Tamila McDonald

5 Memorable Gifts for Rich People

September 17, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Buying a gift for someone who either has it all or who could afford anything they may want isn’t easy, especially if you want it to be special. However, by thinking outside of the box a bit, you can find some unique options. Here is a look at five memorable gifts for rich people.

1. Fighter Jet Flight

When you want your gift to make an impression, setting up a once-in-a-lifetime experience can be the way to go. One excellent option that’s ideal for anyone a bit adventurous is a reservation to fly a fighter jet.

There are several companies throughout the United States and all across the world that can put your gift recipient in the air while riding in an actual fighter jet. Some let them take the controls briefly, while others simply allow them to ride as a passenger, keeping a trained pilot at the controls.

In either case, a fighter jet flight is certainly a memorable gift. Just make sure that the recipient has that kind of adventurous spirit – and is suitably healthy – before you commit your cash.

2. Tactical Driving Course

While most people are familiar with defensive driving courses, not everyone has heard about their tactical driving counterparts. With these, you learn more offensive driving techniques designed to get away from pursuers and avoid vehicle-based aggressors.

In most cases, the courses are actually designed for drivers who transport people who may be at risk of kidnapping or other kinds of attacks. However, learning the techniques for fun does create a very memorable experience.

There are some similar alternatives to tactical driving courses that are also worth exploring. For example, there are programs that let people drive race cars or supercars around tracks. Those can also be an outstanding experience, particularly for anyone who is a fan of NASCAR, Formula One, or speedy luxury cars.

3. First Edition of a Favorite Book

If the gift recipient is an avid reader, tracking down a first edition print of their favorite novel could be a great option. Rare books can often go up in value. Plus, by choosing their favorite book, you show that you know them well.

Finding a first edition of some books is challenging. You may have to contact several sources, including high-end used book stores, antiques dealers, or auction houses. However, it can be worth the effort if you want a memorable gift.

Generally, this route only works if the recipient is a fan of a classic. Usually, first editions or newer books aren’t particularly rare or collector-worthy, so it may be best to go with another option if their favorite novel is more modern.

4. Antarctica Trip

A trip to Antarctica is another experience-based gift that is almost guaranteed to please. The gift recipient gets to go to an area of the planet that few people ever have a chance to experience firsthand.

Many recreational Antarctica expedition companies make the journey surprisingly comfortable, too. They can feature high-end accommodations and near-all-inclusive dining options. Plus, there are guided tours from experts, making the experience educational, as well.

5. Hot Tub Boat

If the gift recipient has some waterfront property, a hot tub boat could make an amazing gift. It lets them relax in warm, soothing water while cruising across a lake or other reasonably still body of water.

While it’s a big financial investment on your part, if you’re going for a memorable gift, it does qualify. However, if you want to use a more economical approach, there are companies that rent hot tub boats, too. You could simply schedule an outing as a gift, allowing them to have the experience.

Can you think of any other memorable gifts for rich people that should be on this list? Have you ever given someone one of the gifts above and want to let everyone know how it turned out? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool.

5 Craft Skills That You Can Earn Money From

September 16, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

When you want to earn some extra cash, monetizing your crafting skills could be a good move. Many craft skills can help you create amazing items that people want to purchase. In some cases, people may even hire you to make custom pieces or assist with their projects, giving you two more potential revenue streams. If you’re wondering which ones can help you bring in some extra cash, here are five craft skills that can earn you money.

1. Knitting / Crochet

If you’re a capable knitter or crocheter, you can use your skills to make some money. One of the simplest ways is to sell finished pieces. Handmade scarves, hats, blankets, or sweaters could all bring in some cash. Plus, you can either use your own design choices or take commissions, giving you multiple avenues.

Another way to make money from this craft skill is to use your talents to make patterns. Then, you can sell the patterns to other people, giving you another great option for a side hustle.

2. Jewelry Making

Handmade jewelry is another craft item that’s usually simple to sell. Whether you prefer metals, resin, stone, clay, or any other material, there could be a market for your pieces. Crafters have success with all kinds of styles, too. From formal to quirky and from bright to moody, there’s likely a buyer looking for a piece like yours.

3. Illustrations

If you have drawing skills, your illustrations may help you earn some cash. Many people will pay a pretty penny for one-of-a-kind drawings. Whether you focus on cartoon-style art, custom photo realistic portraits, or anything in between, there’s likely an established market in place.

Plus, you may be able to monetize this skill in other ways. For example, you may be able to find work as a freelance children’s book illustrator, depending on your style. If a company has a need for hand-drawn art, you may be able to snag their business.

4. Embroidery

Embroidery skills are also reasonably easy to monetize. By adding designs to items that people use frequently, you may have an easy time selling your creations.

While embroidered towels or pillowcases are an easy place to start, you can branch out into many other areas. Elevating a simple t-shirt or ballcap with embroidery designs could be an excellent option. Plus, if you purchase the shirts or hats in bulk, it may not cost much to get started with your side business.

5. Leatherworking

Leather items are another option that can be fairly easy to sell. Many people appreciate handmade purses, belts, and bracelets, for example. Making personalized leather bound journals could be another excellent item to add to an online store. The same goes for customized wallets.

However, operating a store isn’t your only option. For example, you may be able to partner with a blacksmith and create custom sheaths for knives they’re making. By going that route, you don’t have to operate the retail side, which may be ideal if you prefer less direct customer interaction.

Do you have craft skills that can earn you money? Have you used them to launch a side hustle? If so, how did it turn out? If not, what lead you to that decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

These Are 4 of The Best Side Hustles in Alaska

September 15, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Having a side hustle can be a great way to earn some extra cash while maintaining a traditional full- or part-time job. In many cases, these earning opportunities are incredibly versatile. You can keep complete control over your schedule, picking and choosing when you want to work. That way, you can also maintain good work-life balance, all while boosting your income. If you’re looking for the ideal option, here is a look at some of the best side hustles in Alaska.

Airbnb Host

If you have a house in a more rustic part of the state, renting out a room or the whole property on Airbnb could be a great way to earn some extra cash. Many vacationers want to experience the “wilder” parts of the state. As a result, you may be able to charge a premium if you can offer that kind of experience.

However, even if you live in the city, you could still go this route. Many business travelers prefer to rent rooms through platforms like Airbnb instead of staying at hotels. As a result, you may be able to get a decent amount of business from them.

Do be aware that maintaining a high rating is going to be important if you’re hosting on a platform like Airbnb. As a result, you may need to go the extra mile to make sure your guests have everything they need to feel comfortable. Small additions like travel-sized toiletries, bottled waters, and access to chargers aren’t incredibly expensive but can make a big difference, so keep that in mind when you set up the space for guests

Teach English Online

If you’d prefer a side hustle that you can handle over your computer, teaching English online could be an option worth exploring. Usually, you don’t need formal teaching credentials to get started. As long as your command of the English language is sound and you’re good at following the directions provided by the company, that’s all you need.

When it comes to pay rates, it may be per hour or per session, depending on the company you work through. Just make sure to read all of the compensation information before you sign up. That way, you’ll know what to expect.

Clear Snow

Many parts of Alaska get a significant amount of snow during the winter. While shoveling sidewalks and clearing vehicles is usually viewed as an inconvenience by many, it could also be an excellent opportunity for a side hustle.

By advertising your snow clearing services, you can earn some extra cash by clearing walkways, staircases, and vehicles for neighbors or businesses. That way, when it’s time to start their workday, they don’t have to mess with it.

Just keep in mind that going this route usually means working during the early hours of the morning. Still, if you don’t mind getting up at that time, it could be a great fit.

Rideshare Driver

If you live in or near a bigger city in Alaska, working as a rideshare driver could be an outstanding option. Not all visitors are going to have their own vehicles. Plus, during the winter, people from out of town – especially those who aren’t used to the conditions created by a cold climate – may be worried about driving on the roads. As a result, you could likely secure a reasonable number of driving opportunities with relative ease.

Can you think of anything else that should be on our best side hustles in Alaska list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

5 Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget When Buying Furniture

September 10, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

When you need new furniture, delaying the purchase until you have more money might not be plausible. However, if you are on a tight budget, simply heading out of the door and shopping at just any store might not be an option either. Luckily, it is possible to get high-quality furniture pieces for less, allowing you to shop right away without breaking the bank. Here are five ways to save money on a tight budget when you’re shopping for furniture.

1. Shop Online Retailers

Many larger online retailers have furniture for sale. Sites like Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock often have stylish, high-quality pieces available, typically at prices below what you’d find at a traditional brick-and-mortar furniture store.

Plus, each of those online retailers often has free shipping promotions. Those deals can potentially apply to smaller or self-assembly furniture pieces, including computer chairs, desks, end tables, bookshelves, TV stands, and more. At times, the free shipping benefit even extends to large pieces, including sofas, beds, mattresses, and pre-assembled versions of the items above.

However, shipping charges may apply for some large pieces. Additionally, you do have to qualify for the promotion. Often, that means either being a member of a program – such as Amazon Prime – or meeting specific conditions, like spending at least $35.

2. Buy Direct from Manufacturers

When you head to a retailer, you aren’t just paying for the cost of the furniture; you are also paying a markup. That markup covers some of the retailer’s costs, including shipping the item to their store or warehouse and pay for staff members. On top of that, there’s a profit margin.

If you want to avoid some of those costs, buying directly from a furniture manufacturer helps. You may be able to snag wholesale prices instead of retail, allowing you to save a substantial amount.

When you buy direct, you typically need to head to the manufacturer’s website or store location. Factory outlet stores and warehouse sales operated by the manufacturer can let you have an in-person shopping experience while still getting a lower price. Plus, if you can pick up the item yourself and bring it home, you may avoid delivery or shipping costs, too.

3. Try Warehouse or Stockroom Sales

If there aren’t any factory outlets or manufacturer-run warehouse stores, there is still a way to save a bit while shopping for new furniture in person. Many furniture stores offer price reductions on their overstock inventory.

In some cases, those bargains are only available a few times a year, typically during a stockroom sale, warehouse sale, or similar event. You can ask a salesperson if the store conducts those kinds of sales and, if so, when they occur.

If you go that route, you may need the ability to pick up the item immediately. If you don’t own a vehicle capable of hauling the furniture piece, consider renting a truck. When you get a big discount on the furniture itself, you may come out ahead even after paying that cost.

However, you may be able to find some of these discounts all year round. Many furniture stores operate a discount section. At times, you can find floor samples of overstock items there. In others, you may discover returns or scratch and dent items that are available for less.

With those discounts, you might be able to schedule a delivery through the store. Again, this will come with a cost but, if you don’t have a vehicle you can use to transport the furniture home, it could still be a decent deal.

4. Look for Deals on Used Items

If you have a tight budget, buying gently used furniture could be the way to go. Many people get rid of high-quality pieces that still have plenty of life in them, and they usually set a price point that is far below what you find in a traditional furniture store.

Websites like Craigslist can be great starting points, as well as Facebook Groups focused on item selling in your area. You may want to sign up on Freecycle, too. There, you can find local items that people are giving away for free, and there is a chance you might find the furniture pieces you need.

Garage, yard, or estate sales are also fantastic places to find bargains. Just keep in mind that, with most of these, you’ll need to be able to pick up the item and bring it home. Still, if you get a stellar price on a piece, a bit of a drive or renting a truck could still let you come out ahead.

5. Upcycle Thrift Store Finds

While you may find decent items at a thrift store in your area, if you add upcycling to the mix, you could open the door to more options. Upcycling is the process of taking an existing item and elevating it. With furniture, it could mean a fresh coat of paint, new upholstery, or similar steps that breathe new life into the piece.

The benefit of upcycling is that you can personalize the furniture. It lets you turn a piece that isn’t your style into something that matches your aesthetic.

By heading to thrift stores to find the furniture, you’re essentially guaranteed to find bargains. However, like many of the options above, delivery isn’t commonly available.

Some Thrift Stores Will Hold The Item

If you pay for the piece but can’t arrange for transportation immediately, some thrift stores will hold the item for you for a few days without an additional cost, giving you time to rent a truck or make other arrangements. But this isn’t available everywhere. If you can’t transport the furniture right away, ask the store if they can hold the item after you purchase it before you actually buy. That way, if that option isn’t available, you know that before you spend anything on furniture that you can’t move that day.

Do you know of any other ways to save money on a tight budget when buying furniture that could help others? Did you use any of the techniques above to save money while making a big purchase and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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5 Fun Fall Frugal Recipes For a Tight Budget

September 9, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Frugal Recipes For Tight Budget — Bowl of Chili Con Carne garnished with sour cream, chives and cheddar cheese. Extreme shallow depth of field with selective focus on center of bowl.

When you have a tight budget, creating a great meal can feel like a challenge. Many lower-cost foods aren’t overly satisfying, and they may not have the best nutritional value. Luckily, you do have options. By finding the right inexpensive recipes, you can create exceptional meals without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for fun fall frugal recipes for a tight budget, here are five that are worth checking out.

1. Meatloaf

Once the temperatures drop, meals like meatloaf sound like the perfect way to stay cozy. Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s very simple to make. Plus, it’s relatively affordable, especially if you can get the ground beef on sale.

Another benefit of meatloaf is that you can add a vegetable side with ease. That lets you add a little something extra without having to pay a bundle. You may also get some leftovers that you can use the next day, allowing you to prepare a dinner and a lunch at the same time.

You can find an excellent recipe here: Easy Meatloaf

2. Vegetarian Chili

When you want something filling, it’s hard to beat a hearty chili. By going with a vegetarian chili, you can keep the cost as low as possible too by bypassing the meat. Ingredients like beans, tomato paste, bell peppers, and broth are usually very affordable, ensuring the meal isn’t a budget buster.

As a bonus, you can prepare chili in bulk. Once it’s done cooking, you can use what’s left for lunches the next day or freeze some for a future meal. That makes this dish both affordable and convenient, which is perfect for busy families.

You can find a simple recipe here: Vegetarian Chili

3. Tuna Patties

For budget-conscious shoppers, canned tuna is a great protein. It’s low-cost and provides you with vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and much more.

By creating tuna patties, you can get an experience similar to a salmon or crab cake. It takes a humble ingredient up a notch, all while keeping the cost down.

Plus, it’s easy to choose low-cost additions to round out the meal. Some rice is an affordable option, but it definitely isn’t the only one. You could also pair the patties with a simple salad, allowing you to get some leafy green vegetables onto the table.

You can find an excellent recipe here: Tuna Patties

4. Stove Top Chicken Pot Pie

If you’re looking for some delectable, hearty comfort food, a stove top chicken pot pie can be a great option. Not only is it a warm and cozy feeling meal, but it’s also surprisingly low cost. The ingredients are both accessible and affordable. Plus, it can make up to eight servings, potentially leading to leftovers for lunch the next day.

Additionally, you can make it easy to prepare by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you go with a chicken from Costco, you get a well-seasoned one for just $4.99, which is hard to beat.

You can find a great recipe here: Stove Top Chicken Pot Pie

5. Crock Pot Potato Soup

Potato soup is another humble meal that is incredibly satisfying. Not only is it inexpensive, but it’s also simple to make if you use a crock pot or slow cooker.

Some recipes even feature only a few ingredients. Along with making the recipe more affordable, it can reduce your prep time dramatically.

One of the other benefits of potato soup is its versatility. You can add extra ingredients to personalize the flavor or choose from a range of toppings like shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, or sliced green onions to give it a little something extra.

You can find an outstanding base recipe here: 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Potato Soup

Have you ever tried any of the frugal recipes for a tight budget above and want to tell others about your experience? Do you know of any other fun fall frugal recipes that people should try? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Check Out The Best Side Hustles in Alabama

September 8, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

With a side hustle, you can boost your total income without having to commit to a traditional full-time or part-time job. Side hustles are typically versatile, putting you in control of your earnings potential, schedule, and more. If you’re looking for a great one, here are some of the best side hustles in Alabama.

Delivery Driver

Demand for delivery drivers rose dramatically during the pandemic. If you want to drive as a side hustle, signing up with a delivery app could be a great choice. You can pick up food orders, groceries, or other goods for people in your area and bring them to their destination.

If you own a pickup or box truck, you could go a different route, especially if you aren’t opposed to doing some heavy lifting. For example, you could advertise your services on Craigslist or at local stores, allowing you to get to help with larger items people have purchased or that they need to bring to the dump. You could even offer local move assistance, giving people another set of hands and a reliable vehicle to assist with their housing transition.

Tutor

If you excelled in a particular school subject or have a college degree, launching a tutoring side hustle could be a great option. Not only will you put your skills to work, but you get to help someone else learn and grow, which can be incredibly rewarding.

How much you can charge usually varies depending on the subject and the student’s age. For younger children, you may charge less than you would for high school or college students, as the subject matter isn’t as complex. When a subject is highly technical or specialized, you can charge more due to the increased challenge involved.

Handyperson

For anyone who is good with basic home maintenance or repairs, a side hustle as a handyperson could be a worthwhile option. You can turn your skills into a flexible income stream, all while helping homeowners keep their properties in good shape.

It is important to note that you might have to get a permit depending on where you plan to offer your services. Additionally, you may need to be licensed as a general contractor to handle certain kinds of work. Still, this can be a solid option for anyone with home maintenance and repair skills, making these possible investments potentially worthwhile.

Freelance Writer

If you have a talent for the written word, becoming a freelance writer could be your perfect side hustle. You can pick and choose your clients, set your own rates, and maintain substantial control over your schedule. Usually, you only have to make sure you deliver the work by a set due date. As a result, when you do that work doesn’t matter as long as it is provided on time.

In most cases, you’ll want to have a portfolio of example work to share with potential clients. Additionally, if you don’t have experience, you may need to start with some less profitable projects. However, if you garner good reviews, you could work your way up quickly.

Can you think of anything else that should be on the best side hustles in Alabama list above? Have you tried any of the options on the list and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.