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Tips to Strengthen Your Economic Position in 2023

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:00:58 +0000

Among the many aphorisms coined by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), the most quoted might well be his contention that “if all the economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion.” Shaw’s quote is particularly relevant in times like these, as millions of Americans continue to struggle in an era of economic and political uncertainty.

But maybe Shaw was being too rough on economists. After all, their forecasts are just that – informed best guesses based on current conditions and projected trends. Given the form’s inherent uncertainty, the smart thing to do is take your economic well-being into your own hands. With the nation’s inflation and interest rates still at their highest in decades, here are a few things you can do to strengthen your personal economic outlook.

Cut Credit Debt: Paying down credit cards is always a good thing but it’s particularly important given current economic conditions. Data reveals the average rate of credit card interest is nearly 20%, up from 16.3% a year ago. And that figure promises to do nothing but rise as long as the Fed continues its current strategy of pursuing interest rate hikes. Your debt is only going to cost more in 2023, so now is the time to bite the bullet and pay down those credit cards.

Improve Credit Rating: Suffice it to say, cutting your credit debt will do wonders for your credit rating. If you foresee needing to borrow this year to purchase a home, car or other big-ticket item, you will want to make sure your credit score qualifies you for the lowest rates available, particularly given that a slow economy often leads banks to tighten their credit standards.

Rainy Day Fund: An emergency fund has long been regarded as the first line of defense against financial hardship and yet studies show that just 27% of Americans have the recommended six months’ worth of expenses saved up. Get in with that ‘in’ crowd and start salting away money now from each paycheck to help carry you over if those paychecks stop coming.

Develop/Revise Your Budget: Data also shows that few Americans utilize a monthly budget to track their income, savings and expenditures. Creating – and, more the point, sticking to – a monthly budget enables you to easily track where your money is going and to make adjustments as needed. It’s also important to revise your budget no less than annually, as the amount of your take-home pay and expenditures can fluctuate.

Prepare for Retirement: Sure, you might think you’ve got plenty of time to think about retirement but Americans approaching that age will tell you those decades fly by faster than you can imagine. Now is the time to set up or increase contributions to a retirement account. The goal is to contribute enough each month to at least qualify for your employer’s full match, which typically ranges from 3%-5% of your salary. If you can’t afford that right now, take a slow and steady approach with gradual increases that, over time, will make a big difference.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips to Strengthen Your Economic Position in 2023 appeared first on Other CMS.

How to Chose an Electric Vehicle

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:49:25 +0000

This year’s wildly fluctuating gas prices have helped make electric vehicles (EVs) more popular than ever and it’s not hard to see why. Besides saving you those thousands of dollars you spend at the pump each year, EVs have an important role to play in protecting the environment and slowing the rate of climate change. They’re also proven to be dependable and come in lots of sporty models.

That said, consumers should put some time into researching EVs before switching from gas-powered vehicles. The reality is that even with a greater number of them on the road each year, EVs still rank among the most expensive cars in America. In addition, ongoing supply-chain issues mean you rarely have the opportunity to simply walk on the lot and drive one home. Here are some important factors to consider if you’re thinking of making the jump to an EV.

Affordability: As noted, EVs are pricey, particularly when compared to similarly performing gasoline-powered vehicles. Give that, your first step is to come up with a realistic estimate of how large a car payment your monthly budget can handle. If those numbers indicate something less than top-of-the-line, take a look at Nissan Leaf (starting price $27,400), Chevrolet Bolt ($31,500) or Hyundai Kona ($34,000). Also be aware of the federal EV tax credit, an incentive worth up to $7,500. That can make a difference, although you will first need to buy the car before the IRS gets involved.

Consider a Hybrid: Potential EV purchasers have two other challenges to think about – can they install a car charger at home and do they have access to an adequate charging infrastructure. If the answers are no, it might be time to look at a hybrid, which are substantially less expensive but still offer improved mileage. Turns out the hybrid option – even with its part reliance on gasoline – might meet most or all of your EV needs. Going Places: Another factor to consider is how much range you need given your normal driving patterns. Longer-range vehicles are all well and good, but many require a mix of large batteries, lightweight materials and aerodynamic design, none of which come cheap. Figure out how far you want to travel between charges and make your purchase accordingly, bearing in mind that EV mile-range estimates are best-case scenarios that fluctuate based on how you drive. It’s also wise to invest in a little more range than you think you’ll need.

Leasing and the Used Market: With EVs, as with their gas-powered counterparts, remember there are always alternatives to buying a new model. Leasing, for example, eliminates most of the financial pressures of acquiring an EV, although the fact you don’t own the car outright means there are limitations to its use. Meanwhile, a used EV could save you money and enable you to avoid waiting for your car to arrive from the factory. The downside is that older cars may have some wear and tear.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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How to Save on the Ski Slopes This Winter

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:20:20 +0000

Skiers are known to be particularly avid about their sports, most notably in their willingness to brave freezing temperatures and icy winds for the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with swooshing down alpine hillsides at high speeds. Little surprise, then, that for many of them, skiing is not a pastime but something closer to being a way of life.

And a rather expensive one at that. Long before the recent surge in inflation, skiing carried the reputation of being a pricey proposition given what resorts charge for lift tickets, equipment rentals, overnight stays and meals. There are ways around that, however, and with fall the prime season for planning winter ski getaways, here are a few money-saving tips to consider before you hit the slopes.

Look for Lift Bargains: Yes, lift tickets are expensive but that does not mean there are not bargains out there if you look hard enough. For instance, you can save a substantial amount of money by planning ahead and buying your lift tickets early. Also consider signing up for websites like Liftopia that track lift prices and alert when you a bargain becomes available. In addition, bear in mind that many resorts offer cut rates for students, disabled skiers, families, large groups, seniors and first timers.

Go Small: Let’s face it – skiing North America’s most popular resorts does not come cheap. Keep in mind, however, that the converse is also true, that you can ski smaller, lesser-known destinations for less and enjoy the added benefit of noticeably shorter lift lines. And if you must ski one of the marquee resorts, consider a mid-week visit when you are more likely to find bargains.

Avoid Resort Mark-Ups: Everything is more expensive once you set foot at the resort, so frugal skiers are well advised to rent skis and any other essential equipment before you arrive. Likewise, if you need lodging, you are far better off booking a room nearby and using resort shuttles or public transportation to reach the slopes.

Bring Your Own: The same concept holds true for food. There is no getting around the fact skiing can be hungry work but that does not mean you have to purchase marked-up resort meals. Skiers can save a few bucks by bringing food with them – granola bars are a great choice, or you can even pack a sandwich to fit in your pants pocket.

Half-Day’s the Way: Particularly as you age, it is worth asking yourself: “Do I really have seven hours of skiing in me?” If no, go for the half-day lift ticket, which usually gives you three of four afternoon hours of skiing for significantly less money.

Off-Season Discounts: In certain parts of the country, ski season extends well past winter, as snow can fall in the mountains in March and even into April. Lift tickets, equipment rentals and lodging are all discounted toward the end of the season, so consult your favorite resort to see if it offers a spring pass program.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post How to Save on the Ski Slopes This Winter appeared first on Other CMS.

Tips for Saving a Few Dollars at Disneyland

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:46:05 +0000

The Western United States is suffering through a severe drought, gas prices have reached unprecedented levels, the economy is flirting with recession and the pandemic isn’t finished with us yet. Sounds like a good summer to stay home, right? Well, don’t tell that to the millions who will crowd Disneyland this season. The Anaheim attraction over the past 70 years has repeatedly demonstrated it’s pretty much impervious to the economic and societal factors that deter visitors bound for less famous theme parks.

Of course, Disneyland this summer is not only very busy but very expensive. There are a few strategies, however, visitors can employ to save a few dollars while wringing maximum enjoyment from their visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Leave the Car at Home: The current price of gas alone should provide all the incentive you need to find alternative Disneyland transportation options but here’s another — higher parking fees the park and area hotels. Do the research and you might find it’s a better bargain getting to Anaheim by train, plane of bus. Also make sure to utilize Lyft or Uber to get to and from your hotel to the park.

Stay Off the Property: To be sure, there is nothing like the experience and perks that come with staying at a Disney-operated hotel but that might be a luxury best postponed for the present. Given the fact you’re making the trip in order to spend your days in the park, it could be all you need at night is a clean bathroom and comfortable bed. Look for lodging bargains (particularly midweek) in area around Disneyland.

Meal Deals: Another perk of staying at a local hotel is that many offer complimentary breakfasts. To save money later in the day, fill up on this free fare before heading over to the park ad make sure to bring snacks to keep you going until the afternoon, when the food lines are shorter. If Disneyland Character Dining is a priority for you, make sure to pre-purchase your vouchers, which saves you about 10% off the list price.

Water, Water Everywhere: It can be warm in Southern California all year round, so you will want to stay hydrated at the park. Smart visitors bring water bottles with them and refill them through the day at easy water bottle fillers or with free ice water. Inside Disneyland, you can find water bottle fillers at Tomorrowland Terrace, Rancho Del Zocalo, the French Market and the Plaza Inn. Disney California Adventure Park does not have any water bottle fillers but cold water is readily accessible in the Wine Country Trattoria bathroom. Visitors also can request a free large cup of water with ice at any counter service restaurant.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips for Saving a Few Dollars at Disneyland appeared first on Other CMS.

Baseball Is Back

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 17:01:29 +0000

While it seemed unlikely in the depths of the lockout, Major League Baseball returned to stadiums across the country this spring a mere one week behind schedule. Here’s to the millionaire players and billionaire owners for finding enough mutual ground to spare fans a devastating work stoppage.

The harsh reality remains, however, that a trip to the ballpark can be a pricey excursion, the days of cheap bleacher seats have gone the way of the spitter. That said, there are ways to shave a few dollars off going to see Casey at the bat.

Purchase Game Day Tickets: This strategy is most effective if your favorite team is accustomed to playing home games before a half-empty stadium, such as the Oakland A’s or Cincinnati Reds. Strolling up to the box office just before or even after the ump yells “Play ball!” can save you plenty, as clubs at that moment want nothing more than to get you in a seat and sell you a beer and dog. And no online fees to worry about.

Pick Your Day, Pick Your Time, Pick Your (Opposing) Team: With many clubs having instituted “flex pricing” policies for the most desirable weekend games — say, the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox or San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers — there are real bargains to be had attending midweek contests, particularly afternoon games, in which your favorite team squares off against one that’s not a traditional rival.

Sit in the Cheap Seats: Not surprisingly, the best seats in the house — directly behind home plate, along the first- and third-base lines — tend to be the most expensive. Likewise, clubs sometimes jack up ticket prices for day-game seats in the shade, particularly as summer wears on. There are as a result bargains awaiting the brave and hardy who can stand the heat and don’t mind being a tad removed from the action. The latter, in particular, is no big deal, given the number of highlights shown every game on the stadium’s massive screens. As for the former, bring a hat, sunblock and stay hydrated.

B.Y.O.S.: That stands for Bring Your Own Snacks. Most teams these days allow patrons to bring in their own peanuts and Cracker Jacks, though some restrictions might apply. Do a little research to see what your team allows. It’s a great way to avoid the stadium’s sharp markup.

Forget Stadium Gear: With every MLB club operating in a major metro area, there are likely plenty of local retailers happy to sell you licensed gear such as shirts and caps for far less than you’d pay at the park.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Baseball Is Back appeared first on Other CMS.

Staying Current on Home Maintenance A Must

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:21:03 +0000

It is not surprising to find that some people consider maintenance something to avoid, given the term’s connotations of unwelcome expense and inconvenience. It’s time again for that tune-up, oil change or brake job? How am I, let alone my checking account, going to squeeze that in this week? Procrastination results, although we understand far greater expenses in time and cash likely will result. Chalk it up to human nature.

Homeowners are even more prey to that impulse, given the costs associated with many of even the simplest maintenance projects. Owners of manufactured housing have proven no exception, despite the fact it is even more important for them than traditional homeowners to stay on top of the maintenance regimen. Mobile home maintenance procedures vary from model to model but the first step is always to consult your owners’ manual to determine what needs to be done when. That said, here are some basic tips for maintaining your residence and, along with it, your ability to make it as comfortable as possible.

Start at the Top: That roof over your head? In many cases, it is metallic surface created by fusing galvanized steel sheets together. Constantly exposed to the elements, it is susceptible to all kinds of damage. Do it and yourself a favor by periodically examining and cleaning the surface, taking care to avoid walking on the roof itself.

Side Job: With most manufactured homes, steel informs not only the roof but the unit’s overall frame. Again, regular inspections are the answer. Take a walk around your unit and eyeball it closely. If you notice a scratch or any damage that might expose the frame to rust or corrosion, repair it as soon as you can. Choose high-quality asphaltic base, zinc chromate or paint for these projects – all will provide the protection you seek.

Windows and Doors: Windows are among the most expensive items in a home to purchase and install, which is all the more reason to stay current on their maintenance. Window panes, tracks and operating mechanisms should be checked regularly and kept clean to ensure everything is in working order. Also it is imperative in drier seasons to check windows for leaks; no one likes surprises during a spring downpour. As for doors, use warm, soapy water to keep them clean and remember to adjust them as necessary to ensure they fit properly and close fully. Got the squeaks? Take some silicon spray to the hinges.

Get At the Gutters: Gutters exist is to channel water away from your manufactured home’s foundation. If that doesn’t happen you could be looking at foundation damage or any number of leakage problems, and it will not happen if your gutters are clogged. This is a particularly common problem in the fall in more wooded mobile home communities. The answer is to clean your gutters on a regular basis or look into installing gutter guards. There are several brands of guards on the market and most have proven effective in limiting the amount of natural detritus likely to accumulate and clog your gutters.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Staying Current on Home Maintenance A Must appeared first on Other CMS.

Think Ahead to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Summer Vacation

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 22:01:13 +0000

Spring is in swing and that means many of us are already actively engaged in planning summer holidays, trips that have taken on additional importance and urgency as the nation emerges from two years of pandemic restrictions. The bad news, of course, is that this summer’s road trips will be complicated by sky-high gas prices and the highest inflation rate in 40 years. It’s enough to harsh your hot-weather mellow.

Given those conditions, it is more important than ever this summer for vacationers to squeeze every cent from their travel dollars in general and fuel costs in particular. Here are a few tips for saving money while still enjoying yourself on the road this summer.

Rethink Your Destination: Suffice it to say, this is probably not the summer to take that gas-guzzler cross country. It’s a safe bet there a plenty of fine and fun destinations you can travel to without needing to take a second out on the house. In addition, this is an ideal time to visit cities in which the major attractions are clustered in one area and/or readily accessible via mass transit or, better yet, on foot. The less driving the better when it comes to summer 2022 vacations.

Tune-Up Time: If this one sounds like common sense, that’s because it is, but there is no more crucial time to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Data reveals that properly tuned cars can increase your mileage by an average of 4%, with correctly aligned and inflated tires adding 3% on top of that. And
don’t forget to check and when needed change that oil before heading out for parts unknown. These are no-brainers, to be sure, but they are also the nagging details too many of us overlook for too long.

At the Pump: The skyrocketing costs of recent months – which have come before the increases that usually accompany the summer driving season – has spurred the popularity of apps and websites to help motorists find the lowest-priced gas. Valuable as these are when you’re tooling around town, they can have an even greater impact when you’re navigating the streets of an unknown city. It also can’t hurt to research the many credit cards offering cash back on gas. Rebates usually run 2% to 5% — not a huge sum, perhaps, but better than nothing.

(Money-Saving) Rules of the Road: Not surprisingly, you’ll find plenty of cost-cutting strategies behind the wheel. Chief among these is avoid speeding, as research confirms fuel economy (to say nothing of motorist safety) drops precipitously after you move beyond 55 m.p.h. (The things Sammy Hagar never told us!). Likewise, run the air conditioner only when absolutely necessary, as it dramatically reduces fuel economy. Most cars’ AC units have an “economy” setting for circulating un-chilled air and that might just be enough to enable you to travel in comfort.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful

The post Think Ahead to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Summer Vacation appeared first on Other CMS.

Best Budget Summer 2022 Vacation Destinations

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:17:40 +0000

For some of us, it’s never too early to start planning the summer vacation. That’s particularly true in 2022, as the receding pandemic inspires a larger-than-usual travel demand. After two summers of restrictions great and small, Americans are ready to hit the road (or the airports) to visit attractions both famous and obscure.

They will be doing so at a time of heightened inflation and spiking fuel prices. Suffice it to say, we’re all wanting to shave a few travel dollars without sacrificing the trip’s rest and rewards. Here are some favorite destinations proven to deliver good value.

Astoria, Oregon: If it was good enough for Lewis and Clark, it’s good enough for us. Considered among the best small towns to visit by Smithsonian magazine, Astoria is must-see for its food, beer, art, scenic beauty and rich history. Drive across the Astoria Column for panoramic views of the region, visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum or stop at Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark wintered more than 200 years ago.

Glacier National Park, Montana: Like the state in which it resides, Glacier has something for every nature lover. Covering more than 1,500 square-miles, the park features more than 700 miles of Rocky Mountain trail; canoeing and paddle boarding on Lake McDonald; and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, where you’re likely to spy wildlife ranging from mountain goats to grizzly bears. And the summer rate for a seven-day park permit is $35.

Cheyenne, Wyoming: Cowboy culture reigns in Cheyenne but that’s just scratching the surface. It also is home to the Grand Greenhouse Conservatory, the state’s only public botanic garden; and the free Paul Smith Children’s Village, a three-quarter-acre site of gardens filled with interactive landscapes. And you won’t want to miss the Bison Train at Terry Bison Ranch, which offers daily tours to a pasture full of grazing bison. Make sure to score an ice cream cone at Little America.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Located at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
Gatlinburg has long been a favorite destination. These days, visitors augment their park excursion by checking out the town’s top attractions, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. Skip the tacky souvenir shops and visit the local galleries, most notably the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.

Greenville, South Carolina: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville blends Southern charm and contemporary cool. With countless free annual events and activities in its completely walkable downtown, plus some of the most accessible natural attractions in the Southeast, Greenville is an affordable summer vacation destination. Stop by Falls Park on the Reedy, an urban park in the heart of Main Street, and the Liberty Bridge, a 345-foot, curved bridge held in the air by a single suspension cable.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Best Budget Summer 2022 Vacation Destinations appeared first on Other CMS.

Making the Holidays Affordable, Part II: Decorations and Festivities on a Budget

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:41:50 +0000

In Part I of our Making the Holidays Affordable series, we explored potential ways to save money on gift-giving. We saw that the average American spends nearly $1,000 on presents alone, but what about decorations, festive feasts, and other seasonal activities? These cherished traditions can cost an additional $350 per family.

While it feels like these costs just keep adding up, there are quick and easy ways to save money during this special time of year. You don’t have to spend a lot to make the holidays feel priceless for your friends and family.

Decorations

Every year, tons of old baubles, ribbons, and packing material, as well as unwanted Christmas trees end up in landfills. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the amount of extra waste increases by 25 percent in volume or by about 1,000 pounds of trash per household.

Here are some ideas to make holiday decorating and entertaining sustainable and affordable:

String popcorn or cranberries together to hang on your tree or around your home. Dried orange slices and beads can also be used to create a festive garland.
Use the outdoors to your advantage. Collect pinecones, leaves, and evergreen branches to decorate for free! Supplies for a homemade wreath or table setting can be gathered on a single walk around the park.
Consider using items you have on hand to decorate. Houseplants can make great stand-ins for Christmas trees, while paper snowflakes can serve as replacements for traditional ornaments.

Food

Although it is tempting to make an extravagant holiday feast, excess food often ends up in the trash. The EPA estimates that food waste increases by more than 25% during the holidays. At Thanksgiving, Americans throw out $293 million in turkey alone!

Here are some tips on how to save money on holiday meals:

Cut back on volume. Try to calculate a reasonable estimate of how much each guest will eat, as planning out meals will help you create a budget and lead to less waste. You can also limit the number of side dishes you make to one or two of the favorites.
Ask others to contribute a dish. You don’t have to take on all of the food costs yourself! Consider assigning each guest a side dish or a beverage item to bring with them.
Seek out affordable brands. No one will notice that you used the grocery store brand canned green beans or condensed milk. Look for budget-friendly brands when buying ingredients to save money.

Activities

It is important to remember that your guests have come to see you, not to see expensive performances. Your town likely has many exciting options for inexpensive or even free seasonal entertainment.

Get the festivities started with these ideas:

Visit the local light displays in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Your guests are sure to be filled with holiday spirit after taking in the colorful sights.
Have a holiday movie night with homemade hot cocoa. You can use a movie you already own or rent one from your local library.
Attend a free holiday play, concert, parade, or market. Many cities have free holiday events throughout November and December. Try checking their official website or Facebook page for more information.

Charitable Donations

If giving to those less fortunate is part of your holiday tradition, but you don’t have a lot of cash to donate, consider these ideas:

Donate items. Host a coat drive in your community to donate the coats you collect to a local shelter. You can also collect old blankets and towels for an animal shelter.
Donate your time. Visit a nursing home and take time to talk with – and listen to – the residents.
Be kind to nature. Pick up trash at a nearby park with friends and family as a gift to your local wildlife. You can also make simple bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed.

Experiencing the holidays to their fullest potential does not have to be elaborate or expensive. With these cost-saving ideas, you can partake in all of your favorite holiday activities and even make new family-favorite traditions.

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Making the Holidays Affordable, Part I: Gift Giving on a Budget

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:35:50 +0000

The average American family spends nearly $1000 on holiday gifts each year, and that doesn’t even take into account the cost of that fragrant Frasier fir tree, your colorful holiday decorations, or the ingredients for your traditional holiday feast. When you’re on a fixed income, the holidays can put a damper on your budget, but not every holiday has to come with outlandish credit card bills.

While it’s easy to get carried away during the holiday shopping season and spend more than you can afford on that perfect holiday gift for a special person in your life, you don’t have to spend lots of cash to give a great gift. Love isn’t measured by the money you spend on someone. Actually, the most treasured gifts come from the heart.

Here are a few ideas to make gift-giving more affordable:

Consider a thoughtful, homemade gift instead of one that’s store-bought.

Homemade sugar scrubs (find a link) are easy to make with simple ingredients you may even have around your house, and they’re great for smoothing dry, cracked winter hands and feet. Or put your baking talents to work and make some yummy breads or cookies for friends and neighbors!

Give an experience.

Time spent together can be the most memorable gift of all, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing! Check out our list of top Bay Area beaches here.

Skip the gift-giving tradition altogether, or change it up and make brand new holiday traditions.

Gag gifts from among items you already own are sure to bring out the fun and laughter at your family gathering!

Author’s note: When I was a child, my dad’s family had an ugly monkey statue that made the rounds each Christmas. Somehow, my dad ended up with it every other year...

Draw names instead of giving gifts to everyone on your list.

This is especially important if you have a large family or a large group of friends on your gift list. It’s much more affordable to buy for one person than ten, and you can take the time to find a truly thoughtful gift for the recipient of your gift.

You can give a thoughtful gift even when you’re living on a budget. With these money-saving gift-giving tips, not only will you have a lower credit card bill in January, it might even be your most memorable holiday yet.

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