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Weekly Wrap: Gas, Home Remodeling, Travel, GameStop, And FedCoin

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Thought gas is higher, travel is up

Gas prices, consumer spending on home remodeling, and travel are on the rise while GameStop continues its wild ride and the United States moves closer to issuing a digital currency.

Forecast For Gas Prices Higher

From February to mid-March, gas prices across the United States rose 40 cents per gallon to $2.86. Though prices leveled off this week to an average of $2.88 a gallon, analysts seem more price increases ahead.

“A dip in demand along with a simultaneous increase in supply and refinery utilization has contributed to slower movement in gas price increases,” said Jeanette McGee, AAA spokesperson. “On the week, 32 states had increases of only 3 cents or less. This does not mean gas prices have hit their peak, but is a positive sign for consumers.”

Supply and Demand

The prime mover in the price of gas at the pump is almost always the price of oil and consumer demand.

In 2020 demand plummeted as the pandemic raged. Oil production was exceeding demand by 3 million barrels a day, according to Forbes. High supply meets reduced demand equals lower prices.

All that changed earlier this month when OPEC+ announced at its March 4 meeting that the cartel is reducing oil production. Saudi Arabia alone has cut one million barrels of oil per day (BOPD). A barrel equals 42 U. S. gallons.

A Storm in Texas

Prior to OPEC+’s actions, U. S. refinery utilization dropped to 56 percent. That was a result in small part due to reduced demand. However, the major cause was the massive storm that hit Texas in February.

Even with the refineries recovering, experts see gas prices being elevated for the near term.

“The sustained OPEC+ production curtailment through April suggests that supply will remain constrained in the near term, even as demand continues to increase,” according to the U. S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). “As a result, EIA expects that further inventory withdrawals to meet rising crude oil demand will keep crude oil prices elevated through at least the end of April.”

Higher Prices Long-Term

Writing in Oilprice.com, David Messler, who worked in oilfields on six continents, also sees oil prices leveling off.

“For gasoline, the primary motor fuel used in the U.S. moves gradually higher in the second half of 2021, and then moderates in 2022, just below the levels of 2019,” Messler wrote. However, his long-term view is less optimistic for consumers.

“Long-term we are expecting a spike in crude prices as shrinking supplies fail to meet rising demand,” wrote Messler. If he is right, that means you will be paying more at the pump down the road.

Travel Rebounding

Around the world, people are traveling and planning to travel for leisure again. In response, hotels, airlines, and cruise ships are cutting prices, expanded bookings, and relaxing cancellation policies.

The World Trade Organization, International Air Transportation Association, and hospitality research firm STR all agree that 2020 was the worst year in the travel business.

However, 2021 and beyond are looking much better.

Booking Increasing

According to a recent report by Tripadvisor, bookings for domestic travel are on the rise now with international travel picking up steam from May on. 

The travel platform noted that about 70 percent of leisure bookings the first week in January were for domestic travel. May through August are the most popular months. Eighty percent of Americans surveyed planned at least one overnight leisure trip this year. About one-third said they were planning three or more domestic trips in 2021.

Vaccinations Fuel Optimism

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has been cited as the main reason people are traveling again for pleasure. Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed globally say they will travel internationally if they get the vaccine. In the U. S. the figure is 80 percent.

“Consumer appetite for travel is as strong as it has been since the start of the pandemic and, as our data shows, many people are already actively planning their next big trip – even for trips more than four months out,” said Shibani Walia, senior research analyst, Tripadvisor.

Remodeling Boom Building

Not all business suffers in a pandemic. Delivery companies are prospering with FedX and UPS posting higher earnings. Amazon and Walmart have also increased profits. And there is a boom in the remodeling industry.

The market for new homes has tightened during the pandemic. Many people found themselves priced out. They turned to remodeling in an effort to:

  • Make their homes more livable.
  • Accommodate remote work
  • Include other family members

Harvard University’s Center for Housing Studies, through its Lending Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), tracks home improvement trends.

Spending Up This Year

LIRA spotted the increase in home remodeling in 2020 when spending on such projects reached $339 billion. The boom is projected to continue in 2021 to $352 billion, according to LIRA.

For a detailed examination of the remodeling boom and its impact on you, your wallet, and how you live, read Monday’s article in Saving Advice.

GameStop Won’t Stop

This was the week veteran Wall Street value traders were expecting GameStop to get its comeuppance. Instead, it got renewed support and saw a continued changing of the guard.

After dipping 34 percent by the close of Wednesday, GameStop stock made up its losses Thursday. Investors started buying again at around $125 a share. The price rose 53 percent.

GameStop closed Friday at $178.84 a share, down about $5 a share.

Brutal Beginning

GameStop stock was beaten down the first three days of the week on expectations that Wednesday’s earnings report would be dismal. 

Analysts expected GameStop to hit $1.35 per share on revenue of $2.21 billion. Instead, it earned $1.34 per share on revenue of $2.12 billion. 

Shift to E-Commerce

One bright spot was the company’s announcement that e-commerce sales increased 175 percent last quarter. That accounted for one-third of the company’s revenue for that period. 

GameStop has been shifting emphasis to e-commerce in the last five months. To facilitate that pivot, the company recently hired Jenna Owens as its new chief operating officer. She is a former Amazon and Google executive.

More good news came for GameStop Thursday. It was picked as a buy recommendation by short-term stock analyst firm Zacks Rank. 

FedCoin Getting More Attention

The Federal Reserve’s interest in developing its own cryptocurrency is picking up steam. 

Lael Brainard, Federal Reserve Board Governor, told a conference at the Stanford Graduate School of Business the central bank is currently exploring all aspects of digital currency,

The Fed is not alone in its interest in cryptocurrencies. Most central banks around the world are either researching or creating their own digital currencies, according to a survey by the Bank of International Settlements.

The Facebook Threat

Increasing the interest of the Fed and other central banks is Facebook’s proposal to introduce its Libra digital coin as a new global settlement currency. The idea is to back the Libra with existing monetary reserves, primarily the dollar. 

It’s the idea that Libra could replace national currencies in international commerce that has drawn the interest of central banks. The fear is that a private company with that sort of monetary control could have political leverage over nations.

There Are Risks

Not referring to Facebook or Libra, Brainard noted risks in private companies having too much influence.

“Some of the new players are outside the financial system’s regulatory guardrails, and their new currencies could pose challenges in areas such as illicit finance, privacy, financial stability, and monetary policy transmission,” Brainard told the Stanford conference.

Bottom Line

It’s early and there is still a long way to go, but an upswing in travel and single-family renovations are positive economic signs. High gas prices look like they are here for a while. GameStop continues its gyrations and U. S. national cryptocurrency seems on the way.

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10 Cheaper and Healthier Alternatives to Junk Foods

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Cheaper and Healthier Alternatives to Junk Foods

Junk food is bad for us in so many different ways. And although it’s not everyone’s first thought in the argument against junk food, cost is an important consideration. You can save money on your grocery bill as well as your medical expenses if you switch to these cheaper and healthier alternatives to junk foods.

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The Cost of Junk Food

Junk food costs money out of our pockets in three key ways.

First of all, junk food is often more expensive than healthy food. Of course, you can find deals and sales and fast food that make it cheaper. But you’re often spending more for the junk than you would for fresh whole food.

Second, junk food is addictive. Therefore, you often end up buying more and more over time. You aren’t satisfied with one cookie, now you want the whole bag of them. So, you end up spending more on groceries because you’re buying more and more junk food to satisfy your cravings.

Finally, junk food erodes your health. Therefore, you end up spending money on medications and other medical care. You wouldn’t spend that money if you kept yourself healthy through nutritious eating.

So, junk food costs you up front and over time. Therefore, finding cheaper and healthier alternatives to junk foods can be an important part of your budget.

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10 Cheaper and Healthier Alternatives to Junk Foods

There are many cheaper and healthier alternatives to junk food. Some are specific food changes. However, others are about changing your behavior.

1. Eat Fruit

If you tend to have sugar cravings, then stock up on healthy fruit. Buy whole, unprocessed, seasonal fruit. Shop farmer’s markets, local produce stores, farm delivery services, and big chan grocery stores to find the best prices on seasonal produce near you.

2. Find Veggies You Love

Over time, fresh fruit will satisfy your sugar cravings. However, you might be surprised by how many healthy veggies are also tastier than junk food. If sweets are your thing, try sweet bell peppers and carrots. If you like salty or savory, try greens with fresh lemon and herbs. Again, shop in season and as local as possible to reduce your costs.

3. Drink Water

Oftentimes we think we are hungry when actually we are just thirsty. If you’re dehydrated, then reach for water, not for junk food. Before you snack, fill up a big glass of water and drink it down. Give it a few minutes. If you’re still hungry, then reach for a healthy snack, not junk food. In particular, avoid salty and caffeinated junk food as that will just worsen the dehydration and make the cycle worse.

4. Take Time to Sit Down for Meals

Do you often grab food on the go? Or do you eat at the table while multi-tasking with your screens? If so, then you probably eat more junk food than you ought to. Instead, take the time to sit down and mindfully eat each meal. Yes, each meal, three times per day. The more consciously, thoughtfully, and intentionally you prepare and enjoy your meals, the less likely it is that you’ll overeat junk food.

5. Learn About Intuitive Eating

Don’t just give up junk food to “be good.” That mentality will just land you in a thick cycle of eating bad, eating good, eating bad, eating good. It’ll ultimately make the battle with junk food worse. Instead, develop a healthy relationship with food. You can learn about intuitive eating online for free as a starting point. The intuitive eating community is also a great resource for even more information about cheaper and healthier alternatives to junk foods.

6. Make Your Own Junk Food

Maybe you don’t want to give up your favorite junk food entirely. That’s okay. Switching to making it yourself can help you save money. Moreover, you can make substitutions that make those foods healthier. For example, CookSmarts recommends:

  • Making fries from other veggies instead of potatoes; if you’re smart with your oil then you can have relatively healthy fries
  • Use kale to make an alternative to chips from a bag
  • Add fruit to yogurt and freeze it as an alternative to ice cream
  • Eat a handful of dark chocolate covered nuts or fruit rather than a candy bar
  • Stock up on sparkling water as an alternative to sodas, juices, and alcohol

And these days you can find recipes to make just about anything using cauliflower instead of eating carbs.

7. Eat Junk Food Only as a Special Treat

Sometimes those cheaper and healthier alternatives to junk foods just won’t do. You want the real thing. That’s okay. Just eat it mindfully. Make it a special treat, not an everyday thing. Set some rules and guidelines for yourself that keep it truly special and rare.

For example, I have a rule that I never order dessert at a restaurant unless they have chocolate mousse. Most places don’t have it, so I don’t come across it all that often. When I do, it’s truly a treat. I’m indulging. It’s part of my special budget. Therefore, I enjoy it without letting it take over my life and my health.

You might choose special foods or special, rare occasions on which to indulge. Then the rest of the time, you make the healthy choices.

8. Start The Day with Eggs or Oatmeal

These are both solid, healthy breakfast options that will sustain you until lunchtime. They are affordable options that are healthier than many other breakfast choices. So skip the bagels, pancakes, and cold cereals in favor of a healthy start to the day.

9. Snack Like You’re Feeding a Kindergartener

What are some of the cheaper and healthier alternatives to junk foods that you’re comfortable giving to your kids on a regular basis? Carrot sticks, string cheese, yogurt, peanut butter on apples … if you can’t wait until your next meal and need a snack, think about these options.

10. Try Therapy for Eating Issues

Okay, so therapy might not be objectively “cheaper” than junk food. But it’s definitely healthier to address any underlying eating issues than to destroy your health with poor eating. Many of us engage in emotional eating or eat due to underlying mental health issues. Working on that is critical to long-term health.

Moreover, if you have insurance or access to sliding scale services then you might actually find affordable therapy that’s cheaper, or as cheap as, the junk food that is harming you. Alternatively, there are free groups, such as Overeaters Anonymous, that provide online and in-person support for eating issues.

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How We Became a Single Car Family

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When my husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest, the cost of living difference was drastic. And, it was our first experience living in a major city in the US. In order to control our costs, we looked at alternative ways of living to save money. One way we saved money was to sell a car. Here is how we became a single car family, and why you should, too.

 

We Calculated the Cost Savings

Of course, giving up a car wasn’t an easy decision. We both grew up living in a rural area where we drove all of the time. But owning a car in a major city includes many additional expenses. For one, gas prices are typically much higher, especially on the West coast. Secondly, you have to factor in the cost of car insurance and wear and tear while sitting in more traffic. Finally, we had to pay for parking, which was over $100 per month per vehicle! Ouch.

Over it was all said and done, owning a second car would have cost us at least $5,000 extra per year. And that’s not even including the cost of the car itself!

Keeping the cost savings in mind was critical for us to commit to our plan.

 

We Found a Cheaper Alternative

Because were were both still commuting to work each day, we wanted a second option in lieu of always taking the bus to work. We settled on getting my husband a motorcycle.

We found a gently used motorcycle for around $2000. It cost a whopping $7 to fill the tank! Insurance was substantially cheaper, and best of all, our apartment approved us to park it in the same parking spot as our car, saving that extra $100 per month.

While the motorcycle wasn’t ideal for long commutes, it was perfect for my husband to take a few miles to work. Plus, we loved taking it to the beach or downtown on nice days because it was so easy to park!

 

We Coordinated Our Schedules

There were some circumstances where we both wanted to take the car to run various errands. It wasn’t always practical to take the motorcycle for, say, grocery shopping, or if the weather was bad, leaving us both wanting a car.

We learned to coordinate our schedules like crazy. Sometimes, we would carpool to work together. Rarely was it a problem to only have one car. Planning ahead saved us dozens of times.

 

We Utilized Public Transportation

Lastly, if all else failed, we took the bus. And actually, it wasn’t bad at all!

In major cities, buses go pretty much everywhere. Sure, you have to do a little more planning in advance. But once you got used to the bus schedules and finding the various bus stops, it was actually really enjoyable. I loved taking the bus to meetings downtown because I didn’t have to worry about expensive parking and I could get some work done during my commute. At $2.50 for a bus pass, you can’t beat the price!

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Free Things To Do in Springfield, IL

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free things to do in springfield

When planning a road trip or visiting any new place, it is a good idea to have an itinerary and budget in mind. If you’re thinking about visiting the state capitol of Illinois, there are a plethora of affordable things to do. Here are some of the free things to do in Springfield, Illinois. 

Free Things To Do in Springfield

Believe it or not, Springfield is a city rich in history and there is no shortage of budget-friendly things to do. Below are just a few of the free activities that you can take part in. Depending on the time of year you visit, there may also be a number of free festivals and other low-cost ways to spend the day. 

Oak Ridge Cemetery 

Oak Ridge Cemetery is where you can visit President Abraham Lincoln’s tomb. The rest of the cemetery also holds a number of historic tombstones and is hailed as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Springfield. Best of all, entry to the cemetery is free. However, you will want to call ahead to verify you can visit that day. 

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Camp Butler National Cemetery 

Camp Butler National Cemetery is another historic stop when you are in Springfield. The grounds were initially established as an Army training camp and later became a Confederate prison. Many prisoners of war died there due to poor living conditions and spreading sickness in the establishment. It was later converted to a burial ground and is now the final resting place for many veterans. Visiting the cemetery is free, but you will want to call ahead to verify hours. 

Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center 

These gardens were constructed to honor President Lincoln. Throughout the gardens, there are more than five miles of trails to walk. Depending on the season you visit, you will see different flowers and trees blooming. You may also encounter different types of wildlife. There is no fee to enter the gardens, but you may consider giving a donation (or bring some money for the gift shop). 

Illinois State Capitol and the Old State Capitol Historic Site

free things to do in springfield

You can visit the Illinois State Capitol building during your visit to Springfield. During COVID-19, the inside of the building has been closed to the public. However, you can still tour the grounds free-of-charge. 

This is not where the Capitol was always located though. The building from the 1840s was restored and is now a beautiful place to visit. You can take a self-guided tour of the Old State Capitol Historic Site for free as well.  

Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Springfield is rich with gardens to explore. Washington Park Botanical Gardens are not something to miss while you are there. In the gardens, there are over 1,200 species of plants. You can also get guide books and handouts to help you identify different plants. Self-guided tours of the gardens are free and the gardens open at noon each day. 

Executive Mansion

You can visit the Executive Mansion in Springfield where the state’s governor has resided since the late 1800s. Visitors can tour the building and its grounds with a guide. However, no self-guided tours are permitted. Luckily, the tours are free-of-charge. 

Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum 

The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal group for Union soldiers from all divisions of the Army. It is now home to the GAR women’s auxiliary and the Women’s Relief Corps (WRC). Depending on the day you visit, you may get to experience some special events. Admission to the museum is free. 

Cheap Things To Do in Springfield (Under $20)

Of course, not everything on your trip to Springfield can be free. You should take the time to find some low-cost activities to add to your itinerary as well. Here are some to consider. 

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Dana-Thomas House

Another place you can visit for free is the Dana-Thomas House. There is a $10 suggested donation, but you can get away without paying anything. The house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Susan Lawrence Dana and it is 12,000 square feet with 35 rooms. It contains the largest collection of original Wright art glass and furniture. 

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield has no shortage of historic sites to see. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is one to add to your itinerary. You will need to reserve tickets for a ranger-led tour, which is the only way to get into the home. While the tours are free, donations are recommended. 

Elijah Iles House 

There are a large number of historic homes in Springfield. The Elijah Iles House was built in 1837 and very little about it has changed since then. It was built by Iles himself, who is one of the four founders of the city of Springfield. There is a suggested donation of $3 per adult and $1.50 for kids. 

Route 66 Drive-In Theater 

free things to do in springfield

Springfield is home to the Route 66 Drive-In theater. You can look up what is playing and take the family to see a drive-in movie. Regular admission is $8 and kids get in for $5. It is a great budget-friendly thing to do in the area. 

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant

If you’re interested in trying some local wine and food, Cooper’s Hawk is a great stop to make. Depending on the wine you are looking to try, you can get a bottle for a good price (under $25). It also has a number of tasty menu items at a reasonable price as well. 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Another historic site you can visit is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. While there you will see a number of historic exhibits as well as live history and performances. You’ll also gain insight into Abraham Lincoln’s life there in Illinois. To visit, admission costs are $15 per adult. Discounts are available for students, veterans, and senior citizens. 

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5 Things I Don’t Spend Money On

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Do you consider yourself frugal? Well, I’ll let you in on a secret – I’m a personal finance writer, but I’m not exactly frugal. I like to buy relatively nice things, such as clothing, furniture, and more. But even as a spender, there are 5 tings I don’t ever spend money on.

 

1) Dryer Sheets

Dyer sheets are a complete pain! There is nothing worse than finding them stuck to your clean clothes. And, for something you simply throwaway after use, they are kind of a waste of money.

Instead of dryer sheets, I utilize these reusable dryer balls. Not only are they reusable, but they are natural. Plus, they actually dry your clothes more quickly, so you can save money on energy usage!

I could go on and on about the benefits of using dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. You just can’t beat the cost savings, plus they are easy to find in your laundry load versus dryer sheets.

 

2) Cooking Spray

Before I found an alternative to cooking spray, I felt like we were constantly buying more. I hated purchasing expensive cooking spray, plus it was super wasteful and bad for the environment! However, I liked the ease of use of a spray.

After reading some awesome reviews on Amazon, I bought this reusable oil sprayer. It’s super easy to use! All you have to do is fill it with your favorite type of oil, and the canister will disperse it as a spray.

 

3) Late Fees

Late fees are obviously a good expense to avoid! With late fees, you’re being charged simply because you forgot to pay something on time. They are easily avoidable if you put all of your bills on autopay.

Whether you choose to utilize autopay or manually track when your bills are due, avoiding late fees is a super easy way to save money.

 

4) Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are pricey, and are full of harmful chemicals. Not to mention, there are so many cleaning products on the market, resulting in a cluttered home!

Instead of buying cleaning products, I’ve found that a simple solution of white vinegar and water cleans nearly everything. For just a few cents, I can have enough cleaner to last a year. And if I’m cleaning something, like a bathtub, I’ll just throw in some baking soda and give it a good scrub. No need for harsh chemicals!

 

5) Manicures

I love having my nails done, but I never go to the salon. I don’t like to spend the time or money to go somewhere to get my nails done, when I could do it myself for a fraction of the cost. Instead, I bought a cheap at-home manicure kit to do my own nails at home.

After a little practice, it isn’t hard to be able to paint your own nails. And you don’t even need a fancy manicure set to get started. A decent nail file, drugstore nail polish, and a high-quality top coat can work wonders!

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Saving Goals For 2021

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saving goals

My saving goals for 2021 are radically different than in years past for obvious reasons–the global pandemic is forcing a lot of us to rethink our long-term plans with respect to saving money, getting a nest egg or maintaining one, and anticipating future financial problems.

Furloughs, layoffs, job loss…those were words we used a lot in 2020 and in the new year even with the promise of Coronavirus vaccinations and much more, it is entirely possible that we have NOT seen the true economic fallout from the last 12 months by a long shot.

Saving Goals = Making Certain Assumptions

Why do I say this? Because when you are planning your saving goals for the year ahead, you want to be able to assume certain things. When times are good, your local businesses staying in business depend on sales, advertising, partnerships, and more to survive and grow.

But the open-again, closed-again nature of the western world’s pandemic response means that some are treading financial water instead of thriving and the true extent of the damage might not be apparent until a business attempts to fully reopen and get back to business without the benefit of the same kind of cash flow, predictability in business, etc. of a “normal” year prior.

Layoffs, Furloughs, And The Damage Done

And that means a lot of us are in danger of losing our jobs when that damage is fully assessed. It would be pure speculation on my part to try to come up with a percentage of local businesses that might have to close once the damages are fully tallied.

So my saving goals for 2021 are more like “income diversity goals”. What I’d like to do is to maintain my current level of saving but in anticipation of a year that might be tight moneywise.

Anyone who works in the gig economy makes a smart move to have diverse income streams but in the current climate it’s no longer an option, really…even for those who think it is. You can’t afford to rely on one source of your income in a lot of cases because you simply don’t know what the future holds for your employer and subsequently for you.

So what’s my advice? This might be a very good year to assume that no gig or job is 100% stable. And instead of saving less, that actually means trying to save a bit MORE in anticipation that you might need to dip into your savings or contingency fund.

But short of that, here is my BEST advice:

While you are still employed and have a source of income coming in, it might be wise to consider planning ahead for later in the year when money could get tighter. What does this mean? Stocking up, slowly over time, essentials you might need to have at the exact moment when you are required to cut back on your spending instead of maintaining your current levels.

This means different things for different people. In my case, it means taking a bit of a financial bite NOW in anticipation of a major expense I’ll definitely have LATER–a laptop purchase is in my immediate future at the time of this writing because my current gear is older than five years and it’s at the end-of-support stages in a lot of cases.

So I’ll be cutting back on my usual indulgences (I can make coffee at home, thanks!) in favor of eating a bigger-than-usual expense now just in case I literally cannot make the same purchase again in six months due to a loss of income.

What this means for YOU is up to you. But it’s a good idea to plan and think this way just in case. Much of the time when I do this, I wind up laughing at myself later because there was no big emergency after all. But there have been a couple of cases where my prep did pay off, and I was seriously glad I did it.

Savings Apps to Try this 2021

AppFess and minimum:Best for:
Digit30-day free trial period. $5 per monthSetting aside automatically
Acorns$1 per monthSpare change investing.
Qapital$3 membershipLetting you set rules to automate savings.