Keep the Kids Busy for Free at Bass Pro Shops This Halloween Season

I’m not an outdoorsy person, but I’m a fan of Bass Pro Shops for one reason: They know how to do the holidays right with free activities for the kiddos.

My daughter’s first experience trick-or-treating was at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City, New Jersey, when she was 2 years old. This year, the outdoor recreation retailer is hosting eight days of free Halloween fun. There will be crafts, games, costume parades, photos with Charlie Brown and the gang and — of course — trick-or-treating.

Events will be held at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores, which are owned by the company. About 170 locations in 45 states and Canada will get in on the Halloween spirit with the exception of the retailer’s Islamorada, Florida, location.

The festivities start two weekends before the holiday. On Oct. 20 and 21 from noon to 5 p.m., children can create Frankenstein crafts, pose for photos and play pumpkin toss — a holiday-themed version of bean bag toss — for the chance to win small prizes. The stores will be selling a photo package for $5, but you can get one free 4-by-6 photo without buying anything.

From Oct. 26 to 30, the Frankenstein craft will be swapped out for a vampire bat craft. Families can go to Bass Pro Shops on Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. to make crafts and take photos.

More activities are scheduled the Saturday before Halloween (Oct. 27) with treat-or-treating from 3 to 5 p.m. and a costume parade at 4 p.m. The store’s pint-sized visitors can also make crafts, play pumpkin toss and take photos from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 27 and 28.

The action is light the two days leading up to Halloween — Oct. 29 and 30 — with just crafts and photos from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Halloween celebration culminates the evening of Oct. 31 with events from 4 to 8 p.m. Guests can take photos, play pumpkin toss and create crafts — this time a scarecrow — throughout the entire time.

From 5 to 7 p.m., children can decorate a cookie. Trick-or-treating will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. At 6 p.m., kids can walk in a costume parade.

My little one enjoyed her time collecting candy and making crafts at Bass Pro Shops. And I loved that I didn’t have to spend a dime.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She loves free kids’ events and is in favor of trick-or-treating that doesn’t involve going door to door.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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Economy Adds 134K Jobs, Unemployment Drops to 49-year Low of 3.7 Percent

The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in September - the lowest level since December 1969 - signaling how the longest streak of hiring on record has put millions of Americans back to work.

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LightStream Personal Loans Review

Check Out These Hidden Gems at Your Local Library That Don’t Cost Anything

It probably comes as no surprise that, as a writer, I love the library.

I adore being surrounded by books, magazines and newspapers. But the library is so much more than that, so we’d like to share some of the unique benefits you can get from your local library.

The best part about all this is they don’t cost a thing — and you can save hundreds of dollars.

Take Full Advantage of Your Library Card

Did you know some libraries lend cake pans? Others lend microscopes and musical instruments.

This post on nine unusual things you can borrow from public libraries will have you asking your librarian for a lot more than just book recommendations.

There’s an App for That

Sometimes you don’t even have to set foot in your library to gain access to books, magazines, movies and other media.

Your library may partner with apps like Hoopla, which offers digital access to music and TV shows in addition to your favorite ebooks and audiobooks.

Check out this post for other apps that might be available for library card holders.

Revamp Your Career at Your Local Library

Looking for a new job can be stressful, but the quiet environment of a library might be the perfect place to get a little focus.

While you’re there, make sure to take advantage of other resources, like free career workshops or access to adult learning programs.

See this post for more ways your library can help your career.

Nicole Dow is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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You Had Us at Glow-in-the-Dark Fangs: 9 Cheap Halloween Candy Alternatives

Scam Alert: BBB Says Phone Calls Offering Phony Amazon Jobs Are On the Rise

Only three things are certain in this life: death, taxes and scammers who just won’t quit.

The Better Business Bureau put out a warning in August that job scams claiming to be from Amazon were on the rise — and they don’t seem to be slowing down.

According to BBB national spokesperson Katherine Hutt, there were only 24 employment scam reports mentioning Amazon made to the BBB Scam Tracker in 2017.

But so far in 2018, the BBB has received 361 reports mentioning the retail giant. That is a whopping 1,404% increase — and we’re just now getting into October!

Here’s how the scam works. You get a voicemail inviting you to apply for a job at Amazon. It sounds like a pretty sweet set-up: You can earn anywhere from $20 per hour to $6,000 per month and you get to work from home! Usually, fictitious names such as “Amazon Cash Website,” “StockRetail.com” or “WebStoreJobs” get mentioned in the spiel.

But here’s the catch: When you go fill out the online application, you’re asked to purchase a $200 “enrollment kit.” Once you make the payment, poof! The scammer is gone, along with your money and your dream of remote work life.

A pro tip: Any job that asks for some sort of upfront payment should set off warning bells.

Employment scams are particularly prevalent because they aim to take advantage of people in a vulnerable situation, Hutt said. Plus, it’s not usually too suspicious to ask for personal information that you would normally put on a job application.

The median loss for those who fell victim to employment scams in 2017 was $800, Hutt said. Employment-related scams were also the riskiest of the year for adults age 25-34 — that’s right, it’s not just the older generations that fall for scams.

Amazon has been all over the news lately, thanks to the search for a new HQ, seasonal hiring and the recent announcement to bump its minimum wage up to $15 per hour.

“Scammers are opportunists,” Hutt said in an email. “And all this media coverage of Amazon makes the company an attractive target for scammers who pretend to be hiring for the company.”

If you’re worried about falling for a job scam, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Here are four questions you can ask yourself when determining whether or not a work-from-home job is legit,. And check out this post that walks you through a real-life work-from-home scam email, so you can know what to look for.

If you think you might’ve already fallen for an employment scam, don’t panic. Follow these steps to help limit the damage, and be sure to report it to the BBB Scam Tracker.

Kaitlyn Blount is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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National General Insurance Review

While National General Insurance offers many different insurance products, they are well known for being one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States.

In addition to auto insurance, National General Insurance also offers affordable and high-quality products for RVs, motorcycles, businesses, and homes.

National General Insurance also comes with a nationwide network of claims professionals, a 24/7 claims hotline, and superior claims services for its customers nationwide.

If you’re shopping around for insurance for your auto, home, or recreational vehicle and considering National General Insurance, keep reading to learn more.

National General Auto Insurance Review

National General Insurance is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States, and for good reason.

This company offers a broad range of policies with special perks that can make your coverage more comprehensive and valuable.

Superior benefits their policies offer include:

• Guaranteed repairs, including a lifetime guarantee on all collision repairs made at approved repair shops
• Guaranteed claims service satisfaction with the promise to waive your deductible if you’re not happy (not available in Texas)
• GM and GMAC discounts for consumers who have GM auto financing, a GMAC mortgage, a GM card, or a job with General Motors
• SmartValet service that picks up your damaged car and brings you a rental when you file a claim
• Affordable premiums that can help consumers save up to $442 per year

One factor that helps National General Insurance stand out is the fact that they offer so many discounts to help you save on premiums.

Discounts that may be available on your automobile policy include:

• GM and GMAC customer discount
• Paid-in-full discount
• Multi-vehicle discount
• GM loyalty discount
• Safe driver discount
• Motorcycle discount
• Low mileage discount
• Affinity discount
• GM supplier discount

National General Insurance also offers special policies for teenage drivers and older drivers.

Finally, they offer additional extended coverage options that can be utilized to tailor your insurance policy to your family’s unique needs.

National General Insurance RV Coverage

National General Insurance is also a popular option for consumers who own recreational vehicles.

With National General Insurance RV coverage, you can personalize a policy to protect an RV of any size whether you travel part-time or all year long.

Exceptional features you’ll find in National General Insurance RV policies include:

• Storage option: lets you suspend coverage when your RV is parked and not on the road
• Optional full replacement cost coverage: provides you with a comparable new RV if yours is totaled or stolen
• Personal belongings coverage: up to $3,000 in belongings if they are stolen or damaged in your RV
• Permanent attachments coverage: replaces permanently attached structures at the full replacement cost
• Multi-policy discount: when you insure your RV and auto or home with National General Insurance
• Full-time coverage: tailored to couples and families who live in their RVs full-time

In addition to offering a multi-policy discount, National General Insurance also extends several other ways to lower your premiums.

Discounts available to RV owners can be based on low mileage, long-term storage, early prepayment, GM/GMAC loyalty, and other factors.

National General Insurance Homeowners

Not surprisingly, National General Insurance is one of the best homeowners insurance companies, also offering renter’s insurance and insurance for condominiums.

These policies can be tailored to offer adequate coverage for your dwelling, liability, and personal belongings depending on your needs.

Coverage options you can find in National General Insurance homeowners and renter’s policies include:

• Guaranteed and extended replacement of your home that ensures the total costs of replacing your dwelling are covered regardless of repair costs
• Green upgrade option that includes up to $50,000 of coverage good for rebuilding with Earth-friendly and sustainable materials
• Personal belongings coverage that will kick in to cover expensive personal possessions such as jewelry, electronics, watches, and furs
• Identity theft protection that pays up to $15,000 in certain expenses to pay for identity restoration

Homeowners and renter’s coverage through National General Insurance can be made more affordable due to the many discounts the company offers.

Discounts available can be offered based on the age of your home, whether you have multiple insurance policies, and whether you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association.

Other discounts you could receive may be based on:

• Claim Free
• College Education
• Gated Community
• Home Buyer
• Insurance to Value
• Prime Time
• Protective Devices
• Superior Construction

Other Insurance Products from National General Insurance

In addition to their automobile, homeowners, and RV insurance, National General Insurance offers an array of insurance coverage options for small businesses including small business auto insurance and small business commercial and property insurance.

They also offer motorcycle insurance, Mexico insurance for customers who plan to drive a car or an RV into Mexico, insurance for collectible or classic cars, asset protection for lenders, and health insurance.

Finally, National General Insurance offers a Benefits Solutions department that helps small businesses create a realistic approach to health insurance for their employees.

Customer Service

As you compare insurance options, keep in mind that National General Insurance offers a website with several features to make managing your policy details much easier.

You can log into your online account at any time to see your policy details, make changes to your policy, or check in on your insurance premiums.

You can also pay your bill online thanks to their simple and secure online payment interface.

Also note that their customer care department is available to help with questions, concerns, and claims during regular business hours on weekdays.

And their claims hotline is available and ready to help 24/7 and 365 days per year.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to buy an insurance policy to cover your automobile, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, rental property, or personal residence, take time to explore National General Insurance and all they have to offer.

Their wide selection of coverage options and many discounts available make it possible for consumers to choose individualized policies that meet their unique needs without overspending.

Also, make sure to compare policies and companies as you shop.

By comparing policies and companies in terms of their premiums, ratings, reviews, and coverage limits, you’re bound to wind up with quality insurance you can afford.   

The post National General Insurance Review appeared first on Good Financial Cents.

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You Get Donut Fries and Iced Coffee for $2 at Dunkin’ Donuts This Weekend

Earlier this year, Dunkin’ Donuts put two of my favorite words together to create a new menu item: donut fries.

These fry-shaped donuts came just in time for National French Fry Day, when the first 100 customers at 25 participating locations had a chance to try them for free.

Now, Dunkin’ Donuts is giving everyone free donut fries all weekend long.

How to Get Free Donut Fries From Dunkin’ Donuts This Weekend

If you’re in the mood for some warm and buttery croissant-style, fry-shaped donuts covered in cinnamon sugar, then head over to Dunkin’ Donuts —  soon to be just Dunkin’ — between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to get an order for free!

What’s the catch? You have to purchase an iced coffee. But really, what are donuts without coffee anyway? Plus, iced coffee is on sale for $2 every day between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. until Nov. 8.

That means you can get some donut fries AND an iced coffee of any size and flavor for just $2.

Now go ahead and set that alarm for 2 p.m. every day this weekend so you don’t forget!

Jessica Gray is an editorial assistant at The Penny Hoarder.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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The Top 13 Tools to Use for A/B Testing

To have a successful website, you need to find ways to maximize your conversions.

Right now, you might think the layout of your site has an optimal design, but how can you know for sure?

The only way to figure this out is to test it. This isn’t something you just do once and forget about it.

You need to learn how to use continuous A/B testing to increase your conversions.

These tests are a great opportunity for you to make design choices that ultimately result in revenue.

Subtle changes, e.g., moving your CTA button or changing the color scheme on your site, can make a huge difference.

In the past, I’ve explained everything you need to know before you start A/B testing.

But now I want to take that concept one step further. I’ll show you the best tools for you to use for A/B testing.

That’s because these tests are not created equally. Depending on the size of your business, marketing goals, and technical experience, some tools will be more beneficial for you compared to others.

Regardless of your situation, I suggest you review my list of the top 13 tools for A/B testing. I’m confident you’ll find a solution in this guide that will benefit your business.

1. Google Optimize

It’s tough to put out a list of software solutions like this without starting with Google. All of its tools are great for business owners who manage websites on their own.

Google Optimize is no different.

This tool should be a top choice for you to consider because it has native integration functionality with your Google Analytics profile.

This gives you an edge because you already have information on record about how visitors behave on your website. Using this data will make it easier for you to prioritize what needs to be tested first.

Another benefit of Google Optimize is it’s free.

The visual editor is simple for anyone to figure out, regardless of their technical experience.

In addition to Google Analytics, this tool can also be integrated with Google AdWords and Firebase.

You can test mobile features and optimize your mobile website for Google searches.

2. Optimizely

Optimizely is one of the most popular options. They are definitely a market leader when it comes to A/B testing software.

The tools on this platform let you run lots of different experiments on your website.

These experiments allow you to focus on A/B testing and personalization.

One of the highlights that makes Optimizely stand out in the crowd is its ability to run A/B tests on multiple pages and platforms simultaneously.

For example, you can run tests on your homepage and contact page while also testing the shopping cart on your mobile site on Android and iOS devices.

Unlike other tools, Optimizely generates results that are easy to read and comprehend so you can make decisions based on the outcome.

With Optimizely, you can run A/B tests on a number of factors outside of obvious components, like a CTA button. You can run tests on:

• cookies
• geography
• ads
• audience segments

All of this information will give you a competitive advantage and maximize your conversion rates.

3. Apptimize

Just as the name suggests, Apptimize is made for running A/B tests on mobile apps.

This is the ultimate tool if you want to improve the profitability of your small business mobile app.

All too often I see businesses ignoring mobile users. You were one of the smart ones that catered to their needs and developed a mobile app.

But the development process isn’t over when your app launches. It’s imperative that you always strive to make improvements on your platform.

Mobile app conversions are just as important as those from your desktop and mobile sites. With Apptimize, you can run tests on all three of these.

The software also supports different code blocks:

• Objective-C
• Java
• React Native
• Swift
• Xamarin

You can run tests on your app regardless of the code used for development.

4. AB Tasty

AB Tasty is a great option for businesses just starting to run A/B tests and focusing on conversion rate optimization (CRO).

Since it’s designed for beginners, the pricing options are really affordable.

AB Tasty offers different options for testing. You can test two or more variations of a single element on your site, such as CTA placement, images, or colors.

You can also do split testing.

This feature lets you build two separate landing pages to see which one converts more.

Its multivariate option allows users to run combinations of tests simultaneously.

You can also take advantage of the funnel testing feature. This lets you test changes of the user experience as visitors navigate through each step of the conversion funnel on your site.

5. Convert

If you have a small or medium sized business, Convert has great A/B testing solutions for you.

It’s meant for people focusing on optimizing their websites in-house.

It’s ideal for these types of business owners because it’s easy to use. Part of what makes the navigation so simple is the drag and drop features.

You can use Convert’s software for A/B tests, multivariate tests, and split tests as well.

They make it easy for you to integrate and onboard your content management system and Google analytics data.

This allows you to focus on personalization. You can build customer profiles by using this software.

Another reason why Convert is so popular is because it has an outstanding customer support team to help you answer any questions if you’re having trouble with the software. It’s easy to reach a representative through the platform’s live chat option.

6. Adobe Target

Another one of my favorite options is Adobe Target.

When you use this platform, you’ll go through a workflow process that has three steps.

First, you’ll determine the variation you want to test.

Next, you’ll decide how you’re going to segment that variation with your visitors.

The final step is to customize all your settings and set a goal for the experiment.

Automated personalization is one of the top features available on Adobe Target.

This tool has an algorithm that automatically makes changes based on visitor behavior to optimize your results. It will help you increase sales by personalizing the customer experience.

You can run tests based on how different visitors experience your site.

7. Kameleoon

Kameleoon uses artificial intelligence to power its personalization tools.

The AI makes it an advanced platform. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are just starting A/B testing on your website.

It’s better for those looking to test deeper elements of their sites.

The reports generate user insights with the navigation analysis tool.

Kameleoon lets you test multiple user segments with more than 40 different benchmarks for targeting, such as:

• lead management
• engagement with visitors
• conversions
• social proof
• customer loyalty
• reactivating old customers

These are all examples of experiments you can run with Kameleoon’s advanced software.

All of the data is updated in real time. There’s no need for you to wait for a report to get generated to see your results.

8. Conductrics

Conductrics is another great tool designed for business owners who want to focus on their mobile sites.

In addition to your mobile site, you can also test features on your mobile app.

Conductrics lets you focus on things, such as:

• widgets
• navigation
• upgrades
• discounts

You can use this platform in different ways. It offers Conductrics Express, designed for the everyday user, without a technology background.

No coding is required to use Conductrics Express. You can change elements of your site with a visual tool directly on your pages.

But it also offers a more advanced option made for developers. This makes it easy for developers to integrate tests with apps, websites, and processes.

The developer option uses AI machine learning to set parameters and conduct an in-depth analysis.

9. SiteSpect

SiteSpect is another tool designed for people who are more technologically advanced. If you’re a beginner, I wouldn’t start with this software.

This platform gives you the option to edit the HTML before it departs from the server.

The ability to do this makes SiteSpect a popular choice for brands that self-host their websites. It’s also great for businesses that prioritize security.

SiteSpect has a visual editing tool. This is a common option for A/B testing as you’ve seen so far.

However, the biggest difference between this tool and others is the ability for you to access your website from both the client and server sides, which ultimately gives you a better understanding of the user experience.

10. Oracle Maxymiser

Oracle Maxymiser has a visual editor—similarly to other options I’ve talked about.

Use this software to set up variations and run basic tests.

In addition to the simple functions of this software, it also has coding features for more advanced testing.

These functions are ideal for targeting and personalization tests. You can target your most profitable customer segments, and the Oracle Maxymiser tool will automatically build a customer profile.

The profiles are based on data and behavior from each unique visitor who navigates to your website.

11. SiteGainer

In addition to standard A/B testing, SiteGainer gives you other options to help you with conversion rate optimization.

Some of its other tools include:

• personalization features
• surveys
• popup windows
• heat maps

These can help you improve your website, especially when you use A/B tests to maximize its efficiency.

It’s easy for anyone to use SiteGainer, regardless of their experience level.

Another benefit of this software is that it offers a free trial, so you can try it before committing.

Instead of flat rates, it offers prices based on things such as your monthly traffic and how often you want to pay, so you’ll have options for your budget. Basically, you only pay for what you use.

12. Sentient Ascend

If you’re looking for something different, consider Sentient Ascend.

It’s different because it uses conversion optimization paired with algorithms for machine learning.

I know this sounds a bit complex, but let me explain how it works.

Basically, these algorithms are written to find the most optimal combination of design elements on your website. The tool allows you to test multiple variants at the same time to see which performs the best.

As a result, you’ll learn the best way to design your pages for conversions.

13. Monetate

Last, but certainly not least, is Monetate.

In addition to A/B testing, Monetate offers multivariate tests, segmenting tools, and personalization tools.

The software adjusts how your site traffic is allocated to maximize the return on your investment.

One of my favorite features of this tool is that it helps you determine what needs to be tested on your website based on your goals. The results help limit false positives so you can know for sure the reasoning for your changes was accurate.

Conclusion

A/B testing is a great way to maximize conversions on your website. I highly recommend every website to take advantage of this strategy.

That said, you need to make sure you find a tool that’s best for your business and your individual circumstances.

Are you looking only to run A/B tests? There are certain platforms for you.

If features like split tests, multivariate tests, funnel tests, and simultaneous testing are important to you, you must find software that has these options.

If you want to test your mobile site and mobile app as well, look for those specific tools I highlighted above.

Certain tools are for beginners, while others are designed for developers and users with a technical background and coding experience.

No matter what your circumstances are, if you use this guide as a reference, I’m sure you’ll be able to find a tool for A/B testing that works for you.

What types of A/B tests are you running on your website to increase conversions?

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What ‘Pay Yourself First’ Really Means

Pay yourself first.

It’s a snappy little phrase that’s used all the time in personal finance books and articles. I first heard it on radio ads advertising “get out of debt quick” and “get rich quick” schemes.

It sounds nice and impressive, but what does it actually mean?

When you “pay yourself,” does it mean using that money for the finer things in life? Does it mean paying off bills? Does it mean investing?

When you do it “first,” does that mean you ignore debts? Do you ignore your bills? Do you ignore your personal responsibilities?

And how do you “pay yourself,” anyway?

Those three little words can dredge up a lot of misunderstanding. Let’s break them down a little and see what’s really going on.

Paying Yourself

Let’s tackle the first part of the phrase first. When it talks about “paying yourself,” it simply means that you’re putting aside money for your long-term goals. That’s it.

When money comes into your life – a paycheck from work, an unexpected windfall, or something else – our first tendency is to use that money to put out the fires in our life. The bills that are due shortly get paid, for starters, and we make sure that we have enough cash to buy food and other supplies for the next few weeks. Once those necessities are taken care of, though, it’s extremely tempting to look at that remaining money through the lens of our short-term desires.

Let’s go out on the town! Let’s buy some clay pigeons and have some fun at the shooting range! Let’s buy a new board game! Let’s go out to eat! Let’s buy a phone upgrade! You get the idea.

When we see money just sitting there and we know that our fundamental needs are covered, it becomes really, really tempting to use that money for those fun things that are shouting out at us.

The thing is, that’s not really “paying yourself.” When you spend money on short-term fun things, that money just disappears. It goes out of your life.

The idea of “paying yourself” is that the money goes toward a long-term goal. It stays in your life in some fashion.

Let’s say you “pay yourself” by making a big extra payment on a debt. That debt will get paid off months earlier, which means that you’ll actually get the money back when that debt is gone. That ends up feeling like “getting paid” when a debt that you thought would stick around until November is now gone in March. At the same time, paying off a debt early means you’re going to be paying less interest on that debt. If you pay off your credit card in March instead of September, that’s six months of finance charges that you’re not going to be dinged with. So, each month, it’s like you’re getting “paid” because you’re not losing that money to the debt you owe or the interest on that debt.

A similar thing is true for all of your savings goals – saving for a down payment, saving for a car, saving for retirement, and so on. When you put that money aside for those goals, that money isn’t disappearing out of your life for good. Instead, it goes into hiding, only to reappear when you need it for that big goal.

If you “pay yourself” by putting aside money for a house down payment, that money comes back in a few years when you’re ready to buy a house. It’s earned some interest, too, and it’s probably going to keep you from having PMI on that mortgage. You were “paid” by the money you put aside earlier, and that money is covering your down payment.

If you “pay yourself” by putting aside money for retirement, that money comes back at some point down the road when you do retire. You’re now getting “paid” by the money you put aside when you were younger, and that money is helping you survive in retirement.

When you pay yourself, all you’re doing is putting aside that money for big things in the future rather than just paying today’s bills and having fun.

First

The “first” part of the sentence is just what it sounds like: you do it first, before anything else.

This means that you “pay yourself” by putting aside money for long term goals “first” before you take care of your bills and other things.

This does not mean that you stop paying your bills. It does not mean that you stop making minimum payments on your debts. It does not mean that you stop doing anything fun whatsoever.

What it means is that you leave yourself a somewhat smaller pool of money with which to pay your bills and have fun.

Let’s say Jim brings home a paycheck of $400 a week. With that check, he normally pays his bills and puts some money aside for rent and for basic food, which adds up to about $300 of that $400 check. With the remaining $100, Jim has fun. He buys some steaks to cook on the grill. He pays his cable bill. He puts gas in his four wheeler. He goes to a baseball game. You get the idea.

Now, let’s say Jim commits to “paying himself first.” He decides to start putting $50 a week into his retirement plan at work, so now he’s bringing home just $350 a week. He’s paying himself first because that money is going away toward his long-term goal before anything else.

At this point, Jim has some options. He typically has $300 in bills he has to cover in a week, and that leaves him with just $50 to have fun with. It now takes two weeks of that “fun money” to cover the cable bill instead of just one. He’s going to have to make some choices.

However, there’s still enough left behind for Jim to cover his bills and have some fun. He just has to prioritize in a way that he hasn’t had to do recently.

That’s where frugality comes in.

‘Pay Yourself First’ Implies Smart Frugality

In Jim’s story, if he decide to start paying himself first at the rate of $50 a week, he’s going to have to figure out how to get the most out of $350 a week instead of the $400 he used to have, and that can be a challenge. Rent isn’t getting any cheaper, nor is the cost of food. Some tough choices are going to have to be made.

At a glance, many will assume that this means less enjoyment for Jim. Obviously, the thinking goes, the part that will have to go away is the “fun” part, the nonessentials, things like entertainment and hobby spending.

If you look a little deeper, though, Jim can find creative ways to make cuts across the board.

He can call up his credit card company and ask for a rate reduction, or look for a balance transfer so that his monthly credit card bill is lower.

He can shop around for a new cell phone plan that’s cheaper per month.

He can cut the cord by cancelling his cable bill and replacing it with some mix of free over-the-air network television, Netflix, Sling, and/or other services and drastically trim his spending on television programming.

He can commit to buying store brands rather than name-brand items.

He can start wearing warm clothes around his apartment in the winter and keep the heat a little lower so the energy bill isn’t so high.

He can ride a bike to work on nice days instead of driving there, saving on gas and auto maintenance while getting some exercise.

He might look for a cheaper apartment, or one so close to work that he can sell his car, or he might consider seeing if his brother wants to split an apartment with him.

There are many, many, many things Jim could do that wouldn’t have to interfere with the “fun” parts of his life at all. Of course, cutting back on those “fun” bits is a pretty easy way to make it work, too. The point is, it doesn’t have to be misery.

The Payoff

The payoff of “paying yourself first” is that when the big things in life come up, as they inevitably will, you find that you actually already have the money to handle it.

If you’ve been paying yourself first to prepare for a car replacement, when you decide to buy, you already have the cash in hand. No car loans, no hoping for a good interest rate, nothing – you just write a check for most of or all of the cost.

If you’ve been paying yourself first to prepare for a house down payment, when you decide to buy, you’re ready to go with that big down payment. No PMI, no inflated interest rates – you’re ready to go.

If you’ve been paying yourself first to prepare for retirement, when you decide to retire, you have money sitting there that can supplement your Social Security. That means a lot less scrimping and saving every month.

If you’ve been paying yourself first to prepare for an unexpected emergency, when something does go awry, it’s not panic time. It’s not time to put a huge balance on the credit card. It’s time to calmly sigh, transfer some money back to your checking account, and just deal with it.

That’s what paying yourself first really looks like, and it’s pretty sweet.

Consider paying yourself first for the big goals in life. Pay yourself first to start saving for retirement. Pay yourself first to start building an emergency fund. Whatever your goal is, pay yourself first. You’ll be glad you did.

More by Trent Hamm:

• Saving for Tomorrow vs. Living for Today
• Taking a Hard Look at Your Future Self
• The $15 Retirement Plan

The post What ‘Pay Yourself First’ Really Means appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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This Full-Time Freelancer Shares Her 4 Key Tips on Saving for Retirement

Working for myself has afforded me many luxuries. Aside from the fact that I’m writing in my pajamas right now, I also get to select where and when I hold office hours. I even get to choose the direction of my creative pursuits, which has been the most freeing aspect of all.

However, some difficulties come with self-employment. One of the biggest has been saving for my retirement since my employers had always facilitated that in the past. My husband just so happens to be a financial adviser, though, so he's helped me figure out ways to make it happen.

It’s time for me to share the wealth. Here are the best tips I’ve learned that you can implement if you’re saving on your own, supplementing a bare-bones program at the office or anything in between.

1. Budget Like a Boss

The first step to saving is to carve out the money you'll put into your retirement account. This is no simple task, especially if your business isn't quite booming yet, or your income isn’t consistent. However, I’ve found that, with a bit of finesse, there’s always a little bit you can save. No matter how small a sum that ends up being, you’ll be glad later that you set it aside now.

So I suggest that you start this process by budgeting well. Take your self-employment income and calculate how much of it will have to go to federal and state taxes. In fact, you’d be smart to set aside a percentage of your income each month so that you’re not scrambling when April rolls around. This has helped me get through tax season without a full-on panic — imagine that!

Once you have your actual post-tax income, divide it based on necessities: rent/mortgage, transportation costs, utilities, food and other expenditures. You’ll probably have some left over, and from there I suggest you divide it into two categories: wants and savings. Some experts recommend contributing 30% to wants and 20% to savings, but you can funnel more or less into each depending on how much you’ve already saved for retirement. And if there’s any left over from the “want” pile, I would definitely put that into savings at the end of the month.

2. Know How Much to Save

A cool $100K sounds nice, but how long will that last you once you’re retired? Spoiler alert: It won’t get you far. So, as part of your retirement savings plan, you should figure out just how much money you want to save over the course of your freelancing career.

On this one, I cheat a little bit — I use an online calculator from my bank to figure out how much of my income should be set aside. The calculator considers how much I already have in savings, how much my husband makes, how much we expect our income to jump over the next few decades and other important factors.

From there, the calculator will tell me how long my money will last me, considering the age at which I plan to retire.

This isn’t a one-time process. Instead, as you begin to save and grow your business, recalculate your retirement plan using this handy online tool. That way, you can ensure you’re on the right track — or even exceeding expectations — with your current savings plan. It feels good to see that I’m chipping away at that final number since saving for retirement can sometimes feel like such a daunting task.

3. Choose the Right Savings Account(s)

When your employer gives you investment account options, you typically decide between a 401(k) and a 403(b). If you’re lucky, you have a pension plan, too. We freelancers aren’t as lucky — we’re in charge of deciding where we put our money and how it’ll grow.

I’m here to tell you not to look at this as a negative. It’s a big benefit that you have a world of choice when it comes to the investment strategies you use. Each option has its own benefits — here’s a bit about each one of the potential places to put your money:

• SIMPLE IRA: With this account, you can funnel up to $12,500 per year — $15,500 per year if you’re 50 or older — into your savings. SIMPLE stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, which means you can provide retirement savings boosts for any of your small business’s employees or for yourself. Matching just two to three percent of your personal contribution could further pad out your retirement account.
• SEP IRA: The Simplified Employee Pension is, well, simple. You’re allowed to put 25% of your earnings, or $54,000 per year, into the account, whichever is less. You can choose to deposit money before taxes or opt for a tax deduction on money that’s added after tax.
• Solo 401(K): The solo 401(k) has plenty of benefits, but it’s available only if you’re a sole proprietor or if you and your spouse share the business. If those parameters apply to you though, the solo 401(k) allows you to invest more than some of the other accounts on this list. Not only can you set aside $18,000 per year of your personal earnings, but the company can contribute 25% of its earnings each year, too.
• IRA or Roth IRA: These accounts are great supplements to the aforementioned options, since they limit you to a $5,500 annual contribution. The traditional IRA allows you to make tax-deductible deposits that aren’t taxed until they’re withdrawn. The Roth account works oppositely — money is taxed beforehand, but there are no fees when you take it out.

4. Get a Second Opinion

You might’ve noticed that I didn’t tell you which retirement account to choose. That’s because everyone’s financial situation is different, as are their savings needs. As much time as I’ve put into planning my retirement, I’m no expert on what’s best for your money at this stage in your life.

So if you're unsure which type of account to open, your best bet is to seek the help of a financial adviser or a trusted friend or family member who's a pro with this type of thing. My husband helped me put my savings in the right place, and together we’re growing a retirement account that will let us live comfortably in the future. Your financial adviser can help you do the same.

Thinking about all of this is a great step, but it’s up to you to take action. Now that you know how it’s done, all you have left to do is put these tips into practice. Before you know it, you’ll be saving for retirement, too — and resting a bit easier knowing you’ve got your finances in order way ahead of time.

Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer and the founder of millennial career and lifestyle blog, Punched Clocks. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahLandrum and subscribe to her newsletter for more tips on managing your money and your career.

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This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card Review: The Perfect Rewards Card for Millennials?

Dear Penny: My Boyfriend’s Finances Are a Mess. How Can I Fix Them?

Dear E.,

I can tell you have a big heart. You see someone you care for deeply struggling to get by, and you can’t help but think about ways to help him. I have been there more than I’d like to admit. It starts with this nagging feeling that you could probably do something to help. Before you know it, all you want is to be able to fix it — to give the person you care for the stability you know they ultimately deserve.

But you can only fix so much. No matter how badly you know he needs advice, your boyfriend needs to take ownership of his situation, too. It doesn’t mean he can’t ask for help. But it means he should be the one writing to the advice columnist or scouring the internet for ways to make quick cash instead of you taking on that burden.

The truth is that if he wanted to work hard and fast to make some cash to get his car back, he’d get out there himself and do it. He’d ask neighbors to mow their lawns for $20, or he’d find some other task that might feel less than dignifying but that could help him raise the money he needs.

But he’s not the one who seems to be trying. Maybe he feels helpless after feeling for a while like he’s never going to get by. But he has to want help. He needs to push aside his pride and ask for help. You should not feel like you have to carry this weight alone, or at all.

Have a tricky money question? Write to Dear Penny at https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/dear-penny/.

Lisa Rowan is a personal finance expert and senior writer at The Penny Hoarder, and the voice behind Dear Penny. For more practical money tips, visit www.thepennyhoarder.com.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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