Image Source: Pexels

by Hal Salazar

The idea of a nursing home or assisted living placement is something most of us don't even agree to consider for ourselves or our loved ones at first. Still, we may not be able to care for ourselves or provide full-time in-home help for a loved one, so nursing homes or care homes can be the best option when high-quality care is needed 24-hours.

Choosing the Right Nursing Home

The decision to move to a nursing home or place a loved one in a care facility will be much easier if you take the time to research the homes that will match your needs or your parent's needs for long-term care. During this time, and based on your situation, the idea of nursing home placement at an excellent facility can be a fantastic idea, as your loved one will get the care they need, and you'll be able to visit them frequently. Making the decision on nursing home or assisted living placement is challenging, so here are a few aspects to consider.

1. Close Location

When looking at different nursing homes or assisted living facilities, location is one of the most important factors to have in mind. If you're the one needing care, you want to be as close as possible to your family, and if you're looking for a care facility for a loved one, you should be able to visit them easily. Although nursing homes are equipped with special health services, they are not fully operational hospitals, so you should also factor in distances between the nursing home and the nearest hospital.

2. Availability of Special Care

What is the patient suffering from? Will they need incontinence care or memory care? Can they prepare their meals or they need help with that? These are some important questions to ask when looking for a nursing home or assisted living facility. For instance, if your loved one has Alzheimer's, you should choose a nursing home with an Alzheimer's unit. They should also offer health care services for various patient needs; if the loved one has dementia, you should consider a place where they can do rehabilitation therapy.

3. Great Services

Although they all provide long-term care, different nursing homes or assisted living facilities offer various services and health care, so it is imperative to find the one that provides the services you or your loved one needs. While some services are crucial for meeting the patient's specific needs, others are just as vital for improving their quality of life. For instance, the meal and dining experience have been demonstrated to make a significant difference in nursing home residents' satisfaction. Most professionals recommend that you should always visit the home during mealtime before making the final decision. Check whether the residents are allowed to choose between meal options, if they are provided with special dietary needs, and if they are offered nutritious food.

4. Overall Cost

The final aspect to think of when selecting a nursing home or an assisted care facility either for you or for a loved one is the overall cost. Between savings and insurance coverages, you need to figure out the budget. Whether you or your loved one rely on Medicaid, you need to ensure that you're financially feasible to select the best option.

Selling your or your loved one's home can be a fantastic way to pay for the long-term care at the facility. Before listing the house, however, you need to thoroughly do your research on home prices in the area to understand and later calculate the profit you can make from the sale. To make things easier, work with a real estate agent who will be able to walk you through all the steps you need to take to sell the house.

Make the Best Decision

Understanding the aspects to consider when choosing a nursing home or an assisted living facility, either for you or for a loved one, can help you make the best decision. The right nursing home will have the care services you or your loved one require and will be close by.

About the author:

Hal Salazar created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to seniors via carefully curated resources. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all on his website to help out his fellow seniors. When Hal isn’t working on Elders.Today, he enjoys walking at his local park, testing out new recipes with his wife, Marlene, and playing piano.

 

    

According to this article, more than six million people have become "accidental savers" during the pandemic by keeping jobs while facing fewer outgoing expenses, a report has said. While many people have faced greater debts, redundancy, or reduced income during furlough, others have seen their financial position improve. Lower travel costs and fewer holidays or meals out have contributed, financial consultancy LCP found. Longer-term working from home could extend the benefits, it suggested.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Millions of people have seen their finances hit hard by Covid, particularly those already on lower incomes. Pressures of bigger energy and food bills, as well as other costs owing to children remaining at home, and a 20% cut in income while on furlough, have contributed to the squeeze.

More than nine million people had to borrow more than they usually would by December, owing to the coronavirus crisis, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed.

However, the LCP report suggests that another six million people have seen their bank balances benefit from fewer expenditures during the restrictions on movement with lockdowns. Many of them could have saved thousands of money. Employees who have been able to work from home - often not those in the youngest age groups - have seen commuting and travel costs fall.

Those aged over 55 had been most likely to save as a result of holiday vacations being cancelled or not booked, and older people were also most likely to have cut back on eating out, the report said.


SILVER LINING

While some of these issues might only be temporary, the likelihood of a long-term change in the mix of office and home working could see people continue to save on travel costs. The report suggested the money saved could be put to good use by cutting existing debts, putting money aside in a rainy day fund for unforeseen emergency bills, or put into longer-term savings such as pensions or IRAs.

However, interest rates for savers are low in the current economic climate. Heidi Allan, co-author of the LCP report, said: "Employers will have a key part to play in ensuring that workers take advantage of this opportunity and do not simply allow these increased balances to sit in current accounts and gradually drift away."

Former pensions minister Steve Webb, a partner at LCP and another author of the report, said: "There are few silver linings from the current crisis, but the emergence of a large group of accidental savers could be one of them. 

"A concerted effort is needed to use this unexpected opportunity to create more of a savings culture, especially among those who may permanently benefit from reduced outgoings as a result of a switch to greater home working."

Clutter can make our homes feel disorganized and overwhelming. It creates a stressful environment that can take its toll on our well-being. A good de-clutter can be great for our mental health, restoring order and clarity in our minds as well as our living space. But getting started can feel overwhelming. That's why we examined the top 5 tips from different locations around the world for keeping the clutter away. We've illustrated some simple tips from the USA, UK, Scandinavia, Mexico, and Japan to inspire us all to keep a tidy and clutter-free home. Each of these global styles will open your mind to new ways to keep your home neat and tidy, helping you love where you live. Claim your home back from clutter today! Read article on Bored Panda.

 

 

 

 

 

   

A new year means another birthday celebration! Want to score free stuff on your birthday? The Penny Hoarder compiled a list of places where you can get birthday freebies, updated for 2021.

Most of these places require you to sign up for their email list or join their rewards club at least seven days before your birthday. So get busy now and enjoy the free birthday stuff as it rolls in on your big day.

These restaurants and retailers will provide you with free treats for your birthday. Be sure to sign up in advance. For the complete list, click here.

A&W All American Food
Get a free root beer float on your birthday by joining the Mug Club.

AMC Theatres
Become an AMC Stubs Insider to get a free large popcorn during your birthday month. If you’re a Premiere or A-List member, you’ll also get a free large fountain drink.

Anthropologie
As a member of the Anthro Loyalty program, you will get a “special treat to celebrate your birthday.”

Applebee’s
Sign up for the email club, and get $5 off when you spend at least $25. You’ll also get a free appetizer when you sign up.

Arby’s
Sign up for Arby’s emails and get a free milkshake and curly fries on your birthday when you buy any sandwich. You’ll also get a free small fries and small soft drink when you sign up.

Au Bon Pain
Join the Eclub, and get a free coffee and pastry on your birthday. You’ll also get a travel mug and daily discounts on coffee just for signing up.

Auntie Anne’s
Download the Pretzel Perks app, and get a free pretzel on your birthday.

Aveda
You need to spend $10 to join Aveda’s loyalty rewards program, but you’ll receive a birthday gift valued at $23, as well as double points for your next Aveda purchase.

Baja Fresh
Sign up for Club Baja to get a “special offer” on your birthday.

bareMinerals
Sign up for the Friends and Benefits loyalty program to get “birthday gifts.”

Baskin Robbins
Create an account, join the Birthday Club, and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.

Banana Republic
When you sign up to receive Banana Republic’s emails, you can opt to also get a “birthday gift.”

Benihana’s
Register for the Chef’s Table, and you’ll get a $30 birthday certificate.

Best Buy
My Best Buy members get a “birthday gift.”

Big Boy
Joining the I Love Big Boy email club gets you a free meal on your birthday.

BJ’s Brewhouse
Join Premier Rewards Plus and get a free Pizookie for your birthday. What’s that? It’s a big, warm cookie smothered in ice cream… yum. What’s even better is you don’t have to wait for your birthday – you’ll also get a free Pizookie just for signing up.

Black Angus Steakhouse
Join the Prime Club to get a free steak dinner on your first birthday as a member.

Bojangles’
Get a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with a purchase on your birthday as a member of the Bojangles’ eClub.

Bruegger’s Bagels
Members of the Bruegger’s Bagels eClub will enjoy a “free treat” on their birthday, as well as a free bagel and cream cheese just for signing up.

Buca di Beppo
You’ll receive a free pasta after signing up, as well as a $20 birthday gift for joining the eClub.

Buffalo Wild Wings
Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get free birthday wings during your birth month.

Carvel
Join Fudgie Fanatics to receive a free treat for your birthday. You can get a small soft serve birthday cone, take $2 off any cake (except for a small square) or take $3 off any sheet cake.

Chevys Fresh Mex
Members of the eClub get a free entree on their birthday, as well as a free appetizer for signing up.

Chick-fil-A
Join Chick-fil-A One to get a “birthday reward.”

Chili’s
Get a free dessert for your birthday when you join My Chili’s Rewards Club, plus get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage with every visit!

Chipotle
Join the Chipotle rewards program to get free chips and guacamole on your birthday when you make a purchase of $5 or more. When you sign up and make your first purchase, you’ll also get free chips and a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa.

Cinnabon
Subscribe to Club Cinnabon to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.

Cold Stone Creamery
Get a BOGO coupon for your birthday by signing up for the My Cold Stone Club. You’ll also get a BOGO coupon just for signing up!

Container Store
Join the POP! (Perfectly Organized Perks) program to get a birthday gift.

Culver’s
Enjoy a free sundae on your birthday when you sign up for MyCulver’s. You’ll also get a BOGO value basket when you sign up.

CVS Pharmacy
As a member of the ExtraCare Beauty Club, you’ll get “birthday gifts with beauty surprises,” as well as 10% off for joining.

Del Taco
If you’re a Raving Fan eClub member, you can enjoy a regular-size premium shake for your birthday, plus you’ll get two free grilled chicken tacos when you sign up.

Denny’s
Sign up for Denny’s Rewards program online or via the mobile app. You’ll get 20% off your next visit, plus a free stack of buttermilk pancakes on your birthday when you order online at Dennys.com.

Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
Join the free DSW VIP Club to get a $5 birthday reward. You’ll also get $5 on your birthday if you spend $200 annually as a VIP Gold member, and you’ll get $10 if you spend $500 annually as a VIP Elite member.

Dippin’ Dots
Get free Dippin’ Dots for your birthday when you join the Dot Crazy! Email Club.

Dunkin’ Donuts
Get a free beverage on your birthday by signing up for the DD Perks Rewards Program.

Edible Arrangements
Join Edible Rewards and receive a free 12-count chocolate dipped fruit box (valued at $29.99) during your birthday month. You’ll also get a $5 coupon for signing up (valid for 30 days).

Einstein Bros. Bagels
Get a free egg sandwich with a purchase on your birthday when you join the Shmear Society — not totally free, but hey, you’ll need something to help wash that sandwich down. You’ll have 14 days to claim your reward.

Famous Dave’s
Join the Famous Nation and get a free dessert with a value of up to $9.00 for your birthday.

Famous Footwear
Famously You Rewards members get a $5 birthday cash reward.

Firehouse Subs
Sign up for Firehouse Rewards for a free medium sub on your birthday or in the six days that follow it.

Friendly’s
When you become a BFF Club member, you’ll receive a free birthday sundae.

Godiva
As a member of the Godiva Rewards Club, you’ll get a free birthday chocolate offer every year.

Habit Burger Grill
Be sure to join Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub to enjoy a free Charburger on your birthday.

Harkins Theatres
Sign up for My Harkins Rewards and receive a $5 birthday coupon to use at the concessions.

Hard Rock
Sign up for Hard Rock Rewards to get an “annual birthday offer” from the cafe and shops.

Hooters
Get 10 free boneless birthday wings when you sign up for Hootclub. You’ll also get $5 off your first purchase of $25 or more when you sign up.

Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar
Email club members get a free birthday entree, plus $10 off just for joining.

IHOP
Sign up for MyHop and get free pancakes on your birthday. You’ll also get free pancakes on the anniversary of your sign-up.

Jersey Mike’s Subs
Get a free birthday sub when you sign up for the email club.

Kohl’s
Members of the Kohl’s Rewards program get a “special birthday gift.”

Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Rewards members receive a free Original Glazed Dozen. You’ll also get a free doughnut when you sign up.

Longhorn Steakhouse
As a member of the Longhorn Steakhouse’s eClub, you’ll get “special offers and coupons” on your birthday. You’ll also get a free appetizer when you sign up.

Marie Callender’s
Join the eClub, and get $5 off the purchase of two entrees, plus two free slices of pie, the choice of a free “Marie’s Magnificent Six” or a free slice of pie with the purchase of an entree on your birthday. You’ll also get a special dine-in offer for signing up. The company also sends special offers for your wedding anniversary and allows you to add family members so they can get birthday rewards.

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Sign up for Rockin’ Rewards and get a coupon for a free birthday burrito, plus a free cup of queso just for signing up.

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Join the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday.

Old Navy
Opt into the Birthday Club when you subscribe to Old Navy’s emails to get a “free birthday gift.”

Olive Garden
Get a complimentary dessert on your birthday by signing up for the eClub. You’ll get a free dessert or appetizer when you sign up.

On the Border
Join Club Cantina and get free queso on your birthday, and just for signing up.

Pandora
Members of the Pandora Club get a 15% discount during their birthday month. This offer can only be used one time and is valid on regular-priced jewelry only.

Pei Wei
Sign up for My Wei Rewards and choose from these birthday freebies: crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls or pork egg roll. The reward will automatically appear in your app seven days prior to your birthday.

Perkins
Members of the MyPerkins Club receive a free Magnificent Seven meal on their birthdays. The meal includes two eggs, any way you like, plus two smoked bacon strips and three buttermilk pancakes. Plus you’ll get a 20% off coupon for signing up. You will also be able to add your children ages 12 and under so they can get birthday rewards, too.

Pinkberry
Sign up for a Pinkcard or download the app, and receive a free yogurt on your birthday.

Pita Pit
Sign up for the Pita Pit Rewards Club and receive a free pita on your birthday.

Pizza Hut
Join the Hut Rewards program to get a “birthday reward.”

Planet Smoothie
Join the Planet Smoothie Club and receive a free smoothie for your birthday.

Redbox
Sign up for Redbox Perks and receive a free birthday rental (it must be used within 60 days). You’ll also get a free one-night rental for signing up (that offer is valid for two weeks).

Red Lobster
Enjoy a “birthday surprise” when you sign up for the My Red Lobster Rewards program.

Red Robin
Register for the Red Robin Royalty Program, and get a free birthday burger.

Rita’s
Get a free Italian ice on your birthday when you download Rita’s Ice App.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Sign up for the email club, and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Ruby Tuesday
As a member of So Connected, you’ll get a choice of a free burger or a free garden bar entree on your birthday. You’ll also get a free appetizer for signing up.

Sephora
Beauty Insiders are eligible to choose a free makeup or skin care gift for their birthday.

Sbarro
Become a member of the Slice Society to get a birthday surprise. You’ll also get a free New York slice when you buy a beverage after signing up.

Sonny’s BBQ
Get a free Big Deal Combo meal on your big day by joining the ‘Q Crew, plus a $5 coupon just for joining.

Sprinkles
Receive a free cupcake (make that a baker’s dozen if you’re a Red Velvet tier member) for your birthday when you join Sprinkles Perks.

Starbucks
Get a birthday beverage or food item as a member of Starbucks Rewards.

Subway
Sign up for the Subway MyWay Rewards program and the sandwich-making company will give you “something special” on your birthday.

TCBY
Sign up for TCBY emails, and receive your first 3 ounces free on your birthday.

Texas Roadhouse
Sign up for the email club and you’ll get a free appetizer or a sidekick of ribs on your birthday.

The Melting Pot
Members of Club Fondue will get a “birthday voucher.”

The Spaghetti Warehouse
Join the Warehouse Club, and get a free meal on your birthday, plus a free appetizer with an entree purchase for becoming a member of the club.

Tijuana Flats
Become a Flathead and receive a free dessert for your birthday. You’ll also get a free Tijuana Trio when you sign up.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Download the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app to be eligible for a birthday reward. What you get depends on your loyalty tier, but it ranges from a $2 reward to a free menu item.

Ulta Beauty
As an Ultamate Rewards member, you’ll get an offer for extra bonus points on all purchases during your birthday month.

Uniqlo
Download the Uniqlo app to get a birthday coupon during your birthday month.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Join the Uno Insiders Club, and receive a free dessert on your birthday, as well as a free appetizer with an entree purchase when you join.

Waffle House
Make sure you’re a member of the Waffle House Regulars Club to receive a free waffle on your birthday. You’ll also get free hashbrowns when you sign up.

Wienerschnitzel
Join the Wiener Lovers’ Club, and get a free coupon each year on your birthday, plus a free chili dog for joining.

World Market
Members of World Market Rewards get a “surprise offer” on their birthday, plus a 15% coupon for signing up.

Yogurt Mountain
Join the YOMO Club, and get free yogurt on your birthday.

Zaxby’s
Sign up for the Zax Club and get a free Big Zax Snak on your birthday, plus a free sandwich meal for signing up.

If you're like me, grocery shopping at my local supermarket (Trader Joe's, Vons or Sprouts) is my biggest monthly expense (after mortgage). How would you like to earn $200 just for shopping for food essentials you were going to buy anyway?

I found a credit card that gives 5% cash back on groceries without interest for a whole year! Although I did not need another credit card, this offer from Chase was just too good to pass up! I have already earned my $200 bonus after spending only $500 within the 3 months I've had my Freedom Flex card. In addition, I will continue to earn 5% cash back on grocery purchases for 12 months.

But wait, there's more cash back perks... the Flex card also earns 5% on bonus categories quarterly, 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and takeout at restaurants, 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1% (or 1.5% with the Freedom Unlimited card) on all other purchases!

This is a great way to make money on grocery items I buy on a monthly basis plus I can stagger my monthly payments since there's zero interest for 12 months and there's no annual fee. For me, it just makes good savvy financial sense. It totally aligns with my frugal lifestyle.

I hope you see the value of this offer as well, I think it's one of the best credit card promotions I've come across that I just had to share and write a short article about it.

Click here for all the details and how to apply. Chase Bank has a couple of great credit cards to choose from with the same $200 bonus and perks. Full disclosure - when you apply thru my link, I will receive a referral bonus, so thank you in advance!

​Here are 30 of my favorite ways I save money. These are things that I do on a regular basis and it's become part of my everyday life. They are not listed in any particular order. Click on the highlighted links to read more money saving tips. Let's face it, we could all use a little more cash especially during these challenging times. I hope these money saving hacks will help you save some money too :)
​

1. Start an edible garden and grow your own herbs and vegetable.

2. Make your own homemade gifts and greeting cards.

3. Walk whenever you can, it saves gas and is a great form of exercise.

4. Be aware of bank fees and avoid out-of-network ATM fees.

5. ​Find fun and frugal activities this fall season.

6. Cancel your landline and rely on your mobile phone.

7. Pay bills online and save money on postage stamps.

8. Make a grocery list before heading out to the supermarket.

9. Turn off lights when not in use, to save a little on your energy bill.
​
10. ​Cancel your cable and watch your favorite shows online.
​

​11. When dining out or ordering takeout, split an entree and skip the dessert.

12. Tackle DIY projects around the house instead of hiring an expensive professional.

13. Upcycle and re-purpose old items vs. discarding them.

14. ​Cook at home more and eat out (or order takeout) less often.

15. Order water instead of expensive drinks when dining out.

16. Buy am $8 cooked rotisserie chicken and make up to 4 different meals.

17. Join loyalty and rewards programs for perks and discounts.

18. Use a rewards credit card(s) and pay balance off every month.
​
19. Always comparable shop to get the best price.
​
20. Keep all receipts in case you need to return something.
​

21. Adopt and save a rescue pet instead of buying from a breeder.

22. Get free mulch, wood chips or compost from local sources.

23. Host a clothes, bags, shoes swapping party with friends.

24. Color your own hair at home and save a lot of cash.

25. Automate bill payments so you won’t forget and get charged with late fees.

26. Shop thrift stores, garage sales and second hand stores.

27. Shop at the dollar stores for basic home, office and school supplies.

28. Save and recycle gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper.

29. Shop around for better car and home insurance rates.

30. Stay healthy by boosting your immune system in order to avoid doctor visits.
​

      

Special thanks to Marylou Watkins for her poetic observations during these strange times.

    

     

    

   

It's been nearly 6 months since the world as we know it has literally changed overnight. The entire planet has had to deal with this pandemic. The mainstream media rarely reports any good news about COVID-19. What we have been personally doing these past 6 months is to remain calm and not be fearful of the propaganda. These steps can hopefully also keep you and your family stay healthy - both in body and mind. 
​

1. Boost Your Immune System
When we first heard about how coronavirus could spread, we knew we should not rely on just face masks and social distancing. We had to make sure our immune system could handle this potential new virus. I ordered specific supplements to strengthen our defenses. We started taking Zinc Balance, Vitamin D3 and Liposomal Vitamin C. Also remember to drink water to stay hydrated. I personally drink pure distilled water vs. any other type of drinking water.
​​

2. Do Things That Bring You Joy
While on lockdown under the stay-at-home quarantine mandate, I tackled projects around the house - I re-decorated a couple of rooms in the house. I also did a lot of re-organizing, which to most people is tedious but it's therapeutic for me and the final results always make me happy. I've also entertained myself by watching foreign films online (for free of course). Since I can't travel, I'm virtually transported to another land, which satisfies my wanderlust.
​

3. Start Or Expand Your Edible Garden
Speaking of joy... one of my boyfriend's greatest joy is gardening and digging in the soil. He re-worked our entire garden and planted even more edible greens, vegetables and herbs. We have harvested (and eaten) squash, rutabagas, lettuce, zucchinis and more! We are also enjoying organic fruits that were planted 3 years ago. We are not only eating healthier (which is better for immunity) but we are also saving money on groceries! I've also made a little extra money by selling some of our organic fruits to Urban Homestead, a local sustainable city farm which serves the community and offers farm box programs.
​

​4. Focus On The Things That You Are Grateful For
Reflect on the good, not the bad or the gloom and doom. After awhile, we just stopped reading or watching the "news". We also took a break from our social media accounts. Instead, I wrote a list of the things that I'm grateful for. I have done this in the past, but I think it's more important than ever during these times. It also puts everything in perspective of what really matters.
​

5. Stay Active And Go Outdoors
Despite what "they" say, being cooped up inside is NOT healthy. In order to stay healthy we all need oxygen, fresh air and sunshine. If you are unable to get adequate sun, a good source are Vitamin D supplements. A Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to COVID-19. In order to get outdoors more, I simply go out in our garden and water my plants or sweep the yard, which also helps me stay active. In addition, we've also had a few meals out in our patio for some al fresco dining.
​

​6. Have A Healthy Positive Attitude
We are blessed that we have remained healthy during this pandemic. As I've mentioned, face masks and social distancing alone will NOT prevent anyone from this virus. During these past 6 months, there was never a moment that I feared I would "get it". My outlook has always been positive and I took precautions towards staying safe and healthy. I didn't waste my time with negativity or negative people. I surrounded myself with good, like-minded, happy individuals.
​​

7. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Another very important way to boost your immunity is with rest, relaxation and sleep. I love to sleep, and I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. By getting ample rest and sleep, I have more energy and I'm less stressed about things I have no control over. Stress and anxiety is often a result of lack of sleep. We also invested a whopping $25 (original value $250) on a 3 inch memory foam gel topper for our mattress which has resulted in a more comfortable and restful slumber.

8. Prevention Is The Best Defense
Even before this pandemic, I often washed my hands, so this was nothing new to me! Although we've been taking immune boosting supplements, there are probably other ways to help prevent us (and others) from getting this virus. Within the past month, we stumbled upon a little known treatment for COVID-19 that has been proven successful in the United States and other countries. This treatment is affordable, safe and effective. This protocol has also been used as a preventative measure. The good news is that there is hope for those who are sick and there have been many success stories on how they have fought and won the battle against this virus.
​

   

     

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases

... words to always live by ...

​

​By Susan Doktor  

You might think that a frugalista like me would tell you to avoid credit cards at all costs. Credit cards come with interest payments, of course. Some of them charge very high rates, particularly the ones issued by individual retail stores. And who needs that? But actually, just like a glass of red wine, moderate credit card usage can be good for your financial health. And here’s why.


Pretty much any financial advisor you consult will tell you that having a solid credit profile and high credit score should be one of your top financial goals. Do you know what your credit score is? It’s a good idea to download a free copy once a year or so. Ironically, not owing anybody any money is often a detriment to achieving that aim. The only way to earn a high credit score is by taking on and responsibly paying against some debt. Maintaining an active credit card account is a simple, relatively inexpensive way to demonstrate your credit-worthiness. Put small purchases on your card and pay them off every month. It’s that simple.


Why is having a high credit score important? Because somewhere down the road, chances are you’re going to want to borrow some money—perhaps to buy a house or a new car. You may need to finance your kids’ college education. Lending institutions reserve their lowest interest rates for their most credit-worthy customers. Let’s take mortgages by way of example. Even a quarter-point difference in a 30-year loan can add up to thousands of dollars in savings over a lifetime of homeowning. That’s an opportunity dedicated frugalistas, or really any consumer looking out for his or her long-term financial well-being, won’t want to miss.


But helping you to establish a solid credit rating is just one of the reasons using a credit card makes living a frugal life easier. Nowadays, the best credit card companies offer consumers a range of incentives to promote usage. Cashback on purchases is one of the best. Recently, the variety of shopping categories that can earn you cashback has grown to include the most basic of provisions, including groceries and gasoline. Some cards reward you for every dollar you spend. Some offer special introductory bonuses that temporarily pay a higher cashback percentage. This higher cashback rate usually applies for the first year you use your card. Still other cards reward you specifically for online purchases, which a lot of us are making more often these days. When you’re shopping around for a credit card, make sure the cards you’re considering reward you for shopping in the categories that constitute the lion’s share of your monthly purchases or are otherwise the most meaningful categories to you.


Naturally, choosing the lowest-interest card you’re eligible for is a smart goal. If you already have a solid credit rating, you may even be able to find a card that gives you an introductory rate of 0%. Some of these cards offer 0% plus cash-back rewards. Many cards that offer a 0% introductory rate also include the option of transferring your balances from any other cards you have to your new card. That’s pretty hard to beat. If you’ve already amassed some credit card debt, you’re not alone, of course. The average American owes over $6,000 in credit card debt. These 0% interest cards represent a great opportunity to save money on interest in the short term. But be aware that if you don’t pay your transferred balance off during the limited time period, your rate will go up. Sometimes by a lot.


It’s worth mentioning that if you’re raising kids, setting a good credit example is important. When your kids reach the age when they can apply for a card, encourage them to do so, and then use it frugally. The earlier you establish a strong credit history, the better. Some older adults who’ve chosen to avoid using credit cards have a tough time when applying for a card because the credit industry sees them as—well, weird—riskier than other customers. More irony, for you. So teach your children well. They’ll reap the same benefits you will if you boost your credit profile.


Author Bio:
Susan Doktor is a journalist and business strategist who hails from New York City. She guest-blogs on a wide range of topics, including finance, technology, family life, and food and wine. Follow her on Twitter @branddoktor.

​