Your credit can impact virtually all of the financial aspects of your life. Anything that requires a credit check – like buying a car, getting a mortgage, or even renting an apartment – is made more difficult by having poor credit or no credit history, even if you know you’ll be able to afford the payments. 

So how do you establish credit, and once established, how do you build it?

Best Ways to Build Credit

Fortunately, there are a range of options to help you establish credit and build your credit score. You can: 

• get a secured credit card
• be added as an authorized user to a loved one’s credit card, or even 
• take out a credit-builder loan (or one that’s secured or co-signed). 

To offer more in-depth guidance on how to establish and build credit, we’ve put together some of our best credit-building tips below.

How to Establish Credit

Before you try to establish credit, it can be helpful to understand what exactly credit is. In short, it’s a way for lenders to get a sense of your reliability and financial standing before offering you a loan, so they can gauge the risk you present as a borrower. Credit is influenced by factors like previous debt collections and your payment history. If you have no established credit, lenders won’t know how reliable of a borrower you are, so they may be more hesitant to lend to you. 

If you have no credit history, here’s how you can start building credit the smart way: 

• Make sure you’re prepared: Before you start applying for loans and credit cards, pause to consider how your application appears to lenders. You’re more likely to get approval for starter credit cards or loans if you have a stable work history, steady income, and stable residential address history. Holding a job and maintaining a residence adds validity to your application and makes you seem more trustworthy as a borrower. If you haven’t had the same job or address for at least three months, consider waiting it out before applying for lines of credit.
  
• Apply for a secured credit card: A secured credit card uses cash as collateral against the card. You make a deposit with the card issuer, which they hold onto while the account is active. The deposit may be equal to or slightly less than your credit limit. This presents a lower risk for lenders while allowing you to establish credit. Other than the deposit, a secured credit card works the same as a standard one. You can use it to pay for purchases online and in person. You’ll need to make payments on your balance each month. If you pay your full balance each month, interest won’t be added.  Once you’ve had the card long enough, the issuer may even upgrade you to a standard card.
  
• Apply for a store or gas card: Credit cards that are specific to one store or business may be easier to get approved for without having a previous credit history. Department stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and auto parts stores often offer cards like these. If you do get one of these cards, be conscientious about your spending. You should only spend what you can afford to pay off the next month. Making a late payment or maxing out your card will hurt the credit you’re trying to establish.
• Open a joint credit card: Consider opening a joint credit card with someone you trust. If they have good credit, the card issuer is more likely to approve you both for the account. They will run a credit check for both of you since you’re opening a new account under both names. Keep in mind that any account actions will affect both people’s credit. If the account is well-managed, you’ll establish credit and start building it. If a payment is late or the account limit is reached, it will have a negative impact on both people’s credit. 

How to Build Credit Without a Credit Card

Some people are wary of opening credit cards, for a variety of reasons. There are ways to build credit without a credit card, including:

• Become an authorized user: If a trusted friend or family member already has a credit card and good credit, consider asking if you can become an authorized user on their account. You’ll receive your own card to make purchases using their credit, while they’re still responsible for making the monthly payments. Most card issuers allow at least one designated authorized user per account. Though credit checks aren’t done for authorized users (making this very convenient), the account’s financial history and details are reported to the credit bureaus – the three entities that determine your credit standing – under both users’ names. Check with your card issuer whether they report authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus (not all issuers do so), as this can help build your credit, sometimes giving it a jumpstart if the other user’s credit is good enough. If the account experiences a late payment or high balance, both parties’ credit will be affected.
• Apply for a credit-builder loan: A credit builder loan is a small loan (less than $1,000) designed for those with no credit. The lender puts the money into a secure savings account – sometimes one that earns interest – under your name, and you make small payments over a set time period to repay it. Once you complete the payment plan, you are given the money from the loan. The lender will report your monthly payments to at least one credit bureau (Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian), building your credit. Another loan option is to have someone you trust co-sign a loan with you, which means they’d be responsible for making any loan payments that you don’t.
• Use a credit building service: There are a variety of credit building services which can fix inaccuracies and help repair your credit score, but these can sometimes come with large price tags. Another option is to use a service that will report on-time payments of common bills (like utilities bills, subscription services, and cell phone bills) to credit bureaus. 

How to Build Your Credit Once You Have a Credit Card

If you do get a credit card, how you use it can make or break your credit, too. To build your credit with a credit card:

• Make payments on time: Your payment history will be reported to entities that determine your credit standing, and late payments will harm it. If you make a payment that’s more than 30 days late, your creditor will report it, and this can negatively impact your credit score. If a payment is 60 days or more overdue, your interest rates may increase, and future lenders will see it as a red flag. Late payments can stay on your credit history for up to seven years. To help avoid late payments, only charge what you know you can pay off in a month or less.
• Use it sparingly: Your credit usage (how much of your credit limit is being used) is also reported to the credit bureaus. This accounts for a chunk of your overall credit standing and is determined by comparing your current credit account balances to the total credit limit offered to you. For instance, if your total credit limit is $500 and you have a balance of $250, you’re utilizing 50% of your credit. It’s recommended to keep your credit utilization below 35%. Going above that can negatively impact your rating.
• Keep the account open: Even if you decide you no longer want to use the card, keep your credit card account open. Part of your credit standing is judged based on your average account age, with older being better because it offers more credit history. Closing your account can lower your standing, even temporarily, because the average account age will decrease. To keep the account open, make one small purchase per month, paying it off as soon as you receive the statement. Plus, you never know when you might need the credit card if you get into a tight spot, so it’s wise to keep one around.

Check If You Qualify for the Avant Credit Card

See if you qualify for the Avant Credit Card. Seeing if you qualify won’t affect your credit score.

What Credit Score Do You Start At?

Your credit score is generated by the three credit bureaus and used by lenders to determine your trustworthiness as a borrower. It’s a variable number that can differ between credit bureaus, as they use different models to calculate scores, generating different numbers. The FICO® credit score model is the one most commonly used by lenders. 

The lowest your FICO credit score can be is 300, but the first score generated once you open a credit account and use it for six months may be higher than that, depending on how you’ve managed your credit over that time. 

If you have a score of 300 and it doesn’t improve, you may be unlikely to:

• Qualify for new large lines of credit, like a car loan or mortgage.
• Make large purchases that require credit checks or store lines of credit, like a new smartphone.
• Easily land a new job, as some employers (like military, financial, or legal enterprises) use your credit rating to gauge your responsibility and reliability.
• Rent a home, as landlords may not trust you to pay your rent on time for the duration of the lease.

If you do find a loan or line of credit that you’re qualified for, a score of 300 could lead to higher interest rates, less flexible loan terms, or a very low credit limit.

If you’re curious about your current score, you can request a free copy of your credit report from the bureaus at annualcreditreport.com. The CFPB has more information here.

How Can I Build My Credit Fast?

Since your credit impacts so many aspects of your life, it’s normal to feel a sense of urgency to build credit. However, building credit is usually a “hurry-up-and-wait” situation. Your credit score is a way to show lenders that you’re trustworthy, and that trust takes time to build. 

If you’re smart with your credit – minimizing its usage, making payments on time, keeping your accounts open, and eventually having different types of credit (like a loan and a credit card) – then your score will grow. This can take some time and patience is key.

How Long Does it Take to Build Credit if You Have None?

Some credit score models only require three months of credit history to generate a score, while others require more. To have a FICO score, you usually need to have one credit account that’s been open for six consecutive months and one account that has been reported to a credit bureau within the past six months (these can be the same account). Basically, you should see your first credit score six months after opening a credit account. If you’ve had a credit account for six months and still don’t have a score, check with your lenders or credit bureaus to ensure the account is being reported.

Learn More About Avant Personal Loans & Credit Card Offerings

Whether you want to establish credit or build it, personal loans and credit cards through Avant can help. Loans through Avant feature fast disbursements, fixed monthly payments, and a convenient app that makes managing your payments a snap. If you prefer credit cards, the AvantCard is suited for credit building, with decisions made in minutes. Checking your rates won’t affect your credit score, so why wait? Start building better credit – and a better life – today.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, financial, or tax advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal, financial, tax or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; Avant does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank.

Avant, LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank.

^Pricing may vary based on offers provided through different channels. If you received an offer in the mail, please refer to your letter for the specific terms offered. For more information regarding other account terms, see rates and terms.

* To learn more, see the Mastercard Guide to Cardholder Benefits here.

* Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000. APR ranges from 9.95% to 35.99%. Loan lengths range from 12 to 60 months. Administration fee up to 4.75%. If approved the actual loan amount, term, and APR amount of loan that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination and state law. Minimum loan amounts vary by state.

** Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33.

*** Average FICO score of Avant customers accurate as of October 11, 2022.

†The decision process may take longer if additional documents are requested. Approval and loan terms will vary based on credit determination and state law.

‡ Funds are generally deposited via ACH for delivery next business day after approval if approved by 4:30pm CT Monday-Friday.

Avant of Washington, LLC DBA Avant is a wholly-owned and operated subsidiary of Avant, LLC Nationwide Multistate Licensing System #1440089.

Avant, LLC Nationwide Multistate Licensing System #1243761.

Connecticut consumers: all marketing efforts are associated with Avant of Connecticut, LLC d/b/a “Avant”, Small Loan Company License #SLC-1457409

The post How Do You Build Credit? appeared first on The Avant Blog.

While there are several differences between debit and credit cards, both are accepted for purchases by most retailers. Understanding the differences between a credit card vs a debit card can help you better manage your money and enhance your financial knowledge. Here’s a quick overview of how credit cards and debit cards generally work.  This article provides general information regarding debit and credit cards, and may not reflect the terms and conditions of specific products.  For more information regarding products offered through Avant, see Credit Cardmember Agreement.

What is a Debit Card?

A debit card is a method of payment similar to cash, but easier to carry. A debit card is linked to the funds in your deposit, checking, and/or savings account. It transfers money electronically from your account to the merchant when you make a purchase.

Another type of debit card is a prepaid card, like a gift card. Unlike a traditional debit card, a prepaid card is not attached to a deposit, checking, or savings account. Rather, it has a certain amount of money loaded onto it. Every time you use it, the cost of what you purchase is deducted from the total value of the card until the balance reaches zero. In some cases, you can replenish funds on a prepaid card in order to re-use it. One of the chief benefits of a prepaid card is that this type of card can help to prevent you from spending more than you have, limiting you to the amount assigned to your card.

How Do Debit Cards Work?

Your debit card accesses money from the account it is linked to. You can use it to make online or in-store purchases, as well as ATM transactions like checking your balance, withdrawing cash, making deposits, or transferring money. To keep your account secure, you may need a personal identification number (PIN) when using your debit card.

With a debit card, you are limited to only withdraw or spend the amount of money in your account. Any attempt to exceed that amount will typically be declined unless your account offers an overdraft protection product. Three ways to avoid having your debit card transaction declined are:

• Always know the balance of your account and stay within those limits.
• Link your debit account to a savings account with backup funds. 
• Sign up for overdraft protection if your account offers it.

Depending on your debit card provider, it could be linked to a savings account as well as a checking account so any purchase amount exceeding funds in your checking account will be deducted from your savings if you go over your balance. Overdraft protection covers transactions beyond your account balance with a small loan, like credit, from your financial institution.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Debit Card?

Don’t like carrying cash? Not sure how much you’ll need? Debit cards provide the convenience and security of using your money when and where you like. They give you ready and safe access to your money almost anywhere. The benefits of using a debit card include: 

• No interest or monthly bill.
• Keep money in your account until you want to spend it.
• Track your spending effortlessly.
• No need to visit an ATM to make purchases.
• Widely accepted.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Debit Card?

Carrying a debit card is better than carrying cash, but it does have some down-sides:

• You could face fees for transactions at ATMs.
• You won’t build your credit history or improve your credit score by using a debit card.
• You could be responsible for fraudulent charges if your card is lost or stolen.
• You may tend to overspend because of the convenience of carrying a debit card.

What is a Credit Card?

A credit card is a line of credit – a promise of a loan of any amount at any time you need it until you reach a total maximum. When you get your credit card, you agree to repay any amount you borrow, plus interest, according to the terms of the credit card agreement.

How Do Credit Cards Work?

Every purchase you make with a credit card is a small loan. At the end of each 30-day billing cycle, you get a statement that tells you how much credit you used, how much is still available to you, and what fees, if any, you’ve incurred. 

The credit card bill gives you two options:

• If you pay the balance in full, you start the next month with your full line of credit intact. This means you could charge up to your maximum credit limit.
• If you pay only a portion of the balance, you are agreeing to pay interest on the rest. Those interest charges will be noted on your next month’s statement.

To keep your credit account current and avoid late fees, you must pay at least the required minimum payment by the date noted on your credit card statement. Consistent on-time payments will help you establish a good credit history.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Credit Card?

Credit cards offer some of the same conveniences as debit cards, but also offer several added advantages:

• If your card is lost or stolen, you may not be held responsible for fraudulent charges.
• You can use a credit card for emergencies when you don’t have the cash available.
• Credit cards can help you build your credit history and improve your credit score.
• Rewards programs let you earn benefits for using your credit card.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Credit Card?

There are downsides to using credit cards, including:

• You will be charged interest on purchases if you don’t pay off your balance each month.
• You could be charged fees for late payments, cash advances, and foreign transactions.
• Some credit cards charge an annual user fee.
• You could build up debt by spending money you don’t have and compounding it with monthly interest charges.

Debit vs. Credit Card: Which One Should I Use?

Using a credit card or debit card is a decision based on the situation. The deciding factor is almost always whether you have disposable cash to use for the purchase and, if not, whether you can pay off your credit card balance at the end of the month. 

For routine purchases, like your morning latte, a debit card is easiest. It is just like using cash. A debit card will also help you stay within your budget when shopping for needs and wants.

You may choose to manage your money by using your credit card for all purchases and then paying it off in full at the end of each month. This way, you could take full advantage of any rewards your credit card offers.

When you don’t have enough cash, a credit card may be your only option for true emergencies. Charging more on your credit card than you can pay off in full the following month will trigger interest charges for the time it takes you to pay off the balance. 

Avoid adding your five-dollar morning latte to your credit card balance unless you want to end up paying seven dollars for it. Your debit card is usually the best choice for all purchases while you are paying off the credit card balance.

Can I Use My Debit Card as a Credit Card?

Using your debit card as a credit card is usually an option when you make an in-store purchase. A debit card will still take the funds out of your account, even if you use it as a credit card. The only difference is how the merchant will process the transaction. A credit card transaction on your debit card does not require your PIN and may take longer to remove the funds from your account.

Can You Transfer Money from a Credit Card to a Debit Card?

Transferring money from your credit card to your debit card is considered a cash advance. You should check your credit card terms to see what, if any, fees and interest you will be charged. Decide whether the cost is worth it to you before proceeding. Once the money is in your account, you can use your debit card to spend it or withdraw it from an ATM as cash.

In the Market for a Better Credit or Debit Card? 

Whether you are new to credit, need to rebuild your credit, or are just a responsible borrower, Avant has the right credit and debit card options for you. Our easy application process makes the Avant Credit Card^ your simple and transparent choice. 

Take charge of your finances with Avant.

* Avant, LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. 

** The Avant Debit Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted.

^Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank. 

This page is for informational purposes only. Avant does not provide financial, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own financial, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

The post What’s the Difference Between a Credit Card and a Debit Card? appeared first on The Avant Blog.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have friends or family in their destination city. And even if you know people in the city you’re traveling to, you might prefer staying in a hotel. Rather than let hotel rates limit how much fun you can afford, here are eight simple hacks to help you preserve cash.

1. Book your hotel and flight together

Many travel sites offer a discount if you book a vacation package, or your hotel and flight together. It’s not a huge savings, but even if you only save $75 or $80, the savings can go toward an extra excursion or help with your food costs.

2. Call the hotel directly

The Internet and travel apps make it super easy to book reservations because you don’t have to speak with an actual person. But convenience doesn’t always save money. Many people use their favorite travel sites or book a room through a hotel’s website, but these sites may not offer the latest promotions and deals. Call the hotel directly and ask about last-minute weekend specials or unadvertised off-season specials.

3. Find an offsite parking garage

Hotels in large cities are not only more expensive, the garages aren’t always easily accessible and you’re typically required to pay a valet surcharge ranging anywhere from $25-$50 per night. If you don’t mind walking, see if you can locate a nearby 24-hour parking garage. The garage might charge less than the hotel’s surcharge.

4. Bring your own cooler and hotplate

Some hotels are clever and they don’t place microwaves or mini-fridges in the rooms unless requested. Even if you request an item, most hotels have a limited supply. So, you have no choice but to eat elsewhere or order overpriced room service. To save money, bring a family sized cooler to keep food items cold, and a hotplate to prepare simple meals in your hotel room. Just make sure you check with the hotel first. Some hotels are cool with the idea, but others don’t want guests cooking in the rooms.

5. Write a review

Call the hotel manager in advance and let them know you’re interested in writing a review of the hotel. As a courtesy, the manager might authorize a discount. Understand, however, the discount isn’t a bribe for a stellar review. Inform the manager that you’ll write an unbiased, honest review based on your experience.

6. Bring up special occasions

If you’re visiting a hotel for your honeymoon, anniversary or birthday, mention the special occasion when booking your night. Some hotels offer discounted rates for special occasions, and you might enjoy other perks as well. Who knows? You might show up to a bouquet of flowers, a complimentary bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries. Or maybe just some complimentary snacks. Either way, free stuff!

7. Ask for a price match

Hotels are competitive and they want to retain as much business as possible. So, if you book a hotel and find a rate slightly cheaper at a comparable chain, call the hotel that has your reservation. Ask the hotel to match the nightly rate charged by the other hotel. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. In other words, don’t ask a four-star hotel to discount your rate based on what a three-star hotel charges.

The post 7 Incredibly Simple Hotel Hacks to Save You Money appeared first on The Avant Blog.

So prepare yourself and get into that whimsical mental state. These kinds of things are what keep life interesting!

1. Potluck – This is a favorite way to entertain on a budget – and for good reason. You get to see your friends AND they bring food. Win, win. You can assign dishes or go with the flow. It’s surprisingly fun when 5 people show up with cake.
2. Picnic – Eating food outside should be the marker of a successful weekend. It’s so easy to curate a cheap picnic meal and head outdoors to soak up some vitamin D as you chow down.
3. Blind food tasting – Pick a food, any food, and track down several varieties. Line them up, blindfold the taster(s), and have them take a guess at what types they’re enjoying! This is a fun way to explore different flavors and work out your senses.
4. Pop culture themed party – Throwing a themed party is the basis for oh so many entertaining options. Game of Thrones night? Favorite movie night? J.R.R. Tolkien fiesta? The options are only as limited as your imagination (or your Netflix).
5. Clothing swap – This one is as efficient as it is exciting. You get to do a little spring cleaning of your clothes while also adding to your wardrobe – for free! Have friends bring over their unwanted clothes, a bag, and get to swapping.
6. Learn an instrument – There’s nothing like a little musical therapy to get outside of your mind and relax a little. From harmonica to ukelele, no instrument is too big or small (though portable ones tend to do better). Invite someone be the teacher or all band together to learn the basics for the first time.
7. Open mic – Coffee shops and bars are best known for open mics, but if you have a living room then you have all you need to host one of your very own. Invite attendees to bring a 3 minute “segment” of talent and be blown away by the offerings of your friends and family.
8. Movie night – Popcorn. DVD. Milk Duds. Boom. You have all the elements for a perfect movie night. For the full effect, don’t skimp out on the previews!
9. Art night – Put out different art mediums (pencils, watercolors, charcoal, etc) and get your doodle on. It doesn’t matter if there’s not an artistic bone in your body – it’s fun to let yourself create something.
10. Debate night – Harken back to the days of high school debate club and take a stance on something. Whether it’s the merits of cronuts or the health benefits of coffee, (friendly) debates can be a great source of entertainment. Bonus: you don’t have to give out grades at the end.
11. Game night – Game night is the classic standard for fun on the cheap. Dominos, Twister, Monopoly, Guess Who?, Jenga!, Risk, Charades, Pictionary, Apples to Apples, Dungeons and Dragons… the list could go on and on. Tip: diffuse competitive tension with snacks.
12. Flower exchange/garden party – Looking to expand your garden? Invite friends over and ask them to bring seeds, cuttings, or small plants which you can then exchange with some of your own. Even better, ask attendees  to pass on helpful gardening info to whoever takes over their seedlings.
13. Baking/cooking class – You don’t have to be a master chef to embrace your inner Emeril. Pick out your favorite recipe and invite friends over for a demo. Encourage them to do the same and you can even add some recipes into your own arsenal.
14. Book exchange – You know those books on your shelf? The ones that you always wanted to read, but never quite got around to? Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Host a book swap and you can refresh your library while sending your own unread books to a good home.
15. Book club – If you want to do a little more than exchange books, pick out a book and host a book club. If it seems that people are a little hesitant to commit to the challenge, host a “Short Story Club” and opt for a short story that can be read in 10 minutes or less.
16. Lawn games – Take your gaming outside for a good old fashioned game of croquet. If you’re feeling fancy, make it a dressy event. If you’re feeling crazy, break out the slip ‘n slide (just be sure to clear the lawn of rocks).
17. Teach/learn a dance routine – Rent an old dance DVD, choose a dance sequence from a movie, or just choreograph one yourself. Then – have at it. Dance troupe – done.
18. Skill exchange – Most of the time, people are hesitant to admit to their talents, but everyone has a shareable skill. Invite people to bring over their skill/talent and teach it to the others in the group.
19. Organize a skit –  Pick out a scene or a sketch and decide parts among your friends. You can add costumes and props to up the production value or just sit and read from the script. You don’t have to write it but penning a play gives another element of entertainment!
20. Share something about your neighborhood with friends – Everyone should have something that they love about their neighborhood. To give some warm fuzzies back to your community, round up friends and show them your favorite part about your zip code.
21. Silent dance party – Here’s how it works: Everyone brings their own music, music player, and ear buds. Then everyone plugs in… and dances. This sounds weird (and it is). But as someone who’s participated in one myself, it’s oddly freeing and honestly really fun! A new meaning to “dance to the beat of your own drum”.
22. Desserts take over your brain!!! One word: sugar. Times that by 20, and you have yourself a dessert party. There’s a reason that cookie/dessert exchanges have been so popular… you get access to a smorgasbord of sweets. Organize a swap of all things saccharine and get yourself tasting.
23. Extend a challenge or contest – Maybe it’s a pumpkin carving throw down. Maybe it’s a cat drawing competition. Whatever the theme, declare a challenge, provide some materials (or ask people to bring their own), and have a few prizes ready for the victor at the end!
24. Guide a hike – Take up the leader reigns and pick out a hike near your digs. Sharing natural beauty with others is always a fun way to bond and reconnect with the outdoors.
25. Iron Chef challenge – Choose an ingredient and have your friends get cookin’. Implement a time constraint and you have a regular culinary throwdown ready.
26. Theme night based on “National _____” Day – National Iced Tea Day? Corn on the Cob Day? Cow appreciation day? There’s pretty much a day for anything. Take advantage of the pre-populated themes and celebrate! For reference, check out this comprehensive list and get to coordinating.
27. Murder mystery dinner – With a little bit of planning, you can host your very own Clue. Ask people to arrive in costume and stick to their characters for an even more entertaining experience.
28. Book readings – No, not just sitting around and reading independently (though by all means, read away side by side if that sounds interesting) but reading out loud. Take turns reading from a novel or collection of short stories and feel your culture points zoom through the roof.
29. Karaoke – There’s not much better than getting your Celine Dion on in front of friends… unless of course you’re channeling your Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Whatever your musical style, rent a machine and prepare to rock the microphone with your buddies.
30. The exquisite corpse (and other parlour games) – Take a cue from those fun-seekers of time past and check out the old fashioned parlour games. They’re usually centered on high entertainment value and creativity so they’re a great place to look for party games.
31. Bring a new friend – Expand your friend group by inviting your friends to bring a new acquaintance or friend to your next get together. Not only will you be opening yourself up to new connections, you’ll help new folks branch out as well.
32. Travel sharing – Travelers almost always want to share their travels – trouble is, not everyone wants to listen to them relive their trips. Give each person the opportunity to share their experiences by hosting a “Trip Spotlight” night. Have people bring photos and stories and give them 15 minutes on center stage. Then, switch to the next person’s travel stories.
33. Topical mastermind group – If there’s something that interests you and your friends, offer an open space to discuss and brainstorm on the topic. This keeps you sharp and also gives an opportunity to bond over common interests. It’s a great way to push your creative brain and learn from others!
34. Leave it up to chance (pull from a hat) – Get a little mysterious here and let chance guide your evening. Write up a few ideas and then pull from a hat to decide! It’s like choosing the mystery flavored Airhead… the element of the unknown makes it all the more fun but still know it’s going to be delicious.

Add your ideas to the comment section below and we can keep the list going.

Now go forth readers, entertain and be frugal.

The post 34 Creative Ways to Entertain on a Budget appeared first on The Avant Blog.

With abundant Internet access and a smartphone by our side at all times, this number is likely to keep growing. Considering that the average U.S. household debt stands at an alarming $38,000, getting a hold of your shopping habits is crucial. So, if you’re concerned you may be a shopaholic, review these seven warning signs and study up on the potential solutions.

Problem #1: You shop to make to make yourself feel better.

Having shopping intertwined with emotion is one of the most common causes of compulsive buying. Whether it’s the feeling of a post-purchase rush or rewarding yourself for a minor victory, these connections can cloud your judgment and lead to unnecessary spending.

Solution: Replace shopping with a more positive activity. Going cold turkey on anything can be a struggle and often sets you up for future failure. Instead, boost your endorphins naturally with one of these activities like taking a group fitness class or savoring some chocolate. Something even as simple as a brisk walk can elevate your mood and help lessen your desire to buy.

Problem #2: You carry more credit and store cards than business cards.

Credit isn’t hard to come by these days. Stores constantly offer their credit card at the register, and with about 60 seconds of sign-up time online you can get approved for almost endless credit limits.

Solution: This country runs on credit, so it’s smart to have a carefully managed account or two. However, there’s no reason to carry balances across multiple cards. To curb impulsive online spending, start by deleting your stored credit card information from your favorite websites. The time it takes you to reenter the billing information each time will give you time to rethink that unnecessary purchase. You can also resort to more drastic measures such as only paying in cash or freezing problem cards in a block of ice.

Problem #3: You have no idea how much you owe nor dare to check your credit card statements.

Staring down debt is scary, and it’s much easier to promise yourself you’ll tackle that issue another day. But, the longer you wait, the worse it will get. There may be small issues you can resolve quickly that are costing you more and more each month.

Solution: Face your fear and go over your finances in detail. Having this information will help you prioritize and make smart decisions going forward.

Problem #4: Your closet is filled with items that still have the tags or have never been worn.

Accumulating clothing faster than you can wear it is a big red flag your purchasing behavior is impulsive.

Solution: Make sure you have a specific purpose when you buy. Sure that cardigan looks cute, but when will you actually wear it? A good principle to live by is the 24-hour rule. When you feel like you absolutely have to have something, sleep on it for 24 hours. If your desire is unwavering after waiting, it’s more likely your purchase is justified. However, most times you’ll find that you actually forget about the item.

Problem #5: You hide your new purchases from your significant other.

This is a sure sign somewhere deep down you feel like there’s something wrong with your shopping behaviors. Money disputes are one of the most common reasons relationships end, and deception is up there as well.

Solution: This solution is very dependent on your relationship. If you have to get all of your purchases approved, resentment is likely to creep in. Instead of having one person make all of the decisions, try shopping together. Where you may have hid purchases before, review them together post-purchase and it may help you realize you bought just to buy or spent way too much.

Problem #6: You spend every penny whether you need to or not.

Most of us have had times in our life where there was no other option but to live paycheck to paycheck. Often this becomes our regular habit, even after it’s no longer necessary.

Solution: Reign yourself in with attainable goals. When you make drastic changes, you’re likely to be uncomfortable and fight them. Start by saving a small amount each month or making a slightly larger payment on your debts. After you learn to accommodate this change, increase the amount a little more.

Problem #7: You are a sucker for sales.

Many people justify buying something they don’t really need because it’s on sale. If you jump on every email offer or pop into every store flashing a sale sign, it’s time to reevaluate your deal hunting strategy.

Solution: Identifying your triggers will help you eliminate them from your life. Unsubscribe from store e-newsletters, cancel snail mail catalogues by contacting Catalog Choice, and delete any flash sale or daily deal apps that push tempting pop-up notifications on your mobile device.

Written by Andrea Woroch. You can learn more about her at her website or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

The post 7 Signs You’re Addicted to Shopping appeared first on The Avant Blog.

Food shopping is a necessity but it’s easy to get carried away with splurges and non-essentials.

And grocery stores do nothing to help you avoid overspending. Companies pinpoint specific ways to boost consumer spending and implement strategies to encourage impulse spending. From the smells to the placement of the products to the free samples — they want you to spend more and they know how to persuade you.

That’s why it’s important to have a few solid techniques to help you navigate the aisles without taking a huge bite out of your budget.

A few tips to help you stick within your grocery budget:

Experiment With Your Best Strategy

Grocery lists are useful only if lists fit with with your personal budgeting style. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to shop based on sale items, then sticking to a list might actually hold you back from savings. Conversely if sales usually cause you to add things you normally wouldn’t — then shopping based on sales probably isn’t the best strategy for you.

As you start out, experiment with a couple different types (lists, sale-driven, couponing, etc.) and decide which one works best for you. It takes some time to find the right one for you, so give yourself a bit of leeway over the first few trips. As long as you take the time to look at what worked and what didn’t work after each trip, you’ll eventually find your groove.

Assign a Function To Each Item

Planning out every single meal before you go shopping takes time and isn’t realistic for everyone. But wandering the aisles of a grocery store without at least some idea as to what you plan to do with your purchases can easily result in overspending.

For example: if you’re throwing items into your cart left and right without thinking about how you plan to make use them, you might up with a cart full of celery, cilantro, cauliflower, bagels and graham crackers. Usable, of course, but maybe not necessarily with nutritious meals in mind.

A way to avoid the aimless purchasing? Give your items a job! Before you put something into your basket, run through how you plan to use it. Each time you reach for something, instead of thinking to yourself “I need this,” ask yourself “why do I need this?” or “what do I plan to use this for specifically?” You might be surprised how those questions can refocus your choices.

Put Things Back Before You Check Out

Your shopping cart isn’t a black hole. Things you toss in on impulse can be retrieved and put back on the shelf.  Before you line up at check-out take a last look into your basket or cart and put back the items that mysteriously jumped in there. The bag of chips you threw in even though you already have two bags at home? Back on the shelf. The three-for-one deal on licorice even though you know you won’t eat it all? Outta there.

You can do it! It actually feels good. Every item you put away represents money that will remain in your bank account.

Just a word of caution — don’t use the final lap as an opportunity to put even more into your basket!

Shop Less Frequently

There are two pulls for the frequency of shopping trips: bigger, more infrequent trips versus smaller, and more regular trips. While there’s definitely something to be said for buying less each time and visiting the grocery store more frequently as a way to avoid food waste — visiting the grocery store more frequently also exposes you to temptation spending more often.

Think back on the last time you went into a supermarket for just one thing. Did you really leave with just that one thing? If you have iron impulse control, then maybe. But the majority of shoppers end up buying one or two extras. Adding those one or two extra items to each frequent trips can really result in some serious added costs.

See if you can cut down on the number of trips you take to the store each month as an extra way to avoid temptation spending. It can also help you to use up the food you already have before adding even more to your pantry.

Trade Your List With a Buddy

This one is a bit more unique and definitely won’t work for everyone. But if you’re finding it tough to simply “stick to a list” consider adding some accountability to the equation. Let a friend shop for items on your list while you shop for items on theirs. Then swap carts before you check-out (you don’t want to pay for their champagne tastes if you’re on a tight budget) and know confidently that your basket reflects only the items on your list.

Choose someone you trust, ideally someone with similar views of food. After all, if you want a specific kind of apple and as far as they know there are only two kinds — red and green — you may not wind up with exactly your order. Specify as much as you care to. Want a specific brand? Write it down. It can also help you to plan out exactly what you want and help you to plan your meals.

Highlight Your Splurges

Maybe you only toss in one or two “extras” every shopping trip. Maybe it’s more like 15. To keep track of your spending visually separate your splurges from your planned items by using a brightly colored highlighter and highlighting all the extras on your receipt. By picking out these extra spending items, you can more easily see how far you strayed from the necessities.

You can also physically separate all your extras from your list items after each trip to get an idea of just how many extra items end up in your basket. For even more visual accountability, snap a picture with your phone.

Try Out Online Shopping Services

If you’re constantly going over budget and the lure of splurge is too great then take the supermarket out of the plan. Without the smells, the sights and the tastes (think along the lines of samples) to tempt you then you may be more successful in sticking closely to your grocery needs. Some supermarkets and services like Peapod offer grocery delivery which can get your groceries delivered directly to your front door for a small fee.

Staying on budget requires more than just putting on your blinders as you race down the aisles. It’s more about forming sustainable and reasonable skills to help you resist the urges to spend — even when overwhelmed with 40 different kinds of yogurt.

The post Surviving The Supermarket: How to Avoid Overspending on Groceries appeared first on The Avant Blog.

Did you just pay off a large loan? Did you finally get that promotion at work? It’s okay to treat ourselves for working hard and a job well done—but the trick is that you must have saved up enough money to reward yourself. It’s not a reward if you’re charging it on your credit card and will get the bill to pay it off at the end of the month. Don’t make your future self responsible for paying for your past self.

So how do you keep your rewards in check? Find where in your budget that extra money will come from, whether forgoing your dining out budget for the week, or putting into savings an extra $20 per week until you reach your goal, and allow yourself to spend it guilt-free.

When You Won’t Regret It

How many times have you gone around your house looking for items to sell online for a fraction of the price you bought it for, or bought something only to realize you don’t have enough room in your closet to fit it?

Become more mindful with your spending—ask yourself, will you still want this in a year? Do I really need this? Am I buying this because of a physical need or emotional want?

If you’re truly buying an item based on need and it’s something that will last you a long time, then go ahead and splurge.

By having a debt repayment plan where you build in the inevitable splurges, you’re more likely to stick with your plan without getting completely derailed.

The trick is to plan for these splurges and to make smart choices so that you can continue to pay down your debt and meet your financial goals.

The post 2 Times It’s Okay to Splurge appeared first on The Avant Blog.

Pause

You don’t have to answer immediately. Give yourself a moment to assess your options and truly recognize what it is that you want out of a scenario. This pause will prevent you from saying yes out of knee-jerk habit. A pause can last enough time for a deep breath, or you can request some time to think about it or to check in with your schedule.

Reframe

Take yourself out of the situation and think objectively for a moment. Feel pressured to make a decision? Don’t let this stress guide your answer. Take out all the emotional parts to the equation and answer as you would advise another friend to answer.

Recognize your goals

Dedication to a goal is an incredible motivator. Use your imagination and stir up all sorts of daydreams for your goal. What does it look like? What does it feel like? Imagine the details.

Proceed with your answer

The layout of your answer isn’t one size fits all. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation nor does it have to be a quick “nope.” It will depend on the person and the unique circumstances. But while the actual answer can differ from situation to situation, there’s always a reason to…

Be honest and genuine

Saying no doesn’t have to be an emotionally sterile exchange. Say no as you would want to hear it. With compassion and respect.

PS: It’s also OK to say yes sometimes!

No is a powerful tool for sticking with your financial plan but it’s also only one side of the coin. It’s also important to incorporate flexibility in order to achieve balance. That means saying yes to the occasional splurge or budgeting for goals that aren’t entirely targeted at paying off your debt. Creating a plan that you can stick with is more important than creating rigid boundaries.

The post How to Master the Art of Saying No to Spending appeared first on The Avant Blog.

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Commit yourself to some level of spending

Don’t try to tell yourself you’re going to go out with friends and not spend a dime. It’s not realistic, and let’s face it, it’s not actually fun. Further, simply worrying about potential expenses often puts a bad spin on the experience. If you go out, accept the fact that you’ll likely spend at least some money.

To avoid blowing your entire bank account, go into the evening with a clear spending limit. If you give yourself a clear and acceptable spending boundary, you give yourself the permission to enjoy yourself without the weight of money fret.

Bring cash

There’s nothing worse than diligently sticking to an appetizer and water only to have the bill split equally between all other entrees and drinks at the end of the meal. To avoid the conundrum? Bring cash (ideally smaller bills that will cover your cost plus your fair portion of tip and tax). This gives you the flexibility to pitch in for what you owe without having to take too much time rearranging the bill. Some people simply see splitting equally to be the easiest option between big groups, but if you can pay your bill exactly, there’s no extra work involved. It’s just as easy to ask a server to deduct cash first and split the remainder between any cards.

Additionally, taking out a pre-decided sum of cash and using that throughout the evening can also give you a spending parameter that helps you to create a secure financial boundary.

Plan and pay BEFORE you go

Consider these two scenarios…

• A) You show up to a group dinner with anxiety over your budget. As a result, you choose the cheapest things on the menu (because you don’t want to spend too much) which ends up being an iceberg lettuce salad with a single cherry tomato for $12. The whole time you’re worried about the bill and how it will be split. You can’t enjoy what you’ve ordered nor is it particularly satisfying when compared to the other things people are ordering. When the bill finally does arrive, you end up paying $30 dollars which is twice as much as you wanted to spend. You feel guilty over the amount spent and regretful that you spent the money at all.
• B) A month before the group dinner is scheduled, you buy a gift card for the restaurant where it will be held. You peruse the menu and decide $30 is a reasonable amount to spend and is an amount that you feel you can budget for. The money comes out immediately from your bank account as soon as the purchase is complete, despite the fact that you have yet to eat or drink a thing. A month later when you do show up for the event, you’re separated from the initial financial deduction. As a result, spending via the giftcard feels less painful, almost as if you’re not spending money at all. Because your mind is free from financial anxiety, you can focus on the meal and the company rather than worry about the bill.

Which one sounds better? I’ll cast my personal vote for scenario B. Our logical minds are tricky little buggers and they can really put a storm cloud over certain scenarios. Despite the fact that both of these scenarios result in you spending $30, buying a gift card ahead of time allows you to feel like you’ve been an active participant in the choice. It feels less painful because you feel as if you’re in control of your actions rather than along for the ride. If you separate the event from the act of spending, you can more easily appreciate it for what it represents — time spent with friends having fun.

If it’s too expensive, be honest about it

Tell your friends if you can’t manage the expense! Sure, it can feel awkward, but honesty is so valuable in effective communication. If you’re struggling financially, it’s best to be upfront rather than harbor embarrassment or shame silently. That’s when it can simmer into resentment. They’re your buds! They’ll understand.

Lastly, remember, quality over quantity. If feeling good about a night out means that you have to reserve it to once a month rather than making half-budgeted attempts every weekend, choose quality! This will allow you the freedom to be fully present when you are out and about and to truly enjoy your social events.

The post How to Survive a Night Out On the Town When You’re On a Budget appeared first on The Avant Blog.

Staycation Idea: Museums

Admission into most museums is either free or discounted for certain days of the week or year. Check out MuseumsUSA.org for a complete list of more than 15,400 museums and other activities located across the United States. Once you find a museum in your area, you can view the complete description, short history, hours of operation, pricing and directions to the building. Another option to help save you money is by getting a group discount with family members, friends or classmates. Many cities have multiple types of museums that range from art, history and even hands on activities for kids.

Local Travel Idea: Historical Sites and Markers

Historic markers and statues are some of my favorite things to see when I’m exploring a local town or going on a weekend road trip. Almost all the cities I’ve visited have signs available that show where each marker is located — all you have to do is keep an eye out for them. Sometimes you’ll find scenic overlooks, war-era statues and lots of other interesting facts. All of which are absolutely free for everyone!

Staycation Idea: Matinee Movie Marathons

Daytime movie tickets are much cheaper than regular price tickets, so hitting up a matinee show helps save you some extra cash or spend more money on food and drinks. During the summer, when it’s especially hot out, having a matinee movie marathon is a great way to maximize cheaper entertainment and keep you out of the hot sun. And for kids, that will definitely be a big hit!

Local Travel Idea: Campgrounds and Hiking Trails

Spending time outdoors is often much less expensive than traditional vacation outings. Campgrounds, RV parks, and lakeside docks are available almost anywhere. There’s fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, and sitting around the campfire late at night. When you’re outdoors there’s no limit to what you can do and explore. Plus you can make it a weekend adventure or just a short day trip, it’s totally up to you. If you live near a beach, spending the day by the water is a great way to unwind, relax, and recharge your mind without spending any money.

Staycation Idea: Local Festivals

Between annual festivals, seasonal shows, and other holiday celebrations, there’s no shortage of local events. In my area right now we have a food festival happening, a Shakespeare event, and a weekend parade downtown. Local festivals are perfect for getting out the house for the day, or even the weekend. Plus you can immerse yourself in the local culture and try lots of different food.

Staycation Idea: Bookstores and Libraries

Many bookstores and libraries have Saturday morning book clubs, storybook readings and other book signings for kids and adults. You might have the opportunity to meet the author of the book, get their autograph and maybe even a photo with them. Check your local newspaper for free readings and book tour locations. Sometimes they even do book giveaways and contests at bookstores and libraries, which is a fun way to get free books.

Local Travel Idea: Farm or Factory Tours

This option is a little unconventional, but if you grew up in a small town like I did, it won’t seem that strange to you. Local farms and factories love showing off their goods, from how they build furniture, brew beer or wine or make ice cream from scratch — there’s something fun to see for everyone. It’s an up close and personal way to see how something is produced from start to finish, which is both free and educational.

Staycation Idea: Conventions

There are so many diverse kinds of conventions, you will definitely find something to entertain everyone. Local trade shows are devoted to comic books, science fiction, video games, the newest technology, food, and lots more. While admission prices vary, you can connect with experts in your field of choice, check out local booths with anything from antiques to electronics and even try some delicious cuisine.

Staycation Idea: Universities and Colleges

Going back to school isn’t something many of us will do willingly, but this is a great way to find concerts, plays, sporting events, and other activities that are happening this week. Community events usually receive public funding, so they can offer admission to the public for free or low cost. Check your local university’s news and event section online, newspaper listings, and neighborhood bulletins for a complete schedule and list of events.

Planning a low-cost staycation doesn’t have to be boring just because it’s less expensive. With these fun local travel ideas you’ll be able to save money on entertainment, which means you’ll have more money for other activities on your list, which means you’ll have more fun! And who doesn’t want to have more fun for less money?

The post Fun Staycation and Local Travel Ideas That Can Save You Money appeared first on The Avant Blog.

Split costs

The nice thing about weddings is that you usually go with a group of friends. If that’s the case, see what you can do to split costs among a few people. For example, you may be able to share a hotel room or split transportation costs to and from the reception. Going in on a gift together with a group may also result in savings so that you can each spend a bit less overall.

Say, “No.”

It’s easy to think that you’re required to attend everything from showers to out-of-town bachelor or bachelorette parties but if you can’t afford to, you should not feel obligated. As long as they don’t see you spend that money on other unnecessary things instead, true friends will understand that you want to be there but just don’t have the cash at the moment. For example, don’t skip a bridal shower because you can’t afford a gift but then show up at the wedding in a brand new car.

Get creative

If you have great penmanship, offer to help the bride address invites. If you’re a great photographer, see if you can shoot some engagement pictures or capture some candid photos at the rehearsal dinner. Doing these things as a present to the couple can be a great way to help the couple keep their stress levels and wedding costs down while also allowing you to spend less on their wedding or shower gifts.

Don’t Buy the Dress

It’s tough to get away with the same little black dress for every wedding but that doesn’t mean you have to splurge on a new outfit for each nuptials either. Sites like Rent The Runway allow you to rent designer dresses for a fraction of the price and even order multiple sizes. If you’re part of the bridal party and have to order a bridesmaid dress, try to save on the accessories like shoes or jewelry.

The post Four Ways to Save As a Wedding Guest appeared first on The Avant Blog.