Category

Budgeting

Jan 15
0

6 Things to Know Before Investing in a 401(k)

By | Budgeting, Personal Finance

While retirement may seem eons away, it’s never too early to start funding a retirement account. Parting with part of your paycheck each payday may be hard to swallow, retirement accounts offer many benefits outside of funding your future retirement.

Retirement accounts offer many benefits, but there is a downside as well. Here are 8 things you need to know before investing in retirement accounts:

  1. Tax Breaks

Putting money towards retirement while young allows your investments time to mature and for you to earn returns. You can decide to put money away in a savings account, but other options provide tax shelters. Investing in a 401(k), IRA or other dedicated retirement account provides a tax shelter that boosts your annual return.

  1. Employer Match

Many companies offer 401(k) plans where the employer matches the contribution of the employee. Forbes reports that the majority of large companies will match an employee’s investment, while only two thirds of small companies do. Make sure to review and understand your 401(k) contribution vs what your employer will invest prior to signing.

  1. Early Withdrawal Penalties

Deciding what amount to invest in a retirement account can be challenging. Life offers many surprises that come with unexpected expenses. You may have chosen to allocate a certain amount of funds from your pay to retirement leading to a large sum of money that you may need for future expenses. If you do need to access your retirement savings before the age of 59.5 you’ll most likely be subject to a 10% penalty on previously untaxed funds, contributions and earnings.  There are exceptions to this. As Forbes reported, you can pay for college or grad school penalty free with funds from and IRA account but not from a 401(k).

  1. Flexibility

If you’re looking for flexibility with your retirement account look into a Roth IRA. Legally you are able to contribute up to $5,500 a year in post taxed earnings to a Roth IRA. If you’re over the age of 50 your contribution maximum increases to $6,500. Your investment will grow tax free towards your retirement, and you can take back your initial contribution at any time for any reason without taxes or penalties. Forbes suggests investing enough in your 401(k) to receive a full employer match then fund a Roth IRA next.

  1. Bad 401(k)s

Not all 401(k)s are a good investment. Some 401(k)s have high administrative and investment expenses. According to an annual survey conducted by BrightScope, the most expensive 401(k)s – traditionally small plans – cost 1.53% or more of a worker’s contribution each year. Compare your 401(k) at BrightScope.com.

  1. Switching Jobs

It’s very common to switch jobs before retirement. When leaving a company make sure to role your 401(k) to an IRA on your new employer’s 401(k). This is called an institution to institution transfer. Withdrawing the funds from your existing 401(k) would be a mistake, since it would result in taxes and a 10% penalty fee. If you have a retirement account worth less than $5,000 your former employer could transfer your funds to an IRA with high fees and a negligible returns.

Investing in your retirement is an important and vital decision. Review all your options before investing. Was this article helpful? How do you plan to invest in your retirement? Let us know in the comment section below.

Aug 07
0

6 Social Security Pitfalls

By | Budgeting, Credit Repair

social-security-pitfallsAre you looking forward to retirement? If you plan to rely on social security to carry you through your retirement, you may be caught off guard to learn about many of the rules and stipulations surrounding this government program. Some of the rules can be frighteningly complex and given social security will likely represent a large portion of your retirement income, it’s important to fully understand the program’s rules and policies. Read below for six traps to avoid.

  1. Taxes – If your total income exceeds a certain level, up to 85 percent of social security benefits may be taxable. When computing social security, you must include income sources that are normally tax-exempt to determine tax on social security benefits.
  2. Minimum distributions – If you have other retirement accounts, such as a traditional IRA, you must accept a required minimum distribution after a certain age. Since this distribution is treated as ordinary income, it may require you to pay taxes on your social security benefits given your new income level.
  3. Unavailability – Many people assume that social security is available to all seniors, but unfortunately, not all employers pay into the system, which means not everyone can benefit from the program. However, if your employer does not participate in social security, then you should be covered under another program. It’s important to check with your employer to ensure where your retirement benefits will be coming from and that you understand them fully.
  4. Early bird – Many people choose to take their benefits as soon as they come available. However, this could be a huge mistake. For example, if you delay taking your benefits until age 70, you could increase your amount received as much as eight percent. In addition, the cost of living adjustment will be based on a higher number increasing your benefits. Delaying benefits is not for everyone; it’s important to talk with your family and decide what’s right for you. However, if you are able to delay, you should consider it.
  5. Elimination provision – Many people work for multiple employers throughout their career. If you work for an employer that does not withhold social security taxes, your final payout is based on the non-covered work and may reduce your total overall benefits if you are entitled to a pension from a non-covered employer.
  6. Limits – If you continue to work after reaching the age in which you can begin collecting benefits, then you will encounter restrictions on the amount you can earn without being penalized. If your wages exceed $15,480 in 2014, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that level. During the year in which you reach full retirement age, you can can earn up to $41,400 before $1 of your Social Security benefits will be deducted for every $3 you earn above that limit. Once you reach full retirement age, no restrictions apply.

Social security can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Therefore, It’s important to be prepared so that you fully benefit from the funds you receive. The best way to prepare for retirement is to ensure that your finances are in order. Your current financial health is dictated most by your credit.  If you are experiencing difficulty with improving your credit and ensuring a secure financial future, you might consider credit repair solutions.  Let us at Ovation help you. We offer a wide range of credit repair solutions, customized to meet your unique needs.
Contact us today to see how we can help.

Jun 26
0

Teaching Kids to Save

By | Budgeting, Save Money

teaching-kids-saveHealthy money habits are established at an early stage in life and it’s important for parents to help their kids develop these habits at an young age. Kids are clean slates, giving you the opportunity to teach them the type of healthy habits that will carry them through adulthood. Below are a few best practices to help you begin the process of teaching your kids how to save effectively.

Open a savings account.  At most banks, savings accounts can be opened at no cost for minors. In addition, if the minor opens an account at the same place that the parent banks, the issuing establishment might provide a waiver on any fees. Opening a savings account can help teach kids the importance of saving money (and beginning to build interest) for a large purchase in the future.

Match contributions. The easiest way to help your children see and understand the value of saving is to match the amount they save. This will show them that you also value saving and are wiling to invest in their smart decision.

Give them an allowance. Most parents have ditched the concept of an allowance, but if you want your kids to learn healthy saving habits, you are going to have to give them money to save. In addition, giving your kids an allowance helps them understand the concept that money is not disposable and that they must budget properly to pay for the things they want without running out of money too quickly.

Get a piggy bank. The concept of a piggy bank extends far beyond the bright pink pig sitting on your kid’s nightstand that he or she dumps pennies into at the end of every week. Today’s piggy banks are much more sophisticated. Many have slots for spending, saving, and donating. This type of bank can help teach kids about budgeting and categorizing money for different expenditures.

Play games. Kids like to have fun. If you help them have fun, they will enjoy learning much more. It’s easy to help them learn about saving money by making it a game. For example, put together a challenge for them, or instead, play online games that teach them basic principles such as separating wants from needs and avoiding impulse buys.

Go to the bank. The bank might seem like a boring place to you, but for a kid, it can be an educational experience.Let your kids help you and tell them what you are doing and why.

Invest. It’s important to set up a mutual fund or savings account for your child in order to teach them to be a saver, but a stock investment can teach them even more. It’s best to choose a company they are familiar with. This type of investment can help kids learn how to research stocks and save more money.

Helping kids learn how to save is a process, but can be done with these few best practices. Before you can teach your kids about saving effectively and investing wisely, it’s important that you are also doing the same. This helps set you up for financial security in the future. Financial security is mostly determined by your credit score, which can determine much of your buying power and future financial decisions. However, if you’re experiencing trouble with your credit score, you could be a candidate for credit repair. At Ovation, we offer a wide range of credit repair solutions, customized to meet your unique needs.

Contact us today to see how we can help.

Jun 19
0

How to Get Rid of These 5 Little Budget Busters

By | Budgeting

eliminate-budget-bustersWe’ve heard it said that the devil is in the details.  When it comes to managing our budget, that phrase rings true because what wrecks our carefully laid plans are little things we overlook.  There are tiny expenses that slip through our fingers every day and though they may be tiny today, year-over-year they add up.  So let’s talk about how to keep that money in your hand.

An engineer named Pete (who retired at the ripe age of 30) poses what we consider the rule of 752, when reviewing weekly expenses.  Take one weekly expense, like eating lunch out, and multiply it by 752.  The sum is the total cost of that expense over 10 years if you had invested that money instead of using it.  Doing the math could be a real shocker, and will make you re-evaluate all your spending habits.

The following are some daily expenses that are quick budget drainers:

  1. Excess Phone and TV bills.  We live in a digital world, but are you using all the technology you’re paying for?  Review your phone bill and turn off any devices that aren’t being used.  If you have unlimited plans that aren’t fully utilized, lower the threshold. Consider converting to a pre-paid cellular service rather than locking in two-year contracts.  If the deal is right, you may save money.If you’re paying for 500 cable channels but aren’t home to watch TV, alter your package to something more realistic.  Are there DVR boxes in bedrooms that never get watched?  Send them back.
  1. Magazine or Online Subscriptions.  Subscriptions can be inexpensive, but do you ever read them?  Often the information is available online for free.  For that matter, many online subscriptions are inexpensive, but how often do you get to use them?  If you’re not using your subscriptions, cancel them.  It’s simply money you’re throwing away.
  2. Account Maintenance Fees.  Why are you paying your bank to hold your money when there are so many free checking accounts?  Do you realize that many banks charge a fee every time they mail you a printed statement or when you use another bank’s ATM?  If you don’t monitor your bank statement closely, go online or open that printed statement and review the fees.  Month-to-month, they add up.
  3. Convenience Fees.  Convenience fees can pop up if you make a payment over the phone, such as your mortgage or car payment; something that can be avoided by paying online or mailing a check.  You may also pay convenience fees when purchasing tickets to an event or traveling at a time more convenient to you.  Airlines and trains may charge $50-$100 just to “convenience” you.  By traveling at a less optimum time, you could put that money right back in your wallet.  Also consider less expensive but reliable forms of transportation, such as bus travel.
  4. Credit Card Interest.  That lovely swipe-able piece of plastic that brings all sorts or buy-now, pay-later goodies is perhaps the biggest budget-buster of all.  Many credit cards have interest rates as high as 24%!  By carrying a balance from month-to-month, you pay for an item many times over in interest.   You may have found something at a tremendous bargain but by not paying it off when the bill first came, it is no longer a good deal because it is likely that more than half your payment is going towards interest every single month.  And the more you shop with your credit and allow the debit to build, the worse the situation gets.

These are things that can easily be done to help manage your budget.  Ignore them and your expenses can quickly get out of hand, especially if you use credit cards.  If you need help planning your budget or restoring credit, it may help to speak to a credit repair specialist, such as Ovation Credit Services.  By planning your budget, regularly monitoring your credit, and working hard to build or restore your credit, you can have the financial future you dream of.

Jun 17
0

How to Live on Half Your Income

By | Budgeting

live-on-half-incomeIt’s no secret that families everywhere are trying to stretch every dollar to make ends meet. Most families are struggling to do this because their expenses are greater than their income, and savings are sparse. Given this challenge, it’s the wisest decision to save as much as you can in the event of a rainy day and to lighten the stress of having to stretch every penny. This savings strategy helps you prepare for the worst so that you can maintain financial stability and set yourself up for future financial success.

Living on half of your income is possible but seems like a challenging and daunting task. Here’s how you can make it work.

Track your spending. Determine where your money is currently going. This will help you evaluate your spending habits and begin to make better ones.

Go on a diet. Determine which of your expenses are unnecessary and eliminate them for a period of time. Go back to the basics and cut out the daily lattes, shopping sprees, and weekly happy hours with coworkers.

Automate your savings. Once you have tracked your spending and eliminated your unnecessary expenses, you can start saving half your income. Open a separate account and place your newfound income into this account.  This money should never hit your “spending” account and should automatically be put into savings.

These three suggestions are no easy task, and there will of course be obstacles to overcome. The biggest hurdles can come from things such as your home, your car, and perhaps the needs or wants of your kids. These items are harder to avoid if unexpected expenses incur. However, when it comes to your house, before you shell out cash, first ask yourself if that expense is absolutely necessary. New windows might be imperative but new surround sound speakers for the family room may not be.

Regarding your car, take a look at expenses such as your gas, insurance, and maintenance to determine if there are ways to cut costs. For example, consider joining savings clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club, where you can find gas that is 20 to 30 cents per gallon cheaper than some gas stations. You should also call your insurance company to see if there are ways to save on your premiums. Many insurance companies offer programs that will lower your premium if you display safe driving habits over a certain period of time.

When it comes to your kids, the best thing to do is communicate to them the new spending habits you plan to implement. If they are aware, it makes it easier to explain to them why you can’t buy them the latest game or order ten pizzas for their upcoming sleepover. You can make it a family affair and get them involved in the savings. This also teaches them financial responsibility while allowing you time together.

While living on half your income sounds challenging, the payoff is tremendous. Saving smart is the first step to setting yourself up for financial success. It allows you the financial freedom to pay off debt, and in many cases, repair your credit. However, if you are having any difficulty, you may be a good candidate for credit repair. If so, let us at Ovation help you.

We offer several credit repair solutions that are customized to meet your unique needs. At Ovation, we believe that no two people are alike; therefore, our approach is always unique.

Contact us today to see how we can help.

May 15
0

Spend Smart to Improve Your Credit Score

By | Budgeting, Credit Repair, Credit Scores

spend-smart-improve-creditWhen you’re repairing your credit, you should simultaneously be working on saving money. Sometimes, we do things that we think save us money, but in the long run cost us more and don’t bring us any closer to an improved credit score.

Take a look at this list. Are you doing any of these? If so, stop that!

Buying something that’s too good of a deal to pass up

You know the offers that sound too good to be true?  “Four t-shirts for just 20!” It might be a good deal but if you already have drawers bulging with t-shirts, you’ll be wasting $20!  Change the way you think about sales from “Look at what I’m getting for the money I’m spending,” to “Am I getting things I need for the money I’m spending?” It’s a small change in thinking that can make a big difference in your pocketbook.

Buying extra to save over time

This is another seemingly sensible marketing ploy that can backfire if you’re not careful. For instance, buying produce in bulk at a warehouse club is cheaper than at the supermarket, but if some of it goes bad before you get around to eating it, the money you saved is lost. Before buying a huge supply of something, think about its shelf life and whether you will actually use all of what you’re buying.

Paying less to save money now

Sometimes by trying to save money now, you can cost yourself more down the road. As the saying goes, “We aren’t rich enough to be cheap.” That sounds counterintuitive, but there’s truth in it: Sometimes by buying cheap products that fall apart or don’t get the job done, we cost ourselves more when we have to continually replace them.

Paying more to invest in quality

We often equate more expensive products with better quality. While this axiom is often true, you should keep an eye out to make sure what you purchase is really “better quality.” Research products before you buy them to make sure they are worth the money. Don’t assume the more expensive option is always the better quality one, or you might be throwing your money away.

Buying more to get a discount

Free shipping, with a minimum purchase, is a common offer from online merchants. Saving the cost of shipping sounds like a bargain, but if you buy more than you intended or need, it’s no bargain at all. Spending an extra $20 to save $5 on shipping just isn’t worth it!

Buying a coupon to save money later

Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial email great deals all the time. You buy the deal now at a huge discount and use it later. The seller can offer the big discount because so many people buy and never use these deals. Don’t make the same mistake. Unless you already plan to purchase the “deal of the day,” stay away from these offers no matter how great they sound.

Saving money can help you put more toward debt reduction and credit repair. If you need help getting your finances back in order, consider working with a partner like Ovation. We can help repair your credit and show you more ways to hold on to your hard earned money on your way to financial bliss.

Apr 15
0

18 Quick and Easy Tips for Boosting Your Budget

By | Budgeting, Credit Repair

Isn’t it nice to reach into your purse or pocket and find a few extra dollars you didn’t know you had?    We all love reaping the rewards of hard accomplishments, so here are some great tips for saving yourself a bit of cash to do some fun things, including taking a trip, buying a new wardrobe, or starting to save for retirement.

  1. How many nights do you spend in front of the TV with its 800 channels and absolutely nothing to watch?  Narrow your cable and internet package and start lining your pockets with green.
  2. Weather-proof your house.  Seal the gaps around doors and windows to keep out drafts.  Plant shade trees to save on air conditioning. As a bonus, with some repairs and improvements, the energy company may offer some rebates. Uncle Sam may even give you tax breaks.
  3. Don’t go crazy with the thermostat.  Keep it just a little warmer in the summer and a little cooler in the winter.
  4. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket to prevent heat from escaping.  Pair this with taking shorter showers to maximize your savings.
  5. Plug appliances into a power strip, then turn the strip off when the appliance is no longer in use.  Even when the appliance isn’t in use it continues to drain energy.
  6. Instead of spending $5.00 each morning for that latte, make one at home.  With so many inexpensive home varieties available, there’s no reason to give money to the franchise on every corner.
  7. Consider dining at home more.  This is a huge way to save money.
  8. Plan your meals and prepare a list before you go to the grocery store so you don’t overspend. We suggest taking a calculator along to keep track of your total.
  9. Get a membership to a wholesale club like Sam’s or Costco and buy household necessities and groceries in bulk.  The prices are lower and you’ll save gas running to the grocery store each week.
  10. Before spending time and gas running to the store, check prices online and see where you can get the best deal.
  11. Shop on eBay, Craigslist, thrift stores, and at garage sales.  Things are often gently used or brand new and can be a big savings.
  12. Only get a gym membership if you will really commit to it.  Otherwise, be realistic with yourself and invest your money elsewhere.
  13. Plan fun family activities that cost less.  Have a picnic in the park and play ball.  This is much less expensive than going to a movie or amusement park.  Entry to most museums is free and educational, as well.  Be creative and come up with new ideas for date nights that are less expensive but still fun.
  14. Take a trip to the library rather than buying books.
  15. Teach your children how to handle money so they grow up financially responsible.  Allow them to earn a small amount for performing chores.  When they are old enough, teach them how to open a checking account, how to record checks, and how to reconcile their account each month.
  16. Talk to your cell-phone provider about your plan and reduce it to the lowest amount you really need each month.  Put a monthly reminder in your calendar to review your bill and verify that your usage is adequate to your needs.  Make any necessary adjustments.
  17. If you have a mortgage, consider your interest rate.  If it is high enough, it may be worth refinancing.
  18. How fuel efficient is your car?  If you are spending too much at the pump, consider trading it in for something more fuel efficient.  If you have public transit available, take it to work or look for others who live near you and start a carpool.

Some of the savviest of savers had difficulty getting started.  If you’re still overwhelmed or feel stifled by planning a budget, perhaps a call to Ovation might put your mind at rest.  The key is to try to take control early so you can enjoy your life now and in retirement.

 

Apr 03
0

Buying A Car- 6 Things to do First

By | Budgeting, Credit Repair

Whether new or used, purchasing a vehicle puts a dent in your pocketbook. Too many people act on emotion rather than basing their car purchasing decision on what’s most savvy for their financial circumstances.

Before acting on impulse, there are several actions that you should take to ensure your new car purchase won’t derail your ability to afford your other life expenses:

1. Adhere to a budget:

You may have a dream car, but most likely, your finances won’t allow you to buy it. Be realistic, and before looking online or visiting a dealership, review your budget and know what price is off-limits. Per MSN Money, no more than 20 percent of your monthly household income should be appropriated for all household car bills.

2. Consider leasing:

Leasing still gives you the ability to drive the vehicle of your choice without being married to it. Market Watch provides a calculator to help you assess the pros and cons of leasing rather than buying. You may be surprised at what you discover.

3. Do your homework:

know what prices other dealerships are listing for your select vehicle and also know what the wholesale price is by doing some additional online research. In doing so, you’ll be able to wisely discuss your reasoning for negotiating a cheaper price.

4. Be selective:

There’s a lot of inventory available. Do yourself a favor and narrow your scope to a few dealerships that have great reviews rather than trying to visit every option in your area.

5. Shop for financing:

Yes, using the dealer’s finance plan is convenient and easy, but it may not be your best option. Do your due diligence and shop for finance plans with third-party lenders that may be able to offer you cheaper rates.

6. Negotiate the purchase price:

The same back-and-forth dialogue that occurs between a purchaser and a home owner when house hunting applies to vehicle hunting. The list price of a vehicle doesn’t necessitate its purchase price. If you’ve done research, you’ll have an easier time negotiating.

There’s a lot of work to do before getting your keys, but your efforts to optimize your finances will ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck—or in this case, the best deal for your wheels!

Accelerate Your Financial Potential

Are you shopping for a new car and need help navigating the financial waters? Call us! An Ovation credit repair representative can assist you with your credit needs during this major purchase.

Apr 01
0

Getting Married? Use These Tips to Help You Cut Costs

By | Budgeting, Credit Repair

Weddings have become increasingly expensive in recent years. In fact, on average, couples are now spending $25,000 for their wedding. But, is $25,000 practical or even necessary? The truth is, you can still have the wedding of your dreams on a budget. There is always a way to purchase a necessary item at a lower price. The key is to research your options and develop a strategy.  Use these tips to help you plan and find creative ways to cut costs.

  • Be flexible. The most popular day of the week to get married is Saturday. However, venues offer discounted prices to couples willing to tie the knot on another day of the week, such as a Friday night. You can save several thousand dollars with one simple calendar change.
  • Hire a wedding coordinator. There is a big misconception that wedding coordinators will cost you more money. However, they can actually end up helping you save money after all of the discounts they can typically negotiate on your behalf.
  • Take a wedding planning class. Taking a class can you help you get a crash course on the most effective tips and tricks to finding the best deals.
  • Something borrowed, something blue. We all know the saying. But, the saying should apply to more than just your great aunt’s old pearl necklace. Before you buy anything, first ask yourself if it’s an item you can borrow from a former bride who is a friend or family member.
  • Negotiate. When working with your vendors, it’s very important you always negotiate the final price before signing your contract. To get your business, vendors are almost always willing to budge on their prices. In fact, they usually cushion in a certain amount to their asking price with the intention to give you a discount if you ask.
  • Partner with your venue. Venues usually have partnerships with other wedding vendors to funnel business to one another. It is recommended you ask your venue for their list of “preferred vendors.” Typically, you will receive a good deal from one of these other vendors for being referred by your venue.
  • Use your friends and family or local expertise. Sometimes, to find what you are looking for, you don’t have to look outside your network. For example, is your brother-in-law in a band, or is your uncle an ordained minister?  Or can your best friend bake a delicious cake? Ask these people for help! If you have to hire a professional, always look to your local community first. You might be surprised by the local talent and discounted prices you may find.
  • Skip the custom-made. It’s true. Your guests will hardly pay attention to your custom-made invitations, dress or table toppers. Your trimmed scallop is second on their minds next to the food and alcohol.
  • Focus on flowers. The cost of flowers is minimal. It’s the price to arrange them that costs a pretty penny. It’s recommended you use an alternative for your centerpieces and focus only on the flowers for the bride, groom, and wedding party.
  • Cut to the cake. Instead of waiting around, cut your cake and toss the bouquet early in the evening. That way your photographer can leave and you can cut down on the per-hour cost.
  • Buy alcohol by the head count. Even if most of your wedding guests are non-drinkers, it is always recommended you purchase alcohol by the head and not by the drink. If you pay by the drink, there can be big surprises when the bill comes.

Planning a wedding can certainly become a financial burden fast. In addition, the majority of couples use credit cards for their wedding expenses, which is recommended. However, using your credit card for large expenses can also potentially create credit problems down the line if you are not careful.

If you are currently experiencing troubles with your credit, there are various ways to help repair it. Let us at Ovation help you. We offer a wide range of credit repair solutions, customized to meet your unique needs.

Contact us today to see how we can help.

 

Feb 04
0

6 Ways to Say “I Love You” on a Budget

By | Budgeting

Valentine’s Day is upon us! With storefronts overflowing with gifts and sweet treats, you might be starting to stress out about finding the perfect gift for your sweetheart. For most people, a weekend getaway or a diamond necklace isn’t always practical. But, don’t worry. You don’t have to break the bank to be romantic and show your partner how much you love them.

Use these creative tips to enjoy the holiday with your loved one and save your money for more critical expenses.

Stay at home. A nice dinner out can easily become costly. An easy way to get around this is to stay at home and cook, or try a picnic dinner. If you’re dying to go out, enjoy dessert and coffee at your favorite local café. Another fun and romantic idea is to share breakfast in bed.

Less is more. Valentine’s Day is meant to be special. So, you can still buy your loved one treats, but to help you save money, do so on a smaller level. For example, instead of a dozen roses, give just one. Instead of an entire box of chocolates, opt for a single high-quality chocolate bar. You can also make chocolate fondue at home and eat it with fruit, pretzels, or cheese.

Give a voucher. We all love having things done for us. Give your loved one a voucher for something you know they will enjoy, such as a long massage or one free pass to babysit the kids and allow the other person a night out on the town with friends.

Get creative. It’s easy to buy a gift for someone, but it’s much more thoughtful to make something. This could be anything including a card, a homemade dessert, or a CD with their favorite music. You can also get creative and visit local museums where admission is free, or bundle up, head outside and build a snowman together. Then, come back in for a game night with homemade dinner and dessert.

Find a deal. There are tons of ways to find coupons and specials for restaurants or events to do with your sweetheart on Valentines Day. Try looking on Groupon, LivingSocial, or on Amazon Deals.

Time is a commodity. The most precious gift you can give to your partner is your time. It will help you reconnect with one another. It’s also free!

Valentine’s Day is the time to share what you love most with your partner. The most important thing is to be together and to be thankful for one another – and you don’t have to break the bank to do that.

If these items have you thinking about how you can save more money in your life, you’re not alone. We can all use extra cash in our pockets. But, the first step to a sound financial future is good credit. If you are experiencing credit issues, let us at Ovation help you. We offer several credit repair solutions that are customized to meet your unique needs. At Ovation, we believe no two people are alike; therefore, our approach is always unique.

Contact us today to see how we can help.

 

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