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​Weddings don't have to be costly! Have a memorable yet frugal wedding, here's tips for every bride-to-be.

1. Determine a realistic budget that you can stick with. Keep all receipts so you know how much you've spent so far. Create a spreadsheet to keep tabs on all expenses.
2. Create a wedding planner binder. Keep it organized with tabs and pockets for things such as venue options, magazine tear outs, business cards from wedding vendors, honeymoon ideas, etc..
3. Pick a venue location that already has the ambiance you like so that you don't have to spend too much on additional decorations. Combine the ceremony and reception in the same location to save money.
4. Choose a date that's not as popular, such as a weekday or Sunday and daytime for a lower booking fee.
5. Save money when ordering wedding invitations, shop around to get great deals online.
6. Choose in-season flowers, they are cheaper. Use your bridesmaids bouquets as table centerpieces. 
7. Opt for buffet at the reception vs. sit down meal. Or hire a friend to cater the party at a discount.
8. Encourage friends to be frugal when planning your bachelorette party. Have the party in town vs. an out of town road trip. Have the party at a house with potluck food, booze, music and fun activities.
9. Shop online stores such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and The Knot for items such as party favors, etc.
10. Save money on honeymoon travel by comparing prices from several online websites.​

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For more tips, check out this helpful guide in Planning a Low-Budget Micro Wedding.​

        
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​by Hal Salazar

When you buy a new home or choose to renovate your current house, you will likely hear an offer for a home warranty. The home warranty is a contract that protects you if your appliances or new systems break down. Understanding how to find a home warranty can alleviate some of the stress of insurance shopping.
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​What to Expect While Shopping for a Home Warranty

Think about the age of your home and the systems you have installed. If you renovate a house and install brand-new appliances, you need a warranty that will keep you from overpaying if any of the appliances break down. Call different companies and pay attention to those who are responsive and helpful. You want a company you will feel comfortable working with in the future. A reputable company understands the importance of customer service to draw in new clients.
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​If you’re interested in purchasing a warranty with a home warranty company, review various quotes from reputable providers. If you’re asking, “does the cost of a home warranty pencil out?” you should understand that the overall price matters when you have to consider your budget. However, keep in mind that cheaper options might also have less coverage. Consider the types of appliances and systems that you want coverage for and compare which companies will provide coverage for those systems.
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​How to Benefit From a Home Warranty

The home warranty protects appliances and systems from general wear and tear. Be careful not to mistake a home warranty for homeowners insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance protects your property in the case of a disaster or crime. Most homeowners require a homeowners' policy and a home warranty to protect their assets. In addition to helping pay the repair costs, a home warranty can also help expedite necessary repairs or replacements. A warranty can save you time looking for a trusted, local contractor.

With a home warranty, you do not have to worry about attempting to DIY any repairs in your home. When an appliance shuts down, some people choose to fix it themselves because of the cost of hiring a contractor. Unfortunately, attempting to repair an appliance alone can become a fire or electrocution hazard or you could damage the appliance more.
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​Where to Organize Home Warranty Documents

You never know when you will need to access documents from a home purchase, including your home warranty documents. If you have important documents organized neatly, you will never feel stressed when accessing a certain document. You can organize your files neatly at home or save them digitally. Many people choose to have physical and digital files available. Digital files allow you to access them wherever you are.

If you ever need to make a claim, you must have your home warranty documents available. Enos Tech suggests saving the files as PDFs. PDF files save space and allow you to make edits. If you want separate files, a PDF splitter lets you split PDF files. Once you save the file, you can rename, download and share the PDF with others. If you use digital files, back them up to prevent data loss.

Whether you purchased a new home or plan to renovate your current home, you should consider a home warranty. The home warranty offers coverage for various systems and appliances. If your appliances break down because of wear and tear, the warranty will help cover the costs of fixing or replacing them.


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Hal Salazar is a regular contributor for The Frugal Lifestyle. He has written several great articles on how to live a frugal yet richer life. 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 and created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to other seniors via carefully curated resources. 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.


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​Let's be honest, who doesn't want cheap and affordable or even free internet service? I certainly do and I have benefitted from one of the programs listed below. Paying $80 or more toward your monthly internet bill can be a real budget-buster when you’re living on a tight budget. ​If you qualify as low income in the United States, then you need this list of free or cheap low income internet services from Low Income Relief.  Keep reading below for details!
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​Free Internet Service Programs:
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Free internet would be fabulous, right? Although we’ve found a lot of low income internet programs, we’ve only found a few free ones. They’re usually very limited geographically, in the United States.

Some libraries offer free mobile hotspots you can take home
You may be able to literally check out the internet from your local library! We’ve found many libraries that offer this service. Some even let you keep the hot spot all school-year long! Check this list to see if your local library offers a take-home mobile hot sport for free internet.

​Some schools offer free internet services, too
There are hundreds of schools across the United States that offer free internet to their students to ensure that they are able to do their school work. Contact your local school to check if they offer this program.
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Some areas are introducing free internet for low income residents
With an increasing need for stable, high-quality internet connections, some areas are branching out and providing low income access. Here are a couple of examples:

Marin County, California, just announced that they will be introducing Free Neighborhood WiFi. This program will provide two years of internet services for up to 300 low income households, with a focus on providing the internet to low income students.

Brookline, Massachusetts is served by Tech Buddies. This organization is helping low income seniors and disabled people receive free tablets and/or free internet service for one year!
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​Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program:
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The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new low income internet program that helps low income households afford broadband internet access. This benefit provides up to $30 per month toward the internet service for the households. If you live on Tribal lands, the benefit is up to $75 per month!
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You may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you have a household income that is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR if at least ONE member of your household participates in at least ONE of the programs listed below:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps, EBT)
• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• SSI
• WIC
• Lifeline
• National School Lunch Programs
• National School Breakfast Programs
• Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
• Tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations

​If you are eligible, there’s a two-step process to apply. you must go to ACPBenefit.org to submit your application (or print and mail an application). Then, once you approved, you must contact your preferred internet provider and select a plan. The ACP Benefit discount will be applied to your monthly bill.

You may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. You will need to pay between $10 and $50 for the device in order to use the discount. How long does it take to get the Affordable Connectivity Program? Not long at all! You should receive a response within 48 hours of applying.
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​Free Internet from Major ISPs:

Fortunately, many major Internet providers already provide affordable Internet programs for low income customers. You can choose whether you’d like service through AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast or other providers. Of course, not all services are available in all areas and not all programs have the same eligibility criteria. If you don’t qualify for one program, just check another.

​Comcast Internet Essentials is $9.95/month (Free with ACP)
Comcast Internet Essentials is free when you use your Affordable Connectivity Program benefits. When you use ACP, you can get Internet Essentials PLUS for free, which provides speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Of all of the programs I’ve found, Comcast Internet Essentials is my favorite. You’ll receive speeds of up to 50 Mbps with no installation fees, no credit checks and no long-term contracts. This program is available to low income families, veterans, seniors, college students and people with Section 8 housing vouchers. Get the details.
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Spectrum Internet Assist is $17.99/month (Free with ACP)
If you live in an area served by Spectrum, then you’ll want to check out their low income internet deal. Are you interested in getting Charter Spectrum for just $17.99 per month?
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Google Fiber is Free for select customers
The Google Fiber program isn’t as straightforward as most of the other low income internet programs we’ve discovered. Google offers a free Gigabit Internet for Select Affordable and Public Housing program. This program is only available for customers who live in specific public housing and affordable housing properties. If you are eligible, you can get 1GB upload and download speeds for free, with no contracts, no construction fees and no installation fees.

Image via Unsplash

​Other Low Income Internet Providers:

Although the providers listed above are fairly well known nationwide, there are several smaller, more localized providers that also offer low income internet services.

Frontier Internet is $20/month
Frontier provides low income internet to 26 states, which is more than the remaining of the providers on this list. Unfortunately, their monthly price is also more than the rest of the providers on this list. Here’s what we know about getting Frontier Communications for just $20 per month.
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Mediacom Cable is $10/month
Mediacom serves 1,500 cities across 22 states. If you’d like to save money on Mediacom internet service, you’ll want to read what we learned about getting Mediacom for just $9.95 per month.

Cox Communications is $10/month
Cox Communications provides service in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia. If you’re low income in that area, check out this post about how to get Cox Communications for just $9.95.
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Altice Internet Advantage is $15/month
If you’re interested in a discounted program for Altice, Suddenlink Internet or Optimum Internet service, then you’re looking for Altice Internet Advantage. It’s a great program for families and seniors. Altice Internet Advantage is just $14.99.

Eagle Communications is $10/month
Eagle Communications provides low income internet service in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.  We’ve got all the details and an application so you can get Eagle Communications for just $9.95 per month.

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Can you use an extra $200 just for shopping for items you would normally buy? If so, please consider this great offer from Capital One with their SavorOne Rewards Card.

Simply apply for a SavorOne Rewards cash back master card. Receive a $200 statement credit once you spend $500 within 3 months of account opening. Sign up with this link to get started.

It's that simple! Oh, and I get a referral bonus once you're approved - thank you in advance! Click here to sign up. Besides the $200 cash bonus, the SavorOne card has many benefits. Here are just a few:

3% Cash Back Bonus
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores plus 1% on all other purchases.

Redeem Your Way
Rewards don't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem cash back for any amount.

Low Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

No Annual Fee
There's no annual fee.

No Foreign Transaction Fees
You won't pay a transaction fee when making purchases outside of the United States.

Sign up with this link to get started.

Image via Unsplash


Click here to apply. You can start earning a $200 bonus just for shopping if you qualify.

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by Jane Rhodes

It may surprise some to know that the average US wedding costs $29.2k. As such, it stands to reason that savvy spenders are always on the lookout for tips and tricks to help them stay on budget and save some pennies while they’re at it. Here are three ways to cut costs, without sacrificing quality, on your big day.


The Guest List

First, let’s look at the ‘who?’. Who you invite to your wedding will massively contribute to how much you enjoy the day. And with the cost of catering reaching up to $100 per person on average, it’s no surprise that this is one of the priciest components of planning a wedding.

When it comes to drafting a guest list, no one wants to leave someone out. But then again, do you really need to invite your cousin’s niece twice removed who you met that one time when you were eight?

Your guest list doesn’t need to include every acquaintance, co-worker, or distant family member you have. When all is said and done, it’s your day. The only people you should be inviting are those who you actually want to share it with. And remember, a reduced guest list means a significantly reduced cost.

Image via Unsplash

The Location

Next up is the ‘where?’. Where you host your event is another huge piece of the puzzle when planning your day. You could book a wedding-ready location like a hotel or country club’s event space, but these tailor-made venues can cost a pretty penny to hire for the day, eating into a large percentage of your overall budget.

To save some money on your location, it’s time to get creative and think outside the box. Try asking friends and family if they have ideas – or can even offer a location you can use for a discounted price (preferably free).

Depending on the size and tone of your wedding, unique options might include community halls, barns, and even backyards. For those hosting a themed event, these kinds of venues can complement the ambiance you’re striving for.

Image via Unsplash

The Dress

Finally, the big ‘what?’. If you’ve done any preliminary browsing, you’ve probably experienced some serious sticker shock while looking at wedding dresses. But don’t fear, there are lots of ways you can save money on the all-important gown, without compromising on style or quality.

You can browse second-hand stores and vintage shops, online boutiques like Etsy, or even hunt more locally on Facebook Marketplace. For something newer, contact your local bridal shops about sample sales.

These allow you to purchase dresses directly from the rack for a fraction of the price of a made-to-order garment. You also get the added benefit of wearing something on trend, without waiting months for your custom dress to be shipped to you.

Image via Unsplash

Planning a wedding can be daunting, especially when you have a strict budget to adhere to. Just remember that in the end, it’ll all be worth it – with the final product being an opportunity to share your vision with those who mean the most to you.



Author bio: Jane Rhodes
Having been involved in the wedding industry for over 15 years, I’m passionate about sharing some of the knowledge I’ve picked up from helping others host the wedding of their dreams. In my blogs, I aim to provide soonlyweds with a greater sense of freedom over their wedding choices, helping them to create a special day that’s truly unique to them.

 Image via Pexels

  

Clutter is just a fact of life. Stuff piles up, messes are made, and dealing with it all becomes one of many things on your to-do list. Easy enough to manage when life is calm and work is steady, but when things get hectic, it’s more and more tempting to let things slide and deal with them later. And eventually, all that procrastinating can turn into what feels like an impossible cleaning challenge.

But, of course, that’s not the case. Any mess, no matter how big, can and will get cleaned up. And, the best way to regain control is by focusing on and changing your behavior, one bad habit at a time. So, read on, and for any behaviors that you know you are guilty of, make an early resolution to start breaking them now — you’ll be surprised how quickly your space will turn around.

1. Tossing Random Items in a “Junk Drawer”

Having a place for all your miscellaneous stuff? Great. Shoving all that miscellaneous stuff in a drawer until you can’t even open it anymore? Not so much. It’s okay to have a junk drawer, just make sure you’re strategic about it—keep loose items like buttons and screws in small plastic bags or boxes and label things so you can easily tell what they are. Most importantly, make sure you don’t over-stuff things into it, or all your hard work will go to waste.

2. Not Cleaning up While You’re Cooking

The line between cooking and making a mess is a thin one, but any messes you might make during meal prep are much easier to clean up if you just take them on right away. Spills and splashes can dry and stain if you don’t clean them right away, meaning they’ll be harder to clean up later—and if you put cleaning off until after you’re done, you might feel less motivated to do it. Make it a rule that you clean up while you cook (but of course, give yourself a pass for dishes that require serious concentration).

3. Not Treating Stains and Spots Right Away

Getting set-in stains out is much more difficult than removing stains as a spill happens—so if you have a tendency to let them sit and deal with them later, definitely make it a point to break that habit now. Make it easier by keeping a stain removal spray or any other household stain removal products you might need in an accessible place, and try to train yourself to make cleaning it up right away your instinct. Your rugs and your laundry will thank you.

4. Not Sorting Your Mail as It Comes In

Mail is a small daily mess that can become a massive clutter problem quickly. When you check your mail, don’t just drop it on the coffee table or counter and leave it there—collecting paper and envelopes like that guarantees two things: your home will look cluttered, and you’re almost guaranteed to lose sight of important documents. Make it a rule that when mail comes in, you sort through it right away—shredding whatever you don’t want, and storing important papers in a safe place.

5. Hoarding Stacks of Magazines You Never Read

Magazine subscriptions, much like the rest of your mail, can accumulate faster than you realize. Keeping a small stack on your coffee table or on your desk is fine and can add a little personality to your home, but if you find yourself holding on to every issue of a magazine you’ve received for the last 3 years, you might want to think about recycling them or giving them away to get the bulk out of your home. In the future, make it a habit to get rid of old issues as new issues come in.

6. Putting off Laundry Until Your Last Pair of Socks

Laundry isn’t exactly the most fun chore, so it tends to be one of those things people put off until they absolutely can’t put it off anymore (I’m definitely guilty of this, and it’s a tough habit to break). Don’t wait until you’re down to your last pair of socks—that you’re definitely re-wearing—to put your clothes in the wash. Instead, instate a new rule: once you have one load’s worth of laundry, tackle it. It’ll be a lot more manageable than your past bulk laundry loads, and you’ll never run out of clean clothes again.

7. Throwing Clothes and Accessories on a Chair

Does the chair in your bedroom pull double duty as clothing storage? It’s easy to come home, get changed and drape your clothes on a chair to deal with later, but if you let it pile up you’ll have a whole new de-cluttering challenge to take on later. Break the habit by making a rule that you have to put things back in your closet or dresser before you can take new things out, or if that doesn’t feel doable, make your new rule that nothing is allowed to stay on the chair overnight.

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I read this article on Medium and it resonated with me so much that I wanted to share it here. The title is Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise - The Interlocking Pillars of a Good Life.  Happiness is a by product of a meaningful life. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

For centuries, philosophers and sages have pondered what it means to live a fulfilled and happy life. The quest for a good life is universal, but how we find happiness varies from person to person.

Wealth, health, happiness and wisdom are four pillars of a successful life that are often discussed in isolation. They are often addressed as separate entities — almost as if they were adversaries. They’re not!
While it might seem like these things are mutually exclusive, the truth is that having any one of these things is a step in the right direction toward having them all. They come together when we live with intention and adopt habits that support a better life.

Instead of seeing them as separate concepts, it is far more productive to view wealth, health, happiness and wisdom as interlocking pillars of a good life. Many people struggle with one or more of these pillars as they work towards their goals. However, anyone can achieve a strong foundation for a fulfilled life by working on all four areas of balance.

Some see it as the key to a happy and successful life; others fear that the risk of falling into poverty is too high without a good balance between our financial assets. No one is immune to the stressors of modern-day living; however, our response determines whether we thrive or fall victim to life’s challenges.


True wealth is the abundance of time and freedom to pursue your true north

“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life,” says Henry David Thoreau.

Wealth is much more than money; it’s the freedom to do what you want with money and time. Being wealthy in this context does not mean having money; it means being resourceful with what you have so that you don’t end up going bankrupt.

When we have a good balance of wealth, health, happiness and wisdom, we experience a sense of fulfilment in our lives. The more balanced our life is, the happier we feel and the more confident we become to tackle any challenges that come our way.

“There are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning and yearning,” Christopher Morley once said.
In a chaotic world, it can be difficult to find your balance. With so many distractions, pressures and responsibilities pulling you in different directions, it can be hard to remember what is most important in life.
Getting wealthy, healthy, happy and wise simultaneously is a tough goal. It almost sounds like a lot to expect from a single life. But it’s precisely these four cornerstones that lead to a rich, full life, if you can manage to get the right balance.


Good health is the first wealth

“Doctors won’t make you healthy. Nutritionists won’t make you slim. Teachers won’t make you smart. Gurus won’t make you calm. Mentors won’t make you rich. Trainers won’t make you fit. Ultimately, you have to take responsibility. Save yourself.” — Naval Ravikant

Good health is the decision to take complete control of your self-care.

A healthy lifestyle is a choice. By taking control of your health, you’re making choices that can significantly impact your long-term happiness, quality of life, and well-being. In other words, being healthy isn’t something that happens to you — it’s something you choose to do.

Many factors, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress, impact your well-being. These factors can play a significant role in your long-term quality of life.

The most important decisions are those related to your diet and lifestyle. By making these decisions yourself, you take ownership of your health, making staying motivated easier.

Taking control of your health and wellness will give you the mental energy necessary to make wise decisions and build wealth. And by learning how to live wisely, you will have the experience and knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions about your finances.


Happiness is a byproduct of a meaningful life

“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” — Joseph Addison

Happiness is not a goal — you become happy when you strive for a good life. Wisdom is the application of knowledge to your life.

Whether you’re looking to be wealthy, healthy, happy, wise or just want to enjoy a more fulfilling life, you need specific actions.

And you have to be willing to make them a lifestyle — there are no quick wins or one-time steps. Top performers are in it for the long haul.

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination,” says Carl Rogers.

Wealth, health, happiness and wisdom may be related, but they are not the same. If you want to be happy, you need to pursue your true north (experiences that bring out the best in you).

Wealth can mean good health, meaningful relationships, memorable experiences and knowledge for a better life.

Wealth has three pillars: meaningful activities, relationships with others and meaningful experiences. These are the secrets to true wealth — regardless of how much money you have in the bank.

Money can’t buy health or happiness directly — spent well, it can help you live a good and even meaningful life where you spend your money matters if you want a meaningful life.

Money spent on experiences and on others rather than on yourself is more likely to make you happy. Experiential purchases — like vacations and activities — have been shown repeatedly to be a strong predictor of long-term life satisfaction.

Researchers have also found that spending money on other people is associated with greater life satisfaction — as are non-monetary gifts such as volunteering, giving a gift or helping someone in need.

You can be happy and wealthy at the same time. Remember, wealth doesn’t necessarily mean money; it could mean anything — greater control of your time, healthy life or being surrounded by love and support.
But wealth isn’t necessarily happiness. “The first wealth is health,” says Ralph Waldo Emerson.


The ability to discern what is true or right is superpower

Wisdom is a state of understanding and knowing, which can only be developed over time. Also, all riches start in the mind.

“Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins,” says Jim Rohn.

Happiness is a more subjective concept, but it can be measured in different ways. It could mean feeling content with your life as it is now or having a positive outlook on life.

And wisdom can be seen in different ways, too; for example, it could mean the ability to see the big picture, apply the right knowledge in life or make good decisions.

When you are in a position of wealth and privilege, it is easy to feel like you have all the answers. After all, you’re rich, right? You have the resources to do anything you want. However, this is far from the truth; In fact, it’s very common to see wealthy people make poor decisions.

They tend to forget that they don’t know everything. They forget that there are other people out there who can offer different perspectives and experiences. And they also forget that they aren’t always right. Wisdom is knowing how to spend wealth.

No matter what definition you choose for each concept, the goal is the same: you want to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

In our modern world, where the pursuit of money is almost everything for everyone, how do we reconcile our desire for wealth with our desire for happiness, good health and wisdom? Exploring this question leads us to a good life.

Achieving wealth, happiness, good health and wisdom takes time. While money can sometimes buy you happiness — and life experiences that will undoubtedly make you happier — it won’t necessarily lead to genuine fulfilment.

Truly wealthy people have a deeper understanding of their values and direction in life, which gives them a greater capacity for self-control and conscientious decision-making.

An open mind is one of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of control over your wealth, health, happiness and wisdom. Keep learning, upgrading and improving your ideas about designing a good life. “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will,” says Vernon Howard.


Read original article here.

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by Hal Salazar

Lots of stay-at-home parents choose to work from home to make extra money or support a frugal lifestyle. However, not everyone wants to run an eCommerce business selling products. Fortunately, parents have many small-business options beyond online sales—and you can run them from a home office.

Determining Business Structure

Decide what business structure is best for your company before you begin. Forming an S Corporation offers several benefits, including self-employment tax savings and pass-through taxation. Business owners can also opt to claim losses as tax deductions through an S Corp.

You might not have a budget for high lawyer fees right away. You can avoid them by filing for an S Corp yourself or using a formation service. Before you form an S Corp, review your state's rules.

Image via Pexels

Going Back to School

You may decide getting a degree will make your business more marketable. If so, you can consider taking classes online or signing up for in-person times that work around your family's schedule. One online degree option is cybersecurity. If you decide to earn a cybersecurity degree online, you’ll be well-equipped for potential remote opportunities in the field. It teaches you:

 •    Best practices in services and systems
 •    Scripting and programming
 •    Networking and security
 •    Data management
 •    The business of information technology

You can also consider degrees in business, accounting, marketing or others that boost your entrepreneurial skills.

Image via Pexels

Choosing a Career

Once you've ironed out the business details, it's time for the fun part: to decide what career path you want to take.

Tutoring is a great work-from-home option. You can tutor students at your house, travel to their homes, or offer virtual services. Start by defining your client base: only high-school students, for example, or a particular subject such as science. You can take on a couple of students to start or branch into full-time work.

Photography is a versatile and creative career choice. Decades ago, photographers needed a darkroom setup and studio, but today you have more flexibility. You can go on location to photo sessions and complete your photos digitally. You may need to invest in high-quality cameras and digital equipment or take photography classes to get started.

Pet care is an excellent option for animal lovers. You can adapt the business to fit your schedule and accommodations. You can operate a grooming business, for example, from your home or offer a mobile service. If you have the space, you can board pets overnight at your house or travel to clients' homes to care for them.

Image via Pexels

Other Career Options

Graphic design is another career that's possible to do from home. You can work as a freelancer, allowing you to create a flexible schedule. Graphic design encompasses printed and digital pieces: newsletters, posters, brochures, signage, websites and social media advertising. You'll need a dependable computer to run design programs that require lots of memory. You may also need a high-quality printer and scanner.

Are you fluent in other languages? Consider starting a translation service. According to job experts, the employment of interpreters and translatorsis expected to grow 20% over the next several years. Your upfront costs may include a computer, internet connection, printer and current reference materials. Your target market can be global, and you can work in various medical, legal and technical industries.

Fortunately for stay-at-home parents, business opportunities are more varied than ever. Once you've determined your business structure, gone back to school and set up your company, it's up to you to reap the benefits.

Photo Credit: Pexels

by Hal Salazar

At some point in time, your senior loved one may need some help with their finances. If your parent starts to have memory issues, it could negatively impact their financial health. According to the National Council on Aging, more than 51% of senior households have debt, an increase since 1992. Here are signs you may need to step in and help.

Excessive Spending
One of the first clues your senior parent may be struggling with finances is compulsive spending. If they are suddenly buying a lot of new items, such as new electronics, furniture, clothes, or gifts for the grandchildren, they may have a problem.

Forgotten Purchases
Some seniors with memory problems may have items they don’t even remember buying. Forgotten purchases may be a sign of a bigger issue where your parent or loved one doesn’t have control over their finances.

Bill Collectors
People in dire financial straits may also have numerous bill collectors contacting them. Pay attention to see if there are frequent calls to your loved one from debt collectors or unopened mail. You can help your loved one manage calls from debt collectors if this is an issue.

Memory Issues
Another sign of a potential problem is if you notice memory issues or dementia. Your senior parent or loved one may repeat the same story to you multiple times, misplace important items or demonstrate unusual behavior during their daily routine.

Organizing Their Finances
If you notice some of these problems with your parent or loved one, there are things you can do to help. Start by looking at their accounts and organizing their finances. Get access to their bank accounts, credit cards, and retirement accounts to help control any excessive spending and prevent them from racking up debt. Here's some frugal strategies to reorganize your loved one’s finances.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Understanding Their Insurance and Benefits
You also need to understand how your loved one’s health insurance coverage and Medicare benefits work. Locate any insurance policies and talk to the plan administrator to get information about what services are covered and which providers take your relative’s insurance.

Avoiding Scams
Older people with memory problems may also fall for scams and lose money from phishing, romance scams or other types of fraud online. Inform your senior loved one about typical online scams or help monitor their devices and accounts to spot signs of fraud.

Getting Power of Attorney
It may also be time for you or another responsible relative to get power of attorney over your aging parent. If you have power of attorney for your senior relative, you may be able to take control of their financial accounts.

Moving to a Senior Community
Another option is moving your relative to a senior community if they shouldn’t live alone. Tour different communities for retired people, such as 55+ neighborhoods or assisted living apartments.   Purge as many items as possible to downsize and work with a real estate agent to sell your relative’s home for a profit. Calculate the value with a home proceeds calculator to see how much cash your loved one could get from their property.

Transitioning to a Nursing Facility
For 24-hour care, consider a skilled nursing facility, especially with memory issues or physical ailments. Online, you can find informative reports about the facility, costs, payment options, and reviews from other families for all of the nursing homes in your city.

Aging parents or relatives can struggle with financial decisions. If you want to help, keep an eye out for key signs of trouble and take action.

Hal Salazar is a regular contributor for The Frugal Lifestyle. He has written several great articles on how to live a frugal yet richer life. 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 and created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to other seniors via carefully curated resources. 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.

 
The last HOT days of summer are here! Why not enjoy the rest of this summer season by indulging in some fun and free summertime activities during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Labor Day is seen as the unofficial end of summer. Although the Fall/Autumn season doesn't actually begin until September 22 - some of the hottest days of the year occur in September (we are experiencing a heat wave now, with temps way above 100 degrees - yikes)! So go ahead - celebrate, stay cool & hydrated, relax, enjoy the long Labor Day weekend with these frugal and fun ideas!

1. The Beach or Pool or Lake - If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance to a beach (or any body of water), take advantage as much as you can before the end of summer. Go early to avoid the crowds and to find a good parking spot (for free of course!) Pack some essentials - such as food, drinks, reading materials, sunglasses, beach chairs, towels, etc.. and just relax.
2. Street Fairs - Check online for local summer fairs in nearby towns or cities. Admission is usually free and there are always lots to see and taste. We recently went to a local street fair. We didn't buy anything, but many vendors offered free samples. It's a fun way to spend the day and a great way to walk off your lunch (and kettle corn)!!
3. Summer Concerts - Many local communities still offer free outdoor summer concerts. This is a fabulous way to enjoy your city's music scene and learn about new bands and hear great music. Check your local listings throughout the summer and maybe even into the fall season in some states.
4. Stroll Old Town - This is one of my favorite things to do, in any season! Most areas have a downtown or old town with quaint local stores (vs. chain stores). Leisurely stroll and stop in at the shops and maybe grab a little bite to eat at one of the cozy cafes. I enjoy checking out little antique shops. This is a great way to discover little gems for one-of-a-kind treasures.
5. Farmers Markets - Hit your local farmers market early so you get the freshest produce. Support local growers (vs. big box supermarkets), often times they are cheaper and offer a much better quality. Most vendors offer samples too! You can also shop for healthier organic options. Make a shopping list of items you might need ahead of time, so you won't overspend.
6. Scenic Drives - Go a little off the beaten path to areas where you normally wouldn't drive to. Make sure it's not too far so you won't waste money on gas. Map out your destination ahead of time. Make sure to stop when you can to take in the sights.
7. Picnics At The Park - Pack a light picnic lunch and drive (or walk) to your favorite park. Pick a quiet, shaded spot and enjoy your meal. Bring some music or reading material if you plan to go by yourself.
8. Explore New Neighborhoods - This is a great way to feel like you are on vacation exploring a new neighborhood in another state or country! Pick a neighborhood, park your car, then meander around their downtown or residential area. I love walking around quaint residential streets with beautiful homes, I get inspirations on how I can improve my own home's curb appeal.
9. Flea Markets - One of my favorite destinations to browse & shop for treasures! There are several flea markets or swap meets happening every Sunday. I usually find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts or something for myself for dirt cheap. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the vendor. Most of them would rather sell the item(s) vs. take it back home with them.
10. Go To The Museum or Zoo - Most communities offer "free to the public" admission days. Call your local zoo or museum ahead of time and take advantage of these great local attractions.

Remember to stay cool and not get overheated. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of pure drinking water. Enjoy the rest of the summer days until we welcome the autumn season.