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      Clicking ‘Add to Cart’ Whenever You’re Feeling Down? Here’s How to Cut Back on Emotional Spending

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      You don’t need us to tell you this, but 2020 was a hard year for most. But so many years can have stressful (or euphoric) ups and downs. Maybe you found out you scored that big promotion or maybe you’re trying to forget about that argument you had with a friend or family member. All of this can result in a lot of retail therapy (whether for yourself or in the form of gifts for loved ones). Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce your stress and cut down on your emotional spending—so close that Amazon Prime window and follow these five tips to help you get through it all unscathed. 
      1. Spare your inbox the sales
      Do you really need to know about that flash sale from Old Navy for the 20th time? Probably not. Do yourself a favor and unsubscribe from the stores you know you’re likely to shop from. If you’re prone to online shopping when you’re stressed out (or bored in quarantine), not getting email alerts for every sale might save you from the impromptu shopping spree. Just because you miss a sale doesn’t mean that you’ll actually miss it—and your wallet won’t either.
       
      2. Forget your passwords (on purpose, this time)
      Credit card information already stored on your laptop or cell phone? It can be a little too easy to make a purchase with your credit card information literally at your fingertips. By removing the saved information from your computer, it’ll be one more step you have to go through to make that purchase—and who wants to get up to dig through your wallet for your credit card when there are endless movies and TV shows to watch or stream?! (Not to mention those new hobbies you’ve picked up while staying home all year to enjoy.) By creating an extra step, you’ll be less likely to press “buy” on a whim. 
       
      3. Check your list, twice 
      Sometimes a little time can help you make a better decision, particularly if you’re on an emotional shopping spree. Instead of buying something right when you see it, wait a few days to see if you think it’s actually a good idea or not. If it’s in your budget, it’ll likely still be there a few days later. If it’s not, it will give you time to decide it’s not in the budget, and wait ‘til your next paycheck or set up a savings goal. You’ll thank yourself for thinking it through.
       
      4. Don’t be afraid to get creative 
      After a year of quarantine, a pandemic, and working from home, it can be easy to justify a few extra purchases for yourself or loved ones, but just because you deserve the world doesn’t mean you need to buy it. If you’re approaching the edge of your budget or spending cap, consider choosing a lower-priced gift, DIY-ing the artwork for your walls, or opting out of plans that include spending a lot of money. Particularly during this year when finances are tight for many, your friends and family will understand if you’re on a tighter budget. 

      5. Close those tabs and step away 
      Shopping can be an easy outlet for stress because it’s something you can control in an instant. But understanding that you’re quick to press “buy” when feeling high or low also means you’re capable of finding another outlet. Consider something else you can do to resist the urge when temptation strikes, like throwing yourself an at-home spa day, reading the next chapter of a book, or testing out the perfect cookie recipe.

      What are some ways you cut back on emotional spending? Let us know in the comments below. More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Saving for Your First Home Can Be Overwhelming—Here’s How I’m Doing It

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      I’ve always wanted to be a homeowner. I’m not exactly certain when I realized this (so maybe always is an overstatement), but all I know is there’s something so attractive about the idea of having a solid piece of real estate that I can call my own. That’s why, from college graduation on, I’ve made a conscious decision that my big, long-term goal in life is to own a home of my own. You see, beyond just wanting a space that’s truly mine, I most certainly do not want to spend money on an apartment when I can put those same funds toward a mortgage. This is a very personal choice, and one that has largely to do with the fact that I don’t like the idea of paying rent on a property I’ll never own. So, to turn my dream into a reality, I started saving. From the outset, I knew this wouldn’t be the easiest thing in the world. I’m a writer and editor and, while head over heels in love with my job, I’m the first to admit that there are much more profitable careers than my own. Even so, I didn’t let my early days as a struggling freelance writer and collector of odd jobs deter me. I have a vision, and I’m not going to stop hustling until I have the deed—and the keys—to my very own home in my hands.
      To work my way toward my home ownership goal, I keep a few ground rules. I’m a rule-follower by nature, so having a handful of things to do (and not to do) in place has been instrumental to help me stick to my resolve.

      1. Say no to memberships
      The first thing I promised myself when I decided I wanted to become a homeowner was to avoid any and every sort of membership I could. To start, I skipped the gym membership in favor of free fitness classes and programs I found on Pinterest or YouTube. I love switching up my workouts, so I’ll often hop from Pilates on PopSugar Fitness to a HIIT routine I pinned to my “healthy living” board. Sticking with free fitness opportunities has been relatively easy to do and, since I haven’t been to a gym since college, I don’t really miss it. I did invest in hand weights and a yoga mat early on, and I’ve found that those two things are really all I need to get in a good sweat session.
      The second type of membership I turned down is perhaps a harder one to quit, but also one I believe has so many positive effects. You see, I don’t have—and never have had—a streaming service subscription. That means no Netflix, no Hulu, no sort of paid television program whatsoever. Is this a controversial choice? Perhaps. But it also saves me a fair chunk of money that would otherwise go to monthly fees.
      To get around the lack of paid streaming programs, I’ve become BFFs with free services like Crackle, Tubi, and YouTube. They might not have the hottest movies and TV shows all the time (hey, did I say this was a perfect world?), but they do have a solid selection of content. For instance, I got to watch Labyrinth, one of my all-time favorite movies, on Tubi the other day, and it was everything. On top of that, I’m also an avid reader who would rather curl up with a book than stream a movie most days of the week, so I’m always happy to pick up a good read when I’m looking for entertainment.

      2. Live with a parent
      This is a hard one, Everygirls. It’s also something that is completely circumstantial and not for everyone. Personally, I’m lucky enough that my father is willing to let me live in my childhood home until I can find a place of my own. He purchased his own house, the one I live in today, around when he was my current age, so he understands and supports my vision. That being said, it’s a give-and-take arrangement that comes with its own set of sacrifices. Even so, for me, it’s worth it in the long haul.
      Starting with the pros, I’ll say that the cost of living compared to renting an apartment is far less. While I do pay for expenses and “rent,” those costs total less than it would to keep up an apartment. Because of this, I’ve been able to stash away that extra money into a savings account and CD to build up my personal funds more quickly. Plus, my dad and I get along well, and he’s always down to taste-test any recipes I make.
      As for the cons, living at home is not great for my dating life. One of the biggest downsides to living at home is knowing that I will never, ever bring a guy back to my place. My father’s house is small and I’m sleeping in my childhood room, so it’s just not an option. While it wasn’t as much of an issue during those times when I was #singleandlovingit, it’s not the greatest thing in the world now that I’m dating someone. To deal with it, I’ve been upfront with my boyfriend about my dream of owning a house, and he supports it. There’s no perfect way around this, so I think facing the issue head on and rolling with the punches is what keeps me going.

      Source: Aimée Mazzenga for The Everygirl

      3. Set up those income streams
      Like I mentioned above, I’m a writer and editor. I love, love, love what I do, but I also love a good side hustle. It keeps me busy and keeps the extra dollars coming in, so that’s a win-win in my book. To up my savings on the path toward home ownership, I’ve set up multiple side projects that help me bring in additional cash each month. This includes everything from freelancing to selling clothes on Poshmark to scanning receipts on Ibotta. Sometimes I’m not earning a lot from each outlet, but that’s not the point. What matters most is that every extra dollar goes straight into my house fund. And watching that number grow month by month is so, so motivating each time I scour my local Zillow pages.

      4. Save every penny
      When you’re saving for a house, the big picture is a long-term goal. Because of this, staying dedicated to the goal over not just months, but years can be more than a little challenging. From the start, I set up a few savings strategies to keep me going. In terms of how I’m saving, I break it up between a savings account and a certificate of deposit (CD), the latter of which earns me interest more quickly. While COVID-19 did a number on CD interest rates, overall, this option has been a great way to passively earn additional dollars each year.
      As for how I save on a day-to-day basis, it’s all about being mindful. Over the years, I’ve made it a practice to really think about each dollar I want to spend. Will the money go to something meaningful or essential? Is it something materialistic that I don’t actually need? By pausing for reflection prior to each purchase, I’ve been able to curb my spending in a big way. On top of that, I pay for a cheap phone plan, I never order takeout and only eat out occasionally, and I use coupons when I shop for groceries. Plus, a few years ago I made the decision to stop purchasing fast and new fashion. While the decision was primarily an environmentally-driven one, it’s led me to save a ton of money by looking for new-to-me duds at consignment stores, Goodwill, or The Salvation Army instead of paying full price for mass-merchandised apparel.

      Source: Stil Classics

      5. Find free things to do
      There are so many free things to do, you just need to know where to look. 
      When I first started saving for a house, I found finding ways to stay entertained particularly challenging. I didn’t want to stay inside and browse the internet for hours on end, but I also didn’t want to go out and spend all my cash. To remedy this, I started making a list of everything I wanted to do but hadn’t done in my area that was 100-percent free. In no time at all, I had a lengthy notebook page full of everything from hikes to picnics to window shopping in towns I like. And those are just the adventures I planned for outdoors. When the weather is cooler, the homebody in me loves staying indoors to try new recipes, catch up on movies, and get lost in a book or two. Plus, for savers who want to brush up on skills or learn new ones, there are so many (free!) courses available online that cover nearly every topic under the sun. Recently, I watched Canva’s design and marketing courses to help me dive into new layout concepts and improve my social media skills.

      6. Keep yourself motivated
      Last but not least, Everygirls, is the most important step on this list. It’s hard to save. Every day, there are so many temptations (that new restaurant, those trendy shoes, that awesome experience) that make it feel like pure torture to turn a blind eye and drop those hard-earned dollars into your savings account instead. But I’m here to tell you that it’s so worth it. Sometimes you just need a little extra motivation to convince yourself of that truth.
      To stay motivated, the key is to stay mindful. While I’m a huge fan of mindfulness in everyday life, I think this practice rings especially true when it comes to weighing the pros and cons of saving vs. spending. Go beyond just asking yourself “Do I really need this?” and get to the core of the matter with “Does this add value to my life? If so, how?” If the answer isn’t as meaningful or satisfying as it should be, then you probably don’t need to make that purchase.
      On top of that, it’s also important to do everything you can to visualize yourself in your new home. In addition to signing up for all the Zillow alerts, start planning what you can. Organize those Pinterest boards with your interior aesthetics room by room, set a picture of your dream home as your desktop, and write a list of all the little things that make a space feel like home to you. That way, even when the saving gets tough, you’ll never lose sight of the big, house-shaped picture.

      How do you save for large purchases? Let us know below. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      How My Husband and I Reconciled Our Spending Differences

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      One of the first things my husband and I bonded over when we met was that as children we both had a peculiar habit. While playing video games, we both refused to spend any of the “money” we earned while playing. Even if the video game currency was there to help win the game or unlock special features, we held onto our virtual cash. We were fun children.We met very young, and for many years, our spending habits were in sync. As cash-strapped college students, we worked hard and we saved our money for a rainy day. We never knew when we would need money to help pay for school, cars, or living expenses, so we didn’t spend any of it. Our idea of a wild Friday night was a Blockbuster movie on the couch. (That gives you an idea of how long ago we met.) Why the movie love? We could afford to go out to dinner, but we were more comfortable not spending the money. We had a financial routine and it worked well. But when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball.

      When the friction started
      For over five years, we were in perfect financial harmony. But a funny thing happened: we grew up. And we grew in different, albeit both good, directions. He started graduate school and I jumped right into the working world. His grad school stipend paid his bills and left a little money to add to savings every month. I wasn’t bringing in the big bucks, but my entry-level salary felt hefty compared to what I was making babysitting in college. Within a few months, I began freelance writing on the side and had even more cashflow coming in.
      I was working 60 hour weeks and I was ready to treat myself. The occasional happy hour here, a new blouse there. As my income rose, so did my spending habits. I was never spending more than I could afford to and I was saving money every month. But I can see how from my husband’s perspective it felt like my spending habits were changing drastically.
      To this day, I consider myself to be thrifty. I only buy clothing on sale (and rarely at that). I don’t spend money on entertainment like Netflix or concerts, and I skip pricey beauty treatments like manicures or highlights. But I’m not as thrifty as my husband, which caused some frustrations as we adjusted to our new financial reality. 

      How we make it work

      We still had the same financial goals and saw eye-to-eye on many areas of our financial life. But we knew there were some kinks to iron out if we wanted to live harmoniously.

      Finding common ground
      One of our biggest recurring money fights revolved around the fact that after college I wanted to travel. I didn’t travel at all during school and worked every spring break, summer, and winter holiday. Because I was making extra money freelancing, it felt like it was my moment to hit the road. Unfortunately, my husband didn’t feel the same way. He was doing his best to get through grad school in one piece, and on a modest stipend. There came a point where we decided that it would be best if I traveled without him (this was before we married). Well long story short, that plan lasted one trip before an opportunity for us to travel together arose. An opportunity that was too good to pass up. And guess who learned he loved to travel, and that it was worth every penny? Yep, you guessed right.
      Now that we both know for certain we are passionate about traveling, we never disagree about spending money on a dream trip. We learned from this conflict, that before rejecting any experiences because of the cost, we should be open to trying them first.

      Respecting our differences
      My frugal husband sure comes in handy sometimes. (Hello, hefty savings account and emergency fund.) But I get frustrated when he is too slow to make a necessary purchase because he’s debating the cost. Even if he knows he is going to buy that new pack of phone chargers, he’ll wait a week or two to wrap his head around the purchase. I don’t hesitate before buying a true necessity. It’s not like I want to spend my hard-earned money on a water filtration pitcher, but what can you do? Now, even if I am itching to cross a purchase off my to-do list, I patiently wait until he is comfortable spending the money. That doesn’t mean I’m not annoyed by this habit at times. But the fact of the matter is, it doesn’t harm anyone and it makes him feel more comfortable.

      Planning
      Something that makes both of us more comfortable with each other’s financial decisions is planning together. We discuss everything in detail, with no topic off limits. We debate how career choices may affect our finances down the road, think carefully about retirement planning, and we have financial plans for what we will do in an emergency. Keeping each other informed of the financial moves we’re making, whether we approve of the decision or not, means neither of us feel like we’re left in the dark or purposely misled. No secrets and no guilt for us, thank you very much!

      Have you ever reconciled financial differences in a romantic relationship? More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      9 Sneaky Ways to Save Money During the Week

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      Does anyone else think saving money is kind of addicting? Don’t get me wrong—I spend it too. Much as I wish it was otherwise, I find my hard-earned dough has the unnerving ability to disappear in the blink of an eye, usually when the travel bug hits. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good adventure.On the flip side, or perhaps because of my penchant for getaways, I’ve become just a little obsessed with finding new ways to save money. Some moves are obvious: budgets, CDs with high-yield interest rates, and what not. Others, however, I like to think of as sneaky money moves (s/o to my girl Cardi B). Before you ask, no, I’m not hoarding money under any tables like I did during Monopoly games as a kid. Instead, I’m doing my research and figuring out under-the-radar techniques to pinch pennies wherever I can. While these steps might not amount to huge savings, they do lessen living costs and, little by little, build up bank accounts. Every cent counts in the long haul, right?

      1. Save pennies at the pump
      I’m not exaggerating when I say pennies here. Depending on the day, sometimes all I get are pennies back on my gas purchase. Other times, however, I can earn more than a dollar back at the pump. The secret? It’s all thanks to Checkout 51. If you’re not using the coupon app yet, I highly recommend downloading it. While the app is great for grocery shopping (I’ll get to that in a second), it’s also a sneaky tool for lowering your gas receipts.
      So what’s the catch? Checkout 51 cashback discounts aren’t available at every gas station. For instance, the pump closest to where I live doesn’t participate. The one on my way to work, however, does. Because of this, I’ve taken to planning my fill-ups to coincide with my drive to the office. Before I leave home, I upload the offer to my account (a required step), then fill’er up at the gas station. Later that day, I snap a picture of my receipt for the app, then wait for my cashback savings to apply to my account. Ba da bing! Money back for me.

      2. Become a coupon queen
      No, you don’t have to go all Extreme Couponing to save big at the grocery store. All it really takes are a few easy-to-use apps to score deals on the groceries you buy anyway. First things first, take a minute to see if the grocery store near you has its own app. For example, I usually go to Stop & Shop, so I always use the store’s app to load discounts to my card (related: get a supermarket card!) and show the cashier my account barcode right on my phone. Through the Stop & Shop app, I also receive personalized coupons based on my frequent purchases (I get a lot of yogurt deals) and keep track of how many gas points I have for the Stop & Shop gas program (again, get a supermarket card!).
      Beyond the basic supermarket app, other favorites include Checkout 51 and Fetch Rewards. While all are similar, they each have unique pros that make having them all worthwhile. With Checkout 51, the coupon selection isn’t huge, but it can pay off well. Chobani yogurt is a recurring deal on the app, so I make the most of it whenever I can. Depending on the day, I can get a dollar or two back just from buying yogurt. As for Fetch Rewards, it’s all about points. Instead of loading specific deals, all you need to do is scan your receipt and let the app do the rest.

      3. Drop the gym membership
      Towards the end of college, one of the first things I vowed to myself was that I’d never pay for a gym membership. Now, I’m not in any way saying gyms are bad or a waste of time, because they’re not. What they are, however, is expensive. Based on my lifestyle, I knew that I never actually needed to pay for a membership when I could easily take advantage of free resources instead. And I did.
      When I worked abroad for a year after graduation, I relied exclusively upon running and Youtube fitness videos to stay in shape. I still do, although I’ve also added Shape’s fitness challenges to the mix. Is running not in the cards for you? Nowadays, Youtube has every type of workout under the sun, including my favorites by Fitness Blender and POPSUGAR. Not only do both channels offer routines with and without equipment, but they’re approachable for individuals of all fitness levels. And yes, I can say first-hand that they definitely do make you sweat.

      4. Cook one new recipe per week
      You might be reading this one and saying to yourself, “Um, I already cook at home.” Nice! Sweet! You go, Everygirl! But when’s the last time you cooked something new? On the flip side, when’s the last time you ate out or ordered takeout? If the answer to the latter is anything along the lines of “way too often,” then it’s time to get cooking. 
      I know you probably know that cooking at home is less expensive than eating out all the time. The sneaky part of this tip is that it’s not just about saving a few bucks by skipping Seamless, but also about creating a gradual lifestyle change. See, when you get in the habit of picking out a new recipe every week or two, you win twice. On the one hand, you get to try a new-to-you dish and improve your skills in the kitchen. On the other, you commit to regularly forgoing dinner out in order to save money and work your creative muscles. And who knows? You just may love it.

      5. Make coffee at home
      This one’s for you, Starbucks lovers (also, I’m sorry, but you’ll thank me later). Depending on where you live, a standard cup of drip coffee can run anywhere from an affordable $1.50 to a cringeworthy $5 and above. I don’t know about you, but $3 a day—and $15 per workweek—is a gut punch to my wallet. To avoid the temptation of stopping into any of the two Starbucks or four Dunkins on my way to work (yes, I counted), I’ve made a commitment to only brew coffee at home. I can’t operate without java in the morning, so this is actually instant gratification for me, since it means I don’t have to suffer through getting ready sans-caffeine. Three scoops and eight minutes after hitting the start button, I’m happily sipping on my preferred medium roast, hazelnut blend. 
      Want to make coffee at home even easier? With auto-timers, you can set your coffee to brew at a certain hour every day. In the warmer months, you could also brew a huge pot on Sunday and turn it into iced coffee to sip during the week. 

      6. Get a library card—and actually use it
      Unlike platinum highlights and Tamagotchis, library cards are one childhood memento you want to keep with you into adulthood. In case it’s been a minute since you last stepped foot into your local library, consider the fact that library cards grant access to so much more than books. Depending on the library closest to you, signing up for a member card might mean just getting access to hundreds, if not thousands, of new-to-you reads (which sounds pretty wonderful, tbh). On the other hand, it might also mean gaining admittance to everything from career prep programs and language courses to movies and music. And did I mention it’s all free?
      P.S. Your local library isn’t the only place to sign up for a card. For college alums, many universities offer library access to books and databases for graduates and students alike. Check with your school’s alumni services to confirm.

      7. Carpool with friends or take public transportation at least one day a week
      Depending on where you live or what your work setup is like, commuting solo might be the path of least resistance. If you want to get serious about saving, though, carpooling and public transportation are the way to go. Make either option more doable by introducing one or the other to your routine on a set day per week. Perhaps you know your cubicle buddy lives in the next town over from you and drives by your place on the way to work. Why not ask him or her to alternate driving duty with you every Friday? Not only will carpooling save you gas money in the short-term, but it can also extend the life of your ride and decrease pollution.
      If carpooling is not feasible or realistic (in other words, if you live in a big city), public transportation is a saving grace. Instead of relying upon your own car or an Uber to get you to the office, consider taking the local bus or subway to work instead. For the price of a single ride, you may have to sacrifice a few minutes of your morning routine, but you’ll score big on gas or Lyft fee savings. Plus, public transportation is an easy way to make your daily commute just a teensy bit greener.

      8. Shop for makeup at the drugstore
      As much as it pains me to say it, sometimes skipping that Sephora order is a good idea. If you think about it, many “must-have” makeup items aren’t really essential at all. Case in point: mascara. I can’t tell you how often I’ve been suckered into purchasing a prestige mascara just because I was a fan of the brand (looking at you, Lancome Hypônse Drama) or I fell for the packaging. Yet when it came down to testing each tube, I found I loved them about as much as I loved the versions from the drugstore. 
      All in all, for frequent repurchases like mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick, it’s much more affordable to pick them up at the drugstore instead. With cheaper prices and membership discounts, drugstores offer all the go-to products for a fraction of the prices found at department store counters. And if we’re being honest, we all know the CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara is never not a good thing to have in your makeup stash.

      9. Look at leftovers like gold (because they are)
      If you’re trying to save dough and you’re not all aboard the leftover bandwagon, it’s time to hop on and never look back. You see, leftovers are, if not a full meal in and of themselves, the start of something delicious. To make leftovers work for me, I love purposefully making extra of whatever I’m cooking for dinner so that I can pack it up in my container of choice for lunch the next day. While this is a major boon when it comes to lunch prep in the morning (simply grab the container and go), it’s also a sneaky way for me to curb my takeout expenses. If I know I already have a perfectly scrumptious portion of food waiting for me in the office fridge, I’m far less likely to place a pickup order than I would be if I threw together a sad desk lunch that morning. (Let me tell you, a can of microwaveable soup gets old real fast.)

      What everyday savings techniques do you practice? More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      5 Changes to Make to Your Finances Before Winter

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      As the weather changes, naturally, so will your budget. The seasons can have an impact on your finances, whether it’s setting aside a little more money for brunch season with your friends in the summer or opening up a whole new savings account for holiday gift-giving in the winter. Preparing for the colder months is more than just about breaking out your old coats and sweaters; your finances also need prepping to plan for the change to your spending, especially if you are rebuilding financially from a tough year. Here are a few ways you can change up your budget to ring in the winter season wisely, without spending your last dollar. 

      1. Reevaluate your budget 
      The spending categories in your budget, which can include household bills, dining out, fixed expenses, and more, can—and most likely will—change and shift with the seasons. From your utilities increasing from being in the house more to preparing for holiday travel, make sure to reevaluate your budget to accommodate the change to your lifestyle this winter. 
      Whether you update your budget on a weekly, monthly, or a paycheck-by-paycheck basis, take time to make any modifications to your spending categories to be prepared for winter spending. Use your favorite budgeting software to update your spending in advance of the winter season. Your extra dollars may need to go toward your shopping budget for gift giving, or toward an increase in household items. Keep your budget flexible to accommodate your winter spending habits.

      2. Save in advance for the holidays 
      As soon as the weather breaks, the holidays are looming right around the corner, which means the season of gift-giving is near. Don’t let your wallet take a hit this winter while trying to gift shop for the holidays; prepare in advance and set aside savings specifically for the holidays. 
      Prepping for the holiday season can be daunting, especially if your budget isn’t prepared for it. Evaluate your finances to see how you can allocate more funds for gifts, holiday travel, decorations, and other celebratory plans. Make a plan to attack the holiday buying season by making a checklist of everyone you plan to shop for, how much you plan to allocate to their gift, and where in your budget your spending is coming from. Put yourself on a timeline for when your spending begins and ends for gift giving this winter, as it is easy to overspend on family and friends for the holidays. 
      Traveling for the holidays to spend time with friends and family can also make a dent in your finances. Budget for travel in advance by taking advantage of any travel deals available and saving up for any expenses associated with your travels, including gas, rentals, hotel stays, and airfare costs. 
      The holidays during the winter are very festive, and decorating your home to match the joy of the season can be costly. Look to use recycled decorations for the holidays instead of purchasing new items, or look for cheaper alternatives at your favorite stores to get your home holiday-ready.

      Source: colorjoy stock

      3. Change up your spending habits 
      Being in your home more during winter will most likely tempt you to order online more, versus dining out and going shopping in your favorite stores. Shift your budget to accommodate how your spending habits will change this winter season. 
      Your budget this winter might include more money allocated toward getting your basic household and beauty items delivered, versus going into the stores to save time and to protect your health ahead of the flu season. Dining out usually slows during the winter, especially now as we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so be prepared to make room in your budget for the change in your dining out habits. You may want to shift money around to accommodate spending more on groceries instead of going out when the temperature drops.
      Shopping and maintaining your winter attire will also require a few extra dollars in your budget. Prepare to spend a little more money on clothing items if you live in a colder climate. Winter clothing is usually a little more costly to buy while in season, so before the cold hits, shop around to prepare for what you might need, like coats, gloves, scarves, and boots. Anticipating what your spending habits may look like as winter approaches will help you shift your budget around proactively for a more realistic look at how winter might change your finances and your lifestyle.  

      4. Plan for an increase in household expenses 
      During the colder months, you’re in the home more than usual, which usually includes using more heat, electricity, and household appliances. Don’t let your utility bills shock you this coming winter season; prepare for an increase in household expenses before it’s time to hibernate during the colder months. 
      The colder the season, the more heat you and your family are likely to use to stay warm inside. Set aside more for household expenses and adjust your budget to make way for higher utility bills and any other expenses related to maintaining your home throughout the winter. Check in with your utility providers to see if they have cost-efficient ways you can save money on your utility bills in the winter, as many have peak savings days they recommend or tips on how you can use less energy throughout the season to lower your bill.
      You may want to make room in your budget for weather-related home maintenance as well, like snow removal or sealing your doors and windows to keep in the heat. Damages to many homes due to winter weather can break your savings, especially if you’re not properly prepared. Make sure you set aside more money in your home budget to make way for any unexpected home expenses the winter might inflict on your home.

      5. Prepare in advance for tax season 
      Time waits for no one, and neither does tax season! If you’re already sweating at the thought of filing taxes next year and feel unprepared, you are not alone. Get ready for tax season this winter by taking a closer look at your finances before the beginning of the new year. 
      Gather up all of your tax documents and receipts from the year so that you don’t miss a beat next year during tax season. This could include any itemizable expenses from working from home, unemployment benefits due to being laid off or furloughed, or relocation expenses that may be reimbursed. 
      Take this winter season to research and find a tax professional or trusted tax software you can use before the end of the year in order to plan your filings early. Get an early look at what your tax liabilities may look like next year, and get ahead of the game!  More

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      5 Money Moves to Make When Transitioning Careers

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      Changing careers can be a super exciting time, with new role, new colleagues, maybe even a new wardrobe! But with all this excitement, it can be easy to forget about the financial considerations you’ll want to make along the way. To keep your finances climbing alongside that career ladder, below are five money moves you’ll need when making the switch. 
      1. Negotiate your offer
      Just because you’ve been looking for a change, doesn’t mean you should accept your first offer. A 2019 Jobvite study found that 83 percent of those that asked for a raise or increased salary received it. Yet, only 33 percent negotiated for their current position. Don’t be afraid to play those odds!
      Want some tips to negotiate like a boss? To increase your chances of getting a “yes,” make sure to do your research and come prepared. Look to websites like Glassdoor.com to compare the salaries of similar positions, outline your achievements from previous roles, and practice your pitch before going to HR. If you’ve received multiple offers, use them as leverage. This may also be an indicator of which company is willing to invest in you more as an employee over time.
      While you’re in the negotiating mindset, you may also ask whether your employer is willing to help cover some or all of your moving expenses. Depending on how far you’re relocating, this can get pricey quick. Luckily, many employers are prepared to help (but only if you’re willing to ask).

      2. Consider the full package
      If you’re transitioning careers, chances are you’re looking for something new and exciting. Whether it’s the ideal role or starting a business of your own, you’re probably eager to make the switch! But before you accept what may seem like your dream job, make sure to consider the benefits, too. 
      As more companies work to recruit a younger workforce, there may be some new perks available to you that your old employer didn’t offer. Benefits can play a huge role in improving your mental and financial health over time, so make sure to consider their value before deciding your next move. Some of the most sought-after benefits for millennials right now include student loan repayment assistance, pet insurance, and flexible work schedules. You may also be willing to take a pay cut for more paid time off or an increased employer match, for example. 
      Jealous of those unlimited vacation plans? Make a list of the type of benefits that are most important to you, and keep them in mind during your search and negotiations.  

      3. Don’t cash out your old 401(k)
      There are several options you can take when deciding what to do with your old 401(k), but whatever you do, don’t cash it out. Retirement accounts like a 401(k) or 403(b) give you more bang for your buck than a standard investment account by reducing the amount you pay in taxes. If it’s a traditional 401(k) or 403(b), you contribute with pre-tax income, leaving more money in that account to grow. If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), you’ll contribute with post-tax money now, but won’t pay taxes on those contributions or earnings (!) when withdrawing after age 59.5.
      So while cashing out your 401(k) might be tempting, try not to do it. Either keep your 401(k) where it is or roll it over to another tax-advantaged account, such as your new employer’s plan or an individual retirement account (IRA). 

      4. Update your budget and financial plan
      Switching careers often means a change in income, and hopefully a good one! This makes it the perfect time to revisit your budget. Consider how your take-home pay, retirement contributions, and commuting costs may change. Will your cost of living go up or down? If you’re taking a pay cut, you may want to test out your budget in advance of the new job or move to make sure you’ll be comfortable when things get real. 
      Longer-term, you’ll want to think about how your new income will impact your financial goals. Can you reach a savings goal more quickly? Will it help you save for a down payment on your first home? Are there stock options or maybe a pension to consider? 
      Lastly, if your income is flying high, try to resist lifestyle inflation, where you end up spending more just because you can. Consider what you can save or invest in to make your money work harder for you. “More money, more problems,” isn’t really a thing. Having more income is all about options, so choose yours based on your goals and lifestyle. 

      5. Starting your own business? Whip the planner out (and the Excel sheets) 
      If starting your own business or going freelance, you’ll want to create a separate budget and financial plan to account for any investments in the business, income, and expenses. Often, this will be tied to a separate bank account. You should estimate your tax payments and build up a business emergency fund to help prepare for the unexpected. If you’re self-funding your business, you’ll also want to account for this as a line item in your personal budget as well. How much do you plan to invest in your business each month, or over the year? Thinking ahead will help ensure your finances and cash flows stay in CEO-level shape. 
      Being your own boss has a lot of perks, including making your own schedule and vision for your company. The downside is that the safety nets you’ll want to build your empire require some thought (and a good chunk of change). Will you go with a Roth or SEP IRA to save for retirement? What insurances do you need, including health, disability, and liability insurance to protect yourself and your assets? What may seem like an extra or unnecessary expense now is something that could save you thousands in the long run as your own CEO. 
      By taking the time to think ahead when it comes to your finances, you’ll be that much more prepared to knock your new role out of the park. While it may take a little planning, reducing financial stress in your life will keep you focused on the task at hand, so you and your finances can level all the way up.  More

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      Announcing: The Everygirl Media Group Foundation and $20,000 in Grants!

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      It goes without saying that 2020 has brought challenges that we never could have expected. In the wake of a devastating global pandemic, an unprecedented economic crisis, an unstable political climate, countless natural disasters, and widespread racial injustice, we at The Everygirl Media Group felt compelled more than ever before to be able to directly help our readers in need. 
      We are extremely excited to announce the creation of The Everygirl Media Group Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, to better be able to respond to the needs and issues that are important to our team and our readers.
      It is our goal to empower women and support them in times of need—and through this foundation, we can provide funding directly to the people and causes we wish to support.
      The Everygirl and The Everymom brands were built around the desire to provide an online community for women to come and feel represented and supported and where they could find information, advice, and inspiration—whether that be for fashion and beauty, home decor, lifestyle, wellness, or career growth and financial decision-making. 
      The creation of The Everygirl Foundation allows us to take that support of our community to the next level through direct action. We have a few amazing initiatives launching before the end of the year, and we are so passionate about the opportunity to continue to grow the foundation and its programs in the years to come.
      With that being said, we are incredibly excited to announce the foundation’s first initiative, made possible by a generous donation from La Marca Prosecco:

      The Everygirl and The Everymom have always sought to amplify the voices of women through the online platforms we have built. Many of the women in our community of readers are entrepreneurs and small business owners with excellent products and services to share with the world. 
      Our goal in creating these grants is to be able to support women who own small businesses and are looking for extra funding to take them to the next level. An Everygirl is career-driven, passionate, ambitious, and determined—and small businesses are often born from a small idea backed by someone with these traits. The creation of our grants allows us to lift up our online community of women entrepreneurs and help them follow their dreams through direct funding for their small businesses. 
      Four $5000 grants will be awarded to women who own small businesses or are pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. Per our company’s values and efforts toward promoting diversity and inclusion, one of the four grants is reserved for a business owned by a BIPOC applicant.
      Applications are open to the public—to be eligible, applicants must identify as women, be U.S. residents, and be 21 years of age or older. The four awardees will receive $5000 in business funding, as well as exposure through theeverygirl.com and The Everygirl’s social media channels.
      Applications open TODAY, October 1, and will be accepted through Sunday, October 11 at 11:59pm CST. To learn more about the application/selection process, requirements, and timeline, click here. 

       
      Why This Grant Matters:
      According to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), there are 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating about $1.8 trillion per year in revenue and employing 9.2 million people. Four out of every 10 U.S. businesses are owned by women, and the sector is growing quickly—the number of businesses owned by women has increased by 58 percent since 2007. 
      Businesses owned by Women of Color are growing especially quickly, making up 47 percent of all women-owned businesses and increasing by 163 percent between 2007 and 2018. Women of Color founded 64 percent of new women-owned businesses in 2017.
      Yet, according to a report by Fundera, men are still 20 percent more likely than women to receive business financing and loans.  
      As women entrepreneurs ourselves, we can see a still-obvious gap in resources for women looking to get a business off the ground. By creating The Everygirl’s Women-Owned Business Grant, we hope to provide an opportunity for women business owners to receive the funding they might not be able to find elsewhere. 

       
      Celebrating Women, Celebrating You
      The Everygirl’s Women-Owned Business Grant is powered by La Marca Prosecco, an elegant sparkling wine grown in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including the tireless work that so many small business owners go through to make their dreams come true. A focus on career empowerment has always been part of The Everygirl’s mission, and La Marca Prosecco’s generous donation allows us to provide funding for women in business who are passionate about what they do. 
      We have previously partnered with La Marca Prosecco to present The Everygirls Rise Conference, a virtual event centered around empowering women—not only in life but also in their careers. The Everygirl’s Women-Owned Business Grant allows us to take this partnership between like-minded companies a step further by providing direct business funding to the women entrepreneurs who attend our conferences. 
      This grant is available to everyone—whether your business was impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis, you are looking to invest in new equipment or employees, or you just need extra funding to take your business to the next level. We invite you to submit an application and encourage you to share this opportunity with any women you know that own a business. 
      We cannot wait to read your application and learn more about your business!
      Sincerely,Alaina and Danielle  More

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      5 Ways to Rebuild Your Finances, Even During COVID

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      To many, 2020 has felt like the plot of a bad, post-apocalyptic movie, one in which the main characters are long overdue for a reversal of fortune. While it’s true that, as of writing, the stock market is back in the green, and unemployment rates are falling from their highs earlier this year, the grim reality is that, for many of us, the coronavirus impacted our financial livelihoods in a very real way. Some lost income via layoffs, reduced hours, or pay cuts. Some had to use hard-earned emergency or retirement funds to pay for health expenses, rent, childcare, or groceries. Others panicked as the stock market fell, and sold their stocks for less than they were worth earlier in the year. If that’s you, you’re likely asking, where do I go from here? While everyone’s situation is unique, there are a few principles that can help you get back on track.  

      1. Take advantage of assistance.
      Legislation passed over the past six months has temporarily increased unemployment assistance, waived interest on federal student loans, increased the amount that you can borrow from your 401K (warning: last resort!), and more. Look into what help might apply to you, and take advantage of it. You might even try giving your private student loan lenders or credit card companies a call to ask whether they might offer temporary relief. The worst that they can say is no.  

      2. Take a deep breath and remember that all is not lost.
      Everyone has heard about the legendary investor Warren Buffett. What many don’t know is that he made more than 99 percent of his $86 billion-plus fortune after he turned 50. How? By diligently spending less than he earned, and systematically investing his savings in stocks. So now that you know it’s possible, the next step is budgeting.

      3. Review your saving and spending.
      If there ever were a silver lining, it was that “shelter in place” and social distancing rules gave us an opportunity to reevaluate the way that we allocate our income. For example, you might have been spending $200+ per month on a gym membership, but have since found that $10-15 monthly streaming services are just as heart-pumping, and more convenient. One simple approach, made popular by Elizabeth Warren, is that 50 percent of your income should go to needs, 30 percent to non-essentials, and 20 percent to savings and debt payments. Take a look at your own spending over the past few months. How does it compare? Where can you make a change? One of my favorite quotes from Morgan Housels’s, “The Psychology of Money” states that, “One of the most powerful ways to increase your savings isn’t to raise your income. It’s to raise your humility.” In other words, spend less on what’s Instagram-worthy, and more on what will set you up for long-term financial independence. But you can’t just save your way to success.

      4. Invest in the stock market.
      Once you have a solid cash savings fund to cover short-term and unexpected needs (this number looks different for everyone), it’s time to become an investor. You have to put your savings to work, in a diversified portfolio, to capitalize on compound growth. Think of it this way. If you save $6,000 per year over 30 years and keep it in the bank, at the end of 30 years, you have $180,000. Simple math. If you invest $6,000 per year over 30 years, assuming the stock market continues to return somewhere near 10 percent per year on average over the long-term, you’ll wind up with around $980,000. And you did the same amount of work! It is less overwhelming than it seems. If you’re contributing to a 401K plan at work, you’re already doing it. In fact, since retirement should really be called 30 years of unemployment, that’s one goal you should definitely be working towards, so if you don’t have a 401K, consider opening an individual retirement account, or IRA, which gives you the same benefit of allowing your retirement savings to grow tax-deferred (more on the types and benefits of IRAs here).

      5. Don’t let up.
      When times get tough, like, for example, on March 23, 2020 when the S&P 500 was down 34 percent from its previous high, avoid, at all costs, the big mistake. That is, don’t let up on your strategy of systematically investing your savings, and definitely, definitely, don’t sell your investments if you can avoid it. The only way to “lock in” stock market losses is to sell while the market is down. In fact, as our late-life billionaire friend Warren Buffet said, it is wise for investors to be “fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” What he means is, think of market downturns as “stocks on sale.” Invest cash that you don’t need, or at least just stay put, because what history shows us is that while markets are volatile in the short term, over the long run, they will reward you for your patience. 
      For those who are still struggling to pay day-to-day bills, steps four and five will likely have to wait. If you’ve depleted emergency funds, and the assistance you’re entitled to from the state or federal government isn’t enough, you may, in fact, have to use a credit card to pay for everyday essentials. But remember to do so wisely: pay as much as you can off the card every month, and call your issuer to ask about temporary interest relief—then pay off the debt you’ve built as soon as you are able to do so. Remember that small, positive decisions over time will allow you to build the wealth that will provide you with freedom and flexibility, no matter your income (remember the Vermont janitor Ronald Read, who made headlines a few years ago for saving $8 million?).
      For those looking for more personalized advice, you might consider interviewing a few financial advisors. When I began my career in wealth management, I put together answers to several common questions you might have about working with a partner on your financial future—you can read them here. 

      All investments carry some level of risk, including loss of principal. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. This is for educational and discussion purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security or pursue any investment strategy. More