Giving Thanks Via Zoom

Bring to mind a picturesque Thanksgiving scene. A long, dining room table decorated with place settings in a Fall color palette, topped with statement foods like turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy and potatoes. Relatives and loved ones file in and take their seats, hold hands and exchange blessings then partake in joyous conversations full of laughter. Add in a football game or two and some sibling rivalry and you get a traditional Thanksgiving day. This year, however, we are going to have to steer away from tradition due to circumstances. 

Instead of hand-holding and plate passing, you’ll likely be giving thanks via a Zoom screen. While a year ago, this might be a laughable suggestion, in the current times it’s become the norm. People have gotten married on video camera, received college diplomas online, and grieved over the loss of a family member or friend via a virtual funeral. Despite not being able to celebrate in person, these occasions are important to recognize. So, this year as Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important to remember that despite the digital barrier you can still celebrate the core of what Thanksgiving is all about-- giving thanks.

Enjoy time with friends and family virtually adopting some new Thanksgiving traditions. This list of virtual Thanksgiving activities suggests virtual alternatives to some of those Thanksgiving classics like playing online football instead of flag football. 

If your family is the cooking type put those culinary abilities to the test. Host a virtual cook-off and use this voting ballot to cast the scores. This is your opportunity to tell your Aunt Sue that her green bean casserole has some room for improvement! 

If cooking isn’t your thing, take out your iPhone and capture your Thanksgiving by taking a picture of your plate. Use this placemat as a guide to perfectly position your sides and a main dish to get the best, Instagram-worthy photo.

 

And if your family likes a good laugh, have some fun with this printable guessing game. Cut out the cards, pick one at random and hold it up to your head without looking. Then have your family members provide clues to help you figure out what your card is. There are even a few blank cards for you to draw some inside holiday jokes, so get creative! 

Whether you cook or snap a photo, remember that even if this year is wildly different than past holidays, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a holiday and one worth celebrating! 

ARE WE GOING TO GRANDMA’S THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed how we move about both in public and at home. We wear masks, we avoid large gatherings, we maintain social distance, we wash our hands and follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies. We have been especially careful when it comes to protecting vulnerable individuals. Some of us may still not have seen grandparents or new babies since the spring. The emotional burden can grow heavier with each passing week.  

 

Now it’s holiday time, when we traditionally make the trek to gather around festive tables, share food and exchange hugs and kisses. And while we all want to see family and friends at this time of year, and even feel like we can (or desperately need to) let our guards down, we simply can’t. 

 

This year, it’s got to be different. The safest and current best practice really is to stay home with your immediate family, the people you share a house with. But, acknowledging that some people may choose to travel, here are some considerations you need to take into account this holiday season.

 

1. Traveling: Do your best to avoid being in a poorly ventilated public space for longer than 15 minutes. Your own car may be a better transportation option than a plane, train or bus. There’s been some information published about how the air in a plane is “cleaner” than we might think but put one COVID-infected person in that cabin and the best filters in the world won’t help. If you must travel, masks are not optional. Also carry hand sanitizer for quick “spritzes” on your hands when soap and water isn’t available and a pack of wipes to clean anything multiple hands may have touched. Good hand hygiene applies everywhere.

 

2. Hugs and kisses: We need to steer clear of any behaviors that can increase the likelihood of transmitting the virus. So you should probably avoid Uncle Leo’s big, wet, sloppy kisses. Can you turn your head away and hug Nana? Maybe, but this may be the year to embrace the elbow bump.

 

3. Dinner: Sitting around the table for a meal puts you face to face with others, and the virus can easily travel through droplets in the air via all the laughter and conversations of everyone there. Communal dishes and the serving utensils used to plate them can also potentially carry the virus. Keep this in mind as you consider how you plan your meal, beyond the dishes that you cook. Sending leftovers home is also probably a bad idea, so don’t overcook. 

 

4. Gifts: more than likely you don’t need to wipe down that present before you open it, but be cautious.

As the mom of two growing kids and the daughter of older parents, it makes me sad to think that our lifelong traditions that bring so much joy may need to be altered this year. But as physician who sees the data behind the science, I know we need to change those traditions, at least for now, so we can keep everyone safe. My hope is that the silver lining will be the creation of a few brand-new holiday traditions that will enrich us all for years to come. 

Dr. Christina Johns is Sr. Medical Advisor for PM Pediatrics and a practicing pediatric emergency physician. Follow her at @drcjohns on twitter. 

3 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs This Winter

Winter is right around the corner, which means you'll need to make sure your family vehicle is ready for the slippery roads. Unfortunately, despite your maintenance schedule and cool new winter tires, you might notice your car insurance premiums climbing higher this season.

As you are aware, insurance is a necessity, people even look into buying cosmetic insurance for car, so they can be fully prepared. But when it comes to the winter months, you need your insurance a lot more because even well trafficked roads are going to have issues with the harsh weather.

Many car insurance companies hike up their costs during the winter months as a precautionary measure against the harsher driving conditions. While this isn't fair to safer drivers like you, the good news is that there are a few ways you can get those premiums back down. Here are three tips you can use to help lower your car insurance costs this winter so you can focus on the joy of the upcoming holidays instead of sweating over your payments.

Take a defensive driving course

If you feel nervous driving during the winter, a defensive driving course is a great way to feel more confident behind the wheel while also lowering your car insurance premiums. There are 5,965 insurance companies in the U.S. and some of them will give you a discount for taking a defensive driving course in the last few months. Just make sure your insurance company is one of them and that the cost of the driving course isn't more than what you'll save.

Hold other drivers accountable

Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases and 96% of them are settled pre-trial. If you're in a car accident this winter because another driver wasn't being safe or following the rules of the road, make sure to file a personal injury case against them to keep your own insurance premiums from skyrocketing. You don't have to worry about the other driver not being able to afford to make payments if you win your case, either, because it's their insurance company that covers the costs of your car's damages, not them.

Amp up the security

Driving safely isn't the only thing that can lower your car insurance premiums this winter. The global dashcam market is expected to grow by 15.3% by the end of this year, and you can actually lower your auto insurance costs by installing a dashcam or car alarm for added security. Just make sure to check in with your personal car insurance company to determine whether a discount for this kind of tech installation works with your policy conditions.

No one likes to pay more for the same service, which is why it can hurt when your car insurance premiums go up solely for the season. Fortunately, by following the tips above, you can help to take your car insurance premiums down a notch. If your car insurance company gets to be too expensive even outside of the winter season, don't be afraid to reach out to other companies to find the right one for you and your family.

Safe and Affordable Social Gathering Ideas for This Winter

 

It’s nearly winter, so you’re bound to spend more time inside as days grow shorter and colder. Therefore, you need to find a few ways to stay occupied. COVID-19 continues to be a concern — but it’s possible to safely gather with friends and family despite that fact.

Here are five affordable ideas to consider for this winter.

 1. Host a Movie Night

What’s better than a movie night? This activity will be a fun way to spend time with loved ones anywhere. If your group has had a COVID-19 test, you could invite them over to watch your favorite movies. You can screen your flicks virtually over a specific platform, too. Both options work.

Choose a couple of films to screen. You could always watch a holiday movie like “Home Alone” to ring in the seasonal spirit. Keep in mind that someone will need a subscription for a streaming service like Netflix in order to watch. Otherwise, you’ll need to rent or buy the movies.

Then, you can make snacks and drinks to eat throughout the night. These options can be as simple or as in-depth as you want. If you’re hosting guests, you should serve pre-packaged foods as an extra safety precaution.

2. Find a Trail to Hike

It may seem like hiking isn’t an option in the winter. That said, you can still enjoy the outdoors when it’s cold outside. As long as you wear the right clothing, it’ll be a great time. Plus, you’ll find that hiking can be an easy way to gather with friends and family while maintaining social distancing.

Look for state parks and other public wooded areas nearby. There may be closures due to the season, so it’s important to double-check beforehand. Then, you can organize a time to meet everyone during the day. This meetup won’t only help you get physical activity and fresh air. You can avoid detrimental social isolation, too.

Be sure to wear comfortable layers and proper shoes. You’ll need snacks and water, as well.

3. Have a Board Game Competition

If your friends and family like to play board games, it’s time to have a competition. This idea works best on a chilly night when you have nothing else to do. Plus, you can turn your board game night into a virtual activity if needed. Either way, you’ll have fun!

Pick a few board games to play over the evening. You can also play card games. Create different stations around your living room so that you can have two or three games going at once. If you plan to have an online game night, you should decide which virtual game to play with your loved ones.

You may even want to ask your loved ones to meet weekly. Then, you can have something to look forward to throughout the winter. You could try an on-going game like Dungeons and Dragons to play consecutively throughout the next few months.

4. Start a Weekly Book Club

The winter can be a perfect time to try a new hobby. What about reading? A book club will keep you and your friends and family occupied for the next few months. You’ll be able to discover new reads all while you chat about your literary discoveries.

Best of all, you can do this activity virtually when needed. It may be easier or safer for some people to meet online anyway. Be sure to get an insight into who wants to participate. Then, you can figure out which books you’ll read as a group.

If your library is closed or doesn’t have enough copies of a certain book, you can look at stores like Half Price Books to find discounted options. There are also many free and cheap audiobooks available on YouTube and Amazon.

5. Build a Backyard Bonfire

A fun way to hang out outside in the winter is to have a bonfire. If you or someone else has a fire pit, you can stay warm outdoors while you enjoy food and drinks. Additionally, you’ll have enough space to easily spread out and stay distanced amid COVID-19 concerns.

Try to keep your gathering small so that you keep everyone safe. Less than 10 people will present a slight risk as long as you take extra precautions, like not sharing utensils or plates. A larger outdoor environment can accommodate more people.

Have everyone bundle up. You can serve various small and large bites to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Be sure to provide access to an indoor area where people can go when they’re too cold, as well.

Use These Suggestions to Have Fun With Loved Ones This Winter

It may seem like you have to stay cooped up inside all winter, but that’s not the case. You can stay safe and save money by using any of these ideas to connect with loved ones. Before you know it, you’ll have a calendar full of socially distanced events to attend.

The most affordable ways to build a website for your small business

A functional and pleasant looking website is necessary for most businesses today. As first impressions matter, especially on the internet, the website is a perfect way to present your small business to a broad audience. However, it's arguable whether it's worth it to invest a lot of money at the start. The good thing is, you don't actually need to. Of course, you can find professionals that will do an excellent job, but it can be costly. On the other hand, there are many affordable ways to build a website for your small business in no time. By using user-friendly platforms for building websites, you can definitely save some money.

Cheap ways to build a website for your small business

Running a small business, especially when you are starting out, usually means you need to carefully allocate your expenses. Building a website carries with it the ever-burning topic about how much you should invest. Generally, well-established businesses hire professionals like WP Full Care to develop and manage their complex websites. However, those who are just starting out don't usually have a dedicated budget for such tasks. So, let's see what options do you have.

Hiring someone or build a website on your own?

You have a few options when you want to build a website for your small business. First, you can hire someone to do it for you. This is where you need to be careful about who you choose, as not everyone can make a fully functional website. There are many examples of wonderful web designs that lack security or are just slow and cumbersome to browse through. Also, hiring professionals can be a bit pricey.

On the other hand, if you have enough time, you can build one yourself. There are numerous budget-friendly website building solutions out there. In general, you can make a fully functional website with an attractive design without too much technical knowledge. Before we proceed, let's first check some necessary expenses included in owning a website. Check out this great article about how to guide on for launching a website!

Cap: You can’t go wrong with professionals. After all, they are expensive for a reason.

Your website's domain name

Simply put, the domain name is the address name of your website on the internet. Usually, the cost of the domain name will depend on the name and the extension you choose. It can cost from a few bucks, in most cases, to a couple of hundreds per year for premium domains. Also, when selecting the domain name, one of the most important things is what it should look like. To leave the best impression, you need to:

• Make it short and memorable

• Make it easy to spell and pronounce

• Pick the appropriate extension

Don't forget that, ideally, your domain name should match your business name.

Pick a good hosting option

In most cases, you will need a secure website hosting provider with good tech support. Simply put, you rent a space to keep your website and all your website-related information in one place. There are numerous options and packages to choose from, and the cost is usually from a couple of dollars to over a hundred per month. It depends on the type of hosting and support you select. To save some money, you should explore discounts for annual billing plans.

These are some popular hosting companies you can check out:

• HostGator

• GoDaddy

• DreamHost

• Bluehost

• Hostinger

• Inmotion

• WP Engine

• SiteGround

• A2Hosting

When building a website, there are some all-in-one deals you can get by using certain website builders. Some of them offer entire packages of services, so you don't need to chase them separately.

Good content management systems for building websites

When picking the "right tool" for the job, you need to define what your goals are. There are numerous solutions to choose from, but they are not exactly suitable for everything. CMS, or content management system, is a great option to create websites and manage their content. The best thing about it is that it can be affordable and doesn't require much technical knowledge.

WordPress

This is the most popular CMS in the world. In general, it allows you to build wonderful websites without any programming or designing skills. You can choose between hundreds of high-quality themes and plugins to make everything top-notch. There are two versions, and one is free and relatively easy to install. There are numerous sources on the internet to help you learn about the process of designing and customizing your WordPress website.

Cap: Popular, flexible, and user-friendly. In a word, WordPress.

Wix

This is an easy to use and flexible drag-and-drop website builder. Quite simple, intuitive, and very powerful for building small business websites. Also, if you need to make a website in just a few hours, Wix can be a perfect tool for you. The price starts at $8.5 and goes up depending on the package.

Drupal

Drupal is another popular CMS with great flexibility and a large support community. It doesn't have so many themes and plugins like WordPress, but it has higher "out of the box" security.

Squarespace

It has many beautiful templates quite convenient for building a small and successful business website. In essence, this is a design-oriented solution for those who don't mind going a bit further with creativity. A perfect and affordable solution, it starts at $16 per month for those who want to build by themselves.

Joomla!

Another great CMS with nice security and SEO capabilities. The best thing is that it's a free solution for publishing web content. Many corporate and small business websites are built with Joomla.

Affordable eCommerce platform options

If your small growing business is selling goods online, then eCommerce platforms are for you. With them, you will be able to go with financial transactions online. Overall, some of the best eCommerce platforms are:

• WooCommerce

• Shopify

• GoDaddy Online Store

These are all excellent options if you want to turn your website into an online store. Besides the design and payments, they allow you to manage products, inventory, and shipping and easily update all the information without much effort.

Cap: A perfect solution to turn your business into an online store.

To conclude, with these affordable solutions, you will be able to quickly and easily build a website for your small business. Of course, it will require you to invest some time in learning how to do it, but it is not as hard as you might assume. With enough time, you will eventually create a wonderful website that will stand out among your competitors.

Pictures used:

https://pixabay.com/photos/student-typing-keyboard-text-849826/

https://pixabay.com/photos/computer-computers-1245714/

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/wordpress-blogging-website-business-2173519/

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/shopping-card-laptop-credit-4424344/

Is Speech and Language Assessment Important For a Child?

What are the Constituents of Speech and Language Assessments? 

By definition, speech and language assessment is the measurement of a person’s communication skills and is mainly used to determine whether one has a language and communication problem or not. The parameters of this assessment constitutes production, comprehension, pragmatic and figurative language,  nonverbal communication and gesture, prosody, volume, rhythm, and content of speech. 

Why do Children Develop Communication Disorders?

There are often some events that we cannot control and the most significant example of this would be, an accident or a health disorder. As a child is growing up, they become more and more susceptible to some external physical or psychological harm that can limit their normal well-being and functioning. The most common problem that we find in children when they are under such pressure is a communication or a language disorder. In such cases, a child should be taken to a clinical practitioner known as a speech therapist. When a speech and language assessment is carried out, it will give parents a better outlook of what problem their child is facing and then chalk out the course of help that they need to take up in order to help their child as early as possible.  

Why do Children need to be Treated at the Earliest?

In most cases, speech and language assessment is required by children who have problem in communication due to some kind of illness or disorder. There are eries of factors and clinical tests that are used to determine whether a child is in need of speech therapy or not. Based on the age and extent of the problem, the assessment may be conducted in one or more sessions. 

What Kind of Evaluation can be Expected?

When a child is taken for a speech and language assessment, it is supposed to be an interactive session of the child, parents, and the practitioner. The parents will be asked to answer various questions about their child’s background. These may include:

• Health and development history: This includes whether the child has any history of physiological or psychological illness and whether there has been any diagnosis for the same or not. Development history includes the age at which child started doing various activities that will help to get an idea about how the child should be evaluated. 
• Family background: A comprehensive idea of the child’s family association and history of health problems in the family, any recurring family history of hearing or speech disability etc.  
• School or social circle: This includes information about the interaction that the child had in school or in friend circle which could suggest some problems arising because of a shock or psychological impact.

Other than these interactive exercises, there are tests including response tests and motor abilities that can give the clinician an idea about whether or not the physiological factors are the reason behind child’s problems regarding communication. 

What can be the Impact of this Treatment?

There are many aspects that have to be considered in a child’s speech and language assessment. While interacting with a child, the practitioner has to look at the complete picture. This may include discussing pictures, incidents, objects, or toys, and how the child is reacting to all of those things. 

Through a clinical evaluation, a speech and language assessment of a child aims to find out:

• The strengths and weaknesses of a child regarding their communication skills. 
• Whether there has been any kind of external or psychological impact that may have caused some kind of distress, causing the child to develop a problem.
• Any kind of disorder that is limiting the child’s ability to function and what should be the next step in the treatment

If any problem is diagnosed, a proper plan of treatment has to be drawn up by the clinician and the parents, so that within a course of time, the child is able to gain his/her power of communication and get back into a healthy life he/she deserves.

4 Things That Affect a Key Fob Replacement Cost and How to Keep It to a Minimum

Today's modern vehicles are equipped with transponders and key fobs that facilitate an owner's ability to operate their vehicle. At first, this might seem like much to do about nothing, but the key fob can serve as a handy tool when it comes to giving a driver the ability to connect with their vehicle.

Even though a key fob is an integral part of any modern vehicle, this does not mean a fob won't end up damaged or lost. When a key fob is lost or damaged, by hiring a locksmith, an owner has the assurance that the fob will work correctly. Getting a key fob from an auto dealership is usually a very expensive proposition. What follows are four things that most often affect the price of replacing a key fob and how to keep that cost to a minimum.

The Price of Parts

Just as is the case of so many other things, the cost of parts is a biggest part of the final price tag in replacing a key fob. When trying to replace a key fob, many people don't stop to consider that a fob and a traditional key are not the same things.

To replace a key fob, the price covers the casing, wiring, batteries, and the time of the technician that must program the device. The price associated with these are most often determined by the car's model and make.

Where the Key Fob is Replaced

When it comes to having a key fob replaced, there are many avenues an owner can take to get the work done. The fact that you are reading this shows you are on the right track. The most important key (pun intended) to keeping the replacement costs low is to get the fob replaced close to where you are. After all, travel time is worth something to any workman, including a locksmith.

The Key Fob Replacement Type

Another critical issue that many people overlook when considering how to replace their key fob is the vehicle in question. Car owners should be aware that not all key fobs are made the same. Naturally, this can mean that the cost of a fob replacement will be differ.

It is one thing to replace some batteries in a key fob, but it is entirely different from replacing the entire fob. The idea of a key fob is to enhance connectivity, not just to open a door. This is why it is a good idea to have a professional do the work.

Time

A person's time to replace a key fob is also an essential part of the replacement cost. This is made even more complicated by the fob's nature since, in some cases, fobs require more programming time than others.

Anyone who decides that replacing a key fob themselves is worth the investment might think otherwise after they start doing it. After you take the time to read the instructions and do the work, you might decide that it is a worthwhile investment to have a locksmith do the job.

Replacing a key fob isn't rocket science, but it is considerably more complicated than most people give it credit for. If you happen to have a knack for little fix-it jobs, you might very well be able to save yourself some money by programming your key fob. On the other hand, key fobs aren't the average project a homeowner takes care of, and there are tricks to it, so you might find out that paying a locksmith to replace a key fob could be money well spent.

How to Keep Your Family Safe This Winter

 

Temperatures are dropping and it won’t long before we’re exploring winter wonderlands and making snowmen in the shape of our favorite characters. Or, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be making lumps of snow that get dubbed with our favorite character’s names that rely on a lot of imagination. Winter is one of my favorite seasons, but it’s also one that makes it a bit harder to keep my family safe.

 

What hazards do you need to be concerned about during these cold months and what steps can you take to keep your family safe this winter?

 

Get Your Heating System Inspected

There’s nothing worse than having your home heating system fail in the winter, especially because it inevitably picks the coldest night of the year to give up the metaphorical ghost. Before you really need it, call and schedule a heating system inspection to ensure that everything is in working order and that your system isn’t going to fail when you need it the most.

 

This becomes especially important if you have little kids in the house. They don’t understand why they’re cold or why mommy is pulling her hair out waiting for an extra-expensive emergency repair visit. They just know that they’re cold, and they will be grumpy about it.

Get a Flu Shot

Staying healthy is something that’s been on everyone’s minds during 2020, as we all come to terms with living through a global pandemic. As we move into the winter months, it’s time to start thinking about another seasonal illness -- the flu. Experts are concerned that we could have a double epidemic and while they’re expecting lower infection rates this year due to social distancing and mask mandates, getting a flu shot is always a good idea.

 

Check with your insurance provider. Many provide flu shots at little to no out-of-pocket cost as an incentive for individuals to get their vaccinations every year. You might be able to get the whole family vaccinated for free.

Inspect or Replace Your Tires

If you’re going anywhere during the winter, the first thing you need to do is inspect your tires and ensure that you have the right ones installed for driving on snow and ice. First, ensure that you have winter or all-season tires installed on your vehicle. Then take the time to inspect the tread to ensure that there’s enough rubber there to help you grip the road and maintain traction. Pick up a tread checker from your local auto parts store, or in a pinch, grab a penny and stick it in the tread. If you can see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. Get that done before the snow starts falling.

Clean Your Dryer Vents

We all love the feeling of pulling on warm clothes straight from the dry, especially when it’s cold outside, but without a little bit of maintenance, that dryer can be a massive fire hazard. According to information collected by the National Fire Protection Association, clothing dyers cause upwards of 17,000 home fires every year. A solid third of these fires are caused by neglecting to clean out the dryer vents.

 

When you’re getting your household ready for the winter, make it a point to clean out those vents to keep the dryer lint from igniting and ruining your entire winter season.

Prep Your Emergency Kit

Winter weather can be rough, regardless of where you live. Take the time during these mild fall months to prep your emergency kit and ensure that you have everything you need to keep everyone healthy and comfortable in the event of a severe winter storm or other disaster.

 

The exact details of what you keep in your kit will vary depending on the needs of your household, but in general you’ll want to have:

 

●      Three days of non-perishable foodstuffs for each person in the household

●      One gallon of water per person per day

●      First aid supplies

●      Clothing to stay warm

●      Important paperwork (birth certificates, etc)

●      Medication, including over-the-counter medications and prescriptions.

 

You may also want to invest in a generator and the necessary fuel to keep it running for powering appliances and charging phones if the power goes out. Have enough supplies on hand so you can be self-sufficient if you have to shelter in place for a while.

Stay Safe This Winter

Whether you’re expecting a mild season or will be seeing snow from October until March, there are plenty of ways that will help you keep your family safe this winter. A little bit of preparation during the milder fall months can go a long way toward preventing problems from cropping up once the temperatures start to fall. Make winter a magical season where you can spend time throwing snowballs and building snowmen. Don’t let health and safety issues sneak up on you while you should be enjoying the cold.

Five Ways Parents Can Save and Spend Smart at the Holidays

Santa Claus may be magic and have a seemingly unlimited budget, but his elves know that making Christmas magic can cost more than just being good all year long.

You don’t have to have a pile of presents under the tree to make a memorable holiday, but it’s still a time where expenses can add up.

Here are five ways parents can avoid financial trouble at Christmas time:

1. Start saving now! Open a dedicated savings account and start putting a little of every paycheck into it, from now until after Christmas. Even if there’s not enough to pay for everything you buy, having some funds in reserve will make things easier come January.
2. Create a realistic budget. Add up the things you want to purchase and compare them to your ability to pay for them. Prioritize your purchases and include things like food and travel expenses, too. 
3. Don’t spend on credit. It’s easy to swipe the plastic for that oversized gift but digging yourself a hole now will only delay your financial success in the New Year.
4. Don’t delay. Buying things at the last minute creates panic and usually makes you overspend. Purchasing within your spending plan and a little at a time will help you better manage your holiday planning.
5. Know when you’re done. Some of us who love getting into the Christmas spirit also have a tendency to “just get one more.” By sticking to your buying and budget plan, you’ll be less likely to go overboard and spend on things you won’t remember by New Year’s Eve.

 

It’s easy to think that planning and budgeting for the holidays can take the fun and spontaneity out of things. But by making a financial plan and sticking to it, you may save yourself a resolution or two for 2021.

And we could all use an easier year ahead!

Joe Tedesco is President & CEO of Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union, located in Oceanside, NY 

How to Save for a House: A Basic Guide

Are you ready to take that next step in adulthood, but unsure where to begin? Following one too many house-for-sale Instagram accounts and finally up to taking a tour? Buying a house is a great asset and should be an exciting experience.

You may find yourself ready to buy a house but wondering how to save for a house. This is a crucial step to let you purchase a house and also something that can feel impossible. If you are ready to start looking into homeownership, but need some guidance about saving for a house, keep reading.

How to Save for a House

There are several useful strategies you might employ when saving to buy a house. You may also begin looking into a mortgage company that can help you with the homeowner process, and explain some of the basics.

When it comes to saving for a house before you start looking at these strategies you should look into how much you will need to save. That will give you a good idea of what tips you'll want to go for first. You often don't need 20% down to buy a house. 

Once you do know how much you'll need to save, you can get to planning how to save for a downpayment on a house. And the sooner you save, the sooner you can move into your new house.

Budget Budget Budget 

This might sound simple, but going through your monthly expenditures and looking at what you can cut or spare can help more than you expect. If you eat out a lot and can cut back, you could save $50 or more a week. That's $200 a month and $2,400 in a year. 

The downpayment you need could be less than $20,000, and by limiting certain purchases you could be well on your way. Not to mention that any little bit counts when you're saving for a house.

Get That Side Project Started

If you tend to spend your evenings in front of the TV for five hours after work only to go to bed, wake up, and do it all over again, it might be time to look into that extra way to make cash. This could mean starting a small business to sell some crafts or special projects you've got going. Or it could mean picking up a limited part-time job that offers a few hours a week. Take a look at this valuable list of 100 Profitable  Side Hustle Ideas to get you on the path to your new home even faster. 

Any extra income can go directly into that account you've set aside for the house. This doesn't have to be a large time commitment either. Do you have a spare bedroom you could rent out or a spare hour you could spend babysitting? Any of these could help you toward your goal.

Extra Options

Depending on your situation, there are a few other areas you can look into for savings. Do you have a retirement account? That can be rerouted for a small amount of time when you're saving to buy a house.

For birthdays and other holidays, try asking for money as a gift that can be added to your downpayment. When saving there is no right or wrong way. Any little amount can help add up to your goal.

Home Sweet Home

If you're able to take advantage of some of these tips, you'll be that much closer to calling a house your own. When learning how to save for a house, make sure you know the goal you're working toward, and then plan accordingly.

It may take some time, but learning how to save for a downpayment on a home is completely attainable. You'll be a homeowner before you know it. And if you found these tips helpful, check us out for more useful information.