How to create a budget

One thing they didn’t teach us in school is how to best take care of our finances; so being an adult and having to figure stuff like budgets, mortgages, buying your first car is stressful. Many of us cringe when we hear the word 'budget'...Mainly because it is stressful and time consuming; making a budget is one thing but sticking to it is a whole other issue. Yes, creating a budget is a lot of work, but the benefits outweigh the amount of work by providing you with a peace of mind.

So what is a Budget? Budget according to the dictionary is an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. A budget helps you see more clearly how much money you receive, and how much you spend and save. It helps you set spending limits and live within your means. It helps you find ways to get rid of your debts, reduce costs and have more money for things that are important to you.

To get started: pull your last three months pay-stubs and last three months bank and credit card statements.  The first step in budgeting is to determine how your net income (money you get after your taxes have been paid) measures up against all your expenses and discretionary spending. Using your previous bank statements fill out a "past budget" to see where you money goes.

Depending of what you budget of past 3 months shows you will need to set some goals; whether they are building your savings or paying debt off you will need to put your goals into writing short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals based on your needs, wants, and dreams in life.

Once you have your goals, adjust you expenses and prepare a new budget that will include your new financial goals.

I use this budget calculator all the time. Yes, its lengthy but it breaks down everything. I have used mint , but you are providing all your banking information to a third party which can be scary. All financial institutions will have a version of a calculator on their website or printed booklets you can pick up at your branch (images shown above are budget books from Servus Credit Union).  I have a budget worksheet that works well and you don't have to share your information online, or actually write it out, if you are interested please email me at letterstoLALAland@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to send it to you.

What do you do to keep your budget on track?

#DollarWise : How to Do An Effective Budget

Many of you might know that I work in banking, and have done so for 10 years. Side note: last ten years flew by, I was supposed to work here for a year and go back to school and it never happened. Zahra and I both actually work in banking which got me thinking about how little we talk finances/banking on here and we have a lot of experience and expertise between the two of us that could be beneficial to you guys.

I know finances can be a touchy subject and it's approached very differently around the world but if I can share one resource, one tidbit of new information to help, I'll take the risk of being forward and having an honest and open conversation about money and finances.

I think that every financial talk should stem from a budget, so that’s where we start today. Building a budget is essential as it gives you an insight into your finances today, and makes it easier to plan for the future. Creating and sticking to a budget will help your long-term financial health.

There are apps like Mint that analyze  your spending and income and you can even create budgets – my issue with the app/electronic process is that it lacks accountability.  I use an Excel spreadsheet to do my budget and I update it on monthly basis. This way I have to look up things, write out my commitment and have been staying on top of it more versus when I used the app.

The spreadsheet I added here is what I use and has made a world of difference on how I approach money. I  was one of those people that easily got carried away and could spend way more than needed or necessary. Sitting down the first time to do a budget and looking at all my statements was horrifying - realizing that I spent $450 on coffee this month or $500 at Indigo buying books scared the crap out of me. Honestly, it was hard and made me wanna cry but it was the reality check I needed. Doing a budget has allowed me to look at where my money went, and how to refocus to achieve my goals.

While there are many tools and many ways to do a budget, basics are to start by listing your income and expenses and then compare the totals.  Remember to take into account all expenses. This can be challenging so try to think of anything and everything you spend money on – contributions to savings accounts, groceries and gas, Netflix subscriptions, and anything else in-between should be accounted for.

If your total expenses are higher than your total income – you’re spending above your means. Your budgeting goal is to always have income higher than expenses.

The spreadsheet I included (I didn't create it, someone at work gave to me) is fully interactive and the fields that are there are to serve as a reminder.  The top portion of the budget worksheet is important because you have to sit down and think of what you are trying to achieve. Breaking your goals into smaller monthly goals will help keep you accountable and hopefully one step closer to financial freedom. 

 If you are unable to open the spreadsheet, want an e-mailed copy, or ever want to chat about finances, feel free to e-mail me @ letterstoLALAland@gmail.com

How do you stay on track? Do you have a budget?

Happiness Budget

I a m lucky that I work in the banking industry now,  but I do wish that someone sat me down in university,  made me do a budget and taught me how credit works. When you turn 18 everyone seems to want to give you a credit card, loan or a line of credit and then the reality of how much spending money you don’t have kicks in. Once I realized how little in my best interest all the people “offering advice” had by selling you their credit products, I panicked and created a budget for each little thing I wanted to spend money on each month.

Having a traditional budget, a job that paid decent salary and trying to be diligent about where I spent my money wasn't working for me. It wasn't doing anything for my happiness. Although, I highly encourage you to have a budget, creating a budget based on a balance between what makes you happy and being financially responsible is what made a world of difference for me. 

Here are four things I changed to help me spend only on what makes me happy while making good financial decisions:

Check your spending.

I went through 6 months worth of bank and credit cards statements and came to the realization that spending money carelessly (mainly on take out and Starbucks) didn't actually do anything for my happiness or well being. By coming to the realization that spending nearly $200 a month on coffee (which I do love) wasn't actually worth it. Based on this I cut my spending in those places and applied it to things that actually made a difference in my happiness.

Write down what makes you happy.

Write down things that you want and that make you happy... it can be as small as yoga once a week or as big as backpacking in Australia.

Prioritize.

Based on the list of things that make you happy, prioritize! List these things in the order you want to accomplish them.

Make a new plan.

You now have a list of things that make you happy, you know what order you want to accomplish them, so go ahead and set your budget accordingly. 

Travel seems to be a reoccurring thing on my happiness budget list. I created a separate savings and put money in there regularly. Employing this way of budgeting makes way more sense for me, and its achievable.

How do you budget? What would be on top of your happiness list? 

Top 8 Ways To Save Money

Are you tired of feeling like you're barely making ends meet each month? Saving money can be a struggle for many of us, but it doesn't have to be that way. That's why we've put together this list of 8 money-saving hacks that will change your life. From simple ways to cut back on groceries to reducing your energy bills, we've got you covered. Whether you're saving up for a dream vacation or just trying to build up your emergency fund, these tips will help you reach your financial goals faster. So, let's dive in and start saving some serious money!

Make a budget and stick to it

One of the most effective ways to save money is to make a budget and stick to it. It might seem like an obvious tip, but many people overlook the power of a budget. By tracking your income and expenses, you can identify areas where you're overspending and make adjustments accordingly. This will help you stay on track towards your financial goals and avoid unnecessary debt.

One easy way to get started is by using a budgeting app, such as Mint or YNAB. These tools allow you to connect your bank accounts and credit cards, and automatically categorize your transactions. You can then set spending limits for each category and get alerts when you're close to reaching them. This takes the guesswork out of budgeting and makes it easy to see where your money is going.

Another tip is to review your budget regularly and make adjustments as needed. Your expenses and income can change over time, so it's important to stay flexible and make changes when necessary. For example, if you get a raise or start a new side hustle, you might be able to allocate more money towards savings or paying off debt.

By making a budget and sticking to it, you can take control of your finances and start saving money. It might require some effort and discipline at first, but the rewards will be worth it in the long run. Now, let's move onto the next tip: cooking your meals at home.,

Cook your meals at home

One of the most effective ways to save some serious cash is by cooking your own meals at home. Eating out or ordering in can add up quickly and take a huge chunk out of your budget. By preparing your meals at home, you can not only save money but also ensure that you're eating healthier and more nutritious meals.

When you cook at home, you have complete control over the quality of the ingredients and the portion sizes. Plus, it's a great way to get creative and experiment with new recipes and flavors. You can also make meal prep a family activity, getting your loved ones involved in the process and making it a fun and bonding experience.

By incorporating more home-cooked meals into your routine, you'll be able to cut down on impulse purchases and avoid the extra fees and tips that come with dining out. So, fire up that stove and start cooking!

Use cashback apps

Using cashback apps is another great way to save money. These apps allow you to earn money back on purchases you already make. With the help of cashback apps, you can get money back on groceries, clothing, and even travel expenses. The best part is that these apps are free to use and easy to set up.

One popular cashback app is Ibotta. Ibotta offers cashback on a variety of products, such as food, beauty, and household goods. Another great app is Rakuten, which offers cashback on qualifying purchases made online or in-store. By using these apps, you can earn money back while doing your regular shopping.

By saving money with cashback apps and cooking more meals at home, you'll be able to free up some extra cash in your budget. The next tip we have for you is to consider buying generic brands.

Buy generic brands

One simple way to save money is to consider buying generic brands when you do your shopping. While it's easy to be drawn in by flashy packaging and brand names, oftentimes generic brands offer the exact same quality at a much lower price point.

Whether you're shopping for groceries or household items, generic brands can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. And with cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten, you can potentially earn even more savings on your generic purchases.

Of course, it's always a good idea to compare prices and read product reviews before making any purchases. And if you do find a generic brand that you love, stick with it to consistently save money in the long run.

By incorporating generic brands into your shopping routine, you'll be able to free up more money in your budget for other important expenses. And speaking of saving money, our next tip is all about shopping for deals and discounts to help stretch your dollars even further.

Shop for deals and discounts

By incorporating generic brands into your shopping routine, you'll be able to free up more money in your budget for other important expenses. And speaking of saving money, our next tip is all about shopping for deals and discounts to help stretch your dollars even further. With so many retailers and online marketplaces, it’s easier than ever to find deals on the products you need.

Before making any purchase, do a quick search for coupons, promo codes, or discounts that you can apply to your order. Many retailers offer discounts for first-time customers or for signing up for their email newsletter. You can also check deal websites or download apps that aggregate the latest discounts and promotions from a variety of stores.

Additionally, consider shopping during holiday sales such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday to save even more. Take advantage of price matching policies that many stores offer, so you can get the best deal possible.

By making a habit of searching for deals and discounts, you can reduce your overall expenses and stretch your budget even further. Now that you know how to save money on products, let's move on to our next tip and talk about how to save money on services by canceling unused subscriptions.

Cancel unused subscriptions

By now, you might have realized that trimming your expenses can be achieved by reducing the cost of both products and services. While we have covered some great tips for saving money on products, we cannot ignore the savings you can make by canceling unused subscriptions.

Many of us have subscriptions that we no longer use or need. It could be a gym membership, a magazine subscription, or a streaming service account. These may seem like small amounts, but over time, they can add up and take a significant chunk out of your budget.

Go through your bank and credit card statements and find out which subscriptions you are still paying for and cancel the ones you no longer use. You can also use a subscription management tool like Truebill or Trim to identify and cancel subscriptions you forgot about.

By canceling unused subscriptions, you can save money that can be directed towards more important expenses, such as paying off debts or saving for a rainy day. And with the extra money in your pocket, it becomes easier to reduce your energy bills by making a few simple changes.

Shop second-hand

Shopping second-hand is a smart way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint. Second-hand stores, thrift shops, and online marketplaces are filled with gently used items that can be a fraction of the original cost. Furniture, clothing, home décor, and even electronics can often be found in good condition if you are willing to take the time to look.

By shopping second-hand, you are not only saving money, but you are also helping to reduce waste. In a world where the fast fashion industry and consumerism have a significant impact on the environment, choosing to buy second-hand is a conscious effort to make a difference.

Making small changes in your shopping habits can have a significant impact on your budget while contributing to a more sustainable future. By shopping second-hand, you can put the money saved towards other goals like savings, travel, or treating yourself to an experience.

In addition to reducing costs, making your own cleaning products is another way to save money and be eco-friendly. With a few simple ingredients, you can make effective cleaning solutions that are safer for your family, pets, and the environment.

Find FREE entertainment 

In addition to reducing your environmental impact, finding ways to entertain yourself for free can also help you save money. Instead of going out to expensive restaurants or paying for pricey entertainment, consider exploring free options that are available to you.

For example, many cities offer free outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months. Check your local events calendar to see what's happening in your area. You might also consider taking advantage of free museum days or visiting local parks and nature trails. These options can provide hours of entertainment and don't cost a penny.

If you're looking for more indoor activities, consider borrowing books and movies from your local library instead of buying them. You might also try hosting a game night with friends or starting a book club.

By finding free ways to entertain yourself, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact at the same time. It's a win-win situation that can help you live a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, these 10 money-saving hacks will make a significant impact on your finances without compromising your lifestyle. By creating a budget, cooking meals at home, using cashback apps, buying generic brands, shopping for deals and discounts, cancelling unused subscriptions, reducing energy bills, shopping second-hand, making your own cleaning products, and entertaining yourself for free, you'll be able to save money effortlessly.Remember to start small and gradually work your way up, and you'll be amazed at how much you can save. 

How to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays

'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry, and work your way into debt.  Holiday time of year can be stressful for a lot of people, particularly when it comes to money

A little planning, and few of these tips, and you can make it through the festive season without overspending and start 2017 on the right foot, financially.

Here are few ideas to help you save money this holiday season:

 

Set a Budget and make a list:

Before the holiday shopping season even begins, decide how much money you want to spend. Make a list of people you have to buy for and divide the set budget amongst those people.

 

Track spending and stick to you budget.

Having a set your budget is awesome it is more important to pursue due diligence in staying inside on track and on budget.

 

Do your research.

Check the deals online, sign up for deal of the day, get flyers. You want to know you got the best price.

 

Start early and limit self-gifting.

If you start to feel impulsive and tempted to spend more than you can afford, remind yourself that you have a budget and you are on a mission to get those things and spend only what is in your budget.

 

How do you save money during the holiday season?

Holiday season is coming! Few easy ways to prep now for your holiday budget

Did you know that on average consumers in Canada and USA spend a $1000 more on gifts than they budgeted for? That's a $1000 on average in debt! Planning for the holiday season is what can save you a ton of money. 

Here are few way to prep and be more equipped for the holiday season:

Make a holiday budget.

Yes, we might be T-80 days to Christmas but you need a game plan, and that game plans is called a budget. What can actually afford to spend? How much can you save in next 80 days? You can do a paper budget or get an app. I opened a separate account for my holidays shopping. So what I saved goes in there and this is how much I have to spend.

Make a list (and check it twice).

Sooner you have a list of people you have to buy for, sooner you can start looking. If you make a list and get an idea of what you wan you can research so you can make sure you are getting the best price.

Make gifts.

Hand made gifts, and gifts from the heart go a long way. Anything from making albums, emergency beauty kit, candles or bath bombs Pinterest is filled with inexpensive but great DIY gift ideas. 

Take inventory.

Holidays are about more (and cost more) than just buying gifts - there are decorations, plate settings, trees, lights, wrapping paper etc. you need. Take inventory of all things you have. Go though your house, garage, attic or where else you keep all the things. You might be shocked how many things you actually have. You might also stumble upon gifts you got but didn't use or open. Re-gifting might be taboo but just because you didn't use that salad bowl or picture frames doesn't mean there isn't someone you can gift it to.

How do you plan for the Holiday season? we would love to hear your tips.

How to Build a Work Wardrobe on a Limited Budget

Lately we have been talking about financial fitness, saving and finances, you know the things that school prepared us so little for. One day you are in school, living the life and all of a sudden, you have a whole new stack of expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, car payments, groceries, credit cards and you are expected to look professional and be ready top enter the work force. I am a strong believer that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have, so if that means wearing a suit to work every day, that is what it means. (I don’t mean “I put lingerie and wings on, and you are now waiting for a call from VS”)

However, a well-fitting, put-together professional wardrobe is expensive, so how do you put it all together if you want to make a strong impression at your first job.We rounded some tips on how to build a work appropriate wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Budget.

Before you start shopping, decide what you can commit right now to get started. Since acquiring an entire wardrobe is a journey not an instant destination, decide what you can afford at the start, and what you can work in the budget over time.  This might mean you have to cut out some other expenses (or start with saving five dollars a day) in order to get the wardrobe you want.

Give and Take.

Building a wardrobe takes time, and patience.  You can’t have everything right at the start, so take your time and shop smart. Shop sales, do your research, sign up for newsletters on stores you know you want to shop at and join Ebates. In order to offset some of the cost of new clothes, sell clothes you aren’t using. 

Quality over quantity.

When it comes to work clothes you want to buy quality items vs getting 5 tings. When I say quality I don’t mean go and spend $$$ on brand names or high-end items, I mean purchase quality materials that will last a long time. You want to invest in quality essential pieces that you can mix and match with other things. You want to stay away from trends, those come and go and its waste of money. Purchase a quality neutral (black, grey, beige, blue) pieces like pants, skirt, blazer and dress. Than you can get tops and sweaters to mix and match with your quality pieces.

Mix and Match.

Learning what pieces will go together can be a challenge, and there is gonna be trail and error but when you are building a wardrobe before purchasing items see if they will work together.  Try things on together, see if it works or not. This require planning, you want each item you get to work with more than one thing you have, you need it to be versatile. You will get very good at layering, accessorizing and mix and matching to make the most out of your wardrobe. 

What are your tips for building a work wardrobe on a budget? 

  

Buying Your First Home - What You Should Know

 
Many of you know I work in finance and when I was looking for a job I looked for locally operated cooperative that supports community I live in - so I started working at Servus Credit Union. Servus is focusing on financial fitness, and while being financially fit means something different for everyone, at the end of the day financial fitness is all about being able to reach your goals. 

Even though, I do work at Servus, I sat down with my financial advisor (Hi, Amy!), to get the full financial fitness experience and to talk about my financial goals and what I was hoping to achieve.  I came up 3 things and Amy helped me prioritize them, and because a goal with a plan is just a wish, we put a plan of action for each of my goals. One of those goals was purchasing a home, so today I am sharing a few things you should know if you are buying a home and looking for home financing.

Budget. You have decided to buy your first home, that's great, start with a budget. Amy and I sat down and did a budget which included mortgage payment, property taxes, utilities, condo fees, home insurance, savings, and other debt repayment so I had a full picture moving forward. There is nothing worse than saying you can afford a $1,500 mortgage payment, then actually breaking it down to all the things you have to included. 

Credit History and Repayment. You will need a good reporting history and a beacon score in order to qualify for a mortgage. You require two trades reporting to your credit. Saying that, having too much non-mortgage debt can derail your plans of owning a home. Mortgage qualification rules in Canada change early this year, which pretty much means we all have to qualify at a higher rate, which lowers your buying power.

Down Payment. In Canada, you need a minimum of a 5% of your purchase prices saved before you even start looking. If you are putting less than 20% of your purchase down you are getting a high ratio insured mortgage and there is a fee added to your mortgage. When I met with Amy we started a pay-yourself-first-term where I contributed a set amount each month that went towards my down payment. 

Mortgage that does more.  Not all mortgages are created equal. Before my sister and I purchased our home, we did ton of research in order to find a mortgage that is a perfect fit. Many people will tell you that it should all be about rate, but those people would be wrong. Most financial institutions price their rates very competitively, so you want a mortgage that does more. A mortgage from Servus Credit Union give you more, and gets your money to go a little further. 

Servus will pay you for your mortgage, like cold hard cash, in form of profit sharing in your savings account, and who doesn't love that. You already need a mortgage, so why not get one that actually pays you. 

Second big difference Servus offers you is a 20/20 pre payment option. You can put 20% of your original mortgage down every year and increase your monthly payments by 20% each year without incurring any penalties. Any extra payment towards your principle saves you money in interest. This way when tax refunds or bonuses come I can apply them on my mortgage without a concern of a penalty. 

Third thing that sets Servus apart is that you can still do a 80% loan to value mortgage in form of a home equity line of credit. While this option is not for everyone, and designed for those who are disciplined with repayment, its a huge advantage over a traditional 65% LTV at other financial institutions. 

#DollarWise : How to Handle Your Debt

Couple of week's back we kicked off this series in hopes that by having open and honest conversations about finances, all of us will be able to get to that better financial space. Having a budget is create and is the first set, so if you did that, we move onto debt and credit. A reality for most us is that we have some kind of debt obligation. Whether it's our mortgages, car payments or balances on credit cards chances are many of us have debt, and in reality we need it.

I couldn’t afford my house if it wasn’t for a mortgage – so debt is a necessary evil – but not all credit is good debt. Credit cards and lines of credits are mean to be used for emergency and paid off ASAP because interest over time can cost you a pretty penny.

I might be off base but reducing debt and using credit wisely and sparingly is what we are all hoping to achieve and for this we need a plan. There are TON of different opinions of what order you should pay your debt off in – some research states that you should aim to repay the debt with the highest interest rates first because it will save you the most money in interest. Others suggest that you should be starting from the smallest to largest outstanding balances, and start repaying the smallest balances first and working your way up. That way, you will see progress sooner because small "wins" empower and motivate us to keep going.

One of the main reason we started this segment with a budget is so you know how much money you can commit to debt repayment. It's great that you want to get rid of your debt but you need to know what exactly you can afford to put towards debt without getting into further debt to do it.

If you are able to go to your credit union or financial institution to get a consolidation loan to pay off al debt by rolling into one payment, that will be your best play. This way you save money on interest, and there is an end date when your debt will fully be paid off. If you are consolidating all your debt (especially revolving items like credit cards and lines of credit), make sure to close those so you are not using them. There is no point of consolidating if you are just going to go back and rack up debt.

If debt consolidation loan is not an option consider lowering your interest rate on your outstanding balances by transferring balances from high interest credit cards to lower interest rate or promotional rate credit cards or line of credit.  Most credit cards have intro balance transfer rates where for 10 month or a year you get to pay very low interest rate allowing you to pay off your debt faster.

If nether above are option, or you want to do multiple solutions to maximize your debt repayment strategy, I have included a debt stacking calculator – this spreadsheet is a tool for you to prioritize and come up with a plan in what order you need to pay off your debt.

I cannot even remember where I got this but I have been using at work for years – its super simple to use and the second tab gives you a payment schedule.

You fill you the top portion with today's date, and then list all the debt you have, outstanding amount, rate and payment/minimum payment required. (I personally don't include my mortgage in this, but if that's one of your goals, power to you. )Than in the monthly payment you add the amount you are comfortable making towards your debt re-payment (from your budget).

In the strategy drop down box you have bunch of options, and the side of the spreadsheet has descriptions, I would recommend selecting a strategy that saves you the most money by choosing the option with the lowest total interest paid amount. Page two covers what you payment schedule will look like. (you do have to print it because  I don’t know how to get rid of that "bubble" without printing it)

No matter which approach you use or trying combination of all above mentioned and committing to a debt reduction plan will improve your financial health and how you feel. Finances can be a heavy burden but I'm hoping that these tips and resources are helping.

How I’m Planning For All My Holiday Shopping

Yes,  I am fully aware its only September, but hear me out: wouldn't be great to be ready for this Holiday season and go through it stress free? While I am fully aware that I'm breaking some kind of rule by doing this post before Halloween but if Halloween is a big thing for you, no better time than to prepare for both Holidays that are bound to cost you a lot of money, so there is no better time to start planning now to make sure you can have the best and most enjoyable holiday season.

Here is how I'm planning ahead for this Holiday shopping season:

MAKE A LIST, AND CHECK IT TWICE

Making a list of people and ideas of things to get them is the easiest way to make sure you don't have to break the bank and stress out trying to find things last minute. I use the notes section of my iphone and add ideas through the year but sitting down coming up with a list is essential. A goal without a plan is just a wish, so is just a list without a budget; you are not setting you up for success so once you have your people and your list of items, set a budget.

SALES AND ALERTS

Now that you know what you are looking for start looking for sales. Set sale alerts on website that sell those items and do research. The best part of starting early you have time on your side – not only are you not competing with everyone's sales or waiting lists – you can wait till item is available. If your items are costly you have enough time to make a payment plan and have it fully paid off by Christmas.

BUDGET AND SAVE

Being bale to spoil your loved ones, decorate your home how you want to, or get away during the holiday seasons all requires planning. If you read this post you know that budgets are essential but so is savings for these things. Each year, after I make a list I start a monthly saving plan that goes specifically towards my holiday shopping.

Few other things to keep in mind and try in order to breeze though this holiday season:
Do a no spend/financial cleanse month - go a month without spending any money other than essentials. No coffees, dinners, parties, clothes etc.

Skip/Pause monthly subscriptions - I know its like only $9.99 for Apple music and only $10.99 for Netflix, and only 29.99 for your FabFitFUn and only $5.99 for your magazine but all these ONLY few dollars here and there add up. Put a stop to those for month or two.

Skip/pause gym and yoga - I understand that fitness is good and necessary for many people but exercise at home, watch and do you tube yoga or get outside - that 100 or more will make  huge difference.

What are some ways you are making sure you are prepared for the Holiday season?

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Quick Ways to Update Your Space on a Budget

I have been working overtime to get my house in shape to be sold. Call me crazy but i've been convinced to move out to the country and honestly the prospect of not having neighbours was really appealing. Having said that my house needed some work to make it more appealing. Here are the things I did that were small but made a huge difference. 

Paint- I know this one seems like a no brainer but a new coat of paint will do wonders, especially if you stick to bright neutrals. That way you are not imposing your style onto someone else they can make the space what they want. I mean look at that green, whyy, just why. 

Hardware- The kitchen has oak cabinets, and had wooden handles that made it look so dated. We bought all new door handles and voila the kitchen looks more modern. 

Accessories- New accessories can make any space look more modern and up to date, even if what you love is something retro it can still make your space look great. I got some simple pieces from Home Sense, a soap dispenser, glass container and a toothbrush holder. Although, I don't use it as a toothbrush holder but rather for my make up brushes.  

Shower Curtain- I know this one might seem like a no brainer but, I never noticed the shower curtain in my bathroom. I just moved in with my husband and whatever he had was fine with me. Now that I am selling the house I looked around and thought omg is there a bus on that curtain that has to go. So out it went and in came this gorgeous grey and white textured curtain. It's so pretty I love it. Go look in your bathroom does the curtain bring you joy, if it doesn't replace it. 

What are your tips and tricks for updating on a budget?

Keeping Organized - Few Tips That Help Me Stay On Top Of Things

 

Since starting to blog more regularly on top of my nine to five full time job I was constantly looking for way to be more organized and not miss things. Here are few things that have helped me keep more organized:

One day timer. Its one place to have all my things. I found having two (one for the blog, one for work) kept me organized but than there was so many thing and I had to check two places plus my phone. So I bough a bigger day timer and now keep track of all events and things that need to be done for both. 

Evernote. I use evernote to jot down ideas, task that I need to complete and random things that come to me at time when I don't have pen or paper. (Gym.. or walking!)

Mint. This is a finical  budgeting app where you can link all your accounts. Instead having to long into different account - here you can check your balances and do your budget. The app also sorts your purchases into your budget categories so you can see where you are spending your money.

Sunrise. I have two co-contributors so sharing a calendar and assigning tasks can be challenging because not everyone uses the same phone (or e-mail provider) and we know those don't play well with each other. I do a monthly task calendar on paper (yes, I am old school) but sunrise is easy to navigate and will work on most smart phones. I use sunrise to sync all our calendars and add blog events that need to attended. 

7 minute workout.  I am queen of making excuses of why I can't make it to the gym. This app makes sure I can't use the " I don't have time to work out" excuse... like who doesn't have 7 minutes? 

Wunderlist. Ultimate list maker app that allows you to share your list. This works well for when planning holidays or looking for places to eat.

What do you do to keep organized?