168极速赛车开奖官网 budgeting Archives - The Cincinnati Herald

168极速赛车开奖官网 Meal plan for family of four: Nourishing and budget-friendly

Cincinnati Herald — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:00:00 +0000

By Al Riddick

Grocery prices have reached alarming levels, making every trip to the store feel like a financial burden. Many families wonder if they should start growing their own food or simply do without. However, before resorting to extreme measures, it is worth exploring a practical and affordable meal plan that allows a family of four to eat for just $400 per month.

Yes, It’s Possible! Here’s How.

In the most challenging financial situations, ensuring that a family remains well-fed requires a simple yet nutritious meal plan. While it may not be luxurious or varied, it provides sustenance and stability. Additionally, it eliminates the stress of deciding what to eat each day.

The Budget Breakdown

Breakfast: Oatmeal ($40.99 for a 50 pound bag)

A serving is ½ cup per person (2 cups total for the family).
Cost per day: $0.82
Total monthly cost: $24.60

Lunch & Dinner: Black Beans, Rice, and Vegetables

Black Beans ($49.99 for a 50 pound bag)

Each person receives ½ cup per meal (4 cups per day total).
Cost per day: $1
Total monthly cost: $30
Oatmeal and Black Beans prices obtained from a local grocery store in Fairfield, OH.

Rice ($24.99 for a 20 pound bag)

A serving is ½ cup per person (4 cups per day for the family)
A 20 lb. bag lasts 10 days, requiring three bags per month.
Total monthly cost: $74.97

Frozen Organic Mixed Vegetables (Costco) ($9.82 for a 5.5 pound bag)

To provide enough servings, 21 bags are necessary.
Total monthly cost: $206.22
Costco Membership: $65 (a worthwhile investment for other essential items as well.)

Grand Total: $400.79

Why This Works

This meal plan meets several key requirements:

Affordability: Keeps costs around $400.
Nutritional Balance: Oatmeal provides fiber and energy; beans offer protein and fiber; rice supplies carbohydrates; and vegetables contribute essential vitamins.
Minimal Waste: Bulk purchases reduce trips to the store and limit impulse buying.
Sustainability: While it may not be exciting, the plan ensures sufficient nourishment and financial stability.

Ways to Add Variety Without Breaking the Bank

Spices & Seasonings: Simple additions like salt, garlic, or hot sauce enhance flavor at little cost.
Seasonal Fruits: Low-cost, in-season fruits offer a natural source of sweetness.
Home Baking: With flour, sugar, and yeast, homemade bread provides an inexpensive alternative to store-bought options.

The Takeaway

While eating the same meal every day is far from ideal, having a structured and affordable meal plan ensures that no one in the household goes hungry. When grocery prices seem overwhelming, families always have options. Once financial circumstances improve, meal variety will become an even greater source of appreciation.

By planning wisely, staying nourished, and making the most of available resources, families can navigate difficult times while keeping their finances intact.

Al Riddick is President of Game Time Budgeting, an award-winning financial fitness firm that helps employees develop simple and easy to duplicate systems for making their money behave.

Feature Image: Photo by Hillshire Farm on Unsplash

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Mastering Money: A Guide for Financial Freedom

Antoinette Moore — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever stopped to consider how you learned to manage your finances. Are the decisions you are making with your money today setting you up for a stable future? Many of us struggle to stay on top of our finances. Whether it’s not making enough or not managing what we have. These challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed…and that stress. It’s real. According to a study, “Higher financial worries were significantly associated with higher psychological distress.” If you’ve ever found yourself anxious about paying that next bill or wondering how to stretch your paycheck further, you’re not alone. Honestly, this was a significant amount of my 20’s. But here’s the good news: learning how to manage your finances can greatly reduce unnecessary stress in your life.

Last month, I read a book (Money Management For Teens: Financial Literacy and Practical Skills for Financial Independence, Even for Those Who Don’t Come From Money )that unexpectedly transformed how I am thinking about my finances in the last quarter of the year! Though aimed at teens, its financial lessons hit home. As a millennial, I thought I had a decent grasp on money management. (Thanks to my uncle M sending me articles on investing, providing lessons on financial stewardship and consistently leading by example.) But the gems in this book pushed me into a year-end financial challenge that I hope to carry into the future. The book’s four core pillars—developing a money mindset, spending low, earning high, and investing wisely—are not just for teens. They are strategies that work for anyone aiming to take control of their finances and move toward financial stability.

Here’s a breakdown of the lessons I’ve adopted, and how you, too, can end the year on a stronger financial footing:

Money Management: Key Takeaways (AKA My 4th Quarter Plan)

Develop a Money Mindset
The way you think about money matters. A lot. Cultivating a positive attitude toward money and believing you can control your financial future is key. Managing money is a skill—one you can learn and improve over time. This shift in mindset is crucial for long-term financial health.
Create a Budget
A budget is the foundation of all good financial habits. By tracking your income and expenses, you gain a clear picture of where your money is going. From there, you can reduce unnecessary spending—those daily coffees or spontaneous shopping sprees—and redirect that cash toward your financial goals.
Spend Low
In our social media-driven culture of “treat yourself,” mindful spending can feel like a buzzkill, but it’s the opposite. Prioritize needs over wants and trim expenses where you can. Finding deals and using coupons isn’t just for our parents—being smart about where your money goes is empowering.
Earn High
Many of us aren’t earning as much as we’d like. Whether it’s negotiating a raise, picking up a side hustle, or finding ways to grow your skills, increasing your income is a game-changer. If you’ve got free time, consider part-time work or freelance gigs.
Invest Wisely
Investing might seem daunting, but it’s one of the most important ways to build wealth. Start as early as possible to take advantage of compound interest, and make sure to diversify your investments to reduce risk. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to a financial advisor—many banks offer free or affordable consultations.
Pay Yourself First
Before you pay bills or spend money on anything else, set aside a portion of your income for savings. This ensures you’re consistently building a financial cushion and preparing for future goals, like buying a home, starting a business, saving for retirement or an emergency fund.
Manage Debt
Debt can feel like a weight on your shoulders, but with the right strategy, you can lift that burden. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, and if necessary, look into consolidating loans to lower your overall interest rates. The faster you knock out debt, the quicker you can work toward financial freedom.
Plan for the Future
Whether your goals are big (buying a house) or small (taking that dream vacation), it’s important to create a financial plan. Setting clear, realistic goals and working toward them will help keep you motivated and on track.

By adopting these strategies, you can master your money and reduce financial stress. Financial management is not just about numbers—it’s about creating peace of mind and building the life you want. So, as we near the end of the year, take a step toward financial stability. It’s never too late to improve how you handle your money. Shout out to Dr. Robert Baines Jr. for writing a book that sparked this journey for me. I urge you to invest in the book…and get one for a teen you know. His insights aren’t just for teens; they’re for anyone looking to build a strong financial foundation.

So, what are you waiting for? Your financial freedom starts today.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Columbus among top US cities with holiday Airbnb availability, says study

Stacker — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000

By Anja Solum

The holidays tend to be a busy time to travel, and they’re only getting busier. Deloitte’s 2023 annual holiday travel survey found that 40% of Americans intend to travel over the upcoming holiday season; that figure’s up over 31% from last year. Although hotels are a common choice, many vacationers opt for Airbnb rentals for their extra space and flexible pricing.

To help travelers with their holiday planning, MoneyGeek analyzed over 200,000 Airbnb listings across 18 popular U.S. travel destinations and identified the destinations with the most availability during the holiday season. We found that, while securing accommodations in popular spots like New York City and Hawaii can be difficult, alternative cities such as Columbus, Ohio, and Nashville, Tennessee, offer an abundance of options for travelers to consider.

Key findings

Columbus, Ohio, takes the lead in holiday Airbnb availability, with an average of 20 vacant days in the 30 days between mid-December and mid-January. Nashville, Tennessee, follows close behind, with 17 unoccupied days during the same timeframe.
Hawaii sees the least availability for Airbnb units during the holiday season, averaging eight unoccupied days within the 30-day period. In the Aloha State, the median rental rate is $287 per night, over double the median rate for all locations analyzed in the study.
New York City also faces low holiday availability, with an average of eight unoccupied days from mid-December to mid-January — that’s despite the city having over 40,000 Airbnb listings, the most of any destination considered.
Among the major U.S. travel destinations analyzed, the median rental price of an Airbnb is $130 per night during the holiday season.

MoneyGeek

Top US destinations with Airbnb availability during the holidays

MoneyGeek analyzed December 2022 data from Inside Airbnb to determine the average availability of Airbnb units in 18 popular U.S. travel destinations over 30 days, spanning from mid-December to mid-January. To calculate availability percentages, we divided the average number of days each area’s units were unoccupied by 30.

For those traveling with families or groups of friends, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago might be worth considering. Columbus leads with a 65% Airbnb availability rate during the holiday season. Larger accommodations for five to eight people have an even greater availability rate of 70%, while smaller units for one to two people have a 60% rate. Chicago ranks third on our list, with 54% and 58% availability rates overall and for larger units, respectively.

Nashville, Tennessee — renowned for its music scene — claims the second spot for most holiday Airbnb availability at 56% during the festive period. Dallas and Seattle complete the top five list, each with around 50% availability throughout the holiday season.

MoneyGeek

Holiday travel destinations with the least Airbnb availability

With its mild temperatures and warm waters, Hawaii’s winter season makes it a popular winter holiday travel destination. As such, it’s no surprise that Hawaii ranks as the location with the least Airbnb availability during the holidays. From mid-December to mid-January, the Airbnb availability rate in Hawaii is a mere 26%, half that of the most available destinations. Although the Aloha State is home to over 30,000 rentals (the third-greatest amount in our study), with a median nightly cost of $287, demand remains high, and most units are booked far in advance.

New York City also has limited Airbnb availability at 26%, despite having the most listings in our study (over 40,000 as of December 2022). San Francisco, Denver, and Austin, Texas, also rank among the areas with the least availability, each averaging 13 available days during the same 30-day holiday period.

Tips for maximizing travel this holiday season

It’s no secret that traveling during the holiday season can be costly. MoneyGeek recommends adopting these cost-saving tips for your holiday travel so you can enjoy the vacation you want without compromising your finances.

Take advantage of credit card rewards: Utilize a travel credit card or rewards credit card to earn more from each transaction. Knowing the distinction between points and miles can help amplify your rewards and get the most savings.
Learn how to maximize your savings at Airbnbs year-round: Depending on where an Airbnb is located and what amenities it has, the prices of accommodations can fluctuate dramatically. Understanding the impact of amenities and location on Airbnb prices is key to securing more affordable rates.
Plan a vacation that aligns with your budget: A holiday budgeting guide can offer specialized advice, which you can complement with effective budgeting tools to enhance your planning.

Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed December 2022 Inside Airbnb data to discover Airbnb unit availability, examining over 200,000 listings across 18 popular U.S. travel destinations. We considered each location’s listing availability for the 30-day period from mid-December 2022 to mid-January 2023. By calculating the average of this metric for each area, we created our ranking of travel destinations with the greatest and least Airbnb availability during the holiday season.

We also evaluated the average nightly price per unit and unit size (based on the number of people it accommodates) to provide further insights. The locations we analyzed were primarily cities, except for Hawaii (a state) and the Twin Cities Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

This story was produced by MoneyGeek and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.

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168极速赛车开奖官网 Howard University experts share tips on credit card spending over the holidays

Howard University News Service — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:30:02 +0000

By Sholnn Freeman

Howard University

sholnn.freeman@howard.edu

Washington, D.C. – Howard University experts are providing Black families and other Americans with tips on how to be mindful about holiday spending this year, noting higher interest rates and student loan debt payments that have restarted for the first time in more than three years.

For consumers dreaming of generational wealth and home ownership, Howard experts say a focus on increasing savings and minimizing credit card spending can create a better financial picture, especially as they prepare for the upcoming tax season.

Studies indicate that Black buying power will jump to $1.8 trillion in 2024. While surveys show that about 80% of Black spending revolves around essentials such as rent, food, commuting to and from work, and health care, competition for the other 20% of the Black consumer dollar is fierce.

Experts say consumers should be aware of certain dangers ahead of their spending decisions, especially if planning toward bigger purchases like buying a home.

“Swiping that credit card will come with added expenses later,” said Gerald Daniels, Ph.D., associate professor of economics at Howard University. Daniels’ research focuses on macroeconomics and consumer finances, Black family finances, as well as student debt-related issues. 

Given the relatively high interest rate environment, the Howard economist says families might be better off if dinner-table discussions this holiday season focus on saving money, not spending it.

Consumers need to stay attentive to credit card spending

The Black population has an outsized proportion of consumer spending habits compared to its proportion of the population, said Curtis Kidd Telemaque, Ph.D., director of the HPS Center for Financial Excellence in the Howard University School of Business. African American and Hispanic consumers spend more than other consumers during the holidays than any other time of the year.

Multicultural consumers plan to spend over $500 each this holiday season on gifts for family members and friends, with overall consumers set to spend more than $100 billion.

In general, consumers using credit to buy gifts must take the time to understand interest, APR and inflation, Kidd said. These factors can significantly boost the dollar amount that buyers will have to pay back, even more so today than in recent years.

“It’s important to consider these factors before making a purchase decision using credit because it could be that instead of paying just 20% in interest, you are paying an additional 40% when accounting for inflation,” Kidd said.

Kidd says the other option would be to not use a credit card, although he acknowledges that depending on an individual’s financial position, that may not be possible.

Daniels said that nowadays, there are a few innovative saving methods. “You can buy bonds. You can get high-interest-rate savings accounts. All of these things are going to give you additional access to homeownership, even considering the fact that interest rates are very high.”

Like Daniels, Kidd recommends that consumers find a checking or savings account that provides some level of interest over and above the current rate of inflation.

Kidd says there isn’t much that consumers can do about high inflation other than make necessary adjustments, an important one being extra vigilance about credit card rates during the holiday shopping season.

“Inflation is a macroeconomic trend that the whole country has to endure,” Kidd said.

“My advice is to be cognizant of this. If you put money into a checking account, you have to know that next week, due to inflation your dollar is actually worth less.”

Prepare for tax season

Considering current economic turbulence, it is especially important for consumers to start preparing ahead of time for the upcoming tax season. Consumers should be planning to make investments and purchases that will maximize their refund and minimize their taxable income.

Jean Wells, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting and business law, echoes warnings about rising interest rates on popular high-value purchases.

“Consumers should delay purchasing items that currently carry high interest rates including homes and cars. The home mortgage interest rates exceed 7% and car loan interest rates are at least 5%,” she said.

Consumers can consider the following investments to increase their tax refund:

Qualified electric vehicles. The maximum federal income tax credit is $7,500.
Solar panels for their homes. The federal income tax credit is 30% of the installation costs.
Qualified home improvements that qualify for the federal home energy tax credit which is 30% of the costs up to a lifetime maximum of $500. Qualified home improvements include purchasing and installing new windows, skylights, insulation materials, water heaters, boilers, heat pumps and other qualified purchases.

Consumers who itemize their deductions can consider making the following payments to reduce their taxable income and, ultimately, their tax liability:

Charitable donations to churches, universities and other charitable organizations.
Homeowners should consider making an extra mortgage payment in 2023, i.e., paying the January 2024 mortgage early by Dec. 31, 2023, so the interest payment for January can be deducted in 2023, thereby increasing itemized deductions and reducing their taxable income and tax liability.

Don’t forget to account for student loan payments, with federal student loan payments resuming. Daniels expects student loan repayment to be a drag on holiday spending this year. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 72% of Black students go into debt to finance their education compared to 56% of white students, and women of color are 20% more likely to have student loan debt than majority men.  

High levels of student debt can make it harder to buy a house or become a career entrepreneur. Daniels stresses the following tips for consumers with student loans.

If you have student loan payments that have restarted, make sure to account for those when considering your budget for holiday spending.
It is important to complete degree programs that families have paid for through loans, while keeping a focus on saving for loan repayment. Higher education is an avenue to future wealth, so when taking out loans to pay for education, it is important to finish what you’ve started.
The negative impact of missing student loan payments can be far-reaching. Missed payments of 60 days or more could end up on your credit report and your credit score will take a hit. While filing for bankruptcy on student loan debt is possible, it isn’t common, and the process is difficult.

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