Weird and Wonderful Holidays in the Month of July

Ice Cream ConesIndependence Day might be the most well known holiday in July, but did you know that this month also contains many other fun and quirky celebrations?

Here are some of the strangest holidays in the month of July:

July 1st: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day

This holiday celebrates all of the unique combinations of tastes that bored ice-cream makes have come up with, so why not sample some wasabi ice cream or pine nut gelato?

July 8th: Video Games Day

Bring out all of your extra controllers and challenge your friends to a multi-player battle on your favorite video game. Make sure you have plenty of snacks to munch on to keep you going.

July 10th: Pick Blueberries Day

Head to your local blueberry patch and pick these delicious little treats until your hands are stained purple.

They will be nice and ripe at this time of the year so they will taste their very best.

If you don’t eat them all right away, July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day so you can bake them into muffins to share with your friends!

July 11th: National Cheer up the Lonely Day

Do you know someone who might be feeling a little bit lonely?

Make their day special by inviting them over for a meal and making them feel like they are part of the gang.

Who knows, you might make a new friend!

July 16th: International Juggling Day

To celebrate this holiday, find some instructional videos online and try to teach yourself to juggle.

Just to be safe, stick with beanbags to start with and work your way up to the flaming torches, swords and chainsaws!

July 30th: Father-In-Law Day

You gave presents to your own Father back in June on Father’s Day, so now it is time to give a little gift to your husband or wife’s Dad.

There are so many strange and interesting holidays in July that you could spend the entire month celebrating if you wanted to!

However, don’t try to get time off work for every one of these special holidays; your boss might not be amused!  

Smart Tips for Beginning Investors

Stock Market InvestingSo you have reached the point where you have some money in savings that you want to keep for the long term future.

However, you realize that putting it in your run of the mill savings account will likely result in its compound interest rates barely keeping up with inflation.

You are willing to accept a little bit more risk in return for a higher reward and you are interested in investing in the stock market.

Investing can be intimidating for the beginner and there is a lot to learn about the world of stocks and bonds.

Here are a few things to remember when you are first starting out:

Educate Yourself

Investing in the stock market is very complex and there is a lot to learn about the different techniques, terminology and types of investments.

Before you start sinking in your cold hard cash, you will want to do as much research as possible so that you can make informed decisions.

Speak to those who have experience investing, read about investing online and in books or even sign up for an introductory course.

Do a Trial Run First

If you want to practice investing in the stock market to get the hang of it before you commit your money, you can use fake dollars in an online stock market simulator.

This is a great way to practice trading and get an idea of how stocks and bonds work before you choose your real investments.

Put Your Eggs in Many Baskets

Diversification is a key to a successful portfolio, which means that you should never invest all of your money into one stock.

If all of your eggs are in one basket, that particular stock could perform poorly and you could be out of luck.

However, if your assets are divided amongst many different types of investments if one fails then the successes of the others will balance it out.

Don’t Forget Your Emergency Fund

Remember that you should never consider investing until you have adequate savings in your emergency fund.

You should have at least 3-6 months of savings in an easily accessible savings account in the event that you get injured or ill, lose your job, or some other unexpected expense comes along.

If all of your savings are tied up in the stock market, you will have no safety net to help you in this situation.

These are a few things to remember when investing for the first time. Good luck and have fun!

The Best Summer Camping Spots in the USA

Grand Canyon SkywalkSummer is on its way and the warm weather means that thousands of families across the USA will be bringing out their tents, tarps, folding chairs, camping stoves, fishing rods, and sleeping bags.

The summer camping holiday is somewhat of an American family tradition which is celebrated on every long weekend and school break of the year.

There is nothing quite like the experience of eating hot dogs roasted over an open fire, making smores, telling ghost stories and falling asleep in the peaceful silence of the forest.

Camping is a great way to spend a holiday with your family. Camping sites are cheaper than motels, you can cook your own food and the kids will love playing in the forest and swimming in the lake.

Camping can also be a romantic way to spend a getaway with your sweetheart, as you take scenic walks together and cuddle by a roaring fire.

If you are planning on taking a camping trip this year, here are some of the very best camping spots in the USA where you can enjoy the best of the outdoors:

Yosemite National Park, California

This rugged and stunning wilderness area is special because it was one of the first wilderness parks in the USA.

It is over 1200 square miles of ancient forests, lush green meadows, deep valleys and roaring waterfalls.

Within the park there are thirteen different campgrounds to choose from, most of which need to be reserved in advance, so plan your holiday ahead of time in order to enjoy this amazing area of natural beauty.

Acadia National Park, Maine

If you are looking to enjoy some of the scenic beauty of the East Coast, you can visit this gorgeous area located on an island just south of Ellsworth, Maine.

It is a perfect spot for fishing and the views of the ocean from the rocky shoreline will take your breath away.

There are also plenty of biking trails, hiking routes and even sea-cliff rock climbing.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

When it comes to iconic camping spots in the USA, it would be wrong not to mention the famous Grand Canyon National Park.

This is one of America’s most popular vacation destinations and the sheer magnificence and size of the canyon has to be seen to be believed.

While you are camping at one of the many campsites in the area, you can go on a river rafting adventure or take a donkey tour down to the bottom of the canyon.

These are just a few of the most popular camping areas in the USA.

No matter where you camp, be sure that you respect the environment; clean up after yourself and don’t leave anything in the campsite after you leave.

That way these natural areas can remain beautiful and can be enjoyed for many generations to come.

 

How to Travel Cheaply in Your Retirement Years

Travel to Puerto RicoIf you are nearing retirement age there are many things to look forward to in your future, such as the chance to take time for yourself, pursue your hobbies and of course travel the world.

This is the chance to see some of the places you have always wanted to see, which you postponed in the name of career and raising a family. Now that the kids have flown the nest you can pack your bags and take off on an adventure.

However, what if you are finding that your retirement income is smaller than you expected and you are not sure how you will afford the trips you and your partner have been looking forward to?

Don’t worry, there are many ways that you can cut down your travel expenses and plan a fantastic budget getaway. Here are some tips to get you on your way:

Take Advantage of Senior Discounts

Admit your age and take full advantage of the many senior travel discounts out there!

These discounts can save you 10% or even more and can turn an expensive trip into an affordable one.

Even if a hotel or a travel agency doesn’t advertise senior’s fees you can always call them up and ask them about special deals that they are offering.

Swap Your House

If you are at retirement age you likely have your own home, so why not use it to travel for free?

You might be dreaming of a holiday in an English cottage or an apartment in Paris, but someone in England or France might love to spend a few weeks visiting your hometown!

A quick Google search will turn up many websites which allow you to list your home for a swap, saving you hundreds of dollars on accommodation.

Travel in the Off Season

Since you are retired and not bound to a schedule, you have the freedom to travel whenever you want and don’t have to stick within the popular holidays like Christmas, summer and spring break when resorts will be crowded and prices will be higher.

Your travel destinations might not have the best weather in the off season but as long as the museums, art galleries, attractions and restaurants are still open you still have a great time.

These are just a few ways that you can make travel cheaper during your retirement and enjoy this opportunity to explore more of the world!

 

More Money Than Month? How to Stick to Your Budget

Money Saving TipsSo you’ve gone through the hard work of making a budget, written down your expenses and your income and made a plan for your spending.

However, sometimes the hardest part of budgeting is sticking to your plan. You might have the intention of cutting down your spending and putting money in your savings, but if you don’t stick to this plan it will not happen.

Here are a few tips that will help you stick to your budget and meet your goals:

Have a Reason to Save

Saving money just for the sake of saving it is very difficult, because it requires you to sacrifice your happiness in the moment without any concrete future reward.

It is much easier to deny yourself those luxury purchases when you can keep in mind that you are saving towards a big travel adventure, a university education, a new home, or some other important purchase.

Check In Often

It’s hard to keep track of your spending in your head, so even though you think you are being frugal and sticking to your goals you might be losing track of those expenses which add up quickly, such as eating out, buying coffee at a cafe, or filling up the gas tank.

In order to make sure that you are staying on track, log in to your online banking and look at your credit card and debit card statements at least once per week.

Change Your Tempting Habits

Cutting your spending on clothes in your budget and then hanging out in the mall all day looking at sales is only torturing yourself.

Instead, do something else like going for a walk or visiting a friend.

If you take away the tempting situations which usually cause you to spend money, you will be much less likely to break your budget.

Build Rewards Into Your Budget

It’s hard to be frugal sometimes, so when you stick to your budget you need to give yourself some positive motivation for a job well done.

Budget an extra bit of money and tell yourself that you will spend it on a treat for yourself if you stick to your budget goals for an entire month.

The treat could be a movie out with friends, a new pair of shoes, a meal in a favorite restaurant, or something else that you enjoy.

These are just a few ways that you can stick to your budget and reach your financial goals.

Good luck!

Juneteenth: Celebrating the End of Slavery

American and Juneteenth Flags

What are your plans to celebrate Juneteenth this year?

If you haven’t heard of this holiday before, Juneteenth is celebrated on the 19th of June and it is the oldest recorded celebration to commemorate when slavery came to an end in the USA.

It was established in 1865 when the Union Soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas and Major General Gordon Granger announced that those who were enslaved were now free.

This festival is held every year, especially in the Southern states of America, to celebrate the emancipation of the slaves. 

In early years due to deeply ingrained racism the holiday was banned from being publicly celebrated, however the Civil Rights Movement brought with it a resurgence of Juneteenth celebrations and in 1980 it became an official state holiday.

Juneteenth Traditions

Some of the traditional events which occur on the 19th of June include a public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation as a reminder of this historic event.

Many African American families use this holiday as an occasion to retrace their ancestry, exchange artifacts and learn about their heritage.

Juneteenth events also include poetry readings by writers such as Maya Angelou and live music, as well as parades, rodeos, cookouts, concerts, picnics and more.

A number of cities and towns around the USA honor June the 19th with their own parades, festivals, concerts and public events.

In Galveston, Texas where it all began there is a National Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony every year, which is held near the historic Ashton Villa building.

It is also a tradition to host baseball games on the 19th of June in the community.

Also, major American cultural institutions such as the Henry Ford Museum and the Smithsonian have begun to sponsor their own Juneteenth activities and exhibitions.

Juneteenth is For Everyone

Juneteenth is a historical day of reflection and an opportunity to appreciate and honor the African American experience in the days of slavery.

This holiday includes all ethnicities and is a time for everyone to come together.

Check online to find out if there are any Juneteenth celebrations in your community and go ahead and join the party!

School’s Out for Summer: How to Encourage Your Kids to Learn Over the Holidays

Summer vacation is finally here and your kids have permanently implanted themselves in the couch, eyes glued to the television, with no sign of moving for the next three months.

When kids do absolutely nothing over the holidays, they not only forget what they have learned in school but they get out of the habit of learning and find it difficult to start their schoolwork again in the fall.

School's Out For Summer

Studies have shown that it can take over a month for children to get refocused on learning and academics when they return to school in September, due to what is known as “Summer Brain Drain”.

You certainly don’t want to be making your children do homework assignments every day during the summer, but it can be very helpful to keep them active, engaged and curious about learning new things.

There are many ways that you can make sure that your kids have a fun holiday while still preparing them for the return to the classroom:

Limit Screen Time

Spending several hours a day on the computer or in front of the television will deprive your child of mental as well as physical stimulation, which can cause them to gain weight.

Place a limit on how much “screen time” is allowed per day and encourage your child to enjoy active outdoor activities instead.

Go For a Hike

Not only will this help your child become more active, it is also an opportunity to learn about the plants and wildlife in your area.

You can bring the camera and take photos of interesting trees, flowers and landscapes that you see along the way.

Hang Out at the Library

Research has shown that the amount of independent reading that a child does outside of school relates directly to their vocabulary skills, reading comprehension, verbal fluency and general knowledge.

The trick is to get your child interested in reading what is important to them, whether it is science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror or non-fiction books about their favorite topic.

Take them to the library to discover books that are interesting and fun for them to read and help them learn that reading is not just associated with academia.

Go On a Field Trip

There are many fun places to go as a family which are also educational, such as a museum, science centre, zoo, national park, farm, or wildlife sanctuary. These trips can be so fun and exciting that your kids don’t even notice that they are learning!

Stay Creative

Spend some time with your child this summer working on a creative project, whether it is making a collage with leaves, building a bird feeder, making mugs out of clay, or tie dying a t-shirt.

These fun projects are easy to set up and will keep your child’s creative juices flowing throughout the summer.

The most important thing about learning during summer vacation is that it should be a good balance between educational and fun.

Don’t try to force it, but simply set up situations where your children can enjoy learning and challenging their minds throughout the summer while still enjoying their holidays.

 

Tips for Celebrating Flag Day This June 14th

United States American FlagThe Star Spangled Banner. Old Glory. Big Red White and Blue. Stars and Stripes.

The American flag has a lot of nicknames and plenty of history behind it and in June millions of Americans will celebrate Flag Day by waving these thirteen stars and stripes outside of their houses and businesses.

In the USA, Flag Day is celebrated on the 14th of June every year. This was the date that the flag of the United States was adopted.

In fact, the week surrounding June the 14th is known as “National Flag Week” and during this week the President will issue a proclamation which encourages Americans to fly a flag outside of their homes throughout the week.

All government buildings in the country will also display the flag during this special week of the year.

Flag Day Parades around the Country

Every year on Flag Day, many cities all over the United States hold events to celebrate the good old stars and stripes.

They include colorful parade floats, live music, ceremonies, and singing of the national anthem.

Some of these celebrations are recently established and other parades have been a tradition for generations.

One of the oldest of these celebrations is the parade in Fairfield, Washington, which has been going on every year since 1910, with the possible exception of 1918.

The Flag Day parade in Quincy, Massachusetts celebrated its 59th year in 2010.

The largest Flag Day parade in the country is in Troy, New York. Over 50,000 people come out every year to join in the festivities.

Flag Day Fun Facts

In honor of Flag Day, here are some interesting facts about the star spangled banner that you might not have heard before:

  • Each of the colors on the flag has their own meaning. Red stands for courage, blue means vigilance and justice, and white represents purity and innocence.
  • The number thirteen represents the thirteen American colonies that once rallied around the new flag as they fought against the British for self-governance.
  • There are certain rules of etiquette for displaying the flag. It must never be allowed to touch the ground and if it is displayed at night it must be illuminated.
  • There are 6 American flags planted on the moon.

This Flag Day, show your patriotic pride and fly your American flag at home!

 

Common Credit Card Myths Debunked

Credit Card MythsAlthough credit cards have been used since the 1960s, there are several untrue myths which still persist about them in society.

Understanding the truth behind these common myths will help you to use your credit card more effectively.

You Can Write “See ID” Rather Than Signing Your Name on the Back of the Card

Many people have used this trick because they think that it makes their card more secure.

Their logic is that the signature could be copied and used by fraudsters and that having the clerk check ID rather than looking at the signature will stop thieves from using their credit cards.

However, there is little need to do this at all.

If your credit card is stolen, all you need to do is report it to the credit card company right away and you will be absolved of any purchases made on the card afterwards.

Having a Low Limit Will Help Your Credit

You might have thought that keeping your credit limit low was the best way to help boost your credit score.

However, the trick is to actually have a large available limit and only use a small portion of it.

Lenders like to see that there is a large gap between what you have available to you and what you are using.

However, on the other hand if you can’t trust yourself to resist the temptations of a large limit then you should probably leave your credit limits alone.

If You Continue to Pay the Minimum Amount Due, You Will Eliminate Your Debt

While you might pay it off eventually, it will take several years or even decades to pay off the principle if you are only making the minimum payments.

This is because you are only paying for the interest and not bringing down the total amount of the loan.

These are just a few of the common myths about credit cards and their use which are untrue and yet have still persisted for many years.

Clever Ways to Cut Your Food Bill Down

Grocery Shopping TipsWhen it comes to saving money, there are a few things that you can’t cut back on too much because you need them to survive, such as clothing, shelter and food.

You can take the bus to work and not buy a big screen TV, but you will not live very long if you don’t eat!

However, buying food doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think.

If you wince in horror everything you take out your wallet at the supermarket, there are many ways that you can cut down your food bill while still eating healthy and tasty meals.

Keep It Simple

Learn to cook simpler, basic recipes which involve only a few ingredients. For example, soups, chilies, stews, and ratatouille and pasta dishes.

For a delicious spaghetti and meat sauce dish you only need ground beef, tomato-based pasta sauce, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and pasta.

These ingredients can be bought for very cheap and are versatile enough to be used up in many other dishes.

Cook Cheaper Cuts of Meat for Longer

When you are buying meat, take a look at the cheaper, tougher cuts such as stewing beef which will be much less expensive than other cuts such as sirloin steak.

The trick is to buy these tougher meats and then marinate them or stew them for many hours in a soup, stew, curry or meat sauce.

This requires a bit of planning ahead for your meals, but it will give you rich, flavorful meat which falls apart sumptuously in your mouth and costs much less.

Don’t Worry About Brand Names

Do you really need to buy the most famous brand name ketchup, peanut butter, orange juice, mayonnaise, or soy sauce, when the “generic” store brand is usually $1 (and sometimes $2) cheaper?

You have been brainwashed by advertisements to choose the brand which is most familiar to you, but the generic brand items taste almost exactly the same and if you were blindfolded you would likely not be able to tell the difference.

Plan Your Meals

When you come home from work and the kids come home from school, everyone is tired, cranky and starving.

This makes it very easy to give up on the idea of cooking and eat out at a restaurant or order takeout instead, which will drain your food budget very quickly.

Instead, think about what you are going to have for dinner in advance so that you can start cooking it before you get too hungry.

These are just a few ways that you can cut your food bill down and save your hard earned money.

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