Magical Penny

If you’ve just got a new car and want it to feel more like it’s your own, then getting some car mods can be a great way to go about it. However, oftentimes these car mods can be expensive and only really affordable to those who are really enthusiastic about it. Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on their car, and that’s fine – there are still plenty of car mods you can consider to give it that personal touch, without emptying your pockets!

Personal plates

When it comes to expressing yourself through your vehicle, there are no real rules as long as you stay within what’s road legal. Your license plate is completely fine to have personalized, so long as it’s properly registered and done correctly. Sure, there are a few restrictions behind what you can have displayed on your reg plates, but it can be a nice and cheap way to make your car a little bit more unique – while saying something a little more about yourself. It’s not the flashiest car mod of all time, but they’re an easy way to make your car feel more like you, without ruining its look.

Seat covers

If you’ve bought a used car, you might be concerned about the interior. Unless it’s been meticulously cared for, you can expect any number of scratches, tears, or other forms of damage to the upholstery, and it’s generally not a great look. If you’re trying to take pride in your car, you can solve that issue with some tasteful seat covers! There are plenty of different designs to choose from, so if you’ve always wanted that leather look for your seats, now’s your time to get it. 

Air-fresheners

It doesn’t really get simpler than keeping an air freshener in your car, and while it doesn’t do anything to the look – it will help to give it a new and more pleasant smell. Used cars will often smell like their previous owners, but you can quickly handle that by keeping air fresheners in your car, for an incredibly small cost!

Phone/Smart device holder

One of the bigger issues with older car models is that you lack the modern features that you might expect from a car that was made recently. If you’re often relying on a navigation system, then you’re going to have a hard time with an older car model. There’s no infotainment, or built-in navigation system, so a phone holder can go a long way for you. Simply stick it to your dashboard, and it will hold your phone while it displays the directions of your journey!

Steering wheel cover

Some might say it’s cheesy, but it really depends on the car that you’re putting it in. Not only that, but steering wheels come in all different colors and designs, so you have your pick of what you feel will match your car best. It protects the steering wheel underneath, and it can make your car just a little bit more interesting, for a very low cost.

Custom floor mats

What better way to match your new steering wheel cover than some custom floor mats? It’s important to consider that poorly made floor mats can be dangerous, especially if you’ve installed them wrong – or they don’t fit the car properly. These floor mats need to be unobtrusive so that they don’t block the pedals while you’re driving. Having pedals get stuck can easily cause an accident, so make sure you’ve got ones that are just right for your car.

Not only are they great for decoration, but the floor of your car gets a lot of wear and tear, so it’s great to have something to cover it up and prevent long-term damage. No more worrying about your car after a rainy day, or if you’ve got mud on your boots. That can’t always be avoided, and these mats are the perfect solution.

A custom shift knob

While they’re not the most popular car mod to make anymore, these can be a fun way to personalize the inside of your car. It can be anything that fits into your hand, but make sure you’re comfortable with it before you take it out for a drive. Something that has a lot of harsh edges can be sharp and may take away from your confidence when shifting gears. If you’re not looking for a whole new knob, there are covers, too. A cover can add just as much personality but at a fraction of the cost.

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Housing is increasing in price and many of us are beginning to review our current housing situations. Is the type of housing you’ve opted for at the moment right for you, or could something else prove more profitable or beneficial to you in the long run? Let’s take a moment to look through a few different options!

Renting

The first option that you will have available to you is renting. When you rent a house, you’ll essentially enter a contract with a landlord – most often the owner of the house. You will agree to pay a certain amount of rent, usually once a month on an agreed date. There are pros and cons that come with this type of housing. Let’s start with the pros. The pros of renting are that you aren’t tied into a property. Sure, you’ll have a contract, but these only usually last six months or a year. If you want to move once you’ve reached the end of your contract, you can simply pack up and go. You don’t have to worry about selling or other drawn out processes. Now, to the cons. The cons that come with renting largely revolve around the fact that you’re basically paying someone’s mortgage on their behalf. You’re paying for the house but they will ultimately keep it as their own asset. There’s also less stability in renting than having your own home. The landlord can decide to sell up or not renew your contract as soon as your contract ends. This means you can feel settled and simply have to find somewhere else to live without really wanting to.

Shared Ownership

Next up, shared ownership. When you opt into shared ownership, you will generally choose to buy part of a house. It’s a situation that feels like a hybrid between buying and renting. You will buy part of the property, while someone else, usually a housing company, will buy the rest. This makes getting a mortgage easier, as you’ll be asking for a smaller total sum. You get to pay your mortgage each month, knowing your investing in an asset you can sell. You will also only need a small deposit. You do, however, tend to have to contribute some rent to the party buying the rest of the property. A Shared Ownership Calculator can help you to determine whether this could be an affordable option for you.

Buying

The final option is buying. This tends to be best once you’re ready to settle down and live in the same place for a prolonged period of time. You’ll have to save a substantial deposit, but over time you will eventually buy the house outright and have a good asset in your name.

As you can see, there are a few options to choose from when it comes to finding the right type of housing to meet your needs. Hopefully, some of the guidance above should help you to find the best for you!

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Have you been thinking a lot about money lately? A lot of people think about this on a regular basis, but these same people don’t always make the right moves to try and sort out their financial future. The thing that you need to know is that there are certain things that you should never take your eye off of when it comes to money to avoid issues in the future. In this article, we’re going to be talking about what some of them are, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Savings

First, it’s important that you are looking at your savings. Savings are essential for your future, and if you don’t have any then you might find yourself in a bit of a tricky situation down the line. Savings are good for a number of reasons, one of which being the fact that you have something to fall back on a little when things get tough. You never know what’s around the corner, and you never know when you’re going to need a little extra money.

As well as this, things break down and stop working all the time, but you don’t always have the money to fix them right away. As such, savings will help you out of a situation like this by ensuring that you have the money you need.

Insurance

Insurance is another thing that you have got to stay on top of as much as you can. For example, with your medical insurance, it’s worth paying more for the hospital and extras cover, rather than just hoping everything will be fine. We completely understand that insurance is expensive, and we get that it’s something you would rather forget about, but you should always be checking the amount that you are paying. There are a lot of people who end up paying more than they should be, and you don’t want to be one of these people.

Necessities

The final thing that we’re going to talk about are the necessities over time. Of course, there are certain things that you’re going to need now like food, but we’re not talking about this. What we mean by necessities are things like a place to live. Ideally, you need to make sure that you can always afford these basic things in life, because it’s when you can’t that things start to go wrong. Do whatever you can to ensure that you’ve got the money you need to secure a future in terms of necessities, which usually means you need to budget!

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you need to keep your eyes on when it comes to the future and money. Money is always going to be tough for some people and easier for others, but that doesn’t mean that you can just ignore it and hope that it all works out fine in the end. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to keep your plans for the future secure.

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If you’re like most people, you probably need more saved up for retirement. But there is always time to start saving. And one of the best ways to do that is to make some extra income. Below are ten ideas for ways you can make some extra cash. So get started today, and you’ll be on your way to a comfortable retirement.

Offer Freelance Services

There are many skills that businesses are willing to pay good money for. For example, if you’re good at graphic design, web development, writing, or anything else, someone will likely pay you to do it. Use sites like Fiverr or Upwork to find gigs, or set up a profile on a freelancing site like Freelancer.com. Once you have some projects in place, you can start charging more per project as you progress.

Do Odd Jobs

If you’re not keen on freelancing, doing odd jobs for people in your community is another option. This could be anything from mowing lawns and shoveling snow to painting fences and washing cars. In addition, you can use websites like Craigslist or TaskRabbit to find people who need help with odd jobs around the house or office. 

Get Cash Back On Your Purchases

There are a few different ways you can do this. One is with a cash-back credit card, which gives you a percentage of your purchase back in cash (usually around 1%). Another option is through a website like Ebates, which gives you money back on online purchases from specific retailers. And finally, apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 provide you with cash rebates on groceries and other everyday items. 

Sell Stuff You Don’t Need

Do a quick inventory of everything you own—clothes, furniture, electronics, etc.—and ask yourself if you need it all. Chances are, you don’t. So please get rid of anything you don’t use or need (you can sell it online or have a garage sale) and pocket the cash. 

Invest In Real Estate

This one takes a little bit more money to start, but it can be well worth it in the long run. You can either invest in rental properties or flip (properties you renovate and sell for a profit). Make sure you do your homework before investing—and have an exit strategy if things go south. 

Participate In Focus Groups

Companies are always looking for consumer feedback about their products and services and are willing to pay good money. You can find focus groups by searching online or checking with your local chamber of commerce or university marketing department. Participating usually only takes an hour or two, and you can often walk away with $50 or more. 

Be A Pet-Sitter/Dog-Walker

If you love animals and don’t mind spending time with them while their owners are away, this could be a great way to make some extra income . You can use sites like Rover or DogVacay to find clients or put up flyers around town.                                               

Rent Out Your Home

This is beneficial if you live close to tourist attractions or significant business hubs. With sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway, you can list your spare room, home, or even an air mattress in your living room. 

Fill Out Online Surveys

There are tons of the best survey sites out there that offer cash or rewards for participating. Sites like OnePoll, Qmee, Swagbucks, and Y Live provide small amounts of money for taking surveys online. You may not make a lot, but it’s an easy way to add some extra monthly income.

Start A Small Business

If you have a skill or passion that you can monetize, starting your own business can be an effective way to make some extra income . make sure to research your market and develop a viable business plan before getting started. You can also search for grants and other funding options that could give you a boost. These are just a few of the best ways to make extra income and start saving for retirement. Doing any of them regularly can help you build up your savings over time and get closer to reaching your retirement goals. The important thing is to find something that works for you and start taking action today!

Making extra income and retirement savings can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right strategies. First, remember to research, start small, and find something that works for you. Then, with dedication and persistence, you’ll be well on achieving your financial goals. Good luck!

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Starting your own business is a fantastic way to create a legacy. It gives you a chance to improve your wealth, gives you something to leave your children something, and it can even help you improve the world in some way. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, then you are not going to be happy until you create something of your own. The good news is that we live in a time when you can easily start a business. As long as you have the drive and determination, you can set the wheels in motion and create something amazing. Here are some tips to help you out:

Stay Focused

In the initial phases of deciding you want to run a business and coming up with an idea, you can easily over complicated. A lot of people get very excited and add layer after layer of complexity. You have to avoid doing this. The more complicated something is, the more difficult it will be to turn into a reality. Once the business has been running for a year or so and you are well grounded, then add the complexity. You need to keep things simple and focused. This may quell be the most difficult thing to do. Write your idea down in a short, single sentence, no and’s. 

Background 

When it comes to opening a business, there is a wealth of knowledge available to you. So, before you do anything, read a lot. Network with people who are doing the same thing. Read biographies. The more background you can do, the better. You can find things such as how to start a nonprofit, and there will be other start-up business type of information out there. It is your job to do your homework and discover everything that you can.

The Financial Side

Depending on the type of business or organisation you intend to open, there may be some financial help. The may be a government grant or other types of help. If your business is around sustainability or any other needed industry, then there may be some scope to get some financial backing. If you need money, you can always pitch your idea to an investor such as the bank. Consider also things like Crowdfunding too. 

Write A Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a vital step. If you try and start a business without one, you may find a lot of problems that you have to deal with while trying to run the company. A business plan helps you run through the business in theory, and this helps you iron out a lot of the pitfalls and issues. Another thing is if you want to pitch the idea to investors, you are going to need a business plan with a fully realised financial side with future projections. They will want to see you a someone worth investing in., Remember that the majority of new businesses fail within the first year. They are going to be looking at you, trying to decide if you are different. 

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Working is a major part of everyone’s life, and you are no different. You spend a significant amount of time in your workplace, so you naturally want to feel comfortable while you are there. There are many proactive ways to make that happen. Keep reading to learn more.

Report Injuries at Work

You want to be safe at work. You pay attention to the cautionary signs, read the safety manuals, and follow the protocols to a T. Unfortunately, sometimes incidents still happen. Should you find yourself dealing with an injury that has occurred at your workplace, it is imperative that you hire a team of workers compensation claim lawyers.

Knowing your rights after suffering an injury whilst on the job can be difficult if you have never been through the process before. That is why having experts on your side will make the process easier. Talk with your lawyer right away to learn how to deal with physical trauma at work and learn about what options for compensation might be available to you.

Move Your Body

As you are able, make it a priority to switch positions if your job is primarily sedentary. Stand when you can and pay attention to your posture. If you have the time, make the decision to take the stairs instead of an elevator to get in more steps. Try to park at the end of the parking lot, as far away from the entrance as possible. This will encourage you to walk more at the beginning and end of your workdays. Doing so will help you, especially if you have been sitting all day long.

Watch this video to learn how to stretch your back without ever leaving your desk.

Eat Well

Eating healthy food at work can be difficult. There are vending machines at every turn with candy, cookies, and soda that are all too easily available. Co-workers often want to order in or go out for lunch. This can become both expensive and detrimental to your health. Instead of falling prey to these accessible food options, bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks to work.

Make the process of packing lunches easier by investing in a lunch box or bag, reusable containers, and a refillable water bottle. Opt for healthy food that you will enjoy eating. Make sandwiches, cut fruit, and pack the portions so they are easy to grab and go every morning before work.

Make Connections

Having connections with your coworkers is important for your happiness and mental health. When you go to work each day looking forward to having quality conversations and interactions with the people in your office, it is meaningful. Interacting with others promotes the work environment towards a more collaborative, open, and supportive space for everyone.

Living your best life, whether you are at work or at home, means doing what you can to make good choices for your everyday health. When those choices are out of your control, consult professionals who will help you understand the nuances of the law and how you can be compensated for any undue injuries so you can continue to be productive.

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Selling products may seem like a relatively straightforward task, but there are several obstacles facing new business owners looking to take the market by storm. If you’re preparing to launch a new product, it’s wise to take steps to maximise the chances of success. Here are some top tips for start-up owners. 

Market research and testing

Market research and testing should form the cornerstone of product development. Before you start working on new products, it’s beneficial to analyse markets and evaluate data to determine if there’s a demand for the type of product you have in mind. Define an ideal buyer and get to know them. Use surveys, online polls and questionnaires, interviews and focus groups to gather information and learn more about your target audience. Use the findings of market research to develop prototypes and samples.

Once you have a sample or a prototype, it’s incredibly beneficial to conduct tests and trials and gauge reactions. You can do this through focus groups and online and interactive testing or by working with a product sampling agency. If you’ve got a new edible treat, healthy meal plan or alcoholic drink, for example, handing out samples and collecting feedback can help you to improve the product and highlight issues before the final version goes on sale. You can also use samples as part of an existing marketing strategy to draw attention to your product, create a buzz at events, festivals and shows and introduce customers to your brand. 

Marketing and promotion

You’ve got a product that you think is incredible and the feedback from consumers is positive. When you’re ready to launch, start promoting your brand and marketing the product. Before it’s even available on the shelves or virtual aisles, build hype online, let people know when you’re launching and spread the word. Create social media accounts and profiles on apps that are popular among your target demographic, advertise in local magazines and newspapers if you’re looking to attract local customers and make sure your website is ready. Optimise content to ensure that web users can find your site and access information. 

It’s a brilliant idea to use social media to get people talking about your product. Hosting a competition or a giveaway is a great way to expand your following quickly. Incentivise shares, likes and tags and encourage followers to subscribe. Offer a discount on the first purchase and urge happy customers to leave reviews. 

Customer experience

A successful product launch should be memorable for the right reasons. Whether you’re hosting an event or you’re launching a website or an online store, go above and beyond to provide an experience for your guests and customers. Think about what your ideal buyer would want to see at a launch event and offer freebies and branded promotional items. Make the event fun and interactive, showcase your product and let people see, try or sample it. 

Launching a new product is an exciting prospect, but it’s natural to be nervous. There is a high risk of new businesses failing and there are multiple obstacles to overcome. To improve the chances of success, carry out market research and testing, market and promote the launch event and the product and aim to provide a positive, memorable experience for guests and customers. 

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Receiving the keys to your first house is a thrilling event, but it also likely feels very relieving. After all, making a purchase can be stressful. You can now begin to enjoy living in your first home, but there are still a few important jobs to finish.

Do not overpay for personalisation 

You recently spent the majority of your life savings on a down payment, closing costs, and moving expenditures. Most first-time homeowners struggle with finances. Not only are their savings exhausted, but due to the additional expenses associated with housing, such as water and trash fees and additional insurance, their monthly expenses are frequently considerably greater as well. Everyone wants to make a new house of their own and replace any temporary apartment furniture with nicer items, but don’t go on a major spending binge to make all the improvements at once.

A smoke and carbon monoxide detector check 

Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operational to help protect your family’s safety in your new home. This can need changing out the complete unit or adding new batteries. The optimal location for smoke detectors is a hallway that leads to your bedrooms. Smoke detectors should also be installed in your kitchen and laundry area as those rooms are where fires are most likely to start. Make sure there is at least one smoke detector on each story of your house if you live there.

Learn more about your new house 

You must know where everything is in your new house in case of an emergency! The main water shut-off valve comes first; occasionally, it is located in the garage. It may occasionally be in the basement or crawl space. Make sure you know how to turn off your water in the event that a faucet leaks or breaks. Next, locate the circuit box and check that your switches or fuses are clearly labelled. Blowing a fuse and then having to check each one separately since nothing is labelled is the most annoying thing ever. 

Make an introduction to the neighbours 

Neighbours should greet newcomers to the area, not the other way around. However, people sometimes forget to smile and wave. Therefore, if you see someone in their driveway, you can be the one to reach out. Try to get to know the homeowners of at least a couple of the nearby homes. Being amiable can be beneficial, especially if you ever leave on vacation and need someone to watch over your parcels. They might even bring you a meal, who knows?

Think about how you can save money

When you buy a house it is one of the most expensive things you will buy, there are ways after you have the house you can cut back on costs. First of all see if you can get any refunds or discounts, you may be able to get a refund for stamp duty and if you live alone you could get a discount on council tax. 

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A mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s essential to understand all of your options. When you’re looking for a mortgage to buy a house, finding the right mortgage can be difficult, whether it’s a small bungalows or large houses for sale. Fortunately, there are a variety of tips that can help you to get on the right track. Here are four top mortgage tips that could help you save big:

Shop around.

You can save money by shopping around for a mortgage broker or lender before making an offer on a home. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to negotiate with several different lenders, who then submit competing offers to the seller.

While many homeowners think they’re getting the best deal when they accept the first offer, comparing your options before signing on the dotted line is important.

Avoid mortgage penalties.

You should look for mortgages that help you avoid penalties because paying them can be expensive. If you need to know what to look for and you end up paying a penalty fee, it can be very costly.

If you’re paying a mortgage penalty fee, then it means that you haven’t made payments on your loan for a certain amount of time. This can happen if something unexpected happens, such as illness or job loss. You’ll want to avoid this situation because the fees can add up quickly and become extremely expensive.

Be careful when getting cash out of your home.

You should be careful when getting cash out of your home because it’s risky. If you’re careful, you could retain everything.

Home equity lines of credit are an excellent way to get cash in an emergency, but they’re not always the best option. The interest rates are higher than those on most other forms of borrowing, and they come with a lot more fine print and regulations.

If you have bad credit or no credit, this might be the best way to access the money right now. But if you have good credit or can get a traditional loan through another source, It’s recommended that you look into that first.

Get rid of private mortgage insurance early.

Getting rid of private mortgage insurance (PMI) early can be a good financial decision for your home.

If you have a conventional loan and put down 20% or more when buying your home, you will not need to get PMI. If you put less than 20% down, however, your lender must require that you buy PMI coverage to guarantee the rest of the loan. This is because lenders are worried about being able to collect on the loan if something goes wrong with the property.

\You’ll also want to get rid of PMI because it means that there’s a chance that you’ll be responsible for paying off part of the loan in case something happens and the lender forecloses on your home.

Conclusion

So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and buy your first home or refinance your current one, it helps to know what you’re getting into. Real estate is a big investment so it’s important that you have a good mortgage to get start. 

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