There are hot tubs that are big enough to fit a family of five (just like us) having a dip and yet small enough to fit indoors like a huge bathroom (which we do not have but most millionaires do) or even a bedroom. It may not be usual to put in a bedroom but with this kind of bath tub, it is possible. Then if you have a hot tub cover and a removable ply board over it to put your mattress on top, you instantly have your special bed.

Can you see what I see? I’d like to have one!

Image by epSos.de via Flickr

As the global economy attempts to set itself right, it may be apropos to remedy your own financial tumult. Credit card debt, mortgages, medical bills and student debt may seem like insurmountable obstacles, but following three sensible steps you can be on your way to financial freedom!

Budget

Though it may seem self-evident, budgeting is the basic building block to setting financial problems straight. At the beginning of each month or week compile a list of all household income. Then, organize your bills and debts in order of importance from essentials to luxuries along with non-pressing bills that do not need to be paid in the immediate. 

For credit card debt or student loans, check the interest rates of each and order from highest rates to the lowest and pay these bills correspondingly. For the essential costs of running a household create sub-budgets, for instance a grocery allowance per week. Keep receipts to see where money is being spent and where savings could occur.

If your income is not meeting your expenses, you can decide to eliminate the non-essentials (like that gym membership you “forgot” to use) or attempt to increase your monthly income either by seeking a higher paying job or adding additional hours or employment.

Loans

Borrowing money may seem counter-intuitive to financial success, but loans can and should be treated as investments in the future rather than as increased debts. If you are strapped for cash at the moment but have essential costs that need to be met, loans can help you support yourself as you get your career on track. Don’t let problems exacerbate unchecked – loans can often save you money in the long term.

Student loans can help you finance an education that will get you a higher paying position and many of these loans do not accrue interest until after graduation. For smaller short term loans, payday advance loans are a good option for those employed but who have been surprised by an unexpected cost that cannot wait until the next payroll period. These loans are usually directly debited in full from your next paycheck but can be paid back incrementally over time.

Invest and Diversify and Save

Put your money to work for you. Rather than leaving your savings to dawdle in a bank account gaining minimal interest, consider spreading a portion of your assets into a variety of stocks and bonds. Even if you know very little about investing in the stock market a quick trip to the library can open the information access to hitherto unknown financial worlds. 

Diversify your financial assets by placing some money into the more lucrative but less predictable stocks of the stock market, while placing another lump sum into slow and steady government bonds. This will keep your financial assets stable yet competitive. Finally, save! Every week, no matter how tight your budget seems, commit to paying yourself first and saving a small sum. Over the course of years, a small saving will become substantial and grant you a modicum of financial flexibility.

For sure, next month, so many will take the opportunity to send flowers to their special someone. It is that time of the year when flowers are the most expensive. The law of supply and demand is upheld.

Is it not a great idea when you can buy your $19.99 flowers online in just a few minutes, with a few clicks of the mouse?

For about four years now a certain brand of vitamin C has been selling so well. Even before that craze, alkaline water started to sell in water stations. The prime selling point, controled acidity. That can be teste using ph meters. Some people (or most people, perhaps) cannot take acidity but I know people who are drinking vinegar without problem. They chew ascorbic acid like candy. Good thing for them because It’s a lot cheaper too.

Image by Bitman via Flickr

1. Compare Locations

Always try to find an apartment that is close to your work or school. This will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to spend as much money on gas and you’ll have more time to do the things you need to. If you want to be close to the center of town, you usually have to pay more money, so keep this in mind, but don’t sacrifice location unless you have to.

2. Compare Prices

You’d be surprised how much difference there can be in price from one apartment to another. Newer buildings often charge more because they look nicer. You’ll have to decide what is important to you and look for an apartment that fits within your budget. It doesn’t make much sense to pay for a more expensive apartment if it has amenities that you won’t need.

3. Compare Space

Smaller apartments usually cost less money, so don’t rent any bigger place than you have to. 600 square feet is probably sufficient for someone living on his or her own, but get a larger place if you are going to have roommates. Also, keep in mind that more bedrooms usually equate to a higher rent price.

4. Compare Amenities

The following are some amenities you will want to note during your apartment search:

• Laundry: Ideally, you should look for an apartment with in-unit laundry, but don’t settle for an apartment that does not even provide on-site laundry.
• Workout Facilities: This is not a must have amenity, but it is nice to have a place to go to work out. This way you don’t have to pay for a separate gym membership, and you can stay in shape.
• Pool: This is probably just a bonus, but it is a nice amenity if you enjoy swimming.
• Dishwasher: This is a must have amenity for anyone that plans to cook on a regular basis because doing dishes by hand is quite a chore.
• Secured Entry: There is comfort in knowing that not just anyone can roam the halls of your apartment building. You usually have to pay more for a doorman, but electronic entry is probably doable in most areas.

If you keep location, price, size, and amenities in mind when you are looking for an apartment, you should be able to find something that works for you without many compromises. Whether you want to live in houston apartments, Chicago apartment, or New York apartments, you need to do your research and compare apartments side to side to find the best one.