Family, General, Sales

12 Best Life Hacks for Saving Money

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Are you living paycheque to paycheque? Going through financial struggles can suck the joy out of life.  However, you don’t have to drive yourself into crippling debt to live life to the fullest. In this post, we’re sharing our best tips to save money and stretch your monthly income. Let’s get started. 

  1. Start Budgeting

How can you manage your income if you don’t know where and how much you’re spending?

Budgeting continues to be an effective way to manage finances. Making a monthly budget gives you a framework for spending and saving your income. There are several budgeting apps available that will assist you in sticking to a budget.

  1. Make Shopping Lists

Do you just go to a grocery store and shop from memory? This habit makes you susceptible to overspending. 

Before your weekly food shop, take a look at your pantry and make a list of all the things you need. This is a simple yet effective way to avoid purchasing things you don’t need.

  1. Choose Affordable Entertainment Options

If you spend weekends going to fancy clubs, it’s time to look for better ways to keep yourself entertained. Rather than blowing your money on ridiculously priced drinks, stay in and watch a movie or go for a nice meal with a friend. Trust us, your wallet and liver both will be very thankful.

  1. Cut-down Utility Bills

Electricity, gas, internet and phone plans are all necessities. But if you’re struggling to make ends meet, you should switch to affordable alternatives. Compare electricity prices of different retailers and transfer to a cheaper plan. And same goes for other utilities.

  1. Learn Cooking

Don’t use your lack of cooking skills as an excuse to eat out every night. It might seem like a small expense, but it can add up and deplete your finances. 

Thanks to the internet, you can learn how to do virtually anything without leaving your bed. So open up YouTube or Pinterest and give cooking a try. Not only will this save you money, but also help you eat nutritious meals.

  1. Avoid Online Shopping

Online shopping can be addictive. Instead of turning to retail therapy whenever you feel stressed or unhappy, work on developing healthier coping mechanisms. It would be best to unsubscribe from promotional emails and uninstall shopping apps.

https://www.moneycrashers.com/online-shopping-addiction-buy-less/

  1. Use Public Transportation

Using a private vehicle for daily commute can be quite expensive. You can save on fuel and vehicle maintenance by using public transport. And it’s better for the environment too, which never hurts.

  1. Buy in Bulk

From toilet paper to laundry detergent, buy common household items in bulk. You can get a membership of a bulk store for more discounts. 

  1. Set Financial Goals

Setting financial goals is an excellent way to motivate yourself to be smarter with money. Whether you want to buy a car or put a down payment on a house, pin it on your financial goals vision board.

  1. Quit Smoking & Drinking

Smoking and drinking are expensive vices to have. For your long-term financial stability and physical wellbeing, quit or at least cut-down smoking and drinking. 

  1. Limit Subscriptions

It seems like every day there is a new must-have service or streaming platform. But there are only so many hours in a day you can watch shows and movies. So, limit your subscriptions to the ones you often use and terminate the rest. 

  1. Buy Pre-owned

From clothes to furniture, almost everything is available second-hand. Buying pre-owned items is a cost-effective and sustainable way to shop.

Final Words

Just by being aware of your finances and a bit of planning, you can increase your monthly savings. We hope our tips help you achieve your financial goals.

Home Decor

Essential Things You Should Know About 100% Commission Real Estate Broker Model

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While people may be inclined to believe that most buyers and sellers of real estate properties no longer use the services of real estate agents since they can find what they need on the internet, statistics show that this is not true. 

The National Association of Realtors shared that only 8% of sellers sold their properties without any help, and 87% of buyers still hired agents to assist them.

These numbers mean good news, especially if you’re a real estate agent since your earnings mostly depend on the number of transactions you complete. More completed dealings would mean more commissions for you or at least half of it since your broker will get the other half if you still abide by the traditional way of splitting commissions.

If you’re exploring other methods that will allow you to receive better compensation, perhaps a 100% Commission Real Estate Broker is what you’re looking for.

Here are some key aspects you should know about this compensation method:

What is the 100%Commission Split?

As the term suggests, this compensation method means you get the full commission. You do not have to split it with your broker. Unlike the traditional way wherein your broker gets a percentage of the commission fees, you get to keep 100% of the amount.

For instance, if the gross commission for the transaction is $12,000, you only receive around $6,000 in the traditional sharing scheme between broker and agent. With the 100% commission model, however, you get to keep the entire $12,000.

Note that the brokerage firm earns by charging you with at least a few hundred dollars a month for the use of office space or membership fees. Other brokers offer a flat rate regardless of the amount of the transactions.

What are the Advantages of the 100% Commission Model?

To help you appreciate the 100% commission split more, consider the following advantages of choosing this scheme:

  • Higher Earnings

Given that this arrangement allows you to keep the full commission, you have the chance to earn more money, especially if you’re a seasoned agent who can complete multiple transactions a month. You may need to pay a certain amount for membership, office space, facilities, and other support services. The sum of these expenses will be much lower if you will compare it to the total amount of commission fees you will lose in the usual 50/50 split with your broker.

  • Flexibility

When you opt for a 100% commission broker, you have full control over your business. You’re in charge of all your transactions, schedules, and how you spend your money. You can meet with clients and manage your social life without having to answer to anyone or deal with sales quotas. 

  • Career Boost

Instead of promoting the broker’s business name, you have the chance to make a name in the industry if you choose the 100% commission model. You can build your brand according to the direction you want without having to worry about building-up the broker’s image as well. You will get sole recognition for all the work you put in.

The information above will give you an idea about the 100% Commission Real Estate Broker model and if it will better address your career goals as a real estate agent. Just make sure that you find a reputable brokerage firm that will work with you and will support you not only to earn more but to be the best in what you do. 

Home Decor

Finding the Right Roof Contractor

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Finding the Right Roof Contractor

Roofs shelter you from storms, shield you from direct sunlight and give you a goodnight rest during a rainy night. But, how do you take care of your roof in return? Finding the right people in helping you take care or repair your roof is sometimes confusing and challenging. Look for the right people you’ll trust your roof repairs with that will deliver the job well done.

Here are the tips on how to find the right roofing contractors for you.

Local Contractors

Find a local contractor for your roofing needs. It is more practical in terms of the warranty or even back jobs because they will be available and accessible whenever the need arises. There are also fewer chances of scams since they are a part of your community. They already know about local codes and rules, and they are likely to be more reliable too when it comes to urgent situations.  

No Pressure

Some contractors pressure you to give in and sign a contract even before estimating the job needed to be done. Always be sensitive to these little details because this might be a trap you don’t want to be in. The right roofing contractor doesn’t rush you with everything. Slowly assess and check whatever you need so that they can help you in the best way possible.

Weigh the Price with Quality

Expensive doesn’t have to be the best and cheap doesn’t also always mean compromised quality. Check their websites, rates and the reviews from previous clients. These will help you know more about the contractor that you are eyeing to work with. It is more than the price, and it is more on the services that the contractor can provide even if you did not ask. Don’t settle for the lowest or the highest price; weigh everything to find the best deal.

Research is the Key

Everyone has the power to research now. It is just as easy as checking your smartphones or any device that can connect to the internet. When you want to do background checks on your own or even canvassing for the right service provider that will fit your needs, you can do so by surfing the details you want to know online.

Checking their websites may not be enough as they can filter the comments or reviews given by previous clients. However, there are platforms wherein clients can give their honest reviews on a particular company which helps a lot of people finding the right fit for their needs. It is also essential to be knowledgeable about the roofing contractors you’ll get because they will see that you are not an “easy-to-get away-with” type of client.

Direct Referrals

Ask your friends, family or relatives if they can recommend someone that they have worked with before because they have tried and tested their services. For sure, it will not be recommended if they were not satisfied with its work. It doesn’t always mean that whenever someone you know referred to a particular company or service provider, it is the one you are looking for. This is not always the case, but referrals usually help. You still need to do your research about that specific referral.

Family, Fashion, Home Decor

Buying Flowers Online? Here are Essential Money-Saving Tips

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Believe it or not, buying flowers online and getting them delivered to your loved ones can be quite costly. So, here are some insider tips that might help you put a smile on your loved one’s face without putting a dent in your wallet.

It should be known that there are middlemen in the floral delivery industry in Australia

Go-betweens are not necessarily bad for business. Some florists do not have the time or resources to invest in an online delivery system. That is why there are middlemen, as they are the ones who market the flowers and services of actual florists.

The deal only gets sour when these guys put on massive cuts or markups. That is when the prices of the flowers and the overall service get expensive. How do you avoid such bad deals?

The first thing that you ought to do is to do some local research. You can use a phone book and call any local florist and ask them how much they would charge to have flowers delivered. A simple Google search will show reputable florist options like Uniting Flowers, whose services won’t let you down.

As with all other services that you buy or avail, never jump right at the first lead you stumble upon. Perform your research first, and check for any past works or reviews if you found one provider that seems to be interesting for you.

It’s usually recommended to make a call to the florist you want to deal with. The idea is to know the current prevailing market price of flowers and flower arrangement services. It would help if you inquired about the delivery prices. Can they deliver outside of your city and how much would it cost? Make sure to list all this information down for your convenience.

After getting all the information, you can then make some price comparisons. If the online floral service charges a higher fee compared to the info you were able to get, then they may have middlemen jacking up the prices.

Designer’s Choice

When making an inquiry, you will be shown a lot of beautiful flowers on the online vendor’s pages, and some of them will be absolutely gorgeous. The really great arrangements are usually the most expensive ones.

But remember, these are not necessarily the best deals. The best ones are also known as the designer’s choice. This is sometimes listed in a separate category.

In case you cannot find it anywhere, having looked at every page on their website, then you should proceed to their contact info page and find a phone number or email. You may also try their social media pages.

Remember that you can chat with a representative through their social media pages. If you can’t chat with them live, then at least leave a message. Check out their response times and see how prompt they are when it comes to inquiries.

When you get in touch with an actual florist—a great online seller will have an actual florist on the phone—ask for the designer’s choice. They will give you details on floral selection, arrangement, and design.

Of course, it can be a bit expensive, but it will be a great deal. After that, you should ask for the florist’s minimum. This is the minimum that they will be asking for. You can then work up a deal somewhere in between the minimum and the designer’s choice.

Avoid Add-Ons

Add-ons like balloons, chocolates, and such only add to your costs. If you’re trying to save money, stay away from such offers. A simple flower arrangement is usually more than enough and you don’t need to go the extra mile unless the occasion calls for it.

Conclusion

The experience of an expert florist is one you can’t miss. They can turn a basic arrangement of flowers into a masterpiece. So, if you’re looking for professional florists who can get your flowers arranged in a beautiful manner, call and visit trustworthy brands like Uniting Flowers today for a free quote and consultation.

Beauty How Tos, Hairstyle How-Tos

Best Products to Regain Healthy Hair

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With the ever-changing weather, your hair can become dry, fizzy, and unnourished. As such, there are hundreds of beauty products that are in the market which claim to provide the best hair treatment. 

However, the market is full of synthetic and artificial products that can be damaging in the long run. Today, people look for natural and organic solutions to cure body problems. One of the best beauty solutions today that is making waves in the beauty community is the Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Where does it come from?

It comes from the extract of castor oil through pressing. The Jamaican Black variant, on the other hand, differs from the manner of extraction. Instead of pressing, the seeds are roasted, pounded, and boiled, hence the ashy black color where it derives its name. 

Why is it good for the hair?

When it comes to hair products, the Jamaican Black Castor Oil provides the most practical and all-around solution. The following are its benefits on hair application. 

Hair Growth

The castor bean, which is scientifically known as Ricinus communis, is rich in ricinoleic acid. This type of acid is the solution that helps hair grow thicker and faster. A generous application of this acid to the scalp helps enhance the health of hair follicles, which thus encourages your hair to grow. 

Moreover, the Jamaican Black variant is also an excellent solution for hair loss. By religiously putting it every morning and before going to bed, you will see a noticeable increase in hair growth and thickness. 

Moisturizes  

The Jamaican Black variant is also a great product if you want to regain the health of your hair. Dryness and frizziness can become quite annoying, and this might lead to dandruff problems. To avoid such a situation, the Jamaican Black variant of castor oil helps fight dryness by keeping hair moisturized as it is rich in antioxidants. 

To get the best moisturizing result, you can either place the oil in a spray bottle with a little water or other beauty oil. On the other hand, you can also opt to apply it directly on your palms and massage your scalp while combing through your hair. 

Eyelash and eyebrow

Castor oil is not only for the hair on your head area but also for your facial hair. For those who are not naturally gifted with thick lashes and brows, you can apply castor oil using a spool every night before going to bed. 

Is the Jamaican Black Variant compatible with all types of hair?

Absolutely. Because the Jamaican Black variant of castor oil is natural and organic, it sits perfectly well with all types of hair. Even those with curly hair prefer this type of oil as it can easily keep everything in place while keeping the hair moisturized.

What are its other uses?

Unlike other products, castor oil is excellent not only for healthy hair but with facial care as well. You can use the Jamaican Black variant to treat acne or to keep your face moisturized. 

Moreover, you can dilute the castor oil with coconut oil and apply it on your body as a lotion alternative to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. 

Indeed, the Jamaican Black type of castor oil is an excellent addition to your daily hair nourishment routine. If you have not incorporated the beauty oil in your regime, then you must do so right now. 

Beauty with an attitude


All content written by Cailin Koy. Some pages may contain affiliate links.