8AYD

How To Get Out Of Debt Living Paycheck To Paycheck

[lilac-milk-moon]

12 Best Travel Apps for Better Vacations With Less Work

Traveling is supposed to be fun, but it can also be time-consuming and overwhelming. The travel checklist can feel endless, from packing to booking flights, dealing with airports, and finding suitable hotels. Traveling during covid has just made planning a trip even more complicated, with testing and entry requirements changing by the day. Luckily there are some incredible travel apps to make these tasks more manageable for you!

In this blog post, we have reviewed the 12 best travel apps that will help take the stress out of your next vacation and will change your vacation game forever. We’ll cover everything from destination reviews and travel insurance to making money online while traveling. Check it out below!

1. Trip Advisor

Overview

Tripadvisor is a great resource when planning your next getaway. You can book flights, hotels, and restaurants through the site. In addition, it has reviews from travelers who have been there before, which makes it easy to see what’s worth doing at your destination. You can also find reviews for guided tours and excursions.

Tripadvisor is best for planning a trip ahead of time compared to last-minute deal hunting. It’s an excellent resource when traveling!

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

If you are anything like us, you like to plan how to spend your time and money wisely. Trip planning isn’t too unlike learning how to invest in stocks or create a home gym. You can maximize your results by learning from others who have done it before you.

Similarly, we frequently use TripAdvisor to learn from travelers who have done it before us. It’s one of our top resources for finding things to do wherever we want to travel. There are plenty of forums for frequently asked questions that locals or other travelers have answered. For example, if you want to find out where to buy bus tickets in Lake Garda, someone has likely responded to that question on TripAdvisor before.

The only downside about the site is that some prices could be higher than going directly through another website or booking service. So we tend to use it more as a research tool rather than actual bookings.

2. World Nomads Insurance

Overview

Traveling is a lot of fun, and talking about insurance is somewhat of a bummer. We get it! Insurance is the last thing you want to think about when you are excited about your upcoming trip. So let us look at it from a financial perspective. We believe in spending money smartly and investing for the future. Just like you can save money and stay healthy by eliminating toxins from your kitchen, you can save thousands in potential bills by purchasing travel insurance.

It’s not an app, but with World Nomads Insurance, you can get quick, affordable travel coverage at your fingertips – no matter where you are in the world. Enter your travel plans and choose your coverage.

The best part is that they cover 250+ specific activities you may be inclined to participate in during your trip. Want to go jet skiing, mountain biking, or scuba diving on the same trip? It’s covered. You can also buy optional coverage for ‘high-risk’ activities like skydiving or freeform rock climbing.

If you do need assistance, their customer service is quick to help.

Pricing

It depends on the coverage required

Our Verdict

We have used World Nomad’s insurance before and recommend it. While on a trip to Croatia, we had a minor scooter accident, but Ash required stitches. We called World Nomad, and they directed us to a nearby clinic that took care of it. The unexpected does happen, and it pays to be prepared for these scenarios.

3. The Weather Channel App

Overview

The Weather Channel App is a must-have for any traveler. It’s best to be aware of what to expect weather-wise when traveling so you can pack accordingly and not risk getting caught in an unexpected storm! The app has all sorts of information, including forecasts, radar imagery, satellite images, and heat maps. It’s great if you’re traveling to places where the weather is unpredictable. You can also look up local conditions by city or zip code.

Overall, our favorite thing about this app is that it has accurate and up-to-date info on local weather, no matter the size of the city or village.

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

Here’s why we love this app: We went to the train station for a day trip from Milan to Venice in late August. We happened to look at the app and saw that it was supposed to rain in Venice from 1 pm onwards. Armed with that information, we went to Turin instead. A couple of days later, we were thankful for the app while digging into a gelato on a beautiful sunny day in Venice.

4. The Google Translate App

Overview

The Google Translate App is a lifesaver when traveling to a new place and not reading or speaking the language. The app has improved over the years and is simple to use. You can use it in 3 ways for translation:

Type in what you want to translate

Use the mic to record what you wish to translate verbally

Use the camera feature and point it to signs and text you want to translate in real-time (very useful when you can’t read parking signs in Greek).

You can also have the translation read aloud if you are trying to have some conversation or ask for directions.

The best part about the app is that you can download language packs on your phone for offline translation. So if you don’t have a data or wifi connection, you can still have a conversation or read that bus timetable.

Pricing

Free!

All in all, this app is best for when you’re on the go and need some help understanding what’s going around you or want to understand the ingredients before ordering food!

Our Verdict

While we speak a couple of languages and have a basic understanding of some others, we often find ourselves turning to Google Translate. We have used it extensively in places like Morocco, Germany, Thailand, and Italy. We use it most of the time to translate written instructions, bus or ferry timetables, covid related instructions, asking for directions, etc. One of our most frequently used and best travel apps.

5. Money App

Overview

Traveling isn’t cheap. There aren’t many ways to make money while on the go. If you’d like to make money online while traveling, The Money App makes it easy to do so. You certainly won’t get rich off it, but it can offset some expenses.

Using the app is simple. Download the app for iOS or Android, sign up, and earn credits for completing tasks. Tasks can include watching videos, completing surveys, mystery shopping, etc. Once your credits reach the threshold to withdraw, you can cash out and deposit your money into a Paypal account.

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

We have not used this app ourselves, but it has a 4.9 rating with over 128K reviews on the Apple App Store. Test it out for yourself and let us know if you agree that this is one of the best travel apps.

6. The Currency App

Overview

The Currency App is best for when you need to convert currencies on the go. It has all major and minor currencies, it updates automatically so that your conversions are always accurate (no dealing with foreign transaction fees), best of all – it’s free!

The best part about this app is how easy it is to use without having too many bells and whistles. We just have to type in what currency we want to convert into another one, then hit “convert” or “calculate.” As simple as can be! Overall best quick converter around.

For those who like simplicity over extra features, check out the Currency App!

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

We use The Currency App frequently. We like to spend our money smartly, so we often find ourselves converting the prices of items from local currency to the US dollar to figure out if it’s a steal or highway robbery!

7. Couchsurfing

Overview

Couchsurfing is best for travelers who want to meet locals and make friends while traveling. It’s a great site where you can search through people in different cities or countries that are willing to host other “couch surfers.”

We have mostly traveled as a couple, so we personally never used the site before but have met several people who have had a good experience using the app. Most of them recommend it as a way to travel cheaply and also to make friends or connect with locals.

The best part about Couchsurfing is that it’s free and connects people from around the world. It also has an extensive network of cities, so the options are varied.

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

Couchsurfing seems like a great way to meet people and travel cheaply. It is best when traveling alone, as you may have trouble finding ‘couches’ when traveling in a group. Also, we have heard that it is increasingly difficult to find matches in popular tourist spots. There is a lot of competition, so sometimes it can feel like trying to match someone on a dating app. You need the right profile, the right vibe, and the proper references. Overall, if you do find a couch, we have heard overwhelmingly good experiences from other travelers.

8. Skyscanner

Overview

Skyscanner collects prices from the various flight, hotel, and car rental providers and allows you to compare them. After comparing prices, you can book the airline’s or hotel’s website or another reservation agent like Hotwire or Expedia.

Once you have completed the booking, you deal directly with the service provider. Skyscanner has a 4.3 rating on TrustPilot, with most customers liking the ability to find cheaper airfares than other booking sites.

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

We use the multiple city search often on Skyscanner. We also like the granular search options like a filter for specific flight times, airports, or the number of stops.

9. Trip It

Overview

TripIt is a handy app to organize your travel plans, especially if you are a frequent traveler or plan to take a long, multi-city trip. As you make bookings for flights, hotels, car rentals, or restaurants, email them to TripIt. The app organizes your schedule by date, time, and place, so you always have your full itinerary in your pocket.

The app allows you to share your itinerary with your group easily and provides navigation routes to nearby places of interest.

Pricing

Free for the non-PRO option!

Our Verdict

Since Google Trips shut down, we are using TripIt right now on our two-month Italy trip. It has been pretty helpful since it organizes all the train bookings, Airbnb reservations, and places to eat – there are a lot! For easy access, we have also uploaded pictures of our vaccination certificates which are needed everywhere for entry in Italy right now.

Another helpful feature these days is the handy Covid-19 guidelines and requirements that the app provides for each destination. We recommend cross-referencing those with the official government websites for each destination before you travel.

10. Airbnb

Overview

This hotel-alternative app has taken the world by storm. While it is controversial for taking away housing supply for residents in some cities, Airbnb is an excellent option for travelers.

Wherever you are traveling, the chances are that Airbnb has homes (even treehouses) listed for a short-term vacation rental there. The app has listings available in over 100,000 cities in 2021.

Download the app, create a profile and search for your destination. The app works by allowing both the renter and the listing provider to rate the stay. This way, you can be confident that listings with many positive reviews will be safe, clean, and have all the amenities you need.

Pricing

Free to download, but Airbnb charges a service fee for each listing. Check the detailed breakdown of pricing for charges like cleaning, additional person, cancellation, etc.

Our Verdict

We like to have a kitchen and amenities like a washing machine while traveling. While some hotels provide those, we generally prefer staying in well-rated Airbnb homes. The main exception is where our travel card points can earn us a five-star hotel visit for free.

The flip side is that each Airbnb host and listing is unique. With hotels, you can be confident that you will receive a standardized experience. Some highly-rated homes on Airbnbs have still sometimes left us underwhelmed. So it’s essential to read the reviews in detail, even for highly rated units. Look out for red flags about cleanliness, host responsiveness, location, wifi, number of stairs, etc.

In general, though, we have had some great stays on Airbnb – from beachfront properties in Barbados to historical centers in Europe to middle-of-nowhere seclusion in Canada.

11. Roadtrippers

Overview

Lots of us got in our cars or RVs and took off on road trips this past year to avoid the hassles of overseas travel during Covid. Are you planning a road trip or already on one? If so, the Roadtrippers App will make your life easier.

Roadtrippers lets you plan your journey and get to your desired destination in the most efficient manner, with estimates of cost and total trip time. The app also offers advice for planning exciting road trips that will make the most of every leg by providing suggestions for detours and stops recommended by travelers who have already been there.

Pricing

Free for the basic membership that lets you set up to 7 stops along your route.

You can enroll in Roadtrippers Plus for $29.99 to get additional features like longer trips with up to 150 stops, RV-specific routes & experiences, plus group travel planning with fellow travelers.

Our Verdict

We recommend sticking to the free version, which is helpful for short day trips. Our RV-owning friends tell us that the navigation features are buggy. The recommendations are only sound in the United States, even though the app is available in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Overall, the yearly fee is high and may not be worth it as the main features are available through Google Maps.

12. HotelTonight

Overview

Hotel Tonight is a last-minute hotel booking app that claims to provide discounted rooms from hotels with excess inventory. It is similar to other last-minute booking sites like Priceline.

If you are flexible with your plans, the app has last-minute hotels available in major cities worldwide. The tourism industry, in general, now operates on the principles of dynamic pricing. The pricing that you see for flights, hotels, and rental cars online is all based on demand. If you want the security of having your plans firmed up in advance, you may pay considerably more. For last-minute bookings, hotels have an incentive to discount their rooms that otherwise may go unsold.

With the Hotel Tonight app, you can book a hotel room up to 7 days in advance. The closer you are to your date, the cheaper your room may be. You will, of course, have fewer options.

Pricing

Free!

Our Verdict

Nowadays, we prefer to have firmer plans in place. Ten years ago, while we were backpacking through Europe with a Eurail pass, Hotel Tonight would’ve been a lifesaver. If you are planning (or not planning) a flexible trip, then Hotel Tonight is an excellent resource to save money. We recommend double-checking the hotel reviews on Google before booking no-name hotels.

Wrap Up

As the world opens up again, consider packing your bags and using the best travel apps above to make your post-pandemic freedom trip even better! These are our top favorites and the best travel apps on the market for everything, from finding cheap hotels and flights to organizing your itinerary and finding the best attractions around you. Bon Voyage!

from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3pyBfyf via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

How to Find Cheap Flights to Your Destination” with These 15 Travel Sites

Nowadays, you can find cheap flights on a variety of different websites. The problem is that some of these sites are better and more user-friendly than others.

If you are looking for a way to find the cheapest flights to your destination, check out our comparison of some of the best affordable travel sites.

1. Agoda

If you decide to use Agoda to find your cheap airline flight, you should already be a seasoned traveler since this site offers far fewer trips than most of the other sites mentioned here.

Possessing an excellent reputation with those who use it regularly, Agoda searches hundreds of travel sites to compare flights and find the best deal. However, it can sometimes be slightly tricky to navigate since it does have you going back and forth much more often than other sites.

Yet, with 20 million reviews of mostly satisfied customers, Agoda can be helpful if you know what you’re looking for and how the cheap airline ticket process works.

2. CheapOair

First of all, you have to love any site named CheapOair. Once you get past the catchy name, you’ll find a site that is fun to use, has helpful information and comes through in helping you get the ‘cheapo’ airline ticket you desire.

Using its search engine, you’ll be able to search results based on your preferred airline if you wish, making your search much quicker.

Also, if you sign up as a member of CheapOair, you get regular access to promo codes that save you money on fees, which many people find can quickly add up to increased savings.

Like other sites, you can scan the site’s QR code to install an app. But unlike many other sites, CheapOair also features airport maps, which can keep you from getting lost in airports that are getting bigger by the day.

3. Expedia

Expedia is one of the first travel sites that debuted in 1996 and is still popular today.

Expedia lets you enter your cellphone number to receive a downloadable link for its app. You can use this to get even more deals to save money once you arrive at your destination.

Easy to search and understand, Expedia also offers lots of great information on finding the cheapest flights, such as the cheapest days and months to fly, which day of the week is the best to buy your ticket, and much more.

4. Google Flights

Since you search for everything else on Google, it only makes sense that you use Google Flights to find cheap airfare, too. Extremely thorough and fast, you’ll likely find what you need on this site quicker than you will anywhere else.

Like some other travel sites, it already has your nearest airport loaded up when you arrive for your search. But unlike other sites, Google Flights has an interactive map that shows your flight path, detailed information on ticket costs and flight times, and information about things to do, hotels, car rentals, and more for wherever you wish to go.

5. Hopper

When you use Hopper to book flights, you may feel as though you are trying to decide whether to buy or sell stocks. By comparing airline flight prices much like stockbrokers compare stock prices, Hopper constantly analyzes millions or even billions of prices each day. Doing so predicts how prices may change and thus will send you price alerts as to whether it suggests you buy your ticket now or wait until the savings are even better.

Saving you up to 40% on ticket prices, Hopper will send you instant alerts about cheap airline flights through its app, giving you the chance to get the best flight deal before others beat you to it.

6. Hotwire

Laying everything out right in front of you from the moment you arrive on its website, Hotwire specializes in helping you find great deals on last-minute flights. Saving you as much as 40% on ticket prices, you can narrow your search based on the airline, departure time, number of stops, travel dates, or other criteria.

Should you not be bound to any particular schedule, Hotwire features its Hot Rate Flights. If you opt for this, it’s like taking a shot in the dark in that you won’t know which airline you’re flying or your exact flight time until after you’ve booked your flight. But on the plus side, you’ll get an incredibly low price.

7. Kayak

Searching hundreds of airline ticket sites in the blink of an eye, Kayak is known for being very fast and helping to find the cheapest flights you’ll ever encounter when seeking a plane ticket to anywhere in the world.

If you want even better deals offered only to its members, you can become a Kayak member by simply submitting your email address or signing in with your Google account. Once you do, you’ll be eligible for private deals and personalized recommendations, both of which can give you even more savings.

Conveniently laid out, you can immediately search for flights to and from New York and other cities worldwide. Should you have any questions during your search, the site has an excellent FAQ section.

8. Momondo

Free to use with no hidden charges or fees, Momondo gives other travel sites a run for its money.

Whether you’re traveling economy, first-class, or somewhere between, this site lets you find cheap flights fast. Allowing you to compare deals from more than 900 different travel sites, Momondo gives you booking flexibility with no change fees.

If taking adventures is part of the life you’re making for yourself, or you’re just not sure where you want to go, the site features trending cities and countries, along with detailed flight information about each.

Whether you’re considering Seattle, Frankfurt, Tokyo, or other destinations, Momondo gives you lots of helpful information quickly and easily.

9. Orbitz

Very similar to Expedia, Orbitz is easy to understand and navigate. If you’re on a budget, Orbitz has a specific section for plane tickets under $199.

When you sign up to become an Orbitz member, you can get insider prices that will save you money on your airline tickets, hotel reservations, and car rentals. Also, if you’re a member, you earn what is known as Orbucks travel rewards, which you can use for discounts at whatever destination you choose. The site even shows you specific hotels where you can use your Orbucks, how much you’ll save, and more.

Additionally, should you get an airline ticket and then need to change or cancel your trip, Orbitz has a section where you can make updates, track refunds, or use a credit or coupon for a new trip booking.

10. Priceline

When you are ready to name your price for an airline ticket, go to Priceline and enter what you hope will be the winning bid. Since airlines don’t like empty seats, this gives you the chance to cash in.

Once you’re on Priceline, get your travel details laid out, enter the flight details on the website, and submit your bid with your credit card information. If you win, you will be notified your tickets have been booked and your credit card has been charged. However, you can only submit one bid every 24 hours per flight, so keep this in mind.

11. Scott’s Cheap Flights

Should you be in the market to get cheap airline flights to various worldwide destinations that may save you as much as 90%, join Scott’s Cheap Flights. Offering Premium and Elite membership options, you can try the Premium free for 14 days or use the limited version of the site for free.

As for how you can save 90% off your flight, Scott’s Cheap Flights specializes in finding what is known in the airline industry as “mistake fares,” meaning the airline messed up along the way. As an example of this, Scott’s Cheap Flights found a mistake for a flight to Santiago, resulting in the ticket price dropping from $1,200 to an astounding $61.

12. Skiplagged

When you’re looking for cheap airline flights, see what you can find with Skiplagged. Along with showing you hidden-city ticketing trips, it also has an excellent tool that lets you compare its deals with what you can find on other sites such as Expedia, Kayak, and many others.

Though the site sometimes takes a bit longer to navigate, you may find you get lower ticket prices than you thought possible.

13. Skyscanner

Working with over 1,200 travel providers, Skyscanner offers a neat feature. Once you arrive on the website, its search tool already has your nearest airport loaded and shows possible departure and return dates, all of which can help to speed up your search for a cheap flight.

Easy to navigate, the main page also shows you the best deals from your location to various destinations such as Cancun, London, San Juan, or Maui.

Perhaps the simplest of sites to use, Skyscanner gives you every expense upfront, is very detailed about COVID or other travel restrictions in place at your destination and has excellent graphics as a bonus.

14. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is one of the few airlines that doesn’t aggregate with third-party sites, meaning you will have to book with them directly, but it’s usually worth your while. With low fares and free checked bags, it’s one of the most popular airlines to travel with.

If you are looking for a job in the travel industry, they also have one of the best reputations and offer the highest pay. As a Southwest Airlines staff member, you can get free unlimited travel privileges for yourself and eligible family members.

15. Swoop

When you want to find the cheapest flights out of Canada and to various destinations in the U.S. or abroad, consider using Swoop.

User-friendly for novices or beginners, it lets you select your departing and destination airport as well as your depart date, an optional return date, and how many people will be traveling with you.

Once you hit “search,” your results come up quickly and are easy to understand. Best of all, it also has tabs for My Bookings and Flight Status, both of which help you keep track of every detail of your flight.

In Conclusion

When it comes to finding the cheapest flights to your destination, you need to use the right tools. These sites are a great place to start your next vacation or business trip off right – and for the right price.

from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3vIYmYg via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

Scott’s Cheap Flights: How to Get the Best Flights You Can Find

Who doesn’t want to pack their bags and travel? Would you like to explore the world with cheap airline tickets? Let’s try Scott’s Cheap Flights and discover its services and deals on flights.

Ask any travel enthusiast what the secret to their journeys is. They would probably mention that they always keep an eye out for the cheapest deals they can find. While you don’t want to skimp on flight prices, finding a deal is still a great way to save money on flights. Because prices of flight tickets are constantly changing, you need to book a discount when you see one.

Booking flights can sometimes be challenging and frustrating. You need to be on the lookout for cheap online booking sales and also get there before others drive the prices up. For example, if you have a well-paying job in REITs and need to travel frequently, it would be convenient if you didn’t have the headache of looking for flight deals.

Scott’s Cheap Flights offers precisely this service and will help you find cheap flight tickets and fly to dream destinations on a budget. Let’s find out more below.

What Is Scott’s Cheap Flights?

Scott’s Cheap Flights is a website created to help people find the cheapest flights. It was founded in 2015 when Scott Keyes turned a mailing list with the best travel deals he sent to friends and family into a business.

Today, they serve over 2 million people and help them get cheaper flights. On average, their customers save $550 on international flights and $200 on domestic flights. If you dream about saving money, this is the place to be.

You can set your departure airports, get notifications straight in your email when there’s a good deal, and book to get 40-90% discounts on your airfare.

They have a freemium model, which means you can get their deals for free with their Limited plan or pay for it with their Premium plan. If that’s not enough for you, you can also use their Elite membership. We’ll get into more details on that below.

This article will help you find out how Scott’s Cheap Flights work, what makes them different from their competitors, and how you can use them to your advantage.

How Does Scott’s Cheap Flights Work?

Searching for deals on flights is not always an easy task. All websites show different prices, save your cookies, and offer a higher price next time you’re checking. Finding cheap flights can be a complete pain.

That’s why customers are so happy to find Scott’s Cheap Flights website, which is very convenient and easy to use.

You can sign up for their emails for free or opt for their paid plan and get flight deals right in your mailbox. No more checking different websites, comparing the lowest fares, and having to start all over again because the prices have changed.

You just set your preferences and wait until you find a cheap flight from your airport that is the perfect deal for you.

Get Deals Right in Your Inbox

When you sign up for their service, you can choose to set up your departure airports in your area to give you the best chance of getting deals. The more airports you select, and the bigger those airports, the more discounted offers you can get in your inbox.

They send you emails with the best deals, only mentioning the departure airports you’ve previously set, which means that your inbox stays uncluttered.

They’ll let you know how much the plane tickets usually cost, what it costs now, how long the deal will last, what airlines offer the deal, and what is included in the ticket. They also mention if you need to pay an extra baggage allowance, whether your flight has a layover or is nonstop, and what different airlines offer the ticket.

You can get flights to Europe, travel within the US, search for cheap flights to Hawaii, or search for flights to New Zealand. Whatever you’re looking for, you get the ticket deals in your inbox.

Booking These Deals Right Away

When you get the email in your inbox, you also want to know how to book it. In the email, you’ll find instructions on how to book the deal on Google Flights.

The great thing is that you can change things like departure airports and dates in Google Flights to see the cheapest option for your specific preferences.

Whether you’re looking to go to Honolulu, Maui, or Bangkok, the best deals are in your inbox. You don’t have to check Kayak, Skyscanner, and Expedia every time you’re looking for a bargain to find flight offers with great deals.

Scott’s Cheap Flights Memberships

Scott’s Cheap Flights offer memberships for you to choose from.

They have their free program, called their Limited Membership. If you become a member, you receive a limited selection of deals, all in economy class. The emails you receive have advertisements at times. You can follow up to 5 departure airports.

For the Premium Membership, you can choose up to 10 departure airports. You get the best deals, economy class, delivered right to your mailbox. Plus, you get more discounts and special deals like fare mistakes and holiday deals. It costs $49 per year, and you can cancel at any time.

For their Elite Membership, you get the Premium package, plus a ton of extra features. You’ll get mistaken airfares from all over the US, more customization to your deals, and get premium, business, and first-class travel tickets. Also, you can choose an unlimited number of departure airports to make sure you get those deals coming.

The Elite Membership is perfect if you’re looking for the best deals on first-class flights and travel regularly. You may not have the same net worth as people like Porsha Williams, but you can fly like them with the Elite Membership.

Both the Elite and Premium memberships come with a 14-day free trial.

If you’re lucky and work for a company with great benefits, you may even get the membership refunded if you’re using it to get deals on business flights.

Scott’s Cheap Flights Includes Domestic Flights

From mid-2020, Scott’s Cheap Flights also decided to cover domestic flights. It adds value to their memberships, as not everyone will feel comfortable flying all over the world yet.

People looking to visit their family for the holidays, travel to a National Park or enjoy all the US offers can save money on their flights.

How Does Scott’s Cheap Flights Make Money?

Scott’s Cheap Flights primary revenue-earning activity is getting people to sign up for their Premium and Elite plans. Plus, they’ll earn money when you visit their site or read their emails, which may occasionally include a brand they’re partnering with.

They don’t get any money when you book a flight, which means they recommend the deals because they’re amazing.

Scott’s Cheap Flights Pros

Scott’s Cheap Flights offer excellent benefits if you’re looking for cheap tickets. These include:

The average user saves $550 on an international flight and $200 on a domestic flight. That means you’ll save between 40-90% when you sign up for their services.

Their Premium and Elite membership are worth it if you travel a lot. The quality of the deals and the savings quickly add up when you book the deals they offer you. Even if you book only one deal a year, it’s probably already worth it.

It’s quick and easy. You get deals delivered right to your mailbox, and you only have to book them. You select your departure airports, and they will do the rest.

Their notifications are delivered straight to your inbox, meaning you can book these deals in real-time and get in on massive discounts.

Scott’s Cheap Flights Cons

However, there are also some things that you need to take into account when you want to use their services:

The Limited Membership only offers limited options. You only get a small number of deals, and the emails are delayed compared with the premium memberships. It’s something to keep in mind when you sign up.

Their services are mainly focused on the US, meaning that your departure city has to be in the US, and you can’t specify your destination. Let’s hope they’ll adjust that shortly.

How to Make the Most of Scott’s Cheap Flights

Do you want to make the most of Scott’s Cheap Flights? Here’s how to do that.

Buy cheap flight tickets early on – You may find that you can get a better deal if you buy your tickets early on. You have plenty of time to look for a deal, and you can book it when something you like comes along.

Travel during the off-season – Traveling during peak season can be expensive. With the high demand for travel during the summer and holidays, finding a great deal is challenging. However, traveling during off-peak times will allow you to save money on your hotel booking and flights.

Travel during the week – There are many reasons people choose to travel during the week. The number one reason is that it is cheaper to fly on weekdays than on weekends. Another reason is that there may be fewer crowds and lines at attractions, hotels, restaurants, and so forth.

Try flexible dates – Traveling can be expensive, and the costs of airfare and hotels can be higher on specific days. By searching for flexible dates, you can often find a cheaper flight and save yourself some money.

Stick with low-cost airlines – There are ways to save money when flying. One way to save money when flying is to fly with low-cost airlines. It can be a great option to explore when you consider extra charges and costs to get to where you want to be.

Look out for sales – Airline companies constantly have deals for flights. One of the best times to find deep discounts is just before a holiday. For instance, if you’re traveling to New York City in November, it’s a good idea to book your flight at the end of October.

Frequently Asked Questions – Scott’s Cheap Flights

What Are The Best Deals I Can Get On Scott’s Cheap Flights?

Getting the best deal on a flight is not as simple as it used to be. Prices change from carrier to carrier, from one day to another, from one hour to the next. It’s no wonder that today’s flying public has a hard time finding a reasonable price!

The deals you get on Scott’s Cheap Flights vary daily, but the average person saves $550 on international flights and $200 on domestic flights. That’s worth trying out if you ask me.

Why Should I Try Scott’s Cheap Flights?

Scott’s Cheap Flights is a great tool to find low-cost flights. One of the best features they offer is finding you the best flight with the least connections. That will save you time and money when booking your next flight.

Are There Downsides To Using Scott’s Cheap Flights?

The downside to using Scott’s Cheap Flights is that you may not get the best deal if you’re looking for flexible or more expensive flight options. Scott’s Cheap Flights is a good option for people looking to find flights and stay within their budget.

Are There Good Free Alternatives To Scott’s Cheap Flights?

Secret Flying is a free alternative to Scott’s Cheap Flights. The best part is that they also cover departure airports outside the US.

Is Scott’s Cheap Flights Worth It?

Finding cheap flight deals can be difficult, especially finding precisely what you want and staying within your budget. Many of us are always looking for budget flights to save money. Scott’s Cheap Flights can help you with that.

Airplane tickets can eat up most of your travel budget, so you can use the money you save on tickets to enjoy your travel more.

Finding the best deals for your travels is already challenging, and with Scott’s Cheap Flights, you will be able to maximize your budget for other expenses for your trip!

from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3ptj5OA via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

What’s the Difference Between Envy vs. Jealousy (And How to Overcome It)

What is the difference between envy vs. Jealousy? Envy and Jealousy are feelings we experience when we want something we don’t have.

Envy and Jealousy can be destructive and can prevent us from achieving happiness. However, we can overcome it by understanding what they are and what they push us to do. 

Envy and Jealousy are two emotions that many of us experience. They are different emotions, even though we often use them interchangeably. Understanding what they are, how they differ, and how we can use them to our advantage is an essential step to a journey of contentedness and satisfaction. 

What Is The Difference Between Envy & Jealousy?

Before we discuss the difference between envy and Jealousy, we have to define them. According to dictionary.com, here are the two definitions:

Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness concerning another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc.

Jealousy:  resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another’s success or advantage itself.

Cause Of Envy Or Jealousy

Although they may sound similar and often can cause similar behaviors, they are, in fact, different feelings and emotions.

Envy occurs internally when you want something that someone else has. That causes a feeling of sadness and discontent in your own life. You want something that you do not or cannot have, and you want it.

Jealousy, on the other hand,  involves another person. Jealousy consists of a level of anger towards another person. It’s not only that you wish you had an object- you are angry that another person has that item. You want to possess it, and you do not want the other person to possess it. 

Both of these feelings are not only about tangible objects- you can feel them in regards to intangible things as well: success, power, health, and love.

Are Envy and Jealousy Healthy and Normal?

All human emotions are normal. All healthy humans experience ranges of emotions at different times. However, just because having a feeling is normal does not mean that you cannot work on yourself to reduce the amount of emotion you experience. You cannot control the actions you take when experiencing that emotion.

A healthy and normal person may experience emotion and choose not to act on that emotion and recognize that the emotion exists but does not need to affect the way they feel and act. They can also endeavor to make sure that they work to reduce feeling that emotion in various ways.

How To Overcome Envy Or Jealousy

As always, in case of extreme emotions or emotions that seriously hamper a person’s day-to-day living, you should seek out professional help. 

Envy or Jealousy is caused when we want or desire something that someone else has. How do we overcome envy or Jealousy? We overcome it by not wanting what another person has. Easier said than done, right? 

We only want more things if we are not happy with the things that we have. So the first step to overcoming envy or Jealousy is to become satisfied with what we have. When you appreciate the good in your life, you no longer need other people’s things.

You cultivate gratitude by noticing what you have and appreciating it. You can do this by practicing mindfulness, starting a gratitude journal (or a similar gratitude challenge), and taking time to focus on the goodness in your life.

You also appreciate what you have when you notice how much more you have than others. You can do this by giving to those who are less fortunate than you. There are so many ways to do this. You can give money to charity; you can volunteer to help others (there are so many ways you can do this- either by joining an organization or finding a specific need and working to address it). People who give to others and devote themselves to others are more likely to be content with what they have and are less likely to be envious or jealous. 

Making sure that you are not focusing only on yourself helps you be more at peace with your life. But, on the other hand, focusing only on yourself causes discontentedness, which, as we said, leads to envy and Jealousy.

What Happens When We’re Envious

What happens when we’re envious depends on the person.

Usually, when someone is envious, they focus on that feeling of envy and allow it to guide them. They become obsessed with the object of their envy and work to get that item no matter the cost. This quickly becomes toxic as envy is usually not caused by an object but by a feeling of discontent in their own life. So achieving and acquiring that object will not make them happier. A sense of contentment is one of these things that money cannot buy. 

However, it is possible to recognize envy for what it is- discontent with your own life. Once you acknowledge that, then you can focus on fixing that instead of focusing on the object of your envy.

Envy and Jealousy Confuse Our Sense of Control

When we feel envy, we are focused on something we do not have. When we feel Jealousy, we are focused on someone that is threatening us.

These are both things that we cannot control- we cannot control things we do not own or other people. That upsets us and makes us angry. However, we may think that we can control these things. We may convince ourselves that we do control these things. However, we do not, which leads to frustration, anger, and possibly dangerous actions. 

The trick is to start to focus on the things that are in our control. We cannot control other things or other people. We can control how we feel, act or react. Start by understanding what is causing the feelings of envy or Jealousy and work to control that. The only person you can control is yourself. 

How Taking Control Helps Reduce Anxiety Generated By Envy vs. Jealousy

When we try to take control of things outside of our power to control, we become anxious. Anxiety is caused being the desperate feeling to be in control. When you are not in control of things that you think you should control, you feel anxious. The keywords to focus on in that statement are things that you think you should be able to control. The things you think you should control are not the same as the things you can control.

We want to be in control of things that we cannot control, which causes anxiety. So when you start to focus on the things that you actually can control, you reduce your anxiety.

Take Jealousy, for example; you may feel jealous that another person is taking what you want. However, you cannot control that person. You cannot make someone do something. The only thing that you can control is how you respond to this “threat.” You can become better at what you are doing; you can leave the situation and focus on other things you can have. Those are all in your control. Concentrating on those things will reduce the anxiety generated by envy or Jealousy. 

Taking control of the things we can control- ourselves- will reduce the anxiety generated by envy and Jealousy. 

Why it Matters

Emotions are a driving factor in most of the things we do. We are more dependent on our emotions than we realize or care to admit. Understanding the correlation between the way we feel and the way we act can empower us to use our emotions to push us towards the lives we want instead of the lives we are living. Understanding where our envy, Jealousy, or anxiety comes from lets us focus on the root issues and help us lead lives of contentedness, happiness, and self-actualization. After all, isn’t that what we all want?

Harnessing Energy From Envy vs. Jealousy To Get What You Want

Are there times when envy or Jealousy can be a good thing? Yes! Envy or Jealousy can be good if they spur you to positive action. You can harness the energy from envy or Jealousy to get what you want. 

Remember, emotions exist, but we can control the actions that come from them. So, if you recognize these emotions inside you, you can use them to push you to do positive actions. For example, you can take the root of Jealousy or envy and use it to get what you want. Instead of being jealous of someone, use that emotion to work on yourself to emulate that person’s character traits. Instead of wanting an object that someone has, work on being happy with your things and building a life you enjoy. 

Harness this knowledge that now you have and use it to get to the root of what you want. Then, use this to spur you to better and greater things. 

  from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3n9ASaR via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

The Most Popular Airbnb in Every Canadian Province (And Yukon)

With Canadian borders opening up, it’s the perfect time to book your next adventure.  You won’t have to worry about staying in these 11 cabins, condos, flats, or homes.  Every one of these Airbnb rentals has a 100% 5-Star rating and at least 75 reviews.  Yet, they are under $200 a night, on average. So whether you return to your favorite Canadian destination or explore a new place, you’ll have a great vacation experience at one of the best Airbnb’s in Canada.

1. Sooke Cedar House in Sooke, British Columbia

Courtesy Airbnb

The Aletheia Suite is a stunning space, and the magnificent four-poster handcrafted bed never fails to impress. The spacious apartment has a two-sided wood-burning fireplace, extra-large jacuzzi tub, wifi, and a flat-screen TV.  The living room with a large covered patio overlooks English gardens complete with fountains, arbors, ponds, and a covered BBQ.

Courtesy Unsplash

This country-style home is a 35-minute drive from Victoria, B.C., and only minutes to hiking, biking, beaches, surfing, fishing, diving, whale watching, and other adventures. It is also just a short drive away from cafes, restaurants, shops, and galleries on Vancouver Island. 

Courtesy Airbnb

You’ll be in great hands with hosts Gerry & Debbie. They have the most 5 star reviews of any Airbnb host in Canada and go above and beyond for each of their guests. “When a guest requests a booking, we first ask them how we can make the trip as best as possible –  if there are any accessibility issues, dietary restrictions, etc. When we ask the guests where they are coming from, we’ll Google cultural norms about how to make best our guests feel comfortable,” said Gerry.

2. Rustic and Charming in Jasper, Alberta

Courtesy Airbnb

This rustic flat is just a few minutes’ walk from the city center with various dining options. This home gets high marks for its cozy feel, proximity to the downtown, kitchenette, and outside sitting area. Couples, solo travelers, and business travelers enjoy the apartment, which has a separate entrance for privacy.

Courtesy Unsplash

There are many thoughtful touches throughout the suite to make your stay much more enjoyable, from heated bathroom floors, a cappuccino maker, and gourmet espresso beans. In addition, the hosts have chosen a sumptuous bed and high-end sheets and towels for an exceptional Airbnb experience.

3. Wascana Park in Regina, Saskatchewan

Courtesy Airbnb

This suite in Regina has an ideal location, close to popular attractions such as Wascana Lake, the Science Centre, and IMAX, playgrounds, and the lake’s marina. It has large windows, plenty of light, and all the home-like details travelers often miss when staying in a hotel room. In addition, the suite comes with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and complimentary private parking.

Courtesy Unsplash

While in Regina, enjoy a day exploring The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, home of the world’s largest T-Rex. This free museum, with a suggested donation, has a variety of exhibits on natural discoveries, Canadian history, and the First Nations. 

4. Painted Turtle Lake Studio in Giroux, Manitoba

Courtesy Airbnb

Relax in this secluded, self-contained holiday home with breathtaking wooded and golf course vistas even from inside. As the season allows, guests are welcome to enjoy the beach, fire pit, docks and relax at the end of the day in the steam shower. Sandilands Provincial Forest and the town of Steinbach are nearby if you’re looking to explore the area. 

Courtesy Creative Commons

The studio overlooks Painted Turtle Lake, named for the little turtles who sun themselves on the docks in the summer. The lake is two acres in size and has a depth of almost 30 feet, fed by an underground water system. The lake’s west bank sits in the backyard, while the opposing shoreline borders Quarry Oaks Golf Course.

Courtesy Quarry Oaks Facebook Page

Painted Turtle Lake Studio is on Treaty 1 territory.  It was the original lands of Anishinaabe, Cree, Ojibwe, Dakota, Dene peoples, and the Homeland of the Métis Nation. “We want our guests to be part of the story of this place and know about the land. We honor that we are on Treaty 1 Territory, and we work to honor that history as well,” said hosts Lisa and John.

5. The Farm in Huntsville, Ontario

Courtesy Airbnb

One of Muskoka’s most beautiful bed and breakfasts is The Farm at Old North Road. It can accommodate up to five people and has a living/dining room, kitchenette, and a large family bathroom. A Provincial Park Pass is included allow guests to visit Ontario parks with no admission fee. 

Courtesy Unsplash

The Farm is located 10 minutes from historic Huntsville, 5 minutes from Arrowhead Park, and 35 minutes from Algonquin Park. There is a 3-minute walk to the Big East River, and Fairy, Peninsula, Vernon, and Mary Lakes are close by for canoeing and kayaking.

Courtesy Airbnb

It’s not a surprise that hosts Dave and Wendy receive high marks with their thoughtful approach to welcoming renters to their space. “We try to put ourselves in their shoes all the time. If we came to the listing and forgot something, what would we have forgotten? If we were drying our hair, where would we want the hairdryer? We even have extra reading glasses available in case someone forgot theirs. It brings us joy to see other people enjoy the space,” said the Ontario super hosts. 

6. Cabin by the River in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Quebec

Courtesy Airbnb

This cozy tiny home by the river offers a lot of charm and room for four people to unwind in nature. The cabin is on a 30,000 square foot piece of property, perfect for those looking for peace and quiet, yet it’s conveniently located to the village, the river, or La Mauricie National Park.

Courtesy Unsplash

Whether you fill your days with adventure or relaxation, cozy up to the outdoor fireplace or the indoor wood stove. There’s even a raclette grill, fondue kit, and marshmallow sticks, and firewood for guests to enjoy the perfect getaway.

7. Loft in Boundary Creek, New Brunswick

Courtesy Airbnb

This modern loft condo has all the essentials, plus conveniences and amenities like laundry facilities. It is a great place to call home every night, with a full kitchen, a jacuzzi bathtub, and almost an acre to roam. 

Courtesy Unsplash

You’ll be close to Boundary Creek, five minutes to the Trans Canada Highway, and 10 minutes to the Casino and Magnetic Hill. Snowmobilers and ATVs are welcome at the nearby trails, which are just one kilometer away.

8. Lakefront Hideaway in Pleasant Valley, Nova Scotia

Courtesy Airbnb

This chalet-style cabin overlooks Fisher Lake in Nova Scotia’s rural countryside making for a peaceful lakeside vacation. With just a few cottages on the lake, you’re be sleeping surrounded by nature and not neighbors. 

Courtesy Unsplash

In exchange for continuous cell service, you’ll receive starry skies, fireflies, fresh air, and open spaces. Stunning Taylor Head Provincial Park, a hidden gem, is only 25 minutes and should not be overlooked. 

Courtesy Airbnb

You’re in for a memorable getaway at the Lakefront Hideaway, where the owner puts extra care into welcoming vacationers. “Hosting is creating a little magic in another traveler’s adventures. It’s the opportunity to share something beautiful our family has created, share the unique charms of our community, and offer our guests an oasis in nature. As we all travel, most people are traveling to learn or feel connected and experience something. So I treat the chalet like an experience and not just a place to stay,” said Kat. 

9. Spacious Apartment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland, and Labrador

Courtesy Airbnb

This newly constructed spacious basement apartment in a Happy Valley-Goose Bay suburb has many windows to provide extra natural light. It’s spotless, comfortable, and has both a fully stocked kitchen and a washer and dryer. 

Courtesy Destination Canada

Nearby Birch Island Boardwalk, a 2.9-mile loop, flat trail, is a must-do for visitors. This labor of love was built by hand over four years, is open year-round, and has numerous historical and archeological activities.

10. Cottage Life in Bonshaw, Prince Edward Island

Courtesy Airbnb

Summerside, Charlottetown, and Cavendish are all easy to get to from this one-bedroom cottage. This rental has stunning views of the beautiful Northumberland Strait and is only a 5-minute walk to the beach. Spend your day discovering fossils, going for long walks, watching low tides, clam digging, and watching the sunset.

Courtesy Destination Canada

This cottage was praised for its cleanliness, tasteful decor, and picturesque setting by guests. At the end of your beach day, walk up the lane for nights in the backyard in front of the beautiful fire pit. 

11. Yukon Wilderness in Whitehorse, Yukon

Courtesy Airbnb

Rent a lovely little custom timber-frame house made of massive locally milled Sitka Spruce logs in the quiet rural town of Whitehorse. Its deck provides a quiet perspective of Yukon wilderness and breathtaking mountain vista views. Enjoy the direct sunshine from early morning until sunset in your private outdoor space. 

Courtesy Airbnb

Guests praise the property as a rare place that is better in real life than the provided pictures. Many say that pictures don’t do justice to this beautiful modern cozy cabin with comfortable furniture, high-end lines, personal touches, and a fully stocked kitchen. 

Courtesy Unsplash

Emerald Lake, 40 minutes away, is a must-do while in the area. Known for its infamous green water that’s actually a reflection of rocks and other sediments at the bottom of the lake. The limestone gravel was deposited in the land about 14,000 years ago by glaciers of the last ice age. 

      from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3j9bCjJ via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

24 Must Do Activities in the Finger Lakes 

The Finger Lakes is an area in northwestern New York filled with beauty and many things to do during any season. But there are especially appealing must-do activities in the Finger Lakes during spring, summer, and fall.

The leading lakes you’ll hear discussed repeatedly are Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga, and the popular towns include Corning, Watkins Glen, Elmira, Seneca Falls, Ithaca, and Hammondsport.

Here are some ideas to spark motivation to travel there.

1. Visit the Corning Museum of Glass

One of the best museums we’ve ever been to is in Corning, New York. The subject: Glass, including information and pieces to show how it has changed over thousands of years and how techniques and technology have changed over time.

It’s astonishing to see the stunning pieces artists have created that are on display here. They also hold demonstrations throughout the day, and you can sign up to make your piece at the Corning Museum of Glass too.

2. Go on a Seaplane Adventure

When you’re around many Finger Lakes, opportunities to go on the water are plentiful. But have you thought about what it would be like to land on the water from the air? Finger Lakes Seaplanes make it possible, and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Hammondsport.

Sign up for a flight aboard a small seaplane, which seats about four to five people. Take a journey above Keuka Lake, then land on it! The aerial views will be unique, and the entire experience will last about an hour.

3. Stay at a Historic Hotel

The Park Inn has been around since the 1830s. It’s in the center of Hammondsport and is a very charming and a great place to stay. Book one of the Inn’s suites quickly because there are only a handful!

4. Picnic in the Park Inn, Hammondsport Square

If the weather is nice, pack a picnic or get take out from a nearby restaurant for a picnic in the park in Hammondsport, just in front of the Park Inn. This square patch of land with fluffy green grass displays beautiful Cherry Blossoms in the spring. Its central gazebo is great for taking photos.

Bring a blanket to sit on the grass or find a seat on a park bench to enjoy your lunch.

5. Go Fall Leaf Peeping

The Finger Lakes is a gorgeous area for fall Leaf Peeping, as it’s called. Its cities are blanketed in attractive colors as the leaves change from green to oranges, reds, and yellows during autumn.

Depending on the weather, peak season could occur during September or October.

6. Go on a Glider Plane

Unlike a motorized seaplane or airplane you’d fly on a commercial flight, a glider is a mode of flying without a motor. Instead, a lead plane flies the glider up in the air, attached to a cable. And then, at a certain height, the cable is freed from the glider. That allows the plane to fly through the sky silently.

One of the most exciting things to do in the Finger Lakes is taking a glider at the National Soaring Museum in Chemung County, near Elmira.

Don’t worry about learning how to fly because you don’t pilot the plane! A Harris Hill Soaring Corporation member does that while you ride behind the pilot in your seat, enjoying it all.

7. Stay at a Waterfront Hotel

The Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen is a charming waterfront hotel that is the perfect location for a romantic getaway or family overnight.

Its harbor view is filled with boats of all kinds. Inside, you’ll find spacious, clean rooms, a cozy lounge near the lobby, and several restaurant and bar options.

8. Take a Sunset Sail

Consider a sunset sail aboard True Love on Seneca Lake, especially if you’ll be at the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen. This historic sailboat accommodates multiple passengers.

Aboard, you’ll find they have beverages and snacks if you want to enhance your memorable sail around the lake during “golden hour” just before sunset into dusk.

9. Walk Main Street in Corning

Corning’s main avenue in their downtown area is a charming street to walk along. Grab an ice cream or go antique shopping between grabbing drinks or great meals at one of Main Street’s restaurants.

10. Spend Some Time at the Rockwell Museum

Corning’s Rockwell Museum isn’t named for the famous painter yet has plenty of renowned artists in it!

The Rockwell family started this museum in Corning’s former city hall. It’s where you’ll find a lot of art pieces about the American experience, including fantastic paintings and sculptures highlighting Native Americans. You can easily spend an hour or two here.

11. Go Wine Tasting

The Finger Lakes is known for its wine! They have three wine trails you can follow to hit up a few spots along the Finger Lakes’ great cities. There is something for every wine drinker, whether you like white, red, or rose.

Finger Lakes Wine Trails are available to follow around Keuka Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Seneca Lake.

12. Enjoy the Views at a Vineyard

Even if you don’t enjoy wine, there are gorgeous views at many Finger Lakes wineries. That is especially true if it’s summer or early fall when vines bloom and grapes grow in the vineyards.

Don’t miss Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport for its impressive building and the views.

13. Take a Vineyard Tour

If you’re interested in understanding how wine is made, from grapes to glass, then look into a vineyard tour. Try Atwater Vineyards near Watkins Glen for both the view and their tours.

14. Visit a Distillery

If spirits are more of your thing or you enjoy seeing how they make them, consider visiting one of the Finger Lakes’ distilleries. Sign up for a tour, and then try some in a tasting room.

15. Craft Your Adventure with the Southern Finger Lakes Breweries App

Rounding out your adult-beverage options in the Finger Lakes is beer! Be sure to check out the Craft Your Adventure breweries app to find breweries and cideries, from Corning to Watkins Glen and beyond.

16. Go Kayaking on the Chemung River

You can get excellent exercise kayaking in the Finger Lakes. Paddle around one of the lakes in the early morning or before sunset to enjoy cooler temperatures (especially if you paddle out during summer). Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

17. See Waterfalls

There are loads of waterfalls to enjoy in the Finger Lakes! Some you need to hike to see, and others are roadside. The best time to go isn’t perhaps during heavy rain, but just afterward when the water is gushing!

18. Visit Watkins Glen State Park

One of the most beautiful state parks we’ve ever been to is in the Finger Lakes. Their state park has waterfalls and rock formations and is an incredibly romantic destination in Watkins Glen. It’s all simple to hike, too, suitable for any easy-to-moderate hiker.

19. See a Nascar Race at Watkins Glen International

The history of racing in Watkins Glen dates back to the mid-20th century. It’s still a happening activity there today, where there is a track that hosts Nascar races.

If a race isn’t happening on the speedway when you’re in town, consider signing up to drive the track yourself!

20. Visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Visiting the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is undoubtedly a must-do activity during a trip to Hammondsport in the Finger Lakes. We learned so much about the advancement of airplanes, especially which directly ties into the Wright Brothers’ history in North Carolina.

Glenn H. Curtiss played a significant role in advancing transportation at the turn of the 19th century. He was an inventor who enjoyed building different bicycles, motorized bicycles (aka: motorcycles), and airplanes. Learn all about it in the museum named after him.

21. Flashback to the 1960s at Maybe Baby Burgers

If you love decades past, Maybe Baby Burgers will be a blast. Their black and white checked floor is the first thing you notice as you enter this unassuming roadside restaurant near the Curtiss Museum. Their menu is extensive and includes everything from burgers to salads, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, and more.

The memorabilia inside is kitschy yet cute, with poodle skirts on the wall, Saddle Shoes on the ceiling, and old movies playing on two screens. They have outdoor and indoor seating, where you can hear tunes from the era playing over the restaurant’s speakers.

22. Get Ice Cream at a Traditional Ice Cream Parlor

You can still see the ice cream bar as soon as you walk into Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company.

It’s a great place to get a cup or a cone of ice cream to enjoy inside or take on a walk through Hammondsport. They make all their ice cream in-house and have creative flavors as well as classics.

They also have a full breakfast and lunch menu at Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company. So if you’re hungry for more than ice cream, or you are craving something savory, this is the ideal spot to visit in Hammondsport, in the Finger Lakes.

23. Treat Yourself to a Nice Dinner

A must in any location for us is to treat ourselves to at least one “fancy” meal during our stay. That’s why a must-do in the Finger Lakes was an indulgent meal.

We headed to the Park Inn restaurant for craft cocktails and finger-licking food. If you stay at the Park Inn, you will only have to travel downstairs for this memorable meal.

24. Listen to a Concert at Point of the Bluff

Point of the Bluff Vineyards is excellent for wine tastings (and local cheese to go with it if you’re peckish), but it’s also an event space.

The most popular events they hold are concerts. Consider looking into their concert schedule if you’re looking for things to do in the Finger Lakes. It’s a quick drive from the Park Inn.

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.

from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3lUikvS via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Airbnb Accommodations

Planning a vacation is expensive. Finding the perfect long-term vacation rental can stretch your vacation dollars further. Airbnb long-term travel accommodations provide a solution to the many variables that come with long-term travel. You can book anywhere from a private room in someone’s home to an entire house on the other side of the world.

It is essential to know how Airbnb works before you head out on your long-term trip so that you can make sure it will meet all of your needs and be as comfortable as possible for your stay. In this blog post, we will cover the essential tips and tricks for using Airbnb.

What Is Airbnb, And How Does It Work?

Airbnb is an online travel service that allows users to book accommodations with hosts around the world. Airbnb provides many different accommodation options, including private rooms in people’s homes (shared or exclusive), shared spaces like a living room or common areas like kitchens and bathrooms, entire private homes (entire home/apartment), and long-term accommodations.

When you book long-term travel accommodations with Airbnb, you deal directly with the host or homeowner without an intermediary like a hotel manager. In addition, you can pay for long-term Airbnb room rentals online before your trip.

How To Find A Long Term Vacation Rental

The long-term Airbnb booking process is the same as any other Airbnb accommodation; however, you will be looking for accommodations that offer long-term options. If long-term Airbnb rates are not specified, it is best to ask if long-term discounts or other accommodations can be made for you as a long-term guest.

Use the filters to find the best long-term Airbnb for you. But, first, determine what you consider non-negotiable, wants versus needs, and things that aren’t essential.

For example, do you require wifi? Do you need a kitchen? Do you want to be close to the city center, or do long-term transportation not matter as much since your long-term accommodation is in an area where many public transport options will take you into town?

Once you have determined what is non-negotiable (wifi, full bathroom) and what isn’t (close to the city center), you can begin sorting through long-term Airbnb listings. First, you will want to narrow down your long-term Airbnb search by price, the number of guests, and rooms available.

What To Look For When Renting A Vacation Home

When staying at long-term Airbnb accommodation, make sure your host provides the following:

A Secure And Safe Place To Stay

Airbnb accommodations are not hotels. When you book long-term travel accommodations, this means having locks on doors and windows or making other arrangements so that no one can enter the house without permission.

The Essentials

Airbnb long-term rooms may not come with all of the essentials you need to be comfortable. For example, if long-term travel accommodations do not include linens and toiletries, make sure that your host provides them before you arrive or figure out how to get what you need once you are there.

A Comfortable Bed and Bedding

Long-term Airbnb travelers can’t always bring their linens, so make sure the mattress is clean, firm, and long enough for your height! You may also want to ask about pillows if you have specific preferences.

A Place For Storage

When long-term Airbnb accommodation does not offer a safe space to store your long-term belongings, make sure you have a place for them. That could be as simple as having some hooks or under the bed storage where you can keep things out of view and organized.

The Location

Ensure that long-term Airbnb accommodations are in an area with easy walking access to attractions, grocery stores, oceans or lakes, and public transportation.

The Rules

Long-term travel accommodations must have clear rules about what guests cannot do or have access to. It’s also crucial that long-term Airbnb accommodations are comfortable for long-term guests, so having good rules in place will help keep things positive and problem-free.

Being Able to Cook

Long-term Airbnb accommodations mean having a kitchen is a necessity. Sometimes this means no oven or stove, but at least some basic pots and pans for cooking long-term Airbnb accommodation on the go!

Privacy

When long-term Airbnb travel accommodations are in shared spaces like living rooms or kitchens, make sure you have your privacy when needed.

Tips For Finding The Perfect Airbnb Home

Read the Reviews

As a general guideline, avoid looking at an Airbnb with fewer than ten reviews. There should be enough evaluations to be confident that you are getting an accurate representation of the property. Look for at least ten reviews, and read each one carefully.

That will provide you with a good idea of what the location has to offer. Long reviews are appreciated, especially when someone says they stayed there for a long time. One poor review shouldn’t deter you depending on what the complaint is about. If the positive reviews far outweigh the negative reviews, consider this.

Read the Description

Make sure the description is thorough and informative. Make certain you go through the full description, as there may be a fee for electricity at the end of your lengthy stay.

Message the Host

Send the host an email with a question/issue, and you should get a response in less than 24 hours. This is fantastic because it usually implies that the host will pre-approve you for the rental and your inquiring date.

Why Is Airbnb A Good Option For Long-term Accommodations?

Airbnb offers long-term travel accommodations that are more cost-efficient than hotels and other types of short-term rentals. You can choose from locations throughout the world with many available listings for long-term rental. In addition, there are several long-term Airbnb options, whether you want to rent a room in someone’s house or an entire apartment.

Having a kitchen to cook meals and storing your belongings makes it easier and more comfortable than staying in hotels.

Benefits Of Using Airbnb Over Hotels

Booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel offers many benefits for long-term travelers. For example, long-term renters can save up to 68% on long-term Airbnb accommodations compared to long-stay hotel rates.

Airbnb has properties in over 191 countries, so it’s easy to find an affordable long-term Airbnb rental that meets your needs wherever you go. It’s also easy to find long-term travel rentals in popular locations worldwide, so you can have an excellent long-term stay no matter where your travels take you.

What If My Long-term Travel Accommodation Doesn’t Work Out?

You must familiarize yourself with the cancellation policies if you book long-term travel accommodations with an Airbnb host. If you make a reservation for 28 days or more, the long-term cancellation policy applies. If a guest cancels or changes a long-term reservation, this is how it to handle it:

Depending on the listing and when the reservation is made, your first payment might be non-refundable.

Unless otherwise stated, if they cancel after a trip has begun, the nights remaining in their reservation are non-refundable. Only the next 30 nights are non-refundable if they have more than 30 days left on their booking.

It is up to the homeowner if they choose to give an additional refund.

Legitimate Vacation Rental Sites

Airbnb

Home Away

Abodo

Five Fantastic Long-term Airbnb Rentals in the US

Brownstone in Downtown Minneapolis, MN – the location in the historic district is the main selling point for this long-term Airbnb.

Unique Loft in Bend, OR – this unique loft will be a pleasure to stay in long-term and make for a memorable experience.

Cozy Cottage in Arden, NC – admire the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from this quaint cottage just 15 minutes from Asheville.

Adobe-Style Casita in Taos, NM – enjoy the privacy of being tucked away in the mountains of Taos.

Hotel-Like Home in Nashville, TN – this long-term Airbnb is clean and modern and close to Midtown music venues.

Long-term travel accommodations are not for everyone, but they can be a fun and affordable way to see the world! Booking long-term travel can be challenging. You may be skeptical that it will look like the photos, or you may be doubtful that you can even find a place that meets your requirements. Long-term Airbnb accommodation is more of a commitment, so getting exactly what you want and serving your needs while traveling is essential.

  from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3BVv4b5 via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

25 Winter Adventures and Trips for the Whole Family

The winter season doesn’t have to mean hibernating in your house. From bucket list adventures, thrilling escapes, or regional events, there are so many things to do and memories to make with your family.  From vacations to day trips to local activities, make the most of winter with these 25 adventures and trips for the whole family. 

1. Try Heli-Skiing

Courtesy Unsplash

If you’re looking for an ultimate winter adventure, try heli-skiing. A mixture of a helicopter tour and extreme sports, you’ll be flown to the top of a mountain for off-trail skiing. Not for the faint of heart, but if you’re an expert skier or snowboarder, add this adventure to your winter wish list. 

2. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Courtesy Unsplash

Whether you head out to a nearby ski resort or hop a plane to one, ski destinations offer a wide range of family fun.  Choose a resort, like Steamboat in Colorado or Smugglers Notch in Vermont, that has terrain for all levels and a village with plenty of winter activities to do after skiing/snowboarding.

3. Catch Thrills Snowtubing

Courtesy Unsplash

If you can’t travel to a large ski resort, many smaller local ski mountains also offer downhill snow tubing in the winter. Your heart will be pumping, flying down hills, and catching air going over jumps. Younger kids can often ride along with parents making it a thrilling winter activity for the whole family. 

4. Explore by Snowshoeing

Courtesy Unsplash

If you’re looking for a slower-paced winter adventure, snowshoeing is another option that even small kids can join in. You’ll explore the winter landscape while getting a good workout in at the same time. So strap on some snowshoes, and explore the outdoors in the Midwest, New England, and even northern New Mexico. 

5. Ride a Sleigh Through the Woods

Courtesy Unsplash

There’s something magical about sleigh riding, especially at night, where lanterns guide you through a winter wonderland. From the Pacific Northwest to Lake Tahoe,  Minnesota, The Great Lakes, this adventure might be closer than you think.  Make sure you bundle up, so your Anna and Elsa fans don’t get frozen during the ride. 

6. Go Dog Sledding

Courtesy Unsplash

Dog sledding is another bucket-list-worthy winter adventure. There is no need to travel all the way to Alaska with tours in Colorado, Wyoming, New England, New York, The Poconos, and even Maryland.  Not only do you get the rush of being whisked through the snow, but you will also have the opportunity to feed the dogs or horses afterward.

7. Take a Horseback Ride Through the Snow

Courtesy Unsplash

Equestrians of all skill levels can take a horseback ride through the snow and enjoy nature’s winter wonderland. Take a road trip to Lancaster Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, where you can take in gorgeous country views while riding on horseback. 

8. Go Backcountry Snowmobiling

Courtesy Unsplash

If your teens are looking for extreme winter sports, look into snowmobiling in your area. You’ll get them outdoors and off their devices for another heart-racing activity. Whether you book a tour in the Adirondacks or utilize public lands like Maine’s 3,500 miles of interconnected trails, you’ll get the family adrenaline rushing.  

9. Enter a Cross-Country Skiing Festival

Courtesy Unsplash

If you love cross-country skiing and are looking for a new adventure this winter, why not enter a cross-country skiing festival? Check out their groomed trails in the Rocky Mountains and join a regional festival like Yellowstone’s.

10. Try Ice Fishing

Courtesy Unsplash

If your family loves to fish, you can keep reeling them in all year round. While Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is one of the top ice-fishing destinations, you can give this winter adventure a try across the country –  from New England to Silver Lake, California.

11. Take the Polar Bear Plunge

Courtesy Unsplash

Ring in the new year by taking the Polar Bear Plunge! Grab your whole family and sign up for a local event benefiting charity. Start the new year by building fun memories that you’ll never forget!

12. Attend an Outdoor Hockey Game

Courtesy Unsplash

Like many events over the past year, even the National Hockey League is moving select games outside in destinations like Minnesota and Tennesse. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa and take in a hockey game in your area. 

13. Take a Spin on an Outdoor Skating Rink

Courtesy Unsplash

Whether you’re a figure skater or not, winter day trips to rinks like Rockefeller Center in New York, Millennium Park in Chicago, Union Square Park in San Fransico, and even in Los Angeles are festive days out even when you can’t take a vacation. So grab your family and do your best Michelle Kwan or Scott Hamill impersonation. 

14. Ride the Polar Express Train

Courtesy Creative Commons

Train lovers of all ages can ride The Polar Express across the country. The beloved award-winning children’s book, and the movie starring Tom Hanks, are brought to life in 40 locations across North America. More than a million people a year enjoy this festive train ride in scenic destinations like the Catskills, Grand Canyon, and Mt Rainer, so make sure to buy tickets early!

15. Attend a Theme Park Holiday Celebration

Courtesy Visit Branson

Many amusement parks across the country bring the holidays to life with winter decorations, broadway-style shows, and seasonal, family-friendly delights. From Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City to The Smoky Mountain’s Dollywood and California’s Knotts Berry Farm, add some thrills to your winter adventures. 

16. Check Out an Ice Sculpture Festival

Courtesy Unsplash

The infamous International Ice Sculpture Festival in Fairbanks, Alaska, provides travelers the perfect winter destination to carve out some incredible memories. Check out similar ice sculpture festivals closer to home in Newport, Rhode Island, Saranac Lake, New York, and Lewisburg in central Pennsylvania. 

17. Ice Climbing

Courtesy Unsplash

If you and your family love rock climbing, you can continue the adventure even during the winter. You’ll be scaling sheer cliffs of ice with weather-appropriate gear to give you better traction as you climb up these mountains. It takes physical strength, mental determination, and courage, but make sure to bring an experienced professional with you. 

18. Fat Tire Bike in the Snow

Courtesy Unsplash

Hop off your Peloton and on to a fat tire bike for an outdoor winter adventure.  You’ll feel like you’re riding this specifically equipped bike through a winter wonderland as it floats along on top of all that powdery snow. 

19. Have an Epic Dinner in a Yurt

Courtesy Unsplash

With restaurants around the country adding all types of outdoor seating, you don’t need to be in Big Sky Mountain to dine in a yurt this winter. So whether you’re on the rooftop of a building or in a unique backcountry setting, plan a memorable dinner experience this winter. 

20. Take a Scenic Drive

Courtesy Unsplash

If you’re looking for an intergenerational activity for grandparents with limited mobility as well as napping kids, take a scenic drive to someone new this winter. Whether you visit your town’s drive-thru holidays lights spectacular like Austin’s Trail of Lights or drive Shendahoh Valley’s stunning Skyline Drive, pile in the car for epic views and winter wildlife spotting in your region.

21. Rent a Mountain Cabin 

Courtesy Unsplash

If cold outdoor activities aren’t your thing but spending time with the family is what you’re all about, then rent a cozy cabin.  Reserve a classic log cabin or A-frame house and watch movies play board games, and sip hot chocolate all weekend. 

22. Stay in an Ice Hotel

Courtesy Unsplash

If you’re looking for more adventurous accommodations, book a stay at an ice hotel in Canada, Alaska, Norway, or Sweden. While you may think it would be unbearably cold to stay in a place where everything is made it snow, these once-in-a-lifetime accommodations are actually comfortable. 

23. Thaw Out in Hot Springs

Courtesy Unsplash

Across America, you can find mother’s nature’s hot tubs. If you’re not up for long adventures in the cold weather, you can relax in Calistoga, California, Homestead, Virginia, North Carolina, and even New Mexico’s hot springs.  Melt away all that holiday season stress as you soak the day away. 

24. Visit a National Park

Courtesy Unsplash

Enjoy all the splendor of our country’s protected lands without the crowds! From Arches in Utah to Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone, many of America’s National Parks are open in the winter. You can explore a winter wonderland like no other without fighting for a park reservation or nearby accommodations. 

25. View the Northern Lights

Courtesy Unsplash

Viewing the Northern Lights is a mainstay on many people’s bucket lists. While some of the best views are in  Alaska, it’s possible to also see them in Idaho, Minnesota, Michigan, and even Pennsylvania with the right conditions.  As these bright neon colors dance across the sky, you’ll pinch yourself and be in awe of mother nature. 

  from Savoteur https://ift.tt/3vpTZ4b via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

The Best Debit Cards for Kids to Teach Them About Money

Giving your child a debit card can be an excellent way to teach them about money and budgeting early in life. With consumer debt in the US growing to over $14 trillion, according to CNBC and the Fed, any step you can take to help promote financial literacy early can go a long way.

However, not all debit cards for kids are created equal.

Some have higher monthly fees. Others are free but have ATM and card reload fees. And a few cards offer features above and beyond the competition.

It’s important to understand your options before choosing which debit card to get your kid, especially when it comes to cost. So below, we compiled a list of some of the best debit cards for kids, including a couple of free options you should consider.

What Debit Cards Can Teach Kids About Money

There are a lot of money lessons that kids can learn when using a debit card. Though, the one skill that they will likely pick up above everything else is budgeting.

By allotting them a predefined amount of money, you put the power in their hands to decide how they want to spend their cash.

Rather than saying they can purchase one toy when at the store or one candy bar when at the grocer, they have to look at each item’s price and decide what’s worth it and what’s not, just like the rest of us. They have to consider much more in terms of opportunity cost.

Plus, I think using plastic over cash can have some advantages. It’s like using training wheels before getting their first credit card.

With a kids’ debit card, you can put limits on how much they can spend. So you can essentially make it impossible for them to overspend, and they might start to learn those boundaries.

Then, you take the training wheels off when they get their first credit card, and I think they’ll have a higher chance of not maxing out the credit limit right away because they have built the habit of sticking to a budget when using a card.

If we were following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps, teaching someone about money early would be like step 0. Although, he’d probably frown against the credit card training…

I digress. At the very least, giving your kid a debit card and talking about money will help promote financial literacy. Hopefully, that will go a long way in stopping them from contributing to that multi-trillion consumer debt number mentioned above.

What Defines a Kid Debit Card

Before diving into the list of the best kids’ debit cards, I wanted to define what a kid’s debit card is to me. Generally, I think it must comply with three rules:

A kid (under the age of 18) must be able to use the card on their own

The card must be accepted at most retailers and online

There must be spending controls and parental controls, including transferring preset amounts to the card from a checking account

Also, there are usually features that allow you to track and monitor spending and manage chores.

Most of the best debit cards for kids are prepaid cards that you can load money onto. Since they are prepaid, you avoid the need to open a checking account and eliminate any possibility of overdrawing an account. The card being “prepaid” is the training wheels from the example above.

The 6 Best Kids Prepaid Debit Cards

Before diving into the list, I wanted to call out that the first two options are free! Meaning, there is no monthly fee associated with them.

The rest are still good options, and in some cases, better options, but there will be a monthly fee associated with them.

1. Greenlight Kids Debit Card

Monthly Fee: $4.99

Card Purchase Fee: $0

Reload Fee: $0

ATM Fee: $0

Starting off the list is Greenlight, a debit card specifically designed for kids.

In fact, their tagline is “the debit card for kids, managed by parents.”

The pricing is set up similar to FamZoo, where you pay $4.99 per month but can have multiple kids on the account. It also offers countless great features to promote financial responsibility for kids, including:

Chore management

Allowances

Real-time transaction notifications

Parent-paid interest on savings

And more…

Learn more about the Greenlight card here.

2. Movo Digital Prepaid Visa Card

Monthly Fee: $0

Card Purchase Fee: $0

Reload Fee: $0 (in most cases)

ATM Fee: $2.00

The Movo card outshines Akimbo as a free debit card for kids in a few ways.

For one, there is no reload fee if you opt for direct deposit or other approved methods, which is head and shoulders above the Akimbo card. Imagine reloading $20 onto a card for a kid’s monthly allowance and having to pay $5.95. That’s over a 25% fee!

Even if you loaded $100 at a time, Akimbo is still taking nearly 6% from you.

With Movo, it’s free, which is a massive advantage if you plan to load small increments of money onto the card frequently.

However, there is a $4.95 inactivity fee that kicks in after only 90 days (compared to 12 months for Akimbo). So if your kid is a good saver and doesn’t use their card often, you may face this fee from Movo. Like many other cards on the list, you have to watch out for ATM fees with this one as well.

Learn more about the Movo Virtual Visa Prepaid card here.

3. Current Visa Debit Card

Monthly Fee: $3 ($36 billed annually)

Card Purchase Fee: $0

Reload Fee: $0

ATM Fee: $0 (for in-network ATMs)

The Current card is not free, but it does offer transparent pricing and a one-month free trial. Then, for only $36 a month, you add money to your card as many times as you’d like, worry-free.

Plus, Current offers more than just a debit card. They offer a mobile app with a whole suite of products, including teen banking. It’s one of the most technology-forward options on this list.

Also, for what’s it worth, the card looks cool and wins style points there.

Learn more about the Current Visa Debit Card here.

4. FamZoo Mastercard Reloadable Prepaid Card

Monthly Fee: $5.99

Card Purchase Fee: First four cards are free, then $3 per card

Reload Fee: Free when using a qualified bank transfer or direct deposit.

ATM Fee: Varys by ATM

The FamZoo card is probably the most popular kids’ debit card option on this list. That’s because it was designed to be a kid’s debit card, whereas some other options on the list are just prepaid debit cards that happen to be good for kids.

Because the card is designed for kids, it offers a lot of neat features, including:

Setting up payments for chores

Monitoring and tracking kids spending

The ability to set savings goals for your kids

The monthly fee is $5.99 per family – so the value gets better the more kids you have using the card. Plus, there are methods to reload your card for free to help keep costs down.

Learn more about the FamZoo prepaid debit card here.

5. Gohenry Prepaid Mastercard

Monthly Fee: $3.99

Card Purchase Fee: $0

Reload Fee: $0 (when loading via debit card)

ATM Fee: $1.50

Gohenry offers a free 30-day trial. After that, it is one of the more expensive cards on the list, coming in at $3.99 per month per child.

The premium price could be warranted depending on what you are looking for in a kid’s debit card. However, Gohenry is designed for kids, similar to FamZoo, and offers a sleek app to help teach kids about money.

Last, the ability to personalize the card is a nice touch and could help your kid get a little more excited about learning about money. However, it costs $4.95 to get a customized card.

Learn more about the gohenry card here.

6. Akimbo Prepaid Mastercard

Monthly Fee: $0

Card Purchase Fee: $0 (first sub card free, after that $4.95)

Reload Fee: $5.95

ATM Fee: $1.98

The Akimbo prepaid debit card is technically free. However, even though there is no monthly or annual fee, there is a litany of other costs.

On top of the hefty $5.95 cash reload fee, there is also a $4.95 card replacement fee and a $5.95 inactivity fee (if your card is unused for 12 months).

I like the card because it’s free, and creating sub-cards for your kids to use is relatively easy and only comes with a one-time fee of $4.95. Still, the other expenses associated with this card add up fast (especially the fee to transfer money onto the card).

Learn more about the Akimbo Prepaid Mastercard here.

Bonus: Open a Joint Checking Account

The bonus option on this list is to opt for a regular (non-prepaid) debit card.

You can do this by opening a joint checking account with your kid, giving them access to an FDIC-insured bank account and a debit card at the same time.

The two watch-outs with this option are:

You need to make sure that you won’t get hit with any overdraft fees

You need to check the minimum age to open a checking account, which can vary by bank

If you can get by those two hurdles, this could be a great option because it’s free. There are typically no monthly fees associated with checking accounts and debit cards, and you don’t have to worry about “reload” fees either.

Pros and Cons of Getting Your Kid a Debit Card

Kids Debit Card Pros

Teaches Kids to Budget: As mentioned at the beginning of this article, giving a kid a debit card can be one way to teach them about budgeting and enforce good money management practices.

You Can Set Spending Amounts: Most prepaid cards put the parent in the driver’s seat to set spending limits and monitor accounts. So you can start to let your kids spend money on their own without completely letting them loose.

Avoid Overdraft Fees: Using a prepaid card, you eliminate the risk of having a kid overdraft a debit card and rack up hefty fees.

Multiple Other Features: From setting interest rates in “savings accounts” to incentivize savings to rewarding kids for doing chores, many of the best prepaid debit cards for kids come with additional useful features.

Kids Debit Card Cons

The Cost: There is no getting around it; whether it’s a monthly fee, reload fee, ATM withdrawals fee, or another type of fee, kids’ debit cards are expensive. The high price you have to pay takes away the risk of overdraft fees, and in some cases, the cost is offset with fun features to help you manage the card and teach your kid(s) about money at the same time.

No Rewards: Unlike traditional credit cards, most debit cards do not offer the ability to earn cashback or rewards.

Age Limits: The age limit to open a card tends to vary by company. This is another thing to keep in mind and look up before moving forward with a card.

How to Choose a Debit Card for Your Kid

Choosing a debit card for your kid is easy once you know your options.

In general, I think there are three questions you should answer to make the decision.

1. Do You Want a Prepaid Card?

If you want the safety and security that comes with loading money onto a prepaid card, then you have started to narrow down your options in the direction of the six cards listed above.

If you are okay with taking the risk of overdrafting an account or are familiar with a bank that stops overdrafting in the first place, going the route of a traditional debit card might be a good fit for you.

2. Do You Want Added Features?

If you want a card and app that comes with many bells and whistles, then opting for the FamZoo, Greenlight, or gohenry card (or something similar) is probably a good choice.

Each card’s website details exactly what it can and can’t do (such as monitoring spending). Before signing up, it’d be wise to read those details over carefully.

3. How Often Will You Reload the Card?

If you plan to reload the card monthly or even weekly, you’ll want to pay extra close attention to the reload fees and methods for reloading a card.

If you only plan to load up the card once a year, the monthly fee associated with the card is the cost you will want to keep lower.

Summary: Best Free Kids Debit Cards

Getting a debit card for your kid to use can be a great way to help teach them about money and budgeting.

Though it can also be a great way to simplify your finances, instead of doling out an allowance in cash, you can manage money digitally, just like most of us do when paying our own credit cards or monthly bills.

The key when choosing a card is to make sure the benefits outweigh the costs. As you saw reading through this list, these cards are not cheap, and the monthly costs and fees can add up quickly!

This post originally appeared on Your Money Geek

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/3ig39Li via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

Here’s Your List of the Top Gear for the Perfect Road Trip in 2021

Road trips can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences. However, there are many variables to consider when going on a road trip, from where you will stop to eat to how much time you have before reaching your destination.

The more prepared you are for your road trip, the easier it will be. And that’s where top gear comes in to make your trip easier. Find out the ultimate gear for the perfect road trip and why it matters when going on a long journey.

Why it is Important to Prepare for a Road Trip

When you are packing for your road trip, it is crucial to take into account the following:

– What will be necessary when traveling?

– How long will this journey last?

– Is there a destination in mind before starting on the journey?

What you pack into your bag is just as important as planning for your trip.

Top Gear for the Perfect Road Trip – Electronics

Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station

Goal Zero Yeti is a top car accessory for road trips for those with tablets, laptops, digital cameras, and more who want to avoid draining the battery while parked at their location. Goal Zero’s portable power stations are perfect for continuous charging without being plugged in.

Travel Camera

Travel cameras are high-quality compact versions of your typical DSLR. They can be convenient for those who don’t want to bring everything when they travel, as it means you don’t need to lug around a heavy camera bag and lens. A good travel camera is also perfect if you want some nice shots but don’t have the time or patience to pull out all the fancy gear.

Road Trip Playlist

Music is essential to any road trip, so take some time to download some playlists before you leave. It’s nice to have some familiar favorites on hand for those days when you get tired of the music blasting from your car radio.

Taking the time to download some playlists will also come in handy when you are out of cell service and need to rely on the radio for music. Make this more fun by having each person on your road trip make their playlist.

Podcasts are also a great way to stay entertained on those long drives. There are so many genres of podcasts, and it makes the time in the car pass quicker. You can also download podcasts ahead of time, so you don’t need to stream them.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

If you have taken the time to make some playlists or download some podcasts, a portable Bluetooth speaker is an excellent investment. The speaker is small enough to fit on a table, yet it can quickly blast your favorite songs or podcasts. Turn on the speaker while making dinner on one of your road trip stops or sing along while you are in the shower.

Old School Navigation Maps

Before you begin your road trip, it is a good idea to have a planned, detailed route. However, I still recommend that you bring actual printed maps if there is no cellular service, your phone runs out of battery, you face an unexpected detour, or you get off the beaten track.

Access to smartphones and navigation apps has made buying traditional maps obsolete. While this is useful, we believe investing in a printed map is worth the cost for any extended touring.

The Rand McNally Large Scale Road Atlas is a perfect addition to any road trip if your phone breaks, dies, or doesn’t have service and you need directions using the most up-to-date iteration. It includes an enormous array of easy-to-read maps, including that of 350 cities and US National Parks.

Top Gear for the Perfect Road Trip – Kitchen, Food Storage & Snacks

Cooler

When it comes to road trips, there are many different ways you can store your food. One popular choice for storing perishable goods is the cooler – this is also convenient if you want an opportunity to stop off and have a picnic.

YETI’s Hopper range of coolers has become a favorite due to its durability and selection of soft-sided coolers.

When you’re traveling in a car on vacation, packing for the distance is essential. Unfortunately, traditional coolers are heavy and take up space that you could otherwise use to store bags. So, consider using a portable travel cooler.

Soft-sided coolers are easy to pack, and the Yeti Hopper is a staple on the top gear road trip travel list.

Coffee Maker

Coffee should be at the top of every traveler’s must-have list. Whether it is iced or hot, coffee is a refreshing drink that helps soothe those road-weary travelers who are exhausted from their travels and looking for an energy boost to carry on.

For coffee connoisseurs, one of the best ways to enjoy your favorite hot beverage while you are on a road trip is with a portable electric coffee press. The Aeropress Go is a top gear choice as it brews better-tasting coffee, is easier to clean, and can pack down small for easy transportation.

This on-the-go coffee system is lightweight and compact, with a mug that assembles into the main compartment for easy packing. The coffee kit also comes with 20 free 350 paper filters to get you started so that your creativity doesn’t end at brewing.

Collapsible Tupperware

The best gear for a road trip is collapsible Tupperware. Take food containers that pack down flat or buy ones that are BPA-free, lead, and phthalates-free. They come in handy on those long travel days and serve as storage containers for leftovers if you’re staying at a hotel with a kitchen.

Bindle 24 oz Water Bottle With Storage Compartment

Water bottles are perhaps the most essential item on any road trip. The Bindle water bottle with storage compartment is a genius idea if you want to make a quick stop and go for a hike without having to lug around a day pack or purse. Instead, you can tuck your car keys or a snack in the storage compartment and carry the water bottle as usual.

Top Gear Essentials

Leatherman Signal Multitool

To keep it simple, the more prepared you are for an unpredictable situation, the better off you are. For those road trips that require some maneuvering around unique challenges, a multitool like this Leatherman Surge is necessary for every traveler.

While it would be obvious to pack tools like tire chains, extra supplies, and water bags in a car’s trunk or backseat, you might not consider packing a reliable multitool. Leatherman Signal is an excellent choice when preparing for a long-distance drive with your vehicle.

Day Bag

A good day bag is high on the list of top gear for the perfect road trip. When planning for a trip, the list of essentials is never-ending. Travel day bags can be used in many different ways, such as hiking or shopping, and are among the most critical items to have on any trip. You can slip a few snacks, a water bottle, camera gear, and your other essentials into it.

Rain Jacket

Rain jackets are small and lightweight, perfect for day trips or unexpected downpours. Use your rain jacket as a way to stay prepared and dry if you’re ever caught in the rain!

Pack a rain jacket that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, made from Goretex. It’s not just useful for traveling in rainy climates but can be used as an outer shell during all types of weather. You can also wear it in the winter over a down coat when it’s needed to stay dry.

Road Side Emergency Kit

A Roadside Emergency Kit is a must for any travel. Pack an emergency blanket, jumper cables, and flares when venturing out on the open road. It is always advisable to prepare for emergencies by carrying a variety of supplies. Gear like coolant, zip ties, excess oil, and tools are also significant for roadside assistance when you need it most.

First Aid Kit

The very fabric of a road trip often takes you onto remote and desolate roads, so it’s best to always bring a solid first aid kit.

Traveling with a first aid kit on road trips is comforting, knowing you have a few essentials should you need them, like band-aids, gloves, or disinfectant. The kit should also have a first-aid kit with bandages, antibacterial wipes, antiseptic cream or ointment, and pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen.

Tire gauge

Racking up the miles on the highway is no problem with a tire gauge. This tool makes it easy to make sure your tires are at an appropriate level, and you’re not driving on dangerously low-pressure levels or balding tires.

Lighter

A lighter is an excellent thing to have on a road trip, especially if you are camping. It is inexpensive and comes in handy for making mores or starting fires. You never know when you will need one, so come prepared for the inevitable.

Personal Items

Toiletries

Make sure you can easily access your toiletries and other personal items on long road trips. In addition, items such as sunglasses, cleansing wipes, and sunscreen are all useful. Finally, make sure to bring enough of your prescription medicines for the length of travel (as recommended by your doctor).

If your car allows for it, keeping medications such as antacids and motion sickness remedies in the vehicle will help when necessary. Be sure to pack wet wipes for use on kids’ faces and hands after meals and to clean up any messes during the trip.

Sunscreen

Some of the best gear for a long road trip includes sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential to have on hand when traveling as you may not always be in an area where it’s easy to get shade or protection from harmful rays. In addition, during long trips, there are often hours spent outside or feeling the sun’s rays from the driver’s seat.

Sleep Mask

Sleeping in hotels or new places can be challenging. A sleep mask is perfect for any time of day or night when you need some shuteye. Sleep masks also come in handy if you have kids who go to bed before sundown.

Stain remover

When you spend hours and hours in the car, you are bound to have spills. To help clean up those messes, make sure you have a stain remover on hand at all times. It’s perfect when it comes to spilled coffee or tomato sauce unexpectedly leaking through the bag – wipe and go!

Road Trip Vehicle Organization

Seat Covers

Before your next road trip, consider picking up gear that is specifically designed to help you stay organized while on the go. For example, seat cover organizers are a fantastic option for those looking for a little more order using the back of the front seat.

Small Trash Can

One item that will make a big difference on a road trip is a small trash can. Garbage can accumulate quickly on the road, and this one small detail will prevent your vehicle from becoming a total mess. Another option for tidy travelers on the go is to purchase some pleasant-smelling air fresheners or an appropriate scent pump top spray that you have already smelt at home and know that you will enjoy the smell.

What do you need for a winter road trip?

Preparing for a winter road trip is essential. The two things you need are a winter car kit and snow chains if you will be traveling in the mountains or heading to a ski resort. Snow chains go over your tires to help stop slipping off the road when it snows a lot. A winter car kit includes heat tape and booster cables, tire gauge, windshield wiper fluid, flashlight, gloves. In addition, it’s important to have a scraper/snowbrush, shovel, extra warm clothes, and a down blanket for emergencies.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

If there is one thing that is essential on this list, remember to purchase travel insurance before you leave. Travel insurance for road trips is inexpensive, so it’s great if you don’t need to use it, but if you do, it will help protect your assets while you’re on the road.

When it comes to road trips, you need to consider a lot of variables before starting. From where and when you will stop for food, the amount of time until you reach your destination, and what gear you’ll pack to make your trip easier – top gear for the perfect road trip can be crucial. This list should help take some of the guesswork out of planning for a long journey on wheels.

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/3iTpyyW via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

32 Photographs of Hauntingly Beautiful Abandoned Places

While some historical sites in America are well preserved, The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 19 million buildings have been abandoned across the county. Every day they are fading away into oblivion and taking history with them.

Before these places, and their stories, are completely forgotten, Urban Explorer bloggers and photographers capture our country’s history and preserve it.  Artists like The Explorographer chronicle these Abandonscapes and leave nothing behind but footprints. Escape into 32 of his Hauntingly Beautiful Photographs of Abandoned Places.

1. Indoor Swim

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Opened in 1919, The Grossinger Resort in Liberty, NY, grew from 100 acres to 1200 acres in the 1950s.  In its heyday, it sported 2 Olympic-sized swimming pools, several cottages and hotels, 8 Tennis courts, a skating rink, a ski slope and lodge, an 18 hole golf course, and its own post office and airport. 

2. Less Privacy, More Fantasy

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

The Grossinger Resort had it all and, in its heyday, was one of the largest resorts in the Catskills. The indoor pool featured a beauty salon with a view to a kill.  A large 5 foot by 4-foot plate glass window where you could watch swimmers dive by while getting your hair and nails done. Most of the resort buildings were demolished in 2018 after decades of abandonment and overgrowth. 

3. Haunted Cereal 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Jackson Sanatorium is located in upstate New York and looks more like a scene from The Shining than a health resort. Known now as the place that invented Granola.  This simple breakfast alternative was invented by Dr. Caleb Jackson of Dansville, NY, in 1863 and, at the time, was known as Granula. Made from dense bran nuggets, they had to be soaked overnight to be chewable enough to eat.

4. A Battle Lost to Time

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Though several vain attempts at restoring the property and its accompanying cottages were made over the years, the cottages were burned down by vandals. Additionally, much of the building has collapsed, losing this valuable piece of history forever.

5. Music Therapy 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

The Allegany County Home (originally called a poorhouse) was located near Angelica, NY, and was the crossroads to modern asylums.  The staff often used music to soothe residents and teach them social skills. 

6. Reading is Fundamental 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Poorhouses were established in the United States to assist the uneducated and unemployed. Unfortunately, and quite often, residents were flogged, bound, and chained, often naked in tiny rooms with nothing but a straw mat on the floor.

Once audits of these poorhouses began and the atrocities within were discovered, they were reorganized, or the residents were dispersed to other locations. These “new” poorhouses were labeled “asylums.” Many believe it was to ease the minds of these dispersed residents, whereas today, we think of them as a place to protect the world from its residents rather than the other way around. 

7. The Ghost Town and the Video Game

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Centralia, located in central Pennsylvania in the heart of Coal Country, was founded in 1866.  Victim of an underground coal fire in the early 60’s most of its residents were paid to leave the area due to “dangerous fumes.” 

Over the years, the town has gone from a ghost town to a barren wasteland as one by one, the last of the residents’ homes have strangely burnt down. Early imagery of this town showed steam still rising out of its cracked streets from the still-burning underground coal fire. This eery steam coupled with this ghostly church looming over the small town has inspired the creator of the video game “Silent Hill.”

8. Mind Fire

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

The largest vein of blue coal in the US runs right through the center of Pennsylvania. Also known as Anthracite, blue coal is highly sought after because it yields the highest energy density of all coal.  Since strip mining near residential areas is forbidden by law, mining coal in and around Centralia has been controversial over the years.  The dump fire that conveniently spread to being a mine fire that the government used to try and empty the small town of its residents has also been at the forefront of that controversy.

Over the years, an argument has been made on both sides that the fire could have or have not been put out and the death of Centralia and its residents avoided.  Today, though the mining industry has mostly collapsed and clean-up in and around the area continues, several creeks, rivers, and lakes are full of milky orange water. 

9. To The Moon (and beyond) 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron is located in a field in the middle of nowhere, Wisconsin. Noted only by a couple of billboards on secondary roads, this amazing look into the incredible mind of Sculptor and inventor Thomas Every is not to be overlooked. 

Recently passed, Dr. Evermor has created a sci-fi lover’s wet dream that beckons every hitchhiker in the galaxy.  Massive sculptures of wondrous machines and creatures dot this small art park, now curated by his surviving wife and daughter. Thomas called it “Amythic Obsession,” and if you ever get to visit it, it will be yours as well.

10. Never Bent 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Being an industrial demo specialist over the years took its toll on Dr. Evermor.  One day he just decided he was tired of destroying things and wanted to start making things.  All of the salvage he had done over the years, from NASA space parts to millions of truck and car parts, would go into making up his fantastical Forevertron.

Like all great artists, Tom Every had a rule.  His rule was never to bend, break or cut a single part.  Yes, that’s correct. Every creation he made was from parts as they were manufactured. He would put them together in such a way as they would become a whole new machine or creature. Genius!

11. Where in the World is Lonaconing? 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Located in a tiny town in western Maryland is the last standing completely intact Silk Mill.  One man, Herb Crawford, had preserved this mill for years on his own.  Supported by hundreds of visiting photographers worldwide,  he fought off auction houses, vandals, and mother nature. Unfortunately, in 2019 Herb passed away, and now the future of the mill is unknown.

12. Same as it Ever Was

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Lonaconing Silk Mill shuttered its factory on a Friday in 1957, and everything was left exactly as it was on that fateful day.  A moment is frozen in time, soon to be lost forever.

13. From New York to Montana

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Bannack State Park is home to the ghost town of Bannack, Montana, a well-preserved and constantly maintained authentic ghost town. In 2017 a neighbor visited a rummage sale across the road from their home in Montour Falls, NY.  While there, they were told there were more items in the home’s basement, and they were free to pick through whatever they wanted. 

One small item that was found was a diary and some letters written on copper paper. They were from a woman who made the trek from upstate New York to eastern Montana during the 1860’s gold rush. That diary and the letters have been returned to the park as part of the town’s history. Oh, the person that found the artifacts?  The Mother-in-law of the author of this article.

14. A Hard Knock Life 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Bannack and neighboring Virginia City were rough and virtually lawless western towns.  Gunfights, robberies, murders happened not only on the roads between the two towns but in the towns themselves. Even the elected “Sheriff” was suspected to be the leader of one of the largest gangs in the area.

15. Eat at Roy’s 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Located on Route 66 near the Mohave National Preserve, you find the tiny “mostly” abandoned town of Amboy, California.  Easily, the most famous location in Amboy is Roy’s Motel Cafe. 

16. Check, Please! 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

While at Roy’s, you can get gas and snacks at the “cafe” if you like. But, the actual “hotel” has been turned into unique art displays.  And by unique, I really mean beam me up, Scottie!

17. Fries With That? 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Just up Route 66 from Amboy lies the remains of the Road Runner’s Retreat Restaurant.  Just imagine answering the phone every day at this place.

18. Art is Subjective 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Or at least it used to be.  In 2019 the owners were considering repainting and relighting the sign out front of the RRRR.  But 2020 had other ideas as the 1960’s restaurant fell victim to arson.

While the sign out front and neighboring service station is still intact, the restaurant was gutted. Interestingly enough, this mural survived! They are attempting to rebuild.

19. Give Me The Keys 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Keys Ranch is located deep inside Joshua Tree National Park and only viewable by special tours during certain times of the year. William F. Keys and his family built this homestead and surrounding buildings from 1910 until Keys death in 1969. The site is a testament to those rugged individuals that chose to settle in the Mojave Desert.

20. Tin Roof Rusted 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Along with the sheds, mining equipment, and wagons are several old cars.  The stories behind these vehicles just out here randomly scattered in the desert are as interesting as they are odd.

21. Pocono Paradise? 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Deep in the Pocono Mountains is the sweeping Penn Hills Resort.  The site was first opened as a Tavern in 1944. It grew to a full 500-acre resort with over 100 rooms in the 1960s.  It closed in 2009, just 2 months after its 102-year-old owner passed away.

22. Shagadelic Baby Yeah! 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

With its round beds, heart-shaped whirlpool tubs, and mirrored ceilings, Penn Hills was billed as a “Paradise of Pocono Pleasure” and a place of “Unbridled Passion.” It was well known as the swinging 60’s place to be. A reputation that grew right up until its closing. 

23. A Wrinkle in Pine 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York are the remnants of the Glen Springs Resort.  Originally opened as a health resort in 1872 to take advantage of the local mineral springs. The only remaining intact building is this old gymnasium with its floor wrinkled and damaged from water damage over the years.

24. Creature Feature

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

In addition to the full basketball court, performance stage, the gymnasium at Glen Springs also included a movie theater.  The projectors remain to this day, ready for their next double feature.

25. The Irish Giant 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Located outside the central Pennsylvania coal town of Mahanoy City, The Irish Giant was the largest anthracite coal breaker in the world. It was called St. Nicholas, and it was massive. 

Large chunks of mined anthracite coal were hoisted up 10 floors by a conveyor belt before being dumped into a series of grinders on consecutive floors below. Then, finally, the coal would make its way to the ground floor, where coal cars would be waiting to haul the perfect fuel-sized pieces off for consumption.

26. Another Time Capsule Gone 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

10,000 cubic yards of concrete, 3,800 cubic yards of steel, 20 miles of pipes, and half a village relocated to build it. The St. Nicholas coal breaker could process 12,500 tons of coal per day. 

Opened in 1931 and described as sounding like rolling thunder when in operation, the hulk went silent as the last coal dropped in 1965.  Miners work clothes, boots, machinery, all of it, left to rot.  In 2018, the last remains of the breaker were broken by a controlled explosion. Saved only by the memories of the surviving workers and photographers who visited before its demise.

27. Asylum for No One

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Built in 1858 and designed by Isaac G. Perry, the New York State Inebriate Asylum in Binghamton, NY sat empty and unused since 1993.  Many promises have been made to rehab and reuse the building, but no formal plans have been announced.

28. Beauty Unseen 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

The ornate staircase at the asylum’s first-floor entrance is just a hint at the beauty within. Sad to think that, for the most part, the site cannot be enjoyed in person due to its decaying condition and standing HIPAA laws regarding patient privacy.

29. Spa Town USA 

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Sharon Spring’s New York was well known for its mineral springs and spa baths. Built in 1929 by owner Louis Adler for $250,000, the 150 room hotel operated by Adler until 1950.  The hotel was purchased in 1972 for a mere $75,000 and operated as Yarkony’s Adler Hotel until 2004.

After the spa business “dried” up, the derelict hotel was purchased in a package deal with other properties in town by a Korean Firm that promised a renovation. Unfortunately, the building still stands vacant to this day.

30. Wallpaper and Shag

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Fancy a stay?  Well, you can’t. The property is now monitored and off-limits to all.  Who can blame them with styles like these? I think Stephen King called, and he wants his hotel back.

31. Well, Well, Wells

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Wells Falls is located just off the main drag in the Finger Lakes region city of Ithaca, New York.

Fairly hidden from a local nearby park, this gem features a beautiful waterfall cradled by an old abandoned hydropower plant.  Old and crumbling from the seasons, this old building’s saving grace is the water itself. Thus, blocking any human entry to the site and thus saving it from the excavator.

32. Fit for a Businessman

©A.D.Wheeler/The Explorographer

Another “feature” of Well’s Falls granted by its secrecy is that it has become quite the spot for skinny dippers during the hot months of the summer.  You’ll also find poets, musicians, artists, and even businesspeople having a bite to eat.  So much so over the years, the falls have earned the name “Businessman’s Lunch Falls.” If you think all of this seems strange to you, then you have never been to Ithaca.

This post originally appeared on SavoTeur.com and has been republished with permission.

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/3xsxf32 via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

How to Get Out of Debt: 13 Expert-Backed Steps for Success

Dealing with debt can feel like a hopeless situation.

You try your best to make your payments, but interest charges eat up all your progress. The next month, you’re back to square one.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry: You don’t have to be stuck with debt forever. We reached out to several experts and got their best tips for how to get out of debt. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Find Your Motivation

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of debt payoff, start by figuring out the big reason why you want to be debt-free. This is crucial for keeping yourself motivated when things feel difficult, according to Fo Alexander, founder of Mama & Money and author of “Dump Debt & Build Bank.”

Maybe you want to eliminate stress or give your kids a better life. Perhaps debt is holding you back from starting your own business or going on a dream vacation. “Paying off debt can get hard and discouraging, especially if you have a significant amount,” Alexander said. “Whatever your reason, make sure that it’s enough to keep you encouraged when times get tough.”

2. See Where you Stand

Once you identify the motivation for paying off debt, it’s time to figure out where you currently stand and devise a basic budget.

“You need to know what goes in and out of your household and whether those expenses can be covered with your income,” said Leslie H. Tayne, a debt solution attorney and managing director of Tayne Law Group, P.C.

Start by making a list of all of your monthly expenditures, including healthcare, utilities, insurance, childcare, and housing costs. Don’t forget to include debt payments, too.

Next, add up all your monthly income and subtract your expenses. The money leftover is your cash flow — and you may be surprised to find that it’s negative. If so, you’ll need to find ways to cut your spending so that you can pay down debt more aggressively, and eventually, grow your savings.

3. Identify Poor Spending Habits

Once you have a basic budget in place, take a look at your discretionary spending (AKA your “wants”) and look for opportunities to cut unnecessary spending. Don’t worry: You don’t have to live on a barebones budget forever. But if you want to get rid of your debt fast, it’s important to look for ways you might be wasting money and cut those expenses. “It’s easy to fall back into the debt trap if you don’t address the habits that caused you to get there in the first place,”  said Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert.

She explained that identifying and eliminating spending triggers can help. “Everyone has a trigger, and it’s important to face it to avoid it and prevent it from destroying your financial gains.” For instance, if you’re a compulsive shopper, delete retail apps and turn off push notifications for sales. If you can’t walk into Target or Costco without buying a bunch of stuff, you don’t need (guilty), stop shopping at these stores in person. “Instead, order online and choose curbside or in-store pickup, or have the items delivered to you directly,” Woroch suggested.

And every time you dodge an impulse purchase, put that extra money toward repaying your debt.

4. Increase Your Income

You can only scrimp and save so much. In addition to cutting your spending, another way to pay your debt more aggressively is to earn more income. “It doesn’t have to be a part-time or full-time job, either,” Tayne said. “Side gigs, such as baking, photography, dog walking, babysitting, ride-sharing, or turning unoccupied space in your home into a rental, can all generate extra income.”

Just keep in mind that gig workers are responsible for paying taxes on their earnings, so be sure to set aside some of your income for tax time and find out if you need to make quarterly estimated payments.

5. Narrow Your Focus

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when tackling your debt. There can be many competing priorities, including keeping up on the bills, paying off debt, saving for retirement, buying a house, etc.

“People want to feel like they are making progress, so they spread their focus and resources across all of these goals,” said Brian Walsh, a certified financial planner at SoFi. “This may seem logical, but it is the exact opposite of what we recommend.”

Instead, focus on accomplishing one goal at a time. You’ll make progress quicker, and progress leads to persistence. For instance, work on getting rid of your high-interest credit card debt before moving on to your federal student loans.

6. Set Micro-Goals

Becoming debt-free is a big goal that will likely take a long time to accomplish. If you only focus on that one big goal, it can feel like you aren’t making progress, and you might get discouraged.

“We recommend breaking down your finances into micro-goals that allow you to focus on 30-60 day sprints that will build-up to the big goal,” Walsh said. For example, instead of saying, “I want to eliminate all my credit card debt,” create a micro-goal of paying off one card over the next month. Then, you can reassess your situation and choose your next goal. “The key is that they are short-term, measurable, achievable, and build toward the bigger goal.”

7. Start a Debt Snowball

When it comes to paying off debt, the standard advice is to tackle the debt with the highest interest rate first and work your way down (also known as the “debt avalanche” method). From a mathematical perspective, this is the best way to save money in the long run. However, it may not be the best strategy for you, especially if you struggle to stay motivated.

If you need an extra mental push, try the debt snowball method instead. This involves using your extra funds to pay down your smallest debt first while paying the minimums on the rest. Once you knock out the first debt, apply your extra funds to the next-biggest debt, creating a snowball effect.

“Writing off an entire account of your debt is a great victory and provides some much-needed positive reinforcement,” said Maria Alcantara, a chartered investment manager and founder of Millennial Money Queens. “Managing money is often a mind game; we need to take into account the fact that we are human beings, not just robots that will quickly make the most logical and analytical decisions.”

The debt snowball method helps make debt payoff a source of pleasure rather than pain. It may cost you a little more in interest overall, but the psychological benefits can be worth it.

8. Pay More Than the Minimum

Paying the minimum payment due on your debts will ensure you avoid late fees. But when it comes to getting rid of your debt completely, it’s important to pay more, according to Tegan Phelps, founder of The Blissful Budget. Otherwise, you get stuck in a cycle of barely paying down the interest you accrue each month. “Doing this will ultimately pay your debt down quicker and save you money in interest,” Phelps said.

9. Set up Automatic Payments

Another mental roadblock to paying off debt is having to take money out of your bank account and send it off to your lenders. Physically moving your hard-earned money between accounts can be a mentally painful process.

That’s why it can help to set up automatic payments. “Setting up automatic payments ensures that you are at least paying the minimum balance each month,” Phelps explained. “This also allows you to stay consistent with making payments versus trying to remember to pay your balance after you receive your statement.”

10. Apply for a 0% Balance Transfer Card

If you have a lot of high-interest credit card debt and a decent credit score, one simple way to get a leg up on paying it off is by moving the balance to a 0% balance transfer card.

In order to entice new customers, many card issuers will offer to charge you 0% interest for anywhere from 12-24 months if you transfer your balance from a competitor. “This means that your monthly payment will go fully toward your past purchases/expenses, and nothing will be wasted on interest so that you will pay down your balance faster with less money,” Woroch said.

When using this strategy, it’s crucial that you stop charging expenses to the old card you just transferred your balance from. Also, take advantage of your 0% interest period and do your best to pay off the whole balance before interest starts accruing again; otherwise, you could end up back where you started.

11. Negotiate Your Rate

Did you know it’s possible to negotiate your interest rate with lenders, especially if you’re in good standing? Carmen Perez, a personal finance advocate for Varo Bank, said one way to get ahead of your debt is by calling up your creditors and asking for a rate reduction.

When calling, be sure to remain calm and polite. It helps to bring up examples of how you have been a good customer, such as making all your payments on time. Your lender may be willing to temporarily or permanently lower your interest rate, allowing more of your payment to go toward paying down the principal.

“It never hurts to try,” Perez said. “The worst thing they can say is ‘no.’”

12. Consider Bankruptcy as a Last Resort

The thought of filing for bankruptcy might seem scary. And it’s definitely something you should only consider as a last resort since it can damage your credit for several years. Even so, it could be worth pursuing if your situation is dire.

“If your debt load is so large that you cannot make a dent in it, even after aggressive budgeting, then bankruptcy may provide a way for you to eliminate it and get a fresh start,” said bankruptcy attorney Thomas C. Rollins, Jr. “While bankruptcy will hurt your credit for 7-10 years, depending on the chapter of bankruptcy filed, it can often result in a vastly improved financial situation for those that use it properly.”

If you find yourself buried in debt after losing a job, a medical emergency, or a divorce, weigh the pros and cons of filing for bankruptcy. And if you do go the bankruptcy route, don’t wait — you’ll likely fare much better by filing bankruptcy early, rather than struggling for years and then filing later.

13. Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself

You didn’t go into debt overnight, and you won’t get out of it overnight, either. Sometimes the journey to becoming debt-free can feel like it’s never going to end, which is why Grant said it’s important to put in place positive reinforcements along the way.

“As you work toward becoming debt-free, you should set realistic goals and reward yourself for achieving them,” he said. For example, if you cook at home four days a week to save money for debt repayment, reward yourself on Friday by ordering take-out for lunch. “This positive reinforcement adds a level of excitement to the journey by being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/2QvX0ja via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

How to Prepare for a Recession: 5 Steps to Take Now

Recessions are an unfortunate fact of life.

The most recent, which occurred in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, was one of the quickest yet severe recessions to occur yet. Most economists agree that we’re no longer in an official recession, but the economy is a long way from healthy.

So if you want to be better prepared for the next one — and there will be a next one — here’s what you need to know.

Definition of a Recession

To most people, the term “recession” signals turbulent financial times ahead. But what does it mean, exactly?

The widely accepted definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of significant economic decline. Usually, that’s measured by negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth. However, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research (the organization that officially identifies and declares recessions), the guidelines for calling a recession can be a bit looser. The year 2020 is a perfect example.

“What is unusual about the most recent COVID-induced recession is that it was declared a recession before the usual 6-month window,” said Samuel Rockwell, a financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates. “The NBER stated last June that the significant drop in GDP and widespread economic impact should be characterized as a recession.”

While it’s not possible to predict exactly when a recession will hit, we know that the economy is cyclical. Since World War II, recessions occur about every 58.4 months, though they definitely don’t happen like clockwork. That’s why it pays to be prepared, especially if there are signs a recession is on the horizon.

How to Prepare for a Recession

Keep in mind that every person’s financial picture is unique. “The recession preparations of a 20-year-old vs. an 80-year-old will likely look drastically different,” Rockwell said.

That said, if it seems like a recession may be on the horizon, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself.

Here’s what to do.

1. Lower Your Living Expenses

In general, it’s wise to follow a budget and spend less than you earn. But if it looks like tough financial times are imminent, you may want to cut back on discretionary spending — at least temporarily.

“By reducing your monthly expenses, you will have less financial stress during a potential recession in case you lose your job, as your unemployment benefits and potential severance may not be enough to cover your cost of living,” said Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert.

Consider making a few tweaks to your budget, such as pausing subscriptions and memberships, cooking at home more often, and switching to a cheaper cell phone plan. You can also make some bigger changes to your lifestyle that will be more impactful, such as refinancing debt to a lower rate, downsizing your living situation, and even ditching your car.

How far you’re willing to go to slash your budget is totally up to you and may depend on your job stability. But in any case, being proactive ahead of a potential recession will set you up to come out ahead.

2. Beef up Your Emergency Savings

The last thing you want during a recession is to rack up high-interest debt. Once you fall into a cycle of debt, it’s tough to climb back out even after the economy has recovered. That’s why it’s a good idea to build up an emergency savings fund that can serve as a safety net if a recession does occur.

Ideally, you should aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Keep in mind that’s necessary expenses, not fun money for entertainment, shopping, and eating out. If you’re self-employed, aim for a few months more.

“Ideally, you should keep your emergency savings in a separate account, so it’s out of sight and out of mind,” Woroch said. “This way, you aren’t tempted to dip in and use it for something other than an emergency.” Though interest rates are pretty low right now, look for a high-yield online savings account that will give you the best return possible on your savings and combat inflation. “The money is still easily accessible, and you can automate transfers between your checking and online savings to help grow your emergency fund over time,” Woroch noted.

Of course, saving up all this money is easier said than done, especially if you live paycheck-to-paycheck. “Even if three months of living expenses seem high, don’t let that deter you from saving something — anything — even if it’s just a couple of hundred dollars,” Woroch said.

3. Diversify Your Income

If the last recession taught us anything, it’s that you can’t always count on having a job. In 2020, more than 70 million people filed for unemployment benefits. That’s a staggering 40% of the entire U.S. workforce.

One way you can protect yourself against income loss during a recession is by starting a side hustle. Not only does side income help you stay afloat, but you’ll be less reliant on debt or dipping into your emergency savings to get by. “By creating different income streams, you give yourself options and flexibility even in the direst times,” Woroch said.

That doesn’t mean you have to take on a second full-time job to diversify your income. It might only take a few hours a week of tutoring, freelance writing, or working as a virtual assistant to beef up your earnings and savings.

You also don’t have to invest a lot of time or money into starting your own side business. There are plenty of services out there that already have the infrastructure set up, and you can choose how much or how little you want to work. For example, you can get paid to pet sit and walk dogs through Rover or perform odd jobs for people through Handy. Just be sure you are prepared to handle your own taxes on side income and verify that you aren’t violating your day job policies.

4. Have a Solid Financial Plan in Place

Your savings and income are just a couple of pieces of your overall, long-term financial plan. Not sure what that plan is? Now is the time to figure it out.

After what we all experienced last year, investors need to plan for unexpected events before they actually take place, according to Andrew Crowell, vice chairman of wealth management at D.A. Davidson. That means having a clearly defined roadmap to navigate life’s unforeseen challenges in 2021 and beyond, including retirement savings and other wealth planning.

This type of planning can undoubtedly feel overwhelming, especially if you’re an inexperienced investor. Working with a professional can make the process much easier. And don’t worry: You don’t have to hire a fancy financial planning firm that will take a big cut of your portfolio. Many modern financial planners offer hourly and project-based services and can work with all types of budgets. Try the XY Planning Network or Garrett Planning Network to search for a professional who matches your needs.

5. Make the Best of the Situation

There’s no doubt that going through a recession is tough. For many, simply paying the bills is a tall order. But if you’re lucky enough to be in a stable financial situation when a recession does hit, it’s helpful to be mentally and financially prepared to take advantage.

One upside of the stock market dropping is that securities essentially go on sale, allowing you to buy up shares at a lower price. When the market eventually recovers, you will be even further ahead. “It feels counterintuitive, but it’s a discipline that can help build a solid financial future,” Crowell said.

And if you’re panicking about your 401(k) taking a hit, know that it will rebound. Between February and March of 2020, the market crashed and experienced three of the worst single-day point drops in U.S. history. It was so bad, in fact, that the New York Stock Exchange had to halt trading several times. But by the end of the year, the Dow Jones had actually gained 6.6%, while the S&P 500 grew 15.6%, and the Nasdaq grew a whopping 43.7%.

Cromwell said that this type of market volatility could actually create a rebalancing opportunity for portfolios. Cromwell added that it might be helpful to try dollar-cost averaging for younger investors, a systematic way of investing through market ups and downs. Regardless of how you personally prepare for a recession, the point is to be ready before you know what hits the fan.

We can’t predict exactly when a recession will happen, and we can’t always avoid taking a financial hit from one. But we can do our best to be ready.

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/3u41gnE via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

Is Acorns a good investment?

Have you seen a real-life acorn? They’re cute, in a way. But if you’ve ever been hit by an acorn falling from a tree, you know they can sting!

The Acorns investing program is much the same. Has anyone made money on the Acorns investing app? Is it your best investment option? We’ll explore these questions and more today.

Note: in this article, I mention several investment brokerages by name. I am not being compensated for mentioning them. My purpose for Semi-Retire Plan is to help connect you to the resources that will best serve you.

This post is written based on Acorns product offerings in August 2019, which are subject to change.

What are the Acorns investing app?

First, let’s cover the basics.

As you’ve likely heard, Acorns is an app and website that invests extra change from your checking account transactions. When you make purchases, it “rounds up” to the next even dollar amount and adds the difference to your Acorns account once it totals $5. The popular system (with over 3 million users) has garnered praise from the media to engage millennials to help them start investing.

I myself am a millennial, so I feel it’s appropriate to give this reality check.

Is Acorns a legitimate company?

Yes!

The Acorns website and app are sleek and user-friendly, and it’s a fun concept.

So, is Acorns a scam? No — acorns is a legitimate company. When you break down the details, the program doesn’t make sense for users financially. 

Has anyone made money on the Acorns investing app?

Definitely! You certainly can make money on the Acorns investing app. Acorns isn’t a bad product by any means, and it can be a great way to get experience investing in the stock market. The real question is, though, is Acorns the best way for you to invest your money? We’ll dig into this question more below.

Should I go “aggressive” on Acorns?

We’ll talk in more detail about this later in the post, but all investments expose your funds to risk. Aggressive stock market investments can have the potential for higher gains but are also generally riskier.

You can read my full, detailed thoughts on long-term investment strategies here, but I believe you should only invest in the stock market when you have long-term goals, like saving for your retirement. In my opinion, the negative side of going “aggressive” on the Acorns app is that most Acorns users aren’t investing for long-term goals. The high volatility of aggressive investments over short periods of time is a major concern, in my view.

How much does Acorns cost?

Acorns costs as little as $1 per month for the “Lite” subscription level.

The Personal level is $3 per month, and the Family level is $5 per month.

Proportionately, though, this Acorns subscription cost can be quite expensive. I’ll dig into these details in point #3 below.

Can I lose money on the Acorns investing app?

Yes. Any investment in the stock market or funds that own shares of stock is subject to risk and fluctuation — which means potential loss of value.

For any investing, It’s always best to first consider your goals before choosing an account type. Is this money for a specific purpose? How much will time pass before you need to access it? Should you expose the money to risk? Will the investment vehicle incur taxes?

Ultimately, Acorns does not account for what your goals are. Even if you have a clearly defined purpose for your money, there are more affordable options to help you meet your goals.

Is Acorns worth it?

We’ve covered the basics, now let’s get to it. Is the Acorns investing app really the best place for your money? I would argue that Acorns is not a good investment.

Here are 5 reasons why you might want to consider investing elsewhere.

1. The standard Acorns account isn’t a good investment for long-term goals

Acorns Core accounts are taxable brokerage accounts. If you invest for a long-term goal like your young child’s college expenses or your retirement, there are better-suited account types available.

For college savings, you should consider a 529 plan or Education Savings Account. You could even use a Roth IRA — your contributions can be withdrawn early without penalty if needed. These three accounts will all give you tax advantages and efficiencies that a taxable brokerage account will not.

For retirement savings (even for early or semi-retirement), employer-sponsored plans, IRA plans, or HSAs will be much more tax efficient.

Acorns offer an Acorns Later IRA account option, but it comes at an extra cost ($2 or $3 fee per month, depending on if you opt for an Acorns Spend checking account too). That cost may not seem huge, but it’s unnecessary when other IRA providers have no monthly subscription costs. Furthermore, the best brokerages offer hundreds or thousands of investment choices within the IRA plan, while Acorns only offers 5 pre-set portfolio choices. Vanguard, Schwab, and Fidelity are solid, low-cost brokerage options to use instead.

2. The standard Acorns account isn’t a good investment for short-term goals

In the long run, the stock market tends to rise (though past performance is no guarantee of future results). For example, the U.S. stock market has never lost money over any 20 year period. However, along the way, there is a lot of volatility. For that reason, I and others do not recommend investing in the stock market if your money will be needed in the short term.

Personally, I would not invest money unless I was planning not to need the money for 7 years or longer. I’ve seen other financial minds recommend 5 or 10 years as their rule of thumb.

Worse still, if you may need to withdraw your money for an emergency, it will take 3-6 business days for your withdrawal to fully process.

If you need to access your money in the next 5 years, I recommend that you invest it in a high-interest savings account instead.

I also recommend keeping 3-6 months of expenses in a readily accessible “emergency fund” savings account so that you do not need to draw down on your investments in the event of a surprise expense.

3. Acorns fees — they’re killing your returns

In 2014, the average debit cardholder used it for 21.2 transactions per month. It’s a bit of a challenge to find detailed, recent statistics on debit and credit card transactions. The major card companies tend to report sales volume instead of transaction numbers. So, to give Acorns a fighting chance, let’s assume the average person is making 40 transactions per month.

If, on average, the “round up” from each transaction is $0.50, that would be $20 invested in Acorns each month.

The $1 per month base plan subscription fee for Acorns is costing you 5% of your monthly contribution. Any other brokerage charged you 5% per month on your contributions would be written off as a scam.

You’re charged $3 or $5 per month for access to additional Acorns investment account types. Using the same $20 investment per month assumption, those fees amount to 15% and 25%.

So, if you’re debating “Is Acorns a good investment?” this is a major negative factor.

4. (You guessed it) the standard Acorns account isn’t a good investment for medium-term goals

We said before that a taxable brokerage account likely isn’t the best choice for long-term investing, and it’s too volatile for short-term investing. So, you might be tempted to think Acorns could be a good choice for medium-term goals. In a way, that is the best possible use case for Acorns, but it’s still not the best option for users with this time period in mind.

Consider the impact of the $1 per month fee over 15 years compared to an account where you are not charged a subscription fee. Many low-cost brokerages do not charge subscription fees or transaction fees on their own ETFs (my brokerage account, IRA, and Roth IRA are with Schwab, so I know first-hand that they do not charge commissions on over 250 Schwab ETFs.).

Monthly investment $19 ($20 – $1 Acorns fee) $20 (no monthly fee) Annual growth rate 9% 9% Time period 15 years 15 years Future value $7,189.71 $7,568.12

In this scenario, the $1 monthly fee is lowering your future account value by $378.41.

5. Acorns isn’t a good investment because it gives a false sense of accomplishing your financial goals

The most dangerous effect of the media praise of the Acorns investing app is that it makes subscribers feel like they are doing something big for their future. Most of the positive coverage focuses on inspiring young people to invest for the first time.

Your savings rate should be based on your specific plans for the future, so I don’t want to say there’s one number that is “right.” However, most people should be saving 10-15% of their income if they’d like to retire at a traditional age. For those of us pursuing semi-retirement, 20% or more will move the needle.

$19 per month is fine if you’re just getting started but is not a long-term solution.

So, is Acorns a good investment?

Honestly, the Acorns investing app is a fine product if you would like to use it for entertainment instead of already meeting your other financial goals.

Alternatively, investing with Acorns can be a good “sandbox” for beginner investors to learn the stock market basics.

I do want to caution you, though — other low-cost savings vehicles are likely more appropriate to help you meet your goals.

Do you use Acorns? How would you describe your experience and results with the program?

If you’re not feeling good about Acorns and you want to learn about the investment strategy that I fully endorse, check out this post: Our Self-Imposed Rules for Investing in the Stock Market

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/319BQaj via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

How to Lead a More Adventurous Life

Note from Mr. SR: Have you found yourself wondering how you can lead a more adventurous life? Especially during your full-time working years, it’s easy to dream about the possibilities.

But you can inject more adventure into your life now! I’m excited to share this guest post by my friend Wade from Intrepid Daily — he’s an expert adventurer with some insight to share, and there are a surprising number of shared values between the early retirement and adventuring communities.

Why do we want to retire early, or semi-retire? Is it simply because we want to be out of the working world, no longer answerable to a boss or supervisor?

I think there’s more to it.

In the five years I’ve run my website, Intrepid Daily,  I’ve talked to a ton of people who want to leave the working world behind them, and most of them don’t just want to avoid work. They long for freedom, meaning, fulfillment, and adventure.

Does that sound like you?

If you’re in the process of retiring, semi-retiring, or even just starting to plan for retirement age in the future, there is no better time to start leading a more adventurous life than now.

Why adventure?

Adventure takes many forms, but what I write about most is outdoor recreation as adventure. Think camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, canoeing… Actually, just about any form of playing outside. What I’ve learned is that adventure provides a lot of value.

This isn’t just anecdotal either. We’ve learned that we can reduce stress and improve our attention spans, physical fitness, and willpower just by spending time in nature. You can reap those benefits too, but don’t worry if you’re new to adventuring in the great outdoors — even a 20 minute hike has been shown to help lower the human stress hormone cortisol. Other research indicates that “Those who got in two to three hours in nature were about 20 percent more likely to report high overall satisfaction with their lives than those who spent no time outdoors at all.”

Additionally, adventuring in the great outdoors also provides exercise, which we know can help prevent or manage several health concerns — it can reduce the likelihood of stroke, arthritis, heart-related illness, and many types of cancer, while helping to regulate conditions like type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

In short, if you want to live a longer, healthier life in which you feel satisfied, adventure is the way to do it.

How to become an adventurer

There’s no complicated set of instructions for becoming an adventurer, no secret formula you have to figure out. In fact, it’s really quite simple. There’s just one thing you need to do.

Go on adventures

Sound too good to be true? It’s not, but just because it’s simple, doesn’t mean it’s always easy. If you’re new to the adventuring game, it’s probably unwise to just head out into the backcountry without support. Instead, consider introducing adventure into your daily life by adopting an adventurer’s attitude, then letting the small steps compound into significant lifestyle changes.

What is an adventurer’s attitude?

To create a more adventurous life, the first thing to address is our attitude.

We need to look at the challenges we face — even the small day-to-day tasks we all have to deal with — and consider them as, at least in some small way, part of an adventure.

This sounds silly, I know. And I won’t lie, it’s difficult at first. I mean, all the mundane or unpleasant tasks we face in our lives don’t feel like they’re part of an adventure, but we’ve got to put in the work to alter our mindset. By doing so, we develop the skills that ALL adventurers need. Like the ability to accept a certain level of discomfort in order to achieve a goal, or to make a sacrifice now in order to facilitate a greater success later on down the road.

The next step in developing the adventurer’s attitude is to begin stepping outside of your comfort zone.

If this is new to you, feel free to start small. Maybe, instead of ordering the same meal every week at your favorite restaurant, you try something new or go to an entirely new place. Maybe you try to learn a new skill, or explore a new location. You’ll notice that none of this is extremely frightening or dangerous. That’s just fine.

Once you’re comfortable with things like that, you can take a day hike in a nearby National or State Park. Then try out a camping trip. Eventually you could take on a backcountry backpacking trip, if you want.

Do you want to retire to live in a van, sailboat, RV, or tiny house? Explore what that’s like now by renting one for a few days, or even a week or two, and get a feel for whether actually doing it lives up to the romantic idea of doing it.

Stretch your comfort zone, taking on bigger challenges as you go. You don’t have to make huge changes all at once — just like investments, let them grow over time.

Living a rich life

Like most things, retirement of any kind comes down to what you want. If you want to retire early, chill at home, watch some ball games, and work in the garden, by all means do that.

But if you’re looking for a freedom beyond the working world, a life of adventure may be right for you.

I know folks who lived the semi-retired life working part time at National Parks, or who lived in an RV and worked remotely. These sound like awesome lives to me, but what matters is what sounds right for you.

At its heart, semi-retirement, early retirement, or any kind of lifestyle change is an incredibly personal, individual choice. The goal isn’t to chase someone else’s dreams, but rather to hone in on your own. To lead a rich life.

When I say “rich life,” I’m not referring only to money. Though money is an important element in leading a rich life — and you’ll find plenty of posts on this site that can help with financial choices — I’m talking about the quality of life, the level of happiness you experience, the fulfillment you enjoy, and the experiences you explore. An adventurer’s attitude will absolutely help you lead your own rich life.

If you want to lead a more adventurous life during your semi-retirement, embrace one of the core tenets I teach on my website — start now, not later. Just like you shouldn’t put off saving or investing money for retirement, you shouldn’t delay investing in your adventurer’s attitude. The sooner you begin to add adventure to your daily life, the more your adventures will grow by the time you begin retirement.

Want help getting started on the semi-retirement path? Check out some of these articles to learn more. And if you’re interested in adding adventure to your lifestyle, no matter where you’re at in life, stop by my website at IntrepidDaily.com to get started. 

The post How to Lead a More Adventurous Life appeared first on Semi-Retire Plan.

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/2SUHdYJ via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

Sitting Poolside Interview with Forrest from Don’t Work Another Day

The Sitting Poolside interview series

When people think of retirement, scenes of beachfront homes, rounds of golf, or reading by the pool come to mind. Sitting Poolside is a series of interviews that challenges that notion and other financial misperceptions. The series name pokes fun at the stereotypes, but it’s also an opportunity to discuss people’s real stories and unique insights. So grab a piña colada and pull up your lounge chair!

Forrest from Don’t Work Another Day

Forrest is the owner of Don’t Work Another Day, a personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship blog dedicated to helping others live a life on their own terms.

Entrepreneurship

Mr. SR (MSR): How did you decide to start Don’t Work Another Day? What is your mission?

Forrest: I decided to start Don’t Work Another Day after I realized working a typical 9-5 job for the rest of my life would not make me happy.

I have always been entrepreneurial and interested about money, so starting the blog fulfilled both of those passions. I started a little less than a year ago with the mission of helping others find ways to quit their day jobs through various methods.

Whether it’s flipping furniture or using a 3D printer to make money, there are so many methods you can use to build streams of income!

MSR: On your site, you explain that you had an entrepreneurial streak during high school and college. What did you learn from these experiences? How has that affected your view of money now?

Forrest: Throughout high school and college I was always trying something. While it was a mixed bag in terms of success, I learned that it’s okay to fail. Not every project you work on has to be a winner.

I think the hardest skill to master when it comes to start ups and business is determining when it’s the right time to call it quits.

I am a firm believer that just about any business can be successful with the right combination of skills and work ethic — but could your time be better invested elsewhere? That’s the ultimate question.

Personal finance

MSR: Is early retirement one of your financial goals? Why or why not?

Forrest: I do not plan on retiring early.

To be quite honest, that does not sound fun to ME. While I won’t be retired, I also won’t be working the typical 9-5, either.

My goals are to work for myself building various income streams giving me more flexibility to work on the projects I want to. But everyone has different goals.

MSR: How would you describe your personal financial philosophy?

Forrest: While there is a long debate on whether saving money or making more money should be at the forefront of your finances, I certainly lean towards to latter.

That’s not to say that saving money isn’t important.

I personally do not live minimally (working on this!), therefore making more money while minimizing lifestyle creep is one of my personal finance pillars.

Advice

MSR: In blogging, money management, or personally, what do you consider to be your biggest failure or regret?

Forrest:

When it comes to business and my blog, my biggest regret is not starting earlier!

The best quote I’ve heard about blogging is “the best time to start a blog was 10 years ago. The second best time to start a blog is today.” Because it is such a gradual growth, it takes time to build.

MSR: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Forrest: My advice to anyone looking to retire from their 9-5 is simple: get started, today. That’s the first step.

Don’t hide behind fears of failure or mistakes. They will happen. And you will learn from them.

It also doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to grow. For me, I was never given that advice. And I think that’s true for many.

It wasn’t until I was working, and began realizing that could be my life for the next 30 years, that I understood I needed to do something different.

MSR: What are your current entrepreneurial projects? Can you tell us about any plans you have for the future?

Forrest: Currently, my primary project is growing Don’t Work Another Day.

I love to help others find alternative income streams so that they too can one day quit their full-time position. Running (and growing) a blog is very challenging, which I enjoy.

In the future, I’d love to open a restaurant. My love for cheeseburgers (smash burgers in particular) and French fries (did someone say cheese fries?) drives my passion for this.

MSR: I enjoyed our conversation — thanks for sharing your story, Forrest! 

The post Sitting Poolside Interview with Forrest from Don’t Work Another Day appeared first on Semi-Retire Plan.

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/349R7wp via IFTTT

[lilac-milk-moon]

Discussion: Is the 401k plan dead?

A recent Bloomberg article went viral in the personal finance world — it reads as an obituary for the 401k plan. This article inspired response articles from other major media outlets and tons of discussion on Twitter.

The Bloomberg headline reads “401(k) Plans No Longer Make Much Sense for Savers”.

I’m not a tax professional, and I recommend that you speak with a a fiduciary financial planner before making any investment decisions. However, I’d like to offer my initial thoughts.

I’m curious to hear what you, the reader, think about this!

Summary

First, here are author Aaron Brown’s main points:

Using a median-earning married couple with two children as an example…

Marginal federal income tax rate was higher in 1980 than today

The capital gains tax rate was higher in 1980 than today

The likely retirement bracket tax rate was higher in 1980 than today

Interest rates were higher in 1980 than today

Therefore, the tax benefit of the 401k plan in 1980 was higher than it is today

Low-cost index funds are more widely available today than in 1980 (as an alternative to 401k plans)

Suggestion that it would be better to make it easier to roll 401k plans into self-directed IRA plans

Suggestion that it would be a better incentive for consumers if there were new tax advantages built into the 401k structure

My opinion

I’ll tease my own response here, but I’m genuinely interested in other opinions too.

It’s not 1980

Brown constantly references 401k options in 1980 as a point of comparison. I think that’s a fair reference point for how the tax environment has changed over time.

However, today’s investors aren’t choosing between the option to (1) invest in 401k plans today or (2) invest in 401k plans in 1980. Brown is not comparing investor’s actual alternatives/substitution options, so it’s a form of a strawman argument.

Instead, Brown should have compared today’s 401k options to investor’s current alternatives. Is the 401k really worse than other investment account type options?

Again, speak with a tax professional before making your own investment account choices, but in my opinion (while Roth accounts can be a good option for some) many families may still find tax-deferred accounts to be a good option.

Dismissing the employer match and tax deferral

Brown mentions tax deferral and the 401k employer match, but then dismisses them.

The 401k plan is still superior to taxable brokerage accounts in these ways, even if it’s less of a tax advantage than 1980.

Not everyone is married and has 2 kids

This one speaks for itself. Brown’s argument is only based on numbers from a sub-set of the population.

401k mutual fund fees are lower now too

Yes, index fund fees are super low now. I love that and recommend that readers consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for any self-directed investments.

But the index funds in 401k plans are lower now than in 1980, too.

So what do you think?

Are Brown’s points valid?

Is the 401k plan dead?

Do you still consider the 401k to be one of the best retirement planning options available to American workers?

The post Discussion: Is the 401k plan dead? appeared first on Semi-Retire Plan.

from Semi-Retire Plan https://ift.tt/3kaolkX via IFTTT