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Fine-Tuned Finances

Make Your Wallet Run Like New Again

5 Ways Regular Dentist Visits Save You Money

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Your dental hygiene can have an impact on your finances. Even with dental insurance, you may still end up paying out of your pocket, but the more you visit your dentist, the less you’ll have to pay for extensive treatment later. For example, did you know that as many as 25% of adults have cavities past the age of 20, which often results in fillings or more expensive repairs? Read on to see how seeing a dentist regularly can save money.

1. Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is highly preventable with good hygiene and dentist appointments. It’s not something that happens overnight, but once it starts and goes untreated, it can have devastating effects on your smile. Untreated gum disease often results in receding gums and loose teeth that may eventually fall out. Once you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, good brushing and mouthwash won’t get rid of it. You’ll need the care of your dentist to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen.

2. Avoid Cavities

Cavities are a big problem, especially in a nation that loves sugar. Children are especially known for having a sweet tooth that can unfortunately result in cavities. Almost half of them, from ages 2 to 11, will be diagnosed with such decay. You can start bringing your children to the dentist once the first tooth sprouts. The dentist will monitor your child’s teeth from a young age to look out for signs of problems. If you keep up with these appointments, your dentist can help treat your child’s teeth by using a sealant that will protect them from further decay. Using sealants on the child’s teeth will be much cheaper than having to fill them with fillings down the road.

3. Treat Alignment Issues Early

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children can begin seeing an orthodontist as early as seven years old. Even if it’s too young for the patient to get braces, the orthodontist can begin monitoring how permanent teeth are sprouting. They can use preventative measures to ensure they don’t come in crowded behind baby teeth. Luckily, it’s never too late to seek orthodontic care, as adults make up 20% of current orthodontic patients. While it’s great that more adults are comfortable utilizing such care, such as traditional braces, linear braces, and Invisalign, getting the treatment at a younger age would have been cheaper. It can also prevent issues from worsening. In other words, getting braces at a young age can help prevent a severe overbite or underbite that may develop into sleep apnea.

4. Detect Oral Cancer

The dentist doesn’t just check your teeth, they also screen you for oral cancer. They’ll check your mouth and neck for any signs of cancerous tissue. When you make regular visits, they can notice little changes immediately that can help prevent the need for expensive radiation or chemotherapy. Like any other cancer, the sooner you get a diagnosis, the greater chance you have of a successful outcome.

5. Prevent Tooth Loss

Tooth floss doesn’t happen overnight unless you’ve had an accident. Otherwise, you can prevent this costly issue with regular dental visits. A dentist can provide less expensive treatment for decay, such as fillings before it decays and gets to the stage of needing a root canal, falling out, or pulling. There are placement options available. However, it’s more money, especially if you use a permanent option such as dental implants, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from saving money and your teeth. Making your biannual trip to the dentist can prevent you from extensive tooth repair options and loss. So make a call to your local dentist today; your finances and your teeth will thank you!

Planning a Long Distance Move? Here are Some Money-Saving Tips

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Moving can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to long-distance relocations. Planning and executing a successful move requires attention to detail, organization, and, of course, a reasonable understanding of your finances. In this guide, we’ll share some money-saving tips to help you manage your money during this big transition to make things as stress-free and simple as possible.

Navigating Legal Considerations

When planning a long-distance move, it’s essential to take into account any legal aspects that may affect your family’s finances. For instance, in the United States, if the spouse of a green card holder is present on a valid visa, they are eligible to adjust their status because the priority date is current. This means that you can save money by not having to go through the lengthy and costly process of obtaining a separate visa for your partner. Therefore, make sure to research the legal aspects related to your specific situation to avoid any surprises that could impact your bank account later on.

Choosing the Right Moving Company

According to On Cue, out of everyone who uses moving companies, 44% are individuals, and 38% are businesses. This means that you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a mover. To save money and ensure a smooth move, selecting a reputable company that offers competitive rates and excellent service is important.

Compare quotes from several companies, and don’t be afraid to negotiate the price to secure the best deal. Remember, a lower price doesn’t always mean the best value, so be sure to consider other factors, such as customer reviews and additional services, when making your decision. Ask around to friends and family for references as well. They will be more than happy to share with you any good experiences they’ve had and any of those that didn’t work out so well.

Maximizing Savings with DIY Projects

One way to save money on your long-distance move is by tackling some tasks on your own. For example, packing your belongings will save you a significant amount of money compared to hiring a professional packing service. Additionally, you can save on materials by using recycled boxes and packing supplies. You can often find what you need at local grocery stores or through online marketplaces.

Creating a Space You’ll Love

Moving into a new space can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to making it feel like home. Interestingly, 88% of people have more of a desire to be at home after an interior room has been painted. So, consider setting aside some time and money to paint a room or two in your new home. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable, but it will also allow you to personalize your space without emptying your wallet. A fresh coat of paint also instantly boosts the property value at your new location.

Being Resourceful with Your New Surroundings

Once you’ve settled into your new home, it’s important to be resourceful with your finances as you explore your new surroundings. Look for local deals and discounts on activities, restaurants, and other services to save money while getting to know your new community. Additionally, consider joining neighborhood groups or social media pages, where you can connect with others who may have helpful tips on how to save money in your new area.

Planning a long-distance move can be challenging, but with careful attention to your checking account and some smart strategies, you’ll save money and ensure the smooth transition possible. Be sure to research legal considerations, compare moving company quotes, and take on DIY projects when possible. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to settling into your new home and won’t have the additional stress of worrying about money.

Renovations That Can Save You Money on a Vacation Home

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About 20 million households own a timeshare. Many people love the idea of owning a vacation home. However, it can be quite expensive, especially if you need to make renovations to make the home liveable. There are short-term and long-term ways to save money on renovations. It is possible to spend less during the renovation with some smart planning. Furthermore, some strategic changes to your home’s layout and design can mean significant savings on energy bills and maintenance costs in the long run. Here are a few tips that can save money on your vacation home.

Shop Around for the Best Deals

Avoid going for the first deal you get. Instead, compare prices at different stores before you make any major purchases. It is surprising how much you can save by simply doing a bit of research. Additionally, reuse or recycle some building materials by checking with your local recycling center before you dispose of anything. This is good for the environment but can also help you save money. You can also buy reclaimed materials for the build as they are cheaper. Simply check that the pieces are not too damaged to ensure quality and avoid problems and replacements later on.

Another way to save money on a vacation home is to choose low-maintenance materials for the house’s exterior. This includes using durable, low-maintenance materials for the roof and siding. You can also save money by choosing energy-efficient windows and doors.

Do Some of the Work Yourself

This may seem daunting, but if you are handy and have some basic renovation skills, it can be an excellent way to save money. Many resources are available online and in home improvement stores to help you with your project. If you are handy, there is no reason why you can’t do some of the work yourself. It is also an opportunity to learn new skills and more about your vacation home. You can also save money on a vacation home by ensuring it is properly maintained. This means hiring a professional to regularly inspect and clean the property.

Making Your Vacation Home Energy-Efficient

According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. It’s no secret that heating and cooling costs can put a serious dent in your budget, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. Making your vacation home more energy-efficient can save money in the long run. For instance, installing a programmable thermostat will save energy costs by automatically setting the temperature when no one is home. You can also install energy-efficient appliances that use less electricity and water, saving money on utility bills.

Professionally Sealing Your Home

Sealing your vacation home to ensure that it is well insulated is important to keep it warm in during the winter and cool during the summer. By professionally sealing your home, you can reduce energy costs by 10% to 20%. You can also apply for an energy-efficient mortgage, which will allow you to finance the cost of energy-saving renovations. One of the ways to seal a home is by adding insulation to your attic. You can also upgrade doors and windows to insulated ones. This can save you up to 15% on your energy bill.

By following these tips, you can save more finances during renovations for your vacation home. Just remember to stay focused and don’t go overboard with the improvements. With a little planning, you can have the vacation home of your dreams without breaking the bank.

The Three R’s of Budgeting Your Money

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There is only one rule to know about making a budget – don’t go over your budget. A budget helps you understand how much money you make, how much you spend on bills, how much money you waste, and how much you must save to achieve a future goal. If there is one skill that you (and most Americans) need to perfect now, it’s wisely budgeting your money.

I understand that there is a lot of emotional and financial suffering going on right now. No one wants to hear, “Are you budgeting your money correctly?” as if in a condescending manner.

There is nothing I write here that will be condescending. Part of adulthood 101 is learning how to budget when becoming independent.

Making a budget is free. You have access to the information, which is your own personal finance records.

And most importantly, budgets reveal unfortunate truths – you may be partially or fully to blame for your financial problems.

Over 70% of Americans spend over $5,400  annually on impulse buys they don’t really need or want. (Many people impulsively buy unhealthy food, among other things.) That adds up to over $54,000 over a decade! Another statistic contends that the average American will spend over $300,000 on impulse buys over a lifetime.

Making a budget is a discipline that must be learned. But it is worth it to realize a better financial future.

So, here is a great way to ease into the concept of budgeting. You must keep in the mind the three R’s of budgeting your money:

  • Review
  • Revision
  • Redo

I’ll give you a basic primer on what it means to budget too.

But first, let’s talk about why budgeting your money is so important.

Because in 2020, you are probably not to blame for your current financial problems.

Budgeting Your Money in 2020

Budgeting your money in 2020 is so important because many people don’t have enough of it now.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused globally reaching economic traumas and consequences that has touched everyone.

Over 56 million people have been forcibly unemployed since March 2020. Besides one week when 6 million people applied for unemployment benefits, over 1 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits weekly since March.

Americans who were receiving $600 weekly unemployment benefits since March are incrementally losing those benefits now.

Eviction protections empowered by the CARES Act are ending now. Tens of millions of Americans are facing imminent eviction now. Eviction is a threat that will face a generation of Americans for the foreseeable future.

Food banks in the United States are being strained to the breaking point.

Many such organizations worry they won’t be able to match continued and increasing demand for food insecurity help.

If you are living in the United States right now, you are probably having to learn to live on a lot less than before.

Budgeting your money more concisely will help you make the most of what you have now.

Budget 101

A budget is a personalized finance plan that details your estimated income, expenses, debts, and projected financial goals.

A budget can detail how much money you earn and spend on expenses and bills within a given time period.

For example, a budget can tell you how much money you spend on groceries, utility bills, rent, mortgage, or a car note within a week, month, or year.

You should keep your receipts and make records of the things you pay for.

Then you should assess if you are spending money on things you want instead of need. Impulse buying is the prime killer of budget and future financial goals.

A good budget will tell you how much money you need to save, and what you must sacrifice, to achieve a future goal.

Make budgeting an introductory challenge for yourself. Spend two weeks to a month keeping a weekly budget. Make a purchase diary to record impulse buys. You’ll create hard data on your personal finances that will starkly tell you how well you are managing your money.

A budget is a spending plan for your household and your life.

Budgeting your money, and being honest about your spending habits, may be your best options for improving your personal finances.

If you are still on the fence about budgeting, just remember the three R.

Review

One theme that is always going to come up when it comes to budgeting your money is the time sacrifices involved.

If you are not used to budgeting, you first have to start by creating a budget.

What do you need to buy at the supermarket? Steer clear of impulse buys and you’ll save more money.

What bills can you do without? Do you really need a 300-channel cable subscription package? How much money will you save by downgrading?

Instead of taking on more debt, can you sacrifice, save more money, and calculate when you will reach your goal?

The first month or two of budgeting will involve you assessing what works and what doesn’t.

In the beginning, you will have to review your budget plan. That way, you will know what is effective and what is wasting your time.

Reviewing your budget should be a continual part of your budgeting process.

Which brings us to revision.

Revision

You can’t just create one budget and use it or refer to it for the rest of your life. You are going to have to revise your budget often.

After reviewing your budget, you are going to learn what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to do to balance your finances.

And, if you can sacrifice the things you want now to achieve greater financial goals later.

Your financial information, income, expenses, and bills are always in a state of flux. You may get a raise, become unemployed, buy a house, and so on. In such situations, your budget must undergo revision.

There may come a time when revising a budget may not be enough.

Budgeting your money is important. So, you may have to redo your budget.


Redo

Your personal finances and professional life may change so drastically that you just have to redo your budget.

The personal budget you drafted 2 years ago is moot if you got a new job, bought a home, moved to a new city, expanded your family, and so on.

As your personal circumstances change, you have to redo your budget accordingly.

Stick to Your Budget

Most people don’t make budgets because they are time-consuming and require meticulous financial recordkeeping.

Budgeting your money requires you to make time on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis to assess your personal finances.

Those are small sacrifices to make to ensure more money in your pocket and a better financial future.

Stick to your budget. Save more money than you spend. Focus on paying down your debt.

A budget may save you the trouble of hiring a financial advisor to point out a problem you can find out yourself for free.

Here are some great and free budgeting templates.

Just keep the three R’s of budgeting in mind and maintaining a budget won’t be a problem.

Read More

If you are serious about getting your budget together consider reading a copy of Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover. It’s one of the best books on personal finance written in decades. Ramsey’s work has sold millions of copies and helped hundreds of thousands of people build budgets and cope with their debt problems. It retails for $12 bucks on Amazon which makes it an inexpensive investment considering the invaluable information this book has to offer. Make sure you get a copy!

 

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Best Ways for Small Businesses to Save Money

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As a small business owner, you know how important it is to keep as much as you can. Expenses are hitting you left to right, and you have to do your best to prepare, which is why you should consider the following tips to help you save a little more cash.

Used Equipment

One thing business owners can do is consider buying preowned equipment. For example, a trucking company could buy used Peterbilts for sale and save money. Most of the time, used equipment like trucks and machinery are just as good as new, but at half the price!

Some companies think they are getting something better because they purchased something new, but the reality is that it’s smarter to keep as much money as you can. Right now you have debts to pay off and investments to make to expand your business.

Outsourcing

Every job doesn’t need to be taken care of in-house. Hiring employees can end up costing a small business a lot of money because you have to worry about providing adequate wages and additional expenses. You have to worry about insurance, a retirement account, and other things.

If the job only needs to be done occasionally, then consider outsourcing the job to an independent contractor. Make sure you talk to many independent contractors to get the best price you can and read reviews to ensure your hiring someone who is competent.

Rethinking Vendors

It’s time to reconsider your vendors, especially if you have been working with one or a few for a long time. Sometimes, vendors get used to you and think you aren’t going anywhere. This is a dangerous thing because they might be giving other business owners a better deal.

Go ahead and shop around for other vendors to see if anyone can offer you something better than what you have now. Ask your current vendors if they will do something to keep your business. If they fail to do so, then just leave because your business means more than this partnership.

Split Costs

If your business needs to do things like sidewalk sales and other things like this, consider partnering with other local businesses so that you can split the costs of hosting a sidewalk sale or festival. These are great ways to get your name out there, but they can also be costly if you try to do this on your own.

Besides, if you try to partner with other small businesses, you might get the opportunity to make new business partners. This could be good in various ways like you can start a referral program where you send customers to each other when needed.

Bartering is a Thing

Another way to save money is to barter with those same small businesses. For example, if you are a mechanic and need plumbing work, then consider offering your services in exchange for plumbing services. This way you both get to save money.

Consider these types of arrangements with all the businesses around you, and you’ll end up saving some money. Yes, you are going to be taking on additional work, so make sure you don’t do it too much because you still need to work with your customers.

As you can see, there are very interesting and creative ways to save money as a small business. Try some of these out to see which ones work best for your business.

Rental Car Hacks That’ll Save You More Money on Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving

When I was a kid and my family rented a car, we rented a car and that was it. In the 21st century however, there are just too many ways for you to save money when renting a car. Especially if you’ll be traveling during Thanksgiving.

About 49 million people are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. Also, most of those travelers will travel 50 miles or more round trip.

Considering that the average per-day price to rent a car is $75, and that rental car companies will always try to upsell you extras, your Thanksgiving travel costs can add up significantly.

Here are some rental car hacks to save you more money this Thanksgiving travel season.

Prepay Your Rental Online

When you rent a car online, almost all rental car companies give you two payment options and two different corresponding prices. You can pay a cheaper price by prepaying online before pick-up. Or, pay the regular rental price as you get the keys.

You can save over 20% or more prepaying online for your rental. Those savings increase exponentially if you rent a car for three days or more.

Comparison Shop on Aggregation Coupon Websites

You can save as much as 60% or more on rental costs by comparison shopping on various online coupon and consumer deal aggregation websites. Also look for promo codes which give you extra savings after purchase.

Of, course, you can go directly to the rental car company website, but aggregation deal sites allow you to comparison shop better.

Such sites include:

Rent From the City, Not the Airport

If you’re flying somewhere for Thanksgiving but still need to drive after landing, resist getting your rental car at the airport. Rental car offices are located in airports for a reason.

It’s not for your convenience.

When you rent a car from the airport you will pay up to 30% or more relative to picking up a car from an office outside the airport.

Take a cab or mass transit to the nearest rental car office in the city.

Reserve a Subcompact and Then Decline

Subcompact cars are not popular with most renters. Some companies don’t own enough in their fleets to cover demand in various office locations. You may be able to use that your advantage.

Reserve a subcompact in person at an office. If the company doesn’t have one, they may bluff and ask you to upgrade for a fee. Decline. Then, the company will be obliged to upgrade you to a medium or economy sized car for free.

Use caution. If a subcompact car is available, you are not obliged to take it. However, you will have egg on your face and then have to pay for an upgrade anyway.

Don’t pull the subcompact bait-and-switch gambit overseas either. Subcompacts are more popular overseas than in the United States.

Forego the Insurance if You’re Already Covered

Your primary car insurance policy will probably cover you when you rent a car. Know for sure before renting. Most credit cards offer free rental car insurance coverage if you rent with the credit card offering such.

You might save as much as $40 daily by forgoing rental insurance.

Rent the Car, Not the Brand Name

If you rent from one of the lesser-known rental car companies, you could save $5 or more daily. Such meager savings add up on longer trips.

Some of the lesser-known rental car companies include:

  • Advantage
  • Thrifty
  • Dollar Rental
  • Payless Car Rental
  • E-Z Rent-A-Car
  • Fox Rent-A-Car
  • Easirent
  • Sixt
  • Silvercar

Fox Rent-a-Car may be 50% cheaper for you to rent from than a brand name company. Silvercar only maintains Audis in their rental fleet which keeps their rental prices relatively low.

Keep proper perspective when renting from lesser-known rental car companies. The cars may be aesthetically unpleasing, rental offices may be located in inconvenient locations, and office staff may be obligated to aggressively upsell you on extras.

Don’t Take Overpaying for Granted

It’s hard to get through life without renting a car. This is especially so if you must travel every holiday season to be with relatives.

So, you have every incentive to save as much as possible when renting. Take advantage of every possible deal, discount, or hack available.

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Don’t Buy These Items During Memorial Day Sales

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It took a year for me to realize why I should be more selective with my Memorial Day purchases. Most retailers are clearing inventory, but not all are bringing in new inventory. I have found that deals on some items are better in late Summer, Fall, and early Winter. Its not the end of the world. However, if you are looking to save as much as possible, then you might want to consider the waiting game as a strategy before buying some items.

Cars and Trucks

This advice comes with caveats. If you are familiar with your local car dealer, know a good car when you see one, and, know a good deal when you see one, then go for it. The thing is, some car dealerships use Memorial Day as a time to unload last year’s inventory. They begin unloading even more inventory and begin shipping in new models during June, and succeeding Summer, after Memorial Day.

Sometimes, the best deals for new cars occur over the July 4th, Labor Day, and Fall holidays. Car dealerships have next year’s inventory on-site and desperately need to move out last year models. You are bound to get a better deal over the summer and fall since dealers will be more anxious to reduce existing inventory. Especially with new models sharing inventory space with older models. The 30-day period after Memorial Day may actually be the optimal time to buy a new car.

At the very least, it pays to shop around. Waiting to see future sales may not be the worst option. Car dealers know consumers have been waiting all summer to look at new inventory. Also, the average price of a new car is about $37,000, so why rush it? Keep in mind that you will also find great deals on tires on Memorial Day since it is the first, big travel season of the year.

Laptop Computers

Retailers often make deals and discounts on their slower, older, and less popular PCs and laptops. It’s not that you won’t get a great deal. You’re bound to find sales and discounts as deep as 40% to 50%, and perhaps even more. Its just that you won’t necessarily be buying top line, faster processing, or popular models. As is the norm, most retailers use memorial to clear out their unsold inventories before ordering next year’s products.

Your better bet is to wait until late Summer and take advantage of Labor Day, Back-to-School, Black Friday, and Thanksgiving sales. You will find better deals on new and popular PCs and laptops then, not just older models.

Outdoor Furniture and Grills

The biggest retail deals on patio furniture, grills and grilling accessories will probably be had during late Summer and during the Fall. Around Memorial Day, you might find savings as deep as 20%, and maybe a little more. However, you may find savings as deep as 80% after Labor Day and during the Fall. After all, the Fall and early Winter aren’t the most popular times for grilling or extensive hangout sessions on the patio.

Shop Around for The Best Deals

I am not telling you to not shop on Memorial Day. All I am saying is, strategically pick your battles on savings when it comes to certain items.

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5 Proven Personal Finance Practices That Will Help You Save More

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how to save money

Nearly six in 10 American adults currently have a savings account below $1,000, while almost 40 percent have no savings at all. Not sure how to save money? Here are a few suitable personal finance practices that should help you save more.

1. Prepare a Budget and Follow it with Commitment

Budgeting continues to be the most tried and tested method of efficient money management. However, most Americans either do not prepare a budget for personal finances or are not diligent about following it.

A budget will help you keep a tab on where your money goes every month. To create a budget, you can simply list your normal monthly expenditures and provide separately for one-time payouts (like an annual insurance premium), and track and compare what you spend versus what you earn.

2. Choose an Automated Savings Plan

It’s easier to save money if it’s more difficult for you to spend it. A proven way for people who often struggle to save money, is to establish an automated savings plan.

This will restrict access to your own money, because some amount will directly go from your monthly income into your bank or your employer’s 401(k). You can get rid of your habit of compulsive spending by creating this system of compulsive saving.

3. Impose the 24-Hour Rule to Curb Your Shopping Urge

Monthly saving plans can be most easily disrupted when you give in to the urge to shop – don’t act like Cher in Clueless! A majority of Americans do some kind of impulsive shopping once in a while, and some end up spending as much as $1,000 or more merely on a whim. Not so smart!

You can impose the time-tested 24-Hour Rule for non-essential or irregular purchases in order to become a more disciplined shopper. The rule encourages you to sleep over the idea to buy for 24 hours, and there is a strong chance you might change your mind about purchasing that product, which you probably did not need anyway.

4. Pay Your Bills on Time

An ideal personal finance practice is to pay all your monthly bills on time. The goal is not just to save on potential late fees, or build a healthy credit over time.

For a high spender, the bigger benefit is that prompt bill payments prioritize monthly cash usage. If you sit on idle cash while procrastinating on bill payments, it will increase your risk of using that money on lower priority consumption.

You could choose an auto pay option for all your bills by linking them with your bank account. This will save time and enable you to be more judicious with your monthly spending.

5. Consider Paying the Taxes on Your Own

Paying the taxes, particularly as an individual, is certainly not too complex. You might need to hire a professional tax accountant for filing only if you receive income from multiple sources, have various deductions to claim, or have some special tasks to be done (such as writing off a part of your home).

However, most of the time, an average taxpayer may not have such elaborate tax filing needs. You could install some basic tax prep software to file your own taxes quickly. This would save you a considerable amount that you might have otherwise paid to a tax professional.

Do you have any tips for saving money? Share with us in the comments below!