5 Mindfulness Techniques That Can Aid Alcohol Recovery

Going through addiction recovery is a very unique thing to that person. There is no one-size- fits-all approach and we all face different challenges and different coping mechanisms to get our lives back on track. 

Over the years, mindfulness has really come to the fore and professionals, therapists, counsellors and others in the addiction space have all suggested it as core pieces of alcohol advice to stay on track in recovery especially when the signs of alcohol addiction begin to appear. 

The reason for this is that mindfulness allows a person to control their thoughts, be present in the now and take any concentration away from intrusive thoughts. There are a variety of mindfulness techniques that can aid people in recovery, all of which are worth trying to find the right technique to help you. Among the best that can aid alcohol recovery include: 

Mindful Breathing 

One of the most common techniques used to help recovery, which can really help in moments of craving or emotional trauma is mindful breathing. 

This involved paying attention to each inhalation and exhalation, recognising the rhythm, the depth and the sensation of breathing. By taking slow, conscious breaths, you can create space between impulsivity and reacting to it, making more thoughtful choices. 

Over time, this can also improve concentration, evoke calm and reduce anxiety, all of which can support your long term sobriety. 

Body Scan Meditation 

What you might find is that you become disconnected from your body when misusing alcohol, masking emotional pain and discomfort that you’re going through. 

Body scan meditation allows you to reconnect, paying attention to your body from head to toe. This allows you to discover where fatigue, tension and unease might be stored. 

By doing this, you can look at your body with curiosity rather than judgement and effectively identify signs of stress or restlessness that may trigger drinking. 

Urge Surfing 

Urge surfing is slightly different in that it encourages people to “ride the wave” of cravings rather than trying to push them away, or indeed succumb to them. 

You recognise how it rises, peaks and then fades, empowering you to recognise that while cravings can be difficult they do also pass and are only temporary. This significantly increases confidence in being able to manage them. 

Mindful Walking 

Not all mindfulness practices require sitting still. Mindful walking combines movement with awareness, making it especially appealing for those who find it difficult to meditate in a seated position. The practice involves paying close attention to the sensations of walking, such as the feeling of the feet touching the ground, the rhythm of steps, and the movement of the body. 

For people in recovery, mindful walking can be a constructive way to manage restlessness or agitation. It also provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature or the surrounding environment, which can foster a sense of peace and perspective. Incorporating short mindful walks into daily routines can strengthen mindfulness skills while supporting physical health. 

Loving-Kindness Meditation 

Finally, addiction can go hand-in-hand with various feelings, from shame to guilt and even self-criticism. Loving-kindness meditation focuses on being kind to yourself and dealing with your circumstances with compassion. 

It often involves repeating phrases that promote self-love and acceptance, while also helping nurture empathy towards others too. This shift in mindset can help promote a more positive outlook on life, integral in managing the challenges that recovery brings.

5 Tips To Recover From a Financial Crisis

How bad are things going to get in the next few months and years financially? No one really knows if they are being honest. It seems certain that there will be a global recession, but it is hard to predict how long this will last and how severe it will be. 

The McKinsey group has recently estimated that up to 53 million jobs in the US are vulnerable as a result of recent events. They include in this number all permanent lay-offs, temporary furloughs, and employees who are likely to have their pay or hours reduced. 

It seems that there are not many people who will come out of this financial crisis unscathed. So how can you best prepare yourself to weather the storm of financial failure? Read on for five helpful tips on how to survive whatever the global economy has to throw at you. 

5 Tips to Deal With a Financial Crisis 

Whether you have already lost your job or you are facing an uncertain future, it makes sense to be prepared. Here are some steps you can take to get your finances in order and protect yourself from the worst effects of the financial crisis. 

1. Set a Budget 

Now more than ever, it is important to take control of your finances. Whether your income has taken a hit or as yet is unaffected, it is critical that you understand and have control of your outgoings. 

To achieve and maintain financial security, you must be spending less than you earn. This prevents you from getting into debt or eating into your savings and should help you to build up some savings in the long term. This will give you more security against uncertainty. 

The simplest way to manage this process is to write down your total income and list all your expenses. Some will be fixed, like rent and some bills, and others will be variable, like groceries and money for entertainment and clothing. You may need to track your spending for a few months to work out a budget for variable expenses. 

Then you need to set targets and keep track of your progress. This is the best way to be in control of your spending. This level of insight into your personal finances is critical in these uncertain times. 

2. Trim Your Budget Where Possible 

If you want to prepare for the worst or are already facing a reduced income, you need to eliminate all unnecessary spending. Do you really need multiple TV packages and streaming subscriptions? How often are you actually going to the gym? You need to be ruthless and analyze every weekly and monthly expense. 

You could get really serious and try to make some extra money by selling unwanted and unused possessions. You can use online selling sites or advertise locally. You never know what people might want to buy, out of the junk piled up in your garage! 

You could also look at your grocery bill and try some strategies to reduce spending on food. This could involve buying staple items in bulk, cooking meals in batches for the freezer, and having a weekly meal plan. This will mean you are less likely to spend on take-out or impulse buys if you have planned ahead. 

3. Get Help Paying Your Bills 

If your income has reduced, it might be a struggle to pay your bills. The stress of hardship can be extreme when you are worried about covering your rent, heating, and energy expenses. 

There are different kinds of help available for individuals whose income has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. It may be possible to get assistance in paying for your home energy bill. Help is also available for telephone bills for low-income families. 

It is important if you are unable to meet your bills that you seek help as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up in further debt and the situation could quickly become much worse. 

4. Consider Debt Consolidation 

If you are struggling to keep up with debt repayments, it might be worth considering debt consolidation. This is a process of combining all your unsecured debts into one loan with one monthly payment. It can make loan repayment much more manageable. 

While debt settlement companies do not reduce the amount of your overall debt, having one single payment rather than multiple accounts can be much easier to manage. It may mean that the overall interest rate on the loan is lower too. 

However, it is important not to be complacent about this. If credit is freed up, it can be tempting to take on further debt. If you are taking on a debt consolidation loan, you should consider cutting up your credit cards to prevent yourself from getting into more debt. 

5. Plan for your Financial Future 

Knowing that you have enough money now and some put away for the future is the true meaning of financial security. If you can, start to put some money aside. 

It can be helpful to have two different savings accounts. You can use one as an emergency fund for any crises at home or daily unexpected expenses. You could earmark the other account for longer-term savings. Also, don't forget to keep an eye on your pension. Long-term investment is important for a secure retirement. 

If your job is vulnerable, you might want to think about retaining. You could undertake a professional skills audit to help you identify possible alternative career paths. While it is hard to predict which jobs will be most recession-proof, it is always helpful to have a Plan B. 

Surviving the Financial Crisis 

Staring poverty in the face can be a terrifying prospect. Being prepared for a financial crisis, both practically and emotionally, is critical. Don't neglect your mental health at this time and make sure you spend plenty of quality time with your friends and family (even if you have to do this virtually). 

By managing your money carefully and making some plans for the future, you may be able to protect yourself from the worst consequences of a global recession. And in the event of a loss or major reduction in income, you now have some strategies to ease the financial burden. 

Being informed and prepared is your key to success in a financial crisis. For more great tips about frugal living and helpful articles on financial matters, be sure to explore the rest of the website.

The Commute Everyone Avoids Is Your Competitive Advantage

The Paradox Of Proximity 

In today's turbocharged real estate market, everyone competes for the same promise: a home just minutes from city centers, close enough to "it all." It is easy to see why the 15-minute commute is prized, feeding fierce bidding wars for central properties. But what happens when a buyer dares to look further out? 

Take the story of an investor who purchased 45 minutes outside the city to avoid the chaos. While others clung to proximity, they quietly built their equity and negotiated from a position of strength. The counterintuitive truth? What everyone wants is rarely the best investment. When the herd rushes in one direction, advantage often lies elsewhere. By leaning into longer commutes—embracing what others reject—contrarian buyers unlock discounts, flexibility, and future growth few are positioned to enjoy. 

The Psychology Of The Herd Mentality 

Why Everyone Wants The Same Thing 

Human nature pulls us toward convenience and certainty. Recency bias makes buyers overvalue what's right in front of them—immediate access to offices, restaurants, and amenities. Social proof tells us we should buy where others buy, and loss aversion fuels a deep fear of missing out on the "perfect" close-in location. These ingrained psychological tendencies drive demand to just a handful of "prime" neighborhoods, creating predictable market inefficiencies. 

The Hidden Cost of Popular Areas 

Those psychological tugs come with a real price. Central city homes regularly sell at 20–30% premiums over outlying options, with competitive bidding turning even modest homes into unaffordable dreams. Inventory remains scarce in these hot zones, creating artificial scarcity that encourages buyers to overpay. Real estate investors often see lower rental yields in these markets, as sky-high purchase prices compress returns. Once desirable neighborhoods reach saturation, appreciation slows to a crawl while previously overlooked regions surge ahead. 

The Arbitrage Opportunity: Geography As Your Edge 

The Commute Premium Breakdown 

In most major U.S. markets, real estate data shows that each additional 10–15 minutes of commute can translate to a price drop of 10–13%. For a median home, that is often $50,000 or more in upfront savings for a modestly longer drive. Consider this comparison: a $600,000 home with a 15-minute commute versus a similar $520,000 option at 45 minutes out. Over time, the lower purchase price allows for faster mortgage pay-down, greater renovation budgets, and far less competition—all compounding to generate bigger equity and cash flow. 

Identifying Tomorrow's Hot Spots Today 

Savvy buyers look for leading indicators: municipal plans for new transit, highway expansions, or corporate relocations. Real-world examples abound throughout American metros. Frisco, Texas was once considered too far from Dallas—now it's a premium destination. Similarly, suburbs outside Atlanta, Denver, and Austin that were dismissed a decade ago have transformed into sought-after communities as growth rippled outward. 

The pattern is predictable: infrastructure improvements typically boost property values by 15-25% within three years of completion. These early investors enjoyed outsized equity gains and strong rental demand as their "distant" locations became tomorrow's hot spots. 

The Demographics Advantage 

Who's willing to make this strategic play? Young professionals focused on building wealth, investors who buy based on numbers rather than emotion, and remote-first workers are all lining up. With hybrid and remote work as the new normal, the pool of potential renters and buyers for longer-commute homes has expanded dramatically. Investors face less emotional competition and enjoy multiple exit strategies—high commuter rental demand today, with the option to sell as areas mature tomorrow. 

The Remote Work Revolution Changes Everything 

COVID's Permanent Impact On Commuting 

The old rules are gone. As of 2025, approximately 35% of American workers operate from home at least part-time, with 12% working fully remote. Even more follow hybrid models that require only 2–3 days in the office per week. Commute time is no longer a daily burden, but an occasional inconvenience. Millennial and Gen Z buyers—now the market majority—increasingly favor space, flexibility, and quality of life over proximity to traditional business districts. 

This shift has created a permanent migration away from expensive urban cores to more affordable, spacious suburbs and rural areas. The rise of "Zoom towns" and distributed work patterns has fundamentally altered demand, creating new opportunities for contrarian buyers. 

The New Value Equation 

Properties with extra bedrooms, flexible layouts, and access to nature now command higher premiums than addresses within walking distance of downtown offices. With the same budget, buyers can afford drastically more space outside city centers: a dedicated home office, a backyard, an extra room for guests or hobbies. 

The cost-per-square-foot difference grows wider with each minute added to the commute. For the first time in decades, working from a distance represents a lifestyle upgrade rather than a compromise. 

Practical Strategy: How To Execute This Contrarian Play 

Identifying The Sweet Spot 

The optimal zone for balancing discounts with practical access sits 30–60 minutes from downtown—a range where savings maximize while lifestyle and occasional office access remain manageable. Smart contrarian buyers leverage tools like Google Maps traffic data, city planning dashboards, and transit authority forecasts to identify areas targeted for future growth. 

Watch for planned transit expansions, zoning changes that allow mixed-use development, or announcements of new business districts. The key is acting before these developments become widely known and prices adjust accordingly. 

Due Diligence Framework 

Research the fundamentals that drive long-term value: strong school districts (which matter even for investors), ambitious community development plans, and proximity to major employment growth zones. Study municipal websites for infrastructure investment news, track local employer activity and hiring trends, and use online investment calculators to model price gaps and projected appreciation rates. 

Economic diversity matters too—areas dependent on a single industry or employer carry higher risk than communities with varied economic bases. Look for regions with population growth, job creation, and municipal investment in amenities and infrastructure. 

Financial Modeling 

Run the numbers with analytical precision. Model mortgage savings from outer-ring homes, factor in transportation costs, and compare to projected equity growth in "prime" areas. Rental investors should analyze commuter demand patterns, seasonal vacancy rates, and long-term development pipelines. 

Expect to see the "compound effect" in action—lower entry prices enable higher cash flow percentages, which can be reinvested for bigger appreciation over time. Factor in the opportunity cost: money not spent on location premiums can be deployed for improvements, additional investments, or debt reduction. 

The USDA Mortgage Advantage 

Don't overlook the USDA Rural Development Loan program, which allows zero-down purchases in most "commute zone" geographies. Many buyers qualify for these loans, including middle-income households earning up to 115% of area median income. The compound savings of no down payment, lower home prices, and competitive interest rates can turbocharge returns. 

Consider this example: a $300,000 USDA-financed home 45 minutes from downtown versus a $400,000 conventional loan property closer in. The outer-ring buyer saves $60,000 upfront (20% down payment), enjoys lower monthly payments, and often gets significantly more space—a powerful combination for building wealth. 

Risk Management And Potential Pitfalls 

What Could Go Wrong 

Contrarian real estate investing carries legitimate risks. Macroeconomic volatility—rising interest rates, recession, or major employer relocations—can impact outer markets more severely than established urban cores. Transportation projects face delays, budget cuts, or cancellation. Some areas may resist appreciation despite improvements, particularly those lacking economic diversity or facing demographic decline. 

Climate change adds another layer of consideration, as extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns can affect property values in certain regions more than others. 

Mitigation Strategies 

Diversify across multiple promising regions rather than concentrating everything in one distant market. Maintain sufficient liquidity reserves to weather market cycles without forced selling. Work with local real estate professionals who understand neighborhood nuances and can spot negative trends early. 

Stay connected to information sources: municipal planning departments, transit authority updates, and local business journals often provide advance warning of policy changes or development delays. Building relationships with local agents, property managers, and other investors creates an intelligence network that can prove invaluable. 

Success Stories And Real-World Examples 

Consider the investor who purchased a home in suburban Atlanta for $285,000 in 2018, three years before the planned MARTA rail extension. When the new transit line opened in 2021, similar homes were selling for $475,000—a 67% increase in just five years. The combination of infrastructure investment and growing commuter demand created exceptional returns for patient investors. 

Another example: a young family abandoned the bidding wars of Austin's central neighborhoods in 2020, purchasing a 2,400-square-foot home in Pflugerville for $320,000. They used their savings from avoiding the premium to add a pool and home office. Today, their property is worth $445,000, while comparable space in central Austin would cost over $650,000. Their quality of life—and net worth—far exceed what they could have achieved with a shorter commute. 

Time and again, the contrarian strategy delivers: early adopters secure better cash flow, stronger appreciation, and greater flexibility when market preferences inevitably shift. 

Conclusion: Embrace The Road Less Traveled 

The real secret lies in reframing perspective: commute time—long cast as a burden—becomes, for the patient and strategic buyer, an investment in a richer, more flexible financial future. The contrarian's reward is building wealth while others pay premium prices for the illusion of convenience. 

Start your research by mapping transit projects and zoning changes in your metro area. Investigate USDA loan eligibility in your target zones. The market's blind spots represent your competitive advantage, but only if you are willing to act while others cling to conventional wisdom. 

Opportunity is waiting—just a few miles down the road. The question isn't whether you can afford the commute; it is whether you can afford not to take advantage of what everyone else is avoiding. 

Kelly is the founder of ClearPath Utah Mortgage, an independent Utah mortgage broker based in Sandy, Utah. ClearPath specializes in providing competitive rates and tailored financing solutions for homebuyers and homeowners across the state.

8 Top Benefits Of Gold Investment

Have you recently considered making a gold investment? Besides investing in stocks and bonds, many investors decide to diversify their portfolios with this precious metal. It is well-known for its value and rich history, respected by people throughout centuries. 

Gold is a commodity that investors fall back on when currencies are volatile. Consequently, gold provides insurance during tough times. 

Have a look at the top eight benefits of making such an investment in gold precious metals. 

Inflation Hedging 

In the course of the past fifty years, gold has proven itself as an excellent inflation hedge. Its price rises along with the cost of living. Whenever the economy is unstable, or the stock market is highly volatile, investors turn to this commodity, looking for safety. 

During periods of high inflation in the past, this precious metal demonstrated more power than paper currencies. When the stock market crashed, the gold price only soared. Paper currencies tend to lose their purchasing power against this commodity during periods of inflation, shrinkflation, and stagflation like today. 

Nevertheless, like any type of investment, investors must be aware of the risk of loss, which is especially high for individuals not familiar with how this asset works. 

Price Stability 

Another benefit of investing in gold is the price stability this commodity provides. In comparison with the other market options, the price of this precious metal remains stable even during crises. Make sure to check out a review of a precious metal dealer. When a crisis hits the financial market, individuals immediately shift to gold investments while the prices keep on soaring. 

The stock market, on the other hand, is much more volatile. Stock prices can drop to zero whenever negative news is shared about companies. Such a drop in price isn’t likely to happen to this precious metal, as it has a stable market value. This is why most investors have preferred it over stocks for centuries. 

Moreover, price fluctuations can be tracked easily by checking the rate of this popular commodity multiple days in a row. By comparing the prices over a certain period, you will notice that fluctuations are minimal. Additionally, you can go back in history to check the price of gold over the years, which proves incredible stability even in times of global economic crises. 

Relation With The US Dollar 

The US dollar and gold have a long-term relationship that moves in an inverse direction. Consequently, their prices move in opposite directions. When the US dollar is weak, this precious metal and other fiat currencies increase in value. As a result, when the dollar value drops significantly compared to the other currencies, such as during the period from 1998 to 2008, investors flock to gold investments. Gold is great in 2025 as well due to record-breaking inflation.

Sometimes, there are exceptions in view of price movements, like in the event of systematic risk periods. In such periods, the value of the US dollar and gold move in an almost identical direction. The decline of this currency occurs for different reasons, including trade deficits, a large money supply increase, etc. This year, the US dollar has been incredibly volatile because of the uncertainty imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the somewhat struggling US economy. Recent actions by the Fed haven't fixed the issue, making gold and crypto even more viable hedges. 

Portfolio Diversifier 

You've heard the wise phrase "don't put all of your eggs in one basket" and that applies directly to diversifying your investment portfolio. That means not investing in only stocks, only bonds, only real estate, only cryptocurrency, or only precious metals. The gold commodity is believed to be a remarkable portfolio diversifier, as it moves in a different direction than stocks and bonds. The peaks and dips on the stock market seem to have no negative effect on the gold’s value. Investors are encouraged to consider portfolio diversification, meaning they should spread their investments out over various asset classes. 

Furthermore, portfolio diversification prevents investors from losing all their assets. For instance, if one of the assets drops in value, the others will compensate for the decrease. Nevertheless, in the case of gold, diversification is usually addressed in a different way. 

It is important not to invest all your money into this commodity to protect yourself from a sudden decrease in price. Just a portion of the investment capital should be invested in this precious metal, while the rest of the capital should be a combination of other assets. It pays to learn why gold still matters in the new age of investing. 

Safe Haven 

Another benefit of gold investments is the role this commodity acquires as a safe haven. Economic and political uncertainties have become a reality in the modern world, which is when investors look for a safe haven. 

By taking a look at history, you will notice investors holding gold managed to protect their substantial wealth and even escape from regions of turmoil with its help. Any news events that predict economic uncertainty on a global level increase the value of this precious metal. 

Soaring Demand 

Gold investments benefit investors owing to the increasing demand for this precious metal. The increase in the wealth of leading market economies has boosted the demand for this commodity. In some counties like China and India, this precious metals asset is highly associated with their culture. In China, bars are considered a traditional saving form, which makes demand stable for Chinese investors. 

In contrast, India is the second-largest nation known for its gold consumption, especially for jewelry. The highest interest for this precious metal occurs during the Indian wedding season taking place in October. 

Protection Against Deflation 

Another advantage of making such investments is the protection against deflation. This term describes a period when prices decrease, business activity is slower, and the economy copes with excessive debt. Deflation hasn’t been experienced on a worldwide level since the 1930s during the Great Depression. Probably slight deflation has also happened in 2008 during the financial crisis in certain regions of the world. Gold always maintains its price and power.

Maintenance Of Value 

The value of gold has been maintained throughout centuries, unlike the value of paper currencies. It is a way of passing on and preserving wealth from a generation to the following one. The specific properties of this metal have been valued since ancient times. It is resistant to corrosion and melts easily over a flame. There are many industrial applications of the precious metal gold that will keep its value high during all eras. Gold also enjoys scarcity so a limited supply means a higher demand.

Final Thoughts On Gold Investing

Investors cannot go wrong by adding this commodity to their portfolios. Gold provides financial coverage in times of financial and geopolitical uncertainty! Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to add the top precious metals option to your profitable portfolio.

5 Frugal Tips Save Money On Travel

Need to get away from your everyday life? Want to broaden your horizons and see something new? Life is too short, and one way to make the best of it is by traveling more often. Getting to travel offers many benefits, including making you happier, giving you a chance to disconnect, and it can relieve stress and anxiety. Travels are top options when it comes to expanding your world and learning real life lessons.

Another advantage is seeing more of the world and what it offers. Unfortunately it is not always very affordable to travel, especially with fuel and rent or hotel prices higher than they have been in awhile. People with disposable income are still engaging in revenge travel after years of being cooped up inside, so that is increasing demand and prices for trips.

Traveling can be pricey for just about anyone, but there are 5 top frugal tips that you can follow to help you fund your next trip. 

5 Fun Frugal Tips To Save Money Traveling

1. Create A Monthly Budget 

Creating a monthly budget is one of the smartest things anyone can do. It will give you a good idea of how much money you have coming in and what you are spending it on. You may find areas where you can cut spending to have more money for other things. 

A budget is usually a big eye-opener for most people, especially when you take the time to add up the little expenses here and there. Daily coffee runs or grabbing lunch on work days can end up costing you more than you may even realize. That is where buying in bulk and meal preparation saves a lot of money for travelers.

2. Explore Options For Co-Living In NYC 

One great option that can help you save money is co-living in NYC. Rent can be a significant part of your income, especially when you are younger and just starting a family. Co-living is a good option because it allows you to live with someone else and split the costs. That allows you to have more money after your paychecks to set aside for traveling frugally. 

This type of living has been gaining in popularity in recent years because it is very convenient and affordable. Most options end up costing you less than what a studio apartment would offer, and they come fully furnished and offer the possibility of having a community. Coliving makes it easy to worry about just leasing one room versus having to worry about roommates paying their rent on time as well as splitting the costs of utilities. Just make sure you find a roommate who fits into your household. 

3. Plan The Trip In Advance 

One of the best ways to save money on an upcoming trip is to plan well in advance. That allows you to take your time with coming up with an itinerary and the time needed to scour the internet for the best deals. A schedule is essential for saving money and getting the most of your travel time.

The most important things you will have to consider when planning your trip are your lodging and how you plan on getting to your destination. If you plan on taking a road trip, you want to ensure your car is serviced properly and ready to go or look into rentals. Aside from lodging and transportation, you will want to create a plan of what you would like to do while on your trip, including several backup plans just in case. 

4. Travel With Friends 

A great way to reduce the cost of traveling is to travel with friends. When you plan a frugal trip with two, three, or even more people, you get to split the costs of everything, which makes it much more affordable. 

Not only does traveling with friends help with costs, but it can also help make your friendships stronger and offer safety and support. Traveling alone is great, but it can be risky, and having people with you is a safer option. It also gives you other people to talk to and experience new things. 

5. Get A Side Job For More Traveling Funds

Another great option that can help fund your next trip is to get another job. Getting a side job is easier than ever these days because there are many options to choose. You can become an online tutor, walk dogs, clean houses, write blogs, or manage social media accounts. The possibilities are endless, and you can work as much or as little as you want. 

If you have a particular set of skills or something you are very interested in, there is probably a way that you can earn more money with that if you are creative enough. Being a travel vlogger or side hustler can help pay for your trips, and possibly even help you profit from traveling!

Travel Time 

Traveling doesn't have to cost and arm and a leg. Keep these top frugal travel tips in mind to plan a trip on a budget without breaking the bank!

How To Create A Monthly Budget And Save Money

Money is tight these days, and cash certainly doesn't grow on trees. If you feel like you don't have enough money to meet your basic needs, it is very easy to feel helpless and alone with your beaten down budget or small savings stash. Things could get even worse with tariffs, even if things improve economically long term.

Save Money And Make Money By Working With This Company

According to recent data, around 80% of Americans say that they are struggling financially, so you can rest assured that you are in good company. Much of the United States and global population struggles with personal finances in one way or another, especially with public health crises and inflation causing additional strain. Financial struggles are even gripping the upper middle class in the U.S. and much of the world due to severe inflation and economic volatility. The global economy and the personal finances of billions of people is looking rather grim right now.

One of the major reasons why the majority of people are in such a poor financial state is lack of education on money management and a limited understanding of budgeting. If you don't know your numbers and can't put a plug in your spending, you are setting yourself up for financial failure. 

Unfortunately basic financial education just isn't something they teach at a lot of schools or even colleges. That is starting to change out of necessity, but most students even with above average intelligence have very little knowledge of money or budgeting.

Learning how to create a monthly budget won't solve all of your financial stress, but it will certainly make it easier for you to feel secure and afford basic living expenses. And every little bit of extra budget-friendly financial security helps these days in a time of economic turbulence coupled with rampant inflation.

Read on to learn how you can set this frugal budget and ensure that it works for your specific financial needs. Take notes if you need and make sure to implement these finance suggestions.

6 Top Tips To Create Monthly Budgets That Save More Money

1. Use a Budgeting App To Stay On Track

For those who have trouble keeping track of a lot of papers, budgeting apps can work wonders. You can conveniently enter your information into budgeting mobile applications including your necessary expenses, income, changes to your finances, and more. Pretty much all of these apps for budgets connect with your bank and do the math for you by figuring how much you need to allocate where. 

PocketGuard is one of the best free apps that connects your credit, checking, and savings accounts to better your budget planning. It detects your recurring bills and compares them to your income before showing you how much you have remaining for other expenses. From there, you can master your monthly budget for groceries and household needs that exist outside your recurring bills. 

One of the greatest things about PocketGuard is that while it categorizes your expenses automatically, you can also create custom categories for the best budgetary plans. This lets you include the things that are important to you within your monthly budget to find areas of improvement and savings. You also never want to forget about any bills so you can avoid late fees or surprise final notices. It also reminds you to consider tax fees and relief options.

2. Write All Expenses And Bills Down 

In addition to having a budgeting app, you will want to write everything about your budget down on paper. You can place this above your desk at home or on the wall beside your calendar. When you see it, you will remember how much you have to spend and where your money should be going to. 

Prefer a more hybrid setup? Having a virtual executive assistant to help you with financial management is also an option. They can maintain detailed expense trackers for you, ensuring you always have an updated overview of your budget. This human element might just be the thing you need if applications aren't working for you.

Writing things down also has been proven to improve memory and fiscal fitness. It forces your brain to process things in a more detailed way. Writing the details of your budget will help you to keep it in mind throughout the remainder of the month, even when you are at the store with a dead cell phone battery and no physical list to look at. 

3. Consider The Expense Essentials First 

Before setting a budget, you need to consider your recurring payments like rent, utilities, insurance payments, student loans, and routine medical bills. You can't stop these bills from coming and missing them will ding your credit score and accrue interest. 

The next budgetary thing to think about are essentials like groceries and household items (toilet paper, pet food, etc). Be realistic about what you can afford and make sure that you don't end up in a situation where you have no food at the end of the month. Cheap grocery stores like Aldi, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Costco, BJ's, Price Chopper, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart are a great way to save money when shopping for everyday items at retail shops. 

And keep in mind that you can still eat healthy on a budget if you follow The Frugal Diet, so there are no excuses to eat junk food in the name of saving money.

4. Include Entertainment Money 

When creating your budget, make sure that you don't forget to add at least a bit of spending money. You need some cash to go out with friends if you want to maintain your mental and social health. You also will want to treat yourself to a new book, video game, or just some takeout food every once in a while. While minimalism and frugality help budgeting significantly, you probably won't be living like a monk either. We are all human after all and can't penny pinch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with our budgets.

If you don't have a specific amount of money set aside for things that you want, you are likely to become frustrated and pull from other necessary areas of the budget. In the end, you will probably wind up spending more on entertainment than you would if you would just put it into your budget in the first place. If you need to save even more money on your entertainment costs, consider using a top torrent to download media free of charge.

5. Don't Forget About Savings 

If you are struggling financially, you likely feel as though you are surviving rather than living. You are probably sick of feeling like you are just barely keeping your head above water while living paycheck to paycheck. You likely are wondering how to eventually buy a condo or travel around the world so that you can start living your best life. The answer to making this happen is simple: saving money consistently. 

This is a challenge for most people, but you need to set aside at least a few dollars a week to go into savings. Even if it is just $10, you will end up with $40 per month and $480 per year. This might not sound like much, and you should invest more if you can, but it is definitely better than nothing. A penny saved is a penny earned, and money saved by paying down debt or earned with compounding interest is more than just a penny! We all have to start somewhere when it comes to smarter saving and better budgeting.

6. Pay Cash Whenever Possible 

When you swipe a credit card for all of your expenses, it is easier to charge more than you have in your bank account. It doesn't feel like you are spending real money. It is even worse when shopping online with saved payment information. You need to remind yourself that every dollar counts and that when you buy something, you are investing actual cash into it. 

Using cash also makes it a lot easier to track how you are spending money in your financial budget. You can place it into envelopes that are marked with what you need to spend it on at the beginning of every month. This can help you conceptualize how much you have to spend where. Physically finding, dividing up, and paying with money helps keep you more accountable than using credit cards and digital payments so prevalent and frictionless today.

If you see that you absolutely need more money for groceries or a similar necessity, you can place more money into the grocery budget envelope next month and see if that works. The bottom line for budgeting is that paying cash makes it easier to conceptualize your finances on a concrete and realistic level. This will help you maintain your fiscal fitness and frugal financial foundation. 

Credit cards do have their upsides if your finances are in order and you use them correctly. They can help to build your credit and earn cash or point rewards when used properly. Just make sure to make credit card payments in full and consistently. 

Beyond How to Create a Monthly Budget 

While budgeting is a challenge for nearly everyone, it is completely possible with a bit of planning and foresight. Now that you know how to create a monthly budget that works for you and your household, it is time to start looking into other aspects of your frugal financial affairs. Financial security and finance freedom is the goal!

Check out the Frugal Finances tab on our home page for more tips like those you have read here today. If you need a bit of a money boost, we also discuss where you can take out personal loans under the Loans tab of our frugally financial blog. Good luck with creating the perfect plan for your individual frugal budgeting needs!

20 Energy Saving Tips To Save Money In 2025

Are your bills higher than ever right now in the new normal? Times are tough in this tumultuous economy as costs are skyrocketing for homeowners and landlords alike. Winter is coming (or summer... whichever is more expensive for you) and that means increased energy use to control temperatures for homeowners and property owners. And now with tariffs on foreign oil and gas, prices are expected to rise even further for gasoline and electricity. Everyone has to tighten their belt and pinch pennies to improve their frugal finances in 2025. 

Save And Make Money Monthly With This Online Opportunity

But some bills are unavoidable and show up in your mail on or your credit and debit card statements each month, cutting into your frugal finances. We all have mandatory monthly costs like utilities cutting into your budget significantly. Your energy bills are probably eating away at your savings and investable income each month with many people feeling powerless to reduce or eliminate them. And even with the extreme increase in energy prices, some states and regions are still having power outages going into 2025! Power grids continue shutting down, and who knows what will happen to energy costs with the upcoming presidential election.

Exponential Energy Bill Increases

Energy prices are unfortunately only going one way, and that is way up with almost no end in sight! This is especially true with rising inflation and steep increases in oil and gas prices around the world. A lot of traditional fuel companies have been facing growth restrictions and some countries are being boycotted for their energy, driving up prices further for consumers around the world. Even states and nations proud of their renewable energy initiatives have reverted at least temporarily to natural gas, coal, and nuclear power just to support their power grids so people don't freeze to death. Gas, oil, and electricity are a lot more expensive than they used to be for homeowners and property owners, despite ESG standards being much higher nationwide and worldwide for appliances. 

There is not a lot of price reduction relief in sight despite some stimulus checks in a few areas of the world. Most government safety nets for energy relief and financial protection have ended or will be ending soon, leaving consumers to fend for themselves.

So, how do you make the most out of your energy, fuel, and utilities to help cut costs each month? Frugal Finance has you covered on smart and simple energy saving methods. Here are 17 top tips to reduce energy use and save money daily along with lowering HVAC costs. 

Heating And Cooling Cost Cutting

Heating and cooling are the main culprits responsible for expensive utility bills. This is also the best place to explore cost-reduction measures for your household or workplace. Ensure your furnace or boiler is efficient with boiler coverage. It would be wise to check here for available plans to cut costs and improve efficiency with boilers if your home or property has an older one. 

Now read the additional 20 top ways to save on your bills and energy usage below. 

20 Top Energy Saving Tips To Lower Your Utility Bills

1. Inspect Seals On Doors, Windows, And Appliances 

Heat and cold care escape through the cracks in a matter of milliseconds. To avoid or minimize this, ensure your freezer and fridge are appropriately sealed to trap cold air inside. This also applies to windows and doors. Any seal malfunction could contribute to leaks and end up draining your heat, air conditioning, and/or wallet. 

2. Repair Leaky Ducts 

Gaps and leaks within your ductwork can lead to air loss and inflate your electricity bills. Sealing and insulating your air conditioning ducts, ventilation, and heating and cooling systems may go a long way towards lowering your bills. Caulking and seal repairs (or even duct tape) are frugal methods that can help to preserve heat or air conditioning every day to help your utility bill savings add up. You can also use duct tape to close gaps since that is what it is named after, and even purchase some at the local Dollar Tree (even though products now cost around $1.25 instead of $1, plus taxes).

3. Set Your Thermostat 

When you head to bed each night, lower your thermostat's temperature to between 10 and 15 degrees. This also applies when you are away from home for work or travels. By doing this for eight to twenty hours every day, you can significantly lower the energy you use to heat and cool your house all year round. 

You can be able to automate this process using a programmable thermostat or smart home device like NEST, Ecobee, Amazon Smart Thermostat, or Honeywell brand. Now you can adjust heat or AC levels from a convenient app on your smartphone!

4. Adjust The Temperature Settings Of Your Fridge And Freezer 

To cut energy costs, make sure you set the temperature of your fridge to 38 degrees and that of your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. By doing this, you will keep your food fresh. Your fridge and freezer won't have to use much energy to maintain temperature. To make the most of your money, monitoring your expenditure is crucial. Observe trends and spot opportunities you can exploit. This will give you a clear idea of what you need to do to save some cash. Smart appliances and smart phones are excellent at tracking energy use and temperatures.

Water usage is also a crucial consideration for reducing energy and utility use. According to the Energy Department, hot water is the second-placed item driving high utility bills in most homes. Whether in the laundry room or the shower, reducing your hot water usage can significantly reduce your electricity costs in 2025. 

5. Take Shorter Showers 

You may save up to five gallons of water if you cut your shower time by two minutes. You will save money, reduce energy expenditure, lower water use, and free up valuable time! The phrase "time is money" applies to showering for sure. Set a timer if you need to or pretend that you are paying by the minute like in some public showers, because in reality you actually are!

6. Install A New Showerhead 

A water-efficient showerhead can reduce the amount of hot water you use and save up to 2,700 gallons per year. Get a shower head with the WaterSense label, certifying that it meets the Environmental Protection Agency's efficiency criteria. Or a high-pressure showerhead will allow you to take a quicker shower and therefore use less hot water in that way.

7. Avoid Washing Clothes In Hot Water 

Washing clothes with hot water is energy-intensive and only needed for certain garments, bulk items, or stains. If possible, use warm or cold water to do your laundry to avoid the extra heat costs. Sometimes the cold water actually works better anyways!

8. Repair Leaky Taps 

No one wants to hear that dripping sound every night. All of those drips add up day after day and night after night. Fix your faucets to save gallons of water 24/7. A quick visit from a plumber or watching a YouTube DIY video should do the trick.

9. Adjust Your Water Heater's Temperature 

Most water heaters are typically set at 140 degrees. If you lower this default setting to 120 degrees instead, you may save water heating costs by around 10% annually. Leaving town for the weekend? Make sure you turn that water heater to its lowest setting to save more energy. This is especially helpful if you have a small household and don't have to worry about running out of hot water for daily family member showers and baths. You also have to consider dishwashers and washing machines.

10. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances 

If you are looking for a new water heater, washing machine, or dishwasher, consider purchasing an energy-efficient model to save energy usage for longer. For example, a dishwasher with the Energy Star label should use 3.5 gallons of water or less every cycle. Some older dishwasher models may use more than 10 gallons per cycle. For appliances that run nearly all day or for weeks like the fridge, water heater, TV, and HVAC system, consider buying energy-efficient models. 

The latest energy efficient appliances can more than pay for themselves within a couple of years. Many of them turn off or go on eco-mode when they are unused for a period of time, saving more electricity and money.

11. Inquire About Discounted Rates From Utility Providers 

During certain times of the day, you may enjoy cheaper rates for you to do energy-intensive chores, like laundry. Electronics and lighting account for roughly 11% or more of a typical residential utility bill. And if you are a good negotiator, there is always the chance that you could strike a discounted deal with your utility providers. 

12. Change Your Lightbulbs 

You can save up to $75 per year by replacing bulbs in the five frequently-used light fixtures with LED bulbs or compact fluorescents (CFL) that have the Energy Star label. The LED bulb option is much better these days if you have the choice and they will pay for themselves in no time. They also don't get as hot so it can actually make them safer in terms of potential burns or fires. 

LED bulbs are so much more efficient than incandescent bulbs that the United States and some other nations are essentially restricting or banning their use. There are much fewer incandescent bulbs for sale now and a lot less in terms of legacy bulb products being produced. This helps to save consumers money, improve energy independence, and enhance overall safety.

13. Set Up Dimmer Switches 

Dimmers allow you to determine a room's brightness at a sliding scale customized level. This lets you set the mood that suits your needs and saves energy in the process. Make sure to use LED light bulbs that are compatible with dimmer switches to get the most energy reduction and avoid flickering lights at certain dimming levels. Dimmer switches may cost slightly more money initially but overall they will more than pay for themselves on your electricity bills.

14. Use Smart Power Strips 

For devices that don't truly power off while connected to electricity, plug them into a power strip. This mainly applies to devices with remote controls. High quality power strips also provide additional safety with surge protector capacity which could prevent overloads or fires in certain cases.

15. Conduct An Energy Audit 

Utility providers will often perform energy audits to determine ways to cut down on your energy usage. There are many other methods to reduce power use that you may not have thought about but an expert could identify quickly. Often times energy audits are free due to government energy efficiency programs. Your local and federal government wants you to be more efficient with your energy use and has an incentive to help you. 

16. Install Solar Panels Or Wind Turbines On Your Property

Want to generate your electricity for free? Interested in selling your excess electricity to the local power company? Then renewable energy generation is your ticket! Solar energy panels or wind turbines / windmills will generate your power and help you save countless costs while going green. You may even qualify for government tax credits to save even more money while cutting back on energy! And the power company in your area is legally required to buy your excess electricity, so you will end up getting a credit or check each month from them. 

17. Go Off The Grid

Want to take energy savings to the extreme and live off the land? If you want to save even more money, consider going off the grid as a homesteader for full self-sufficiency. Buy a piece of land in a remote area for a bargain price and work it yourself while setting up wind, solar, and minimal fossil fuel sources to generate energy. It can be a risky move, but also rewarding in many ways. 

18. Get A Hybrid, Electric, Or Great Gas Mileage Vehicle 

While this tip isn't technically for saving energy with your home, you can still save plenty of fuel by switching to a more efficient vehicle. Some efficient gas-powered vehicles get even better mileage than hybrids, like compact sedans or Smart cars.   

19. Purchase Electric Tools 

Using electric instead of gas-powered tools can help reduce energy costs as well. With a lawn mower, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, weed whacker, or snowblower you can eliminate gas use while lowering noise levels. Your neighbors will thank you and so will your gas bills!

20. Recharge Your Batteries 

Batteries cost a lot more money these days than they used to, and still power many aspects of your home and its devices. When you recharge batteries, you only spend a fraction of the cost compared to buying new ones. You also keep a lot of toxic waste out of landfills!

It is time to go green so you can save some green and maintain your frugal finances! Save energy and money more in 2025!

Energy Efficiency Excellence 

When it comes to living frugally and sustainably, energy efficiency is essential to conserve your cash. Keep these top tips in mind to help lower utility bills and reduce your energy use daily.