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Category: Money

  • Top Tips For Travelling The World On The Cheap

    Top Tips For Travelling The World On The Cheap

    Do you want to travel the world but think it’s expensive? Would you like to find a way to make full-time travel more affordable?

    Money is often the first issue on the agenda when it comes to travelling. How can I start travelling the world when I don’t have much money? This problem and how to overcome it is probably the most frequently asked travel related question.

    If you often find yourself asking this question, you need to know that you don’t have to be rich to travel. In fact, you can travel full-time on less than $14,000 per year! Let’s repeat that: YOU CAN TRAVEL FULL-TIME FOR $14,000 A YEAR (or Less!).

    1. Save on airfare

    Shopping online for cheap flight tickets can be a boon to your budget, but only when you know where to look for the best deals. Don’t just rely on major airfare search engines to book your flights. Many of these sites actually don’t carry the best airfare deals.

    To find the cheapest airline tickets, airfares and discount air tickets, you should carry out a series of internet searches to find the different airlines that fly to your proposed route. Start by finding the website for your proposed departing and/or arriving airport to identify the airlines it caters to, including all of the budget airlines. Try to find airfare deals being offered by these airlines.

    Other ways to save on airfare include: ensuring you don’t exceed the limit you for checked bags that you’ve pre-paid for, making sure that you’re arriving at and departing from the same airport when booking connecting flights, being prepared to fly from other airports or terminals entirely, and ensuring that you have enough time to hustle for airfare deals to your new departure point.

    2. Work for accommodation

    Accommodation is, without a doubt, one of the main factors in determining the cost of your travel. To cut back on this expense, consider taking on work-trade gigs available in your destination. Working in trade for accommodation will not only help you save money, but also get a chance to meet like-minded people, work with locals and immerse the culture, and make friends for life. A number of online platforms exist that you can use to find such work-trade gigs. These include: WWOOFing, Work Away, Help Exchange, Organic Volunteers, House Carers, and Caretaker’s Gazette. Some of these have a membership fee, which is negligible when compared to possible cost savings.

    3. Take advantage of free accommodation

    Aside from working in trade for accommodation, you can make use of hospitality exchange or accommodation sharing programs that connect you with like-minded travellers and allow you to stay as a guest in somebody’s home free of charge. This can be a great way to make and meet an instant local friend, but you’ll need to observe common etiquette like bringing a gift for your host, helping out with household chores and so on.

    Some online resources where you can find hospitality exchange or accommodation sharing programs include: Hospitality Club, Servas, Global Freeloaders, and Couch Surfing.

    4. Consider taking on travel friendly jobs

    Depending on your expertise and experience, you can take on a travel-friendly job to finance part of your travel expenses while meeting new people. Some of the jobs you can undertake while you travel include: online jobs, freelance writing, photography, travel nursing, cruise jobs, tutoring, etc.

    5. Take advantage of travel-friendly volunteer opportunities

    Volunteering may end up making your getaway more expensive, rather than helping you cut costs, if you’re not careful. But there’s no denying the fact that you can volunteer inexpensively (or even for free), and get a once in a lifetime experience meeting local communities and making friends.

    Only consider volunteer opportunities that are travel-friendly or those that come with packages. You can find such opportunities in volunteer travel resources like Transitions Abroad, Idealist, Voluntourism, Compathos, Personal Overseas Development, Conservation Connect, and Continental Divide Trail Alliance.

    6. Try to Integrate into the local community

    Remember you are not a tourist, but a full-time traveller. Try to embrace the place you are visiting and be proactive in making new connections and friends who can help you have fun, explore the local culture, and plan the next stage of your trip. There are many places where you can find an opportunity to interact with locals and make important connections, including local stores, pubs and restaurants, libraries, sports stadiums, and headquarters of international organizations like Toastmasters and Rotary (it can be more helpful if you’re a member).

    7. Avoid splurging on souvenirs

    Don’t waste your money splurging on multiple souvenir pieces; but you can buy one to remind you of the place.

    Remember you aren’t a tourist!

    8. Save money on food while travelling

    Food and drinks are the other main factors in determining the cost of your travel. While it’s not advisable to limit yourself (since it can compromise the quality of your travel experience), you need to determine what is important to you in terms of food and drinks and budget for it accordingly. Are you a foodie or a beer person? Or, do you prefer self-prepared meals? Scrimp on those food items you don’t really need and so you can have money to treat yourself to your favourite meal or drink. Avoid those overpriced meals found in hotel restaurants, and choose popular local eateries. Apart from getting affordable meals, it will give you an opportunity to meet locals and explore local cuisine.

    9. Be flexible, open minded and ready to allow your travel plans to evolve with you

    Be adaptable and try to go with the flow to save money. Opportunities of many ilk tend to crop up when travelling, including volunteering, work and free accommodation; and being flexible with your travel plans will allow you to take advantage of such opportunities.

    10. Make use of travel planning tools and apps

    Apart from using these tips, look at your possible expenses and budget carefully before finalizing your travel plans. Travel planning tools and websites, such as Trip Cost Calculator, Tripbase, CompareTravelMoney and others, can help you with budgeting, particularly when it comes to estimating the cost of accommodation and food.

    11. Travel slow and see more

    Since travelling is a part of your life (and not an occasional undertaking), travel slow so you can have enough time to make lasting connections that can come in handy in your future endeavours. Choose a few destinations and try to stay at each place for a while getting to know people, the language and the culture. The longer you stay, the more you’ll learn about surviving and travelling on a budget in that particular destination.

  • Earning Money Online Has Never Been Easier – Top 10 Ideas

    Earning Money Online Has Never Been Easier – Top 10 Ideas

    Today, there are millions of people who earn their money online. According to a 2015 report published by Freelancers Union, there are about 54 million people in America only that work as freelancers. Some decide to start their own online business, which is no easy task. Great business ideas and a well-designed marketing plan is what you need to learn how to make money online. You can turn your ideas into reality with some basic skills, a domain and hosting. The niche you choose will be your combat arena, so choose your weapons and dive in.

    1. Translate

    If you are fluent in two or more languages, then earning money by translating would be no problem. Whether it is translating various texts and documents, replying to company emails, or negotiating deals for an import-export agent – there is work out there. You can set up professional translation services or work part time via freelance websites.

    1. Become a Virtual Assistant

    Depending on the job role, a virtual assistant can charge $20-30. The most common tasks that virtual assistants deal with are: product listings, responding to emails, research, and blogger outreach. It’s a flexible job that allows you to maintain multiple clients at once. You can easily work overtime or fill gaps in your week whenever you wish.

    1. Outsource

    The outsourcing industry is heavily on the rise, and there are new business opportunities in the international marketplace, thanks to the intersection of globalization and technology. Companies, small or big, all outsource their workforce today. So, why not start a business that focuses solely on outsourcing? Everybody needs external help at some point, so outsource the work and take a profit margin instead of doing the work yourself.

    1. Social Media Marketing

    Business leaders recognize the importance of social media presence, and they pay people who know how to take all the advantages and manage social media profiles. They employ other people to do it because usually they do not have the time to get involved with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Build up attractive social media profiles, attract potential clients, and raise brand awareness.

    1. Run an Ecommerce Store

    Creating a fully functional and easy-to-use online Ecommerce store has actually never been easier. You can have it designed for as little as $500-600, get a domain and hosting, and invest in good marketing strategies such as: networking, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), print media, and event sponsorship. Set up an online store, utilize a secure ecommerce payment gateway, and start selling.

    1. Train and Mentor

    There are various skills that can be taught online, with free services that Skype or other messenger programs provide. You could help people improve their writing skills, teach a language, offer marketing training, or teach/mentor in other skills you mastered in. Offer a freemium model – free accounts with limited features, and then charge for account upgrades.

    1. Paid Blogging

    Companies and individuals who own their websites are always in search of high quality content. If you are an experienced writer, you could offer blog posting services. Rookies can usually charge about $1.5 per 100 words, but after you prove good and start working on more complex projects, you could charge $5-15 per 100 words. Check out sites like Upwork and People Per Hour for freelance writing gigs.

    1. Web Design

    No smart business owner would make that crucial mistake of not having a well-designed and user-friendly website. Those who have skills in web development need practically no investment in order to start designing logos and websites for those who need it. Build up your skill set by taking online web design courses and learn the basics of coding, start building your portfolio, and offer your services.

    1. Build apps

    If you are already upgrading your skills in coding, you can also use them to build apps. You would have to go through an extensive 12-month training (in CodeAcademy) before being able to build high sales apps. The market is quite large, but so is the competition. However, if you have an idea for a great and interesting app, you should definitely try to realize it.

    1. Sell on eBay

    Now, it is not that easy to sell successfully on eBay. What you should do is to target a niche where the competition is low and profit margins are high. After you find a supplier and choose the right product, you can import items and make a big profit.

    These are just some of the most common ways of earning money online. Find something you are great at, upgrade your skills, and offer your services or products online. When there is a huge demand for something, then you can get paid by giving a good offer, right? Good luck!

  • Can You Make Money From House Flipping?

    Can You Make Money From House Flipping?

    You’d be surprised just how many people have been in a situation where they have finally garnered enough money to renovate their house and when everything was finished, an idea to sell the whole thing for even more money started to occupy the mind. Well, some of those individuals actually went down that road and made a commitment in order to make a decent living; so if you have the urge to do the same, but aren’t quite sure where to start, let’s get you acquainted with some facts before you go through with this demanding endeavor.

Now, don’t go thinking that house-flipping is easily done like in those high budget TV shows where it takes a few days and a huge crew to turn an old, time-devoured place into an expensive dream-house again. It involves a lot of planning, collaboration with contractors, and rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty. Before you even begin fixing things, know that everything primarily depends on the current state of the house as well as the cash you’ve spent on acquiring it, so you can compare and estimate just how much a house-flip pays off.

Not every house will do you justice
This should be treated like a postulate. It is like when people with big egos who are pretty confident that they can do everything with ease and certainty suddenly face a wall that takes too much effort, money and time to penetrate. No, you have to play it smart, so before you get your demolition hammers and power drills, you need to be able to determine whether a home is redeemable or not to begin with. Learn to pick your battles. Check the entire estate, identify the weak spots, and take a close look at everything possible (living area, basement, attic, backyard, plumbing, wiring, etc.). Once you make a list of things that need repair, do the math and estimate if “flipping” is worth it.
Getting what you want at the best price possible

This may require a little vulture business, but you have to be a bit of an opportunist if you are to survive. The best places to fix are those that real estate agents need sell fast and easy. Homeowners who are willing to sell at a price below the market standards are usually those who have financial problems, are unemployed, are getting divorced, are being transferred because of their job, and other similar reasons. However, bear in mind that structural problems may drastically decrease the value, but it can increase the money needed for investment in order to correct such extensive faults. Once again, a sound inspection is crucial.

Quality isn’t necessarily expensive
Considering that you have completed the paperwork and you are now the owner of the house that needs renovation, it is time to go window shopping. Now, there is a logical assumption that costly fixtures, installations, and other home components are more durable and pleasing to the eye, but we all know that is not necessarily true. Think Conveyancing team advises that sometimes you just have to do some decent searching, make contacts with retailers, experts, contractors, handymen; and with a little luck during negotiations, you’ll be able to get the quality services and items at a much more affordable price. This will leave you enough money on the side for better furniture, wall paint, and other investments.

Conclusion
One final word of advice – check the law regarding such matters in your country/state. Who knows what complications may ensue because of legal regulations, so opt to contact professional help in order to avoid such potential pitfalls. Try to keep things realistic, do more research if needed, and estimate the flip costs, real estate commissions, insurance, taxes, loan interest, utilities, and other financial factors. Prepare yourself! It is a fun project, but nothing close to naïve.
  • Smart Ways to Teach Children about Money

    Smart Ways to Teach Children about Money

    As soon as they can count, start introducing your kids to money. Start by letting them see and feel all the various notes and coins. And, as they get older, start raising their financial awareness step by step. Explain to them the concepts behind money through everyday activities, and get them into saving and spending money by giving them pocket change. This way, your child will get to know the basic clockwork of the finance world, which will also affect their development. And, ultimately, you will have raised a smart individual, who knows how to handle money responsibly.

    Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees 2

    Include your children in your daily financial activity. Be it a trip to the ATM or the bank, you will want to teach your children how money is obtained. They consider that invisible money, so explain how they don’t hand out money just like that. Talk shop, and explain how money is the reward for all the hard work and perseverance you put into your work. They will appreciate you and your job more, and will get to know how the world functions.

    Give Them a Run for Their Money

    Start giving your kids an allowance. There is no better way of teaching kids the value of money than by letting them taste it for themselves. Kids will come to realize how everything costs money, and if you want to get something you have to earn it. Furthermore, you can get them to do chores. They will help around the house, and learn the value of an honest day’s work. More importantly, this will help build their character, make them more self-reliant, enterprising, and hard working.

    Save up for a Rainy Day 

    Cute little girl plays with money, isolated over white
    Cute little girl plays with money, isolated over white

     

    You should teach your kids to save money. A notebook can be a perfect way to store receipts, and manage their budget. This will allow them to always stay on top of their costs. And, for storing all that money, provide your kids with a piggy bank. They may not save up most of their allowance there, but it is certainly great to teach them the value that spare change has in the long run. When your kids get old enough, you can open up their first savings account.  You can also use cool math games to teach them about interest rates and how it affects their savings. They will feel more grown up, and get a boost to their self-confidence at the same time.

    Don’t Spend It All at Once

    Teach your children to spend their money wisely. Let them make a wish list and set their priorities. They will get a sense of what they want, and have 5a goal set. Incorporate the concept of waiting it out. Fun math games will let them calculate how long it will take, and they will stay focused. This will ensure that they never spend it all in one place, and not as soon as they receive it. And, with important items always on their mind, they will learn to never waste money. Also, with all the effort they put into reaching their goal, they will appreciate the things they buy that much more.

    The Right Price

    Ask your children to help you with the shopping. You can teach them how to make a proper shopping list, and how to find the best buy. They will learn how brands affect price, and how they can save money by going for the alternative. Also, they will get a sense of when to consider quality over price, and how quantity is sometimes the cheaper way to shop. Moreover, a supermarket is a great place to add a bit of skepticism to your children about brands, ads, and supermarket tricks. Explain the goals of the supermarket and the product manufacturers, and how it’s not the customer they always have on their mind.

    In the end, it is important to remember that kids start out with no concept of money. And, even though we all wish it could stay that way, the world doesn’t work like that. However, teaching your children early on will prepare them for the world ahead. By introducing children to their own money, and including them in everyday activities, they will become smart financially savvy individuals with a healthy attitude towards money.

    About author:

    Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook.