Some Leasing Suggestions For Families Living In California

Have A Long-Term Plan

If you’re going to do the best for yourself and your family, it may take some planning. Sometimes it makes sense to work in one region for a while, saving money, and move. Sometimes it makes sense to “tread water” in a rental living situation for a while before you put money down on a more permanent property. Keep in mind, lease terms are usually not less than six months.

If you’re going to put your family in a rental for a while, you want to think in terms of the length of the lease. Ideally, you can find a situation where you are able to move within a year’s time. Sometimes there are rent-to-own options out there that can be good for your family. Other times you might want to avoid stationary residency altogether, vying for a more mobile option until you find your stride.

While having a family in a motorhome isn’t ideal, living mobile need not feel mobile. This can be a great way to cut living costs for a few months while you find something better. Still, if you plan right, you don’t have to sacrifice for comfort or safety. Also, it could be that the rental option just makes more sense for your family.

 

Whatever the case, you want to look at properties that are going to serve your needs, like Vintage apartments in Pleasanton. For families attending college in Davis, California, just outside Sacramento, these units offer a full suite of services and top-tier units. If you want to be closer to campus, these West Village apartments at UC Davis offer some notable living solutions.

Specific Considerations

Look for units that are located in neighborhoods that are relatively safe. Rental communities can be very good for families, but there are some which are just a few graffiti marks away from being a slum. It’s essential to know before you go. Regardless of what you look at online, it’s essential to physically examine the premises before you sign on the dotted line.

 

Also, it’s never a good idea to go with the first unit you like. There’s such a thing as the “path of least resistance”. People don’t like to work hard, they don’t like to pound the pavement seeking a goal, they like to find a solution and stick with it—and often, being crunched for time, this is a fair enough way to do things. Still, if you’re the head of a household, you’ve got more to think of than just yourself.

You need to look at a minimum of five properties which match your family’s unique needs. If you can get a pet-friendly unit, and this matches family dynamics, that’s a plus. Some units may not offer pets, but have everything else you need. Certain compromises may be necessary, and this is one of the many reasons it’s absolutely fundamental that you plan in advance.

Finding The Best Place For Your Family

If you’re raising a family, at a minimum, you need to have an outline for what you think the next eighteen years will hold. You can’t predict the future; economies ebb and flow, fortunes come and go, and societies transition with time. However, you can plan for the most likely scenarios, and give yourself financial cushions.

Part of planing ahead involves where you live. Know what you and your family need. Know what your budget is. Know how long you intend on pursuing a leasing situation. Understand where you have points that are negotiable. Look at multiple units before you make a final decision. Following these steps will help you find the best home for you and your family.

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5 Tips For Parents Getting Married: How To Let Your Kids Enjoy

Weddings are a lot of fun. But kids could find them too boring and dull if there’s nothing for them to do! Many people might opt not to invite kids to their wedding at all, but your offspring should definitely be in attendance on your big day!

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your kids enjoy your wedding just as much as anyone else. They already have the formal wear to look forward to but here are some tips for keeping them entertained:

  1. Plan The Schedule

Before you plunge into making your wedding fun for your kids, decide what role they’re going to play. If they’re old enough, they can be in the wedding party as bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers, ushers, etc.

Consider both the ages of the kids and what they’re expecting from the wedding day. This will help you form an idea of what kind of role to plan for them. For instance, you might have them at the ceremony, but plan out something else during the reception so the adults can have a peaceful time.

  1. Focus On Inclusion Right From The Beginning

If you’re going to include the kids in the wedding, you can involve them in the preparations as well. This will help them feel included and make them respond eagerly to anything wedding-related. That way, you can even ask their opinion on the wedding dress you’ll be finalizing for yourself from websites like https://www.azazie.com/.

You might feel like planning every detail yourself and then just giving the kids instructions, but this wouldn’t make them take a personal interest. So the best bet is to relax a little and let them join in.

  1. Delegate Kids’ Responsibility To Someone Who Can Handle It Nicely

When hiring your wedding planner, see if they have services especially for kids at weddings. Some might even come up with some reliable babysitters to take care of the young ones at the event. That way, you can relax and enjoy the day without having to stress about the kids.

However, it’s also a good idea to make sure that the caretaker is equipped to deal with shy, frightened, or even bad-tempered kids. Weddings can be quite overwhelming for people of all ages, so you should be mentally prepared for a tantrum or stage fright.

  1. Let Them Relax In Their Dresses
    Your kids will look adorable in poofy dresses and well-fitted tuxes, but such outfits might not be very comfortable. The ceremony itself is only going to last for some minutes, after which the kids will want to run and move around. That’s why the outfits for the kids should be comfortable and forgiving.

    Make them age-appropriate as well. If it’s expected to be cold during an outdoor wedding, make sure they have an extra sweater or jacket on hand.

    1. Arrange A Kid-Oriented Area

    It’s best if the kids have a place where they feel comfortable during the wedding. The ceremony, reception, and speeches could take hours, so implementing some ideas for entertaining kids will make it easier on everyone.

    You can put in some coloring supplies and games in the children’s area, or even have a small tent just for them! It all depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend.

    Wrapping Up

    Making your kids feel special on your wedding day will ensure that they remember this event with a lot of fondness. It’s the perfect time for making memories, especially as all of you are starting a new chapter in your lives. So consider the tips above and start working on your kid-friendly wedding right away!

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Back to School Deals – and School List Assist – at Target

As much as I HATE to even whisper the ‘s’ word, our first day is right around the corner (less than 2 weeks here) so this Mama has had to start shopping for deals.

You can get 50 cent folders, 50 cent 24 count of Crayola Crayons , 99 cents Colored Pencils, and so many more awesome deals to get the most bang for your buck with school supplies this year at Target! The plastic folders are my favorite, they last almost the entire school year, so no need to buy extras!

Now besides having AMAZING deals this week, Target also has done something else amazing and ultimately the most GENIUS marketing program I have ever seen.  I introduce you to TARGET SCHOOL LIST ASSIST.

All you have to do is visit the website, choose your delivery method (you can pick up, or have it shipped, orders over $35 have free shipping) find your class list, and once you click on your child’s classroom, everything is automatically added to your cart! You can remove items if needed (like if you’ve already purchased somewhere else) but this is one of the greatest time AND money savers I have found.

You won’t be tempted to buy additional items you don’t need, and your kids won’t be able to talk you into additional items that THEY don’t need! It’s a win/win in my book – plus with FREE Shipping, you don’t even have to leave the house! I don’t know about you, but if I can order online I WILL order online. It’s a great feature, and you have to check it out!

They also have some awesome deals on back to school clothes as well – buy 1 get 1 50% off their already low prices!

If you have a college student you have to take advantage of the $40 OFF when you spend $100 deal – just use code COLLEGE to get the deal.  They have these AWESOME metal utility carts which are a must have for college students.

These deals end August 3rd, so hurry! You can order online using your Target debit or credit card and save an additional 5% off your purchase!

 

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Delicious Quick & Easy Chicken Dinners with Marcangelo’s Flame Roasted Chicken

This post is sponsored by Savings.com

It’s about to be that time of year again – I hate to even say the word. You know, the “S” word. The kids and I have been dreading it, but the school supply lists are already out, and the open house mailers already received. It’s back to school, and we all know what that means – gone are the lazy days of summer; back to the strict schedule of school days are here again.

Besides the obvious issue of getting up early (and going to bed the same) one of my most dreaded tasks of the school year dinners. By the time I get home from work , pick up kids (or run them where they need to go) cooking nearly becomes an impossible task. Sure we still have a bit longer of throwing things on the grill, but even then it can be time consuming.

Most of you know I will always share great recipes or products that make my life easier – and I have another one for you. Marcangelo Grilled Chicken products.

What I love best is they come in 3 DIFFERENT flavors; so no need to worry about what to fix. They have original fire grilled chicken breast strips, BBQ flavored, and Italian flavored.

You can pair the fire grilled chicken breast strips with a salad, or even a sandwich. The BBQ is great with a side of veggies and mac n’ cheese, and throw the Italian flavored pairs great with some pasta – all making some delicious and quick dinners for your family.

Grab your coupon here, for $1 OFF any flavor! You can find Marcangelo at Food Lion in the refrigerated section! But hurry , coupon expires on 8/31

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Scrimping & Saving: How to Manageably Overcome Debt

Debt can be useful when buying a home or paying for college. However, it can also cause a lot of problems. Overcoming it can be tough too. However, there are a few things you can do that can empower you to do this.

 

Track Your Expenses

People who want to overcome their debt need to get serious about tracking expenses. You can’t expect to beat debt if you don’t know exactly where your money goes. Budgeting might not sound like fun; but it’s one of the most essential parts of getting your finances in order.

 

To create a budget, you need to total up all your income and expenses. These will then be divided up based on whether they’re fixed or variable. If you want, you can also separate your costs by whether they’re essential or non-essential.

 

Once you’ve completed this step, you can find ways to cut back. Look to see if there are any subscriptions or memberships you can do without. Evaluate how much you’re spending on things like eating out and drinks. People who want to simplify their budgeting even more can use a budgeting app.

 

Implement a Debt Repayment Strategy

You’re more likely to pay down your debt if you create a plan. There are two major methods people like to talk about in this field—the snowball and avalanche methods. The snowball has you tackle your smallest debts first, while the avalanche goes for loans with the highest interest rates. Snowball followers say the psychology behind progress makes it more effect. Implementing the avalanche will save you money on interest payments.

 

But as some people have noted, the difference between the two isn’t enormous. You can choose to follow one of these, or just follow your own plan. It should be noted, however, that you’ll want to totally pay down one debt at a time, while maintaining the minimum on all your others. Doing this will gradually allow you to pay down each line of credit.

 

Work with a Debt Relief Agency

People struggling to make any progress with their debts despite listening to all the professional advice should contact a debt relief agency. These organizations specialize in finding ways to help people navigate debt, often through settlement or negotiation plans.

 

It’s important to choose a debt relief enterprise that’s really on your side. Not all of them are working in the best interests of consumers. Looking at Freedom Debt Relief reviews shows they’re one of the most reliable organizations in the industry.

 

Boost Your Cashflow

When possible, you should try to find ways to increase the amount of money you’re bringing in each month. Extra cash can help you pay down your debt sooner. There are a few ways to go about this. Maybe the easiest is to ask for a raise at your current job. If you’re due for one, it might not be a bad idea to ask for a bit more money.

 

Getting a raise, however, isn’t an option for everyone. People in this boat have to come up with other solutions. One option is to take on a part-time job. There are lots of apps that allow people to make some extra money on the side in their free time. Otherwise, you can consider selling some things and using that money toward your debt. If you’ve got things collecting dust around your place — especially in a garage or storage unit — you might as well generate some income from them.

 

Debt can be a suffocating thing. It’s challenging to get rid of it once it has become part of your life. Happily though, these tested methods can lead you down the path of overcoming debt.

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