Troy Martin – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:32:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Troy Martin – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 The 5 reasons that lead to the most enamored man to think that he no longer loves you (and what to do to remedy it) https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/the-5-reasons-that-lead-to-the-most-enamored-man-to-think-that-he-no-longer-loves-you-and-what-to-do-to-remedy-it/ Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:32:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/the-5-reasons-that-lead-to-the-most-enamored-man-to-think-that-he-no-longer-loves-you-and-what-to-do-to-remedy-it/ Is your man falling out of love with you? These five things may explain why and can tell how to…

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Women are sometimes their own worst enemies when it comes to making relationships last. Without realizing it, we do and say things that drive men away. Then, we wonder where it went wrong.

Fortunately, most of the things that make men fall out of love are things you can fix. Here are five reasons that your man might have fallen out of love with you - along with some pointers to help you get back on track.

1. You're clingy

You might think that wanting to do everything with your partner is a way of showing love. However, if you object or pout when he doesn't want to do some of those things, it's possible to come off as clingy.

Clinginess is often lumped together with neediness and control issues, which aren't attractive qualities. It can be a sign that you're not a complete person without him or that you don't trust him.

What's the solution? Encourage your mister to have hobbies and parts of his life that don't include you - and make room for things in your life that don't include him. When you do things separately, you'll have something interesting to talk about when you're together.

2. You're not making time for him

On the flip side of the coin, there's the possibility that you're not making enough time for him. If you're juggling a career, kids and a relationship, it might be that you're letting your relationship take the backseat while you deal with other things.

He doesn't expect you to neglect your kids or your job, but he does expect you to find a way to make time for him.

The solution is to look at your schedule and find a way to carve out time for the two of you. That might be as simple as designating Saturday night as date night and scheduling a regular sitter so you can go out. Or, it might be having a quiet dinner after the kids go to bed.

3. You don't support his goals

One of the biggest reasons that couples run into trouble is when one person feels that their partner doesn't support them. As a team, it's important for you to be supportive of what he wants to do (and vice versa).

Of course, there are times when supporting a goal might not be feasible. However, as a rule, it's important for the two of you to shore one another up and offer loving support.

If you haven't been supportive of his goals, there's no better time to start. You can start by apologizing for not being supportive in the past, and tell him how you plan to be supportive in the future. Ask how you can help him going forward. And the next time he brings up his dreams or goals, try not to be dismissive or discouraging.

4. You've stopped having sex

When a couple has problems in the bedroom, it very frequently leads to problems in the overall relationship. Part of the reason is that women tend to think that men view sex as only physical, while the truth is that intimacy is just as emotional for men as it is for women.

In fact, when you don't connect physically with your partner, he likely views it as an ongoing rejection and starts to question every aspect of your relationship.

The solution here is simple - and fun! Your job is to find time for the two of you to be alone together. You might schedule a weekend getaway or try going to bed a little earlier.

5. You're overly dramatic

Some women make a point of dredging up past grievances when they quarrel with their partner. Every slight, no matter how small, is perceived to be catastrophic.

The problem with that is that even if you feel justified in your feelings, this type of behavior is exhausting for your partner. Every conversation can feel like a minefield. If he says or does the wrong thing, he knows he'll end up at the receiving end of a tirade.

The answer is to let bygones be bygones. If you really feel you have a past issue that hasn't been resolved, consider going to a counselor to get help working through it. Otherwise, it's best to let it drop.

Your man might worry that he's falling out of love with you, but with these tips you can change that: Make time for yourself and your man, support each other and let go of the past.

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14 gifts to give children that are NOT toys https://www.familytoday.com/family/14-gifts-to-give-children-that-are-not-toys/ Fri, 18 Aug 2017 15:55:44 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/14-gifts-to-give-children-that-are-not-toys/ Not all gifts you give your child have to be toys. For ways to enhance your child's life and help…

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Not all gifts are created equal, and with the saturated toy market providing an endless number of new options almost daily, it's easy to forget there is more to your child's life than having the biggest toy collection.

Here are 14 gift options to consider if you're tired of picking up pieces from the latest Lego set or action series.

1. Art supplies

Whether a child is a blossoming Da Vinci or just likes to have fun with a paintbrush and some bright colors, art supplies offer a world of activities that can help improve fine motor skills, creative thinking and the ability to complete a project from start to finish.

2. Books

With more and more interest in online gaming and other social media activities, it's hard to get kids interested in books. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

Take a trip to a bookstore and let your child browse the stacks to see what interests them. Or, set up a wish list on your Amazon account and let them create their own list of desired titles.

3. Cooking lessons

One of the most important skills every person needs to know is how to feed themselves.

Cooking classes are a great way to give your child these lifelong skills. Knowing how to cook also gives your child a fun activity that they can later show off to the rest of the family.

4. Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are some of the most versatile items your kids can get their hands on, and they're fun for kids at any age.

They're not something you would give as a birthday gift, but boxes are a great impromptu "just because" item. Your kids can decorate them, make bedroom furniture like a nightstand, turn them into make-believe rocket ships or use them as an art canvas.

Best of all, they're basically free.

5. Magazine subscription

There are a number of magazines just for kids, many of which encourage learning and creativity. Plus, receiving mail every month gives your child something to look forward to while providing a good dose of fun, education and encouragement to improve their reading skills.

6. "Piggy" bank

It's never too early to teach your kids how to save money.

Help your child learn saving skills by giving them a "bank account" of their own. It doesn't even need to be a pig!

A bank can be anything like a large souvenir cup from a theme park, a small cardboard box they can decorate themselves or an empty jar from the kitchen. You can even help them collect spare change around the house to get started.

7. Personal toolkit

DIY is here to stay, and even the least mechanically adept people probably have a basic set of tools.

Giving your child a starter kit with their own mini hammer, screwdrivers and a tape measure will get your budding handyman or woman ready to help around the house!

8. Calendar

"How many days until....?"

Children like to know what's going on and when things will happen. Having their own place to count days, weeks and months will help them learn about the passage of time and how to plan.

9. A watch

Watches are a great way to help a child develop a sense of time. It can also give a child the opportunity to learn responsibility and independence by teaching them how to know how much time is left in an activity and how to be on time to things.

10. Theater tickets

We don't mean the movie kind!

There are a number of family oriented stage performances that local theaters include in their annual program schedule. Check your local theater schedule for performances that the entire family can attend.

11. Music

Music can stir the heart, the soul and the mind. Whether they want to dance, celebrate or just rock to something while they clean their rooms, music could be a source of inspiration for your kids for years to come.

12. Musical instruments

Listening to music is a great way to increase intelligence in children. Making your own sounds, melodies and rhythms is just as important.

You don't have to go out and spend a bunch of money at a music store for your child. Instruments can come in all shapes and sizes, like bongo drums and maracas or a basic inexpensive flute. Gaining the ability to make music can help shape your child's mind and spirit.

13. A scrapbook

From preschool on, life gives you and your kids lots of little moments you want to keep as memorabilia. Scrapbooks are a great way to save these memories and tell the story of your child's life.

14. Mommy/daddy dates

Date nights aren't just for mom and dad.

Spending quality one-on-one time with your child tremendously benefits your relationship. Doing an activity together of the child's choosing will give both of you memories you'll look back on fondly for the rest of your lives.

If you have more than one child, these "dates" can help make sure each child receives individual attention from each parent no matter how busy your schedules become.

Next time you're searching for just the right gift for your child, consider one of these ideas to enhance your child's life experiences.

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4 smart ways to teach your kids about money https://www.familytoday.com/family/4-smart-ways-to-teach-your-kids-about-money/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 07:43:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/4-smart-ways-to-teach-your-kids-about-money/ Do you want your kids to be good with money? Check out these 4 financial lessons before it's too late.

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It's never too early to start teaching your kids how to handle their money.

In fact, it's an especially important topic to teach your kids at home. While most high schools require students to take macroeconmics, classes like personal finance are rarely required or even available.

So, you can't really rely on the schools for this life lesson. It's up to you to show your children how to spend their money wisely, how to avoid crippling debt, and how to make sound investments.

The following four money lessons will help your kids grow into financially responsible adults:

1. Tie allowance to chores

Who knows? Maybe your kid will grow up to be a lottery winner and won't need to work to provide them the funds they need to pay all their bills.

But, more likely, they will need to work to afford goods and services. To prepare them for this mindset early on, never give your kids allowance just for the sake of giving them an allowance. Instead, make them earn it by taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, etc.

It's also wise to assign a dollar value to each individual chore and allow your kids to make more money in a given week by doing more chores. Doling out more rewards for harder work will help instill in your children the initiative they'll need to rise through the ranks of a company later on in life.

2. Keep savings in site

A piggy bank is cute, but it makes the amount of money your kid is saving up a total mystery. Let your child see exaclty how much is in their little money jar. Empty out a big mason jar or other transparent container and put it in a place your child sees daily.

3. Get them a bank account

Once your child becomes a teenager, it's time to graduate from that mason jar to an actual bank account. The earlier kids understand how banking works, the more savvy they'll be with finances in the future.

4. Teach by example

If you're up to your eyeballs in debt and blow through hundreds of dollars a week on unnecessary expenses, it's going to be all but impossible to teach your child to to be financially responsible.

The best way to get your kids to do what you want them to do is to teach by example. Live within your means, stay on top of your credit, and do extensive research before you make a major purchase. There's a good chance your kids will do the same when they're older.

Teaching your kids these four lessons as they grow up will save you (and them!) some serious financial headaches in the future...you might even raise the next Warren Buffet! At the very least, you'll produce someone who can manage their finances and live comfortably.

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5 ways your children can have a healthy relationship with money https://www.familytoday.com/family/5-ways-your-children-can-have-a-healthy-relationship-with-money/ Wed, 06 Jan 2016 06:25:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/5-ways-your-children-can-have-a-healthy-relationship-with-money/ Children need to learn how to manage money from an early age in order to be fiscally responsible once they're…

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Have you been thinking about talking to your children about money? Maybe you worry that you don't have the resources to help your child learn about money management. Or, you might be at a loss about how to get started.

Talking about money with children isn't easy. But, the life-long benefits of teaching them good money habits are well worth the effort. Children that grow up without the basic knowledge of personal finances may suffer the consequences later in life.

Good money habits can be taught from an early age. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Children need to learn five concepts regarding money: earning, spending, sharing, borrowing and saving. Personal experiences with these skills will provide them with practical knowledge for money management.

Even young children can understand the basic premise behind earning, spending and sharing money. Consider introducing older children to the practices of borrowing and saving once they are able to comfortably see situations from another person's point of view.

1. Earning

Children can easily learn about earning money through their own efforts by earning an allowance. You can pay an allowance after certain chores have been completed. Or, figure out what works best for your family.

Talk to your child about tracking their earnings over a period of time. This helps them have a clear understanding about the money that is going into their pockets (or savings account). Being able to track earnings is a crucial life skill.

2. Spending

How do your children spend their money? Do you let them buy whatever they want with their money, or do you control their spending?

Children need to learn lessons about spending at an early age. Of course, mistakes will be made. For example, they may buy a toy that isn't durable and regret the purchase. Consider this a learning opportunity.

Teach them about quality, availability and how to compare products before buying them. Explain to them that they may have enough money for a toy, but may not be able to afford the batteries.

3. Sharing

Sharing is for more than just toys. Your children need to understand the concepts of both charity and taxation.

Use special occasions to teach them about giving to the less fortunate. When they're buying holiday presents, suggest they allocate a percentage of their budget to charity. Or, sign them up for a community service project.

It is also important to talk to them about how the tax system works. Start small. Discuss what sales tax is and what the money goes toward in your community.

4. Borrowing

The concept of being able to borrow money and pay it off in the future at an added cost is an important lesson in this credit-fueled society.

When you loan your child money, be sure to collect it back once they are able to repay. If they need to buy a game or toy and don't have the money to pay for it, tell them that you'll advance the money as long as they have a payment plan in place. Consider charging them interest if they are old enough to understand the concept.

5. Saving

Saving for the future is an important concept you must teach your kids. They'll need to understand the concept of both saving for the short-term (a new PlayStation) versus saving for the long-term (college).

Help them set up both short-term and long-term savings goals. Explain to them how much they'll need to save each month, as well as how long it will take them to save the entire amount. Consider motivating them by matching their annual contributions.

Younger children will find it difficult to get excited to save for college, especially since it may seem so far away. Consider providing non-monetary rewards to encourage them. With praise and encouragement, they'll likely be more inclined to continue saving.

Many parents have strong opinions about money based on their own childhood experiences. Ensure your children have positive money experiences by teaching them important fiscal concepts from an early age. Be innovative about giving them life experiences that will allow them to practice these concepts on a daily basis.

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7 things to consider before saving for your kids college https://www.familytoday.com/family/7-things-to-consider-before-saving-for-your-kids-college/ Thu, 10 Dec 2015 06:25:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/7-things-to-consider-before-saving-for-your-kids-college/ If you are starting or considering to start saving for college, hold up. Read 7 things that you'll want to…

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Haven't worked out a savings plan for your child's college education? You're not alone.

Most American families don't have a plan for paying for their kid's college education. Only 48% of people have saved for their child's college education according to a 2015 survey by Sallie Mae, even though 9 out of 10 families agree that college education is important.

Saving for college isn't a science anymore. College costs go up every year, and most savings plans don't make you a lot of money, which means you're saving to pay for a cost that is as-yet undetermined.

How exactly can you do that?

Before trying to save for your kid's college, here are 7 things to consider:

1. Talk to your child

Do your children expect you to pay for their college education? Bring them into the conversation early on. Going to college is not mandatory, and if you cannot afford to pay for it, yet they want to go, they should be prepared to work hard for it.

After having paid for your child for 18 years, there is no compulsion on you to continue to support them. Instead of breaking this to them in high school, start talking to them about their aspirations early on.

If your child is passionate about going to a college, suggest they get a part-time job to help set money aside. Many colleges also have financial aid packages, as well as scholarships, so your child should learn all about their options ahead of time.

Also ask them to consider cheaper colleges, and even community colleges, instead of the most prestigious schools in the country.

2. Consider paying off your house

Have a mortgage? Instead of putting money aside for college, pay that off first. Paying off your house will bring you mental peace and financial stability that you will be grateful for in your twilight years.

Before you start putting money into a college fund, consider how much faster you can pay off your mortgage if you use the money for that instead. Being able to pay your house off 5 or 10 years ahead of plan could help improve your quality of life, and your child will always have other options for college funding.

3. Save for your retirement

Don't spend money that could go into your retirement fund on college just yet. Your child will have options besides you when it comes to funding their college education. However, you only have yourself when saving for your retirement.

Be sure to understand the limits that you can contribute to your retirement accounts. Included below is an excerpt from a blog post on the Cook Martin website:

Pretax Retirement Plans

  • The elective deferral limit increased from $17,500 to $18,000.

  • The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over increased from $5,500 to $6,000.

IRA

  • The contribution limit for an IRA remains unchanged at $5,500.

  • The additional catch-up contribution remains unchanged at $1,000.

Traditional IRA

For Individuals Covered by a Workplace Plan

  • The deduction for individuals making contributions to a traditional IRA, who are covered by a workplace retirement plan, is phased out for single individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (AGI) of $61,000 and individuals claiming head of household with a modified AGI of $71,000. For individuals claiming married filing jointly, the income phase-out is $98,000 to $118,000.

Spouse Covered by a Workplace Plan

  • For an individual who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan, but their spouse is, the income phase-out is between $183,000 and $193,000. However, there is no adjustment for inflation for a married individual filing separately, the phase-out range remains $0 to $10,000.

Roth IRA

  • For individuals making contributions to a Roth IRA, the income phase-out is $183,000 to $193,000 for married couples filing jointly, and $116,000 to $131,000 for single individuals, and those claiming head of household. The phase-out range remains $0 to $10,000 for married individuals filing separately.

Your retirement is no longer guaranteed, and you don't have the luxury of depending on your 401K or social security to get you through your post-retirement years.

As you plan out your finances, prioritize saving for your retirement first. Before you start putting money into a college fund, make sure you have made enough contributions to your retirement fund first.

4. Have adequate life insurance

Do you have adequate life insurance? Premiums are high and if you're also putting money away for college chances are you don't have enough life insurance for yourself and your spouse.

Diverting funds from a college education to your own life insurance is one way to ensure your kids will have you around for a long time, and that you will have a nest egg to look forward to in your future.

5. Diversify your investments

Similar to other things we've mentioned earlier, but distinct enough to be mentioned separately, are your investment funds. When you're putting money away for college, you're going to be unable to consider multiple investment avenues. However, once you stop putting money into a college fund, you should be able to explore different investments so you can build a diverse portfolio and guarantee a stable retirement.

6. Set your child up with a savings account

Share financial responsibility for college education with your child early on. Set up a savings account for them when they are young, and help them save a portion of all the money they get from family and any part-time jobs they have.

Starting kids early with a savings account is a great way to make them more financially responsible. They will start to understand the value of money, as well as begin to understand how hard it would be for you to fund their entire education.

More so, kids will start to look for ways to boost their savings, and may consider the important of good grades or a sports scholarship if they know they are responsible for their own college education.

7. Show them the world

Jeff Bogle, of Out With the Kids, talked about how he and his wife stopped saving for their daughter's college education and instead started spending that same money on enriching her life. They travelled, introduced her to art, cooking, music and basically exposed their children to experiences they wouldn't have been able to have otherwise.

"The goal is for them to be cultured, to have experiences, to see the country and the world, and for us to do it all together," Bogle says.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can use the money intended for college in other ways.

What other innovative way can you think of?

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6 ways you’re throwing your money away and don’t even realize it https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/6-ways-youre-throwing-your-money-away-and-dont-even-realize-it/ Thu, 22 Oct 2015 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/6-ways-youre-throwing-your-money-away-and-dont-even-realize-it/ Are you wasting your money in these unnoticed ways? Find out where all your hard-earned cash is going.

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As certified public accountants, we help people answer all kinds of money-related questions, from how to best manage their finances to whether work clothes are tax-deductible. One of the main things people ask us is how they can save more money. Our best answer to this question is usually, "Stop wasting it!"

Most people throw away money every day without even realizing it.

Here are some of the most common ways people waste thousands of dollars each year:

1. Paying for cable

Many Americans have monthly cable bills that cost upwards of $250. But do you really need to pay this much to get your TV fix? Probably not. With all of the streaming, on-demand TV services, you can entertain your family for a whole lot less than the cost of a traditional cable bill. You can watch movies and original programming on Netflix, network TV shows on Hulu, and premium cable shows on HBO Now - all for well under $50 a month. Also, purchasing a simple TV antenna allows you to receive a handful of channels at no monthly cost.

2. Utility waste

There are many ways in which you probably waste expensive utilities like electricity and water. Here are some of the biggest energy and water wasters:

  • Leaving electronics plugged in

  • Poor home insulation (raises the cost to heat and cool your home)

  • Watering your lawn (consider replacing grass with landscaping you rarely or never have to water)

  • Taking long showers

  • Inefficient heating and cooling systems

  • Outdated appliances - older washer/dryers, water heaters, refrigerator, etc.

Start figuring out where you're wasting energy in your house by using Duke Energy's Energy Vampire Tool.

3. Certain types of insurance

Some insurance is largely unnecessary. Such is the case with the "extended warranties" you might purchase when buying big-ticket electronic items or appliances. About a third of consumers buy this expensive insurance, but most don't end up using it!

Another type of money-wasting insurance is low-deductible car insurance. If you raise your car insurance deductible from $500 to $1000, you will typically save over $100 per year on car insurance, according to InsWeb.

4. Maintaining your unused gym membership

Unless you go to the gym on a regular basis, you should probably cancel your gym membership. And if you pay for a gym membership, the odds are good that you fall into this category of people who should cancel it - Two-thirds of people with gym memberships never use them.

Even if you do use your gym sometimes, you might consider buying some gym equipment to work out with at home instead, as that is not a recurring charge.

5. Not comparison shopping

A lot of people prefer to shop at their favorite store because they simply enjoy shopping there, or think that store always has the best deals. However, for large items or things you buy in bulk, you should always comparison shop to see which retailer can offer you the best deal. For electronics, you can usually find the best deals online rather than in-store. Many major stores will price match a competitor's price as well; usually including online competitors.

6. Not paying off your credit cards

Credit card interest is probably the no. 1 way people waste money. It's easy to just put things on your credit card and pay the minimum every month, without thinking about how your credit card debt is ballooning each month that you don't pay off your balance. An average credit card interest rate of 14.95 percent means that if you carry a balance of $2,000, you'll pay about $300 each year in interest alone.

We hope this article helped open your eyes to some areas where you are probably throwing away money. Please share it to help your friends and family stop wasting their money, too!

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5 money mistakes you’re making that will hurt your future https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/5-money-mistakes-youre-making-that-will-hurt-your-future/ Sun, 02 Aug 2015 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/5-money-mistakes-youre-making-that-will-hurt-your-future/ If you want to plan for the future and build a strong retirement, then you need to break these five…

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Planning for the future is an overwhelming idea for many people, and they procrastinate their plans due to poor money habits. If you want to plan for the future and build a strong retirement, then you need to break these five habits now:

1. No emergency fund

When there is money in your checking account, then it is easy to get lulled into the idea that the money is available to be spent. If you are spending every dime that you earn, you will find yourself in financial trouble when an emergency arises. The reality is that life will happen and you will need to pay for something unexpected, such as car repairs, medical bills or monthly expenses after getting laid off. Put together an emergency fund to cover these situations so that you can avoid going into debt in an emergency situation. Make sure to keep the emergency fund in a separate account so that you aren't tempted to spend the money on frivolous purchases.

2. Skipping the budget

Many people find that they can save money more effectively when they are following a structured budget. Put together a spending plan for each month and make sure that you are proactive to stick to the plan. It is important to be sure that you aren't spending more than your budget allows, or else you will be going into debt each month. In order to stick with the budget, you need to be tracking every transaction to monitor your progress throughout the month.

3. Being lazy

Laziness can lead to decreased income and extra expenses. For example, if you are lazy with your meal preparation, then it means that you will likely be spending more money on take-out and expensive pre-packaged meals. A little bit of effort can save a lot of money in the grocery line item of your budget. Another example is the laziness of leaving work early or missing out on potential earnings opportunities. Though an hour doesn't seem like much, the lost income can really add up over time when you aren't getting paid for those extra hours.

4. Credit Card spending

Getting trapped in the vicious cycle of debt is one of the fastest ways to disrupt your future planning. Don't use credit cards for shopping if you don't have money in the bank to reimburse the credit card. When you carry a balance on the credit card, the interest costs and late fees start to add up. You will pay a lot of money in unneeded fees by spending money and carrying the debt load. If you don't have the money available, then cut up your credit cards to avoid overspending.

5. Tapping into Investment Accounts

If you have been proactive about retirement savings in the past, then you might be tempted to tap into those accounts when you need emergency funds. The problem is that you will pay high tax penalties, which can be quite expensive. Plus, you will be missing out on the interest earnings that are available over the years.

One of the best ways to stay on track to build a strong financial future is by working with an experienced accountant who can help you put together a good plan. Find a trusted financial professional in your area, and you will be able to benefit from the advice and experience they can offer for your family or business financial plan.

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15 ways to make good money off of the things you already like to do https://www.familytoday.com/family/15-ways-to-make-good-money-off-of-the-things-you-already-like-to-do/ Thu, 28 May 2015 09:01:00 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/15-ways-to-make-good-money-off-of-the-things-you-already-like-to-do/ There are a number of hobbies that can be turned into cash-earning activities.

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Does the rough economy have you looking for a way to bring in some extra cash? It is becoming more common for people to use their hobbies to build home-based businesses. Here are a few ideas to get your creative ideas flowing.

1. Tutoring

Working as a private tutor is a great way to keep your mind sharp and share your expertise with students who may need some academic help. Parents often hire tutors for students who need help in English, math, science, languages and more.

2. Music lessons

Do you have musical talent? Offer in-home music lessons. These lessons can be structured as group or individual lessons, depending on your preference.

3. Collectors' items

There are many treasures to be found in thrift shops and garage sales, and it is possible to resell these items for a profit. Look for things that collectors are interested in purchasing, such as art, figurines, books and more. These items can be resold through private auctions or online auction websites.

4. Sewing

Hand-crafted clothing and home décor is becoming more popular, and sites like Etsy.com make it easier than ever to sell your homemade goods. Browse online to get ideas about the types of hand-sewn products people are interested in buying.

5. Sports coaching

If you are a sports enthusiast, look for little league teams or community adult leagues that pay for coaching services. Coaching can be offered on a team basis, or you might also offer personalized coaching for individuals who want to improve their skills between practices.

6. Home renovation

Do you enjoy doing renovation projects around the house? Try offering these services to other people. Home renovation can range from small fixer-upper projects to bigger undertakings, and each project can be catered to your client's preferences.

7. Gardening

If you have a green thumb, it is possible to leverage your extra produce into spending money. Look for local farmers markets to sell the produce, or set up a stand in your front yard.

8. Yard care

It takes a lot of work to maintain a yard, and many people are happy to outsource their weeding and mowing. Offer a lawn-care service, and spend a few afternoons a week working in your client's yards.

9. Electronics repair

Do you have the skills that are needed to repair computers, cell phones or other types of electronic equipment? Offer maintenance or repair services to other people. Another option is to buy used electronic equipment, complete the necessary repairs, and re-sell the product for a profit.

10. Teaching

Look for a community program that offers adult classes, and teach about a topic that you enjoy. These classes can include topics such as cooking, computers, home projects, health and wellness, gardening, photography and more. Talk with the community program manager to learn more about the popular topics in your area.

11. Crafts

Pottery, hand-made jewelry, vinyl signs, floral arrangements and other types of homemade crafts are quite popular. Sell these items on Etsy.com, or rent a booth at a craft fair to promote your products.

12. Writing

People who enjoy crafting stories and written masterpieces can make money through freelance writing. You can look for websites that connect clients with freelance writers, self-publish your stories in digital e-books, or sell your content to publishers.

13. Photography

Good photographers are always busy with weddings, family portraits, baby photos and senior pictures. If you don't want to be involved in these types of photo shoots, another option is to sell stock photos of landscapes and other outdoor adventures.

14. Travel and tours

In touristy areas, you can offer tours and day-trips to show visitors the local sites. Feature a local travel experience, and offer a private experience for each person on the tour. Many people prefer these smaller groups over large tour buses.

15. Graphic design

If you enjoy artistic creation and you are good with digital design, you can offer your graphic design services for businesses looking to develop a website, logo, letterhead, business cards or any other type of business service that may be needed.

Do you have a hobby that can be turned into a home-based business? Right now is a great time to leverage your skills into a money-making activity! When earning extra money, always be sure to consider any tax implications of the additional income. If you aren't sure how this will impact your tax situation, be sure to contact a professional accounting firm.

The post 15 ways to make good money off of the things you already like to do appeared first on FamilyToday.

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