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What to Do With Found Money?

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what to do with found money

So, you find yourself walking down into the store, and you find a crisp twenty on the ground in front of you. Many questions pop up in your head. Should I give it to someone? How do I find out who dropped it? Am I a bad person if I keep it? Could I get in trouble? Knowing what to do with found money can be tough, because it can seem a little rude to just pick it up and pocket it. So, what do you do?

Finding Out Who Dropped it Isn’t Easy

If you didn’t see anyone drop it, then you probably shouldn’t search for who did. There are a lot of opportunistic people out there, and they may just say “yes” because a free twenty doesn’t seem like a bad deal. So, it becomes really difficult to track the person down, but you can still do it if you don’t mind it ending up with someone who didn’t drop it. Keep an eye and ear out for somebody looking for lost cash, and if you’re going into the store, be especially watchful near the registers where they would go to pay.

Pocketing it Right Away Is an Option

If you do find money that isn’t yours, at least make a good faith effort to check if anyone is looking for it. You never know what that cash could mean to somebody, and they may have needed it for whatever they were buying in the store.

Although it can be tempting just take the money because nobody was in possession of it when you saw it, just mind the area you’re in. If you’re in a public space with a lot of people, hold onto it and see if you catch anybody searching for money they were supposed to have. If you don’t, then keep it. Now, if you’re in a place where nobody is around, then you’re probably in the clear to keep it. Odds are, the owner of the cash isn’t going to make it back to it before another person finds it. You did find it first, after all.

Pay it Forward

If you find an inconsequential amount of money lying around, and you don’t need it, you can always pay that luck forward! Use it to cover someone else’s lunch, whether it is a stranger or a friend. Maybe hold onto it until you see somebody struggling to pay for groceries, and you help them out. Much of the time, helping others feels much better than getting something for yourself. It is always nice to take your own luck, and pass it on to another person in hopes to spread the love. Especially in times like these, a little help from a stranger can really make somebody’s day.

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How I’m Celebrating Christmas This Year Without Traveling

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COVID-19 numbers continue to rise and travel across the world is still restricted. This means, the holiday season may look drastically different than it has in years’ past. If you live far away from your family, you may find yourself in the same position as me and unable to travel to spend the holidays with them. While it’s a bummer, you can still enjoy the holidays. Here is how I am celebrating Christmas this year without traveling.

Staying Home and Staying Safe

Let’s face it – celebrating the holidays alone isn’t ideal. Obviously, COVID-19 is a totally wrecking tradition. Instead of fighting it, embrace it.

While I would much rather be spending the holidays with my family, I want to keep them (and everyone else) safe. And for me, that means staying home.

Everyone has different personal situations. Your family may be unconcerned about the COVID pandemic, or you may be in an area that isn’t particularly affected. You may even find the potential risk of traveling outweigh the cons of not traveling. Whatever you decide to do during the holidays, keep safety front-of-mind and stand by the decision you make. It’s not an easy choice, and there is rarely a right one!

Starting New Traditions

The next way I’ll be celebrating the holiday season is by creating new traditions!

Sure, I may not be able to go to Christmas Eve church services, spend time with my family, or participate in New Years Eve celebrations. Instead of trying to replicate all of the “normal” traditions I look forward to, I plan to create new traditions with the old.

Instead of being sad over missing my mother’s home-cooked meals, I plan to splurge on a steak dinner at home. And in lieu of hosting a holiday party, I was able to donate that money to charity instead. These little things help make the season a little bit brighter!

Connecting With Family Over Technology

Technology is simply amazing. If your family is able to utilize technology, you can easily all connect at once. And sure, you can catch up and check in while on a shared Facetime call, but consider taking it a step further.

For instance, my family is planning to do a gingerbread house competition this year all over the internet. It’s a great way to connect and create a fun memory in the midst of a COVID Christmas.

Practice Self-Care

Lastly, the year 2020 has been a rough one. Chances are, you haven’t taken much of a vacation this year. On top of that, you have been dealing with a ton of additional, pandemic-related stressors! While this year may look different than other years, embrace the time off by practicing self-care.

For me, I plan to spend at least a whole day simply reading a good book. By focusing on self-care, you can give yourself a much needed break while still making the holiday special. By doing one or all of these things, you can still enjoy a Christmas without traveling.

 

Are We Really in a Recession? 5 Reasons We Are

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5 reasons we are in a recession

The economy is a bit of a mess right now, and there is a lot of debate over the title of what we are going through. Many say we are in a recession, while others are hesitant to use the term. There is a pretty dark connotation associated with the word “recession,” but we can’t let that keep us from the rational discussion.

It is vitally important that we are being straight with ourselves when it comes to the economy. We cannot recover unless we have an accurate picture of where things are now. So, what is the truth? While there are arguments on both sides, today we will argue in the affirmative. So, here are 5 reasons we are in a recession.

1. Textbook Definition

This one is pretty easy– the textbook definition of a recession may imply that we are in one. The typical definition taught to economists is that once the country has seen 2 consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP, we are in a recession. While we are still awaiting the data to prove this is the case, all signs point to that being the truth. The coronavirus pandemic along with the strong and inconsistent responses throughout the country have really thrown the economy into a downward spiral.

While the stock market has seemingly recovered, for the time being, job numbers continue to lag behind. When it comes to production, you need people working in order to grow the economy. There are really not too many ways around a dramatically diminished workforce. So, odds are that we will see those two consecutive quarters of GDP losses.

2. Massive Unemployment

The issues regarding unemployment have been historic in nature. As mentioned above, one of the most significant predictors of economic growth is the size of your workforce. Without people to produce, your overall production is obviously going to hurt. While these titanic unemployment figures are probably temporary, they still spell a certain level of doom for the time being.

3. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Prediction

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has a pretty upsetting prediction for the U.S. economy. Its shocking figure for a decrease in U.S. GDP is 40 percent. Again, it is important to address the obviously temporary reasoning for this, but it doesn’t make it any less relevant. A 40 percent decrease will be quite the hole for us to dig out of, but it definitely isn’t possible. Luckily, setting that low a bar means that expansion should be not too far behind.

4. National Bureau of Economic Research Declaration

The NBER is an authority when it comes to U.S. economics, and its declaration of a U.S. recession makes it all but official. It marks February 2020 as the peak of U.S. economic activity in regard to the expansion that started in 2009. This means that we have begun a recession, and we will officially be in that recession until we begin to see a consistent expansion of GDP. One can only hope that the next expansion lasts as long as the one before it, and it doesn’t take too long to get there.

5. We Aren’t Alone

The United States is not the only one reeling from this pandemic. Almost every country on the planet has been hit in a major way when it comes to economics. The World Bank states that beginning in 1870, the world has seen 14 global recessions. This one, it predicts, will be a pretty significant one to add to the list. While the U.S. is definitely unique, it would seem we are not exempt from the economic woes that affect the world-at-large.

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. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

8 Helpful Apps to Navigate the Coronavirus

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apps for navigating coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak has altered the daily lives of the masses. Everything from our finances to our family time have turned into something right out of a sci-fi novel. Navigating this unique situation is challenging, especially for those under stay-at-home orders. Luckily, there are numerous apps that can make it easier. Here’s a look at eight helpful apps to navigate the coronavirus outbreak.

  1. Google News or Apple News

Depending on your smartphone platform, Google News or Apple News can each be a wise addition. They don’t cost a dime and ensure you can follow the latest stories. Additionally, you can view news by categories, giving you the ability to focus on specific kinds of information.

Using these services also enables you to track news from numerous sources. You aren’t limited to a single news outlet or online publisher. At times, this can give users a more holistic view of a given situation, as they can review several perspectives from a single app.

  1. Pocketcasts

If you love podcasts, Pocketcasts makes it easy to keep up with your favorites. All of your audio will be in one place, which is incredibly convenient.

Plus, searching for new-to-you podcasts is also a breeze. You can find newscasts from a variety of major publications, including The New York Times, CNBC, and more. It can be a great way to track new information during times when reading isn’t convenient.

  1. Smiling Mind App To Help Navigate The Coronavirus

For many, the coronavirus pandemic has caused their stress levels to skyrocket. The outbreak fundamentally altered daily life and led to widespread unemployment. All of that increases anxiety.

Smiling Mind is a free app that focuses on mindfulness and stress reduction. It has options that can help adults and children navigate daily stresses with greater ease, including meditations.

  1. Marco Polo

Staying connected with loved ones can be challenging during times like these. With Marco Polo, it can be much easier, especially for those who can’t stop to chat at a moment’s notice. The app allows users to record and send video messages. It’s essentially video-chatting, but not in real-time.

The benefit is that people can see the person and then respond with a video message at their leisure. Additionally, messages can be saved, so you can always go back and rewatch your favorites.

  1. CDC

Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has its own app. If you want information that can make keeping your family healthy easier, it’s a great option. The content is all scientific, and automatic updates ensure you have access to critical public health information as soon as possible.

  1. Zoom

This quintessential video conferencing software for business is also great for personal use. Setting up private calls is a breeze, and downloading it is completely free. Plus, the group video meetings can support up to 100 participants at once. That’s a ton of capacity.

  1. COVID Symptom Tracker

If you want to help track the spread of the coronavirus, get tips on how to slow it down, or get local area estimates, COVID Symptom Tracker can help you do just that. Plus, you can provide details that can help the healthcare system track the pandemic and prepare, ensuring areas can request the right equipment when it’s needed.

User data gives scientists a leg up in the fight against the coronavirus. Additionally, the information you provide could ensure that others who may be at risk are identified sooner, supporting earlier intervention.

  1. Doctor on Demand

Virtual doctor visits help keep communities safer, reducing the risk to patients, physicians, and others in the local area. Doctor on Demand makes virtual appointments simple. You can get urgent care assistance, emotional support, and care for chronic conditions. Even preventative health concerns can be addressed, all from the comfort of your home.

Doctor on Demand takes a wide variety of insurance. Additionally, those without insurance only pay a $75 flat fee for medical (not including psychiatric) visits.

 

Can you think of any other apps to navigate the coronavirus outbreak? If so, tell us about them in the comments below.

 

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Barnes and Noble Holiday Return Policy

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Barnes and Noble holiday return policy

When holidays come around, everybody struggles over what to buy. Family members and friends want to get you a great gift, but sometimes they miss the mark. When that happens, it is always good to know the return policy at the location they bought it. Barnes and Noble offers more than just books. Many people purchase decorations, toys, and other memorabilia there to give as gifts. With so many different ways to go, maybe your gift-giver didn’t quite nail your taste. If that is the case, here is everything you need to know about the Barnes and Noble Holiday return policy.

The Usual Policy

Before looking at the holiday alterations on it, let’s go over the typical return policy of B&N. First off, anything bought in-store can be returned within 30 days. This qualifies for any physical items including, but not limited to, books, toys, shirts, and board games. Anything that is bought and carried out is eligible. In addition, anything bought on its website, or from its “other seller” list, can also be returned within the same timeframe with proof of purchase (though items from “other sellers” must be returned to the seller from which you bought it). Pretty much the only things that can’t are digital items, as they are too easy to reproduce. These cannot be returned at all and are yours forever.

Holiday Changes

Every holiday is different, and Barnes and Noble does not have any set-in-stone holiday policies. They do, however, have a gift policy. As long as you have a gift receipt, you get an extra 30 days added on to the regular return timeframe. This means that you can return gifts with said receipt up to 60 days after the initial purchase. This helps make up for the time it took the gift to actually make it into your hands. Again, though, this does not apply to digital products. If somebody buys you an e-book, you’re sort of stuck with it (sorry!).

Most of the time, Barnes and Noble will have special holiday policy changes that they create on the fly. Make sure you check out its website to see if they have anything to help you in your situation. With that said, I hope this information helps you pick something you’re going to love. Enjoy!