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Thanks to the exploding popularity of couponing apps, saving money while you shop has become a much easier, faster, and visually appealing exercise. The days of painstakingly scouring newspapers for paper coupons are becoming a thing of the past — replaced with apps that claim to do the work of finding the coupons, redeeming the offers, and rewarding you with coveted deals. Although you’ll still have to scout the applicable deals and save your receipts, the best couponing apps for 2019 aim to make the process painless and accessible to all, even the newbie couponers among us. To help you in your budget shopping, we rounded up a list of the best couponing apps for 2019.

Ibotta

Ibotta ranks as one of the best couponing apps for 2019, with good reason. Ibotta’s premise is simple and user-friendly. You’ll see a list of the stores in your area offering cashback rebates. You then select the items you wish to purchase, which adds them to your account. Later, once you’ve made the purchase, upload a receipt. You’ll receive cashback in your account within 24 to 48 hours, which you can withdraw to your PayPal account or redeem for gift cards once you hit $20.

SnipSnap

For longtime couponing enthusiasts, SnipSnap delivers a platform for you to continue doing what you love — just with a little dose of tech-friendly efficiency. Use the app to snap photos of print coupons, and SnipSnap will convert them into mobile-friendly, scannable offers. All you’ll have to do is pull up the app at the cashier, who will be able to scan the offer right off your screen. SnipSnap also offers a database of searchable coupon offers and featured offers.

Coupons.com

Coupons.com aims to be a one-stop-shop for your couponing deals. You can link your store loyalty cards to your Coupons.com account and select the deals that apply to you. If your store doesn’t offer a loyalty program, you can still choose from hundreds of deals and receive cash back once you’ve submitted a receipt. There’s also a good mix of printable and digital coupons to appeal to both traditional couponers and the newly converted.

Honey

If you’re tired of searching for coupon codes — or even tend to forget that coupon codes might be available —  Honey is for you. When you shop at your favorite stores from within Honey, the app will automatically enter any valid discount codes at checkout. If you prefer to shop on a desktop or laptop, Honey also offers a browser add-on that will provide the same code-sleuthing capabilities as the app.

Coupon Sherpa

You can find a wide range of deals from this standby couponing app. Browse through the plentiful listing of big box stores, department stores, and restaurants to zero in on what you need. You can then print the coupons to use on your own. However, you can also use Coupon Sherpa to hunt mobile deals and coupon codes to use online.

Checkout51

Checkout51 offers a twist on traditional couponing. Similar to Ibotta, you can browse through weekly featured deals and, once you have purchased the item, snap a picture of your receipt. Many of the offers aren’t brand-specific, so for example, one featured deal might be $0.50 back on a bunch of bananas. The app then scans the receipt for qualifying items and deposits cash back rewards in your account. If you don’t already use coupons, this can be a great starter app — since you won’t have to worry about rummaging for coupons next time you’re at the register.

Store-Specific Apps

If your chosen store offers a coupon app of its own, it’s worth downloading to track down even more exceptional deals. Target’s Cartwheel app, for example, offers hundreds of daily offers (the only catch is you need to “activate” the deal before you check out to qualify). Your local grocery store might also have an app of its own that’ll tie in with your loyalty card.

Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Remember that couponing apps are best used to support your financial goals — to save money on items that you would already buy regularly. Building or improving your credit is just another part of a healthy financial lifestyle. To learn more about the services we can offer you at Ovation Credit, reach out for a free consultation here.

Parenthood is undoubtedly the most exciting, exhausting, and exhilarating adventure of your lifetime. But it can also be one of the most expensive. Take a stroll through the baby section of any local department store and you could easily spend thousands in baby supplies that are all deemed “necessities.” Becoming a parent is just the start of another financial responsibility, but with some research and careful planning, you can successfully manage your baby-related spending. While you await the arrival of your new addition, check out our top tips for how to budget for a baby.

1. Buy Secondhand

Since most baby items are used for a very short window of time, many parents end up unloading baby items that are still in excellent or gently used condition. Visit your local thrift store and hit up yard sales during the weekend. You can find gently used baby clothes, strollers, high chairs, play gyms, bouncers, toys, and other necessities on the cheap. (Generally, the only items that should be brand-new are cribs and car seats, due to safety regulations.) Children’s consignment sales, which usually happen in either the spring or fall, are an excellent source of low-priced, hardly used items for children of all ages.

2. Tighten Your Current Budget

To figure out how to budget for a baby, sit down with your partner and take a hard look at your monthly bills and expenses. Do you really need cable, or could you switch to Internet streaming services? How much of your grocery bill could you afford to cut? How can you avoid nonessential purchases, such as takeout? Although these areas may not have anything to do with the baby, tightening your finances in all areas will lighten your financial burden when you have an additional member of the household in tow.

3. Go Natural

Relying on natural options for feeding your baby will save you thousands in the first year. Regardless of your personal stance toward breastfeeding, it is the most cost-effective way to feed your baby within the first six months of his or her life. Once your little one can test out actual foods, consider mixing up your own baby food using a blender and fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein you have on hand in your house. You’ll be able to save a bundle when you skip the pricey baby food pouches.

4. Make Your Needs Known

If family and friends happen to ask what you need, make sure to mention some of the more essential items on the pricier side — for example, a crib, dresser, and car seat. If you have created a registry for a baby shower, limit your list to these must-have items and avoid getting distracted by the retailer’s suggestions of what you “really need.” Request items like diapers and wipes or gift cards to local grocery stores to help you stock up your supply.

5. Clip Coupons

Items like diapers and wipes can quickly add up to a considerable expense — one that will stick around for the first few years. You can trim some of the costs by visiting websites for companies like Huggies and Pampers, which regularly send samples and coupons if you sign up on the website. You may also consider testing out the generic store brand diapers and stalking the coupons section for upcoming deals in your local pharmacies and grocery stores.

6. Start a Baby Fund

Having an emergency fund is even more essential when you welcome a new member of the family. Make it a point to start transferring a certain amount of cash to your baby fund either weekly or monthly. Once you have a fund started, you can worry less about a situation arising that might strain your finances — such as your spouse or you have to stay home from work due to a child’s illness. To limit your access to the cash, try to set up the savings account in the bank you don’t normally use.

7. Seek Out Items with Multiple Uses

Children’s items have a limited shelf life, so it helps to find things that can be used for various stages of their lives. For example, some cribs can convert to a toddler bed and even a standard-sized bed. Many convertible car seats can be used from infancy through your child’s preschool years. Save yourself the hassle of continually having to replace items by strategically purchasing items that convert as your child grows.

8. Make Credit a Priority

As an expectant parent, your credit plays an important role in how to budget for a baby. Take this opportunity to check in with the pros at Ovation Credit for a thorough review of your credit report. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Home improvement projects are a chance to put your own personal stamp on your home and, more importantly, lift its resale value. However, as any homeowner knows, those weekend home upgrades can take a sizable chunk out of your budget. If you don’t know how to budget for home improvement, you risk falling into a money pit that may or may not necessarily pay off in the end.

Whether you’re slapping a fresh coat of paint on your walls or planning a full kitchen remodel, find out which home improvements are splurge-worthy and where you’re better off hunting for a bargain.

Where to Splurge

Paint

Painting can be the quickest and easiest way to give your rooms a makeover. It pays to avoid the cheap paint, which will likely fade, stain, and require touch-ups much more frequently. Look for paint in the $30-$40 per gallon range, which will need fewer coats and offer you many more years of use.

The Center of a Room

Pick one area of any room that you want to serve as the focal point. In a family room, this might be the entertainment center. For the dining room, you might designate the dining room set. Either way, it’s smart to splurge your hard-earned dollars on the eye-catching centerpiece and choose budget-friendly pieces for the surrounding decor.

Windows

This is one area where the most cost-effective selection is typically not the smartest. Instead, look for high-quality, energy-efficient windows, which can potentially qualify you for tax credits and rebates. The benefits in comfort, security, and energy savings are well worth the investment.

Bathroom Fixtures

A poor-quality faucet or showerhead could end up costing you thousands if it ends up springing a leak down the road. That’s why it’s best to invest in quality, top-notch bathroom fixtures that will withstand many years of use.

Countertops

A substantial portion of your day is spent in the kitchen, preparing food on your countertops, making this an ideal splurge-worthy project. Quartz and granite are among the frontrunners for countertop materials, with quartz offering the most low-maintenance, yet tasteful and aesthetically pleasing, bang for your buck.

Where to Save

Cabinets

As popular as it may be to have your cabinets custom-designed, it generally will not add more value than a set of cabinets purchased from a store. Choosing a more economical option for your cabinets can allow you to devote more funds to other areas as you’re deciding how to budget for home improvement.

Tile

Adding tile to a kitchen backsplash or bathroom can instantly upgrade the appearance of your most-used spaces. Yet, you don’t need to spend much to achieve your desired look. Since this is mostly a cosmetic change, it’s best to go easy on your wallet. You’ll be able to find cheaper ceramic tiles in a variety of different styles and colors to suit your price range.

Front Door

An attractive front door redo will boost your home’s curb appeal. Consider that this revamp will almost certainly factor into a potential buyer’s decision to check out your home if you should ever decide to sell. Whether you choose to repaint the front door or opt for a brand-new door, keep in mind that you can easily spend less than $1,000 on this worthwhile enhancement.

Kitchen Appliances

You might think you’ll surely net a return on investment on top-of-the-line kitchen appliances. However, you can find more traditional, economical options that perform just as well. Look for the basic, no-frills models from brand names that are well-known industry fixtures and have a reputation for quality.

Lighting

It’s often difficult to guess whether a lighting fixture is priced in the high-end or economy range. Your guests will probably not be able to tell, either. Ditch the luxury lighting brands and instead hunt for more inexpensive options, typically at a retail store such as Home Goods or Ikea.

Flooring

Hardwood floors are expensive to maintain ⁠— just a few scratches can dull their appearance. Opt instead for a low-maintenance, reasonably priced alternative like faux tile or linoleum. You’ll spend much less time tending to your floors, outside of regular cleaning, and many of these flooring options can look just as attractive as hardwood.

Credit in Need of Improvement?

While you’re educating yourself on how to budget for home improvement, don’t forget about your credit. We can give your credit the facelift it needs ⁠— returns on investment guaranteed. Contact us to set up your free consultation today.

Resources:

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/budget-advice/home-trends-where-to-save-spend/?slide=slide_56059#slide_56059

https://www.mint.com/budgeting-3/how-to-make-a-budget-for-home-improvement-projects

The care-free days of summer are fast approaching — but be careful not to let those warm-weather vibes spill over into your finances. When you’ve already resolved to follow a budget, summer plans can sometimes derail that commitment. Outdoor events and summer vacations quickly upend even the most well-designed budget plan and inflate your credit card bills all year long. So, how do you stick to a budget when the days are longer, the weather is irresistible, and adventure is calling? We’ll show you the best ways to keep your spending — and your stress levels — in check with these tips to follow your budget this summer.

1. Plan Low-Cost Day Trips

The average week-long vacation costs $1,928 and the average expense for a weekend getaway is $564, according to a 2018 survey from Twine. If you haven’t already been squirreling away savings for a summer vacation, avoid racking up debt by charging a trip to your credit card — and choose a destination close to home. Plan a trip to a national park or a local beach, or even explore the downtown section of a nearby city. To sweeten the deal, pack a picnic lunch that will save you from shelling out money for food while on the road.

2. Check out Free Local Activities

Chances are your surrounding area plays host to different outdoor activities that are either free to the public or charge a nominal fee for admission, such as parades, carnivals, music festivals, and art shows. Check out your local newspaper, your town’s parks and recreation department website, and the area’s tourism bureau to find out about upcoming events. Your local library can also be a treasure trove of information on events in surrounding areas. Exploring your local community doesn’t have to cost a dime and it comes with the bonus of elevating your cultural awareness.

3. Entertain Friends at Home

Summertime is the prime season for barbecues and impromptu backyard gatherings. You may wonder how to stick to a budget when you need to plan meals and spruce up your space for entertaining guests. However, you can easily enjoy the company of your family and friends without risking your budget. Propose a game night or movie night, and ask that your guests each bring a food or dessert to share.

4. Save Small Amounts Every Week

If you haven’t already, start squirreling away a small part of your paycheck each week to put toward unanticipated summer expenses or save for a future vacation (even if you won’t reach your goal amount this year). The amount can be small enough — such as $10 to $20 — that you won’t risk stretching your budget. Try out an app like Digit, which links up to your checking account and designates a small amount to withdraw from your checking account each month. Or you can even try an old-fashioned change jar and drop in spare change that you find around the house. Over time, the savings will add up.

5. Cash Out

Make sure your budget accounts for a little spending money for weekend adventures. You may want to withdraw that amount in cash and keep it in an envelope designated specifically for your planned excursion. Then make a list of your top affordable destinations or day trips, along with an estimated price for each. Challenge yourself to stay within the amount you budgeted each time.

6. Maximize Credit Card Rewards

Now’s the time to cash in on any credit card rewards you have earned over the course of the year. Points and miles could snag you deeply discounted airline tickets or hotel stays. You can also take advantage of cash-back offers on gas — which comes in handy on long car trips. Some credit card companies offer discounts or cash back on movie tickets, amusement parks, sporting events, and shows. Just make sure you aren’t using your credit card excessively only to score rewards and discounts and always aim to pay off your bill in full every month.

7. Minimize Electricity Usage

Sky-high bills from increased air conditioner usage can also sink your budget. Try only to turn on the A/C when absolutely necessary and crack a few windows instead to allow for comfortable sleeping at night. Spend more of your evenings outside in the extended daylight, and give your lights and screens a break.

Check in With Your Credit

Don’t let those summertime vibes destroy your budgeting — or your credit. Whether you’re contemplating how to stick to a budget during the summer or looking to tune-up your credit report, now is a great time to take stock of your financial situation. Get in touch with the pros at Ovation Credit, where we’re always willing to lend a hand. Contact us for a free consultation today.

You think you know everything about your fiancé? Think again. Before you get married, you and your future spouse need to have the money talk first. It won’t affect whether or not you both say “I do,” but it might change whether you both agree to get a shared bank account.

In addition to maybe getting a shared account, here are six things you should talk about.

1. What kind of debt do you both have?

Did you both rack up a lot of debt going to college? What are your monthly car and student loan payments like? What is your debt-to-income ratio? If either of you has a lot, it’s best to say so before you tie the knot. Having the infamous “Where did all of our money go?” conversation is never fun and can lead to problems that extend beyond finances in a heartbeat. Know what kind of debt your future spouse has. It may suggest that you should either have separate bank accounts, or that one of you should be in charge of all finances so that credit repair can take place.

2. Know each other’s credit scores and histories.

A strong credit score is needed if you want to buy a house one day. If your spouse frequently misses payments because he or she doesn’t manage money well (and might need to fix his or her credit), it can put a big strain on your relationship. You should know what each other’s score is because it might change your respective responsibilities. Maybe one of you agrees to make all payments, or you add your spouse as an authorized user on an account to improve their credit score.

Looking over each other’s histories might also reveal credit errors. If you spot any, you’ll want to start a credit dispute as soon as possible. One reason is, if you plan on having kids, it’s a lot easier to fix a credit score when it’s just the two of you because you’ll have more cash every month to put toward payments. Another reason is that credit disputes and credit repair can take time. The sooner you begin the process, the better.

3. Will you need to work together to improve credit?

Do both of you suffer from low credit scores? If you need a loan, will either of you qualify? As stated, credit disputes and errors take time. To fix credit (or just improve credit), it may require a joint effort. To do so, you’ll both need to make a concerted effort. Not only will all bills need to be paid on time, but one or both of you might need to take out a secured loan or line of credit to begin the credit repair process. From there you’ll both need to diversify your lines of credit and begin paying down your debt.

Many experts suggest paying off debt from smallest to largest. This will remove some of your monthly obligations and free up more cash to throw at your larger debt.

4. What are your long-term goals?

Do you want to travel? Buy a house? Have kids? All of these are big financial commitments, and you need to know about them so you can start budgeting. Depending on the goals, one or both of you might need to make some spending changes. Impulse and fluff buys may need to be scaled back and a monthly budget put in place. If it’s a struggle to put away money each month, then you’ll need to establish a savings plan as soon as possible.

5. Should you have a prenup?

Unfortunately, approximately half of all marriages end in divorce. If either of you has worked hard to establish a strong financial portfolio, then a prenup may save you at least a little heartache if or when you two do decide to call it quits.

6. Establish a monthly budget and savings goal.

Come up with a list of non-negotiable monthly items—mortgage, car payments, credit card payments, utilities, etc. How much money must absolutely be set aside to cover everything? Look at how much is left over, and put a little aside for both of you to spend on fun items. The rest needs to go into savings. How much you spend on your fun (or unnecessary) purchases is up to you. If your partner considers something to be a must-have, but you don’t see it that way, consider not pushing it if it’s not too much every month. Everyone has their own quirks. However, if you are just scraping by every month and accumulating credit card debt in the process, it may be time to have a talk.

Get Expert Advice

Luckily, it doesn’t just have to be the two of you. At Ovation Credit, we’re here to help, too. For a free consultation, go to our site. We can help you improve your credit, fix any credit errors, and resolve any credit disputes.

Sources:

https://www.workandmoney.com/s/financial-topics-before-getting-married-aa006eb785e94537

https://www.dealnews.com/features/Money-Topics-to-Discuss-Before-Marriage-and-Ways-to-Start-the-Conversation/