But what’s that convenient caffeination costing you? About $3.50 a trip. If you do that all week, you’re looking at $70 a month—which adds up to about $840 a year! Wouldn’t it be nice to save some of that Starbucks-run money?

You can. And it isn’t even that hard. You don’t have to break the bank on your coffee, and you don’t have to break up with your barista. Just use these 10 Starbucks hacks to save some serious cash on your next visit.

 1. Become a Rewards Member.

Question: What’s free, has loads of benefits, and gets you free coffee? Answer: a Starbucks Rewards membership. Sign up online or in the app to get all the perks. We’re talking free refills on brewed coffee, exclusive offers, birthday freebies, and the chance to earn “stars” to redeem on various rewards.

Here’s a venti-sized callout, though. Do not, we repeat, do not get the Starbucks credit card. When you sign up to be a rewards member, you’ll get a hard sales pitch, but just say yes to the membership and no to the credit card.

2. Get Creative With Your Drink Choices.

You can drink well for less. Want a cheap latte? Order a double espresso in a venti cup, then add your own milk and sugar over at the bar area. Want something for the hot days? Ask for a regular iced coffee with a pump of classic syrup (which is free) and—again—add cream to your liking. Want a chai tea latte? Order a Tazo Chai tea. Then, you guessed it, add that free milk.

These are easy substitutes for your favorite drinks. Try them out and save big.

3. Pick a Brewed Coffee Over a Latte.

The brewed coffee options at Starbucks are cheaper than the fancy-pants coffees, but you still get the Starbucks goodness and experience. Consider these three brewed facts:

• A tall coffee has more caffeine than a venti latte (235 mg to 150 mg), and it’s half the price.
• You get discounted refills on brewed coffee when you drink in the store (free if you’re a rewards member!). So if you’re putting the finishing touches on your screenplay and enjoying the coffee shop atmosphere, keep walking up to the counter for cheap re-caffeination!
• If you think brewed coffee is boring coffee, think again! Try the Caffè Misto. It’s half brewed coffee and half steamed milk, giving you that latte feel without that latte price.

4. Order a Short Size.

Did you know Starbucks has more than just the three sizes you see on the menu? Yes, it’s true. You aren’t just limited to tall, grande or venti! There’s a secret smaller cup—the short size. (Shh. Keep it secret. Keep it safe. JK—tell all your friends! Help them save money too.)

On the flip side, when you need that extra oomph, save money by ordering a bigger size instead of adding an extra shot. It’s one of those rare “more is less” situations.

5. Bring Your Own Cup.

Want to be good to the planet and your budget? Bring your own reusable cup to save 10 cents on every drink. It may not sound like a lot to start, but if you go often, that 10 cents really adds up. Literally. Plus, throwing fewer cups in the landfill is always a good thing.

6. Never Buy a Bottle of Water.

Sometimes you need some extra hydration. But listen: The tap water at Starbucks is filtered and even used in a lot of custom drinks. Don’t pay $3 for a bottle of water when you can just ask for a cup of tap.

7. Share and Save.

The venti size is 24 ounces. The tall is 12 ounces. And it costs a lot less to get one venti than two talls. So, how about you split one venti with a friend. You both get 12 ounces of awesomeness without paying the cost of two drinks!

We experimented to see about how much you’d save here. At our local Starbucks, a venti Caffé Vanilla Frappuccino with whipped cream is $5.25. One tall of the same drink is $3.95. Add that up, and you’d save $2.65 total ($1.32 each) by using our tip. That’s about a 33% savings!

8. Order Through the App.

There are very few times in life when you can stride straight up to the counter in a place, grab your coffee, and walk right out. Like a boss. Or a celebrity. But that’s what happens when you order through the Starbucks app. And if you wear sunglasses and a hat, people might think you actually are famous.

But even better than being mistaken for a superstar is the budget-friendly aspect of this ordering approach. Load your app with a set amount each month—and use only that to get your Starbucks fill. With that predetermined amount, you can use all the tricks above to stretch your money as far as possible throughout the month.

And the best part of ordering on the app is knowing your total before you finish the order—that way you can tweak it to something cheaper if you realize you went a little too far with the extras. When you’re in the store, it’s easy to overspend because you might not know the final total until they tell you at the register. With the app, you’re in the know the whole time. Hey, you are a boss—a budgeting and coffee boss.

9. Be Your Own Barista.

Here’s an insider secret: You can make your own coffee at home. (Yes, really.) Buy the beans or grounds from your supermarket when they’re on sale and be your own barista. You’d be looking at around $10 a month instead of $70. That’s a savings of at least $720 a year.

10. Set a Budget and Stick to It.

We touched on this above—but no matter how you order your brew, it’s up to you to stay in budget. So go ahead and add a budget line for coffee, but make it something you’ll actually stick to. Balance your adoration of caffeination with all the other budget lines and money goals you’ve got.

Because let’s get real: Coffee may be a need, but Starbucks is a want. If you’ve got enough green in the budget to cover trips to the green siren, then do it! But never go overboard. Think of all the money goals you could hit that much quicker with all the money you’ll save by sticking to your budget.

If you want to budget as quickly as you caffeinate, sign up for EveryDollar! Use the free app to keep up with your spending—so you can keep your spending in line. From your desktop or phone, EveryDollar goes where you do so you can—and will—show your money who’s in charge. Coffee is. Just kidding. You are!

If a leader doesn’t convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they’ll start to fall down and get depressed. Get Your Free Position Now http://lock-in-your-position.com/lp3/?sponsor=homeprofitcoach

14 Cost-Effective Cable Alternatives

1. Disney+ ($7–13 per month)

A whole new world is coming your way soon thanks to Disney’s streaming service. At this point, Disney basically owns everything, so why not step into the streaming service space? Now you can watch original shows and films along with classic favorites from Disney’s catalog, like Frozen, Mary Poppins and everything else in between. Oh, and we do mean everything else. Let’s not forget all the Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and National Geographic you can handle (because remember, Disney rules the world and owns all of those things).

But get this: The Disney+ triple package bundle will also offer Hulu and ESPN+. So if watching sports was the only reason you were clinging to your cable cord, your excuse just met its match. Of course, ESPN+ doesn’t carry every single athletic game known to humankind, so just keep that in mind there, sport.

2. Hulu ($6 per month)

Hulu is a great option if you want to watch a Hulu original series or currently airing shows right after they broadcast. The only catch? Unless you want to upgrade to the commercial-free version ($12), you’ll have to sit through some repetitive ads. So if you’d rather not wait to keep watching, maybe cough up the extra six bucks. Still, it’s one of the best cable alternatives on the market.

3. Hulu Live ($45–51 per month)

If you love streaming Hulu’s shows but also want access to things like live sports and news, then opting for Hulu Live might be the right fit for you. Sure, watching shows live in real time is nice, but the best thing about Hulu Live might just be the ability to record shows and watch them later.

4. Netflix ($9–16 per month)

Netflix is a great place for binge-watching entire seasons all at once. But unless it’s a Netflix original series, you’ll have to wait until a season finishes airing to get started. But hey, no commercials!

And you just can’t beat how easy it is to access Netflix. You probably have 10 devices in your house right now that came preloaded with the Netflix app. But if you want to use Netflix on more than one device at once, you’ll have to upgrade to the standard ($13) or premium ($16) plan.

5. Amazon Prime Video ($9 per month)

That’s right! Amazon—it’s not just for shopping. It’s a major contender in the online streaming market. A membership to Amazon Prime Video gives you access to a wide selection of popular movies and TV series, plus a bunch of Amazon original series.

And if Prime Video doesn’t include the show or movie you want to watch, you can usually pay to download it outright (you own it) or rent it. But just remember, if it’s a “rental” your access to it will expire.

If you can afford it and you’re a frequent Amazon shopper anyway, an even more cost-effective option is to opt for Amazon Prime for $13 a month. If you pay for it as an annual membership it’s one payment of $119. That comes out to just $9.91 per month (which is about a dollar more than the monthly basic Prime Video rate). Plus, you get access to all the other Amazon Prime perks, like free two-day shipping.

6. Apple TV+ ($5 per month)

Being the dominant tech company of the universe wasn’t good enough for them, so look out world, here comes Apple’s own streaming service! Just like their powerhouse contenders Netflix and Amazon, Apple TV+ will showcase their own original television series and movies. And at just $5 per month, Apple is coming out swinging. To top it all off, if you purchase an Apple device, you’ll get the streaming service for free for an entire year. If you were already saving up for a new gadget, they just sweetened the deal.

7. HBO NOW, Showtime, or Starz (starting at $15 per month)

After HBO launched its own streaming service a few years ago, Showtime and Starz wised up and followed suit. You can subscribe to each as stand-alone services or add them to your Amazon Prime, Hulu, Roku, or Apple TV accounts for an extra fee.

8. Sling TV (starting at $25 per month)

With Sling, there’s no more waiting on a show to air. You can watch it live just like with cable or satellite, except you’re watching over the internet! The basic package includes 30 live channels like AMC, CNN, ESPN, ESPN2, HGTV and the Disney Channel. You can get Sling Blue or Sling Orange (each with a different lineup of networks) for $25, or get both for $40. There are also $5–10 add-on packages for sports fans, movie buffs and your little ones too.

9. HDTV antenna (prices vary)

If you really want to cut back, all it takes is an antenna. Luckily, they’ve come a long way since your grandma’s rabbit ears. Not only do they look better than the finicky metal rods, but the HD quality is better.

10. Philo ($20 per month)

If traditional cable still has your heart, fear not—here comes Philo to the rescue. You can get 58 popular cable channels like Nick, AMC, TLC, and yes, even Hallmark for $20 a month. Philo’s biggest claim to fame? You can stream it on up to three devices and record as many shows as you want. That means no more family feuds over what you watch every Friday night!

11. Cable network channels online (free)

Most major networks post recently aired episodes to their websites for a limited amount of time. CBS even offers online viewers an additional paid subscription option (starting at $6 per month) to unlock more than 10,000 episodes of everything from Frasier to The Brady Bunch.

And if you own a smart TV or other streaming device (like Apple TV or Roku), you can download many network apps straight to your device and watch there—and most of them are free! Why, hello, reruns of Fixer Upper!

12. YouTube (free)

YouTube is known for hosting thousands of viral videos. But it’s also a great place to learn. In the span of a few minutes, you can discover everything from how to fold a fitted sheet to how to make delicious recipes that won’t bust the budget. You can even watch many classic shows and movies there too!

13. YouTube TV ($50 per month)

Not to be confused with the viral video app where everyone watches cute cat videos, YouTube TV actually lets you stream your favorite channels—more than 70 of them, to be exact. You also get access to local cable TV channels in your area, plus 24-hour news networks like CNBC, Fox News and CNN.

YouTube TV also boasts a pretty good lineup of sports programming like ESPN and CBS Sports, plus very specific channels like the Tennis Channel and the Olympic Channel, if that’s your thing.

14. Library (free)

Here’s a shocker: You can find everything from modern TV shows to workout videos at your local public library. The only downside is that you actually have to drive to a physical location—but at least you can keep your rentals for a week or two!

What Are You Waiting For? Just Cut the Cord.

So, why pay for premium channels you never use when, for a fraction of the cost, these cable alternatives can fulfill all your television binge-watching needs?

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the cable alternatives that exist, but it’s a great mix-and-match way to get started. Something to watch out for though: If you sign up for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Hulu, things will start to add up. Will it still be cheaper than a cable bill? Sure. But be careful that you actually use the streaming services you sign up for.

If you aren’t sure what’s worth it and what isn’t, just dip your toe in the water. You can usually get a free trial of almost any of these services before you fully commit. If (after all of these fine options) you’re still not quite ready to give up cable, you can always call your provider and try to negotiate a better deal. Knowing your options will usually work to your advantage!

If a leader doesn’t convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they’ll start to fall down and get depressed. Get Your Free Position Now http://lock-in-your-position.com/lp3/?sponsor=homeprofitcoach

Sure, you’ve been doing your best to stick to your budget. You’ve even exiled your kids to the yard to play in the sprinkler most days (did someone say free fun?). But that doesn’t mean you can’t save money in other areas. You guessed it . . . we’re talking about the electric bill.

Check out these summer saving tips on how to lower your electric bill and still beat the heat this summer season.

Do an Electricity Audit

The word audit doesn’t sound like much fun, but if you think saving money is fun, you’ll have a blast. For the best (and most thorough) electricity audit, you might want to call in an expert from your local electric company. The best part: A lot of electric companies offer this service for free!

You can expect most local professionals to interview you about what you’re looking to accomplish and what concerns you might have. They’ll run tests, inspect your home for air leaks and check the quality of your insulation. Then, they’ll give you their best recommendations on how you can fix any glaring issues.

But if you’re the handy type, you might consider doing an audit yourself using a simple online audit tool.

Sounds like more unnecessary dollar signs, right? Don’t worry. Just make sure you budget for any home improvements you need to make (with your zero-based budget). Then, sit back and watch that electric bill go down month after month.

Turn Off the Lights

Sounds simple, right? For many families, forgetting to turn off the lights is already a topic of . . . conversation (to put it lightly).

But there’s good reason: Keeping the lights on when they’re not in use is a real drain on your electricity—and your budget. But most likely, you already knew that.

Get in the habit of turning on the light only for the room you’re currently using. And if it’s sunny, use that natural sunlight to your advantage. Not only is it easy on the eyes, it’s free!

Change Your Lightbulbs

You may have rolled your eyes at your spouse when they brought home those new, energy-saving lightbulbs. A lightbulb is a lightbulb, right? Wrong.

Your partner in crime knows what they’re talking about. While these bulbs will cost a bit more upfront, you can save big bucks (over time) just by switching out the lightbulbs in your home! (Talk about saving money the easy way!)

Next time you’re at your favorite home improvement store, take a hard right turn down that lighting aisle and stock up on compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Look for the green Energy Star logo when you’re shopping. It’s the government symbol for energy-efficient products. A typical Energy Star-certified CFL lightbulb will pay for itself in energy savings in less than nine months. After that, it’ll continue to save you money each month!¹

If you think that’s good, check out those LEDs! Most LED lights use only 20–25% of the energy of those old incandescent lights and last 15–25 times longer!² Say what?!

Check for Air Leaks

Are your windows whistling? Do you hear air coming in from under the front door on windy days? Do your doors seal shut when you close them? Is your fireplace damper working properly? Hopefully, you discovered a few of these easy-to-miss energy wasters when you did your energy audit.

Listen, it may sound lame, but keeping your windows, doors and appliances sealed properly makes a big difference . . . especially in the peak heat of summer.

If you have doors and windows that aren’t sealed properly, you’re letting warm air in and that cool air out. When you’ve got an air leak in your home, you might as well have a leak in your wallet.

Air sealing your home is a cheap and easy money saver! Pick up some weather strips for your doors and windows. You’ll also need some caulk to seal those leaky areas in your plumbing, air ducts and wiring.³ For weather strips, caulk and a caulk gun, you’ll spend less than $15 to save up to 20% on your energy costs. Talk about a return on investment!

Shut the Door

You probably remember it well as a kid. You were having the best summer ever, racing in and out of the backdoor playing with the neighbor kids. After a few times in and out, your mom would shout, “Were you born in a barn? Close the door!” Ah, sweet childhood memories.

Your mom had a point. Keeping the outside doors open while the A/C unit—or furnace—is running is a very bad idea. Not only are you letting that precious (and expensive), cool air escape, you’re also making your unit run harder for longer.

Just visualize your precious dollars sailing out the door . . . right alongside your coveted cool air. Yikes.

Program Your Thermostat

Ugh! It sounds like a hassle, if you ask us. When you wake up, you change the thermostat. Before you go to sleep, you change the thermostat. But hassle or not, there’s no denying the fact that it will save you money.

If it’s in the budget, purchase a programmable or smart thermostat. Not only will it save you the hassle of remembering to turn the temperature up or down morning and night, but they’re also not that expensive (depending on the brand, of course)!

Don’t worry. There are many programmable thermostats that start at $20.

If you love your technology, invest in a smart thermostat. These savvy devices allow you to change the temperature of your home from your smart phone.

And some devices even have a little something called geofencing (fancy). Geofencing uses your smart phone’s location to track when you’re home and adjusts your temperature automatically. This definitely isn’t your grandma’s thermostat.

Don’t Run Your Appliances Unless They’re Full

Yep. We’re talking about your washer and dryer. If your kid comes home with super dirty/smelly/stained britches (you know the ones), you might be tempted to go ahead and wash those (in your hazmat suit) on their own. Believe it or not, one of the biggest ways to waste money over time is running your washing machine for just a few pieces of clothing! There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes: using less water (fewer loads) and using cold or tap water.⁴

When it comes to the dryer, the same rules apply. Don’t use the dryer on anything but a full load, and make sure not to overdry. You’ll want to dry similar items at the same time. There’s nothing more obnoxious than spending two hours drying your towels and T-shirts and finding out your towels aren’t even remotely close to dry. Pro tip: Use the automatic cycle over any timed settings to make sure those moisture sensors do their job.

And if you really want to lower your electric bill, try cutting out the dryer altogether, and line dry your clothes—just like grandma used to do.

Check Phantom Energy

No, we’re not talking about ghosts here. We’re talking about phantom energy—a little something that happens when appliances use up energy, even when they’re turned off!

Yep, you might want to start unplugging those devices and appliances when you’re not using them. You’ll be surprised at how much money you save just by pulling the plug. Phantom energy costs the average family up to $100 per year on their electric bill.⁵

Ask About Discounts and Incentives

We all love a good discount, right? Any good electric company knows the pain you’re feeling when you press send on that eCheck every month. Check with your local electric company to see if there are any discounts available.

Some companies even give discounts for going paperless. Others might give you rebates based on any kinds of energy-saving home improvements you do to your home. Not only that, when you sign up for newsletters, they share regular information on how you can save even more.

Ready to start your audit? We thought so. To keep track of your budget and new saving habits, check out EveryDollar. It’s the world’s best budgeting tool. And get this—it’s free!

If a leader doesn’t convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they’ll start to fall down and get depressed. Get Your Free Position Now http://lock-in-your-position.com/lp3/?sponsor=homeprofitcoach

14 Cost-Effective Cable Alternatives

1. Disney+ ($7–13 per month)

A whole new world is coming your way soon thanks to Disney’s streaming service. At this point, Disney basically owns everything, so why not step into the streaming service space? Now you can watch original shows and films along with classic favorites from Disney’s catalog, like Frozen, Mary Poppins and everything else in between. Oh, and we do mean everything else. Let’s not forget all the Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and National Geographic you can handle (because remember, Disney rules the world and owns all of those things).

But get this: The Disney+ triple package bundle will also offer Hulu and ESPN+. So if watching sports was the only reason you were clinging to your cable cord, your excuse just met its match. Of course, ESPN+ doesn’t carry every single athletic game known to humankind, so just keep that in mind there, sport.

2. Hulu ($6 per month)

Hulu is a great option if you want to watch a Hulu original series or currently airing shows right after they broadcast. The only catch? Unless you want to upgrade to the commercial-free version ($12), you’ll have to sit through some repetitive ads. So if you’d rather not wait to keep watching, maybe cough up the extra six bucks. Still, it’s one of the best cable alternatives on the market.

3. Hulu Live ($45–51 per month)

If you love streaming Hulu’s shows but also want access to things like live sports and news, then opting for Hulu Live might be the right fit for you. Sure, watching shows live in real time is nice, but the best thing about Hulu Live might just be the ability to record shows and watch them later.

4. Netflix ($9–16 per month)

Netflix is a great place for binge-watching entire seasons all at once. But unless it’s a Netflix original series, you’ll have to wait until a season finishes airing to get started. But hey, no commercials!

And you just can’t beat how easy it is to access Netflix. You probably have 10 devices in your house right now that came preloaded with the Netflix app. But if you want to use Netflix on more than one device at once, you’ll have to upgrade to the standard ($13) or premium ($16) plan.

5. Amazon Prime Video ($9 per month)

That’s right! Amazon—it’s not just for shopping. It’s a major contender in the online streaming market. A membership to Amazon Prime Video gives you access to a wide selection of popular movies and TV series, plus a bunch of Amazon original series.

And if Prime Video doesn’t include the show or movie you want to watch, you can usually pay to download it outright (you own it) or rent it. But just remember, if it’s a “rental” your access to it will expire.

If you can afford it and you’re a frequent Amazon shopper anyway, an even more cost-effective option is to opt for Amazon Prime for $13 a month. If you pay for it as an annual membership it’s one payment of $119. That comes out to just $9.91 per month (which is about a dollar more than the monthly basic Prime Video rate). Plus, you get access to all the other Amazon Prime perks, like free two-day shipping.

6. Apple TV+ ($5 per month)

Being the dominant tech company of the universe wasn’t good enough for them, so look out world, here comes Apple’s own streaming service! Just like their powerhouse contenders Netflix and Amazon, Apple TV+ will showcase their own original television series and movies. And at just $5 per month, Apple is coming out swinging. To top it all off, if you purchase an Apple device, you’ll get the streaming service for free for an entire year. If you were already saving up for a new gadget, they just sweetened the deal.

7. HBO NOW, Showtime, or Starz (starting at $15 per month)

After HBO launched its own streaming service a few years ago, Showtime and Starz wised up and followed suit. You can subscribe to each as stand-alone services or add them to your Amazon Prime, Hulu, Roku, or Apple TV accounts for an extra fee.

8. Sling TV (starting at $25 per month)

With Sling, there’s no more waiting on a show to air. You can watch it live just like with cable or satellite, except you’re watching over the internet! The basic package includes 30 live channels like AMC, CNN, ESPN, ESPN2, HGTV and the Disney Channel. You can get Sling Blue or Sling Orange (each with a different lineup of networks) for $25, or get both for $40. There are also $5–10 add-on packages for sports fans, movie buffs and your little ones too.

9. HDTV antenna (prices vary)

If you really want to cut back, all it takes is an antenna. Luckily, they’ve come a long way since your grandma’s rabbit ears. Not only do they look better than the finicky metal rods, but the HD quality is better.

10. Philo ($20 per month)

If traditional cable still has your heart, fear not—here comes Philo to the rescue. You can get 58 popular cable channels like Nick, AMC, TLC, and yes, even Hallmark for $20 a month. Philo’s biggest claim to fame? You can stream it on up to three devices and record as many shows as you want. That means no more family feuds over what you watch every Friday night!

11. Cable network channels online (free)

Most major networks post recently aired episodes to their websites for a limited amount of time. CBS even offers online viewers an additional paid subscription option (starting at $6 per month) to unlock more than 10,000 episodes of everything from Frasier to The Brady Bunch.

And if you own a smart TV or other streaming device (like Apple TV or Roku), you can download many network apps straight to your device and watch there—and most of them are free! Why, hello, reruns of Fixer Upper!

12. YouTube (free)

YouTube is known for hosting thousands of viral videos. But it’s also a great place to learn. In the span of a few minutes, you can discover everything from how to fold a fitted sheet to how to make delicious recipes that won’t bust the budget. You can even watch many classic shows and movies there too!

13. YouTube TV ($50 per month)

Not to be confused with the viral video app where everyone watches cute cat videos, YouTube TV actually lets you stream your favorite channels—more than 70 of them, to be exact. You also get access to local cable TV channels in your area, plus 24-hour news networks like CNBC, Fox News and CNN.

YouTube TV also boasts a pretty good lineup of sports programming like ESPN and CBS Sports, plus very specific channels like the Tennis Channel and the Olympic Channel, if that’s your thing.

14. Library (free)

Here’s a shocker: You can find everything from modern TV shows to workout videos at your local public library. The only downside is that you actually have to drive to a physical location—but at least you can keep your rentals for a week or two!

What Are You Waiting For? Just Cut the Cord.

So, why pay for premium channels you never use when, for a fraction of the cost, these cable alternatives can fulfill all your television binge-watching needs?

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the cable alternatives that exist, but it’s a great mix-and-match way to get started. Something to watch out for though: If you sign up for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Hulu, things will start to add up. Will it still be cheaper than a cable bill? Sure. But be careful that you actually use the streaming services you sign up for.

If you aren’t sure what’s worth it and what isn’t, just dip your toe in the water. You can usually get a free trial of almost any of these services before you fully commit. If (after all of these fine options) you’re still not quite ready to give up cable, you can always call your provider and try to negotiate a better deal. Knowing your options will usually work to your advantage!

If you’re looking for more ways to cut back, a monthly budget can show you exactly where you’re spending too much. Create your budget with EveryDollar and learn how to spend, save and take control of your money once and for all.

If a leader doesn’t convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they’ll start to fall down and get depressed. Get Your Free Position Now http://lock-in-your-position.com/lp3/?sponsor=homeprofitcoach

Now that you’re 30-something, life is normalizing. This is the era to enjoy the career you’ve worked hard for and the family and friends you adore.

But it’s also time to step it up financially—because adulting comes with a whole new level of responsibilities. All those obligations can start to feel fairly overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Start here! We’ve made a handy list of 30 common expenses to plan for in your 30s—but we didn’t stop there. We’ve also included some sensible suggestions and solutions to make adulting a little less overwhelming.

1. Debt Repayment

As the dust clears from the hustle and bustle of your 20s, you may find yourself staring down a trash heap of debt. Unfortunately, there’s no simple solution to get rid of car payments, student loans and credit card debt—you’re going to have to get dirty. Gross? You bet. But debt is gross, and it’s holding you back from achieving your dreams! Don’t let it follow you into your 40s. It’s time to get rid of it for good.

2. Mortgage

Before buying a house, weigh the pros and cons of renting vs. owning. Don’t feel like you have to do one or the other to prove anything to anybody. This is your life and your finances!

If you decide to buy, you should first get out of debt and save up a decent down payment. (By decent we mean at least 10%, but preferably 20%.) Make sure you get yourself a 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage unless you want to triple your expenses. (Um, who wants that?)

And don’t forget to beef up your emergency savings—you won’t be able to call the landlord anymore when a skunk family moves into your crawl space! Getting rid of that odor is all on you.

3. Property Taxes

Once you’re a homeowner, you’ll be paying for more than a mortgage. The government wants to make money off your American Dream, so you’ll be paying taxes on your home sweet home.

To figure out what your property taxes will be, multiply your home’s assessed value by the tax rate. For example, if your home is assessed at $100,000, and your tax rate is 1.1%, your property taxes are $1,100 a year. Some lenders roll this into your mortgage, so make sure you know the complete details before you sign the deed.

4. Health Memberships

Once you hit 30, you begin to realize you can’t eat a whole pizza or crash on the couch every night like those college days. Take care of your body! Gone are the workouts consisting of spandex and Richard Simmons sweating to oldies. Make space in your budget for a gym membership or exercise streaming service.

5. Babies

If you’re having kids in your 30s, you’ll be shelling out for car seats, diapers, onesies, diapers, strollers, more diapers, bottle brushes, doctor visits, and sensitive skin laundry detergent by the barrel.

According to a USDA report, a middle-income, married couple spends $233,610 on one child from birth to age 17.⁽¹⁾ Don’t let that cost deter you from having babies if that’s something you really want. You’re never ready to have kids, but having that number in mind can help you be readier.

6. Medical Expenses

Adding to your household translates into higher insurance premiums. Don’t let this one slide through the cracks.

7. Term Life Insurance

Sorry to be a downer here, but we’ve got to say it—you need life insurance. Specifically, Dave recommends term life insurance. Married. Single. Kids. No Kids. Your funeral will cost money, but those you leave behind can be taken care of financially. You need term life insurance. End of story.

8. Retirement Savings

You’re never too young to start thinking about the upcoming golden years. Capitalize on compound interest! Take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) match. Invest now so you won’t be living off Social Insecurity later. And if the baffling jargon of the retirement realm leaves you perplexed and perturbed, reach out to a SmartVestor Pro for answers to all those overwhelming questions.

9. College Funds

You thought your college tuition was expensive, but those numbers are only going up! After you’re out of debt and you’re dropping 15% of your household income into a retirement fund, you should start saving for your little ones’ future college education.

10. Groceries

If you’ve got more mouths to feed, you need to budget more money to feed them. But with or without kids, you’ve probably developed a more refined and healthier taste than in your youth—and that costs more as well!

11. Glasses/Contacts

Eyes change. Even if you’ve been boasting about your 20/20 vision your entire life, you may find yourself squinting at road signs or the tiny print in books. Lucky for you, glasses are totally cool again, so embrace the frames and read easy.

12. Furniture

Goodbye, mismatched hand-me-downs. Hello, mid-century modern bedroom suite. When you’re making real money, you can develop—and fund—your own interior design style.

13. Car Replacement

Is the car you got in college on its last leg? Make sure your new-to-you replacement is well within your financial means. Think about how it meets the reliable, dependable, affordable rating—not some dumb social status.

14. Moving Expenses

If you relocate for a job, buy that first house, or move to be near family, expect to part with a nice chunk of change.

15. Better Clothes

Ready to refine your college-esque style? Prepare yourself. Nicer clothes are worth it over time, but that investment costs more cash to start.

16. Emergency Fund

Your grandmother told you to save up for a rainy day because—unless you live in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica—it rains!

Now that you’re in your 30s, a pocket umbrella won’t cut it. You need a legit emergency savings fund. This means $1,000 to start (right now . . . get saving), and then get at least three months of expenses saved away after you’re debt-free. With this fund in place, you can weather the financial storms—and make Grandma super proud.

17. A Side Business

Always wanted to turn your hobby into a business? Ramsey Personality Christy Wright’s Business Boutique reveals that you can make money doing what you love. But there are right and wrong ways to go about it. Save up and start small. Never go into debt for a startup.

18. Kids’ Allowances

As your kids start doing chores for money, remember: that money comes from you. Instead of “allowances” given just for being alive, Dave recommends “commissions” earned for work well done—start them early on real-world financial training!

19. Kids’ Supplies and Extracurriculars

Kids are expensively worth it. But expensive nonetheless. First there are the costs for marching band, cross country and basketball. Then they need markers, backpacks, three-ring binders and calculators. With all of that plus driving them to practices and camps—it really starts to adds up.

20. Lawn Care/Housekeeper

You’re busy, so you can finally afford to pay someone else to do a few of those dreaded household tasks. That’s adulting 2.0.

21. Annual Vacations

From plane tickets to hotel rooms to all the restaurants you can imagine, a week away is a good break from your busy life. But make sure it doesn’t break your budget.

22. Professional Expenses

Whether it’s organizational dues, licenses, certifications, online portfolios, or small-business websites—the world of work is full of these types of professional expenses. Don’t forget to pay any dues and fees that keep all your necessary paperwork and online material up-to-date for your chosen career.

23. Pet Care

Save for routine pet care and surgeries as your fur babies age.

24. Date Nights

While the dollar menu of your favorite fast-food restaurant made a great date in college, you’re now into finer food flavors. Plus, if you’ve got kids, you’ll need a sitter. So get your budget right for date night.

25. Continuing Education

If you’re ready to advance or change your career, higher education may be calling. Don’t feel like you have to quit your day job and sign up for 18 hours. Plenty of schools cater to professionals. There’s nothing wrong in taking one or two classes a semester. Just remember—cash-flow it or don’t go!

26. Electronics and Computers

If Ben Franklin were alive today, his famous quote would be tweaked to say, “Nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes, and electronic upgrades.” New and updated computers, tablets, TVs and cell phones are probably in some point of your future.

27. Birthdays and Celebrations

As your friends and family members expand their broods, you can count on a lot more wedding showers, baby showers, and birthday parties. Gifts are appreciated and should be budgeted.

28. Entertainment

Your favorite bands don’t play cheap shows in a parking lot next to a taco truck anymore. (But let’s be honest, that still sounds amazing, right?) If you’ve tried to buy tickets to concerts, sessions of indoor rock climbing, or time in an escape room, you’ve already figured out entertainment can be expensive. If you’re into going out, be ready to pay up.

29. Memberships

There are more mouths to feed and buying in bulk can save you money sometimes . . . so don’t forget about your annual memberships to Costco or Sam’s Club.

30. Tithing and Giving

If you have some extra cash to give away, think about donating to foreign missionaries or to a local outreach (along with your regular tithe).

Budget Now so You Don’t Worry Later

Your 30s are a prime time to get your money in working order. With a solid plan, you can do just that! What’s the plan? A budget. And we’ve got the best budgeting app around to help you get your life and finances in order.

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The Total Money Makeover is Dave’s how-to approach for living out the Baby Steps in everyday life, complete with shots of inspiration from people who have worked the plan and made it to the other side to scream, “We’re debt-free!”

What Is a Financial Plan?

A financial plan is your map to get from where you are to where you want to be with your money. It’s the process of setting goals and thinking through the steps it will take you to reach them. Remember: Each person’s financial plan looks different, depending on their short-term and long-term financial goals.

But no matter what your goals look like, it’s important to think about where you want to be and then figure out how you can get there. That’s why you need to create a solid financial plan that’s easy to understand.

A Financial Plan That Works

With so many self-help books and thousands of new ways to do a budget on the market today, it can be . . . overwhelming, to say the least. But you can trust that we’re here to cut through all the self-help clutter out there and help you make a financial plan that will work for you and your family.

Say hello to The Total Money Makeover. In a no-nonsense kind of way, this book walks you through the steps you need to reach financial peace.

The 7 Baby Steps

Dave breaks down the 7 Baby Steps and walks you through each stage of the journey. Dave wouldn’t tell you to do anything he hasn’t already done himself—he fought his way out of debt and bankruptcy using this exact plan! Whether you’re trying to save money for retirement, invest, or pay off debt with a plan that actually works, you’ll find out how to do it with the Baby Steps.

Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 in a Beginner Emergency Fund
Baby Step 2: Get Out of Debt Using the Debt Snowball
Baby Step 3: Save 3 to 6 Months of Expenses in a Fully Funded Emergency Fund
Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of Your Income for Retirement
Baby Step 5: Save for Your Children’s College
Baby Step 6: Pay Off Your Home
Baby Step 7: Build Wealth and Give

Saving for Emergencies

Otherwise known as Baby Step 1, this step is crucial for when life happens. And we all know life has a way of showing up unannounced and unwelcome—and it’s usually not free.

When the A/C unit goes out during the hottest week of the summer or your pipes burst while you’re on vacation . . . there’s nothing to do but fork over the cash to fix it. But instead of letting your Mastercard cover it with interest (and making payments for the next two years), what if you could pay for it with cash on the spot? That’s why you need an emergency fund.

How to Pay Off Debt

If you’ve spent even five minutes listening to The Dave Ramsey Show, you’ve probably heard that we’re pretty serious about helping people get out of debt. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Debt sucks and we don’t want you to waste even one more dollar on your past when you could be planning for your future.

That’s where the debt snowball method comes in. It’s the best way to get out of debt—and we aren’t just saying that. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: List your debts smallest to largest, regardless of interest rate. Pay minimum payments on everything but the little one.

Step 2: Attack the smallest debt with a vengeance. Once that debt is gone, take that payment (and any extra money you can squeeze out of the budget) and apply it to the second-smallest debt while continuing to make minimum payments on the rest.

Step 3: Once that debt is gone, take its payment and apply it to the next-smallest debt. The more you pay off, the more your freed-up money grows and gets thrown onto the next debt—like a snowball rolling downhill.

Step 4: Repeat until you’re completely debt-free!

Investing for Your Future

What if your financial plan actually led you to the retirement of your dreams? What if your plan included a way for you to live and give like no one else? Guess what—it can.

The Proven Plan to Reach Your Financial Goals

When The Total Money Makeover hit the shelves, it skyrocketed to #1 on The New York Times best sellers list in its first week—and has continued to spend more than 200 weeks there. Today, over 6 million copies of the book have been sold worldwide, giving people the hope and strategy they need to create a financial plan and take on their own money makeover.

The Total Money Makeover gives you a simple, straightforward plan for breaking bad money habits and beating debt—and it works! Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect to find in Dave’s best seller.

Commonsense Financial Advice Your Grandma Would Give You

The Total Money Makeover doesn’t list sophisticated or hypothetical tips that are hard to understand, and you don’t need a corner office (or a three-piece suit) to understand them either! These are simply the same nuggets of advice your grandparents followed. Live within your means. Don’t mess with credit. Save for a rainy day. Quit trying to keep up with the Joneses. These tips may seem obvious, but they stand the test of time.

Busting the Money Myths

Sadly, most of us have accepted money myths as gospel and use them as a standard for making financial decisions. Some we just grew up with, and others are societal norms we’ve bought into—hook, line and sinker.

Here are a couple myths Dave calls out in The Total Money Makeover:

Myth: A credit score is the only way to show how great I am with managing money.
Truth: “Bankers, car dealers, and unknowledgeable mortgage lenders have told America for years to ‘build your credit,’” Dave said. “[The FICO score] is not a score that says you are winning with money or that you have a million dollars; it mathematically says you LOVE DEBT.”

Myth: Having a credit card will help me build wealth.
Truth: “When you play with snakes, you get bitten. I’ve heard all the bait out there to lure the unsuspecting into the pit,” Dave said. “Broke people use credit cards; rich people don’t.”

Success Stories From Real People Who Have Been There

As you flip through the pages, you’ll follow the journeys of everyday people who have been in debt, worked their way through the Baby Steps with dedication, and completed their own total money makeover.

David and Tayelor used credit cards as their income and lived paycheck to paycheck until they started on their own financial plan. After cutting up their credit cards and becoming debt-free, they now live their lives without fear of the future.

Autumn is a single parent. She was living off of $400 a month and drowning in $100,000 of credit card debt. After following the plan, she paid off her car loan, continues to pay off her debt, and even owns her own company!

There are thousands of stories from incredible people just like you who decided to make their financial plan, chipped away at mountains of debt, paid off their homes in record time, and are on the path to becoming everyday millionaires.

Are you ready to join the millions of people who chose to turn their finances around? Grab a copy of The Total Money Makeover and get started on your financial planning journey today!

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Maybe your caregiver has a fixed hourly fee but recently asked for a raise. Or maybe they’re a family friend who allows you to name your price—even if it’s less than they’d actually like.

Either way, what’s your obligation as an “employer”? According to a national survey by Care.com, babysitters earned an average of $13.44 per hour last year. Sitters earning the lowest hourly wage were in Grand Rapids, MI at $11.31, while the highest paid were in San Francisco at $16.65.

In just five years, the average babysitter’s wage has increased 28%. That’s up from $10.50 in 2009.

So how does your pay stack up? Unlike restaurant tipping, there’s no widely accepted standard when it comes to rewarding (and therefore keeping) a good sitter. But that’s no excuse to underpay your hardworking help.

Here are eight practical tips from Care.com to help you answer this complicated question of pay:

• Never pay less than minimum wage—ever.
• See what other sitters in your area are charging. Ask around or check out a handy pay rate calculator like this one.
• Are you in a city? If so, expect to pay more.
• Age and experience matter. A qualified nanny with CPR training can charge more than a 14-year-old you have to drive home at the end of the night.
• More kids equal more pay. So add $2–5 per hour for each additional child. (That means no letting your friends freeload off your sitter when you go out together.)
• Reliability and loyalty count. If you’ve had the same, awesome sitter for years, consider a pay raise—even if they don’t ask for it.
• Holidays typically cost more, especially if you’re booking last minute!
• If your sitter goes above and beyond (like your kitchen sink isn’t full of stuck-on pizza dishes when you get home) think about rounding up or adding a tip.

Paying your sitter shouldn’t be a budgeting afterthought—it should be a priority. This person is responsible for the most precious people in your life for several hours. So keep your quality caregivers by rewarding exceptional service with a fair-market wage.

Great sitters are worth it.

The new EveryDollar budget tool helps you personalize your budget to meet your needs—including babysitters! Learn more about setting up your budget, syncing it across devices, and updating it at any time.

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