Getting Out of Debt: How to Stay Motivated
June 12, 2008 | 1 Comment
Getting out of debt is a goal that many Americans would like to achieve. But, like many New Year’s resolutions, this goal is often abandoned shortly after the goal is set. Why is that?
One reason is that getting out of debt often takes a long time, so there are no immediate rewards for paying off debt. This leads to a lack of motivation to meet this goal. After all, it’s hard to keep with a debt management plan when you may not see the benefits for several years.
So, how do you keep motivated when you’re trying to get out of debt? Here are three steps to keep you motivated and on track to getting out of debt:
1. Determine the reason you want to get out of debt.
Is it to reduce stress? To be able to spend or save the money that you are currently applying towards debt? To improve your relationship with your spouse or partner?
2. Think about the rewards you will earn by paying off your debt.
Rewards might include a feeling of accomplishment, or a feeling of peace knowing that you have paid off your debts. Another reward might be the fact that you will have more money to spend for other things, such as vacation, clothing, or even saving for retirement.
3. Finally, determine your route to freedom from debt.
Take an inventory of your debts and determine a payoff schedule.
As you continue on your journey to pay off your debts, review the reasons you want to pay off your debt, and the rewards you will experience when your debt is paid off. Imagine how you will feel when your debts are paid in full. These exercises will remind you why you want to pay off your debt, and will keep you motivated on your path to freedom from debt.
Are you ready to finally live debt free?
Click here to learn how to get out of debt and on the road to financial freedom today!
How to Shop for a Nursing Bra
May 11, 2008 | 1 Comment
One of the must haves for new moms is a good nursing bra. Shopping for a well fitting nursing bra can help you avoid mastitis (from an ill fitting bra that pinches and binds you) and make breastfeeding in public easier and more convenient. Here are some shopping tips to help you choose the right nursing bra.
1. Choose a style with flaps that can be opened with one hand.
What’s more frustrating than trying to hold your hungry baby while struggling with your bra? A nursing bra with drop cups that can be opened with one hand are a must for daytime use. Try on the bra is possible to see if you can open it quickly and easily with one hand. If not, skip it. Some nursing bra styles feature stretchy cups that merely move to the side. These are great for nighttime use.
2. Your nursing bra should be ultra comfortable.
Wearing a bra that is too tight can leave you vulnerable to plugged ducts and mastitis. For your comfort, and to minimize this risk, choose soft cup styles over underwire. If you are larger busted, shop for a style with wider shoulder straps. Keep in mind that your breasts will get larger a few days postpartum when your milk supply increases. Then after a few weeks, you may be able to go back to the size you wore in your last weeks of pregnancy. Bras with flexible, stretchy fabrics like the Bravado are a favorite among nursing mothers because they allow for the changes in your breasts throughout the day.
3. Buy at least three bras.
You will want one to wear, one that can be on standby and one in the wash. This way you never are totally without. Nowadays there are tons of really cute and feminine looking nursing bras available so be sure to shop around!
4. Choose a bra with breathable fabric.
If your breasts remain too moist this may cause a yeast infection of the breast (called thrush). Therefore you want a bra that will allow airflow and minimize moisture. Cotton and microfiber are best. Avoid plastic backed nursing pads for this reason too. Cotton nursing pads are not only more comfortable, but they look more natural, and can be washed and reused which saves money.
These tips should help you shop for a nursing bra that is comfortable and functional for you while you’re breastfeeding your little one. Having the right bra can enhance your nursing experience so treat yourself to a pretty nursing bra - you deserve it!
5 Ways to Save for a Major Purchase
April 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment
It always seems like the money goes out just as fast as it comes into the bank account, sometimes faster. So what do you do when the family wants to get something a little outside the normal budget? With some adjustments to the budget, careful spending, creative ideas and time, it is possible to save up the money to get those extra things the family wants.
- One way to save toward a special purchase is to change the budget. Start by looking for things that you can give up, even if for just a short period of time to put toward the purchase. Keep track of all the small purchases that don’t need to be made, like fast food. If you put that money aside in a separate account, it will add up quicker than you might think.
- Start a loose change jar. Anytime someone buys something with cash, put the change in the jar. When the jar is full, roll the coins and add that to your savings for your goal. It’s amazing how quickly coins add up. If family members give up some of their splurges, such as a candy bar, can of soda or other small items, adding that amount to the jar each week will also help the saving go faster.
- Another good idea for saving toward the purchase is to set up a special bank account just for the funds for special things. Set aside a little each week toward it. Sometimes you can set up an account similar to a Christmas club that can’t be withdrawn from until a certain date to help enforce savings.
- Another idea is to go to the store where you plan to buy the item from and occasionally purchase a gift card. Many times the gift cards have no expiration date, and some can have funds added to it. Simply take the card with you each time you go shopping, and have them add a little extra to the card. Before you know it, you have enough to pick up the item. Just be sure to check the store’s policy concerning gift cards before using this method.
- Some stores still offer a layaway plan. This is a great way to take advantage of special sales. You can purchase it at the lower price, paying it off a little at time. Having a deadline forces you to get your payments in, instead of using the money for other things.
If you find yourself short of your goal, despite your best efforts, it might be time to have a yard sale. By everyone pitching in and donating items they no longer want or need, the entire family can help earn the money. Even the youngest child can pick a few toys they’ve outgrown to add to the sale to help achieve your goal.
Spring Fashion for Moms
March 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of style. While you might not opt for the miniskirts that you wore in your pre-parenting days, there are plenty of spring fashions that are perfect for moms. Here are some fashionable styles this season:
Metallic Fabrics
Metallics are eye-catching and can be paired with a variety of colors. Accessories and outer wear in metallic fabrics are great for adding life to your wardrobe. Best of all, many metallic pieces can go from casual to formal in a snap.
Metallic purses are especially versatile. Many of them can be converted from shoulder bags to clutches, eliminating the need to change purses for different looks. Some even have removable handles for added versatility. You can find designer-inspired bags at a fraction of the cost in many discount stores.
Splashes of Color
Neutrals are popular this spring, but they are often paired with bright or colorful accessories. If you don’t feel that bright colors are flattering on you, using them sparingly can give your outfit some pizzazz without being “too much”.
Jewelry, hair accessories, belts, tote bags, and shoes are good places to start if you want to inject a little color into your wardrobe. Neutral dresses with bright floral accents are also good for adding just the right amount of color. And if you feel comfortable in them, all-over brights are popular as well.
Ethnic Prints and Accents
Styles inspired by safari wear, the Far East and other global customs add interest to spring fashion.
If you want to be bold, you could choose an entire ensemble based on an ethnic theme. An ethnic shirt or dress with neutral pants, shoes, and accessories is also stunning. You could also choose some eye-catching ethnic accessories to complement tamer clothing.
Trendy Diaper Bags
Moms with younger kids have lots of attractive diaper bag options these days. More and more of them are being designed with Mom’s fashion sense in mind. Designer diaper bags offer a lot in the way of luxury, but there are also fashionable bags available that do not cost as much.
Patent is hot this spring, and it works nicely for diaper bags because it’s easy to keep clean. Bright floral prints are also nice for carrying the little one’s necessities. If you can’t find a diaper bag that suits your tastes, consider a roomy tote bag as an alternative.
Moms have tons of options when it comes to spring fashion. Many of the latest styles come in fabrics that are comfortable, durable and easy to care for. This gives moms the opportunity to enjoy both style and comfort every day.
Mom’s Spring Fashion Tips for Teens
March 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Parents of teenagers know how important fashion is to them. Each teen has his or her own individual style. Some love to follow the latest trends, while others have a fashion sense all their own. Here are some of the hottest fashion trends for teens this spring:
The Little White Dress
The little black dress is a perennial favorite, but one of this spring’s most notable trends is the little white dress. Whether it’s a simple A-line or a cute little crocheted number, the little white dress is versatile and easy to accessorize. You can also easily add some punch to it with some brightly colored jewelry and shoes.
White is also a hit for the prom, for both boys and girls. White dresses and tuxedos are quite elegant, and they can be accessorized with virtually any color. If all white is too intimidating for your teen, there are some nice black and white options for the prom.
Belts
Belts are a hot item this spring. Skinny belts are making a comeback, but big, thick belts are a favorite as well. Both are being paired with dresses to slim and draw attention to the waist.
Sheer Fabrics
Sheer fabrics have been all over the runways this season. They are great for layering with solid pieces.
Sheer jackets or button-up shirts in vivid prints look great with coordinating solid-colored tank tops. Scarves are also a hit this spring, with an assortment of lovely sheers to choose from.
Silver Sensation
Silver is one of the most popular colors of the season. There are plenty of ways that teens can incorporate it into their wardrobes. Jewelry is one of them, but not the only one.
Metallic fabrics are both trendy and elegant, and they can be found in everything from dresses to outerwear. Shoes and handbags are also great in silver as they complement the season’s neutral colors very well.
Floral Prints
The femininity of floral prints is often seen in the spring. Large and mid-sized floral prints are all the rage for both teens and adults this season. Dresses are the most obvious place for them, but they can also be found on shirts, jackets, pants and handbags. Floral prints also provide a great way to introduce color without wearing it from head to toe.
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