How to Teach Your Kids About Money

February 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to raising your kids, the biggest goal of yours as a parent is to make sure that they are set up for success later in life. One thing that you have to do as a parent to help get them ready for life is to teach them about money. Money can be a complex topic to introduce to your child as there are a lot of things that they need to know that will go over their heads as children. 

Of course, you, as a parent, may wonder, “Will the Iraqi dinar revalue,” if you have foreign currency investments, but kids will not understand all that goes into this right now, so just teach them the basics.

Teaching your kids about money, whether your currency is the United States dollar or the Iraqi dinar, does not have to be a difficult task. It can be fun and interesting for them. Below are some easy ways, that are also fun for your kids, that can teach them all they need to know about money starting out.

Get a traditional piggy bank

Kids love to have their own piggy bank that they can put their money into. This is an easy way for them to start learning how to save money and put it away so it does not get spent on unnecessary things. You can give them a weekly allowance so they learn to put it away, and when they finally get to open their bank and see all the money they were able to save, they will be excited to continue doing it.

Use board games to learn about money

Break out the old traditional games that have fake money as part of the game. Games like Monopoly or Life cause you to think through investments and make sure you save money so you can win the game, and really not even realize that you are doing it. These games even go beyond just learning how to save money or wise investments. They can teache your kids about important life skills like buying houses or property, renting out a property for a profit, and putting aside money to get ready for retirement.

Use technology to your advantage

In this day and age, the younger generation is all about technology and being in front of a screen every chance that they get. The good news for you as a parent is that you can use this to your advantage. There are several YouTube channels that have been created specifically to teach your child about money. If your kid is watching TV or getting on YouTube anyway, why not make it an educational time so they get entertainment while learning at the same time. It is a win for everybody!

Start playing bank or store with them

Kids learn best when they are able to play, have fun, and use their imagination. A great way to teach your kids about money is to get them a cash register with fake money and start playing store with them or bank with them. Playing something like this will exercise their imagination, it will teach them how to add up their money, and how to manage their money when they are shopping so they do not go over budget and have money left over.

Kids are competitive—start using competition

If you have multiple kids, a great way to encourage them to save their money up is by enticing them with a little bit of competition. One competition you can do is a saving competition. Set a time frame like a month or two and see who can save the most money at the end of the time. You as the parent can even get in on the fun and save a little bit along with them. Whoever saves the most money at the end of that time gets some type of prize or present as a reward. This shows your kids just how fun saving money really can be and that you can get a big payout for your efforts in the end.

The most important thing to teach your kids about money is that though it is important to save money and spend or invest it wisely, money is not everything. Money is merely a tool to get you where you want to be in life, but it should not be everything you work for.

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Easily get the refund you are entitled to if your vacation is cancelled

December 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

There is nothing better than having a vacation booked that you can look forward to. Knowing that you will soon be taking a few days off to relax and enjoy time with your family can help you to get through the week.

But, what do you do if your holiday firm goes bust as Thomas Cook did in 2019? Where does that leave you? Does it mean that your money is lost and you will have to forgo your vacation?

Fortunately, the answer is usually no. As you can see from this infographic, which Creditfix kindly provided, in many cases, you can get your money back.

Provided you take the right action you will still be able to enjoy a few days of sunshine. Maybe not in the place you were originally planning to visit. But, using your refund you will be able to afford to take a vacation.

You just need to be careful to book your accommodation, flights and other forms of transport in the right way. Reading through this infographic will help you to do exactly that. 

It will also help to reduce the risk of your being stranded, should something go wrong while you are still abroad. You really don´t want to spend the last few days of your vacation worrying about how to get yourself and your kids back home.

 

 

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6 ways to build funds for your next family vacation

December 2, 2019 by Leave a Comment

When you lead a busy, hectic life – let’s face it, who doesn’t? It’s always nice to have something to look forward to. Weekends come and go, but it’s often the annual family vacation that most families count down to every year. Arranging a vacation requires a lot of financial planning.  One way that families reduce the financial burden of organizing a family vacation is by booking it well in advance and paying in smaller instalments so they can spread out the cost. 

Wondering how else you can build up your funds for your next family vacation? Check out 6 ideas below.

Check you’re getting what you’re entitled to

The cost of living is increasing but sadly our salaries don’t often reflect that rise. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check that you’re receiving the benefits that you’re entitled to. Whether you’re on a lower income, a single parent or even a veteran who’s recently left the military – check out disabledvets.com to find out more about your veteran benefits – you could be entitled to more money than you think, that will not only help towards the day to day life of raising a family but also relieve some of the financial pressure you’re under. 

Try to earn a little more

You probably already have a job, and when you have small children at home it might be difficult to dedicate more time to earn more money. However, there are ways you can earn a little more without leaving your children in expensive day care centres or with babysitters. For example, you can declutter your home and sell any items you no longer want online. Start a small side hustle from your living room, such as sewing services, freelance writing, or even selling baked goods. 

Cancel your gym membership

Are you one of the thousands of people who took out a gym membership with the best intentions yet haven’t been for months? If you’re not making the most of your gym membership then simply cancel it as soon as possible. Even if you enjoy using the gym, opt to work out at home instead with some basic equipment or follow workouts online. 

Get rid of your landline

If you have a landline, ask yourself why? Does anyone actually call you on it? Apart from telemarketers of course! Have it removed and save the money into your vacation fund instead. Most people communicate via their smartphones these days! 

Pay with cash

We all know that paying with card or contactless is quicker and more convenient than cash. However, it can often lead to overspending. Take out however much cash you think you might need at the beginning of the week and simply try not to spend it all. You’ll be amazed how much you resist spending when you have the money physically in your hand. 

Buy second hand

Kids need a new t-shirt? Or maybe you need a new handbag? Head to your local charity shop and see what you can find. You’ll be amazed at the quality of items you’ll find.

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Cryptocurrency and Entertainment

June 28, 2019 by Leave a Comment

With the advent of the internet, online commerce has taken the world by storm, and this will surely continue for the foreseeable future. Instead of going to a physical location to purchase goods and services, you can buy most anything online with free shipping. To make these transactions even more comfortable, the majority of banks have created virtual wallets which enable consumers to make purchases instantly. When you do travel to the store, you can use the NFC technology inside of your smartphone to tap the terminal. With this said, you no longer need cash or physical cards when shopping either online or in-person. Since physical money is falling out of favor, companies are looking for ways to introduce digital currencies to the public. Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other offerings have failed to catch on because they are not exchanging hands. Recently, Facebook announced its cryptocurrency, which is receiving support from many organizations. Moving forward, entertainment personalities such as David Guillod may be using this technology to transact in the entertainment space.

Adopting Cryptocurrency

For longer than anyone alive can remember, the physical currency has been the primary source of transactions, and it will be difficult to change. When internet users first had access to online commerce, many individuals were wary of having information and identities stolen. It took quite a few years for this behavior to become routine, and now users often buy items with a straightforward click. In retrospect, many exciting processes have become second-nature for humans, and digital currency will eventually follow suit. With many independent entertainers gaining favor with the masses, they could potentially connect directly with these audiences with digital currencies.

For this type of technology to catch on, the entire economy will have to become more malleable for this to occur. Also, including Blockchain and cryptocurrency education in school curriculums will help speed this process along. As it stands, many consumers are still unaware of how the banking industry functions and are not prepared for the overhaul of the financial system quite yet.

Making Transactions in the Future

Eventually, many people will experience physical reality with a form of augmented reality layered on top. With 5G around the corner, it will be possible to integrate more types of technology into reality. Instead of using an outdated form of currency that is still tied to things such as the Automated Clearing House (ACH), consumers will slowly gravitate toward digital options. With Facebook leading the charge for this type of currency in the mainstream, it would be wise for these partnering organizations to tie this cryptocurrency to entertainment.

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Blockchain and Independent Films

June 26, 2019 by 1 Comment

With the advent of the internet, independent film companies have come about readily, and this does not seem to be changing. Now, more than ever, the ability to make an independent film is accessible to pretty much any individual with a screen. Before this period, making films was reserved for big studios that were given massive budgets. Movies from these large studios are still responsible for the majority of the revenue earned in this industry, but independent films are beginning to make some noise. Film producers such as Heather Parry have seen this industry over the years, and it continues to evolve as time continues. Independent filmmakers have turned to solutions such as blockchains to receive proper forms of compensation.

Providing Faster Revenue Channels

Traditionally, there are a lot of channels independent film companies must go through before they receive compensation. Companies of this nature regularly receive publishing deals from bigger studios and are often the last entity to receive payment. With the introduction of Blockchain technology, this would no longer be the case. Independent film companies would receive more direct revenues, and these filmmakers would earn more money as a result. Since these individuals are responsible for the overall creative process that reaches the audience, they should receive compensation as quickly as the more prominent entities or even faster if possible.

Reaching Target Market Faster

Since consumers have an endless amount of options to choose from when it comes to visual entertainment, consumers often look toward independent companies to find new offerings. At this time, there appear to be a lot of remakes and sequels in the film industry. While these films are often engaging and draw large crowds, innovation in this space is happening in the independent film sector. With Blockchain technology, independent filmmakers can reach target audiences directly through partial ownership programs. With crowdfunding becoming a big part of the gig economy, many consumers look for avenues that can assist independent artists and filmmakers. As a partial owner, the consumer will become a part of the process and will recoup an investment in real-time once the film begins to make money.

At this time, you no longer have to go through more prominent channels for any form of entertainment. Films of all kinds are released each day from across the world, and this will only continue. For those who have a keen interest in the film industry, this is an incredibly exciting time for independent filmmakers. It is only a matter of time until Blockchain technology becomes integrated into this space.

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Budget city breaks – How not to break the bank

March 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

To say that city breaks have come into their own over the last few years would be a gross understatement. Once upon a time it was just about sun, sea and sand and while these getaways certainly haven’t died out, tourists are now looking for alternatives.

City breaks fill this gap and can provide something different for a weekend, or longer. Unfortunately, many of these destinations have caught on to the fact that tourists are now flocking in their millions, and before you know it a break of this ilk can really break the bank.

This is the reason we have put together today’s post. We are now going to look at some of the best ways to save money on a city break, whilst still having a great time.

Location, location, location

It’s one of the biggest clichés going in the travel world, but we really can’t emphasize location when it comes to a city break. There are some destinations out there which always capture the tourists, but always happen to capture the dollars as well. In other words, it’s impossible to do them on a budget. London can quite often fall into this category, while Paris isn’t far behind either.

However, there are some destinations which appeal to tourists, but aren’t overpriced. Belfast can be included here, and with hotels in the area being really good valuable it is places like this which should be worth considering.  If you are looking to explore a city in  a tropical locale, a last minute all inclusive vacation is sure to save you money.

The power of “off-season”

Next, let’s talk about school holidays. This next point might not be music to many ears, but just be aware of the price hikes if you have your heart set on a trip during this period. The prices are inflated ridiculously, and it means that the once-affordable city break is suddenly costing a fortune.

The solution? Become creative with your dates, or postpone for another period.

Forget the suitcase

This next point is becoming more understood amongst travellers, but suitcases are so last decade. Most of the time, you’re going to need to take very little on one of these breaks. It means that a suitcase is not necessary, and can in some cases double the cost of your flight. Learn to pack shrewdly, and watch your costs dwindle.

Don’t be afraid of exercise

Finally, don’t be lazy! This point relates to transport and while at times it can be interesting to sample the local transport networks, in some cities this can increase your costs.

It’s something else that isn’t always necessary, either. For example, in London, it has been found that it’s quicker to walk between some tube stations rather than get the metro. As such, do your research before traveling.

There’s a time and place to save money

Following on from all the above, let’s conclude with a point about common sense. Sure, you can really dive into one of these city breaks and save money in countless areas. However, there’s a time and a place to be smart, and if you are looking to cut something out that is going to cost you in terms of safety or even significant enjoyment, this might be a step too far.

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Best Places To Take Paid Online Surveys

January 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

This is a fact that having more money makes you feel more secure. You will also sleep better at night. But sometimes, employers hate giving raises, or maybe overtime at work has become scarce. If this is the case, then you need to look for unorthodox ways to earn money in your spare time. And one of the best ways to earn money is through paid online surveys. Taking paid online surveys is totally free. It is easy as well as completely flexible. You can take these surveys at any time and anywhere with your computer, tablet or mobile phone. Believe me, if you enjoy doing the crosswords or puzzles, then taking such kind of surveys could be a form of entertainment for you. Probably the reason why you have landed on this page is because you are looking for the best places to take paid online surveys. Believe me, you are reading the right article. Nowadays, there are various sites that are offering paid online surveys for money. That is why this article tends to highlight a brief review of some legitimate paid survey sites. For more in-depth details of these best places, read on.

1- Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie hits the top position in the list of the best places to take paid online surveys. This platform is quite straightforward as it tells you that you will not get rich instantly from taking paid surveys for money. We all know this fact, but people say that it is quite refreshing to see some transparency!

This great platform works on a points system. These points can be converted into cash. Moreover, Survey Junkie offers 1000 points as the payout threshold which is equal to $10. To use Survey Junkie, first, you have to create an account. You can also sign up with Facebook. After creating an account, browse different categories and pick a survey that you like. Once you have completed the survey, points will be added to your account which you can cash out via PayPal after reaching the $10 threshold.

2- Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the largest and most reliable paid survey sites. It is a great platform that offers rewards for playing games as well as watching videos. At Swagbucks, the amount per survey is 70 points. You can receive cash, vouchers and prize draw as rewards. After completing a survey on Swagbucks for around 10 minutes, you can earn around £2.40. This paid online survey site also offers to complete surveys from multiple providers. Moreover, it gives consolation points as well when you do not qualify for a survey.

Swagbucks is, in fact, the most respected company in the online survey space. People love Swagbucks and they have positive remarks about it!

3- Toluna

Toluna is another website that is working on behalf of leading companies. Actually, these companies want to know what people think about their products, services, and issues. In return, people get rewarded with PayPal payments, Amazon as well as high-street vouchers. At Toluna, you can get 2000 – 50000 points by completing one survey. A single survey on this site takes about 15 minutes to complete. In this way, it will take approximately 4 hours to earn a £15 voucher.

4- InboxDollars

InboxDollars is a survey site that offers free $5 bonus just for signing up. You simply have to answer a few basic questions such as income level, race, education, and health. After some time, you’ll have $5 into your account. That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?

Just go for any of the above-mentioned site to get the most of paid online surveys.

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Learning to Loan – 3 Things to Consider Before Taking on a Travel Loan

September 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment
travel overseas

Honeymoon travel planning

As numerous travel loan financing companies have been cropping up in response to consumer demand, obtaining funds to travel has become more accessible to people of all ages and financial backgrounds. A simplified application process combined with relaxed loan terms make it possible to travel anywhere at a moment’s notice. However, while travel has become more accessible, consumers should still be cautious of the various traps that result from taking out these types of loans.

Latitude Finance are travel loan providers who service loans all throughout Australia. As one of the more popular online institutions, it is a good example of an outfit that provides clear, concise information to consumers seeking financing for travel. In seeking out other loan providers though, travellers looking to finance a trip should keep a few other factors in mind while applying.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when taking out a travel loan.

Financing Alternatives

Travel loans, while functioning a little differently, are still loans that have to be paid back. For this reason, it’s best to consider other less expensive options to taking out a loan. If you have enough time before travelling, consider saving a good portion of the money and then taking a loan out on the balance.

Another alternative to taking out a travel loan is to use the low-interest or no-interest balance transfer option on your credit card to finance the trip. To avoid paying interest, pay the balance off before the new interest rate kicks in. Ultimately, you want to finance your trip for as little as possible, and every time you take on a debt, you’re charged on any balance on the debt, which in the grand scheme of your financial life, might not be all that advantageous.

Types Of Travel Loans

If you have to take out a travel loan, become well-versed on the various types of loans available. There are four main travel loan types depending on your need. Foreign travel loans are usually for large amounts and can only be used for specific purposes. Domestic travel loans have much lower interest rates and can be obtained by both individuals and families. Senior citizen travel loans allow the older population to borrow money for all travel-related expenses. Finally, general personal travel loans are unsecured and can be used for any travel-related purpose.

In most cases, people can take out a loan without having a destination in mind. Furthermore, there are few stipulations regarding how these loans can be spent, which can lead to waste if you’re not careful. Ultimately, getting a travel loan today for many consumers is quite easy with a good credit rating and employment.

Loan Terms

While credit report and budgets are important parts of applying for a loan, consumers should pay attention to the loan’s many stipulations and the fine print. For the most part, these loans do charge an establishment as well as an early termination fee, which can add to the final balance. Also, some banks will assess a monthly surcharge to any remaining balance, which, in addition to interest, can add up.

Furthermore, make sure you understand the penalties for making late payments because, while no one ever wants to go delinquent on their debts, delinquency is a reality of life in a consumer-driven, materialistic culture. These penalties can make paying the balance on the loan downright expensive. A good practice is to read the details of the loan for any hidden disclosures so that there are no surprises for you at any point in the lending process.

Travel Loan Considerations

The convenience of accessing cash quickly is a great feature of online banking. However, while it might be easy to access travel cash, the responsibilities related to securing a loan still apply and can be quite expensive if not taken into careful consideration. In a day and age of full disclosure, enjoying a wonderful trip does not have to come at the risk of complete financial ruin.

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