If you’ve ever had trouble getting a loan or been denied credit, chances are your credit score was an issue.

Credit scores are calculated based on your past behavior with financial institutions. The higher your score, the better your chances of being approved for new loans and credit cards.

If you have good credit, it’s important to take care of it! You can do this by adopting simple habits like always paying off your bills on time, keeping debt low (ideally below 30%), and avoiding late payments.

But what if you don’t have good credit? Are there any ways to raise your score? Let’s find out.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score predicts the likelihood of timely loan repayment. Your credit score is gauged based on a few factors, most of which include your past payments like your:

• Payment history
• Debt
• Types of accounts opened
• Credit applications
• Foreclosure
• Bankruptcy

Tips for a Better Credit Score

If your credit score is lower than you’d want it to be, there are a few ways to boost it. Depending on what’s holding down your credit score, you can add a few points to your credit score by following these tips.

Pay Credit Strategically

Credit builds up fast. If you ignore your credit card balances, they will continue to add up. It’s a good idea to develop a strategy to monitor your credit balances. Of course, paying with a strategy comes with rewards.

There are a few things you can do to pay off your credit quickly to positively impact your credit score in the long run:

• Pay more than what you owe each month
• Try to make more than one payment every month
• Focus on paying off your most expensive debt
• Try to renegotiate your loan term to make it shorter

Aim for a Reasonable Credit Utilization

Most people aren’t aware that banks don’t commend you for spending your entire credit limit even if you pay it off on time. If you really want to build your credit score more quickly, you should only utilize 30% of your credit limit.

A good rule of thumb to remember is that you should aim to spend less than your total credit limit each month. This will make it easier for you to make timely payments while also building up a record of paying off your debt on time.

Ask for a Credit Limit Increase

If you’re unable to reduce your spending, consider asking for a credit limit increase. Keep in mind that this may only work if you don’t have any outstanding balances with the bank.

This way, it will look like you’re spending less, without really doing anything to change your spending habits.

Pay Bills on Time

Every bill or transaction should be paid on or before the due date. Late payments will only drag down your credit score further. Here are some things you can do to stay on top of your due dates and ensure that you don’t miss a payment:

• Set account reminders
• Automate your payments
• Mark it on your physical calendar

Correct Credit Report Errors

The smallest mistake could pull your credit score down considerably. So, when you’re conducting a review of your credit reports, make sure you take note of any incorrect information. Mistakes happen, and it’s never a bad idea to contest them especially if they affect your credit score.

This is also a good opportunity to spot charge-offs, which you’ll want to work towards removing.

Why A Good Credit Score Is Crucial

Credit scores are the three-digit numbers lenders use to determine whether or not you’re a reasonable credit risk. Additionally, they look at your past payment habits and other factors, such as the type of accounts you have opened and how long they’ve been open.

A low credit score can make it harder to get approved for loans, mortgages, lines of credit, and more. A high credit score, on the other hand, may help you get approved for these products at a lower interest rate.

The higher your credit score, the better your chances of getting approved for a loan or credit card.

Increase Your Credit Score Today!

The tips we’ve outlined here will help you to improve your credit score and, in turn, make it easier for you to manage your finances and get the loans you need. If you are looking for a loan, consider using these tips to increase your credit score so that you can qualify for better interest rates and repayment terms.

Self-discipline is a trait that allows people to achieve their goals. This, in turn, improves their lifestyle and contributes to their overall well-being and happiness.

Despite popular belief, discipline is a learned quality. This means you can improve it with practice and consistent effort.

Being disciplined allows you to stay in control of your actions, feelings, and emotions. It helps you remain motivated and focused on the task at hand, which will boost your chances of success.

Don’t know how to go about developing this trait? Here are 5 simple habits that will help you build discipline.

1. Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses

Recognizing your strengths will empower you and create the positivity you need to achieve your goal.

Your strengths could be determination, dedication, creativity, or versatility. They could also be your ability to be patient, calm, respectful, and honest.

You can use your strengths to proactively combat your weaknesses. Your weaknesses could include procrastinating, drinking, smoking, too much screen time, or irregular eating and sleeping routines.

Weaknesses pull you away from your goals. Mastering self-discipline becomes easy when you recognize and overcome your weaknesses.

2. Remove Temptations

The best way to overcome temptations is to remove them in the first place. You cannot go on a diet with your pantry full of your favorite junk food, nor can you go through your budget plan while browsing through online stores.

If you’re addicted to social media, uninstall the applications on your phone or turn off notifications.

It’s better to reserve self-control for unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances rather than exhaust your willpower on avoidable situations.

You are only human, and there are only so many temptations you can resist. By removing temptations, you can easily stay disciplined.

The fewer distractions, the clearer your goal. This increased focus will help you accomplish your goal.

These small sacrifices will help you lead a more successful and fulfilling life.

3. Set Small Goals

Setting a goal helps you develop a clear vision, but it is easy to get discouraged if you set very difficult and challenging goals on your new route to self-discipline.

The key to accomplishing goals is to first define them.

Break your main goal into smaller goals and celebrate whenever you achieve one of your subgoals. Plan and execute your mini-goals with time-bound guidelines.

Write down your goals and make to-do lists so you know you are working on them every day. Consistency is key to discipline and achieving goals. If you are trying to lose weight, work out for 15 to 20 minutes a day instead of 2 hours once a week to stay consistent and ease yourself into it.

Every little achievement will make you more disciplined and your life more productive. It will also give you the confidence to achieve bigger goals and the motivation that you need to keep going.

Start with one small goal and move to the next only when you have accomplished the former. The same applies to new habits whether it’s going to the gym, going to bed early, or spending less time on social media. Start with one new habit at a time, instead of being overwhelmed by several in an effort to be disciplined.

If you have a couple of things to do, prioritize and tackle them in the order of priority.

4. Nurture Yourself

One cannot overstate the importance of self-care in achieving discipline. It’s fine to put in a little additional time now and then, but if you’re working overtime for months on end to achieve discipline, you’ve lost sight of the objective. Your sleep-deprived mind will struggle to make decisions, and your body will suffer as a result.

Any objective, let alone discipline, will be impossible to achieve with a weary mind and body. When you are exhausted, you cannot work at your highest potential. It makes you lose focus on the task, which also makes you grumpy and pessimistic, breaking your resolve.

Eat well-balanced meals at regular intervals, with healthy snacking in between, to keep your body nourished. Combine healthy food with regular exercise. This will boost your mood and provide you with the energy you need to achieve your goals.

5. Treat And Forgive Yourself

Self-discipline does not mean you have to be too hard on yourself. It is important to treat yourself with breaks and rewards after little achievements. This will make you feel energized and restored, so you can move toward achieving your goal with increased enthusiasm.

If you’ve failed at achieving a goal, evaluate and figure out where you went wrong. Try again, without losing heart.

If you have made a mistake, forgive yourself quickly and move on instead of dwelling on the mistake. This will help you save valuable time that you can use to work on your goal.

Wrapping Up

Your path to self-discipline will have its fair share of bumps and failures. So when you face one, use it as a learning experience and move on. Instead of wrapping yourself up in guilt and frustration, forgive yourself and get back in the game with more fervor. Once you have learned to conquer yourself, everything else comes easy.

As much as we’d all like to, not everyone makes 7 figures a year, unfortunately. That’s simply the sad reality of most of the working class. The constant battle to make ends meet can greatly impact your saving habits.

While it’s important to make sure your bills are paid and food is put on the table, there’s absolutely no reason for you to put your dreams of buying a house, car, or retiring worry-free on the back burner.

Saving money on a low income doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life to the fullest. It simply means finding a way to make the most out of your money while setting a little aside to contribute towards your future.

Let’s explore some of the best tips for saving money on a low income that won’t feel impossible to do.

10 Ways To Save Money On A Low Income

Anyone who has to deal with a low income knows how far planning ahead can go. That said, if you’re constantly feeling like you’re barely living paycheck to paycheck, it may be time to make a few changes.

1. Set A Budget

Without a set financial plan, you may find your money slipping away from your fingertips more quickly than it should. It’s important to take the time to sit down and think about where your money needs to be spent.

Financial experts like to follow a 50-30-20 rule where 50% of your income is allotted for your needs, 30% on your wants, and the remaining 20% goes into your savings.

This may or may not work for you, so it’s all a matter of building a budget that will help you keep track of your spending.

2. Reduce Your Housing Expenses

Your housing cost is one of your biggest expenses. According to the National Expenditure Survey, consumers spend around $10,080 on housing costs annually.

There are three things you can do to cut back on these expenses:

• Downsizing to a smaller home or apartment.
• Moving to a cheaper location.
• Rent out any extra rooms or space.

3. Handle Your Debts

Trying to repay your debts can take a toll on your monthly budget, but it’s a necessity you can’t ignore. It may be challenging, but eliminating your debt more quickly will free up your money so you can use it on more important things like a home deposit.

4. Think About Your Food Costs

From packing lunches for work to cooking your own meals, there are many ways to cut down on food costs. We don’t mean eating the bare minimum. Instead, you should look into cooking your own meals rather than eating out.

If you want to stick to a budget, you may even find meal planning helpful.

5. Set Up An Automated Transfer

With cash on hand, it can be difficult to keep track of your money after paying the bills. One way to prioritize your savings is by setting up automated transfers each month.

This will allow you to set up your budget without having to worry about your savings and let you focus on your wants and needs depending on what’s left.

6. Find Cheap Ways To Entertain Yourself

Saving on a low income doesn’t mean you have to live a boring life. There are many ways to have fun while living frugally. Here are some suggestions to consider:

• Take up hiking
• Practice cooking
• Take up gardening
• Watch movies at home
• Read a book

7. Visit Your Local Library

Libraries offer more than just free books. There are many free resources that they can offer such as:

• Internet
• Movies
• CDs
• Games

8. Look Into Cash Envelopes

It’s easy to lose track of your budget when all your money is in one place. To keep things organized and give you a clearer view of your spending habits, try the envelope method.

It’s simple — all you need to do is take a few envelopes, label them according to your expenses, and fill them with your allotted budget. And stick to these allotted amounts.

9. Find Affordable Banks

Banking costs are the bane of any low-income earner’s existence. Not only do they riddle you with unnecessary fees, but it can take a huge toll on your budget. To help you save in this area, it’s a good idea to look into fee-free banks.

10. Think About How Much Your Car Costs

If you own a car, then you’re probably spending several hundred dollars on it each month. It’s important to look into ways to minimize these costs, such as:

• Switch to a cheaper insurance company
• Try to pay off your car as quickly as you can
• Scrap the car and bike or commute to work instead
• Learn about doing minor car repairs at home

Conclusion

Savings not only help you prepare for retirement but also help you reach your dreams and act as a safeguard if you ever get laid off from work unexpectedly. There’s absolutely no reason for you not to save money.

We hope this list has given you an idea of how to save even with a barely manageable income.

One of the smartest ways to save money when it comes to food is to buy it in bulk. Not only will you get large quantities at discounted prices but it will also reduce the need to go grocery shopping too often.

That said, you also need to know what foods can be stored for a longer period. Foods like bread and pastries do not store as well as others. Such items will just end up as food waste, along with the money you’ll be throwing away!

So, to help get you started, here are the top 10 foods you should buy in bulk to save money and minimize food waste.

Top 10 Foods To Buy In Bulk To Save Money And Food Waste

When picking out food to buy in bulk, it’s important to consider three things — how well they keep, how easy they are to store, and how flexible they are when it comes to cooking. This way, you won’t put off using them for longer periods just because you’re tired of the way they taste.

1. Canned Beans

Buying beans in bulk should be a no-brainer. They store well, are easy to use, and are versatile to boot! Canned beans are perfect because you can just open them up straight out of the can and use them. No need to cook or soak them! Plus, they can be used in a variety of dishes from tacos and beans on toast to adding them in pasta and rice dishes!

Average cost per can: $1.79

2. Canned Tomatoes And Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes are another great item to buy in bulk. These versatile and healthy fruits go well on a wide range of foods, including pasta sauces, stews, and soups. You can even use their juice in smoothies and other drinks!

Average cost per can: $1.25

3. Dried Lentils

Lentils are one of the most shelf-stable foods you’ll find in the market. While some studies show that storing these beans may reduce their nutritional value over time, it’s not that significant of a difference.

When stored in ideal conditions, dried lentils can last up to 10 years!

Average cost per pound: $1.56

4. White Rice

Dry white rice can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 years. Since it doesn’t spoil easily, it makes sense to buy it in bulk. White rice can be used in a variety of dishes from desserts to burritos.

Average cost per pound: $0.71

5. Frozen Berries

Fresh blueberries are among the most expensive products in the market. Other berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can also cost a pretty penny. Luckily, you can save a few dollars by buying them frozen and in bulk.

While many raise concerns over losing the nutritional content of fresh berries when they’re frozen, it’s not of major concern and certainly not harmful to your health. And according to the USDA, frozen fruit can be safely stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.

 Average cost per pound: $2.04

5. Frozen Vegetables

Vegetables are an essential part of your diet since they’re packed with nutrients your body needs. However, buying them fresh can quickly become expensive. Vegetables also tend to spoil quickly; you might have found yourself unable to use them all up and having to toss most of them in the bin.

But like frozen berries, they can be stored for months. In some cases, frozen vegetables can last up to a year in your freezer.

Average cost per unit: $1.88

6. Honey

A healthier alternative to sugar, honey can be stored for up to 2 years according to the National Honey Board. When stored correctly, it can last for more, but this all varies depending on different conditions.

Average cost per pound: $1.97

7. Coconut Oil

Unlike other vegetable-based oils, coconut oil is more resistant to oxidation. This means it’s less likely to spoil over time. When stored in a cool, dark place, it can last for up to 3 years.

Average cost per pound: $0.46

Conclusion

When you think of buying in bulk to save money, it’s also important to consider food waste and minimize how much food you’re throwing away. Learning how to eat healthily is a very important step in keeping you running at full power your entire life.

A good way to do this is by looking into ideal storage solutions and buying food that is more shelf-stable. We hope this article has helped you learn about the best food to buy in bulk to save money and avoid food waste.

Car insurance is required in 49 out of 50 US states. When you’re a student, funds are tight and you often find yourself walking a tightrope between your needs and wants. Since cars are often necessary for getting around, you’ll want to find the most cost-effective car insurance for your needs.

This isn’t as easy a task as we’d like since many insurers will often charge students higher premiums. Students are considered relatively inexperienced drivers so the risk of liability is higher meaning pricier insurance rates.

As a student, you’re already juggling expenses for books, food, lodging, and gas as well as other things. To add expensive insurance payments to the mix only complicates an already stretched budget.

How will you deal? Are there more affordable insurance options for students?

The good news is there are car insurance companies that offer more competitive rates. You’ll need to do some in-depth research though since no two insurance companies offer the same rates.

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s a good idea to look at a few offers, check prices, and available discounts for comparison.

Top 3 Car Insurance For Students

1. Geico

Geico offers some of the cheapest car insurance rates to students. It offers low premiums and often has promotional discounts tailored specifically for students. For example, there are discounts for fraternity and sorority members as well as for students actively involved in campus activities.
Geico’s policy is set at an affordable $2,326 for six months of full coverage. These rates vary based on location so you’ll need to get in touch with them for a more exact price.

2. State Farm

State Farm has a long list of auto insurance discounts including reduced rates for students:

• It offers a generous 25% off for students under 25 with a ‘B’ average or better.
• New drivers under 25 without accidents and moving violations in the last three years can get a 15% discount
• If you are a courteous driver, State Farm honors young drivers with safe driver discounts.

Known as the best car insurance in the market for student discounts, State Farm’s premium is around $2,462 for six months of full coverage.

3. Allstate

Allstate is the only car insurance company that has a mobile app called Allstate Mobile. The user-friendly app provides functionalities like policy renewal, claims management, and customer support.

This is a great help for tech-savvy students who may not have the time to visit or call Allstate offices.

Without creating a hole in your pocket, the Allstate policy is around $2,467 to be fully covered for half a year.

Tips for Finding Cheap Car Insurance

To get the best rates for car insurance, keep the following tips in mind:

• Pay your bill on time
• Compare car insurance quotes
• Play around with your coverage
• Look for car insurance discounts
• Ask about a no-claims bonus/discount. This is a percentage discount awarded for not filing any car insurance claims during the previous year. It increases with every year that you don’t have accidents or claims.
• Consider the cost of coverage before buying a car

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should college students have their own auto insurance policy?

It depends. If you’re a full-time college student, you can be covered by your parents’ car insurance as long as your primary address remains the same as your parents.’ This applies even if you’re attending college out of state.

2. What is an auto insurance premium?

An auto insurance premium is the amount you need to pay at regular intervals to keep your insurance active.

3. When do I need to get auto insurance?

If you own a car, you need to be covered by insurance. Forty-nine out of 50 states require it. In New Hampshire, the exception that doesn’t mandate vehicle insurance, you still have to show proof that you can cover any financial liabilities that may arise from accidents.

Once you have car insurance, you should always carry a copy of your current car insurance policy with you when you drive.

4. How can I avail of the cheapest car insurance?

Research and price comparisons are the only ways for you to find the cheapest car insurance available. You should also ask for discounts from each insurer.

Additionally, you can also ask about the minimum coverage for significantly reduced prices. Before doing so, however, you should see if what is minimally covered is sufficient for your needs and what’s required by the state.

5. What is the insurance rate?

The insurance rate is the amount of money needed to cover losses, expenses, and provide a profit to the insurance company for every vehicle.

Your Takeaway: Responsible Drivers Get the Best Insurance Rates

In the end, responsible and defensive drivers who don’t have any records of accidents and liability will always have a distinct advantage when it comes to insurance premiums. To keep your costs low, be careful and always follow road and safety rules.