#28: How to Stop Holding Yourself Back with Money Do you feel like you should be further along in your financial journey? Are you constantly wishing your money situation was different? Not to sound too harsh but, what are you doing about it? Because the cold hard truth is that you, and only you, are responsible for how things turn out in your life and in your finances. You have the power to stop holding yourself back with your money. I know it’s easier said than done, but that doesn’t mean it can’t (or shouldn’t) be done. Check out this episode for a few great ways to stop holding yourself back with money and start getting ahead. Here’s a glance at this episode: [02:00] I didn’t start out as a savvy budget coach! I was terrible with money in my early adult years. [07:11] The driving force behind leaving Austin to pursue life in Los Angeles, and how that transition was made possible. [19:23] My financial rock bottom – the turning point in my financial life and what happened to finally help me get my act together. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podca … #28: How to Stop Holding Yourself Back with MoneyRead More »

5 Popular Beauty Treatments Women are Loving Right Now Beauty treatments are designed and utilized every day for women to feel and look their best. Pending your desired appearance, I’m almost certain there’s something on the market that is targeted perfectly for you…and it’s most likely one of the most popular beauty treatments!Whether it’s to aid in weight loss and dropping those extra pounds from COVID, or to enhance the appearance of your God-given looks, there’s a beauty treatment for everyone. Don’t feel bad for indulging if it’s what you really want! Check out these five popular beautifying treatments women are absolutely loving at the moment. Popular beauty treatments…#1 Lash ExtensionsThis beauty treatment will have you leaving the salon feeling like a whole new person. There’s something about lash extensions that make all the difference! Lash extensions do vary in pricing pending the volume, length and preferred style. Though they should last for up to six weeks, it truly depends on the client and how well they manage them.Eyelash extensions are most definitely one of the latest beauty treatments women are loving these days. They naturally define your eye shape and automatically make your eyes look bolder and fierce without eyeliner or mascara. The nice thing about lash extensions is, if applied correctly, you can end up stacking your money because you use less mascara and the need for eyeliner is minimal.#2 Laser Hair removalLaser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. Should you do it or should you not? The answer seems simple, but here are some questions to look into:Is it painful?Will I go broke doing this particular beauty treatment?And, will I like it?To answer those questions in short: pending your pain tolerance this treatment can go by in a breeze. If the area in which you are looking to get treated is small, then don’t expect to be dropping a bunch of coins. Lastly, most people who begin using laser hair removal never look back.Laser hair removal eliminates at least 90% of hair growth. Unlike waxing and shaving, laser hair removal puts the hair follicles in a state of dormancy for a long period of time — much longer and delays the process of hair growing back! #3 Fat FreezingNow by no means is this a get slim quick scheme – but I have noticed women taking a liking to toning their bodies up without having to do a single ab circuit. Cryolipolysis appears to be a safe and effective treatment for fat loss without the downtime of liposuction or surgery. Clinical studies have also shown that freezing fat can effectively reduce subcutaneous fats by 25% after one session. Depending on the company you use, it’s recommended for a client to get at least two treatments for the stomach area. However, keep in mind that each treatment takes between 35 and 60 minutes. Results are permanent, but some people do make the ultimate decision to do more sessions to get rid of more fat cells from their body. #4 HydraFacialFacials are so relaxing and probably one of the best beauty treatments ever invented. There are various facials you can choose from, but have you heard of the HydraFacial? A HydraFacial is one of the most powerful, non-invasive skin resurfacing treatments available today.This particular beauty treatment uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin. It’s safe to say this may be one of the most popular introductions to the world of beauty treatments. This treatment is inclusive of all skin types: oily, dry, combination, etc. which is an added bonus!#5 Semi-Permanent Make-upFor those who like to get their extra beauty rest in the morning and dread getting up to apply make-up, this beauty treatment may be just for you. The semi-permanent make-up is a combination of tattooing and standard make-up application. The beauty treatment is a unique complexion treatment to enhance eyes, brows and lips, essentially to add definition to the face.This popular beauty treatment has been leading the cosmetic tattoo industry and I don’t think they plan to let off the gas pedal any time soon. If interested in adding this treatment to your regiment, a local anesthetic cream numbs the area pre-treatment, so the pain is not unbearable.Please note that semi-permanent make-up is not permanent it will eventually fade away. This means it will require regular touch ups. Every person is different; therefore, their skin can react differently (both good and bad). Some treatments will need to be re-applied after 18 months, while some will need to be re-applied 2-3 years after the first application.Related: 6 Things to Know About Lip InjectionsA woman’s genetics play a vital role in which beauty treatments work and which ones don’t. Remember: beauty is only skin deep. The blessing of growing up comes with maturity and age. If you feel good on the inside, that’s what truly matters.What beauty treatments have you tried personally that you feel in love with? Are there any that you would want to try or recommend? Don’t forget to hit the like button and leave a comment via our Instagram @citygirlsavings. Chime in on the City Girl Savings conversation in Meta. Lastly, check out our Podcast where ou … 5 Popular Beauty Treatments Women are Loving Right NowRead More »

5 Ways to Practice Free Self-Care The past two years, during a global pandemic, “self-care” really became one of those buzzwords, as more people started to take their mental health and well-being more seriously. But what exactly is self-care? Well, I believe it can mean whatever you want it to look like, for it’s truly dependent on the individual.For me, self-care is really simple: anyone that one takes care of oneself. Contrary to belief, you do not have to spend anything on true self-care. Here’s five ways to practice self-care for free.1.) Draw a Luxurious Bubble BathThis may have been the most obvious choice, as bubble baths are one of the most common ways to relax after a long day of working, thinking, or just being “on”. I know for me, I aim to take a bubble bath at least 3 times a week, as it’s truly something that I look forward to after a long day. Now, I know this is technically an article about free self-care ideas, but for my baths (FYI, I call them my Goddess baths), I utilize my bamboo bath tray that I bought from Amazon, and I love the fact that I can use it to read a great book, while drinking a glass of wine! #Bliss! Sometimes, when I have had an extremely long day, I’ll listen to positive affirmations from YouTube while in the bathtub and let my mind drift off to an enchanting place in my brain! 2.) Give Yourself a FacialAgain, another typical self-care idea, but it’s one of the easiest! I know for me, I treat my 10-step Korean skincare routine as an act of self-love and self-care for my skin, and it makes me feel amazing and relaxed! Now, I’m not saying you have to have 10+ steps in your skincare routine, but even throwing on an inexpensive sheet mask will brighten your vibes, I promise you it will! On a Friday or Saturday night, see what you have in your stash and see what skincare products you have (not expired, of course), and transform your skin! I love face masks, whether that’s a sheet mask, a clay mask, an exfoliating mask, or a gel/cream mask, there is a mask for every skincare need you may have. Just the act of letting something sit on your skin for 10-15 minutes can feel like you’re in a luxurious spa.Check out 7 Luxury and Affordable Skincare Brands to Try to get some ideas of skincare brands to try to create your own spa oasis at home!3.) Exercise Using Workout Videos on YouTubeThe internet blessed us with one of the greatest, and free, tools ever: YouTube! I haven’t stepped foot into a gym since the COVID-19 outbreak and I have managed to lose 45 lbs (and counting) by working out at home using free workout videos on YouTube! You do not need all the fancy equipment either, maybe a few sets of weights, depending on your fitness goals.What I love about YouTube workout videos, besides the fact that they are free, but I can workout without feeling that anxious feeling of looking silly in front of “more fit” people at the gym…you know what I’m talking about. Working out at home takes that anxiety away and I can do it from the comfort of my living room!4.) Get Out in Nature There is truly nothing like going outside and taking a refreshing walk around the neighborhood. Now, I am not a dog owner, but I have heard many dog-owners say that walking their dogs not only gets them out of the house for some fresh air (hello, Vitamin D), but it’s also great for their mental health as well! I live in a very suburban area, and my neighborhood is very walkable. I love walking up and down the street while listening and catching up on my favorite podcasts, like The City Girl Savings podcast City Girl Savings podcast, or my favorite music!Even if you don’t walk, you can roller-skate, ride a bike, go on a hike, or even get a blanket and lay out and meditate or do yoga in nature! It’s truly a magical thing, and I think we get so busy and wrapped up in our lives, that we do not take time to “stop and smell the roses”. 5.) Do Some Goal-SettingNow this one is SUPER free to do! All you need is a pen and paper, or even the Notes app in your phone. What better way to show yourself free care than to write down your goals for the month, the quarter, the year, or even 5 years from now! Better yet, you can even combine a few of these ideas on this list and multi-task: you can take a bubble bath, while writing down some goals. You can let a “fancy” sheet marinate on your face, while goal-setting. You can also lay in nature and do some goal-setting too…all for free!I promise, putting your goals, plans, and dreams on paper is so satisfying and will instantly give you a boost of internal energy, because it’s coming from a place of excitement and joy! Related: 6 Self Care Ideas to Feel RejuvenatedWhat about you? What other free ways do you practice self-care? Let us know!-Len … 5 Ways to Practice Free Self-CareRead More »

#27: Make Money Breakthroughs Possible with These 3 Things Have you been struggling to get to the next level in your finances? Do you dread the vicious cycle of living paycheck to paycheck? Are you ready to finally break free with your money? If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, then I want you to know there is a way out! I firmly believe there are 3 things EVERYONE must know to breakthrough with their money and start seeing the progress they truly want. It’s possible for all of us, I promise! When you manage your money the right way, it means that you are no longer confused about where your money is going and why, but instead you are able to control what your money does at all times, putting you in the driver seat towards your dream life. So, how do you manage your money the right way? Listen to this podcast episode to learn what it takes! Here’s a glance at this episode: [01:45] Want to breakthrough with your money? You need to have these 3 things in conjunction with each other: a budget, a vision of the end result and a consistent money routine. [04:25] Not sure which money routines you should put in place? I’m sharing a few ideas to get you started. [08:11] There are a few ways you can make sure you understand your financial situation: a high level review (net worth), a detailed level review (tracking your spending) and an annual review. [11:11] The 50-30-20 budget rule is a great budgeting method for beginners who want a simple framework to follow with how they should allocate their money. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podca … #27: Make Money Breakthroughs Possible with These 3 ThingsRead More »

7 Easy Ways to Finally Get a Grip on Your Finances Aren’t you sick of feeling like you have no control over your money? Of course, you are! The time to finally get a grip on your finances is right now. There’s no time like the present, and if there are things you can do instantly to take control of your money, why wouldn’t you?! I’m sharing 7 easy ways to finally get a grip on your finances. Each of these activities will move you into the direction of financial success. Don’t feel the pressure to start with all of them at once (although, the more the merrier). If you need to, ease into each activity, one at a time. Regardless of how you approach this list, you’ll start feeling like you’re finally in control of your money! 7 Easy Ways to Finally Get a Grip on Your Finances #1 Create a SIMPLE budget plan I don’t think I’ll ever stop saying this: a budget is the NUMBER ONE tool for financial success. Without it, you don’t really know what is and should be happening with the money you make. Not only am I trying to break the stigma that comes with budgeting, I’m trying to help as many women as possible reach financial success with a budget. If you want to get a grip on your finances, start by creating a budget plan. Keep it simple and eventually you can work up to more strategic budgets! Ready to get started with a simple budget? First, list your take-home income for the month (consistent amounts only). Then, list your regular bills for the month (amounts and due dates). Then, list your other spending for the month (gas, groceries, fun, etc.). – People often skip this step and wonder why their budget doesn’t work. Then, subtract your total spending and bill amounts from your total take-home income. Finally, assess the number you get. Is it negative? Then you need to make more or spend less. Is it positive? How can you put it to good use? #2 Invest in your financial knowledge Have you noticed that when something is free, like a free book or a free class, there’s a lot less urgency behind it? If you received a free book, would you prioritize reading it? On the other hand, if you actually invested in (i.e. paid for) a book, you’re much more likely to read it. The same goes for finance! The more you invest in your financial knowledge, the more skin in the game you have and the more work you’re likely to put in. I think that’s one of the main reasons why all of my coaching clients see success with their finances during and after working with me. They invested in themselves, which brings a totally different level of accountability. You can invest in your financial knowledge a variety of ways. Take an online course (join the waitlist for my Money Management Mastery program now). Work with a coach. Sign up for a semester class related to personal finance. The options are endless, so find an option that works best for you. #3 Let technology help The more time goes by, the more automated and intuitive things become. Use this to your advantage as you work to get a grip on your finances! Start taking advantage of automated technology! Once you have your budget set up, you know what you can afford to save. Get automated transfers set up directly to your savings account. With your budget in place, you also know that you can afford your bills. Set up automatic bill-pay! Make your life a tiny bit easier with technology. I’m not saying to just completely set it and forget it – make sure things are working as they should. You can also take advantage of apps to help you get a grip on your finances. Digit makes saving money easy. There are easy ways to get started with investing. Also, there are plenty of apps out there to help make your life smoother. #4 Don’t compare your situation to othersUnless you have some secret insight to another person’s bank account, you never truly know what they have. You can’t trust what people say on the internet. Do yourself a favor and constantly remember that. Comparing yourself to others is never a good idea. It’s an even worse idea when you’re comparing your real situation to someone’s not-so-real situation. Because you can’t trust what people say on the internet, your comparisons are in vain! You could be making yourself feel so bad…for nothing! Instead, focus on the work you’re doing. Keep your goals front and center. Appreciate your progress and bounce back from any mistakes. Trust me, you’ll thank me for it later! #5 Give each savings account a specific purpose One of the best ways to get a grip your finances is by getting clear on what you’re saving for. A mosh pit of savings goals in one account makes for a very disorganized individual. To counter that, open one savings account for each goal you have. There are certain things everyone should be saving for, so if you don’t know where to start with your savings goals, that list will help. It should matter how many accounts you have, as long as you’re clear on what you’re saving for. You can always repurpose your accounts as well, especially after reaching one-time savings goals. #6 Start consuming financially empowering content I’m a firm believer in the saying “you are what you think about.” If you want to be a financially empowered individual, you need to think about financial empowering things! Do this by consuming content that aligns with being financially empowered. I started The City Girl Savings Podcast to help put out more financially empowering content. You can listen to podcasts, read books, follow financial influencers and more. The point is to start consuming content that helps you become better with your money! Anything that does the opposite should be removed for your common content consumption practices. #7 Be intentional with each purchase The final way to get a grip on your finances is to starting being intentional. Start thinking through every purchase. Whether you buy the item or not, think about what you’re doing. When you’re intentional with your money, you start thinking differently about what you have and what you don’t. Eventually, you’ll get to a point where your intentions align with your goals. You’ll turn down spending when you shouldn’t, and you won’t even feel bad about it! That’s the ultimate goal for your money! Related: 8 Ways to Get Your Finances in Check That wasn’t so bad, right?! I’ve said it before, and I know I’ll say it again – only you are responsible for your financial situation. We can only blame outside factors for so long before we finally take control. These activities will help you get a grip on your money and start taking back that responsibility! Have you started incorporating any of the items on this list into your money ro … 7 Easy Ways to Finally Get a Grip on Your FinancesRead More »

#26: 7 Money Management Rules that Changed the Game for Me I’ve been in the personal finance game for a long time! That means I have plenty of experience with what does and doesn’t work when it comes to money. One thing I will say is that there are certain money management principles that always hold true for me. When I started following these principles religiously, things started to turn around for the better with my money. For example, tracking my spending had opened my eyes to my true habits and behaviors with money. Knowing this information meant I could start to make changes much faster and see the impact of those changes. That’s just one of the seven money management rules that changed the game for me. Check out the podcast episode to hear the others! Here’s a glance at this episode: [02:50] I created my own tracker in Excel that allowed me to see exactly where my money was going, in relation to my budget. [06:40] I was constantly spending money I didn’t have (and didn’t have coming in) on things I didn’t need, which caused me to go into debt for years. [10:04] It’s easy to assume we don’t “make enough”, but instead we need to make sure we’re doing the right things with the money we do make. [13:27] It doesn’t take much to get started with investing, even if it’s for retirement. However, the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Fol … #26: 7 Money Management Rules that Changed the Game for MeRead More »

5 Unique Father's Day Gift Ideas There’s no better time to celebrate a dad than on Father’s Day. This celebration comes once a year, so why not budget ahead and splurge a little on the old man?! If your dad is the type that talks a big game and says he doesn’t want anything, I’m telling you in this very moment it’s a lie and he’s testing you!Of course, parents want to be acknowledged for all their years of service in raising you, so get dad something you know he’ll enjoy. Check out these five unique father day gift ideas to get him smiling!#1 Personalized GiftsThere is something about personalizing a gift that just adds the perfect touch! It stands out from the rest of the gifts and every time your dad takes a look at it, a small smirk will run across his face as he remembers how cool of a child he has!You can pretty much personalize anything these days which is one reason why this gift fell on our five unique Father’s Day gifts. From books to articles of clothing, even electronics and much more! A nice touch could be a photobook from Shutterfly, created by you!#2 ElectronicsGifting, on occasions like Father’s Day, can sometimes be stressful. Do you want to lean into the sentiment of the holiday, or perhaps taps into his funny bone? Maybe even recognizes his talent and passions? Nonetheless, for most men, you can never go wrong with electronics.Whether it’s gifting him with the latest device on the market or getting him a new charging pad for all his various electronics. Electronics are so cutting edge that we think any father would be appreciative in receiving them unless he just isn’t into them (which is okay too!)There are tons of cool tech gifts and gadgets that can be considered as an awesome gift for Father’s Day. From smart home assistances such as Echo, Google Nest or even the Honeywell Home Smart Home Security system. Assess what he has, then decide on a nice electronic addition! #3 George Foreman GrillIf your dad loves to cook, then you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with a George Foreman Grill! As you may be aware, this grill is very convenient to use, and the clean-up is a breeze. It cooks the food evenly and quickly. What many customers aren’t aware of is the technology behind the grill that makes the food you are preparing a little healthier.Upon purchasing the George Foreman Grill, it will also come with a wide range of recipes for your pop to jump into action to start cooking it up in the kitchen! This small kitchen appliance is a cross between a sandwich machine and an indoor grill. The nice thing about this gift is that it comes in different sizes. It’s perfect for the dad that likes to cook indoors, or for the dad who enjoys grilling in the backyard on the weekends while kids and grandkids are swimming in the pool!#4 The Ultimate Beard CollectionBeard gang or don’t bang! If your dad has a full-grown beard or is in the process of growing one, then this gift is right up his alley. Guys are investing in their beards these days, so why not help him with the maintenance process?! The Viking Revolution Beard Kit is a great start.Whether you decide to get just one item or a whole collection, you have to make sure beard oil is included. For the newbies out there, beard oil absorbs better into beards and goatees, giving a more natural shine and healthy hydration. Invest this year into your dad’s beard journey and I’m sure he’ll forever be in debt to you.#5 Massage GunThis gift is ideal for dads who are always having the worst tight muscles in the strangest places. Each massage head targets a different trouble spot: calves, arm muscles, shoulders and other common pain points. It doesn’t matter the line of work your dad does, he can benefit from one of these!Whether he’s in construction, stays at home or works out of an office – this gift will not be wasted. You can order yours today from Amazon and your dad will be thanking you until the end of time. You can consider this gift as cool as having a personal massage therapist at your fingertips – literally and figuratively. Related: 5 Thoughtful Gift Ideas that Won’t Hurt Your BudgetIt’s so important to celebrate the people who matter in your life. Tomorrow is never promised, so shower your loved ones every moment you can. Whether they are near or far when celebrations arise – don’t ever skip it. What are some of the most unique Father’s Day gifts you have gifted? Would you ever gift any of the ones we suggested? Like and follow us on our Meta and IG @citygirlsavings. -Taelor … 5 Unique Father’s Day Gift IdeasRead More »

7 Bright Ways to Start a Positive Day One of the best things you can do for yourself is start your day in a bright and shining way! And trust me, I’m telling myself this too! If you’re anything like me, you probably start your day by checking emails and then instantly scrolling social media. Neither activity is a recipe for a positive day.We need to protect our mental well-being, and that means having the discipline to put the phones down and start our days the right way. I’m sharing 7 bright ways to start a positive day and let that energy trickle into the rest of your day. These ideas will help you take back control of the start of your day and put you in the right mood to conquer anything!7 Bright Ways to Start a Positive Day#1 Sit outside (bonus points if you watch the sun rise)Have you ever felt the serenity that comes from just being out in nature? Imagine starting your day with that feeling of calm?! One bright way to start a positive day is to do so by sitting outside. Whether you want to get out right after you wake up, or take your cup of coffee with you, get outside!Watching the sun rise, hearing the birds chirping, and listening to the silence before the hustle and bustle of life kicks in can leave you feeling wonderful. The beauty of sitting outside is that you don’t have to do it for long to feel its benefits. Try starting your day with some fresh air or even a morning walk and see how it sets the tone for the day!#2 Listen to a guided meditation on manifestationI recently stumbled upon The Manifestation Babe and started listening to one of her guided meditations on abundance and manifestation. A few times a week, I’ve been waking up and putting the guided meditation on. This happens before I even get out of bed. Just hearing the words leave me feeling so excited and positive for the day to come.There are so many different guided meditations to choose from. Whether you need to release anxiety, feel a surge of inspiration, or start thinking on a new level, you can find a meditation to assist. I’m trying to start every day like this because I truly feel the difference.#3 Write down 5 things you’re grateful forAnother practice that I’ve been doing for awhile is using the Start Today Journal. In the journal, you start by listing 5 things you’re grateful for. Starting my day with gratitude reminds me of how blessed I am. It’s almost like the things I’m worried about are so far away, because I’m only focused on the things I’m truly appreciative of.You don’t need the Start Today Journal to get the same effect. You can start your day by simply writing down 5 things you’re grateful for. It can be as small as being grateful for today’s cup of coffee, or as big as waking up in the morning. There’s no right or wrong, it’s purely your appreciation for the things that are happening in your life.#4 Consume a motivating speechThanks to YouTube, Spotify, TED Talks and any other streaming platform, the access to motivating speeches is higher than ever. Another bright way to start a positive day is by listening to something that inspires and motivates you. Just hearing motivating words can get your creative juices flowing. Not to mention, the more you consume motivating information, the more motivated you become!Some of the people I love to listen to in order to get a surge of motivation include Jim Rohn (my favorite), Les Brown, Grant Cardone and Mel Robbins. There are so many great speakers out there, so start your day off by listening to what they have to say.#5 List out your current goalsDo you ever feel like you lose sight of where your headed sometimes? You’re not alone. I feel that way too. One thing that always keeps me coming back to my center is writing my current goals. I write them during my daily journaling and I see them on my dry erase board. I’m constantly keeping my goals front and center.When I’m constantly reminded of what I’m working towards, it helps me stay focused. I can make decisions that help me reach my goal, not the other way around. It always reminds me of why I’m working so hard. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!If you haven’t set any goals for your health, money, career, or life, it’s time to start doing so. Once you have them laid out, start writing them down every day. Over time, you will see a shift in how you think and how positive you become as you make your way to those goals.#6 Compliment yourself in front of a mirrorThis is a tip I haven’t done, but plan to start. Imagine waking up and starting your day with positive words of affirmation about yourself? I truly believe that if we don’t believe in ourselves, no one else will. It starts with us loving and believing in ourselves.If you struggle with self-esteem issues or a lack of confidence, this bright way to start your day may help whip you into mental shape. Start by saying one great thing about yourself. Starting small will eventually turn into bigger compliments. When you start seeing the value you bring to everyone’s table, everyone else will start seeing that value too.#7 Read a book (personal development preferred)One of my current goals is to read for 20 minutes every day, Monday through Friday. I personally like to read one fiction and non-fiction book at a time. Regardless of what type of book you’re reading, letting your mind focus on the words written in the book can help you forget about any drama or negativity in your life.If you’re reading books that help you develop as a person, those words have a lasting impact on your day. You take the words and phrases with you. This can set you up for a positive and successful day ahead.Related: 8 Ways to Improve Your Morning RoutineNow, I don’t think any of these ways to start your day are difficult to implement. WE (yes, me included) can literally kick these activities off tomorrow! You don’t have to do all at once, but I challenge you to pick one or two and give it a try tomorrow. For me, I’ll be starting my day with a guided meditation for manifesting!Do you have any bright ideas for starting your day? What is your typical morning routine? Share with the CGS community by dropping a comment below!- … 7 Bright Ways to Start a Positive DayRead More »

5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Your Closet Summer-Ready It’s about that time again! While summer is around the corner and many people are focused on hitting the gym to get in shape, they are totally forgetting to get their closet summer ready too!Like, let’s face it, whoever came up the phrase, “stay ready so you never have to get ready” is an undercover genius. Whether you believe it or not, some of the best summer clothes can be found at great prices. Check out these 5 budget friendly ways you can get your closet summer ready! #1 Make a List Taking inventory of what your closet is currently holding will help you save time and save your pockets from spending too much! Or worse, spending on something you don’t need! Like money management, there is such a thing as clothes management! Managing your wardrobe helps you see what you have available and identify the pieces you may need to bring your fits together.Make a list of all of the pieces you have available. Keep in mind, once you have created your list and everything is visible and accessible, it’s more easily inventoried for use and to know what you are working with. While you are making your list be sure to note which article of clothing is staying and which is going. Then, proceed by noting what season the piece of clothing is typically worn for (summer, winter, fall or spring).#2 Curate Your Summer Outfit Once you have your inventory, create a process for bringing in-season items to first line of sight. When summer rolls around, bring your summer clothes to the forefront so you eliminate the dread search. Nothing is worse than tearing up drawer after drawer as you search for your favorite shorts…you know, the ones that hug your booty in just the right areas!When you pull your summer items out, it helps to also identify the pieces that no longer fit or suit you. Those pieces can be donated or given away. For most of us, our sense of style changes throughout the years and what we may have liked last year we no longer like the following year. These small adjustments can help you with getting your closet summer ready and identifying what you need to stock up on. Designer duds on discount are also a great option. Check out stores like Nordstrom Rack, Saks OFF 5th and Macy’s for good finds!#3 Intentionally Organize When your closet is disorganized, it can truly make finding what you like to wear a hell of a task. Intentionally organizing your closet to be summer ready can make your life ten times easier. You may side eye the thought of organizing like-items, but I promise you will appreciate us later.If your items already organized in that manner then, if desired, go one step further (yes, I dare you) and organize by color. Perhaps swapping out the seasonal clothes from the closet to the dresser can help you easily visualize outfits ahead of time. Toss out anything that is stained or damaged. The goal is to try to keep less than half of what you had in the closet before you started. #4 Keep it budget friendlyHave you noticed it’s always the chaotic closets that end up costing way more money?! When choosing new articles of clothing to add to your wardrobe, don’t feel like you must start with the most expensive items on the rack. If you are in store shopping, direct your attention to the clearance rack first (there are some great finds!). Alternatively, if you find yourself online shopping, we suggest using those discount and promo codes when checking out.That way you are still getting what you want without the backlash of spending next month’s rent. You most definitely don’t need to go broke trying to get your closet together for summer. To help your pockets, you can sell items that you no longer want via sites such as Offer Up, eBay or even an old fashion yard sale.You can also make a good profit on Poshmark! In return, you can use the funds from those sales to help buy organizing bins and storage space for the articles of clothing that is out of season.#5 Take Care of your WardrobeUnderstanding the value of a dollar early on will help you save a bunch of coins. It’s important to take care of your wardrobe for a few reasons. One specifically is that fashion has a funny way of repeating itself. What was hot in the 90’s is making a slow comeback to the 2000’s.It’s also important to take care of your clothes because depending on the condition, you can always sell back your clothes for a profit. Check out 4 Bad Habits Ruining Your Clothes to make sure you’re taking care of your stuff!Related: 4 Summer Wardrobe Must-HavesClosets can be intimidating, especially when you’re in hurry and clothes are not put back where they belong. Keeping your closet tidy can come in handy for times like these. What ways have been helpful to you in getting your closet summer ready? We love to stay connected with you so please follow us on our IG, Twitter @citygirlsavings. If you are part of the Meta world, drop a comment on our City Girl Savings Page.Lastly, don’t forget to hear us on our CGS podcast and let us know what you’r … 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Your Closet Summer-ReadyRead More »

6 Apps to Help You Master Your Money If you think mastering your money is something to figure out on your own, I’m here to tell you otherwise! Thanks to the increase in financial literacy becoming available for everyone, there are apps, tools, websites, and coaches out there to help you master your money!We can no longer blame our parents, our school system, or society on our lack of financial understanding – there’s just too many resources at your disposal to close that knowledge gap! Today, I’m sharing 6 apps you can use to help you master your money. Wherever you are in your money journey, you can leverage these apps to help you feel more in control of your finances.6 Apps to Help You Master Your Money#1 App for Mastering Your Budget (Automated): YNABYNAB, also known as You Need a Budget, is an automated software that helps align your spending to different budget categories. It takes the manual work out of tracking your spending and tells you how much you spend in each budget category throughout the month.YNAB is a great option for someone looking to budget their money with little effort. Unfortunately, because a lot of the work is system-generated, the user still needs to review for accuracy. Sometimes, spending is miscategorized and needs to be updated. While this may seem like a nuisance, I think it helps someone stay on top of their budget.YNAB does come at a cost. You do have to pay for the service, so make sure that if you do end up using it, you use it to its fullest potential.#2 App for Mastering Your Budget (Manual): Google SheetsIf you’re new to budgeting, the best way to really master your budget and spending is to go manual. It’s much harder to get started with, especially if you don’t have much experience with budgeting. However, there are plenty of resources out there, City Girl Savings included, to help you get started.Once you have your budget laid out, you can use the Google Sheets app to start tracking your spending. The beauty of this app is that it functions like an excel spreadsheet, but since it’s an app, you can take it with you. Basically, your budget will never be left behind. You can use this app while you’re out and about to make sure that you’re spending what you can afford to.The more manual you are with tracking your spending, the closer to your money you become. You literally know every expense that flows through your bank account. This information puts you in control and allows you to move forward accordingly.#3 App for Mastering Your Savings Goals: DigitI’ve been using the Digit app for a very long time. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to save more money, with very little effort. When you sign up for the Digit app, you link your most active checking account. From there, Digit does the work. It transfers out small amounts of money from your checking account and puts that money into different savings goals you have within the Digit app.You can set your goals to have specific amounts reached by specific deadlines. Or, you can set up goals and just save for them whenever the app sees fit. I think it’s a great way to save for sinking funds, or fun spending that doesn’t impact your primary savings.Check out the article, How to Use Digit to Reach Your Money Goals, for more information about the app. If you’re new to it, you can get started for free. Eventually, a small monthly fee is charged.#4 App for Mastering Your Financial Wellness: Tend.MoneyA recently learned about the Tend Money app and love what they’re about. They’re a new kind of digital platform that focuses on helping users improve their financial wellness and manage their money better. You can manage all of your banking activity in one place. You can set up your own Tend money account and get rewards when you spend with their debit card.You can also learn more about finance by participating in their forums. They even have a Tend Shares program that helps you share revenue with the company. When you refer friends to the app you’re granted shares, which can be cashed out in the future. It’s almost like the better Tend does, the better you do. There is a $9.95 flat monthly rate.#5 App for Mastering Your Investment Portfolios (Beginners): BettermentAnother app that I’ve been using for years is Betterment. I started using it by setting up a general investment account to help me build wealth over time. I opened a second investment account to help me save for my second home in Palm Springs. Most recently, I opened my ROTH IRA with Betterment.Betterment is a great way to start investing when you’re new to the game. They have a user-friendly app, goal forecasters to help you determine what to save/invest to reach your goal, and you can get started with as little as $10!Since Betterment is a form of robo-advising, the costs associated with your portfolio are a lot less than they would be with a general investment firm. You can also make changes to your funds, add more investment accounts, and do your general banking with Betterment.#6 App for Mastering Your Investments (Advanced): PublicAnother app that I use for investing is Public. I started using Public more recently but have grown to love their platform. You can purchase fractional shares of stocks, which is a great perk. This means that you can invest in Apple without having to pay the full price for 1 share!Public recently introduced crypto into their arsenal as well. What sets Public apart from other investment apps is that there’s a social aspect to it. You can follow other Public users, see what they’re investing in and why. You can even research what other people are saying about stocks you’re interested in purchasing!Related: 5 Ways to Manage Money Like … 6 Apps to Help You Master Your MoneyRead More »

May 2022 Money Review When it comes to … May 2022 Money ReviewRead More »

#24: 18 Ideas to Save More Money Saving money doesn’t always have to mean putting money into a savings account. In fact, there are so many different ways a person can cut back their spending and use that extra savings to their advantage. Sometimes, we just need a little inspiration! I’m sharing 18 ideas to help you save more money in a variety of areas in your life. Tips like using GoodRX for all your prescriptions. Or, taking advantage of the standard perks and benefits that come with your credit cards. I hope this episode stimulates your brain and gets the wheels turning on different ways you can save more money in your situation. Keep these ideas in your arsenal, in case life changes make them relevant to your situation! Here’s a glance at this episode: [02:09] The credit cards that I love to use for travel, thanks to no foreign transaction fees, are American Express Bonvoy and Citi Premier. [04:06] One-click purchases can kill your budget! Remove your credit card information from all websites that encourage you to spend. [08:05] Online banks offer high-yield savings accounts. These are a great option to earn more in interest for the money you have sitting in savings. [09:40] A great way to reduce clutter in your home and make extra money is by purging old, unwanted items and listing them for sale online. Click here to listen! Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Raya and City Girl Savin … #24: 18 Ideas to Save More MoneyRead More »

5 Ways to Get Started with Personal Bookkeeping When it comes to personal bookkeeping, people make it more complicated than necessary. Bookkeeping doesn’t mean having binders and binders worth of financial details. It simply means keeping track of your personal finances – whichever way works best for you. The thing is, we all need to keep track of our finances, so bookkeeping is something we all should get comfortable with. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I got you covered! Check out 5 ways to get started with personal bookkeeping so you can keep track of your finances and stay as organized as possible! 5 Ways to Get Started with Personal Bookkeeping #1 Find a method that works for you (software, spreadsheet, notebook, checkbook register) The beauty about bookkeeping is that there isn’t a one-size-fits all approach. It’s a matter of finding the method that works best for you. Your options for bookkeeping include software (like Quicken), spreadsheets (DIY or purchased), a physical notebook, or your checkbook register. The point is to find a method for tracking your financial activity and stick to it. We want to make sure you’re keeping a constant eye on what’s coming into your account and what’s coming out of your account. As long as you can master that on a consistent basis, then you’ve mastered personal bookkeeping! #2 Dedicate a specific day each week to keeping your books I personally track my spending (aka keep my books) every few days. I recommend people new to budgeting or people with a lot of spending activity to track every 1-2 days. The more time in between keeping your records, the more tedious the exercise becomes. Trust me, that tedium can result in you not keeping your books period. If 1-2 days seems too much, opt for once a week. Decide on the best day and time each week to keep your books, then set up calendar reminders. Eventually it will become second nature, but until then, we need to do everything in our power to make the habit last. When you do decide on your day/time, make sure to set the mood! Have your cup of coffee and a candle going. #3 Digital makes things easier (view bank activity versus keeping receipts) There’s nothing wrong with old-fashioned paper receipts! The only problem is that paper receipts can get lost, destroyed or mis-tracked. If physical bookkeeping has been a previous practice of yours, no need to fix what isn’t broken. However, going digital with your tracking and bookkeeping efforts tends to be easier. Because everything digital is easily accessible, you avoid the risk of double-counting or losing track of financial activity. If you haven’t decided on a bookkeeping and tracking approach, I’d recommend starting with digital and see how that works for you. You can use your bank and credit account activity as your reference point. #4 If you’re a business owner, keep personal and business finances separate One of the biggest mistakes I see in new AND seasoned business owners is that the merge their business and personal finances. This is a bookkeeping nightmare! It also make tax-time a lot less pleasant. While it may be hard to undo this behavior if you’ve already started, it’s an absolute necessity. Start by making sure you have separate bank accounts for business and personal. From there, make sure all business financial activity happens in the business account and all personal financial activity happens in the personal account. Once you have them separated, you can use software to help you keep track of your books. I personally use QuickBooks and I love it! #5 Have a process for storing other records My final tip to help you get started with personal bookkeeping is to have a storage and organizational system for storing other financial records. This could include information on donations, investments, job benefits and more. Check out the articles How to Set Up a Financial Filing System and Your Guide to Organizing Financial Documents for some in-depth guidance. I promise you, having the process set up now will make your life so much easier. Not just a tax time, but when you’re ever in a hurry and need to find a financial document fast! You’ll thank me later! See, that wasn’t so bad! Embrace bookkeeping for what it is – your system for managing your financial details and records. Getting into the groove of bookkeeping will make your life so much easier, not to mention tax time! Stressing about taxes will be a thing of the past. Do you have any tips for bookkeeping? Drop a c … 5 Ways to Get Started with Personal BookkeepingRead More »