This year, I've challenged myself to get into better financial shape while having fun and bettering my overall quality of life. Four of my favorite tips:
Paying off those credit cards. I've said this before, but it bears repeating: Credit debt is a black hole that will swallow your chances of financial freedom- if you let it. I paid as much as possible every month until it was gone, and used at least a portion of supplemental income to pay it off even faster when possible. Whereas last year I was getting hit with $50 or more per month in finance charges and interest, paying it all off in the long run saved me hundreds and now I have no more payments. It feels so good!
Earning some income on the side by pet sitting. Caring for pets hardly seems like work when I'm in the company of the cute animals! Gaining a good report with a pet is rewarding in and of itself, and his owner will be much more likely to ask you back, providing a long-term source of income padding and a long-term animal friend, too. I recommend you try reaching out to friends, family, and trusted community members first, since they already know you and will feel confident leaving you with a beloved member of their family.
Double-whammy house swap. This is my favorite. Yes, I can earn some money and take a mini vacation while watching someone's home, and possibly her children or pets, while she's away. But what to do with my own charming little apartment downtown that's lying empty while I house sit? Here's the double whammy: I rent it out! Take some time to get everything cleaned up and looking sharp, then find someone who's looking to stay in your part of town who will pay you per night or for a week. Reputable websites like NewYorkStay.com or AirBnB.com are a great help connecting you with renters. Win-win!
Create, sell, and gift to spruce up your home. I wrote of my fascination with FreeCycle.com , the gift exchange community. What's not to love? Get rid of things you love but don't use, and find new things you need but don't want to over-extend yourself to buy. My circle friends and family are just excited about trading, bartering, and gifting, too. I'm loving my futon frame that was once lying in a friend's basement from the previous tenant. And after helping another friend on moving day,
I found myself going home with a rug, a kitchen island, and a set of dishes, pots, and pans that she no longer needed. Other friends gave me the idea to have an art party, where I invited friends over and had paints, canvases, poster board, ribbons, glitter, glue, magazines, and other crafty items set up for everyone. By the end of the party, I had a bunch of cool art made by my friends to display on my walls! The point of all this is that yes, buying new things is fun, but you don't have to break the bank every time you want to upgrade. (And having extra unique artsy charm will make your place even more attractive for your NewYorkStay or AirBnB listing, too!)
Paying off those credit cards. I've said this before, but it bears repeating: Credit debt is a black hole that will swallow your chances of financial freedom- if you let it. I paid as much as possible every month until it was gone, and used at least a portion of supplemental income to pay it off even faster when possible. Whereas last year I was getting hit with $50 or more per month in finance charges and interest, paying it all off in the long run saved me hundreds and now I have no more payments. It feels so good!
Earning some income on the side by pet sitting. Caring for pets hardly seems like work when I'm in the company of the cute animals! Gaining a good report with a pet is rewarding in and of itself, and his owner will be much more likely to ask you back, providing a long-term source of income padding and a long-term animal friend, too. I recommend you try reaching out to friends, family, and trusted community members first, since they already know you and will feel confident leaving you with a beloved member of their family.
Double-whammy house swap. This is my favorite. Yes, I can earn some money and take a mini vacation while watching someone's home, and possibly her children or pets, while she's away. But what to do with my own charming little apartment downtown that's lying empty while I house sit? Here's the double whammy: I rent it out! Take some time to get everything cleaned up and looking sharp, then find someone who's looking to stay in your part of town who will pay you per night or for a week. Reputable websites like NewYorkStay.com or AirBnB.com are a great help connecting you with renters. Win-win!
Create, sell, and gift to spruce up your home. I wrote of my fascination with FreeCycle.com , the gift exchange community. What's not to love? Get rid of things you love but don't use, and find new things you need but don't want to over-extend yourself to buy. My circle friends and family are just excited about trading, bartering, and gifting, too. I'm loving my futon frame that was once lying in a friend's basement from the previous tenant. And after helping another friend on moving day,
I found myself going home with a rug, a kitchen island, and a set of dishes, pots, and pans that she no longer needed. Other friends gave me the idea to have an art party, where I invited friends over and had paints, canvases, poster board, ribbons, glitter, glue, magazines, and other crafty items set up for everyone. By the end of the party, I had a bunch of cool art made by my friends to display on my walls! The point of all this is that yes, buying new things is fun, but you don't have to break the bank every time you want to upgrade. (And having extra unique artsy charm will make your place even more attractive for your NewYorkStay or AirBnB listing, too!)
