Evan Vitale

Evan Vitale – Planning For Retirement

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By Evan Vitale

No matter your age, you should never put off thinking about – and planning for – your retirement. For many, the idea can become too overwhelming that many people put it off until a later time.

However, instead of a delay, now is definitely the time to make some decisions that will help ensure that you have a nice nest egg so you’ll be able to live comfortably down the road.

When you retire will have an impact on how long you’ll need to plan on living on your savings. In addition, how much you’ll spend has a greater impact on how much money you will need to save. For example, will you have your mortgage paid off by the time you retire? If you don’t have to worry about a mortgage payment, that will be a huge financial weight off your shoulders. If you won’t have your mortgage paid off, then you may have to consider selling your house for more income.

Of course, many people decide to sell their home because they want to move to a warmer environment (i.e. Florida) or live closer to children and grandchildren. If that’s the case, you’ll need to consider the cost of living at your new location.

In addition, some people like to travel when they retire. If that’s the case, you’ll need to factor in vacations; hotels and meals away from home.

Other considerations include gifts for the grandchildren, eating out, club memberships – all of these are things we would probably enjoy when we reach retirement age, but can we afford them? Are we currently good at setting up a budget and sticking to it?

In order to reach your retirement goals, you’ll definitely need a strong financial plan. Talk to your banker and meet with a financial planner to begin investigating what needs to happen in order for you to plan for your retirement and reach your retirement financial goals.

Evan Vitale – Save Money With Thrift Stores

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By Evan Vitale

One of the biggest ways you can save money, have nice things and save money – all at the same time – is to consider going shopping at thrift stores.

Now, I realize that some people are turned off by thrift store shopping. However, the vision you have in your mind is entirely wrong with the way most thrift stores operate today. When you find a good one, you’ll know it: the store is clean, organized and sells nice clothing and merchandise.

Most people hit the thrift stores for clothes and there are some great deals and great finds to be had. Look for the brands that you like and currently wear. When you find something, check for tears, stains, missing buttons, etc. Most thrift stores have dressing rooms, so you can try it before you buy it.

Thrift stores also carry household goods, gifts, electronics, picture frames, shoes, hats, books, toys and more. Sometimes, you can find something that’s new, unopened and still wrapped in the original box!

The trick to finding the best deals is to visit a thrift store first thing in the morning when employees and volunteers are stocking the shelves. Thrifting experts say Monday and Tuesday mornings are the best days to go, but this might vary from store to store. In addition, some thrift stores have coupons or sales specials, such as “Senior Citizens Day” etc.

Before you make your final purchases, do a final check with everything in your cart and make sure you feel good about your purchasing decisions. Double-check tags, sizes and condition of the items you are going to buy.

Once you take your items home, clean everything and immediately wash any clothes you’ve purchased as there is virtually no pest or bacteria that will survive after its been through a good wash and thoroughly dried.

If you’ve been avoiding the thrift stores because you one heard a “horror” story, it’s time to give them a chance. Update your wardrobe, find some inexpensive gives, stay within your budget and continue to save some money!

Evan Vitale – Saving Money At Home

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By Evan Vitale

We all look for ways to save money, trim budgets and make ends meet when things are getting a little tight in the financial department.

However, there are some easy-to-find money saving ideas that you can find at home. These include:

  • Electricity. Of course, we all know the rule of turning off lights when we leave the room, but you should also consider using low-wattage, energy-efficient light bulbs as well. If you are in a habit of turning on a porch light, consider turning it off sooner (before you go to bed) or switching to a motion light which only turns on when someone approaches your house.
  • Appliances and electronics. While this also goes into the “electricity” category, always consider using energy-saving appliances if you need to buy a new appliance. In addition, your DVD player and other electronics are actually “on” and burning a little bit of power even when you turn them off. Consider plugging them into a surge protector and turning it off (or unplugging it) when your electronics are not in use.
  • Call your electric and/or gas company. Most of these offer free energy inspections to help you save on your electrical and heating and cooling costs.
  • Do you have a home phone service through your Internet provider? Do you also have a cell phone? Is there a need for two phones?
  • Cut back on your cable TV service. Call your cable TV provider to see if you can reduce your cost by dropping down into a lower-priced tier.
  • Take quicker showers or consider saving water by using a low-flow shower head. This will save on your water consumption and it will also save electricity/gas needed for your water heater.
  • Speaking of water heaters, buy a water heater wrap. This will help prevent heat escape from your water heater year round.
  • When possible, use less hot water to wash clothes or with your dishwasher.
  • As temperatures warm up with the upcoming summer months, try to use a fan or a ceiling fan at night to stay cool instead of running an air conditioner.
  • When summer arrives and you rely on the air conditioner more often, you’ll save energy and costs by setting the AC at a specific, comfortable temperature and never change it. Some say 70 degrees is ideal for both day and night temperatures.

This is a simple start. As you look for ways to save money in your home, you’ll be surprised at other opportunities you will find.

Evan Vitale – Cheap Spring Break Ideas

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By Evan Vitale

Even for those who have mapped out their Spring Break itinerary down to the second, you may find yourself still in need of some activity ideas – and cheap ones fast – such that your annual journey to sun and fun is after all, both memorable and original.  You’ve probably figured out how you’re getting there, and you are sure that “party” is item number one on your list, but what else can you add to your activity list once you have arrived?  You’re most likely also thinking how you will afford extra fun that falls within a ramen noodle budget. Don’t be concerned though, because you will find many different ways for both you and your buddies to take full advantage of your trip.

Thinking about Panama City Beach, FL as a spring break destination, then you’re likely to be around the beautiful beaches as a major piece of your trip. As probably the best spot you can possibly be if you come to this beach for your spring break, you can rest assured that the parties will always be bold and plentiful here, and there will be lots of sunbathing on the shore. For this reason lots of spring breakers think it’s a terrific, relaxing place to spend their holiday time. It’s not only great to be right at the beaches, it is also among the least expensive places to hang out on your trip.

You might be interested in in other options open for consideration beyond just sunbathing on a wide sandy beach. If this sounds like you, think about a cool down within the enjoyable waters by scuba diving or even snorkeling. Don’t want to get wild and wet? You could take out a kayak at reasonable rates. Should your travel group buddies wish to have a much greater adventure, get everyone to chip in to book a jet ski for the day.  It will be high action for your group and will keep expenses low.

Lots of travelers tend to pick Daytona Beach, FL for his or her “Cheap” spring break vacation place. If your group is planning to go here, you’re most likely thinking about what someone can spend time doing after the sun goes down even long after the Daytona 500 is over.  With wide drive-on beaches, the big party beaches are among the typical activities loved by Daytona goers.  If you aren’t into rowdy parties, there are some amazing concerts which are hosted here each spring. Some of the concerts are fairly inexpensive as they are targeted to the spring breakers, but they’re always unique and entertaining. Looking at more outdoorsy options, you could toss in some kayaking and snorkeling.

If South Padre Island, TX is your goal, then you’ve got a variety of choices that are unique to the other destinations. The best one is to be able to take a day excursion into Mexico that is only five miles away by boat. As long as you bring a passport to be able to come back easily, this is often a fantastic way to maximize an international vacation within a beach trip.

Overwhelmed? If Mexico is too much, and you wish to really just explore South Padre Island instead, just rent scooters to savor each day of pleasure. With scooter rentals, it’s not necessary to spend a whole bunch of money and you can still have plenty of fun.

And finally, maybe instead of “partying” you might want to think about a service project to a small town in need. There are many volunteer agencies that reach out to spring breakers for extra help in the spring season, either cleaning up after tornadoes, building new housing, or sprucing up an at-risk school in a poor area.  The rewards are great and the smiles will be wide when you work with grateful children.  The experience may also be helpful for writing a paper for a later research project.

Wherever you decide to partake in some awesome time off and a spring break journey – cheap travel ideas are plentiful.  Always try to match your skills to whatever is available in region. If you like action, then look for water sports options or deep sea fishing.  If you like quieter pursuits, or you are a foodie, look into the cultural every day options of the local area maybe away from the crazy beaches and tourists.  Try to get to know the local community, meet some new people and just relax and enjoy the sunshine.