Only a decade ago, people called a taxi company when they needed a ride. The same act is now as simple as hitting a few buttons on your smartphone.
Ride-share companies like Lyft make getting a ride to almost anywhere a breeze, and the service may cost a lot less than you think.
If you charge your Lyft rides to a credit card that doles out points or miles, thatâs even better. In this guide, weâll go over the absolute best credit cards to use when you ride with Lyft as well as other ways to maximize your ride-share dollars.
See related: Everything you need to know about maximizing rewards on ride-shares
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Lyft discounts
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for extra value at a lower fee
American Express® Green Card: Best for budget-minded travelers
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best no annual fee card for ride shares
Best credit cards to earn rewards with Lyft
There are a handful of credit cards that can help you earn rewards each time you ride with Lyft. Here are your best options:
See related:Â Best cards for Uber, UberEATS
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Lyft discounts
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In January 2020, the Chase Sapphire Reserve began to offer a one-year complimentary Lyft Pink membership. For a $19.99 monthly fee, Lyft Pink offers passengers 15% off all car rides, in addition to priority airport pickups, special discounts and more flexibility in cancellations, among other benefits. The Reserve is also offering 10 points per dollar on Lyft purchases through March 2022.
Besides these perks, the card comes with a 3-point-per-dollar rate on restaurants and travel, including Lyft, after the $300 annual travel credit. Speaking of the credit, it applies to most travel purchases, including rides with Lyft.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the best travel credit cards on the market, but it also comes with a rather high price â the card charges an annual fee of $550. If you donât travel often enough to justify the fee, you might want to look into cards that have a lower annual fee or none at all.
Here are more details:
One-year complimentary Lyft Pink membership (a $199 value)
10 points per dollar on Lyft purchases through March 2022
3 points per dollar spent on restaurants and travel,
$300 annual credit travel that applies to most travel purchases, including rides with Lyft
50,000-point sign-up bonus if you spend $4,000 in first three months
Redeem points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and get 50% more travel for free
Transfer points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio
Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit every four years
Priority Pass Select membership
$550 annual fee
exciting new benefits for its World and World Elite credit card members. This includes a $10 Lyft credit for World Elite cardholders, which will be automatically applied to your next ride after you take five Lyft rides within a calendar month. The most popular World Elite Mastercards include the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card*, the Citi Prestige® Card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for extra value at a lower annual fee
Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Sapphire Preferred rewards cardholders for eating out (or ordering takeout) and traveling and offers 5 points per dollar on Lyft through March 2022. The base rewards rate is lower at 2 points per dollar on dining and travel and 1 point per dollar on other purchases, but the annual fee is also lower at $95.
If youâre not ready to shell out $550 per year that the Reserve charges, the Preferred can be a better alternative. Plus, it offers a higher sign-up bonus than the Reserve â youâll get 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months (compare with a 50,000-point sign-up bonus if you spend $4,000 in first three months on the Reserve).
Take a look at the card details:
5 points per dollar on Lyft through March 2022
2 points per dollar spent on dining and travel
60,000-point sign-up bonus if you spend $4,000 in first three months
Redeem points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and get 25% more travel for free
Transfer points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio
$95 annual fee
American Express® Green Card: Best for budget-minded travelers
Another credit card that offers rewards for travel and transit (including ride-shares such as Lyft) is the American Express Green Card. While it doesnât offer the luxury travel perks other Amex cards are known for, it can be a good choice for budget-minded travelers. With this card, you can get 3 points per dollar on dining, travel and transit, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The Amex Green also comes with perks such as up to $100 in annual statement credits for LoungeBuddy purchases and up to $100 per year for CLEAR membership.
The Platinum Card® from American Express (up to $15 per month) and up to $120 on the American Express® Gold Card (up to $10 per month).
Hereâs what the card offers at a glance:
3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit, including ride-shares
3 points per dollar spent on dining
30,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in the first three months
Up to $100 per year in statement credits for LoungeBuddy purchases
Up to $100 per year in statement credits for CLEAR membership
$150 annual fee
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best no annual fee card for ride shares
If youâre looking for a credit card that would earn you rewards on Lyft rides and not charge an annual fee, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express is definitely an option worth looking into.
The card earns 3 points per dollar in numerous categories, including dining out, gas stations, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, car rentals and select streaming services â and ride-shares. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. You can choose to redeem your rewards for flights through Go Far Rewards or statement credits.
Hereâs a closer look:
Earn 3 points per dollar on dining out, gas stations, ride-shares including Lyft, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, car rentals and select streaming services
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on your card within three months of account opening
Redeem for flights through Go Far Rewards
Cash in your points for statement credits
No annual fee
More ways to maximize rewards (and save money) when you pay for ride-sharing services
While using the right credit card can help you score more rewards each time you ride with Lyft, there are other ways to make the most of your ride-share spending. Here are some tips that can help you maximize each dollar you spend, save money and even earn airline miles:
Connect your Lyft account with your Delta SkyMiles account. Regardless of which credit card you use to pay for your Lyft rides, you can earn Delta SkyMiles for each dollar you spend. All you are required to do is connect your Delta and Lyft accounts online. From there, youâll earn 1 Delta mile for each dollar you spend on regular rides and 2 miles per dollar for rides to or from an airport.
Price shop with both ride-sharing companies. The best way to spend less on ride-sharing is to make the two main companies â Uber and Lyft â compete. Download both apps on your phone and check pricing with each before you request a ride. If one ride-sharing company is significantly cheaper, they should be your obvious choice.
Avoid surge pricing when you can. Both Uber and Lyft enact âsurge pricingâ in situations where demand is especially high. If you can avoid paying for a ride during a surge, you will save money over time. This is yet another reason to compare pricing on both apps before you book a ride; both ride-sharing companies may not have surge pricing at the same time.
Refer friends and watch out for coupons. If youâre just now signing up for Lyft, make sure someone who already has the app sends you a referral code that makes your first ride free. Also note that, once you have your own Lyft account, youâll get a free or discounted ride for each new person you refer who signs up and takes a ride. Finally, keep your eye out for special promotions and coupons you can add to your account.
Bottom line
To find the best cards for Lyft to share with you, weâve compared all cards that offer benefits and perks related to ride-sharing and Lyft specifically. These cards can help you maximize your potential earnings and savings on Lyft rides, and if you use Lyft frequently, one of these products can be a great addition to your wallet.
*All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. Capital One Savor Credit Card is no longer available through CreditCards.com.
Credit cards for foodies are the latest trend, with more and more rewards programs and additional card benefits catering to both dining in and eating out. Restaurant and grocery bonus categories are becoming commonplace â letting cardholders rack up a few extra points or cash back on those purchases.
But what about those who prefer to order delivery? If you like to take advantage of popular food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats or simplify cooking with a meal kit subscription, there are plenty of credit card rewards and benefits you can leverage to save a little money.
Finding the best card for your favorite services
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Finding the best card for your favorite food delivery or meal kit service depends on a variety of factors, including the cardâs yearly credits, special perks or rewards rate. For example, many dining cards offer bonuses that are tailored to a specific delivery service, as a monthly Uber credit.
See related: Food delivery perks on luxury travel cards
For meal kit services, matching rewards is a little more complicated. You could opt for a rewarding grocery card, as many meal kit brands are now partnered with major supermarkets â so you can buy them in the store.
Alternatively, a card that earns rewards on dining or online shopping can help you get rewards on both food delivery and meal kits. Earning dining rewards can be complicated, as not all delivery services have a merchant category code that qualifies for a point or cash back bonus. You can test it by making a small charge to your card and seeing what rewards you earn.
Online shopping rewards, on the other hand, are much more flexible. They apply to both web and app purchases, so whether your order from your phone or computer, you can rack up bonus points or cash back.
Best cards by delivery service or meal kit subscription
With all this in mind, here are some of our favorite cards for some of the most popular food delivery and meal kit subscription services.
Delivery service
Card
Rewards rate
Why we like it
DoorDash
Chase Sapphire Reserve
10 points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through March 2022)
3 points per dollar on travel and restaurants (excluding purchases covered by $300 travel credit)
1 point per dollar on general purchases
Generous rate on dining purchases
Receive a yearly statement credit for DoorDash purchases ($60 in 2020 and $60 in 2021)
Get at least one free year of DashPass when you enroll with your card (activate by Dec. 31, 2021)
Uber Eats
The Platinum Card® from American Express
10 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, during the first 6 months of card membership
5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (starting Jan. 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
5 points per dollar on eligible hotels booked with amextravel.com (starting Jan. 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
1 point per dollar on general purchases
Terms apply
Get up to $200 in Uber credits per year ($15 per month, plus an extra $20 in December), which can be applied to Uber Eats
Up to 12 months of complimentary Uber Eats Pass when you enroll before Dec. 31, 2021
Automatic Uber VIP membership (where available) without ride requirements
Instacart
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
8% cash back on Vivid Seats tickets (through January 2022)
4% cash back on dining and entertainment
2% cash back at grocery stores
1% cash back on all other purchases
Top-tier cash back on restaurant delivery, including most delivery services
Grocery bonus category includes eligible grocery delivery services, including Instacart
As a Mastercard, offers complimentary a 2-month Instacart Express membership if enrolled before March 31, 2021
Grubhub/Seamless/Boxed/Instacart/Uber Eats
American Express® Gold Card
4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including Uber Eats orders
4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point)
3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
1 point per dollar on other purchases
Terms apply
Enroll to receive up to $10 in statement credits per month (up to $120 per year) to use at participating restaurants, including Grubhub, Seamless and Boxed
Up to $120 in Uber Cash per year ($10 per month), which can be applied to U.S. Uber Eats orders (Gold card must be added to the Uber app)
Up to 12 months of complimentary Uber Eats Pass when you enroll before Dec. 31, 2021 (Uber Eats Pass will auto-bill starting 12 months from initial enrollment in this offer, at then-current monthly rate)
Excellent rewards on grocery delivery services, such as Instacart
HelloFresh
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%)
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit purchases
1% cash back on general purchases
Terms apply
Generous rate on U.S. supermarket purchases (HelloFresh meal kits are sold in supermarkets such as H-E-B and Giant Food) and eligible grocery delivery services, such as Instacart
Unlimited 3% cash back on delivery purchases from ride-share services, like Uber and Lyft
Home Chef
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores
1% cash back general purchases
Terms apply
Generous rate on U.S. supermarket purchases (Home Chef meal kits are sold in select Kroger locations)
Other delivery services
Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card
3% cash back on a category of choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvements and furnishings)
2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
$2,500 combined limit on 2% and 3% categories each quarter
1% cash back on other purchases
Generous rate on online shopping purchases (if you select it as your 3% category) and good rate at grocery stores
Can swap choice 3% category monthly to account for different delivery services. For instance, the dining category rewards Grubhub purchases and the travel category rewards ride share purchases from services like Uber
If you donât have a delivery service you prefer â or if you like to switch back and forth based on restaurant availability â a card with rewards on online shopping is your best bet.
Bottom line
Ordering food can be expensive, but using the right rewards card can help you alleviate some of that cost by racking up points or cash back. With some cards, you might even get a few extras that cover your next couple of meals.
The post The “Cashless” Cash Envelope System appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
You have probably heard people talk about how to use a cash envelope budget to save money and help you get out of debt. But, what if you don’t want to use cash? Does that mean you can’t use envelopes? Nope. Not if you follow one of the cashless cash envelope methods available.
If you follow any money advice, you are usually taught about using cash and implementing the cash envelope system. Â That is what I recommend here on our site.
As much as this is the perfect solution for our family (and one of the catalysts to help us kick-start our debt pay-off plan), I also understand this is not an option for everyone. Even if you don’t use cash, you still should budget and spend as if you do.
If you are just learning about budgeting, you will want to check out our page — How to Budget. There, you will learn everything you want to know about budgets and budgeting.
The way to do this is by using a cashless envelope system. It is how to use cash envelopes without using cash. The idea is simple, but there different ways to track it.
HOW DOES A CASHLESS CASH ENVELOPE SYSTEM WORK?
The idea is the same as the regular cash envelope method. You have a budget and need to ensure you don’t spend more than what you should.
Each pay period, you record the amount budgeted for each category onto your “envelope.” As you spend, you keep track of it. When you are out of money, you can’t spend anything else.
Using the cash envelope system without using cash can work – if you want it to.
WHY IS THIS METHOD BETTER?
When you are trying to get control of your finances, you need to know where you spend. The best way to do this is to track your spending. Not tracking after you spend – but as you purchase.
Most of the time, you swipe your card without worry. This action can easily throw your budget out of balance.
While using cash has emotion attached to it, tracking every purchase requires awareness. You are always watching what you spend and where. There are no surprises that you spent $250 on groceries when the budget was $200. You see it happening right in front of you.
The cashless envelope system works because:
You don’t have to worry about carrying or getting cash.
It forces you to track of your spending in real time.
You can see exactly where your money goes and make budget adjustments as needed.
The cashless envelope system forces you to be more responsible for your spending without the hassle of carrying money.
CASHLESS CASH ENVELOPE SYSTEMS TO TRY
When you are ready to try a cashless system, you need to determine which is the best for you. You can find one on your phone, or there is also a printable option.
CASHLESS CASH ENVELOPE APP
There are several apps that claim they can help you keep track of your spending with virtual envelopes. If you have found one that works well for you, then I say keep using it! But, if you are new to this idea – or want something new – the one I recommend is Mvelopes.
Mvelopes has three different plan levels, starting as low as $4 a month. You can use the one that best suits your needs. If you are new to the platform, I recommend starting out with the basic plan.
To start, you will add the app to your phone — or you can use their online site (which I love). Once you do that, you sync your various accounts. Make certain to include the cards you will use for your various categories.
For example, you may charge every purchase to your credit card to earn rewards or cash back. If this is you, you will connect your credit card. Some may use the debit card for some purchases and a credit card for others. Those of you who do this will connect both cards to your account.
Once that is done, you set up your online envelopes and add budgeted amounts to each. Then, you just swipe as usual. Every time you make a purchase, the purchase amount is deducted from your online envelope. With a couple of swipes, you see not only how much you have left to spend, but even where you spent your money. There is no guessing.
This system helps you give every dollar a job. You know where it will go even before you spend it. Using Mvelopes puts you back in control.
If you want or need even more help, Mvelopes has other plans that you can purchase. They offer the Mvelopes PLUS plan for $19 per month. This service includes all of the services available under the basic plan but also helps you tackle your debt. You even receive you a personal finance trainer who will visit with you once per quarter. This plan helps you set and achieve your financial goals.
Should you need more one-on-one help, you may want to consider the Mvelopes Complete package instead. You get all of the benefits of the Plus plan but receive your own, one-on-one finance trainer. This coach works with you to help you achieve your financial goals. You aren’t left alone to figure things out as there is someone right there, guiding you along the way.
As I said you don’t need to purchase one of the larger plans as the basic plan will meet most people’s needs. However, it is great to have these options available at your fingertips.
Related:Â Â The Best Apps for Your Budget
CASHLESS ENVELOPE PRINTABLE
Apps are great, but there are times when you would rather have the simplicity of writing something down rather than having to pull it up on your phone. That’s where the printable cashless envelopes come in handy.
These work in the same way as regular envelopes — just without cash. Print them off and keep them handy. Record the budgeted amount for that category at the top. Then, as you spend, keep track of it. Jot down every purchase and keep a running total of how much you have left to spend.
I get that it is a pain to keep track of “cents”, so I recommend you round up. For example, if your grocery budget is $200 and you spend $105.74, record that you spend $106 and have $94 left to spend. That is MUCH easier than keeping track down to the penny. (Truth be told, this is what I do with our cash envelopes too).
Once you reach your spending limit, then you are done with that category! If you budget $100 for dining out and there is just $5 left, don’t pick up that coffee and cake for $7 – or you will have just busted your budget! If you find that you are always out of money for select categories, or often have money left over for others, then it may be time to make adjustments to your budget.
Grab your cashless envelope printables. Now, I don’t recommend you print this onto regular paper, as that is really thin and will tear easily. Purchase card stock to use to print out your cashless envelopes as they will be more durable.
Related:Â How to Figure Out How Much Money to Budget For Groceries
Even if you don’t want to use cash, it is still essential that you continue to track your spending, so you never exceed your budget.
The post The “Cashless” Cash Envelope System appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
After a few weeks of talking about ways to go green, I thought an episode on how to save electricity would be a great way to finish out this green series. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed learning ways to save water, to cut down on the amount of trash you create in your kitchen as well as some environmentally-friendly laundry tips.
If you’ve ever Googled “How to save electricity,” you’ve found out the hard way that there are hundreds of tips out there. Some of these tips are easy to implement, but some of the ways to save electricity that are suggested online are tips like, “Use candles instead of turning on lights.” While this will certainly save electricity, it’s not incredibly practical. That’s why I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite, easy-to-do tips to help you save electricity.
Tip #1: Save electricity by turning off lights
If your parents were like mine, you probably still have a voice rattling around your head saying, “Turn off the lights!” whenever you exit a room. Our parents had it right, because there’s absolutely no reason to keep a light on in a room you are not in. If you can commit to simply turning off the lights in every room when you leave it, you can save electricity immediately.
Whether you are going to return to the room in 10 minutes or 10 seconds, there’s no reason to have the light on while you’re not in the room.
Tip #2: Save electricity by turning off (and disconnecting!) electronics
Just like there’s no use in keeping lights on while you’re not in a room, there’s no use in keeping electronics on while you’re not using them. When you leave for the day, make sure all your electronics are off. This includes your TV, sound system, computer, and any other electronic gadgets you may have around your home.
Did you know that electronics that are plugged in, and not even turned on, can account for 5-10% of electricity used in a home?
Taking it one step further, did you know that electronics that are plugged in, and not even turned on, can account for 5-10% of electricity used in a home? Computers, printers, coffee makers, and even phone cords that are plugged in can be energy vampires, sucking electricity (and your hard-earned money) when they aren’t in use. So you may want to invest in a power cord that you can plug most electronic devices into. That way, you can simply unplug off just one switch when you leave for the day (instead of walking around unplugging things throughout your home). Yes, it might take 2 more seconds of your time to turn the power cord on than simply turn the electronic device on, but it can make a big impact in your electricity bill.
Tip #3: Save electricity by taking care of your air conditioner
If you live in an area of the world where you use your air conditioner a lot, this can play a major part in your energy consumption. If you want to save electricity, there are a few things that you can do to make sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.
First, have your air conditioning unit serviced annually. Most companies charge a nominal fee to have this service completed. It involves cleaning out the coils and checking for any small repairs that are making your unit work overtime. Next, make sure you change your air filters monthly. These filters catch a lot of dust and dirt, which starts to clog them. The more clogged the filters, the harder your air conditioning unit has to work to get the air to pass through the filter. If your filters are any color other than white, making a slight whistling sound, or worse yet, are bent because they are being sucked into the vent, change them immediately. This change alone will save a ton of wasted electricity from being used to cool your home.
Tip #4: Save electricity by making easy swaps
A couple of quick swaps in your house can help you save electricity. The first you may want to consider is using ceiling or box fans instead of running your air conditioner as much. Oftentimes, just circulating the air in a room will help the room feel cooler. Instead of running the massive cooling unit outside your home, a fan uses about the same amount of electricity as a light bulb. For every degree you can raise your air conditioner, you save about 5% of the energy being used. I live in the desert of Arizona and my fellow dessert-dwellers are very familiar with this technique. It costs an arm and a leg to cool a house in Arizona to 70 degrees, so most people set their thermostats between 77 and 81 degrees and run the fans to do the rest. It keeps us comfortable, both with the feeling inside our house as well as when we see our electric bills!
Another easy change is to switch incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent, otherwise known as CFL, light bulbs. CFL bulbs use just 25% of the energy of regular light bulbs, so when you combine that with always shutting them off, you can dramatically save on your electricity consumption. Just remember that CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, so they need to be disposed of properly. Check with your local government agency to see how they require these bulbs to be disposed of.
Tip #5: Save electricity by keeping nature outside
The final tip on how to save electricity is to make sure you don’t have any drafts coming into your home. If you hold a feather around the edges of your windows and doors, the feather should be perfectly still. If it wavers, that means outside air is getting into your home. The more outside air that gets into your house, the more your air conditioner or heater has to run. Seal up your windows and doors with weather stripping, which is available at your local hardware store and is relatively easy to apply.
Also, during the summertime, keep the sunshine out of your house using room darkening blinds and curtains. By keeping the sun out, especially from south and west facing windows, you will keep your house from heating up, which will do a big part in helping to save electricity.
These are just a few tips to save electricity to get you started.
6 Signs Your Personal Finance Software Makes Life Easier
Finding personal finance software is easy, because there are countless choices in mobile apps, online programs, and finance software you can run on your home computer. But they’re certainly not equal. Personal finance software should make your life simpler, not more complicated, and it should be customizable for your particular life, goals, and needs. You know you’ve found great software when your financial life becomes easier over time. Here are 6 signs your personal finance software makes life easier.
1. You Haven’t Paid a Late Fee in Months
Does your personal finance software let you know in advance of when bills are due? It should be easy to set up automated alerts that tell you a few days before monthly, quarterly, or yearly bills are due, so you can take care of them and avoid annoying and guilt-inducing late fees. Ideally your software should notify you by text, so you’ll be sure and get the message whatever you’re doing and wherever you are.
2. Spending Categories Correspond to Your Actual Life
When personal finance software requires you to shoehorn your actual spending patterns into pre-set spending categories, the result can be confusion and frustration. Look for software that lets you create an unlimited number of spending categories you can customize. Do you buy your employees breakfast once a month? You can make a spending category for it. Are you a coffee or microbrew aficionado? You can make a spending category for it. Your budget should conform to your life, not the other way around.
3. You See How Trimming Budget Fat Affects Financial Goals
Sometimes it just doesn’t feel worth it to hold back at the grocery store after a long day or when buying Christmas presents. But when your personal finance software shows you exactly how disciplined spending helps you achieve your financial goals, like a vacation or paying off a loan, it’s easy to avoid giving in to those little temptations you face every day. When you can see how your discipline pays off, you’re more likely to stick with your good habits.
Start now: Get budgeting software from Mint to help manage your finances and make everyday life simpler by clicking here.
4. You May Have Faced One or Two Painful Truths
Powerful personal finance software can tell you things like how much you spent on fast food last week, or how much you’ve paid in non-network ATM fees this month. Sometimes, getting control of your personal finances means facing some harsh truths, like how much those little extras add up to. Your software should also be able to tell you how much more quickly you can reach financial goals if you cut a certain dollar amount from various spending categories. It’s a great way to stay on track to your goals.
5. You Know Exactly How Close You Are to Meeting Financial Goals
Maybe you want to save for retirement, or build up a down payment on a home. Your personal finance software should show you exactly how close you are to your goal at any time. You should also be able to receive monthly emails that track your progress and see how your everyday spending decisions affect how much you’ll have left over at the end of the month. Don’t settle for software that doesn’t let you track your progress easily.
6. Your Personal Finance Software Goes With You Everywhere
Personal finance software that links your computer and your mobile devices empowers you to make smart spending choices anytime, anywhere. Thinking about buying an item you unexpectedly find on sale? You can check your account balances right on your phone and know instantly if you can afford it. You can also set up convenient alerts that can tell you right away such things as whether you’re approaching your credit limits on your credit cards.
Personal finance software has come a long way since the days you had to manually enter checkbook balances and draft amounts. Today’s software offers an astonishing array of features that not only help you achieve financial goals, but actually make your everyday life easier. And when it links your accounts to your computer and your mobile devices, like Mint does, you have all the budget tools you need, wherever you go.
Start now: Get budgeting software from Mint to help manage your finances and make everyday life simpler by clicking here.
The post 6 Signs Your Personal Finance Software Makes Life Easier appeared first on MintLife Blog.
Summer camp is a rite of passage. A place where traditions begin and memories are made. A unique venue with a structured opportunity for kids to grow and learn new skills. As enriching as it may seem, embarking on the process each year can be intense: How do I choose a camp? Should it have a philosophy? How do I know my child will have fun? But often the question at the top of the list is, “How do I budget for summer camp?”
Whether you’re scrambling for camp arrangements for this year or getting a jump-start on next summer, you’re in need of a working budget for summer camp. “As a parent who sent several kids to summer camp for many years, I know how expensive it can be,” says Leslie H. Tayne, author and founder of debt solutions law firm Tayne Law Group.
Read on for expert budgeting tips for summer camp and how to save money on summer camp so you can make the best decisions concerning your wallet and your child’s wish list:
1. Get a handle on camp tuition
According to the American Camp Association, sleep-away camp tuition can range from $630 to more than $2,000 per camper per week. Day camp tuition isn’t too far behind, ranging from $199 to more than $800 per week.
One of the best ways to budget for summer camp and prepare for tuition costs is to understand your needs for the summer as well as your child’s interests. This will help you determine ‘how much’ and ‘what type’ of camp you want: Is day-camp coverage important all summer because of work? Does your child want to experience sleep-away camp for a portion of the time? Is a camp with a specific focus (say a sport or hobby) on the list?
Depending on your circumstances and child’s expectations, it’s not unusual to be looking at a combination of campsâand tuition costsâin one season. If you have multiple kids at different ages, with different interests, creating a budget for summer camp and understanding how much you’ll need to dish out in tuition becomes especially important.
Once your camp plan is in place, assess how much you’ll need to pay in tuition for the summer months with school out of session. The sooner you’ve arrived at this figure, the easier it will be to work the expense into your household budget, says Heather Schisler, money-saving expert and founder of deal site Passion for Savings. “It’s much easier to set aside $30 a month than it is to come up with $300 to $400 at one time,” Schisler says.
Sleep-away camp tuition can range from $630 to more than $2,000 per camper per week. Day camp tuition ranges from $199 to more than $800 per week.
2. Plan for expenses beyond tuition
One of the biggest budgeting tips for summer camp is planning for the many costs outside of tuition. Tayne points out that sleep-away camp usually comes with a longer supply list than day campâsuch as specific clothing or gear and toiletries to cover the length of stay. If your child is heading to a sleep-away camp far from home, your budget for summer camp may also need to factor in the cost of transportation or the cost to ship luggage. Day camps can also have fees for extended hours or transportation if your child rides a camp bus each day.
Once you’ve selected a campâday camp or sleep-awayâcheck its website for camper packing lists and guidelines. Most camps offer checklists that you can print out, which can be good for tracking supplies and costs as you go. After you enroll, your camp may provide access to an online portal that can help you manage tuition and track additional expenses, like canteen money, which is cash your child can use for snacks and additional supplies while away.
3. Create a year-round savings strategy
By calculating the necessary expenses ahead of time for the camps you and your campers have chosen, you’ll be able to determine an overall budget for summer camp. A budgeting tip for summer camp is to save money monthly throughout the year. To determine a monthly savings goal, divide your total summer camp costs by the amount of months you have until camp starts. If camp is quickly approaching and you’re feeling the budget crunch, you may want to start saving for next year’s costs once it’s back-to-school time so you can spread out your costs over a longer period of time.
Once you start saving, you’ll need a place to put it, right? When it comes to budgeting tips for summer camp, consider placing your cash in a dedicated account, which will keep it separate from your regular expenses and help you avoid tapping it for other reasons. “Then you can have your bank set up an auto draft [for the summer camp money] so it automatically goes into your account each month and you will have the money you need when summer rolls around,” Schisler says. If you use a Discover Online Savings Account for this purpose, you’ll also earn interest that can be put toward camp expenses.
âIt’s much easier to set aside $30 a month than it is to come up with $300 to $400 at one time.â
4. Find ways to fund your summer camp account
To boost cash in your summer camp savings account, consider asking relatives and family friends to gift your children cash for camp in lieu of birthday and holiday gifts, says Tracie Fobes of budget blog Penny Pinchin’ Mom. “If your child has his or her heart set on sleep-away camp, they may be willing to forgo a gift or two,” Fobes says.
Another budgeting tip for summer camp is to put your cashback rewards toward your budget for summer camp. For example, if you open a checking account with Discoverâcalled Cashback Debitâyou’ll earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.1 You can enroll to have that cashback bonus automatically deposited into your Discover Online Savings Account so it remains designated for camp costs (and can grow with interest).
Say hello to cash back on debit card purchases.
No monthly fees. No balance requirements. No, really.
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Discover Bank, Member FDIC
Lastly, if you don’t have your tax refund earmarked for another financial goal, you could use the windfall to kick-start your summer camp savings fund. Depending on the refund amount and your total camp costs, it could reduce your monthly summer camp savings goal significantly.
5. Reduce camp-related costs
Despite having your budget for summer camp in full view and planning in advance, camp can still be expensive. Here are some ways to save money on summer camp by cutting down on camp costs:
Ask about scholarships and grants: “Some camps offer scholarships or discounts for children and families,” Fobes says. Research your camp to see if they have anything similar to help offsetâor even pay forâthe cost of tuition.
Use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA): A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account is a pre-tax benefit account that can be used to pay for eligible dependent care services. You can use this type of account to “cover dependent care [costs], and camp may qualify,” Fobes says.
Negotiate price: “Many people don’t think about negotiating the cost of summer camp, but it is possible,” Tayne says, and more and more camps are open to it.
See if there’s an “honor system”: Some camps have what’s known as an honor system, where the camp offers a range of costs, or tiered pricing, and parents can pay what they can comfortably afford. Every child enjoys the same camp experience, regardless of which price point, and billing is kept private.
Take advantage of discounts: Attention early birds and web surfers: “There are sometimes discounts offered when you sign up early or register online,” Fobes says.
Volunteer: If your summer schedule allows, “offer to work at the camp,” Fobes says. If you lend your servicesâperhaps for the camp blog or cleaning the camp house before the season startsâyour child may be able to attend camp for free or a reduced rate.
Focus on the experienceânot the extras
Don’t let summer camp costs become a family budget-buster. Plan ahead and look for money-saving opportunities and work your budget for summer camp into your annual financial plan.
To save money on summer camp, remember that you only need to focus on camp necessities. “Don’t spend a lot of extra money on new clothing, bedding, trunks or suitcases,” Schisler says. “Remember, summer camp is all about the experience, not the things.”
1 ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo® and PayPal, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The post Your Guide to Budgeting for Summer Camp appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.
Donât worry about wearing out that backpack or yoga mat; these 50 companies will fix or replace your items for free.
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.
Paying the annual fee on a credit card doesn’t mean you’re wasting your money.
In fact, the top travel and rewards credit cards offer welcome bonuses that are worth considerably more than their annual fees, and that’s on top of the cardholder perks and benefits you can receive.
Case in point: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card* charges $95 per year, yet the sign-up bonus of 60,000 points is worth $750 on its own. Meanwhile, the more luxurious Chase Sapphire Reserve charges a $550 annual fee, but the sign-up bonus is worth $750 in travel, and you get perks like a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years, Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $429), a $300 travel credit and more.
Still, a problem can arise when you can’t use the benefits your card offers – or when you cannot (or don’t want to) pay the annual fee anymore.
In that case, you should know credit card issuers can be surprisingly receptive to cardholders who may not be excited about paying their credit card’s annual fee another year. With this in mind, you have some options that can help you avoid annual fees, get something in return or switch credit cards altogether.
See related: When is a credit card annual fee worth it?
You may have more power than you think
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According to Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com, it’s always worth it for consumers to negotiate their credit card fees or terms. Whether a consumer will get their fees waived is another question, but “it never hurts to ask,” he said.
This is especially true in light of the coronavirus pandemic. As we all know, credit card issuers have been fairly generous when it comes to offering struggling customers relief, with some extending options for deferred payments or waived fees. As an example, a March 2020 statement from Capital One CEO Rich Fairbank noted that the bank was offering assistance to its customers, such as “waiving fees or deferring payments on credit cards or auto loans.”
Dvorkin says consumers can improve their chances of getting their annual fee waived if they have a history of responsible credit use. In some cases, it may be possible to have an annual fee waived altogether, while in others, an account credit may be offered to take the sting out of the fee.
Some credit card issuers even have their own “retention offers” meant to entice you into keeping your card. For example, American Express is known for offering a set number of points for customers who agree to renew their card and pay an annual fee for another year. Sometimes a specific amount of spending is required on the card as well.
On the FlyerTalk website, you’ll even find a running guide of retention offers from several different card issuers, including Amex. After you dig through it, you can find that, as recently as January 2021, at least one person was offered 50,000 Membership Rewards points to renew their Platinum Card from American Express.
See related: Which cards earn American Express rewards points?
6 tips for negotiating annual fees
But how do you make sure you have as much leverage as possible? We interviewed the experts to find out their best tips for negotiating credit card fees:
1. Use the card
Lending expert John Li of Fig Loans says you’ll have the best chances at negotiating your credit card’s annual fee if you use your card frequently.
“At the end of the day, doing so makes the bank money, and a steady flow of transactions puts you in front of the credit card issuer as a worthy customer to build a long-term professional relationship with,” he says.
2. Be respectful
Dvorkin recommends keeping a level head before you pick up the phone. Take the time to state your case, but don’t fly off the handle if you don’t get your way.
“Credit card issuers get angry calls from cardholders all the time, so it helps consumers to be positive when calling to get a fee waived,” he says.
3. Negotiate by phone
While some card issuers like American Express have an online chat feature, you may have better luck negotiating with a customer service agent over the phone. In fact, phone agents can usually perform more services on your behalf versus agents you speak to via online chat.
4. Have a legitimate grievance
Nishank Khanna, CEO of business lender Clarify Capital, says you’ll have a better shot at negotiating if you have a compelling reason for not wanting to pay an annual fee.
“If you’re having this conversation with your lender to begin with, you’ll want to be able to articulate a logical reason for why you deserve to have the fee removed or reduced,” he says. “Customer service representatives are often receptive to legitimate reasons and may have a policy in place to help accommodate customers with specific concerns or circumstances.”
5. Leverage the competition
Khanna also says you can point to other card issuers that may have a better deal right now. Have competitors waived their fees? If you’re looking to knock off a fee on a travel credit card because you haven’t been able to use the card during the pandemic, for example, you should find out how other card issuers are handling the situation.
6. If you’re not satisfied, call again
Persistence can pay off when it comes to negotiating credit card fees and terms. Not only that, but you don’t have to accept the first “no” you receive. If you don’t get the answer you want, you can always try the famous “HUCA” method, which asks you to hang up and try again. You may be connected to a different agent who is more agreeable.
See related: Does applying for a credit card by phone boost approval odds?
What to do when the issuer won’t budge
If you are trying to negotiate an annual fee but can’t seem to make any progress, keep in mind that other options may make just as much sense.
For starters, Dvorkin says consumers who find they cannot negotiate their card’s annual fee should consider opening a credit card that doesn’t have an annual fee and closing their old one.
Note that closing a credit card can lower your credit score by reducing your overall available credit. Depending on how high the card’s credit limit is and what balances you have on other cards, this could raise your credit utilization ratio and lower your score. But this may be a risk worth taking if you can no longer afford your card’s annual fee.
Also, keep in mind some card issuers might let you downgrade your credit card to another card they offer that doesn’t charge an annual fee. You will probably earn a lower rewards rate and get fewer perks if you take this route, but moving your line of credit to a different card won’t cause damage to your credit score like closing an account can.
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. This offer is no longer available on our site.
Sending cash to friends and family? Before you reach for that credit card, grab a calculator. Itâs time to do a little math.
With most everything you purchase online or through apps, credit cards have the edge. With plastic, you have chargeback rights. If youâre overcharged or receive the wrong item, broken merchandise or nothing at all, your card issuer will make it right. And if you use a rewards card, you collect points or miles, too. Win-win.
But itâs different story when youâre sending money through peer-to-peer platforms. Many of them (like Google Pay, Popmoney and Zelle), donât allow consumers to use a credit card to send cash.
Others (like Cash App, PayPal and Venmo), allow credit cards but also charge a fee for the privilege â often about 3%.
See related: How to choose a P2P payment service
The hidden costs of using credit cards to send money
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Choose a credit card to send money and you might also end up paying additional fees to your card issuer. Thatâs because the combination of some peer-to-peer apps with certain cards are coded as cash advances, rather than purchases.
For many cards, that cash advance code triggers a higher interest rate that kicks in the moment you make the transaction, as well as a separate cash advance fee thatâs often $10 or 5% of the transaction â whichever is higher. (Currently, the average interest rate for cash advances is 24.8%, while the average APR for purchases is 16.05%.)
So the combination of peer-to-peer service fees, credit card cash advance fees and that higher interest rate (with no grace period) could make sending a few hundred dollars a bit more costly than youâd planned.
No chargeback rights with credit cards
The real kicker: Unlike other venues, you donât have chargeback rights when you use credit cards to make peer-to-peer money transfers.
When you present your credit card in an online or brick-and-mortar store, thereâs a merchant involved â and the law provides chargeback rights for your protection in case you donât get what you were promised in the deal. But in a peer-to-peer money transfer, thereâs no merchant, so currently the laws donât give consumers any chargeback rights, says Christina Tetreault, manager of financial policy for Consumer Reports.
âThe chargeback right requires a merchant,â says Tetreault. âOne of the hoops a consumer has to jump through is to try and work it out with the merchant.â
If you use a peer-to-peer service and send the wrong amount or send the money to the wrong person, most platforms advise that the only way to get it back is to contact the recipient and ask them to return it. And thatâs often the same whether you use a credit card, debit card, bank account or funded account on the platform.
âBe doubly sure when youâre sending the money that youâre putting in the correct information,â says John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud for the National Consumers League. âItâs still a buyer beware world when it comes to peer-to-peer.â
The solution
If youâre sending money and want to use a credit card, it pays to do a little sleuthing first. Check out the peer-to-peer site. Does it allow users to send money with a credit card? If so what, if any, fees does it charge?
On some platforms (PayPal is one), you could see similar fees for using a debit card â while sending from a bank account or funded account on the platform is free.
The good news is that many peer-to-peer platforms clearly disclose it when thereâs an extra charge to use a credit card, says Tetreault. With Venmo, for example, youâll get a pop-up message.
Harder to decipher: Will credit card transactions on the platform be treated as a cash advance? If your preferred platform doesnât post this information, you might need to contact customer service. (And how quickly and easily you get an answer can tell you a lot, too.)
Ask your card issuer the same question: Are peer-to-peer money transfers on the platform youâve chosen treated as a cash advance? If they are, whatâs the interest rate, and whatâs the cash advance fee?
âWhat I would suggest is to ask that question, via email, of your financial institution,â says Tetreault. âIt may be in their FAQs. And you want to save that email. If you have it in writing, if thereâs an issue later, youâre better positioned to contest that fee.â
But âthe hard truth is you may not be able to find out ahead of time,â she says.
Another solution: Opt to use a credit card issued by a credit union.
âWith credit unions, the APR is usually the sameâ for purchases and cash advances, says John Bratsakis, president and CEO of the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association.
Likewise, with American Express cards you pay your regular interest rate and no cash advance fees on peer-to-peer transfers, says Elizabeth Crosta, vice president of public affairs for American Express.
And credit cards from U.S. Bank register peer-to-peer money transfers as regular purchases â with no cash advance fees or cash advance APRs, says Rick Rothacker, spokesperson for the bank.
See related: How do credit card APRs work?
Whatâs your reason for using a credit card?
Take a good look at the reason youâre using a credit card, too. If you want chargeback rights, thatâs not an option. If youâre doing it for the rewards, will the value of those points or miles be eaten up by extra fees or a higher interest rate you have to pay to use the card?
And if youâre using a card because you donât have the cash, that might be a good reason to rethink the idea of sending money in the first place.
Thatâs a huge red flag, says Bruce McClary, vice president of public relations at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
âThe need to convert credit into cash is what really gets my attention â because that hints at a lack of savings,â he said. âItâs a reality a lot of people are facing, especially now.â
Cash advances arenât as expensive or risky as payday loans and car title loans, but they should be among your last resorts. If you’re looking for short-term relief, you could ask your credit card issuer for help, or find out if you qualify for a personal loan. You could also borrow from a family member or trusted friend, but be wary of the potential relationship toll if you can’t pay them back.
Getting cash from credit cards
Fifty-two percent of Americans report that the pandemic has damaged their finances, according to a recent survey by the NFCC. More than a fifth of those had to tap savings for everyday expenses, while 16% increased their credit card spending.
And thatâs a sign of financial stress, says McClary. âIt means that, in some situations, they have run out of savings.â
There are ways you can use your card to get cash, though.
Cashing in rewards
Some rewards cards from issuers such as Chase, Bank of America and US Bank let you deposit cash-back rewards directly to your bank account.
And Wells Fargo also will let you deposit its Go Far Rewards directly into another Wells Fargo customerâs account, says Sarah DuBois, spokesperson for the bank.
Gift cards
Many credit cards let you convert rewards into retail gift cards. So a pile of points can help a friend or family member buy much-needed groceries or a few holiday presents.
Or simply âbuy a gift card for someone,â says Bratsakis.
Retailer-specific gift cards and gift cards issued through local and regional retail associations and malls often come with no fees â meaning every dollar you spend goes toward your gift.
Convenience checks
While you can get a cash advance or use convenience checks from your card issuer, both those options often come with fees and higher interest rates. Not a smart money move, especially in the current economy.
While some lenders may offer convenience checks with deferred interest, thatâs not the same as âno interest,â says Bratsakis. Also, if you donât pay the loan in full, will you owe the full interest retroactively?
âThatâs where consumers have to be careful,â he says. With a convenience check or even a cash advance, âthatâs usually where consumers can get themselves into trouble if they canât pay it off and get hit with deferred interest.â
See related: What is deferred interest?
Bottom line
When it comes to peer-to-peer payments, cash really is king. You can then put it into a funded account with the money transfer platform or your bank account. And most peer-to-peer platforms let you do this for free.
âThe safest way to use these services is to send money person-to-person and be diligent about getting all the details correct so it doesnât go to the wrong person,â says Tetreault.
Only send to people you trust and know in real life, she says. âAnd before sending money make sure you understand what, if any, fees you might incur.â
The post The Ultimate List of More Than 50 Budget Categories You Must Use appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
It is no secret that you need a budget. But, it is imperative that it includes everything. Take the time to review your spending and don’t leave anything off of it. Below you will find a list of household budget categories you need to include. Forgetting even one off might be a big mistake.
It is no secret that the number one thing you must do to take control of your finances is to create a budget. Â Without one, you really can’t see where your money goes. Â Or, more importantly, you don’t get to direct your money to be spent as you would like for it to be!
While there are posts on how to create a budget, one question I get frequently is, “What categories should I include in a budget?”  When you are new to making a budget, something such as a personal budget categories list can help. I agree.
As you create yours for the first time, it is important you don’t leave off anything important. A successful budget is one that includes a line item for every way you spend your money.
If you are just learning about budgeting, you will want to check out our page — How to Budget.
There, you will learn everything you want to know about budgets and budgeting.
To help you get a jump start on with your budget, and to make sure you don’t leave off any categories, download our free budget template. Â This form has helped thousands get started with creating a budget.
SIMPLE BUDGET CATEGORIESÂ
Once you have your form, you are ready to figure out your budget categories! Â While you may not have each of these as individual line items on your form, just make sure you include them all somewhere in your budget!
DONATIONS OR CHARITY CATEGORIES
These are all of the monthly donations you make to various charities. Â Don’t forget about those you may make only once or twice a year as well!
Church
Medical Research
Youth Groups
SAVINGS CATEGORIES
While not needed to live, it is crucial that you always pay yourself before you pay anyone else. Â Once you meet your necessary expenses, ensure you are saving enough each month.
If you are in your employer’s retirement plan, you pay those before you get your paycheck, so you would not include them. However, make sure you account for the different types of savings accounts you may have.
Emergency Fund Savings
Annual Fees, such as taxes, insurance, and dues
College Savings
Investments
Christmas/Birthdays/Anniversaries
Additional Retirement (outside of your employer’s plan)
Read More: Â Yearly Savings Challenge
CATEGORIES FOR HOUSING
No one will forget to add housing to their budget. But, make sure you include the amount you may save for repairs and other expenses. To figure out how much to budget, look over your prior year spending and divide that total by 12. You will add this to your savings, but you can track it under your housing budget category.
First Mortgage
Second Mortgage (if applicable)
Property Taxes
Insurance
Home Owner’s Association Dues
Maintenance
Housekeeper/Cleaning
Lawn Care
PERSONAL BUDGET UTILITIES CATEGORIES
You can’t live without your water and electricity. It is essential that you don’t leave any of these off of your budget either! These are some of the basic budget categories most people will not intend to forget, but just might.
Electricity
Water
Gas/Oil
Sewer
Trash
Cable/Satellite/Streaming Services
Internet (if not part of your cable bill)
Phone
Read more: Â How to Lower Your Utility Bills
FOOD
You have to eat. There are only two ways that happens — you cook or you eat out. Make sure you include both of these categories in your budget.
Groceries
Dining Out
TRANSPORTATION CATEGORIES
You have to be able to get around. Â That doesn’t always mean a vehicle as it could mean using other means of transportation. Â Whatever method you use, make sure you include all of those expenses in your budget.
Remember that you may not have to pay for some of these items each month, but it is essential you budget for them monthly so that the funds are available when needed.
Vehicle payment (make sure you include all payments for all vehicles)
Fuel
Insurance
Taxes
Tags/Licensing
Maintenance
Parking Fees
Taxi/Bus Fares
CLOTHING
A line item many people leave off of their budget is clothing. They forget that it is a necessary expense.  While this doesn’t mean you should go and buy new clothes all of the time, it does allow you to replace items which are worn out.
It is also essential that parents include this item as kids need clothes a bit more frequently.
Adult Clothing
Kids Clothing
CATEGORIES FOR HEALTH
Don’t forget your health expenses when determining a budget. Â Make sure you include the money you pay towards your co-pays during the year.
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Eye Insurance
Doctor Visits
Dental Visits
Optometrist
Medications
Deductible Savings
PERSONAL ITEMS CATEGORIES
Personal is a “catch-all” category which may contain much of your discretionary spending! Â Some of the most common types you need to include:
Haircuts/Manicures/Pedicures
Life Insurance
Child Care/Babysitting
Toiletries (if not included in your grocery budget above)
Household Items (if you did not already include in your groceries budget above)
Education/Tuition
Dry Cleaning/Laundry
School Dues/Supplies
Magazines
Gym Memberships
Organization Dues
Postage
Pet Care (food, grooming, shots, boarding)
Photos (school and family photos)
Random Spending (always useful as a way to pay for the things you may not have broken out in your budget)
RECREATION
We all love to spend some time doing things we love. Â Don’t forget to include your entertainment category when determining your budget.
Entertainment (movies/concerts)
Crafts
Hobbies
Parties
Vacations
DEBTS
Once you pay off your debt, these will go away entirely and will no longer be needed. Â You can learn how to get out of debt and get started with that (once you have your budget).
Credit Cards (all debt)
Unsecured loans
Home equity loans
Student loans
Medical loans
Now you have the categories you need for your budget! Â Take the first step in getting control of your finances by putting this to work for you.
The post The Ultimate List of More Than 50 Budget Categories You Must Use appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
5. You Know Exactly How Close You Are to Meeting Financial Goals
, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
