Tag: tips

5 Tips to Start Investing

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Are you interested in investing but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. With a little bit of humor and some helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the next Warren Buffet (or at least, the next Warren Buffet’s distant cousin twice removed). I personally started investing during the pandemic (it was one of many, many, MANY hobbies – but much more productive than that sourdough faze) and have continued to invest and see a good return even today.

1. Do your research

The first step to becoming an investor is to do your research. Learn about different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts – the internet is your friend (most of the time, just confirm with multiple sources, don’tbe a one and done person in this case). And don’t be afraid to ask questions – there’s no such thing as a stupid question (unless you ask Siri how to invest and she suggests buying a lifetime supply of cat food- because that sure did happen).

2. Start small

When you’re just starting out, it’s important to start small. Don’t invest all of your savings into one stock (unless you’re feeling lucky – then maybe pray about it too?). Instead, start with a small amount of money and gradually increase your investment as you gain experience and confidence. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day – or a week, or a year.

3. Diversify your portfolio

One of the key principles of investing is to diversify your portfolio. This means investing in a variety of different assets to reduce your risk. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket (even if it’sa really big basket). Instead, spread your investments across different sectors and industries. This way, if one investment doesn’t perform well, you’ll still have other investments to fall back on.

4. Be patient

Investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Say that with me again for the people in the back: INVESTING IS NOT A GET-RICH-QUICK SCHEME. It takes time and patience to see significant returns. Don’t panic if your investments aren’t performing as well as you hoped – the stock market is a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs. Stick to your strategy and be patient – in the long run, you’ll likely see positive returns. And if you’re uncertain, go back to step one (research) and take a look at a few stocks over a 10, 20, and 30 year timespan and see how they perform.

5. Seek guidance from God

Finally, as a Christian, I believe in seeking guidance from God in all areas of our lives – including investing. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you make investment decisions. And remember, wealth is not the ultimate goal in life – honoring God and using our resources to help others should always be our top priority.

There you have it, folks – five tips for beginning investors from a Christian millennial who’s still figuring out the ups and downs of the stock market. I hope you found these tips helpful – or at least a little bit entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below!

5 Tips for Studying Better

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Are you struggling to study effectively? Don’t worry, I’ve been there. In fact I am there – right now, even as I write this! Weather for a test, a class, or just trying to learn a new skill, studying can be difficult. But with a few tips and a little bit of humor, we can conquer those textbooks and ace those exams.

1. Create a study schedule

The first step to effective studying is creating a schedule. This might sound boring, but trust me, it’s worth it. By scheduling your study time, you’ll be able to stay organized and focused. And don’t forget to schedule in some breaks too – we all need a little Netflix break every now and then. I like to put my schedule in my phone so I get alerts and reminders to study and take breaks, but find a system that works for you.

2. Find a study group

Studying with a group can be a game-changer. Not only does it make studying more fun, but it also allows you to bounce ideas off of each other and clarify any confusing concepts. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends – who knows, you might even find your future spouse in your study group (just kidding… maybe).

3. Use a variety of study methods

Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to find study methods that work for you. Some people love flashcards, while others prefer to make diagrams or watch videos (I’m a video gal myself). Experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to get creative – maybe you’ll find that you learn best while singing songs about history (I mean, who doesn’t love a good history ballad?).

4. Take care of yourself

Studying can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself while you study. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and taking breaks to stretch or go for a walk. And don’t forget to take care of your spiritual health too – make time for prayer and meditation on God’s Word.

5. Trust in God’s plan

Finally, remember to trust in God’s plan. Studying can be stressful, but we don’t have to carry that stress alone. God is with us every step of the way, and He has a plan for our lives. So even if we don’t ace that exam or get into our dream school (or if we do), we can trust that God’s plan is greater than our own.

There you have it, folks – five tips for studying well from a Christian millennial who’s still riding the study struggle bus. I hope you found these tips helpful – or at least a little bit entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below!

5 Tips for Making a Budget

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Are you ready to start budgeting like a pro but feeling a bit intimidated? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

1. Start with a goal

Before you start budgeting, it’s important to have a goal in mind. Maybe you want to save up for a new car, pay off student loans, take a trip, or just have a cushion for unexpected expenses. Whatever it is, having a clear goal will help motivate you to stick to your budget. The clearer your goal, the more motivated you’ll be. Personally, I like to put a picture on my bathroom mirror of what my goal is so I see it every day.

2. Track your expenses

The next step is to track your expenses. This might not sound like a fun time, but trust me, it’s worth it. By tracking your expenses, you’ll be able to see where your money is going, where it’s not going, and where you can make changes. Plus, you might be surprised at how much you’re spending on coffee or online shopping (guilty as charged). The important part is to notice where your money is and where you want it to go.

3. Prioritize your spending

Once you know where your money is going, it’s time to prioritize your spending. This means figuring out what’s important to you and where you can cut back. Maybe you love going out to eat, but you realize that you’re spending way too much on restaurants. In that case, you might decide to cook more meals at home and limit eating out to once a week so it becomes a special occasion to look forward to.

4. Use a budgeting tool

There are plenty of budgeting tools out there to help make the process easier. Some popular ones include Mint, YNAB, and EveryDollar. These tools allow you to track your expenses, set budgets, and even see your progress over time. Plus, they’re often free or low-cost, so you don’t have to break the bank to get started. I personally use Mint (when I remember to use it) or just go old school with good old pen and paper.

5. Give yourself grace

Finally, remember to give yourself grace. Budgeting can be hard, especially when unexpected expenses come up. But don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, learn from your mistakes and keep going. And remember, as Christians, our worth doesn’t come from our bank accounts – it comes from being children of God.

There you have it, folks – five tips for making a budget from a Christian millennial who’s still learning the ropes. I hope you found these tips helpful – or at least a little bit entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below!

5 Tips for Getting into Shape

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Are you feeling like it’s time to get in shape but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’m right there with you. But as someone who’s been on this journey (for a long while), I have a few tips to share with you.

1. Start small

When it comes to getting in shape, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and want to tackle everything at once. But let’s be real – that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, start small. Maybe commit to taking a 15-minute walk every day or doing 10 pushups before bed. It might not seem like much, but every little bit helps.

2. Find a workout buddy

Working out alone can be boring and unmotivating. That’s why it’s important to find a workout buddy who can hold you accountable and make exercising more fun. Maybe it’s a friend, someone from church, or a fellow coworker who’s also trying to get in shape. Just make sure they’re not the type of person who will make you feel guilty for skipping a workout (we’ve all been there). Guilt and shame are never the goal – motivation and encouragement are your key to success!

3. Fuel your body with healthy foods

Getting in shape isn’t just about working out – it’s also about fueling your body with healthy foods. As Christians, we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, so it’s important to take care of them. That means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. And yes, that also means cutting back on the pizza and ice cream (sorry, not sorry).

4. Make it fun

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or painful. Find ways to make it fun and enjoyable. Maybe you love dancing, so you sign up for a dance class. Or maybe you prefer hiking in nature. Whatever it is, find an activity that you look forward to and that doesn’t feel like a chore. Allow yourself to have fun while moving!

5. Give yourself grace

Finally, remember to give yourself grace. Getting in shape is a journey, and it’s not always easy. There will be days when you don’t feel like working out or when you eat an entire large pizza from Gino’s down the street (not speaking from experience). That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Just pick yourself up and keep going. And remember, our worth as Christians doesn’t come from our appearance or our fitness level – it comes from being children of God. Allow Him to move with you on this journey.

And there you have it, folks. Five tips for getting in shape from a Christian millennial who’s just trying to take care of herself. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful – or at least entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments!

5 Tips for Decluttering Your Home

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. As someone who’s been there (and probably still is there), I have a few tips to share with you – and I’ll try to make you laugh while I’m at it.

1. Start small

When it comes to decluttering, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and want to tackle everything at once. But let’s be real – that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, start small. Pick one room, one drawer, or even just one shelf, and focus on decluttering that area. It might not seem like much, but every little bit helps. Even just dealing with one small thing a day, if you do it for 30 days, makes 30 small things look like one huge thing!

2. Donate or sell

Once you’ve started decluttering, you’re going to have a lot of stuff you don’t need or want anymore. Don’t just throw it all away – donate or sell it instead. There are plenty of organizations that would love to have your gently used clothes, books, and household items. And if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, you could even try selling your stuff on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, right?

3. Ask for help

Decluttering can be a lonely and overwhelming task. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family members. Maybe your sister is great at organizing, or your best friend is a pro at letting go of sentimental items. And if you’re really stuck, you could even hire a professional organizer. Just make sure they’re not secretly a hoarder in disguise.

4. Pray

Decluttering can be an emotional process. You might come across items that bring up painful memories or make you feel guilty or remind you of someone who is no longer with you. Take some time to pray for guidance, wisdom, and peace as you sort through your belongings. And don’t forget to thank God for the blessings in your life – even if some of those blessings are in the form of clutter.

5. Learn from your mistakes

Once you’ve decluttered your home, don’t let the clutter creep back in. Learn from your mistakes and make a plan to prevent clutter from building up again. Maybe you need to be more mindful about what you bring into your home, or maybe you need to set aside time each week to tidy up. Whatever your plan is, make sure it’s realistic and sustainable for you – do what works for you and not just some trend you saw online. And if all else fails, just remember: Jesus didn’t have a lot of stuff, and he turned out okay, so you’llbe okay too.

And there you have it, folks. Five tips for decluttering your home, from a Christian millennial who’s just trying to live a simpler, less cluttered life. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful – or at least entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments!

5 Tips for a Fun Road Trip

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Are you planning a road trip this summer (or right now as you scoll the internet for tips)? As someone who’s been on more road trips than I can count, I have a few tips to share with you – and I’ll try to make you laugh while I’m at it.

1. Bring snacks and water

This might seem obvious, but trust me, you don’t want to get hangry (hungry + angry) on a road trip. Pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or beef jerky, and don’t forget to bring water bottles. And if you’re feeling fancy, throw in a few pieces of fruit or some baby carrots. Your stomach will thank you. It took 6 hours of me navigating the mountains in Banff with my sister to figure this out, so save yourself the arguments and just remember the snacks!

2. Plan your route

Sure, it’s fun to be spontaneous and just drive wherever the wind takes you, but let’s be real – you don’t want to get lost in the middle of nowhere. Use a GPS or a map (if you’re old-school like that) to plan your route ahead of time. And if you’re traveling with friends, make sure everyone knows where you’re going and how to get there. No one wants to end up in Canada when you’re trying to get to Mexico.

3. Make a playlist

Music is a must on a road trip. But don’t just rely on the radio or random streaming selections – make a playlist ahead of time. Ask your friends for their favorite songs, or choose a theme like “summer jams” or “road trip anthems.” And if you’re feeling nostalgic, throw in some Backstreet Boys or Spice Girls. Don’t be ashamed, we all love a good throwback.

4. Take breaks

Sitting in a car for hours on end can be exhausting. Make sure you take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Stop at a rest area, a scenic lookout, or a local attraction. And don’t forget to take some pictures for the ‘gram. My dad always told me that if it looks interesting in the car, it will look even better up close, and he’s mostly right (except when it comes to bears, don’t get out of the car if there’s a bear!). If you see something cool, stop to look at it, smell the roses, and enjoy the fact that you might only see this once and that’s okay.

5. Pray

Last but not least, don’t forget to pray. Road trips can be stressful and unpredictable, but God is always with you. Take some time to pray for safety, guidance, and a good time. And if you’re feeling really bold, sing some worship songs at the top of your lungs. Who cares if the people in the car next to you think you’re crazy, it’s the good kind of crazy (plus you’llprobably never see them again)!

And there you have it, folks. Five tips for a good road trip, from a Christian millennial who’s just trying to make it to her destination without getting lost. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful – or at least entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments!

5 Tips to Lower Your Grocery Bill

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I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. As someone who’s trying to live frugally, I’ve come up with a few tips that I think you’ll find helpful – and hopefully, I can make you laugh while I’m at it so it doesn’t feel like such a chore.

1. Don’t shop when you’re hungry

I know, I know, this tip has been beaten to death. But seriously, don’t do it! When you’re hungry, everything looks good, and you’re more likely to buy things you don’t need. Plus, you might end up eating half a tub of ice cream on the way home, and then you’ll feel guilty AND bloated. No bueno.

2. Buy generic

Listen, I know we all want to feel fancy and important, but sometimes we just can’t afford it. That’s where generic brands come in. They’re just as good as the name brands, and they’re usually cheaper. And let’s be real, no one’s going to know that you bought generic canned tomatoes instead of the fancy ones. You’re the only one who’s going to eat them, so who cares?

3. Shop the sales

This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it. Check out the weekly ads before you go to the store, and plan your meals around what’s on sale. If chicken is on sale, buy a few extra pounds and freeze them for later. And don’t forget to use coupons if you have them – every penny counts!

4. Don’t be afraid of the frozen aisle

Frozen veggies and fruits are just as nutritious as fresh ones, and they last longer. Plus, they’re usually cheaper, especially if you buy them in bulk. Just make sure you read the labels and avoid anything with added sugar or salt.

5. Make a list and stick to it

This one might be the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Make a list of what you need before you go to the store, and don’t buy anything that’s not on the list. I know it’s tempting to grab that bag of chips or that box of cookies, but resist the urge. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not broke and bloated.

And there you have it, folks. Five tips to save money while grocery shopping, from someone who gets what it’s like living on a budget and just trying to make ends meet. Trust me, budget and save now so you can afford to live a flourishing life later!

Hopefully, you found these tips helpful – or at least entertaining. And if you have any tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments!