Welcome First Day of Spring!

Last Minute Gifts, That Don't Cost The Earth!

Urgh, don't you just hate that creeping dread you feel when you realize you have forgotten a loved one's birthday and there isn't enough time to get the gift you intended! It can be unbearable! Luckily, there is a solution that will still allow you to get them a gift in time for their birthday, and it's going for last minute offering instead. However, the problem with these is that they often cost you way more money than you are willing to spend unless you use one of the suggestions below that is. Read on to find out what they are.

Home baked gifts

The thing about a home baked gift is that you can whip these up in an hour or two, and depending on how you package them can make them look really expensive as well.

Of course, the best choice for those with a sweet tooth and a love of chocolate are truffles, which are coincidently super simple and not too expensive to make.

Image source

In fact, all you need is some double cream, some good chocolate, and some cocoa powder and to follow recipes like this one and you are done. Make things extra special with a beautiful gift box lined with tissue paper, and you'll have a gorgeous gift in no time.  

Of course, you may be in a situation where even making some cookies or truffles will take too long, but there is no need to panic if that is so. Why? Well, it's because you can put together a baking kit instead which consists of all the ingredients the recipient will need to cook up a delicious treat.

For this, all you will need is a cute glass jar, such as a Kilner, some scales, an all in one recipe, and a funnel. Start by sterilizing the pot, and then measure out each ingredient to the correct amount and use the funnel to layer it in the jar neatly. Add a ribbon and a label, and you will have an almost instant gift that is not only cheap but genuinely thoughtful as well. Especially, if you make sure that the ingredients create a favorite dessert such as a brownie or biscuit when cooked.

Flower delivery

Image here

One type of last-minute gift that has saved my life a good few time is ordering delivery flowers. This is because you can ensure that something beautiful gets to your loved one, even if you don't remember is their special day until the day before! Something that is especially good if you have an awful memory, like me!  

Of course, before they can enjoy their gift, you need to decide what type of bouquet or plant to get them, and one flower that is particularly popular right now is the gorgeous Peony bloom. In fact, this particular flower comes in all sorts of colors including pink and white and is perennial, meaning it blooms in spring through summer. You can also get it from delivery florists that have a clear pricing plan too. Something that will ensure you won't end up spending too much because you will know exactly the cost before you even make your purchase.

Picture source

Experience vouchers

Next, let's move onto another type of last-minute gift entirely, the voucher. In fact, the voucher is a fabulous choice for a last minute gift because they are readily available from many high street stores, and even if you do need to get them delivered, they can be sent straight to the recipient along with a message from yourself.

Vouchers also have another advantage in that it allows the person that is receiving them actually to choose what or when they use them. Something that can be particularly helpful if you are buying for someone picky, or even, dare I say it, difficult?

However, I do think that I should make it clear here that store vouchers aren't quite what I mean. Instead, for a more meaningful gift, you should consider an experience voucher instead.

Of course, you will need to do a little work when it comes to selecting the experience itself, with events such as afternoon teas, and spa days topping the list for female family members, and driving days for males. Although there is a much more extensive selection available including bungee jumping, parasailing, bread making, and survival courses, so it really is up to you to find the one that suits them the best.

Such vouchers cost often vary in price as well, depending on two main factors. The first is what the price includes, and the second is whether there is a special offer running at the time. In fact, the combination of such a broad range and a special offer mean that it is very likely you will find an experience voucher that can be sent directly to your recipient for a reasonable price and so your gift won't cost the earth.

Book a photo session

Another fantastic last minute gift that can work particularly well is to book a photography session for the recipient, either on their own or with their family as a group.

Image source

In fact, this can be done over the phone or by email if you are in a rush and you can receive a certificate that can be printed out and given to the person in question. You can even frame it to ensure there is a physical part of the present too, and then when they have had their pictures taken, they will already have a place to display them.

Water bottles

Finally, if you are looking for a last minute gift that doesn't cost the earth, why not consider getting the recipient a water bottle? After all, it is something that most of us pretty much have with us at every part of the day, young or old, male or female!

In fact, treating the person in question to a water bottle that is a little nicer than they would buy for themselves is a great way to provide a practical and welcome gift, last minute, without breaking the bank!  

Shamrocks, Leprechauns and Wearing Green

It is time to break out everything green since St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner on March 17th. Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a Catholic holiday that celebrated Ireland ’s patron saint, St. Patrick. Eventually, the holiday became a feast day, which is now celebrated around the world. In the United States , the holiday is celebrated by the Irish and Non-Irish alike. Houses are decorated with shamrocks and leprechauns, and the party stores are filled with green paper cups and plates as everyone prepares for food and drink on this special day. While St. Patrick’s Day is a popular drinking holiday for many, others celebrate with Irish foods, including soda breads, stews and corned beef. Cities across the country celebrate the “Luck of the Irish” by dyeing their rivers green or holding parades in their main streets. It is a holiday to be celebrated by the young and old as we all can enjoy the easy-go-lucky feel of this fantastic feast day.

Better Late Than Never- Instagram!

Well, better late than never they say!
We're now on Instagram and looking to build followers so please do follow us @ 
https://www.instagram.com/oneincomedollar/
Hope to see you soon!

Review: Northern Cards

Review by: Cynthia

Northern Cards, a different name, but perfect for my location in northern Saskatchewan, a mining community.  These cards were meant for me!  The box arrived with another box inside, neatly packaged and SO many cards!  It was like Christmas starting all over again.  Since I am a senior on a budget it is impossible to send gifts to all of my relatives and friends, but what nicer way to remember them through Northern Cards.  Everyone even in this day and age of computers appreciates getting cards in the mail, snail mail.  I always keep my cards I receive for a month or more on display.  

Everyone loves a good chuckle and Northern Cards are the ones to tickle your funny bone.  Right off the bat I spied a birthday card that fits my better half to a T.  It ticked all the right boxes.  The designs are simple and to the point.  The sayings are cute.  What better way to send laughs through the mail and warm up someone's day.  We need to pick up more on the art of sending someone a heart warming pick up in the mail.  I know I will not have any excuse not to, thanks to Northern Cards and their great selection.

Their current collection of 63 cards includes 30 of their best-selling cards from their first 30 years and 33 brand new designs from some of our top-selling, award-winning artists.

Cute Little Park Model Trailer

Came across this cute little park model trailer while at the campground today doing our RV tank dumps and fills.

Personally, we thought it was quite small. Good for a single person.
The living room and kitchen were a combo and very limited for space. But the rest didn't seem too bad. Enjoyed the look.

The Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans allow families to borrow extra cash through the value of their home. Many use the loan for renovation projects that will boost the property value, to pay for college, or to help pay down some debt.

A home equity loan tends to be a popular option for many as it’s usually simpler to access this loan than going for other conventional loans. That’s because your house becomes the security for the loan. Even if your credit score isn’t high, you can still access a home equity line of credit with bad credit.

You can look at a home equity loan like a second mortgage, only if you have enough equity in your house. There are two options – you either take out a large lump sum of money, or open up a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

If you’re considering borrowing against your home’s equity, you’ll want to weigh out the pros and cons first.

Benefit #1 – Lower, Fixed Rates

Although not always the case, most home equity loans have a fixed interest rate that is lower than consumer loans and credit cards. A fixed rate is usually easier to work with as you know what your monthly payments will be each time. Also, you know that with a fixed rate, the price of your loan will never increase.

Benefit #2 – Lump Sum or HELOC

Having two options to choose from when using your home’s equity is a significant advantage depending on your situation. If you need a large amount of money quickly, you can borrow a large lump sum of money from your home’s equity.

Say you’re doing renovations though and will need money over a few months, the HELOC option allows you to access the funds whenever you need it.

Benefit #3 – Possible Tax Deductions

Another benefit of a home equity loan (depending on what you use the money for), is the possibility of tax deductions on the interest paid. If you’re using the loan for home improvements that increase your property value, that could make you eligible for tax deductions. You’re best to speak with your account however to see if you qualify.

Drawback #1 – Home is Collateral

Although using your property as collateral allows you to have lower interest rates, it does pose a serious risk if you default on your loan. If you find yourself unable to pay back your home equity loan, the bank could end up taking your house away, since it’s the collateral for the loan.

Drawback #2 – Fixed Rates

Although having a fixed rate typically has many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to it. If the interest rate trend starts to decrease significantly, you now have a loan that has higher interest rates than the countries average. You then end up paying more money for the loan.

Drawback #3 – Another Loan

As with any loan, the more you take out, the more it puts you into debt. Borrowing against your home’s equity is another loan, which means that’s an additional monthly payment to worry about. If you don’t have the money right now and are looking at a home equity loan, will you have the money in the future to pay it off?

Before you decide on a home equity loan, seriously consider the benefits and drawbacks. Make sure the benefits outweigh the disadvantages so that you don’t find yourself in a situation of potentially losing your home.

Saving Money by Managing It

 When it comes to managing finances, most people would probably receive an F. The truth is, many of us were never taught the basics of money, how it works, and how to handle it. Here are some tips to help get you on your way to better money management.



Handling Your Money



Invent games to play with your money. For example, set aside certain bills or coins and see how long you can keep a $20 (or whatever denomination you choose) without breaking it for gum, a magazine, or some other frivolous item. Have a spare change jar and empty it into your savings account each month. At the end of every day, empty out your wallet and put the change in your jar. Don't limit it to just coins, toss in those few bills that are lingering in there as well.



Never spend a windfall. Take your income-tax refund (which should be minimal, if you follow the tip below), money gifts, bonuses, rebates, overpayment refunds and any other unexpected money and put it into your savings or investments. Make this money earn money for you.



Use direct deposit and automatic withdrawals to move money out of your checking account into savings or investments on a regular basis, such as every paycheck. You will learn to live on less when you think you have less to spend. Fool yourself into saving.



Avoid Overpayments and Fees



Don't give the government a free loan by overpaying your taxes. Every time you get a refund from the IRS that is a sign that you overpaid your taxes and gave the government an interest-free loan for up to a year. Adjust your withholding allowances and try to get your refund down to less than $100. Your paycheck may go up a bit in the mean time so be sure to put that extra money in the bank for future purchases or emergency savings.



Avoid unnecessary fees. ATM fees, service charges, and late fees all add up to quite a bit over the course of a year. These fees are rarely worth the reason they were charged. A little planning/budgeting can usually circumvent these fees. Also avoid insurance charges when renting a car. Most credit cards have car rental insurance as a feature of the card. Check with your card issuer for the terms and conditions of rental car insurance.



Keep your checkbook and accounts balanced. You should always have a pretty good idea of how much money is available in your account. Purposely writing bad checks can land you in jail. Inadvertently writing them can sack you with overdraft fees from your bank as well as returned check fees from the store or company you wrote the bad check to.



Shopping



Buy on sale as often as possible. When you want something wait a week to see if it is going to come on sale. Or ask the store when the item will be on sale. Buy clothing out of season for the best bargains.



Haggle. You never know when someone will be willing to lower their prices or throw in something extra. Just ask. It may be hard to find a person who can make a pricing decision but when you do, give it a try and see what happens.



Throw away your mail order catalogs. Don't even look at them. Looking leads to wanting and wanting to buying. Most catalog purchases go on your credit cards and that is the last place where you want to rack up debt for what is usually more junk. Remove yourself from their mailing lists (which lists are often shared with other mail order companies). In addition, when filling out customer response cards (such as for warranties, etc.) give only the basic information they need such as name and address; skip the "getting to know you" questions. The answers to those questions are farmed out to mail order companies, increasing your junk mail even more.



Use coupons, apply for free samples, stock up on sales (if you have some extra money to do so), shop discount stores, day-old bakeries/items. Buy store-brand over name-brand items. Forgo brand loyalty in favor of better prices. For the most part, the most expensive part of a product is its packaging, so don't be swayed by fancy designs in beautiful colors.



Shop less frequently. Each time you go to the store, you increase your chances of purchasing an impulse item. Try to limit your grocery shopping to once a week and prepare a list beforehand and stick to your list. You'll be amazed at how much this little tip can save!



Investing the time to learn how better to manage your money is an important step toward gaining financial freedom. Improving money handling, avoiding unnecessary payment of fees, and shopping more wisely are all integral parts of better money management. Take the time to implement some of these tips and watch your money grow!

Don't give the government a free loan by overpaying your taxes. Every time you get a refund from the IRS that is a sign that you overpaid your taxes and gave the government an interest-free loan for up to a year. Adjust your withholding allowances and try to get your tax refund down to less than $100. Your paycheck may go up a bit in the mean time so be sure to put that extra money in the bank for future purchases or emergency savings.



***************************************************************

© Simple Joe, Inc.

Chemain Evans is a quality control specialist for Simple Joe, Inc., makers of the popular Simple Joe's Expense Tracker PC software. Expense Tracker is a quick and simple way to keep track of your expenses and stay within your budget. Expense Tracker is ideal for tracking personal, business, home and club expenses.

3 Things That Investors Hate About Your Pitch

Finding the money that you need to get your business going is the first big hurdle you’re going to face. The best way to find the capital that you need is to approach investors and convince them that your business is worth putting their money behind. But that’s no easy feat because they need to be confident that they’re going to see a return on that investment, they won’t just throw money at any company. There are a lot of ways that you can convince them of the potential of your business, but there are also a lot of things that will make an investor switch off right away. These are the things that investors hate to see in your business pitch.

Image Source

A Lack Of Numbers

It’s important that you build a story around your product and talk to investors about how it will improve your customer’s lives and why people will be tripping over themselves to buy it. But that’s only one part of your pitch. You also need to show that you have a good understanding of the numbers and you can give them a concrete forecast of how many sales you expect to make and when they can expect to see a return on their investment. If you can’t provide that information, they’re not going to be confident that you know what you’re doing. That’s why it’s important that you’re thorough with your financial projections and cost analysis of the business. Investors are going to probe you and ask questions about things you missed, so make sure that you’re thinking about all of the unexpected costs of business that you might have to deal with. As long as you cover all bases and you’ve got an answer to all of their questions, you’ll inspire confidence in them.

A Lack Of Experience

It’s so hard to start a business without good experience because there are so many different aspects of running a company that you need to understand. Having a good product idea is a start, but if you don’t know about the nuts and bolts of running a business, you’re not going to get very far. Investors will always ask what your business background is and what makes you think that you have what it takes to run a successful company. If you don’t have much prior business experience, it’s worth doing an accredited online mba program before you seek investment. You’ll learn how to handle the day to day running of a business and it shows investors that you understand the intricacies of running a company and all of the challenges that brings with it.

A Lack Of Competitor Analysis

It’s fine to tell investors how great your product is and how well it has been received by test audiences, but what about your competitors? What sets you apart from other companies in your industry and why will customers come to you instead of them? If you can’t answer that question, investors are going to run a mile. That’s why it’s so important that you conduct thorough research beforehand and identify the things that make your company different.

Any one of these things will really put investors off so make sure that you’re avoiding these mistakes.

February's Expenses While On The Road

February's expenses while on the road are as follows: ( All amounts in USD)
(and we had 1-3 days less in this month with it being a shorter month than the usual).

No camping fees. 
(We saved money here by free, dry camping in the desert and hanging out at a casino parking lot. Which wasn't too bad. There were things to do near the casino, including all the fun Jakey had at the river daily, playing with the ducks!)

Water and dumps: $30
Food: $588- this was up $75 from last month and we're blaming Jakey for this one! LOL.. he loves to eat too!
RV gas: $75 ( didn't travel further than about an hours driving)
SUV gas: $60
Propane: $40
Take out- $86 - This went up but we decided to try a few different places as well to eat at.
Laundry: $26