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Who Says Second-Hand Fashion Can’t Be Glamorous?

May 21, 2021 By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Historically speaking, quality clothing has never come cheap. Believe it or not, but when adjusted for inflation, today’s clothing prices are significantly less than what they were in the past.

With that said, few households have the income to justify paying what stores are charging for designer clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unless there’s a good reason to buy new, you’re always better off buying preowned.

But who says second-hand fashion has to look dull and disappointing? The truth is that, with a few tweaks to your approach, it’s possible to look absolutely stunning in nothing but preowned attire.

The following are a few ways you and your family can save money on nice clothes, shoes, and accessories while still looking sharp:

Antique jewelry

Nothing adds a splash of refinement to an outfit like a nice piece of jewelry. Unfortunately, most strip-mall jewelry stores make it difficult for customers to know whether or not they’re getting a deal or getting ripped off. If you want fine jewelry at a relatively fine price, consider going the antique route. An antique necklace or pair of earrings will be expertly crafted from precious gems and metals without unfair markup. While all fine jewelry is inherently expensive, the unique style and elegant flair of antique pieces will justify the cost, especially since older jewelry was made to last centuries with minimal maintenance.

Vintage style

Retro fashion has been paradoxically en vogue for decades. These days it seems like the styles of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s are considered an acceptable part of modern fashion, so use that to your advantage. Thrift stores, online auction sites, and old-fashioned yard sales are goldmines for vintage clothing items. However, as far as looking your best is concerned, it’s a good idea to avoid looking like you just stepped out of a time machine. In other words, incorporate one or two pieces of vintage fashion into your outfit, rather than a head-to-toe throwback ensemble.

Tailored outfits

Gowns, suits, and other formal wear are meant to be custom tailored for an optimum fit. That means you shouldn’t buy nice clothing at thrift stores – or does it? Tailors can make adjustments to preowned clothing the same way they do for new items. With this in mind, consider buying gently used formal wear that’s a little too big for you. Take it to a reputable tailor and nab yourself a gorgeous outfit for hundreds less than what you’d pay otherwise.

Posh resale

Many companies these days make a business out of reselling gently worn designer label clothing items. These businesses operate with reduced overhead by shifting everything online other than the cleaning, storing, and shipping of the clothing itself. They pass the savings onto the customer while still earning enough to make it worth their while.

Hidden treasures

Sometimes you just have to get lucky. It could be a heavily discounted jacket you find at the flea market, or a beautiful brooch you come across at an estate sale. Whatever the source, the only way to uncover hidden treasures is to get out there and start hunting. With that said, it’s crucial to do your research prior to purchase. Just because the sales staff claim it’s a steal doesn’t make it true. Consult online pricing guides to gauge the true value.

Quality clothing should be made to last. Unfortunately, today’s trend of disposable fashion means people pay more for the brand than the clothing itself. In order to look great without spending a fortune, folks ought to opt for preowned clothing, shoes, and accessories. Doing so ensures you aren’t going broke just to stay fashionable.

Read More:

Safeguarding Your Future: A Comprehensive Review Of Augusta Precious Metals

Filed Under: budget

How To Accumulate Assets and Diminish Liabilities

May 10, 2021 By MelissaB Leave a Comment

Accumulate Assets and Diminish Liabilities

There are a few financially intelligent, dedicated among us that are intent on creating wealth early in life. But, unfortunately, most younger Americans are more interested in accumulating homes, cars, clothes, and other items to make life more comfortable. However, if we can change our mindset and realize when enough is enough, we can more easily accumulate assets and diminish liabilities.

Change Your Mindset

So many of us spend our 20s and our 30s trying to accrue items. We buy houses, buy a car, furnish our homes, go on great vacations. While there’s nothing wrong with any of these things, they do hinder our ability to accumulate assets and diminish liabilities. Most Americans this age think their 20s and 30s are a time to accumulate things and show that they’re successful. This mindset is wrong if you’re looking to retire comfortably.

Instead, think of your 20s, 30s, and even 40s as a time to accumulate assets and diminish liabilities. For instance, Tom graduated from college with $35,000 in student loan debt. He landed a job out of college paying $85,000. For the first two years of that job, Tom rented a room rather than an apartment and ate the proverbial beans and rice. He lived a completely spartan life so he could pay off that student debt in two years. His only object was to diminish his liabilities. That is the type of thinking and acting that helps secure your financial future.

Recognize When Enough Is Enough

Accumulate Assets and Decrease Liabilities
Photo by Scott Lorsch on Unsplash

Likewise, many of my friends are in their 40s and have teenagers. Time and time again, these friends upsize their house, spending perhaps 1.5 or 2 times what their original house cost, so they have more space. But, just a few years later, the teens go off to college, and now the parents are empty-nesters in a big house.

My husband and I already live in a modest house, but we’re looking to relocate. Even though we have three teens or nearly teens, when we buy a new house, we plan to buy one the same size or smaller than our current house. We know the empty nest is right around the corner and don’t want to pay more for a mortgage, utilities, and property taxes than we have to. Buying this way will help us diminish our liabilities so we can continue to save for our retirement.

Final Thoughts

If you can change your mindset and recognize when enough is enough, you can easily accumulate assets and diminish liabilities. When you save yourself money by not buying a fancy new car but instead contenting yourself with your 10-year-old car, or when you forego buying a bigger house when you have teens, you can use that extra cash to invest. As you invest more and more, you are accumulating assets.

Realize that most of your life is about building wealth. Then, when you’ve reached your financial life goals, you can ease up and spend a little more freely.

Read More

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Why It’s Paramount You Differentiate Equity from Net Worth

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MelissaB
MelissaB

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York, where she loves the natural beauty of the area.

www.momsplans.com/

Filed Under: budget, Retirement, Saving Tagged With: assets, increase wealth, liabilities

Best Jobs for Your Budget

March 31, 2021 By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Everyone needs to do something to make money. Getting a job, sometimes any job is a challenge to acquire.

Although, part of that challenge is due to your budget. While the primary reason to get a job is to earn money, if that job’s cost outweighs the money you make, you shouldn’t take that job.

This budget includes travel, the cost of a specified dress code, and the time it takes away from your personal life,

You shouldn’t live to work. You need to find a balance between budgeting your time, money, and talents so you don’t work yourself to death.

Here are the best jobs for your budget:

Dental Hygienist

If you enjoy a social atmosphere where you can make a competitive income without drowning in student debt, you should look into being a dental hygienist.

In addition to offering a great job, the dental industry market is on a steady incline. There are around 182,418 dental offices in the United States. This volume of opportunities to find a job offers dental hygienists the option to find a position where they live currently or start a whole new adventure.

Web Developer

For those of you who love computers and be creative and innovative, consider becoming a web developer. Web developers are in high demand and can usually work from home, especially now.

Almost everything we do on our computers and even our mobile devices is available because a web designer created it. Fortunately, you don’t need to be Bill Gates or Steve Jobs to make a great, budget-friendly living from this occupation.

Most clients are looking for a unique website design. So, all you need to know to start is a few basic computer languages and an innovative mind.

Real Estate Agent

The California real estate market is booming, along with most of the needs throughout the midwest. If you have ever thought about being a real estate agent, this is your time to shine. Schooling for becoming a real estate agent is straightforward and, depending on the state, takes between 4-6 months.

Plus, you have a large earning potential, regardless of your age or background. If you dedicate your work to making dreams come true for your clients and offer the best experience possible, you should always have consistent work.

Virtual Assistant

The virtual assistant position is a new concept. Virtual assistants came to fruition through the age of the internet. Yet, a virtual assistant’s role has become even more desirable with the need for social distancing.

Due to the advancements in technology, virtual assistants can now help out with a business in the same way a secretary or assistant could physically work in an office.

Some of the duties for a virtual assistant include:

  • Answering emails and phone calls
  • Organizing calendars, scheduling appointments, and maintaining online records
  • Data entry
  • Preparing reports
  • Customer service
  • Conducting online research

Plus, the payscale rises with experience and qualifications. For example, if you get a job as an executive virtual assistant, you will likely earn a much higher rate per hour than just a regular virtual assistant.

Teaching English Online

Many people enjoy teaching but can’t get a secure teaching job. Fortunately, if you are okay with super early mornings, there is a large market for teaching English to children online.

This job is completely remote, and it pays well. According to Forbes, VIPKid is one of the best online companies to work for, and it is also the leading  ESL online learning company for this type of occupation.

Once accepted as a teacher, you can pick the times you would like to work. The work is one-on-one, allowing you to work individually with a different child during each half/hour class.

Ultimately, the jobs listed here offer a payscale potential, time convenience, or another benefit that makes it a worthy pursuit for your budget.

Although, these are not the only jobs that work for your budget. Each person is different, and so, their needs, wants, and budgets are different. The most important thing to remember when looking for the best jobs for your budget is to ensure you can live comfortably and enjoy your life while still making a living.

Filed Under: budget

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