Life and Travel with Jessica
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Bucket List
  • Contact

Money Management Mondays Pt. 2!

5/27/2013

3 Comments

 
Picture
First of all, I just want to thank all of you for making my first installment of "Money Management Mondays" a HUGE success! Thank you all for reading, leaving your comments, and sharing it with your friends!
Last week I gave an introduction to this series, so if you haven't read that yet, then click here to give it a read before continuing! 
I have promised you all a collection of my best money saving and managing tips, so here, is my My Money Saving Secret Number Two!


Picture
                            Money Saving Secret #2 . I don't have a car payment.


I have NEVER had a car payment. I buy used, but still reliable cars, because I have always known, that buying a brand new car is NOT a smart idea! And instead of me just telling you my reasoning, I am going to let Dave Ramsey tell you! This is from his book, "The Total Money Makover" (This man is a GENIUS!).

"Myth: Car payments are a way of life; you'll always have one.
Truth: Staying away from car payments by driving reliable used cars is what the average millionaire does; that is how he or she became a millionaire.

Taking on a car payment is one of the dumbest things people can do to destroy
their chances of building wealth...USA Today notes that the average car payment
is $378 over 55 months. Most people get a car payment and keep it throughout
their lives. As soon as a car is paid off, they get another payment because they
"need" a new car. If you keep a $378 car payment throughout your life, which is
"normal," you miss the opportunity to save that money. If you invested $378 per
month from age 25 to 65, a normal working lifetime, in the average mutual fund
averaging 12 percent (the 70-year stock market average), you would have
$4,447,084.01 at age 65.


Hope you like the car!

If you put $378 per month in a cookie jar for just ten months, you have almost 4,000 for a cash car. I am not suggesting you drive a $4,000 car your whole life, but that is how you start without debt. Then you can save  the same amount again and trade up to an $8,000 car ten months later and up to a $12,000 car ten months after that. In just thirty months, or two and one-half years, you can drive a paid-for $12,000 car, never having made a payment, and never have to make payments again. Taking on car payments because everyone else does it does not make it smart. Will your broke relatives and friends make fun of your junk car while you do this? Sure they will, but that is a very good sign you are on
the right track.


Myth: You can get a good deal on a new car at 0 percent interest.
Truth: A new car loses 60 percent on its value in the first four years; that isn't 0 percent.


...You can't afford a new car unless you are a millionaire and can therefore afford to lose thousands of dollars, all in the name of the neat new car smell. A good used car that is less than three years old is as reliable or more reliable than a new car. A new $28,000 car will lose about $17,000 of value in the first four years you own it. That is almost $100 per week in lost value. The average millionaire drives a two-year- old car with no payments. He or she simply bought it. The average millionaire is unwilling to take the loss that a new car dishes out; that is how they became millionaires."

WOW! How crazy is that?!! I was just reading through some of my favorite quotes, and I found two that I think describe this PERFECTLY! The first is, "90% of people in our culture buy things they can't afford." That describes buying new cars perfectly! We can't afford them, yet we take out loans, pay interest, and pay TONS of money EXTRA! When we could just take a little bit extra time, and patience and get it for SO much cheaper!!!
The second quote that goes so perfectly along with this, is, "We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have, in order to impress people we don't like." Yupp. That is EXACTLY what we are doing!

Now just take a second to sit and think about this. I know that it seems like a radical and kind of wierd concept, but when you are trained to think a certain way by society, anything that does not align with that way of thinking will always seem radical and strange!

Well, that was my second Money Managing Secret for you guys! I hope you enjoyed it, and it resonated with you. Stay tuned for Secret #3!


Did you enjoy this topic, but feel that you might need a little extra help? Don't sweat it, most people need a little extra push to get started! So, in addition to my 10+ Money Managing Secrets I will be handing out, I have also written an interactive E-Course about how to manage your finances!
This 36 page, interactive and educational financial e-course will teach you; 
*How to Fund Your Dream Life
*My 13 Money Saving Secrets
*How to make an Emergency Fund
*How to make your very own Budget
*How to be able to Save enough Money for anything
and
*5 ways to Make more Money!

You can read more about, and purchase your Financial E-Course here for only $4.99!
And!
Be sure to check out My"Creating Your Dream Life" E-book, that includes the Financial E-Course, plus 65 extra pages of how to live your dream life!!!


                                                           
Peace Love and MMM
Jess <3

3 Comments

Pictures from my China Trip Pt. 2!

5/22/2013

8 Comments

 
Picture
As you all know, I went on my "Return to China" Voyage in the middle of April. I have already posted a couple things about what an amazing, life-changing trip it was. Now I have for you, the rest of my pictures and adventures from that trip!
First, here are the places I stayed at during my adventuring!!!
Picture
Picture
Here is the first hotel I stayed at during my trip to China. It was a big beautiful room, and it only cost me $25 a night! I stayed there two nights, then moved on to the next place...
Picture
Picture
...the Bell Tower Youth Hostel! I payed $6 for this room, and I stayed here for one night. Then I stayed here:
Picture
Picture
The Xiangzimen International Youth Hostel. This place was WONDERFUL!!! It was $5 a night(!) for a dorm room, which I shared with seven other people. It had a beautiful open-air courtyard with extremely comfortable couches, perfect for cuddling up and reading (which I did!). They also had a weekly dumpling party ! They provided the ingredients, then showed you how to make traditional chinese dumplings! Then we got to eat them! It was really cool!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
If you are thinking of planning a trip to Xi'an, you definitely need to stay at this hostel! You can find out information through Hostel World, which is the BEST place to find hostels and hotels while traveling the world!
​

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Right beside my Hostel, was this BEAUTIFUL Buddhist Temple. I went in it almost every day, to look around, and just soak in the peace and serenity that filled its walls.
Picture
Well that's it for this post! I just have sooo many pictures, so stay tuned for the third and final installation of my Trip to China Series!!!
​


                                                      Peace Love and China(Pt 2)
                                                                        Jess <3
8 Comments

My "How I Travel the World Working Part Time as a Waitress" System; Pt. 1

5/17/2013

25 Comments

 
Picture
Before I left on my latest globe-trotting expedition, I promised you guys that when I returned, I would let you in on my money secret. Well, I have a confession: I do not have just ONE, brilliant money secret that will magically change your life. What I DO have however, is a lifetime of money saving secrets, that I have been taught by my parents, learned from countless books and podcasts, and figured out for myself over the course of my life!
You might be thinking to yourself, "Who does this chick think she is? Trying to tell me how to save MY money, what to do with MY money!" You're absolutely right. Why SHOULD you listen to me, and trust me with your money? Well, let me give you a little introduction to me, and tell you why I think that I am worthy of giving you money advice!
When I was just a wee baby in my mum's tummy, my father learned that if you talk to the woman's tummy, the baby will hear, and it will have an influence on the baby as a person. So, every day, my dad talked to my mom's tummy saying, "Buy low, sell high (I'm not even joking)." And ever since I could remember, I have been amazing at handling money, and I chalk it up to my dad for hammering it into my head, even before I was born, the basis of business, "Buy low, sell high!"
Now, on to why I think I am capable of telling you what to do with your money. And in saying all these things, I am not trying to toot my own whistle or anything, but just letting you know that I DO know what I'm talking about, and to show you what can happen if you apply the tips that I will be telling you over these next few weeks!
Money Management Mondays
-In 2010, at the age of 23, I bought a car for $2,000. In cash (above).
-I have a Roth IRA I started in High School that I yearly put money in to save for my retirement.
-In 2011 I bought a brand new laptop in cash.
-This February, me and my mom took my sister on a 3 day, 4 night cruise to the Bahamas for her Graduation Present. I paid for my ticket, and all my expenses, plus half of all my sister's expenses, and half her ticket! I did not use a credit card (I don't even own one). I had all the money in my checking account! 
-We drove my car to Florida (where the cruise left from), and on the way home, my engine blew up *super sad face*. When we got back home, I had $300 dollars saved in my emergency fund, that I used to buy a new (used) motor.

-The beginning of March (just one month after the cruise), I bought a round trip plane ticket to China (for $1,400). And once again, did not use a credit card, and didn't borrow money from anyone. I saved the $1,400, plus over $200 for my Visa, visa pictures, and almost $400 for hotels, trains, food and shopping when I was there!
-The end of March (half a month after I purchased my China plane tickets), I went with some friends to see Michael Graves in concert. I paid for my own ticket, and drinks! That's right, in cash!
-In one week from now, (soon after returning home from China!), me and a bunch of people are going to Kentucky for the annual Abbey Road on the River Beatles Festival. I paid for my tickets for two days, gas money, hotel room, and spending money!
-After all of that, I still have over $1,000 in my Savings Account.
 and lastly,
-I did all of this while working part time as a waitress!!!!!!!
Sound crazy and insane and maybe like something you would like to learn more about?! Thought so! This is why I am so positive that my Money System works, because I am the proof! So come to the site every Monday for "Money Management Mondays!" (Kinda cheesy, I know, but I don't care!:P ). Some posts will be little things that you might think are stupid or just very miniscule, but believe me, if you implement even HALF of these tips, they WILL change your life! I am SO excited about this series, because I know that it is completely life-changing, and SO important! Because if you never have money, you can't afford to live the life you want to! I'm not saying that money will make you happy. If you're not happy with yourself, money (and nothing else for that matter) will ever make you happy. But not stressing out about money will definitely make anybody's life a LOT easier and a LOT more enjoyable!!!
As of right now, I'm not even sure how long this series will last. As of right now, I have enough material for at least two months, but as I'm writing, I keep thinking of more things, so we'll see how long this lasts! So stop by every Monday, and pass it along to your friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think could use some tips to save money!

So finally, after that very long introduction, I now introduce to you my Money Saving Secret #1 (these tips are in no way in order of importance at all, since they are all important, and all play a part in how I am able to save money and do things I want to do). Enjoy!

China Barbie
*UPDATE 5-30-19*
As of last year, I officially own a smart phone! We had just recently moved to Atlanta, and since I didn't have a car, I had to Uber everywhere. So with a little encouraging, my husband finally talked me into dropping my trusty little flip phone for a smart phone that I could use to Uber. So since I now use a smart phone (like most people do), here is how I still manage to save money.
1. Don't buy brand new. I am still baffled at the price of smart phones, especially if you are leasing one! I just bought a used phone in super good condition for only $100. It has worked perfectly for me, and once something does happen to it, I will just buy another used phone! 
2. Don't lease your phone. You realize, that by leasing your phone, you just have a permanent payment, without ever even owning your phone. Plus, do you really need a brand new phone every year? 
3. Wait until after the latest phone comes out, or right after Christmas, so you can buy up people's perfectly good phones that they are getting rid of.
4. Shop around for the best phone plan. It's 2019, most phone companies have good service. Exceptions are in small towns! We have Sprint because it is inexpensive, but if we are visiting family in Ohio we can barely even use our phones.
Well those are my tips for saving money for your phone! 

Money Saving Secret #1 . I don't own a smart phone.
Well actually, I DO own a smart phone now. BUT, it is my boyfriend's old smart phone, that does not even have a phone number to it! I use it ONLY for taking pictures, and using the internet when there is Wifi available. Which is all free!
I still have my faithful little flip phone, and I use THAT for all my calls and texting! I know most of you think I'm crazy. How can I LIVE without a smart phone you might say? VERY easily! I have my laptop at home (which I prefer to use anyway), and my flip phone is capable of sending and receiving texts, and pictures, so I'm SET! And, my cell phone bill is only $24 a month-Gasp! That's only $288 a year!!!
Compare that to the average person's $50-100 a month, $600-1200 (yikes!) a year cell phone bill! By not owning a smart phone, I save anywhere from $312-912 a year!!! For me, DEFINITELY worth it!
What to Do: After reading this, you need to decide for yourself, if having a smart phone is really worth it. Imagine, what could you do with an extra $1,000 a year?!


So that is my first secret on 'Money Management Mondays'! Come back next Monday for my Money Saving Secret #2!
How I Manage to Travel around the World, Working only 2-3 Days a Week as a Waitress

*So what do you think about My Money Saving Secret #1? Do you think that it is something you could apply to your life? Leave comments below and let me know! And don't forget to like this post on the facebook link below, and don't forget to come back next Monday for My Money Saving Secret #2!!!*


Peace Love and Money
Jess <3

25 Comments
<<Previous
      
    ​
    Picture

    I'm Jessica!

    I've traveled all over the world, but Ohio is where I call home. I'm a lifestyle & travel blogger, and author. I love setting goals, reading, and snuggling up with my fur babies. I can usually be found at my local thrift store, or in the hammock in my backyard.

    About Me
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
     
      
      

    Popular Posts

    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Asia
    Atlanta
    Beauty
    Blogging
    Bucket List
    Caribbean
    Changing The World
    China
    Christmas
    Coffee Break Retro Style
    Diy
    Fashion
    Food
    Goals
    Guest Bloggers
    Halloween
    Health
    Home Decor
    Inspiration
    Money
    Music
    My Favorite Posts
    My Life
    North America
    Oceania
    Ohio
    Parties
    Sponsored Posts
    Support Small Businesses
    Volke House
    Wedding
    World Traveler
    Zero Waste

    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

    *Disclosure; This blog is a personal blog written by me. This blog accepts forms of paid advertising and sponsorship. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. Even though I receive compensation for some posts or advertisements, I will always give my honest opinions, findings, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.*
    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.