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  • US Debt Ceiling: A History Lesson

    US Debt Ceiling: A History Lesson

    Investing in the stock market can be a challenging game, especially if you’re just starting out. But fear not, because today we’re going to talk about a crucial factor that can rock the market: the United States debt ceiling. I’m Joshua Krafchick, and in this blog post, we’re going to break down the relationship between the stock market and the debt ceiling. Plus, we’ll dive into a historical example that’ll help you understand how the stock market behaved the last time the debt ceiling was reached. Let’s get into it!

    The Debt Ceiling and Stock Market Rollercoaster:

    Listen up, my friends. The debt ceiling is all about the maximum amount of debt Uncle Sam can legally borrow. When that limit is reached, it’s like throwing a wrench into the stock market’s gears. It brings uncertainty and volatility, and trust me, the stock market hates uncertainty. Investors get worried about the possibility of the government defaulting on its obligations, and that can have a huge impact on the economy. But here’s the thing, the stock market’s reaction to a debt ceiling crisis can be different each time, depending on other factors like the overall economy and what those in charge decide to do.

    A Blast from the Past: The Debt Ceiling Crisis of 2011:

    Alright, let’s go back in time and check out the debt ceiling crisis of 2011. Back then, the United States was stuck in a heated debate about raising the debt ceiling. That caused some serious concerns about a possible default, and naturally, the stock market felt the heat.

    During that period, the S&P 500, a major stock market index, took a hit and dropped around 17% between July and August 2011. Investors were freaked out, my friends! They were worried about the consequences of a default and had no clue how the debt ceiling issue would get resolved.

    But, hey, remember this: the stock market’s reaction isn’t solely driven by the debt ceiling alone. Other factors like global economic concerns and crazy stuff happening around the world also play a part in the market’s rollercoaster ride.

    Takeaways from the School of Hard Knocks:

    1. The Uncertainty Factor: When the debt ceiling hits, uncertainty skyrockets, and the stock market doesn’t like it one bit. Investors start getting nervous about the government meeting its financial obligations, and that can lead to a negative market reaction.
    2. Economic Showdown: You gotta keep an eye on the bigger picture, my friends. The stock market’s response to the debt ceiling is influenced by broader economic factors. Stuff like economic growth, inflation, and even wild geopolitical events can amplify or soften the impact of the debt ceiling on the market.
    3. Timing is Everything: Remember, timing is key. The timing of a debt ceiling crisis in relation to the overall market conditions matters. If the economy is already going through a rough patch, a debt ceiling crisis can make things even more chaotic, causing more volatility in the market.

    There you have it! Understanding the connection between the stock market and the debt ceiling is crucial for any investor. Historical examples, like the debt ceiling crisis of 2011, show us the rollercoaster ride that can ensue when the debt ceiling is reached. Keep your eyes on the market, stay informed about economic factors, and pay attention to what policymakers are up to. Remember, investing in the stock market is a game, and with the right knowledge, you can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick | “Unconventional Money Guy

    www.369financial.com

  • Banks Prioritize Profit Over Customer Interest Rates

    Banks Prioritize Profit Over Customer Interest Rates

    Banks are in the business of making money, and interest rates are a crucial part of that business. But did you know that banks don’t have to do anything for their customers when it comes to interest rates?

    Yep, that’s right. They could choose to keep those rates as low as the bar on a limbo contest.

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick | 369 Financial, LLC

  • How Entrepreneurs Deal with the Fear of Failure

    How Entrepreneurs Deal with the Fear of Failure

    Are you considering stepping into the world of entrepreneurship instead of following the traditional corporate path? If so, you’ve likely realized that convincing someone to pay you money is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face. The uncertainty of not knowing where your next paycheck will come from can be overwhelming, and thoughts of survival and paying bills can haunt you. But as an entrepreneur, you need to learn to face fear head-on and laugh at it. That’s how you deal with the fear of failure – by staring it straight in the face and laughing.

    As someone who has experienced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, I know firsthand the fears that can plague your mind. But I also know that overcoming these fears is essential to finding success as an entrepreneur. So, let’s dive into how you can embrace the unknown and conquer the fear of failure.

     

    1. Believe in the Value You Provide.

    As an entrepreneur, you need to believe in the value you provide to your customers or clients. When you’re passionate about what you do and believe that it brings value to people, you’ll have the confidence to face any fear. When you truly believe in the product or service you’re offering, you’ll be able to communicate its value to others and convince them to pay for it.

     

     

    2. Embrace the Unknown.

    One of the scariest things about entrepreneurship is the unknown. Will your business succeed? Will you have enough money to pay your bills? These uncertainties can be paralyzing, but they’re also inevitable when you’re starting something new. Instead of letting fear control you, embrace the unknown. Accept that there will be risks and challenges along the way, and be willing to face them head-on. Remember that some of the most successful entrepreneurs have failed multiple times before finding success. Embracing the unknown and being willing to take calculated risks is a fundamental part of entrepreneurship.

     

    3. Laugh at Fear.

    Fear can be paralyzing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re faced with fear, learn to laugh at it. Don’t let fear hold you back from taking action. Instead, use it as a motivator to push yourself to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Laughing at fear takes away its power and allows you to approach it with a clear mind and a focused attitude. Remember, fear is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, and the more you can laugh at it, the stronger you’ll become.

     

    4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People.

    Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision can help you overcome fear and keep moving forward. Build a network of mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide guidance, advice, and encouragement when you need it the most. Having a strong support system can make a world of difference in your entrepreneurial journey and help you navigate the challenges and fears that may arise.

     

    5. Keep Learning and Growing.

    Fear often stems from the unknown and the feeling of not being prepared. One of the best ways to combat this is by constantly learning and growing. Stay curious and invest in your own personal and professional development. Learn from your failures and mistakes, and use them as opportunities to improve and become better. The more knowledgeable and skilled you become, the more confidence you’ll have in your abilities to face any challenge that comes your way.

    Remember…entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. The fear of failure can be a constant companion on your entrepreneurial journey. But remember, fear is a natural part of the process, and it doesn’t have to hold you back. Embrace the unknown, believe in the value you provide, surround yourself with supportive people.

     

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick, “Unconventional Money Guy

  • How Much Does Car Insurance Cost.?

    How Much Does Car Insurance Cost.?

    Hey, hey, hey, what’s up everyone? It’s Josh the Unconventional Money Guy here to talk about why car insurance costs can vary so much depending on the state you’re in. Let me tell you, it’s not just one thing, it’s a whole bunch of factors that come into play. You got state regulations, population density, accident rates, weather and natural disasters, crime rates, and even health care costs. All of these things can impact the cost of car insurance in different ways, so it’s important to understand what’s going on in your state and how it’s affecting your wallet.

     

     

    1. Why does the cost of car insurance vary widely by state?

     

    State regulations:

    Each state has its own set of insurance regulations, which can have a significant impact on the cost of car insurance. For example, some states require higher levels of coverage than others, which can increase insurance costs. Additionally, some states allow insurance companies to use credit scores as a factor in determining rates, which can also affect pricing.

    Population density:

    The population density of a state is another factor that can influence the cost of car insurance. States with higher population densities tend to have more accidents, which can drive up insurance costs. This is because there is a higher likelihood of collisions when there are more vehicles on the road, and accidents can result in expensive claims.

    For example, California, New York, and New Jersey are three of the most populous states in the country, and they also have some of the highest car insurance rates. On the other hand, states with lower population densities, such as Montana or North Dakota, tend to have lower insurance rates.

    There are many reasons why the cost of insurance can vary from company to company. Factors such as underwriting standards, claims history, coverage options, discounts, marketing and administrative costs, and profit margins can all impact the price of insurance. Insurance companies have their own unique way of assessing risk, which can lead to different premiums. It’s important to shop around and compare rates from different insurers to find the best policy for your needs and budget. Understanding the factors that contribute to insurance pricing can help you make an informed decision when choosing an insurance provider.

     

    2. Why can costs vary widely by company, even for virtually identical coverage?

    There are many reasons why the cost of insurance can vary from company to company. Factors such as underwriting standards, claims history, coverage options, discounts, marketing and administrative costs, and profit margins can all impact the price of insurance. Insurance companies have their own unique way of assessing risk, which can lead to different premiums. It’s important to shop around and compare rates from different insurers to find the best policy for your needs and budget. Understanding the factors that contribute to insurance pricing can help you make an informed decision when choosing an insurance provider.

    3. How do age and gender impact car insurance rates and why?

    Car insurance rates can be impacted by a range of factors, including age and gender. Younger drivers, particularly those under 25, typically pay higher car insurance rates due to their higher likelihood of accidents. However, rates usually start to decline once drivers reach their mid-20s and have more driving experience. Insurance companies have also historically charged higher rates for male drivers than for female drivers, as male drivers have been shown to be involved in more and more severe accidents. While some states have recently implemented laws prohibiting the use of gender in determining rates, other factors such as driving record, type of vehicle, and location can also impact car insurance rates. It’s important to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers to find the best policy for your needs and budget.

     

    4. How does the type of vehicle you drive impact car insurance rates?

    The type of vehicle you drive is an important factor that can affect your car insurance rates. Expensive cars typically cost more to insure because they are more expensive to repair or replace if they are damaged or stolen. Cars with high safety ratings may qualify for lower insurance rates since they are less likely to be involved in accidents. Additionally, cars that are more likely to be stolen, such as certain makes and models, may have higher insurance rates. The cost of repairs is also a consideration, as cars with expensive parts or specialized repairs may be more expensive to insure. Lastly, driving habits play a role, as cars designed for speed or performance may be considered riskier to insure. To find the best car insurance policy, it’s important to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers, taking into account the type of vehicle you drive.

     

    Your Guide,

    Josh, the “Unconventional” Money Guy

  • How to Escape the Middle Class

    How to Escape the Middle Class

    Escaping the middle class is a scary process for anyone because once you achieve middle class you’re most likely making close if not above $100,000 per year which a lot of people would say is a good salary to be making each and every year.

    The problem with people in the middle class is in order to get out of the middle class You have to literally go backward in order to go forwards.

    Meaning you’re going to have to give up certain luxuries that you’ve gotten used to as your salaries increased over time so that you can go from making $100,000 a year to $200,000 a year $300,000 a year etc.

    This means that if your job isn’t going to allow you to “escape the middle class” then you’re going to have to start building an income stream outside of your normal day-to-day job.

    What can someone do to achieve financial freedom or build wealth?

    It all starts with what skills and talents do I have that people would be willing to pay money for? From there you have to go as small as $10 per day how do you make $10 per day? Then you up it to $20 a day.

    From there you will begin marketing yourself and building a brand so rather than chasing people to provide value eventually you’ll have customers coming to you to pay with their hard money for your services.

    If you’ve been in the middle class for a while you’ve probably bought a house you’ve probably saved up some money and you’re going to have a difficult choice to make.

    Are you willing to give up your home and possibly use all the resources you’ve saved in order to break out of the middle class?

    This is where most people get stuck they don’t want to give up their house they don’t want to use their “retirement money“ to make their dreams come true because they’re scared of losing it.

    If you’ve read or heard of the book The Alchemist by Paulo Cohen it’s a story about a boy who literally gives up everything in order to make his wildest dreams come true.

    Being in the middle class you have those resources you’ve saved those resources the question remains are you willing to use those resources in order to break out of the middle class and live a life you’ve always dreamed of?

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick, “Unconventional” Money Guy

    369 Financial, LLC

  • You Can’t Buy Good Health

    You Can’t Buy Good Health

    Good health isn’t something you can buy, but it’s a valuable savings account.

    You may or may not have been health conscious during your college years, but as you age, taking care of your health gets more important. Because if you don’t have your health, who cares how much money you have! you don’t have much. This chapter covers some basics on how to achieve and maintain good overall health, both mental and physical, and how to start habits now that will ensure your future years are as healthy as possible.

    The wealth and health connection

    As an American, we are highly susceptible to living an unhealthy lifestyle. In my own life, I have worked hard to chase my dream, and I’ve discovered that it pays to be healthy., which happens when you live a healthy lifestyle. But according to the United Nations’ International Labor Office, unhealthy lifestyle choices cost U.S. businesses in upwards of $12 billion annually. 12 billion dollars!

    With that figure in mind, a mere $50/month on a gym membership for yourself or your employees is probably worth it. Sadly, too many Americans don’t consider their health a worthy investment, but research shows that 23% of adults that are obese earn $35k or less each year, whereas only 5.6% of Americans who are obese earn over $100,000/year $100k+. Why do you think CEOs and high performing professionals wake up really early to get in a morning workout? Because it makes them perform better in all aspects of life!

    Every January, many people resolve to lose weight or save money. And funny enough, those two goals are actually linked.

    Tips for staying healthy throughout your life

    From proper food choices to some kind of daily physical activity, it’s easy to stay healthy if you follow a few general tips.

    1. Exercise daily.

    You need an exercise routine that you can stick to. Studies have shown that regular exercise can substantially decrease your chances of heart disease, which means more money that you will save in your lifetime! Various studies have also shown that those who exercise save over $2,000/year! So, not only does working out help you save and earn more money, but it makes you healthier in many ways.

    Why is it important? Well…

    First, it releases endorphins that increase your happiness. Happiness is linked to increased performance in the workplace because people enjoy doing business with people who are happy!

    And second, the happiness it creates positively affects your diet and life. This is in contrast to unhappy or depressed people who often tend to eat more junk food, which in turn increases cholesterol levels. In Just like similar way, excessive credit card debt can clog your personal finances, while good debt, like mortgage debt, can actually be beneficial (just like good cholesterol is beneficial to your body) because it allows you to invest in an appreciating asset since home prices have increased substantially over the past 30 years.

    To get started, set a goal to exercise two to three hours each week. It doesn’t have to be anything too intense. Just going for a daily walk or taking your significant other to a dance class is a positive move that will begin to improve your health and wealth.

    2. Don’t eat out so much.

    A big part of staying healthy is being aware of how much you go out to eat. Eating out often not only hurts your wallet, but the food choices you encounter tend not to be the healthiest either. We get it, you’re now making money now and you want to go out to eat, but if you go out to eat four or five times /month and that’s easy $100 to $200 you’re spending, plus all the calories and salt and fats.

    3. Limit your alcohol consumption.

    If you went to college, you probably partied and drank a bit. Or a lot. Even though you were acting a fool, you were still surrounded by people on the same level as you as far as IQ and education, etc., but when you leave school and hit the real world, you’ll soon be surrounded by people of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds, and you soon realize that you’re no longer in the same, homogenous environment. If you go drinking and partying, you’ll meet a new crowd, many of whom aren’t going to the same place you are. And now that you’re in the real world, you now have to get up and go to work every day, unlike at school when you could often sleep in and get away with it. But now, when you burn the candle at both ends, your work performance starts to suffer and others notice. My point is this: it’s okay to have the occasional drink but try to limit your alcohol to five or fewer drinks a week. Except on special occasions .

    While it’s normal to go out now and then with friends, like on happy hour on Fridays, etc., you have to let college life go and look in the mirror and ask yourself if you’re ready to keep doing this the rest of your life. In the 1993 movie Dazed and Confused, Matthew McConaughey plays a character named Dave Wooderson, who is still hanging out with high school students, trying to live the life of a young person even though he has long since aged out of it.

    For your health, life and maturity, don’t be like Dave but make sure you grow past all this. You need to ask yourself if you want to go and have drinks at the local bar or save your money and go someday travel to Italy or Europe. Because if you keep spending your money on partying, you probably won’t be able to invest in the kind of fun, mind-expanding experiences that actually make you happier.

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick, “Unconventional Money Guy”

  • What You Don’t Know About Cryptocurrency, but Should

    What You Don’t Know About Cryptocurrency, but Should

    Cryptocurrency is the craze that’s consuming a wide array of new investors. Between Elon Musk tweeting about Dogecoin to most recently Miami, FL is looking to become the new crypto hotspot. It’s apparent that cryptocurrency has taken over the global stage and for the immediate future isn’t slowing down in popularity. So, the question remains the same,

     

    “Is Cryptocurrency here to stay for the long haul?”

     

     

    Let’s take a look at 5 things you didn’t know about cryptocurrency.

    1.    North Korea Has Stolen Billions of Dollars of Cryptocurrency.

    Throughout North Korea’s current regime, they have made a killing through criminal activity such as drug trafficking and cybercrime.  Cryptocurrency is no different. As recently as 2019, North Korea has stolen in upwards of $600 Million worth of Bitcoins. These sorts of activities account for at least 15% of North Korea’s total income.

    2.    The IRS is Still Learning About Cryptocurrency.

    The United States currently recognizes cryptocurrency as personal property for tax purposes. In the last few weeks, I’ve even heard someone say they were going to file an insurance claim for their “Lost Bitcoins” through their homeowner’s insurance to reconcile their losses.

    Crazy stories like this on top of how much you may have to pay in taxes is going to drive whether or not The United States allows Cryptocurrency to remain mainstream.

    For Example,

    You walk into a grocery store and your cryptocurrency is worth $1.00 and by the time you pay for your groceries, the cryptocurrency is worth $1.50. Not only are you paying sales tax on the goods you just bought, but you will have to pay taxes on the gain you made while walking through the grocery store.

    3.    Bitcoin is a Limited Resource.

    Just like oil and diamonds, Bitcoin is a limited asset. That means the price is going to be driven by the simple effects of supply and demand. Right now, demand is high and supply has a fixed value. However, what you need to know is that supply is going down in value because many people have lost access to their digital wallets.

    There was a story about an entrepreneur named Gabriel Abed, who had 800 Bitcoins worth about $25 Million. And he lost the password to his wallet. And lost all of the value of Bitcoins. This occurred when a colleague apparently reformatted his laptop, thus barring Abed from gaining access to his fortune.

    So, the $25 Million question is this,

    “Does the money that you don’t have access to, have any value?”

    4.    There Are Over 5000 Coins.

    In the early 2000s, there were over 8,000 commercial banks. Now there are less than 5,000. If cryptocurrency remains mainstream, you have to ask yourself,

    “What coins are here to stay? And which coins are going to become extinct?”

    That within itself is the Trillion-dollar question. From what I’ve read, Mark Cuban has been reported saying the coin he believes most in is Ethereum. After Bitcoin, it is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Holding over $300 Billion.

    Where a smart investor would look is into which coin has the blockchain technology that will be desirable in order to help decrease the number of financial crimes. This within itself has the opportunity to save financial institutions. British Banks alone spend $5 Billion per year fighting financial crimes.

     

    5.    Lack of Value.

    Grant Cardone has been recorded saying that purchasing a primary residence is a dumb investment because you have to pay the bank the house doesn’t pay you. And an investment that doesn’t pay you is not a good investment. Cryptocurrency the only way to make a profit is to buy low and sell high. There are no dividend payments and basically, you’re at the mercy of the markets.

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick

  • 4 Skills To Teach Your Kids To Make Them Rich

    4 Skills To Teach Your Kids To Make Them Rich

    Most parents would love for their kids to be rich. Well, at least wealthier than them. That’s the beauty of life, humans innately want their offspring to do better. As technology continues to improve, there are certain skills that are a giant separator between becoming a success and being a leader in your field.

    Obviously, the education system is an outdated system that teaches kids subjects that are important, but like any system, it has its flaws! So, it’s vital to your children’s future that they pick up a few skills outside of the classroom!

    Here are a few of the skills that will make your kids rich:

    1. Typing.

    Phones have killed this skill because texting is only completed with your thumbs. Being able to type effectively and layout original thoughts is a gamechanger. In this day of age in order to build a reputation to become a leader in the world, your kids MUST be able to share their message.

    Being able to type and leave a digital footprint through words, not videos, is one of the best ways that your kids can start building up their followings at a young age.

    Most people are using video blogs rather than just typing out their ideas into a written one. Although, writing a blog is now deemed “Old School” in order to be dynamic you have to be able to do it all!

    2. Public Speaking.

    Whether we’re on planet earth or the metaverse public speaking will ALWAYS be a high value activity. Think about it like this. Do you prefer to see your favorite music artist on YouTube or at a live concert?

    People will continue to pay BIG money to hear people perform, speak, and present on a stage! So, you got to get your kids comfortable being in front of a large group of people.

    Being a presenter is no different from being an entertainer. IF you’re able to confidently speak in front of a group of people, you will find your kids in a league of their own.

    3. Graphic Design.

    Social media AIN’T going anywhere! It’s here to stay, the platforms may change names and adapt over time. But, this isn’t going to change the way people consume information. IF your kids are able to design captivating content via graphic design, they will never be finding themselves on the short side of the stick.

    Companies are hiring more MFA (Master Fine Art) students than MBA (Master Business Administration) students because of their creativity. The creative people are the ones who are going to be ruling the world, not the skeptics and analytics thinkers.

    4. Communications.

    English is one of the hardest languages to learn because of all the different meanings. For example,

    “You’re going to take a right turn right up here on the left.”

    Even if English is your native language, this is confusing, but you see my point? Your kids will definitely have to learn how to communicate clearly with different people.

    Analytical people communicate in a certain way compared to people who are more creative. If your children are able to learn how to speak different people’s languages, they will have more people in their lives. And the more people they have in their lives, the further they will be able to go!

    Your Guide,

  • Money Saving Tips for The Holidays

    Money Saving Tips for The Holidays

    With the average consumer spending a little over $900 during the holidays in 2021, how will the inflation we see impact consumers in 2022? Well, with inflation being the hot financial topic this year, your $900 last year will only be able to buy you about $810 worth of gifts. So, if you’re on a budget, there are many unconventional ways you can buy your family the presents they deserve without breaking the bank!

    Here are 3 easy to follow tips that will help you make the most out of your holiday spending!

    1.    Facebook Marketplace.

    Recently, I was looking to invest in a new computer monitor and said,

    “Let me check out Facebook Marketplace.”

    Well, I found a monitor that is about $250 new, for $50. Kids aren’t going to know the difference between whether something that is lightly used versus new. AND your dollar will go further by going in a direction most people aren’t considering.

    This will directly undercut the rise in prices we’ve seen because you’re going to be buying everything at a discount that is much greater than what we’ve seen compared to inflation this past year. Basically, it’s black Friday 365 days a year on the Facebook Marketplace.

    2.    Give Yourself a Limit.

    With the “Buy Now” options and all of the easy ways it is for companies to charge you nowadays, it will be wise to give yourself a limit BEFORE you start buying gifts. The way I’d suggest doing that is literally going to the bank and pulling out the cash you’re willing to spend for the holidays.

    As you start to spend gifts use the cash as much as possible and that way you can literally track how you’re doing in terms of your spending. Psychologically it’s much easier for you to comprehend how much you’re spending when you see the cash leaving your pocket and becoming smaller and smaller.

    3.    Invest Into Your Family’s Future.

    Whether it’s a vacation or an interest, you can make purchases that will teach your children the skills they need to become successful in the future. For example, maybe your child wants to be a graphic designer, you can invest in #canva or #adobe so they can start learning how to use it. Or maybe your kid wants to be an architect? You can buy Legos and complete that as a family.

    Buying the latest and greatest toys will eventually not be popular. Like anything, your children will move on to something else that piques their interest. By investing in something that is interactive, you can purchase a yearly subscription or just go month to month. That way if your kids find out they don’t like something, you can just cancel the subscription at any time. This is much easier than having to go back to the store and return a gift.

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick, “Unconventional Money Guy”

    Co-Founder of 369 Financial

  • Money Saving Tips for the Holidays

    Money Saving Tips for the Holidays

    With the average consumer spending a little over $900 during the holidays in 2021, how will the inflation we see impact consumers in 2022? Well, with inflation being the hot financial topic this year, your $900 last year will only be able to buy you about $810 worth of gifts. So, if you’re on a budget, there are many unconventional ways you can buy your family the presents they deserve without breaking the bank!

    Here are 3 easy to follow tips that will help you make the most out of your holiday spending!

    1.    Facebook Marketplace.

    Recently, I was looking to invest in a new computer monitor and said,

    “Let me check out Facebook Marketplace.”

    Well, I found a monitor that is about $250 new, for $50. Kids aren’t going to know the difference between whether something that is lightly used versus new. AND your dollar will go further by going in a direction most people aren’t considering.

    This will directly undercut the rise in prices we’ve seen because you’re going to be buying everything at a discount that is much greater than what we’ve seen compared to inflation this past year. Basically, it’s black Friday 365 days a year on the Facebook Marketplace.

    2.    Give Yourself a Limit.

    With the “Buy Now” options and all of the easy ways it is for companies to charge you nowadays, it will be wise to give yourself a limit BEFORE you start buying gifts. The way I’d suggest doing that is literally going to the bank and pulling out the cash you’re willing to spend for the holidays.

    As you start to spend gifts use the cash as much as possible and that way you can literally track how you’re doing in terms of your spending. Psychologically it’s much easier for you to comprehend how much you’re spending when you see the cash leaving your pocket and becoming smaller and smaller.

    3.    Invest Into Your Family’s Future.

    Whether it’s a vacation or an interest, you can make purchases that will teach your children the skills they need to become successful in the future. For example, maybe your child wants to be a graphic designer, you can invest in #canva or #adobe so they can start learning how to use it. Or maybe your kid wants to be an architect? You can buy Legos and complete that as a family.

    Buying the latest and greatest toys will eventually not be popular. Like anything, your children will move on to something else that piques their interest. By investing in something that is interactive, you can purchase a yearly subscription or just go month to month. That way if your kids find out they don’t like something, you can just cancel the subscription at any time. This is much easier than having to go back to the store and return a gift.

    Your Guide,

    Joshua Krafchick, “Unconventional Money Guy”

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