more personal approach to the task at hand, especially if it involves speaking to a customer, but generally, efficiency is important.

We’re not saying that you should be cracking the whip, not allowing breaks and so on, but you should be encouraging hard work and efficient behavior. Try to keep in mind though that part of this is taking regular breaks as the level of concentration needed is intense.

Invest Where It Needs It

CC0 License – Credit Source

You cannot avoid spending money just because you are trying to stick to a budget. This isn’t going to work and the only thing that is going to get hurt is your business. If an area of your business needs investing in, then you need to be taking the time to work out whether or not it’s an investment that is worth making. There are going to be a lot of things to consider here, and you may well come to the conclusion that it is not possible to continue your business without investing in something in particular.

We understand that the word investing can be scary to a lot of people because it often means spending a large amount of money at one time, but it’s necessary. Just think of it as investing into the continuing future of your business, rather than just spending money. Before you invest the money though, do some research and ensure that you are getting the best that you possibly can.

Hire An Accountant

The final thing that we are going to say is that you can consider hiring an accountant. While it’s true that this is another expense, this is something that is necessary. Managing all of the finances on your own can get extremely difficult the longer you try to do it while still doing everything else. In the beginning when your business was small, it was one thing to try and manage the money while doing everything else that you do. As the business grows in size, it’s just more than you can handle now.

It’s easy to let things slip through the cracks when you are so busy doing multiple things. However, if you let this happen you could be in for a nasty surprise when one of these things comes back to bite you. For example, if you have come up with some awesome unique restaurant ideas for your business and you think that the money backs it, but doesn’t, this is going to drop you in some bad times.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to stick to a budget now that your business is up and running. Getting your business off the ground was always going to be the hardest part, but now you are in the timeframe in which most businesses fail. Most companies fail within their first year, but we don’t want to see this happen to you. Keep on top of things, and you have the chance to go all the way.

When it comes to making home improvements on a budget, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for simple fixes or more extensive renovation projects, there’s something for every budget and skill level.

Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash

Here Are Some Of The Many Areas Where You Can Let Your Creativity Flow Without Breaking The Bank:

Walls: 

When it comes to redecorating or renovating your home on a budget, one of the most important factors is your walls. There are many different ways you can update or replace the walls in your home without breaking your bank account.

Paint

One option for updating the walls in your home is to simply paint them a new color. This is an easy and affordable way to change the look and feel of any room instantly, and you don’t even need to purchase expensive painting supplies – just pick up a few inexpensive brushes at your local hardware store, as well as some primer and paint, and you’re good to go! 

Just be sure that you choose a color that works well with your home’s overall style and theme – neutrals like white, black, or gray can work well in almost any space, while brighter colors like red or blue can add a pop of personality.

Wallpaper

Another option for updating your walls is to replace old wallpaper with new ones. Wallpaper is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to completely change the look of a room, and there are many different styles and designs available to suit any taste. However, suppose you’re not sure how to remove old wallpaper. In that case, there are plenty of helpful guides and tutorials available online – just be sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid damaging your walls.

Art

If you’re looking for an affordable way to update your home on a budget, artwork is an excellent option. Especially if your walls are still in pretty good condition. Prints are relatively inexpensive and can help you create a whole new aesthetic in your home. While tapestries look great hanging from the walls to add interest and softness. They’re also great for covering dated and mismatched furniture if you don’t want to hang them. So you can create a more unified feel across your entire house.

Posters are another inexpensive way to bring life to your home. You can find posters with images of your favorite places in town. Or add one of your own photos to create a unique piece of art that will brighten up any room in your home.

Floors: 

Another area of your home that can benefit from a budget-friendly update is your floors. If you have old, outdated, or damaged flooring, replacing it with new flooring can instantly brighten up any space. There are many different types of flooring available on the market today, so you’re sure to find something that fits both your budget and your style preferences.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are always a popular choice for homeowners, and for a good reason – they’re durable, classic, and add a touch of elegance to any room. However, if you do have hardwood floors and are looking for an affordable way to refresh or update them, consider sanding and re-staining them. 

This fairly simple project can give your floors a brand new look without breaking the bank. Just make sure you follow all safety precautions when doing this work, especially if your existing flooring is older – you don’t want to compromise the structural integrity of your home!

Laminated Floors

If you’re really on a tight budget, one option to consider is installing laminate flooring over top of your existing hardwood floor. Laminate flooring is cheaper than real wood, but it looks very realistic and brightens up any space. Be sure to read all instructions carefully before beginning this project, as it’s important to install laminate flooring correctly in order to avoid any damage to your home.

Windows: 

Another area of your home that can be updated on a budget is your windows. If you have old, drafty, or otherwise outdated windows, replacing them with new windows can help improve both the look and the energy efficiency of your home. New windows come in a variety of different styles and materials, so do a quick search for window replacement near me, and you’re sure to find something that fits both your budget and your aesthetic preferences.

Doors: 

In addition to windows, you may also want to consider updating your home’s doors. Doors play an important role in the look and functionality of your home, so it’s understandable if you want to give them a little love every now and then. There are many different types of doors available today – from standard wooden doors to more modern fiberglass door options – so you’re sure to find something that fits your aesthetic preferences and your budget.

Fiberglass Doors

One popular option for homeowners is installing a new fiberglass front door. Fiberglass doors are much less expensive than traditional wooden doors, but they offer many of the same benefits as wood when it comes to curb appeal and energy efficiency. If you purchase a pre-painted fiberglass front door, installation should be a breeze – just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

In Conclusion

These are just a few of the ways you can update your home on a budget. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can give your home a whole new look without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your home improvement projects today!

Pexels – CCO Licence

Many people think that making an effort to be frugal, especially when it comes to traveling, is something that sucks all of the fun out of life, but actually, the converse can be true. When you’re being more careful with money, you can actually create some pretty amazing experiences that you might not have had otherwise.

With that in mind, here are some frugal travel hacks that can definitely make the trip more fun:

Stay with a host family

If you want to save money on the cost of a hotel, then it is often a better deal to stay with a host family who typically requires smaller payments for their accommodations, The good thing about this, is not only that you can often stay ins home pretty swanky places like luxury apartments in Rome, New York or stunning country houses in Europe, on your budget, but you can also get to know the host family who will give you the lowdown on all of the best bars, restaurant, and attractions to visit while you’re there.

Or sleep under the stars

Of course, if you’re in a place where it is possible to camp, spending a night or two under the stars can be absolutely free, and what’s more, it is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences being out in the open, watching the stars int he sky in a completely different part of the world. If you have a sense of adventure, this tip is definitely one for you.

Get off the beaten track

If you get off the beaten track when you are on vacation, not only will you end up seeing things that so few tourists ever do, but you will also probably end up spending less money too, Why? Because big attractions like Busch Gardens often charge a lot of money for entry, whereas smaller roadside attractions or less well-known museums often do not. Atlas Obscura is a great place to find unusual attractions all over the world, so why not take a look and see what you might want to do while traveling the frugal way.

Eat at local places

This is not always the case, and in places like France the local restaurants are often very expensive, but in many places, if you eat at small local cafes and restaurants, you can save money with ease. However, your experience will not be diminished for doing so – quite the opposite in fact. Family-run local restaurants are often the best places to sample, the authentic flavor of the palace you are in.

Barter

A lot of people hate bartering at marketplaces but it is not only a good way to get a bargain but also a good way to bond with the locals who enjoy a bit of haggling, and who will often strike up conversations with you during and after the process, Try it, it can be great fun seeing how much you can save, and who can bag the best steal.

As you can see, being more frugal about how you spend your money when you are traveling can lead to more exciting experiences and more memorable vacations overall. So, what are you waiting for?