If you are a blogger, then you must have hit writer’s block sometime in your career. It is frustrating when you go without updating your blog for ages because you have simply run out of ideas to create new content.
In order for your blog to grow, your posting schedule should be regular and consistent, but when you hit writer’s block, your schedule goes haywire as you are left pulling out your hair, trying to come up with fresh content.
The good news is; it need not be this difficult. You can still come up with fresh, engaging content even when you feel like your creative juices have drained out. Wondering how? Well, read on to find out how you can create brand new content for your blog even when suffering from creative blocks.
How to create blogging content when you don’t have any ideas
How to push out new content when you’re out of ideas
1. By Curating Content
Curate content from your ten most favorite websites and publish a blog post listing them along with their best features. Curate a list of products you love from your favorite website ranking them and letting your readers know why you love them and how they can help their lives.
These are some of the easiest ways of creating blog content while also giving shoutouts to other bloggers. You can name your article something like Best Blogging Posts in 2021 or likewise. This also works with the best products especially if you have seen other bloggers post about them before you tried them out.
2. Post product reviews
Search engines love product reviews because they are so valuable to readers. Pick up a product or service you like, and write a review on it, explaining its merits and demerits from your point of view. Easy! You can also do this with places and services around you where you live that are similar in services or food types.
Take a step further by contacting the company and asking them to donate a sample for giving away to your blog commenters. Who says you can’t be creative during a creative block?
3. By soliciting guest posts
Research a little on blogs that are smaller in size or are the same size as yours, and invite these bloggers to write a guest post on your blog. Pick topics that you may not cover but know your readers would be interested in learning or reading about.
The bloggers will be thrilled to get exposure to your audience, and you, in turn, will find some new readers when the bloggers promote the guest post to their contacts. Just be sure it’s a high quality piece of content before you post to your own blog.
4. By explaining how you succeeded
Readers often come to you with questions like, ‘How did you start your blog?’ or ‘How did you grow your blog?’ or ‘What is the secret to a successful blog such as yours?’
Take the time to write a post addressing all these questions, explaining your entire journey to success, with all the milestones and stepping stones that you came across, all the lessons you learned so others can learn that as well. Readers will take away the value of this content and appreciate your story.
5. Explain your challenges
A great counterpart to the success story you post can be a story about the challenges you encountered and what lesson you took away from them. Create content about that!
Be authentic, not creative, and just tell the experience as it was, and how you dealt with the problem and moved forward. Your readers will definitely appreciate your journey and how far you have come.
6. Interview someone
Interviews are great content for blog posts and help you keep your content varied. Adding other topics you may not cover but closely relate to your topics help to give some interest and variety to what readers already expect from you. Think about your target audience, who would they want to hear from?
Also, it isn’t as difficult coming up with a few interview questions as it is to come up with an entire blog post. It also gives you a chance to interact with other stalwarts in the blogging industry and increase your network. Even consider interviewing other freelance writers, with whom you can exchange tips and strategies for overcoming that pesky writers block.
7. By repurposing content
What does repurposing content mean?
It means that you take the content from a blog post, email newsletter, or Instagram Live (really, any social media post) and turn it into another type of content, such as a YouTube video. It’s like becoming your own little content marketer.
Sounds easy right? You can just take some older email list newsletters and turn them into a modified and updated blog post. Don’t copy everything from the newsletter into the post; try to add new points or explain the other points in detail so that you don’t recycle old content – you repurpose it.
Last but not least:
If your creative juices are drained, find ways to get inspired once again. You can do this by reading other great blog posts and collecting ideas, writing a deeply personal story on your blog, sharing your most vulnerable yet transformative moments with your readers, and taking some time off writing, then revisiting with a fresh approach.
Blog Post Ideas
Below, I’ve featured a few of my favorite blogging niches, including some ideas for blog posts you can make within these niches. These are all topics I tend to dabble in, because they are all super fun to write about and participate in. Plus, as a blogger, its important to be able to write about a wide range of subjects, even if you only choose to write about a few.
Depending on your particular blogging niche, there are many types of posts you can make to keep your content consistent and fresh. Use these ideas for your blog (below) to help you curate your next great topic or great idea. Then, create an original post and tell me all about it in the comments – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Lifestyle
Lifestyle bloggers generally blog about well…life. Bloggers in this broad niche live a unique lifestyle, different from the status-quo. Thus they have a unique perspective to share with their readers. Minimalist, vegan, sporty, health-driven, urban, rural, mom, and so on are all different types of blogs that fall within this category. In need of a little inspo, read this lifestyle blog I wrote. It’s all about Arizona, and the Fall events I love attending year after year.
Lifestyle blog topic ideas:
A day in the life of X career
Vegan lifestyle
Decorating for the Fall season
Parenting
They say it takes a village to raise a kid. Consider the parenting niche of blogging that village. As a parent, I love parenting blogs. No, I don’t follow the advice of every one I read, that’s never a good idea. But they do inspire me and show me new parenting perspectives. And remind me that I’m not in this alone. I love posting in the parenting niche, since I am of course a mother first and foremost. Check out my article about raising positive kids for an example of a good blog for this niche.
Parenting blog topic ideas:
Kid-friendly crafts and/or recipes
Best places to vacation with kids
Roundup of your favorite kid-friendly activities
Fashion
Fashion blogs are among the most searched for blogs in the world. Everyone needs a little fashion inspo from time to time, including myself. With every season comes tons of new trends, making it super hard to keep up. That’s why fashion bloggers are so important in the online space. While I’m not a declared fashion blogger, I do dabble in this niche from time to time. See how to style a kimono for an example.
Fashion blog topic ideas:
Roundup of Winter outfits
How to style skinny jeans
Your favorite Black Friday Deals
Personal Development
From finances to relationships to mental health, we all need a little personal development in our life. If not for one thing, then another. The personal development niche is all about sharing the lessons you’ve learned throughout life in hopes of helping others. I love it. Here’s an example of a personal development blog I wrote not too long ago. It’s all about how to be a mentally strong person.
Personal development blog ideas:
How to overcome trauma
Your non-negotiable daily habits that make life better
Roundup of your favorite self-care techniques
Beauty
Makeup, cosmetic procedures, anti-aging techniques, hair treatments, product reviews – there is so much to talk about when it comes to beauty. Especially in today’s fast-paced environment where new products, trends, and treatments are coming out every. single. day. Wherever your passions lie within the beauty niche, there is always something to blog about here. Here’s an example of a blog I wrote in the beauty niche: how to hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Beauty blog ideas:
Morning skincare routine
Makeup ideas for Holiday parties
Roundup of your favorite beauty products
Pets
Unless you’re a vet, it’s hard to know exactly how to care for your animal. Especially if they are a special type of animal. That’s where pet blogs come in. They tell you all your animal, including unique facts, how to care for it, how to improve it’s life, the best toys, the best food, and so on. To see an example of a pet blog in action, see this one I wrote about how to properly take care of your frenchie.
Using all the hacks mentioned in this article, you will make sure that you never run out of content to post on your blog, even when you yourself feel creatively uninspired. Now, it’s time to revive your blog again, and decorate it with killer content that uses up the least of your creative resources!
What are your thoughts on the same? Have anything to add? Feel free to drop your ideas in the comments below.
Listen, I know there are probably a bazillion things you get in the mail, on a monthly, quarterly, or even seasonally basis. Heck, I’m sure you’ve probably given one or 50 subscription boxes a try at this point.
I want to share with you the reasons I like them. Also what I do with things that maybe don’t resonate so much with me personally.
So come along for the ride, won’t you?! (Insert Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood theme song, right here…Mama’s you know what I’m talking about)
Subscription Boxes – Are they worth it?
What Are Subscription Boxes
Simply put, subscription boxes are kind-of like monthly magazine subscriptions. But instead of receiving a certain magazine each month, you receive products from brands. It’s a similar business model, but better.
Nowadays, you can find subscription boxes in all shapes and sizes, and in all price ranges. And, there’s one out there for everyone in the family. Subscription boxes can include all types of things. Just to name a few, there are boxes filled with cosmetics, clothes, kid’s games and puzzles, men’s shaving and self-care products, meal kits, pet food and treats, and so on.
Whenever I see something fellow influencers are promoting, I do a little research before diving in and promoting.
Unless, I’ve already been using it and know it works well.
In this case, before I was creating content and recommending things, I was new to treating myself to different things. A creature of habit, I had my tried and true go tos. New skin or hair care products? Forget it. New stores? Not a chance.
I was a very simple person who didn’t venture outside her small box.
Maybe it was due to my childhood and how my body shape and size affected how I saw myself.
But those are both different stories.
Are Subscription Boxes Worth It?
I’m not sure how, but one day, I stumbled upon the FabFitFun box and decided to give it a try. I ordered the seasonal option that was set for winter shipping. It just so happened I received the box right around Christmas. Inside were things I knew I could gift a cousin and sister in law I didn’t really know what to give either.
At the same time, I was getting the Yogi Surprise Box, which was a monthly subscription. Neither one of those people were into yoga, so that box was mostly for me.
Recently, I’ve signed up for the Fabletics membership, which isn’t the same, but it’s a monthly subscription that you get to pick out your outfit for, which works because I don’t need to leave home to get fresh workout clothes.
How fun is it to receive a little gift in the mail each month? Honestly, its a great form of self-care!
Allows you to try new and exciting products.
It can be hard to step outside your comfort zone and try new products. But, with monthly shipments of new products, it’s easy to try new things, and maybe even find new favorites.
Gives you something to look forward to.
Even though self-care is SO IMPORTANT, it can be hard to set aside the time. Opening and enjoying the contents of your subscription boxes is like built-in self-care time that you can look forward to.
The products you don’t use make perfect gifts for holidays and birthdays.
You might not always love every single thing you receive in your subscription box. In those cases, you can use the extra products as gifts for those that have similar taste.
Reduces the urge to shop in-between shipments, thus reducing your carbon footprint.
In this consumer based society, it’s tempting to go shopping all the time to keep up with new trends. But, with your subscription box full of trendy new items to look forward to, there is less of an urge to shop in the in-between time. This will not only save you money, but reduce your overall carbon footprint as well.
Cons
Some subscription boxes can get a little pricey.
There are tons of monthly subscription boxes to choose from. If you want to receive really quality items each month, you can expect to pay a pretty penny.
If you don’t love the items you receive, the clutter can pile up quickly.
Receiving new items each month is great…until the clutter starts piling up. Ensure you’ve got the space for all your new items before you start a subscription box.
Some subscription boxes require full up-front payment, with fees for cancellation.
Some subscription boxes businesses allow you to pay month by month, whereas others require up-front payment for longer periods – up to a whole year and beyond. Pay attention to these details when signing up for your subscription service.
Some subscription services make it hard to cancel, so be sure to read the terms and agreements.
Some brands in the subscription box industry have great customer service. Some…not so much. Do a little investigating about customer service and cancellation procedures before committing to a subscription box service.
My favorite part of the boxes is they come as a surprise, kinda like the surprise toys that are all the rage with the kids these days.
How Do Subscription Boxes Work
Most boxes come with full sized products for you to try for a fraction of the membership cost. And probably almost every product in the box individually. I’m sure it’s because the founders have curated great relationships with these companies. With this, many people will see and try their item and it’s well worth it for them to put it in the box. For me, I get to try all of these new products, small businesses, and companies without searching for these products individually.
They come right to me, all at once. In the box comes information about the product and usually a discount code for future use.
If I find I have too many of something, or a product doesn’t resonate with me, I’ve always got a gift or giveaway item on standby. The products never go to waste and someone else is exposed to the product who might become a lifelong lover of the product/company.
Another favorite thing is I find out about nonprofits who are making a difference in the world, one product at a time. In the Summer Edition of the FabFitFun box, I received a handmade leather clutch from ParkerClay , a Socially Motivated Luxury Lifestyle Brand. They transform communities in Ethiopia through social and economic empowerment. Specifically helping women in Ethiopia who have been removed from the commercial sex industry through rehabilitation, counseling, and skills training.
I don’t know about you, but as a Mother of two girls, this is top of mind when in public. Unfortunately there are people out there who will do anything to make a dollar and rip them away from us.
So finding organizations like this, and knowing my purchase at any time going forward from ParkerClay will make a difference in the world for all females, young and old, helps me remember good still exists.
If it means I discover them when I normally wouldn’t have known they existed, I’m all for it. The quality of products every month are impeccable, not something that was left over and thrown into a box. They are quality that could be sold at a store for a much higher rate.
So, are subscription boxes worth it? It depends on your preferences!
Best Subscription Boxes
Stitch Fix
If you’re into fashion, Stitch Fix is a great way to get carefully curated, high-quality clothing delivered to your door each month. There’s no styling fee, and you can return whatever you don’t want.
Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club is perfect for the guy who wants to save money on high-quality razors. For just $5 a month, you can get razors sent directly to your door. Plus, there’s no need to worry about running out of blades – they’ll automatically send you a new shipment when you’re running low.
Home Chef
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get delicious, home-cooked meals without having to grocery shop, Home Chef is a great option. You can choose from a variety of meal plans, and they always send high-quality ingredients that are hand-picked by their culinary team.
Birchbox or Ipsy
Beauty lovers will love getting monthly boxes of beauty products from companies like Birchbox or Ipsy. These beauty boxes often include sample sizes of different products, so you can try out new things without committing to a full-sized product. Plus, you’ll usually get a coupon to use on a future purchase.
Are Subscription Boxes Worth It?
There are also subscription boxes for kids, pets, and just about anything else you can think of. So if you’re looking for a fun way to try new things or just want to make your life a little easier, subscribing to a box might be the way to go! Join the month club!
So, for these reasons above, I love subscription boxes and will continue to get them. I would encourage you to research one you think could interest you, and check it out for yourself. There is a huge subscription box market. Most boxes allow you to cancel at any time when you decide. I need mention most are customizable to your liking, without removing the element of surprise.
Tell me, do you use subscription boxes, or will you consider using them now?
Do you know what the world’s most popular dog is? It’s not the Labrador Retriever or the German Shepherd Dog. It’s not even a big dog! The Frenchie is the world’s most popular breed of dog. These adorable little dogs with that irresistible flat face have won people over with their smaller size and cute looks. But there is more to French Bulldogs than just their appearance. They are also friendly and playful, and they can help reduce depression and anxiety in people who need a friend. Frenchies can also ease loneliness, and encourage playfulness and exercise. If you are looking for a perfect companion, French Bulldogs are a perfect choice. But how do you take care of a Frenchie? Read along for some tips on how to take care of a Frenchie so you are well prepared when you pick up your cute little companion.
How To Take Care Of A Frenchie
What is a Frenchie and why are they so popular
French Bulldogs, also called Frenchies, are a small domesticated dog breed with an endearing appearance. They are stocky and muscular, with short legs and a long body. They have large, round eyes, and their ears stand up straight. You might know them by their “bat ears”. Their coat is short and smooth, and they come in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, white, lilac, black and tan, blue, red pied, merle, cream, lilac merle, and black. Frenchies are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. However, sometimes because they are a bulldog breed, they can be stubborn. Keep at it and use food to help motivate them in their training, they come around very quickly!
They are loyal and affectionate, and they make great companion animals. Give your Frenchie plenty of love and attention. They thrive on human interaction and need to feel loved to be happy. Frenchies can be known to cry and show their emotions if they aren’t feeling loved but you will rarely find them barking like a typical dog, which makes them great for city living. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly dispositions and their loving nature. Frenchies are a high-quality dog breed that is perfect for families or individuals looking for a loving pet dog.
How do French Bulldogs help reduce depression and anxiety
French Bulldogs are wonderful pets that can provide their owners with companionship, love, and security. They are also relatively easy to care for, although they do require a lot of attention and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They are also subject to several health problems due to their short noses, including breathing difficulties and congenital heart defects. Despite these potential health concerns, French Bulldogs are generally active and playful dogs that make great companions. They make great couch cuddlers and when you aren’t feeling so well or are depressed, they can help comfort you. For all these reasons, French Bulldogs can be a great option for anyone looking for a pet that will help reduce depression and anxiety.
Why are Frenchies good for loneliness
French Bulldogs are wonderful companions for those who live alone. They are affectionate and devoted dogs that thrive on human companionship.
Are Frenchies High Maintenance?
They are also relatively low-maintenance, which makes them ideal for busy people or those who live in small apartments. French Bulldogs also tend to be relatively quiet, which can be a plus for those who live in close quarters with neighbors. While they do need some daily exercise, they are not high-energy dogs and are content to lounge around the house with their favorite person.
However, don’t be fooled by these quiet guys — they get the zoomies and run around like crazy for about 5 minutes, and then pass out! If they have a sibling Frenchie, they will play in short bursts and then nap for extended periods and tend to get in mischief if you let them be alone too long. In short, French Bulldogs make ideal companions for those who live alone and are looking for a furry friend to cuddle up with at the end of the day.
What do you need to know before you get a Frenchie
If you’re thinking about adding a French Bulldog to your family, there are a few things you should know first. For starters, Frenchie’s are prone to spinal cord-related issues, so it’s important to keep an eye on their activity level and make sure they don’t overdo it. They’re also susceptible to heat exhaustion, so it’s best to keep them indoors during hot weather. In addition, Frenchies are known for having sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to feed them high-quality food that agrees with their gastrointestinal tract.
Some Frenchies have horrible allergies while others have little to none, so when you notice something different about your pup, be sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible to get them some relief. Finally, Frenchies’ nails grow quickly, so regular nail trims are essential. With a little knowledge and care, a French Bulldog can make a wonderful addition to any family.
French Bulldogs are an increasingly popular breed, known for their affectionate nature and distinctive appearance. While they make great Companions, Frenchie owners need to be prepared to take care of their dog’s unique needs.
Prioritize a high quality diet.
One of the most important things you can do for your Frenchie is to feed them a high-quality diet. Royal Canin makes a specialty food designed specifically for French Bulldogs, which helps to support their digestive health and skin health. Royal Canin has adult food as well as puppy food, each specifically formulated for the best diet for keeping your Frenchie healthy. Make sure you provide your Frenchie with a good diet. They need high-quality food to stay healthy and avoid obesity which also helps keep the gassiness down. French bulldog puppy diet is also super important. Puppy and adult Frenchies should be fed different diets, as puppies need more calories to support their growth. French Bulldogs are also susceptible to health problems like eye problems, spinal deformities, IBD, and allergies so diet is super important. French bulldog health problems can be avoided or improved with a quality diet.
Keep their folds clean.
Poor little guys! They get gunk in their folds. It is important to keep their folds clean, as they can easily become infected. Also, if left dirty these folds can start to smell, and nobody wants that! So keep their folds clean.
Don’t let them overheat.
Frenchie’s are prone to overheat, so it’s important to keep them cool in hot weather. On hot days, especially during hot summers, bring them inside. Make sure they always have plenty of water, shade, etc. If you leave them inside on a really hot day, make sure you have the air conditioning on, and again plenty of water. NEVER leave your Frenchie in a car unattended. Take extra care of Frenchie puppies on hot days as they may overheat from playing or too much excitement. Also, here is what to do if your Frenchie is overheating.
Clean your Frenchie’s ear and tail pockets regularly.
Their ears and tail pockets also need to be cleaned regularly, as they can collect dirt and bacteria.
Get them groomed regularly.
Regular grooming is also important, as it helps to prevent obesity and keep their coat healthy.
Focus on moderate exercise.
Exercise is important for Frenchies, but they don’t need a lot of it. A short walk or play session each day will suffice. After their playtime or walks, make sure to provide them with plenty of fresh water to keep them from overheating if you exercise with them.
By taking care of your Frenchie’s needs, you can help them enjoy a long and healthy life.
Although French Bulldogs are small, they require a lot of care and attention. They are prone to heat stroke and respiratory problems, so it is important to keep them cool and hydrated in warm weather. They also require regular grooming, including baths, brushings, and ear cleanings. Additionally, Frenchies need some exercise to stay healthy and happy, but their short noses make them susceptible to overheating, so it is important not to exercise them too strenuously in hot weather. By following these simple tips, you can help your Frenchie enjoy a long, healthy life alongside you to help keep you company and help if you have depression or anxiety.
Very simply put, financial literacy and education is when you know enough about the crazy world of economics that you are able to make informed and effective decisions with your financial resources. It’s important to be financially literate so that you can make the right financial decisions for yourself, as well as for your family and your future.
Because we don’t learn true financial literacy in school, it’s an important set of skills to develop sooner rather than later in life. Things you should 100% be familiar with include: personal finance, credit cards and debit cards, savings accounts, interest rates, credit score, and money management.
Why is financial literacy important?
The secret to a happy, safe and secure future is financial literacy. The more financially literate you are, the better you will be with your expenses, savings, and investments. So, if you are someone who fails to manage their expenses, makes financial and investment mistakes frequently, it is probably a sign that you lack financial literacy.
Having said that, financial literacy does come with experience, but experience comes with knowledge. So, it doesn’t matter if you are an amateur or a pro at it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t begin to increase your financial literacy. (You can never perfect your knowledge, but you can always increase it. Knowledge is after all limitless)
Know it’s never too late to learn financial literacy. Growing up, we didn’t know what finances were, we just knew there was usually not enough to go around, and if there was, it meant we didn’t get anything extra, maybe a little less fighting by my parents.
So, if you are in, and want to make a change for a better future, here are all the ways you can improve your financial literacy.
7 ways to improve your financial literacy
1. Read Financial books
When they said, “Excess of anything can be dangerous”, they didn’t talk about books. The more you read books, the smarter and knowledgeable you become. So, if your idea is to gain financial knowledge and you find yourself to be an avid reader, what better way is there other than reading books on financial literacy?
Best Financial Literacy Books
If you are looking for some recommendations, here are some that you must definitely read:
Stop Acting Rich and The Millionaire Next Door, both by Thomas Stanley
The Intelligent Investor by Ben Graham
2. Join an online course
Just as you are never too young or old to gain knowledge, you’re never too young or old to enroll in an online course. You might think that you are past college, your learning days are over. But trust me, when it comes to learning, there’s no age.
Ergo, a great way to improve your financial education is to consider enrolling in courses about financial literacy. You can go for weekend online courses if you cannot make space for them during workdays.
DigitalDefynd is one website you can depend on. For more options, you can visithere. Also, since April is Financial Literacy Month, you’ll often find discounts for courses during this month.
3. Talk finance with the experienced ones
You might frequently forget study lessons, but you’ll seldom forget the important conversations you have with someone. Moreover, when it comes to it, perspectives matter. Talking about financial literacy within your experienced circle would not only provide you with knowledge but develop your perspectives about important things in life.
So, go chat with your boss, friends, or some people in the financial department at your workplace. Those who have the expertise, or experience per se, can give you a lot to learn. Or, if you have the budget, consider hiring a financial advisor to help manage your finances. They can give you financial advice, help you plan for your financial future, and even assist with long term retirement planning. Hiring a financial advisor is a really good idea if you’re dealing with estate planning. When you’ve got that much in the works, a financial advisor can really come in handy.
4. Read financial newsletters and magazines
Remember why we were always told to read newspapers? Because it increases knowledge. Likewise, financial newsletters and magazines would do just the same. So, if you want to witness a change, add financial newsletters to your lifestyle.
Ditch scrolling your phones in leisure time, instead read to boost your financial knowledge.
You can also subscribe to various newsletters of your favorite financial websites to keep yourself updated with the ongoing events. Make it a goal to read at least one article or financial newsletter before going to bed.
5. Practice Budgeting
You might forget theoretical knowledge. But when it comes to practical knowledge, these are the lessons you learn for life. Not only will it make you financially literate about your own budget but enlighten you about new financial concepts.
If you don’t do budgeting, you can start with the basics. Record all your transactions during the month, total them, and now compare the number with your monthly earnings. The total amount you have saved defines your monthly financial standing. Additionally, how you use your saved money is equally significant. If you are just starting, don’t use all of it towards investment – all the more, do not invest if you lack the knowledge. Talk to an expert before you start.
6. Use social media for enlightenment
Social media is a blessing, but most of us use it for all the wrong reasons. Trust me, using it to keep a tab on everyone’s life is not as useful as using it to increase your knowledge. Now that almost all small businesses are establishing themselves on social media, small financial businesses are amongst them too. Follow them; they share tips and knowledge that might improve your financial literacy.
Moreover, you can also use social media to be a part of a network that emphasizes or shares interests about financial literacy, same as yours.
7. Have a mentor
Almost all the great legends out there have someone they feel grateful to, someone who has made them who they are. They had their mentors who inspired them in life. So, if you too can think of someone like that, let them be your mentor. It’s advisable to pick someone who possesses the financial literacy that you aspire to have.
Should Financial Literacy Be Taught In School?
Let me know your thoughts below! In my opinion, of course it should! According to the Literacy and Education Commission, children and young adults need to be taught financial literacy for a plethora of reasons. But, the most important reason is to prepare the next generation for this crazy world of finances.
However, since its not taught at school as often as we’d like to see, it needs to be taught at home. If you’re ready to start talking to your kiddos about finance, check out these 7 ways to raise money-smart kids.
All in all, improving your financial knowledge is not a short-term process, it is not a test you can pass and declare yourself to be financially literate. It’s a journey without an end. You cannot be the best, but you can be better. So, be consistent, don’t wait for short-term results.
The only time we do not entirely love to shop is during the Christmas season. It’s not that we do not love Christmas (We wait for it the entire year after all) but because Christmas shopping can cause dire financial stress to our budgets. From shopping for gourmet food for lavish dinners to buying gifts for everybody – with a hundred heavy expenses, Christmas can often feel like a luxury we cannot afford to have. But then again, it’s Christmas, and you cannot “not celebrate” it. But you can certainly make some adjustments and try these Christmas shopping hacks that I’m about to disclose.
Do you know why some e-commerce websites keep coupon codes deep within the categories? Because we are too naïve of their existence. We shop without using the coupons, either because we’re incognizant about them, or we consider their hunt hassling. Mostly, it’s the former.
Thus, this Christmas, wherever you shop, make sure you check for coupons and cash back offers. Here’s one website that I recommend.
2. Compare prices on Amazon
Retail stores sell Christmas items at soaring prices. But you can get better deals on Amazon or any other E-commerce shopping website for that matter. So, every time you’re out there shopping, always make sure to compare prices. If you get better deals online, go ahead and buy.
3. Shop Christmas décor at the Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is a chain of retail discount shops in the USA and Canada. If you happen to have one in your city, you can consider going there to shop for Christmas décor. You can get some amazing things at dirt-cheap prices – as low as $1. Hard to believe, right? Well, go see for yourself.
Alternatively, if you prefer a Target, you can find such cute decor in their dollar section at the front of their store. I’m sure you’ve seen all the influencers with the bottle brush trees (guilty here too!) all over their homes for Christmas. Those come from that section and really make decorating fun and easy.
4. Do Secret Santa
If you have too many people to gift to, skip the process entirely, and gift just one person; it will save you a lot of money. Secret Santa is a group game where everybody is assigned a person, for whom they have to buy a gift. The identity of the gift giver remains unknown till the end, so the gift receiver has to make a guess.
Another great alternative is to do a white elephant gift, which can be played one of two ways. The first is to get a trick gift, like my favorite — “cold hard cash” where you would buy a cookie tin, put an amount of money into the tin, and fill with water and freeze. The person believes it’s cookies, but when they pick it up, it’s cold, and inside they have to wait to see how much money is in it if you stack the bills together.
The other way to do white elephant is to get an actual good gift, one you would want to receive as well. You can read a story and everyone sits around in a circle to be able to easily pass the gift on a specific word. Each time the word is said, you pass your gift. When the story is over, you open the gifts in order and can ‘steal’ a gift from someone else if you want. It makes it kind of fun and lets others choose what they’d really like and keeps your costs lower.
5. Shop beforehand
As mentioned before, things get extremely expensive during Christmas because of the demand. However, for the rest of the year, a standard rate is maintained. This is when you can shop for Christmas to save a lot of money– you can buy gifts, or décor even when Christmas is months away. However, you might also have to arrange for space and pack the décor properly to preserve the novelty of your purchases.
I know someone in my family who shops and makes gifts all year long so they are completely done shopping before Halloween and it serves them well. They have an area in their home they put all the gifts and it works for them.
6. Keep an eye out for sales
Brands offer sales throughout the year, and that my friend is the best time to shop for Christmas. But in case if you are someone who remains oblivious of the sales, you have to change if you don’t want to be burdened by the financial stress of Christmas.
7. Prepare baskets
Instead of gifting someone one expensive gift, create a basket including little stuff that would together come out to become a thoughtful Christmas present. You can perhaps add dried flowers, homemade cookies and chocolates, cards, soaps and scrubs, anything that the person you are gifting to might like.
8. Register on Ebates
Ebates (now Rakuten) can be a God-sent for Christmas shopping. Rakuten is a reward website where you can shop and earn up to 25% cash back on online purchases. But for that to work out, you need to register on the platform; the cherry on the top – there’s no joining fee.
There are also several other reward sites you can choose, I also like using Capital One Shopping and Karma Now as they have a browser plug in that searches for discount codes at checkout. It makes sure you get the best price and save some money without really doing much other than clicking the check box to allow it to apply the codes and check other sites to see that you are getting the best price.
9. Create a shopping list and stick to it
This does not happen just during the Christmas season, but the whole damn year- we shop more than we need to and shop what we don’t need. Ergo, to prevent it from happening, consider making a shopping list and ensure you strictly stick to it. Before you make one, make sure to check what you already have. You wouldn’t want to buy things you already had.
10. Buy second-hand or do a yard sale of old Christmas décor
There’s no shame in buying second-hand things if it saves you from financial troubles in the end. Thus, you can either buy second-hand products or sell what you own in a yard sale. People who are looking to change their Christmas décor from last year while saving money might be interested in buying old Christmas décors.
In Arizona, every Friday, people have estate sales, and sell off many decor items as well as items you can use for gifts. These make great ways to negotiate and find some gently used items for your decor you may never have been able to afford. I personally love going to higher end ones to find items which I would love to have, but don’t want to pay the retail price.
Now that you know these hacks, you do not need to worry about Christmas shopping. By following these tips, you can save significantly and enjoy Christmas as you should! Merry Christmas and have a happy holiday season! We all look forward to saving money, don’t we? And I’m sure this includes you, so if you have some additional shopping hacks to share, feel free to drop them in the comment section.
Christmas might be a time of joy, but it can be a threat to your wallets as well. From shopping for gifts and décor to hosting fancy Christmas dinners, there are a lot of expenses involved. Some of which, one might easily manage, but those who can’t, always end up in dire financial crunches only to add more debt in the end. Nevertheless, Christmas is just around the corner and if you are afraid more than being
happy – you don’t need to anymore. You can still save money this Christmas. Who says you can’t have a frugal Christmas of your own. It’s easy – in fact, to help you out, here are some tips that you can use.
7 tips to save for debt-free Christmas
1. Start a Christmas reserve
You might have a reserve for retirement, medical expenses, emergency funds, so why not have a reserve for Christmas as well? It does make sense if it would help you remain debt- free during the holiday season. You can consider depositing a little money every month in the reserve. But before you do that, calculate your average Christmas expenses and then divide the amount by 12 (for every month). That’s the amount you need to reserve every month for the year-end Christmas season.
2. Determine the costly expenses on Christmas
If we’re talking money-saving for Christmas, you have to first determine where your money goes during Christmas time.
Is it gifting? Or is it décor? Or fancy dinners?
When you know where you lose money the most, you can then try to save in that particular category. For instance, if you find out that your money is majorly spent on décor, then how about saving by using the past year’s Christmas décor? Trust me; you can do a lot different from what you have. In other words, you can still decorate differently using the same materials. You just have to be creative. Moreover, don’t you feel ashamed in reusing the old décor, it won’t destroy the Christmas spirit – in fact, you will be more rejoiced when you know you won’t be in financial crunches.
3. Always go by a list when you shop for Christmas
Going without a shopping list can be deadly for your budget. You’ll end up buying more than you should, and what you might not even need. Thus, make a list of all the things you need before going to stores and spending your entire budget. And while shopping, make sure you stick to the list – nothing extra, I repeat nothing! Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you do not shop during Christmas days. Things become really expensive in the festive season. It’s really better to shop before even if you are months away from Christmas.
4. Make use of coupons and cash back
You’re seriously missing out on a lot if you do not use coupons and cash back available to you. Many websites and wallet services allow cash back and coupons that you can use to save money. Additionally, various banks offer credit card points on purchases. You can redeem those points to shop for free. For instance, even Amazon provides coupons. Visit the Amazon App, click Programs and features, and then finally click Amazon coupons. While you are at, don’t hold yourself back thinking you wouldn’t be able to save much. Little savings contribute to huge savings in the end.
When I was growing up, this was similar to layaway. You could put things on layaway and gradually pay them off over time. Because there were four of us kids, and my parents made very little, this was something my Mom used quite a bit. Alternatively, this is like credit cards today, because back in the 90’s I don’t know if lower income people even knew about credit cards. It certainly wasn’t advertised like it is today.
5. Look for cheaper alternatives
We all have our favorite brands, but in case you think that your brand favorites are expensive and you can find cheaper alternatives, feel free to switch. It would be worth it if it allows you to save money and remain debt-free in the end. Quite honestly, growing up, we had a lot of cheaper, more affordable alternatives. From cereal, to candy in our stockings, to the clothes we wore. It has made me appreciate the things I have now and the ability to buy nicer things. We are trying to pass that appreciation on to the girls by helping them understand the things they WANT versus the things they NEED.
6. Sell old and unused items
When it comes to things we do not need, our houses are full of them. Thus, what you can do is clean your house to find out such things. Such things can be anything from old laptops, phones, blankets, clothes, and even machinery. Once you accumulate such things you can sell them off on eBay or hold garage sales for the same. The easiest thing to sell when you have children, are toys and clothes. There are resell shops in most big towns and you can purchase gently used, but more affordable things at these places. This is especially great when your kids are young and growing quite rapidly.
If you are looking for electronics, I highly recommend Back Market for anything your family wants for the holidays relating to electronics. Back Market takes electronics that others may have traded in for upgrades and refurbishes them to like new, and sells them to consumers at a much lower rate. I have several iPads from them and they honestly don’t have scratches, dings, or anything wrong with them. They look brand new. They typically come in some sort of packaging from the brand, so you can easily make your family member happy as well as your wallet.
7. Lastly, make use of some Christmas hacks
Reserving the most important for the last, make use of money-saving Christmas hacks.
– Go for handmade gifts – Starting from handmade Christmas cards, to cake, and cookies.
– Opt for Giftcards instead of spending heavily on Christmas gifts.
– For Christmas dinners, encourage everybody to bring in dishes or wine.
– Send e-Christmas cards. Some websites allow you to send them for free. One such website is this.
– Sing Christmas carols, play poker and other games, as a part of fun Christmas traditions instead of going out to expensive and fancy places.
Finally,
Well, that’s it. Now you’re all ready to save money and be debt-free this Christmas. I hope this festive season brings lots of joy, happiness, and prosperity to you and your family!
their best features. Curate a list of products you love from your favorite website ranking them and letting your readers know why you love them and how they can help their lives. 
bloggers to write a guest post on your blog. Pick topics that you may not cover but know your readers would be interested in learning or reading about. 
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into another type of content, such as a YouTube video. It’s like becoming your own little content marketer. 
Another favorite thing is I find out about nonprofits who are making a difference in the world, one product at a time. In the Summer Edition of the FabFitFun box, I received a handmade leather clutch from 
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books, the 
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everyone’s life is not as useful as using it to increase your knowledge. Now that almost all small businesses are establishing themselves on social media, small financial businesses are amongst them too. Follow them; they share tips and knowledge that might improve your financial literacy.
money. 
you are someone who remains oblivious of the sales, you have to change if you don’t want to be burdened by the financial stress of Christmas.
and shop what we don’t need. Ergo, to prevent it from happening, consider making a shopping list and ensure you strictly stick to it. Before you make one, make sure to check what you already have. You wouldn’t want to buy things you already had.
Christmas as well? It does make sense if it would help you remain debt- free during the holiday season. You can consider depositing a little money every month in the reserve. But before you do that, calculate your average Christmas expenses and then divide the amount by 12 (for every month). That’s the amount you need to reserve every month for the year-end Christmas season.
you might not even need. Thus, make a list of all the things you need before going to stores and spending your entire budget. And while shopping, make sure you stick to the list – nothing extra, I repeat nothing! Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you do not shop during Christmas days. Things become really expensive in the festive season. It’s really better to shop before even if you are months away from Christmas.
to find out such things. Such things can be anything from old laptops, phones, blankets, clothes, and even machinery. Once you accumulate such things you can sell them off on eBay or hold garage sales for the same. The easiest thing to sell when you have children, are toys and clothes. There are resell shops in most big towns and you can purchase gently used, but more affordable things at these places. This is especially great when your kids are young and growing quite rapidly.
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