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Save time and money
How to Use Tech to Save You Time and Money

save-time-and-money

Saving money should be a top priority for all, but at times we may take this notion too far, and to save money we end up wasting time. We all must realize that time is money and we should spend both wisely for the biggest return. Even if you aren't a very money-savvy person, with the help of technology, there are little changes you can make in your everyday life to save you both time and money. Check out these tips to start saving today:

How to Get a Gift for Everyone on Your List Without Going Broke
holiday spending The holidays can be " the most wonderful time of the year," but for some, it's also a time filled with stress and anxiety. With all the gift-giving, traveling and holiday functions you may just be happy when it's all over! If you end up loosening your financial belt during this time of year, you'll likely regret it come January. Don't fret; it is possible to make it through the season without going broke. Check out my tips for buying gifts when you are on a budget:
Teaching kids about money
How to Raise Money Savvy Kids, Even If You Aren’t
money savvy kids We all want our kids to grow up to be successful, happy and of course financially secure. Teaching your kids about money is very important, but simply repeating "money doesn't go on trees", isn't enough. Even if you don’t have an extensive professional background in finance, nurturing your children’s financial literacy doesn’t have to be a big challenge. Children are naturally curious. It’s like they have a built-in desire to learn. If you take the following steps and teach them the basics of spending, budgeting and saving in ways that are fun and engaging, they will surely grow up to be money savvy adults.
Sherita Rankins Busy wife Busy life
The Biggest Financial Mistakes I Made in My 20’s
Sherita Rankins Busy wife Busy life When I was in my 20's, I thought I had it all figured out. I was finally living on my own and making enough money to support myself, but little did I know I was also setting myself up for financial failure. My careless financial habits and frivolous daily purchases were going to snowball into a mound of debt that I wouldn't be able to get myself out of. They say hind sight is 20/20, but if I knew then what I know now, I would probably be living on easy street. Here are the biggest financial mistakes from my 20's that you should avoid at any age.
Financial capable
4 Ways to Save Serious Money and Become More Financially Capable
Mixed race woman paying bill with cell phone Financially literacy is incredibly important. I’ve dedicated my life’s work to it. But what if I told you that financial literacy isn’t enough? I know I was shocked when I learned the same thing. It turns out that financial literacy will only take you so far. For you to have true financial success, you need to have financial capability.

What's the difference?

When you’re financially literate, you have an understanding of how money works – how to earn it, manage it, invest it, etc. and technically you have the skills and knowledge to make financial decisions. When you’re financially capable, you also have the confidence, attitude, and self-efficacy to act on this knowledge. Basically, when you’re financially capable, you believe in yourself. You believe that you know enough to make a decision OR that you know enough to know when you ask for help AND you believe that it’s worth your time and there is value to managing your money proactively. Yeah. I know this sounds likes a big challenge. But here’s why financial capability is way less scary than it sounds. With financial literacy, it can sometimes feel like you need to know everything before you make a move. With financial capability, you have the permission to learn and make mistakes as you go along. If you’re financially capable, it’s okay to stumble through some things and not know it all, because you have the confidence to make course corrections along the way. Here are some moves you can make this week to get closer to becoming financially capable:
Travel Like a baller on a budget
How to Travel like a Baller When You’re On a Budget
IMG_20160807_184805 Almost every year this New Yorker likes to get out of gritty NYC and do some California dreaming. I wouldn't consider myself a jet-setter, but I take around 4-5 trips each year with a big vacation in the mix. I'll be honest, I like to travel in style. From my flights, dining out, and most importantly the hotel, nothing sub-par will do. This LA trip was no exception and I enjoyed every minute of it. I've always looked forward to planning trips. I love finding delicious restaurants to try, shopping like a local and of course booking excellent accommodations. I don't have a fortune to spend when traveling. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks you can use to save money without skipping out on the luxury.

4.5 Star Accommodations

IMG_20160813_200918 (1) Suite of InterCon Los Angeles My mom always said, "If you aren't staying somewhere that is at least as nice as where you live, then find a better hotel!" I have definitely taken this to heart. To escape the Florida heat, she packed a bag or three and joined me on my California trip. We decided to spend a few relaxing days at the InterContinental Century City, conveniently located blocks away from Beverly Hills.
money pit mansion
Money Saving Hacks All Homeowners Need to Know
money_pit_mansion In 1986, Tom Hanks and Shelley Long starred in the hilarious movie, “The Money Pit.” Needing to move, but not having a lot of money to buy a house, in the film they were duped into buying a house that unknowingly was in desperate need of repair. One thing leads to another and before they knew it, they were in over their heads financially and structurally when the floor literally caves in. As a homeowner, you may be able to relate to the movie, but hopefully not to those extreme measures. Regardless of whether you are in the market for a new home, or if you've been a homeowner for many years, here are some tips for saving money at in your home.

Utilities

Some of the simplest ways to save money don’t involve major home improvements, but they are the small things that you can do on any given day.
  • Flipping a switch to turn lights off in an unoccupied room
  • Wrapping your hot water heater with insulation
  • Lowering the thermostat on your water heater
  • Adding more insulation to your attic
  • Putting an empty jar in the tank of your toilets
  • Setting your water heater on a timer,
  • Installing a programmable thermostat that will heat or cool your home during times when you are there …
The list goes on for simple habits that can save you money every month.
African American businesswomen talking in meeting
How to Become Friends with Benefits with Your Bank
African American businesswomen talking in meeting Banking in our mobile-driven environment of apps, social shares, and likes, has lost its “human” touch. All of our services and experiences have become digital; even Face Time has taken on a whole new meaning. I remember when a trip to the bank meant friendly conversations with tellers who knew me by name and chats with bankers who got to know us as more than just a customer. As vital as technology has become in our lives, it’s still important to connect with people, especially those you trust your money with. There’s more to gain than just a free pen when you become friends with your local bank and its employees, and the benefits help you and your wallet too. I recently attended the opening of Capital One’s new flagship location in Union Square, NYC. What I thought would be just a fancy ribbon-cutting ceremony, turned out to be so much more.
Capital One Union Square Flagship
New Atms at Capital One Union Square
Capital One Union Square Flagship
Customer iPads in Location
5 Tips for Dressing Office Smart

Guest post from OF Mercer about stylish work wear.

Of Mercer

Dressing office smart means incorporating your personal style into your work wardrobe in a way that makes you feel confident and professional within the confines of your office dress code. But because what any given office finds acceptable in dress can drastically differ, doing so can be easier said than done. Whether your office's dress code is business formal, business casual, or somewhere in the middle, you should always follow a few basic principles when shopping for new work clothes or just getting dressed in the morning. Here are our top five rules of the road for office dressing, from head to toe:

No  Cleavage

Save those low blouses for date night! At the office, you should always remain professional. The neckline of your top should never be more than four inches below your collarbone, and if you have to ask, then it's too low-cut for work.