Nice Bachelorette Party Games Part 1

Planning a bachelorette party is one of the easiest parts of a wedding to plan. There are literally hundreds of ideas for things to do, and a myriad of options for games. Many of those ideas are a bit on the racy side, but there are plenty that that are just plain clean fun which you can use if you are not sure of your guests, or if you don’t want to be too embarrassed in front of friends and work colleagues.

For example, one popular bachelorette game involves asking the guests to become poets. Ahead of the party, take 50 index cards and on half, write romantic things, like “roses”, “cuddly”, etc. On the other 25 cards, write very non-romantic words or phrases, like “nose hairs” or “ironing”. Then have each guest draw one card from each pile. They should then create a silly poem based on the two very different words or phrases they have chosen, for example, “Roses are red, your nose hairs are ewwwww.”

One fun game that is sure to engender at least a few laughs is “name that item”. Take a paper bag (a fabric bag is better if you have one) and fill the bag with typical “male items”. The items might include a razor, a money clip, a tie, shoe polish, etc. Seal the bag, or fold it over really well.

Then have each guest feel the bag and try to guess the contents. Have them write their guesses on a piece of paper. After everyone has had a chance to feel the bag, the contents are shown and the person with the most number of correct guesses gets the bag of male-oriented items.

Here’s a fun idea. This game might take the whole of the bachelorette party, but it’s a fun one that involves all the guests, helps them get to know one another and provides video proof you all had a good time. You need video cameras for this game, so if the host only has one camera, be sure to ask guests to bring more video cameras. Make sure you also have enough blank tapes for this game.

Depending on the number of guests at the party, you’ll divide the party into two or more groups. It’s best to divide the group into teams small enough so that the whole team can get into one car. So you’ll have maybe five women on each team. You’ll give each team a video camera, blank videotapes and a list of “scavenger hunt” type activities they must perform and tape.

Some video scavenger hunt ideas include having a complete stranger sing the national anthem, having a member of the team sing “I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner” in the meat section of the grocery store, or taping a stranger who can do a good impersonation of John Wayne.

The teams should be given a specific amount of time in which to complete their assigned tasks, and then return to the party location (ideally, a home, in this case). The videos are viewed and the teams vote on the team that did the best. Bonus points are given for the team that creates their own stunts.

MORE READING:

Life Insurance

All-Inclusive Vacations Can Save You Money

Bargain Travel: All-Inclusive Cruises

Share

How to Get the Raise You Deserve

Let’s face it, a lot of people are struggling in this economy, especially with gas prices and food prices going higher and no relief in sight. If you have been struggling to make ends meet for some time now, but have not dared bring up the subject of a raise because you are ‘afraid to rock the boat’, it all comes down to a matter of dollars and cents, as well as sense.

What have you done for the company that has SAVED them money, or earned them MORE money?

If you can come up with three specific examples, including a dollar figure for each one, you can certainly justify that you are worth an additional percentage of those savings and/or that extra profit.

If they say no to a raise, suggest that you be allowed to work on a commission basis. They might be reluctant to give a raise because this is a future commitment on their part every week, while a commission costs them nothing if you do not keep delivering the goods.

Don’t live paycheck to paycheck. There are ways to earn more if you do not make an emotional appeal, but one based on hard facts and figures. If they still say no, then start planning to go into business for yourself. After all, if your day job does not appreciate all you have to offer, then start using all of your talents and skills to make YOURSELF more successful.

FURTHER READING

Money Myths That Are Holding You Back From the Life of Your Dreams

Money-Saving Tips for New Moms

Simple Ways to Green Your Home

Share

How to Rebuild Your Credit Quickly

If you are not happy with your credit score, do not just sit there feeling powerless about your financial situation. There are several key steps that you can take to begin restoring your credit.

Many people think they they are stuck with a bad credit score for life, but a few strategic moves on your part could soon have you raising your credit score systematically in order to get that loan you want, the home of your dreams, and more.

1-Pay down debt.

Plan to pay down any debt you have now.

2-Pay on time.
Be sure you always pay on time to avoid penalties, fees and further damage to your credit report.

3-Pay as soon as the bill comes.
Don’t leave it sitting around til the last minute. The sooner you pay, the less interest accruing on the balance.

4-Make an extra payment.
Even $10 extra can help you start to pay down your debt strategically and boost your credit score.

5-Obtain new credit

This is simple but very powerful. In many instances, people who don’t have good credit also do not have a credit card because they lost their privileges of owning one. Some never reapply for one because want to use cash to avoid going back into debt. But the reality is that if you ever want to apply for a loan or necessary credit, it’s important to start rebuilding your credit strategically. Just be sure not to apply too often, as the inquiry on your credit report could actually cause it to go lower.

FURTHER READING:
Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt

How to Save Over $100 on Your Food Bill Every Month

Money Matters Questions: Credit Cards

Share

Book Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Life Insurance

This is a really easy-to-use life-insurance guidebook which can help you plan for the unthinkable, and also learn how to use life insurance as a means of financial planning for your family. You might think you know all about life insurance, but in fact, there are several different kinds, some of which can actually be used as an investment to improve your family’s financial future, so that you can enjoy your later years if you do not actually pass away, but live until a ripe old age.

For others families with a large number of assets, they might decide upon a different type of policy in order to protect their hard-earned money from estate taxes and thus leave a larger legacy to their loved ones.

We appreciated the way that the author, Jim Franklin, laid out the differences between the policies really clearly. We also loved the little extra guide book provided for us to be able to download and print out to use when we were talking to our own Chartered Life Underwriter about the kind/s of policies that suited our personal life insurance goals. Reading books on a Kindle and other e-reader can be really handy, but we appreciate the time and effort the author and publishers took to provide this additional valuable PDF for us to download from a special supporting page they gave access to at their website through the ebook.

This handy guide will help answer your most important questions about life insurance, make your own calculations as to what you really need, and generally give you detailed information that will help you make informed decisions about what kind of life insurance. It also gives handy advice on the pros and cons of each type of insurance, and how to deal with the question of insurance pay outs.

Life insurance is certainly not cheap, but the authors give you an invaluable overview to help you understand exactly what you are buying, and why, and helps clarify your financial goals for your family, and the best ways to meet them, regardless of whether you are still alive, or have passed away.

We certainly hope we will all be here for many years to come, but this guide can help you plan for the best and prepare for the worst scenarios, and give you peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be taken care of in the event of you suddenly no longer being in the picture.

If you want to compare policies, watch out for insurance purchasing pitfalls, and use your life insurance as smart investment vehicle, this guide can help you with all of these goals.

Buy Now: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Life Insurance (Money Matters)

Share

Preparing Your Household Finances for a New Baby

A new baby on the way is always an exciting and celebratory time. However, a baby can also be a huge financial challenge, especially if you don’t take the appropriate steps to prepare yourself. Keep these tips in mind when preparing your finances for the new arrival.

New Baby Expenses

1. Medical bills. Find out in advance what medical bills you’re likely to incur. This would include prenatal, delivery, and postnatal expenses. Do you have insurance? How much will it pay? If you don’t have insurance and have low income, your state has programs that will minimize the expense.

* Plan ahead. Depending on your insurance situation, you may want to have additional funds set aside for unforeseen medical issues.

2. Baby items. Here we’re talking about things like car seats, strollers, changing tables, cribs, bottles, clothes, diapers (2,700 just the first year!), rocking chair, swing, dresser, baby monitor, and more. Go out to your local store and price these items.

* Are you going to breast-feed? You may need a breast pump if you plan on ever leaving the house without the baby. If you’re not breastfeeding, you’ll need bottles, nipples, and formula.

* Do you need daycare or a baby sitter? Call around to compare costs or ask a neighbor or friend what the going rate is for daycare in your area.

Lower Your Costs

1. Borrow and buy used. Babies outgrow things long before they wear them out. You shouldn’t have any problem finding quality used baby clothes, toys, and furniture. There are even stores that specialize in used baby items. You can also check on Craig’s List.

* These used items can be much less expensive than new stuff.

* When the time is right, tell everyone you know about your happy news. You’ll almost certainly be offered plenty of baby-related items.

2. Wait for gifts. People can go crazy giving gifts when a baby is involved. You never know what you’re going to get. Wait until the dust settles before you start making purchases. The gifts you receive can be a real financial boon. Be patient so you don’t get stuck with two of the same thing.

3. Remember that you don’t need everything. Your baby doesn’t require every gadget under the sun to be safe and happy. Ask the mothers you know what they consider to be the most important items.

4. Start saving now. You can never start saving too soon. Now is the time to eliminate all those things and services that you don’t really need. Sit down and look at your monthly bills and find ways you can cut back. Reduce your expenses as much as you need to so you can save enough money to be as comfortable as possible when the baby arrives.

5. Review your life insurance and will. Sit down with the appropriate expert to ensure you have the proper insurance coverage when the baby arrives. Also be certain that your will is up to date. A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Life Insurance (Money Matters)

Preparing for a new baby can be an exciting time. For the smoothest first year for you and your little one, remember to include financial preparations as well.

Smart Spending Strategies (More for Less Guides)

Share

April Financial Calendar

1-30 Financial Literacy Month. Established in the US to encourage people to educate themselves about all things financial, Financial Literacy Month is the time to learn more about budgeting and improving your money habits.
Do something this month to expand your knowledge of financial matters—attend a financial seminar or read a book about finances written by one of your favorite money gurus.

1 Are you ready to file your taxes? Ensure you have all the forms and records you need to do your income taxes so you can file by April 17.

6 Good Friday. Spend time with loved ones today.

7 United Nations’ World Health Day. This holiday commemorates the importance of the health of all peoples. Every year on this date, the UN releases its message in terms of current health priorities. Why not use this day to survey your current financial health? It’s time to ensure your budget is in shape.

8 Easter. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Look over your entire investment portfolio this evening to ensure you’ve diversified your “nest egg” to ensure the best results.

17 Income Taxes Due. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet and can’t do it today, file an extension today so that you have until October 15 to file them. If you owe money though, the money is still due, so if you don’t pay until October, you’ll owe interest and penalties as well.

22 Earth Day. Established to celebrate our “neighborhood,” this holiday reminds us to give pause and thanks for the earth. Why not renew your recycling and re-purposing efforts? You’ll save waste at the local landfill and get double-duty from more of your personal belongings. Recycle, re-purpose and save money! For more information, and great activities for the whole family, see: Earth Day and Every Day: A Beginner’s Guide to Green Activities and Recipes (Green Matters)

25 Administrative Professionals’ Day. This day is designated to honor all the administrative professionals who keep the offices going. Why not splurge this year and give the administrative professional(s) at your office a $25 savings bond?
30 Get ready for spring. Have you thought about having a garage sale to make some extra money? Do some spring cleaning and price items you’re ready to get rid of. Deposit the money you make into your savings account. Good job!

Share