If you’re planning a family vacation in 2023, it’s likely that you are feeling stressed about the cost of your trip. From transportation to lodging and all of the meals and activities in between, there is no denying that taking a trip with your entire family can be pricey, no matter where you are traveling! If you’re looking to travel with your family this year without breaking the bank, avoiding popular, overpriced tourist destinations, and taking a trip to a lesser-known, less expensive spot can save you thousands of dollars on the cost of a trip and make traveling with your entire family doable. Whether you’re looking to spend time enjoying nature alongside your loved ones or want to indulge in a luxury experience like a spa day at inhstl.com, here are some affordable vacation destinations in the United States to consider for your next vacation.
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How to Decorate for the Holidays on a Budget
My husband and I were married at the beginning of December. Unfortunately, we were broke college students. He was in graduate school full-time, and I had just started my first full-time job as a teacher. As you would expect for a novice teacher, the pay was low, and we were living in a high-cost-of-living area. Despite this, I wanted to make our new (apartment) home cozy, so I quickly learned how to decorate for the holidays on a budget.
Get Married During the Holidays
Okay, not everyone will do this, but because our wedding was so close to Christmas, many guests bought us holiday décor. We got a snowman Christmas cookie jar, some keepsake ornaments, and holiday plates and towels. Those items weren’t on our registry, but we loved them because they gave us things to decorate the apartment.
Shop Garage Sales
Shopping garage sales is the best way to decorate for the holidays on a budget. People are ALWAYS selling their used holiday items. I bought many of my Halloween and Christmas decorations this way, each costing me less than $1.
Shop Black Friday Sales
For big-ticket items like holiday comforters, Christmas trees, and outdoor lights, research the list price. Then, wait for Black Friday sales, and you may find items up to 50 percent off or more. These items usually sell out, so if you get them at 40 or 50 percent off, you’re getting a good deal.
Shop Clearance AFTER the Holidays
This tip won’t help you with decorating this year, but if you have patience, you can get holiday decorations for 70 to 80 percent off if you shop AFTER the holidays. You will see the steepest discounts the first five days after Christmas. Then, next year, you’ll have decorations for your home, and you’ll know that you got them at rock-bottom prices.
Shop Michael’s
If you sign up for Michael’s email list, the company will regularly send you coupons, often for 40 percent off the price of one full-price item or 20 percent off all items, including items on sale. You can use these coupons to buy holiday decorations or supplies needed to make your holiday decorations, which is what I did.
Make Your Own Holiday Decorations
I made some of my holiday decorations using the supplies I bought at Michael’s for a discount. For instance, I made a garland wreath to hang on our front door at a fraction of the price of a pre-made wreath.
Final Thoughts
With patience, you can easily decorate for the holidays on a budget. Finding all the decorations you want, whether large or small, may take you a few years. However, waiting is worthwhile, especially when your budget is tight and you need to save money. My husband and I have accumulated our decorations through the years, and we’ve spent very little money doing so.
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How to Handle Child Braces as a Parent on a Budget
Having a child with braces can be an expensive proposition. Approximately 3.9 million children in the U.S. are orthodontic patients. Those with insurance coverage for orthodontics may pay very little for the process, especially if their child is still young. But many parents find that they are on their own regarding covering the cost of braces. However, there are ways to cut the expense of your orthodontic treatment. Here are some ways to handle braces as a parent on a budget.
Know Your Insurance
Know what your insurance covers. Many dental plans include some coverage for orthodontic treatment, but more is needed to cover the total cost of treatment. If your plan consists of a cap on orthodontic benefits, make sure you know how much it is before you begin treatment. Ask about payment plans. Most orthodontists offer flexible payment plans that spread out the payments over several months or years. They may have no interest or penalties, so you can pay off your treatment without breaking the bank.
Research Thoroughly
Don’t go with the first option. Get another opinion if your current dentist’s estimate seems high compared to other providers’ estimates. Be sure to ask what kind of work will be needed before making any decisions about treatment options. Sometimes dentists recommend more extensive treatments than are necessary to justify charging higher fees upfront. You should also share the financial burden. Custodial parents spend 277 days out of the year with their children. If the other parent can contribute to the finances, that could take some weight off. Maybe grandparents can chip in as well.
Compare Prices
Shop around for the best price. Find out what different orthodontists charge for braces and treatment. You can easily search online or ask friends and family members who have had braces recently about their experience. Compare costs with other insurance plans. Ask your insurance provider whether they offer discounts or special orthodontics plans. If so, see if there are any out-of-network providers nearby that offer lower prices than in-network providers do. Some dentists and orthodontists accept cash only from patients without insurance coverage or coverage that doesn’t cover all the treatment costs. This means you won’t have to pay upfront and wait until your child has completed treatment before getting reimbursed by your insurer.
Ask About Discounts
Consider getting a family discount. Many dentists offer discounts for multiple children in one family who need treatment simultaneously. This could save you hundreds of dollars on various appointments for several years. Ask your dentist about this option when scheduling your first appointment for your child’s orthodontic workup. Some employers or school districts offer assistance programs that cover the costs associated with orthodontic treatment for children who need it. These programs may also cover other services like glasses and hearing aids, so it’s worth checking into, even if you don’t think it applies directly to braces! Check with your benefits human resources department to see if this is an option.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into anything. Take the time to find out what options are available and what each option costs. If your child needs braces, there are several types, including traditional metal and clear plastic aligners that can be worn for months or years. You will know which is suitable for your child once you’ve talked with the doctor.
Around age seven, many orthodontists recommend that children see an orthodontist once their permanent teeth come in. While it’s tempting to avoid braces for your child, remember that these can make a big difference in your child’s development and their ability to chew, speak, and smile properly. The key is to find a reputable, experienced orthodontist who will only try to sell you expensive treatments or treatments that are needed. With some research and preparation, everyone involved will be happier with the results.