Save $$$ with an Online Personal Trainer

Personal Finance 4 The People is pleased to team with others who are able to share their expertise in various areas. We hope to combine our efforts to bring a greater financial effort inorder to help you reach YOUR Financial Independence. Today's guest post comes to us from Candise Jordan.

Let’s face it with the busy lives we lead today it has become close to impossible to work with a personal trainer. I have pretty much stopped working in person with clients due to both my & my clients busy schedules: school, kids, work, illness, family emergency, car troubles, traffic, travel etc. session after session would get cancelled, money gets wasted, and who wants to lose $$$?

Then I had an “aha” moment. These days you can pretty much do ANYTHING online… work, order food, shop, go to school, so why not workout with a personal trainer online also?

Many people try to save money by joining office gyms or Planet Fitness which offers affordable memberships BUT what they lack is guidance. So you end up wasting time in the gym doing ineffective exercises, bouncing from machine to machine burning limited calories, doing exercises improperly and not getting the most from your workout!

After a month or so of not getting results you eventually quit. Hopefully you didn’t sign a contract because if so then you’re still getting charged and now you’re not even using the gym L

On the other hand with the guidance of a personal trainer you would receive effective personalized workouts based on your goals, your fitness level, and your schedule. You would have someone to both motivate you and hold you accountable. Someone to demonstrate the exercises for you and educate you on the muscles you’re working & why.

The catch is to receive this personalized attention can get quite pricy. The average Personal Training session ranges between $40-$100 per one our session. That can add up quickly!!!

So how do you get guidance without breaking the bank???

You guessed it…. An Online Personal Trainer!

Not one of those cheesy, one size fits all computer generated sites that creates workouts based on minimal personal information and uses national standards. Choose an ACTUAL Certified Knowledgeable Instructor that takes into consideration YOUR TIME, YOUR ABILITY, YOUR GOALS, YOUR EQUIPMENT, YOUR TRAVEL, ETC. A real person to coach you through your workouts, monitors your food & workout logs, hold you accountable and push you towards your health & fitness goals.

You have to be careful because there are a lot of non certified trainers who not only pose as trainers but will recommend supplements & create nutrition plans without any formal training. It gives us passionate trainers a bad name.

So does online personal training really work?

THAT DEPENDS ON YOU!!! After completing a detailed fitness & nutrition assessment I personally create your individualized program. All workouts are efficient using the Latest Scientifically Proven Methods to train your body. Now your job is to FOLLOW THE PROGRAM! Every time you log in a workout it comes straight to my phone so I’m always available to track your workouts, update your workouts, answer questions, etc. If you do not log in I will contact you to see what’s going on & to re-motivate you!!! I have seen EXCELLENT RESULTS!!!!

Is it safe?

Yes, the programs are just as safe as if you were home watching a fitness video. I’m not there to spot your form but you are provided with exercise demonstrations as well as detailed instructions & tips on performing each exercise. You can print the workouts and take it to the gym with you or even watch the routine from your Smartphone. The bonus here is the ONE ON ONE ATTENTION!!! If you have joint problems, limited equipment to no equipment, back problems, etc. I can create the workout for YOU!

What does your online personal training include?

Unlimited access to your My Active Profile, Interactive meal and workout plans that are developed specifically around your goals & schedule, recipes, grocery lists, health & fitness articles & tips, progress tracking, over 2,000 exercise demonstrations, 1-on-1 messaging, community forums, support from your peers, mobile access & much more!

 

If you are interested in learning more about Online Personal Training. Email admin@totalwellnessdc.com to receive your FREE Consultation!

Total Wellness LLC

P: 202-705-9241

F: 301-560-8864

CSJordan@TotalWellnessDC.com

Follow @KillaCandise on Twitter

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Monday Motivation - The Surprise Truth About What Motivates us

What motivates you to keep going? This video has so many great, important points! It's a little long and dense...but offers some great insight....

"This lively RSA Animate, adapted from Dan Pink's talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace."

To view the full lecture click here...

The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce): an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. Through its ideas, research and 27,000-strong Fellowship it seeks to understand and enhance human capability so we can close the gap between today’s reality and people’s hopes for a better world.

Find out more about the RSA at http://www.thersa.org

52 Week Money Challenge - Week 25 - 44 Tried and Tested Tips For a Frugal Life

So far we have started bringing our lunch to work, used the Latte Factor, cut back on travel expenses, taken a long hard look at our finances, negotiating your bills, found way to make money (or other things you need) by bartering, implemented a 30 day rule for purchases over a certain amount, found 25 ways to have frugal fun this Spring, and discovered 18 frugal and romantic dates. Hopefully, after looking at your finances you found some more places to cut back.

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There is a difference between frugal and cheap, I swear there is. Frugal people look for great deals and ways to save oney, cheap people...are just cheap. PopSugar's Smart Living Section lists 44 Tried and Tested Tips For a Frugal Life...

Get a Deep Freezer (If You Have the Space For It)

Reddit user omegaphora says:

"That thing has been incredible. Budgets ebb and flow. In lean times, it has been great comfort to me knowing that I have "fresh" fruits/veggies in the freezer, for all sorts of uses. Dry goods/pantry items alone get very tiring and redundant. We have at least a few months of food now in the fridge/freezer, deep freezer, and pantry.

"Our tactic now is to buy in bulk and buy on sale. Many fresh foods can be frozen on a cookie sheet, then transferred into a container (diced fruit for smoothies, diced veggies for soups). I usually bake two loaves of bread at a time — freezing the extra one."

Buy Whole Hams and Have the Deli Guy Slice It

Reddit user Hamsterdam says:

"Deli sliced ham cost two or three times as much as a whole ham. Most grocery store delis will slice a whole ham for you.

"A local store had a sale on deli sliced ham for $4 a pound. They were also having a sale on whole hams, $0.99 a pound. The ham weighed about 10 pounds, and I knew we wouldn't be able to eat it all at once. That's OK because cold cuts freeze really well.

"You might consider asking the deli to slice some of the meat into thicker slices for variety. (The ham steaks are great on the grill with some sliced pineapples, half peaches, and bell peppers.)

"If you have a good relationship with the store you could call ahead and have them slice the meat for you for pick up later."

Get Your Over-the-Counter Meds From Amazon

Reddit user POTATO_IN_MY_OVEN says:

"Before you buy something at a brick-and-mortar store, check Amazon! You can usually find a generic version for much cheaper. The markup for name brands is ridiculous. For instance, I take Loratadine for my allergies. The name brand Claritin costs anywhere from $5 to $10 for 10 pills at my local grocery stores. On Amazon, you can get a bottle of generic Loratadine containing 400 pills for $18! Same active ingredient, for 10 times cheaper."

Automate It

Reddit user professional_slacker says:

"Ever since I bought my house and took on a mortgage payment of $800 a month, I have had my bank take $400 out of my paycheck every other week and put it into a separate savings account. Then at the end of the month, I make my mortgage payment directly from that account. I never see the money, so I don't miss it, and there's no way for me to run out of money for my house payment. It makes things so much easier, especially for a habitual overspender like me.

"I've decided to start doing the same for all my bills — figure up how much I pay per month for all my bills, add in some savings, then take half of that amount out of every check so that my entire net salary is 'my' money. Hardly a new and exciting idea, but as somebody who has gotten into trouble in the past by spending money irresponsibly, this has been a great way to keep me from overspending (or at the very least keep me from defaulting on my bills by overspending)."

Pick Your Own Fruits From a Local Orchard

i_forget_my_userids spent $32 to pick her own fruit from a local orchard and managed to get a lot of

 bang for her buck. The user picked 10 ears of corn, about four pounds of jalapeños, eight poblanos, and approximately 170 peaches.

The user obviously can't finish the produce before it goes bad, so she will can most of the fruit to use later.

Know What the Average Price For Common Goods Are

Reddit user manbeef says:

"Hit up a couple of grocery stores in your area or look at flyers. Compare your food staples and see which store is cheaper. Hopefully you'll notice a trend. In my area, I have three grocery stores to choose from: one is overall a lot more expensive, but has a lot of unique and hard-to-find items; the second is expensive, but has a good selection of produce and meats; the third one is cheaper overall, but lacks some items. I usually shop on my way home from work, hitting the cheap store first, getting everything I can, then hitting the midpriced store the next day on my way home for the odd item I can't get.

"What you should be able to do is walk into a store, look at a product, and know what a good price for that product is. If it's a deal, buy it, or buy some extra. I still get caught buying something at one store when I don't know the average price, then realizing at the next store that it's half the price there."

Find Affordable Recipes

Reddit user Cheesy_bacon says:
"The blog Budget Bytes is quite useful for money minded meals I particularly love her taco bowl slow cooker recipe, it can makes a chicken breast (bone-in is best bang for your buck) last 4 meals "

Skip the Laptop

Reddit user wallplant says:

"Instead of spending $500 dollars or more on a new laptop, I bought a Bluetooth keyboard that I can use with my Android smartphone for taking notes. I really have no need for a laptop right now because I can do basically everything on my phone so this is a great money-saver. Also all I have to carry around is a keyboard and maybe some batteries.

". . . I also have Google drive, so it syncs up to my desktop computer at home just in case I lose my phone or it breaks."

Print at Work

Reddit user Jasonrj says:
"If you don't need it, don't own a printer. I print event tickets, directions, etc., all at work."

Check Your Bills

Reddit user ErinfromAlbany says:
"Verizon botched my bill. It was $190 and it should have been $90. This is a really obvious overage, but saved me $100 by just looking at the amount and picking up the phone for a 25-minute phone call."

Insulate Your Home to Save on Energy Bills

A commenter on this Reddit thread says:
"You can get space blankets cheap on Amazon. Cheap like maybe a buck and change, and each one will cover two windows.
"Mist the window lightly with plain water on the inside of the glass. Cut a piece of space blanket Mylar maybe a wee bit big and press it against the glass. Work out the wrinkles to your satisfaction and optionally run a box cutter around the edges for a neat fit.
"When Winter comes and you need the solar gain, just peel off the space blanket and fold them for later use.
". . . I can't remember where the heck I got the Bubble Wrap trick, but it's totally awesome, and it is actually the genesis of this tip. Kept me toasty warm last Winter."

Shave Your Old Woolen Clothing to Renew It

Reddit user punkfluff says:

"Resurrect old woolen clothes using only the power of a cheap disposable razor.

"The razor will rid the pilling from clothes when you run it over them."

Use the Stranger Test When Shopping

Reddit user imanimpostor says:

"Use the stranger test to reduce impulse purchases: when considering a purchase, picture a stranger offering you [the cash value of the purchase] or the item in question. Which is of greater value you? Which would you choose?"

Keep Your Home Clean

Reddit user ukulelechica says:
"It saves money on cleaning products, because if you keep it clean, you don't have to buy expensive products to cut through all the grime. A simple wipe down with a wet rag will do.
"It saves money at the store, because when my home is clean and organized, I know exactly what I have and don't have so I stopped buying duplicates."

Try Ethnic Supermarkets

Shop in the ethnic aisle of your supermarket or in ethnic supermarkets — you'll find cheaper fresh produce and meats. Reddit user nickplosion explains why the goods are cheaper:

"Ethnic markets sell way more raw produce and meats than your local chain grocery store does. Most grocery stores in America make their money on prepackaged stuff and use their produce departments to "prime" you into feeling hungry and buying something easier. Ethnic markets, on the other hand, serve a clientele that usually have a tighter budget and more mouths to feed. They'll buy more raw ingredients and they'll buy them more often. Therefore, ethnic marts can order more from the supplier and usually get a much better price, since he's got to sell it before it goes bad too."

Maintain Your Clothes to Reduce Visits to the Dry Cleaner

Reddit user fatrob says:
"Every day when you take off your suit, put the jacket on a hanger and place the trousers on the clamp-style hanger (the type that allows you to clamp the bottom and the whole pant hangs down with no fold). This will ensure that you never have to press your trousers between cleanings. Do not wear the garment for at least a day: it will allow for any creases to fall out on their own. Invest in a good umbrella and overcoat, keep your suit dry, you will not get the puckering at the seams.

"Depending on the season, either weekly or every two weeks, I will freshen the suits with Dryel (Walmart sells it at less than $11 for a six pack). Dryel works by 'steaming' the clothes in a nylon bag, leaves a light scent, and removes 99 percent of the stains I have thrown toward it. I will steam no more than two garments at a time (instructions say you can do four). Before steaming, I will use the Dryel sheet and go over any stains I notice to pretreat."

Grow Your Own Food

Reddit user YYYY says:
"Learn to grow . . . food. It is not hard, and you don't need a lot of tools, either. I mostly use a shovel and five-tine fork. I don't plow, till, or weed — because I don't have many weeds."
And if growing your own food seems intimidating or if you don't have a garden, start by growing herbs in your kitchen.

Make Your Own Detergent

Reddit user thefingolfin says:

"It only took me about an hour to make a powdered detergent from Borax, washing soda, and bar soap (one cup, one cup, and ½ bar respectively). There are tons of recipes. This is the one I used. The rough cost estimates for me were 900 loads for about $20. Cheapest equivalent was Aldi's detergent at 360 loads for $25."

Check out our simple recipe for DIY detergent.

Brew Your Own Alcohol

Reddit user thefingolfin says:

"I've just started testing the waters of brewing with some one-gallon test batches of apfelwein (apple wine). Ciders and meads don't usually require boiling, so there is less initial equipment to purchase, but even for making beer, after the about $150 initial purchase, your batches will run between $20 and $40 for 50 to 60 bottles of beer that's better than from the store. It's not for everyone, but it's a hobby I'm interested in and will save money in the long run."

Cut Cable TV

Reddit user thefingolfin says:
"Instead of a cable package get a Roku player (about $50 to $60 if you look for a cheap model refurbished or on sale — there are plenty of similar items you could get instead) with your choice of Hulu Plus, Netflix, Amazon prime video . . . I will also buy a HDTV antenna."

Manage Your Personal Finances

Reddit user thefingolfin says:
"Get out of debt, save up a six-month emergency fund, max out an employer-matched 401K plan, then start investing in indexed mutual funds. Make the money you've saved work for you. I think Scott Adam's (Dilbert cartoonist) nine-point plan to personal finance is an easy and clear way that explained the basics tenets of personal finance."

Restore or Build Your Own Furniture

Reddit user thefingolfin says:
"I've recently started getting my feet wet in some DIY projects . . . I build a headboard for our bed for under $50. A friend gave us a large wooden spool that my wife and I are going to convert into a table/bookshelf combo. With a few tools and some time, you can save hundreds of dollars and have the satisfaction of building things yourself."

Exercise Outside of a Gym

Reddit user thefingolfin says:
"Paying for a gym membership, in my opinion, can be a frugal option if it makes you exercise (so many benefits from exercising . . . I need to do it more), but it's very easy and totally free to go for a walk/job/run outside, and from just a monetary perspective, it will save you tons of health care money down the road."

Use a Rewards Credit Card Instead of a Debit Card

Reddit user thefingolfin says:

For those who have a good handle on their spending, "use a rewards credit card instead of a debit card. I fully understand this is not a good idea for some people. I could tell you several of my friends who I would specifically recommend to not use a credit card. However, in my situation, where I have great mutual accountability between me and my wife, the $300 sign-up bonus and the one to five percent cash back on purchases has been a nice source of extra money and hasn't increased our spending at all."

Don't Rent a Modem

Reddit user thefingolfin says:
"I will definitely buy a modem (it will cost about $40) instead of renting one for $5 a month."

Use OpenOffice and Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office

Reddit user thefingolfin says:

"While some people need the extra features that Microsoft Office provides (such as Excel . . . can't really get a comparable substitute), it amazes me that many people I know do not take advantage of these free and powerful alternatives to a $100 software package."

Learn How to DIY

Reddit user theinfamousj says:
"Take every single (free or low-cost) class that you can find in your area that offers DIY repair skills. Hit up Home Depot or Lowe's to learn how to tile, so that when that one tile inevitably cracks, you will know exactly how to repair it. Ditto plumbing. Learn to solder so you can fix your electronics. Take a basic sewing course so that you can do basic mending. Bump it up a notch and learn to do your own basic alterations, too, so you can get more use out of a trip to Goodwill. Machines may make sewing easier, but they aren't necessary."

Only Drink Water

Reddit user 4n7h0ny says:

"Only drink water — this is especially true if you are out to eat."

Treat Yourself Once in a While

Reddit user dahvzombie says:

"On the other hand, saving money is kind of like losing weight — if you don't treat yourself occasionally, you're likely to binge and destroy all your hard work. Once you're sure you want/need something and you find a good price, get it!"

Wait Out Luxury Purchases

Reddit user dahvzombie says:
"Sit on all luxury purchases for at least two weeks. Do research, price comparisons, and think heavily about whether you need the thing. People are emotional, and most of us are guilty of impulse buying — wait it out!"

Scour Craigslist

Reddit user boojieboy says:
"Lots of great cheap/free stuff to be found in there. Have a working list of things you're looking for, then continually scan for them. Smartphone CL apps are great for this.
"Then, continually turn over your unnecessary stuff on CL as well. Quickest way to get rid of something large and slightly valuable (like an old chair or something): post it for free on there."

Make a Lifestyle Change

Reddit user poorsoi says:
"I'd like to first say that frugality is a lifestyle, like vegetarianism. The best thing you can do is get used to small adjustments like turning off lights that aren't being used, carpool when possible, compare before buying, and so on."

Use Vinegar

Reddit user WindyJane says:
"Vinegar . . . vinegar everywhere! This is my main thing. Between Murphy's Oil Soap, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar, I spend less than $10 a year to keep a clean house. Also has laundry uses, as hair treatment, and so much more. Frugal and the air quality in your house improves."
Here are 23 handy uses for vinegar.

Buy Quality Clothes

Reddit user 50missioncap says:

"It's often frugal to spend more money on better quality clothing (which isn't necessarily designer!). I bought some expensive work pants, and they still haven't frayed or faded much after seven-plus years of very regular use."

And as for buying quality clothing, here are more tips from 50missioncap:

"I wouldn't really recommend brands or stores, because they can be hit or miss. But here are some tips:

• "Stitching: look for loose threads. Look for tighter or more dense stitching. If there is a loose thread, see if it's cheap and thin or thicker. Gently pull on a seam. If it gives, it's not stitched well.
• "Fabric: patterns should match (e.g., the stripes on a shirt pocket should line up with the rest of the shirt). Bunch it in your hand for five seconds — it should return to its natural shape with few wrinkles.
• Buttons: check for loose buttons.

Be Honest With Friends About Your Budget

Reddit user hntingbears says:
"It's OK to say I can't afford to go/do/see______ to friends/coworkers/family, etc. Be honest about your budget as people will understand. I do it all the time now, and it really helps me to keep from overspending on frivolous things."

Use Less

Reddit user coffeeshopgirl7 says:
"Use less of everything. It's terribly wasteful how much product we as Americans use for everyday tasks. The toothpaste doesn't have to be running down your arm to get your teeth clean. One tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent is sufficient for an average load (or you could make your own for a lot less)."

Start Looking Well in Advance For Big Purchases

Reddit user QueenPigeon says:
"When it comes to big purchases — say, a new car or a big piece of furniture — start looking well in advance. As an example . . . we decided to start the search for a new car. We tossed around all sorts of ideas, colors, makes, models. We scoured Craigslist and talked to friends and family about what they drove. In the end, after taking our sweet time and having extreme patience we found an 4x4 Escape worth over $6,000 and paid $2,000 for it 'cause someone just wanted rid of it."

Look For Cheaper Means of Transportation

Reddit user thesecretofjoy says:

"I got rid of my car five years ago. I did it when I was still living outside of the city I worked in. My cost to own and operate a vehicle was over $600 a month with car payment, gas, insurance, and maintenance. Now I live in the city and use transit, my bike, and my feet. If I need a car and can't borrow one from a friend, I rent one and still save thousands of dollars a year. Not having a car makes it harder to hop in the car and go spend money when I'm bored."

Focus on Preventative Care

Reddit user thesecretofjoy says:

"I pay for health insurance and use it to get all the preventative care I'm entitled to. Poor health can bankrupt, so I intend to stay as healthy as possible."

Never Buy Things Full Price

Reddit user WindyJane says:

"Also never pay full price for anything. If you need something, first research the "normal" price then figure out how to get it on sale, coupon, discount store, etc. After researching and taking time on a few things, eventually you'll learn which stores are best for some items, which for others, which to get online vs. in person, etc. Even when grocery shopping, arrange your menu planning around what's in season (it's always cheaper then) and what's on sale. For big-ticket items or planned things like birthday gifts, plan ahead and aim for sale times. You can find lists online of the times of year different things (clothes, electronics) go on their biggest sales and buy them then."

Adjust Your Thermostat

Reddit user coffeeshopgirl7 says:

"One thing that has saved us a lot on our electric bill is to bump the thermostat two or three degrees in either direction depending on the season. It's a bit uncomfortable at first, but with a sweater or a glass of ice water, your body can learn to adjust and your pocketbook will thank you."

Dry Your Clothes on a Clothesline

Reddit user coffeeshopgirl7 says:
"Get a clothesline if you don't already have one."

Extend the Life of Your Disposable Razor

Reddit user willco17 says:
"You can extend the life of disposables using your arm. It's like using a strop to smooth out imperfections. More details here."

Take Baby Steps

Reddit user TrekMadone says:

"When I started, I made small changes monthly and added them in. I think that was the major reason for my success. The best advice I would give to anyone is take two pieces of advice from this topic and add them to your frugal ritual monthly!"

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25 weeks in, these simple changes should start to become a habit. These are life changes not just to complete the 52 Week Money Challenge. The goal is to change the way you handle your finances and your life.

Challenge Total Week 25 = $325.00 

Saving money is hard. It takes discipline and self-control to stick with the plan you developed.  This year why not make it easy on yourself?

I am a huge fan of ING (ING has been bought by Capital One and will become Capital One 360. Doesn't look like much will change...). ING lets you automate your savings so you don't have to think about it. The greatest feature is that it takes a couple days to get money transferred back to your checking account. There are a couple ways around this, but not being able to touch the money in your ING accounts is great for medium/long term savings goals.

If you have an ING, or other savings account, simply automate your savings transfers each month according to the chart below and watch the money stack up.

If you don't have a savings account, GET ONE! Not just for this challenge but everyone needs at least one savings account - with an Emergency Fund.

This week 25 should be transferred to your savings account. We are up to $325.00 this year. Things from this point on will start to grow pretty quickly. How are you doing? Any savings light bulbs going off? Have you planned what you are going to do with the money at the end of the year?

Even if you missed weeks 1 through 24, you can still get started today. Deposit $300 into a savings account and you will be caught up.

Keep Up the Good Work!

Motivational Mondays: Dear Hardwork

Athletics and working out is a perfect example for life. When things get hard when training, you can either give up or fight through. You can either take the easy way or take the way that will get you results. It's an everyday choice...

This video is from CutAndJacked on YouTube. Obviously, this is a workout YouTube channell, but the message is there.

Student Loans - On Everyone's Mind

The only thing in the news I seem to pay attention to these days is STUDENT LOANS...dun dun dun! Right, that's how I feel too. Those intense feelings of regret for making such a huge life decision without knowing what I was signing up for and dread at having that decision be the reason I am going to struggle for the rest of my life...unless I win the lottery or marry some old rich person who leaves me their fortune when they pass. I am grateful for the experiences of going to college and the knowledge you gained (academic and life) but sad at the life experiences I am going to lose because of the lack of financial opportunities due to looming loan payments.  

So, it seems that I am not the only one in major debt because of something I was told my whole young life that I had to do because it was the socially acceptable thing to do and would help me in my life. No, it wasn't like that for all of us...for some it was different in a good way, and some in a bad way. But for a lot of us this was how it was. We were always told we were able to do anything we dreamed of, but we were never told how we were actually supposed to get there.

We kind of did what we were told because it was easier than figuring it out for ourselves (we are the "lazy" generation after all). When it came time to go to college we signed all these papers and had no idea what we had signed. College was great, or it sucked...but we did it, or some part of it. (Real general, huh?) Point is, we went to college and now we have to pay for it. Problem is...college cost a lot of money and the job marked (and economy) is slightly underwhelming, to say the least. We owe all this money and can't pay it back. College cost so much money many of us could have bought a house for what we borrowed to pay for our education, but that is free or much cheaper in many other countries across the world...and paid off the house faster.

For the 2011-2012 academic year, the maximum Pell grant was $5,500. At public and private four-year schools nationwide, average annual tuition, room and board for full-time undergraduate students was $23,066 last year, according to the U.S. Department of Education. That's up 32 percent from 10 years earlier. What are we suppose to do about this?

It also seems that colleges and universities continually raised the price of getting an education and a couple other things happened...right as we needed all this money lenders stared lending it to us. It didn't matter if we or our families could afford to ever pay back the loan...and the interest on that loan.  We weren't told exactly how all this was being done, but it happened. We weren't told what would happen when the time came to pay the money back or that the economy and job markets were going to go bad right as we would be thrust into them. Yeah, we are kind of screwed. Worst of all...the lenders love that we can't afford to pay these loans back because they make more money when we can’t pay them back.

The government is sort of trying to help, depending on what your definition of help is. President Obama recently laid out a plan stating "rates for subsidized federal student loans would be set every year based on the market plus 0.93 percent, but remain fixed for the life of the loan. His plan, for instance, would lock in rates for next year's borrowers at 2.9 percent for the life of the loan."  But this is for future borrowers. 

From the same article, Republicans have a plan too..."The Republican plan, passed by the House last week, requires rates for subsidized and unsubsidized loans, known as Stafford loans, to be recalculated every year and pegged to 10-year Treasury notes, plus 2.5 percentage points. The plan caps interest rates for the loans at 8.5 percent. Under that plan, a student who borrows the maximum amount of subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans over five years would pay $14,430 in interest, according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service. If rates double on July 1, a student would pay $12,598, compared with $7,965 at current rates."

As of July 1, if an agreement can't be reached student loans rates will double from 3.4% to 6.8% for future borrowers. That's not going to help...

President Obama introduced a new Pay As You Earn (PAYE) loan repayment program to help these new graduate. "The PAYE option allows loan recipients to pay back their loan in monthly amounts based on their income and family size.  The PAYE amount is to be paid over 20 years and is capped at 10% of monthly income." There's a lot more to it, so check out the article for more details.

Everyone seems to be talking about the problem and giving statistics on how we aren't paying our loans back because of this and that. About how our student loan debt is now larger than credit card and auto loan debt (Student loan debt stands at $870 billion nationally, surpassing the nation’s outstanding balance on auto loans ($730 billion) and credit cards ($693 billion)). How student loan debt is the next bubble to burst.  How we are spoiled and feel entitled and aren't as hard working as previous generations. Talking about the problem is great and all, but what about coming up with some real solutions?

Consider this:

• Student loan debt is rising at a time when other debt is flat or even declining. From the second to the third quarter of 2011, the nation’s loan balance grew 2.1 percent, from $852 billion to $870 billion.

• Fifteen percent of all Americans with enough of an economic pulse to have credit reports have outstanding student-loan debt. Two-fifths of people under 30 have loan debt, and 25 percent of those between 30 and 39.

• $85 billion in student loan debt is “past due,” and of that total, three-quarters is owed by people over 30. More than five million borrowers have past-due student loans.

We accumulated this debt at the same time the other bubbles were growing. Each of those bubbles burst and there were bailouts and new legislation and regulation so the problem wouldn't happen again. Some of the bailout went to the people and most went to the industry that caused the problem. Wouldn't it be great if this time more of whatever bailout is coming for student loans went to the people? The people who have their lives financially ruined before their lives actually started.

Weird, Different, and Strange Ways to Pay for College

- Karly Bealcher accepts donations on the internet using YouCaring.com, along with working 2-3 jobs and applying for scholarships. An eighth grader from Santa Rosa sells homemade toffee candy bars called "College Bound Bar" to help pay for her future college costs. Students finding creative ways to pay for college

- The Huffinton Post posted a list of the Craziest ways to pay for your tuition:

               - In Cash - "Nic Ramos may have taken this advice a bit too literally when he paid a semester's worth of tuition -- $14,300 -- in $1 bills." hahahaha Take that!

               - Ask Someone Else To Do It - "The bolder ones, like Kelli Space and Max Stephenson, are soliciting strangers to help them repay loans. But even meeker students can cash in on the kindness of strangers through websites like SponsorChange.org, CharityforDebt.org and Greennote.com."

               - Strum It Away - "If you don't feel comfortable straight-up asking for cash, you might want to follow Justin Cox's lead -- for one year, he plans to play in public for tips, which he will use to start repaying loans."

              - Live For Free - "Back in 2004, an NYU student made headlines by living in the school library for seven months because he couldn't afford to pay for housing."

              -  Barter - "In 2002, Lindenwood University introduced a "tuition for pork" program, which allowed students from agricultural families who demonstrated need to trade livestock for a college education."

              - Start A Business -  "Two University of Colorado grads turned their college woes into a clever start-up idea -- their business, "Hangover Helpers," offers to clean up your post-party dorm and bring you a hangover cure (Gatorade and breakfast burrito) to boot."

              - Freeganize - "Although dumpster diving may not be the most glamorous way to get food, some students say they can live off found food for weeks at a time."

              - Steal - (Yeah, not a good idea) "...in 2009, a Colorado pastor was accused of stealing $392 grand from his church to pay his childrens' tuitions."

- StudentBank.com lists 101 Ways to Pay for College

- Get a free education - MoneyTalksNews offers 5 Ways to Get a Free Education. Take courses for free...

            - Coursera

            - Open Culture

            - edX

            - Stanford

            - Your local library

So, yeah, student loans are a hot issues right now - for those looking to attend college and those who are buried under a mountain of student loan debt. The best thing to do, if you feel college is for you is to find a way, or ways, to pay for college without accumulating debt that is nearly impossible to pay back. We will do our best to let you know of ways to beat the student loan trap as we find them.

If you have a student loan story, tips, knowledge of grants and scholarships, or anything else that others might find useful share in the comment section.

Sharing is caring, after all...

     

52 Week Money Challege - Week 23 - Ways to have Cheap and Romantic Dates at Home

So far we have started bringing our lunch to work, used the Latte Factor, cut back on travel expenses, taken a long hard look at our finances, negotiating your bills, found way to make money (or other things you need) by bartering, implemented a 30 day rule for purchases over a certain amount, and found 25 ways to have frugal fun this Spring. Hopefully, after looking at your finances you found some more places to cut back.

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Cutting back on your spending doesn't mean you have to cut back on the romatic evenings with your sweetheart. Check out these 18 Frugal and Romantic Dates at Home by Wise Bread.

1. Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner

Particularly special if you usually spend the dinner hour cutting up little ones' meat or reminding other "diners" that we do not shout "gross" at the table. My husband and I like to use the occasional dinner for two as an opportunity to order takeout that the kids would hate — like spicy Indian food — or cook something they wouldn't appreciate like filet mignon.

2. Take in a Movie

Watching TV at home with your sweetie might not seem like anything special, but you can ratchet up the sense of occasion by picking a new release movie in advance and stocking treats, like a good bottle of wine and gourmet popcorn. At our house, we find that if we are just browsing Netflix, we tend to pick something short and "easy" like a TV series. To mark those serious dramas off our to-watch list, we need to set a date.

3. Do Dessert

Don't want to make yourself a whole separate dinner? Sometimes that's just too much work. Why not buy something indulgent from that bakery you've always wanted to try, or just acquire some super-special dessert ingredients and make something together? The blog Couponista Queen suggests making sundaes at home.

4. Play

A game, that is. Put out a bowl of chips and sit down with Scrabble or another good two-person game, if you're into that kind of thing. A board game date is great because it forces you to sit down and spend a few hours together without getting distracted. One friend suggested strip Scrabble, but with the length of the average Scrabble game, that sounds...drafty.

5. Puzzle It Out

When my husband and I started a difficult, many-piece puzzle recently, we found it led to us spending many evenings together, without the benefit of a date plan. We could not stay away from that puzzle until it was finished, and in the process, we had a lot of nice talks and watched a few movies to boot.

6. Breakfast in Bed

Who says dates have to be at night? The blog Tammilee Tips suggests breakfast in bed. Prep an indulgent breakfast the night before and either surprise your honey or just treat yourselves. If it's Sunday, stay in bed and do the New York Times crossword puzzle together.

7. Have a "Console-Ation" Date

You can't afford to go out, but you still have a game console. Get it?? Maybe you're the type of couple who loves to mow down terrorists together, but even if you're not, chances are a karaoke game or Just Dance will get you laughing together.

8. Schedule a Massage

A shoulder rub between spouses may be routine, but again, preparation can up the ante here. Invest in a massage oil with that great minty scent that spas have. Set up the massage area with music and pillows to approximate the desired setting as best you can. Whether you're going for the atmosphere of a pristine spa or a seedy bathhouse is your own business.

If you have a budget for the date, you could use a Groupon for an in-home massage therapist or two to come work on you, suggests Marta Segal Block, blogger at Advice from Marta.

9. Take a Dip

Have your own pool? When's the last time you took a moonlight swim for two? 

10. Stargaze

If you live in an area with low light pollution, this could be a nice way to feel like you are getting out — way out — without leaving your property. Borrow or buy a nice telescope to make this really special.

11. DIY a Drive-In

Nowadays, any place within the reach of your Wi-Fi connection can be a movie theater if you have a laptop with a big screen. Glamour magazine suggests a blanket on the lawn for your movie night, or try a comfy love seat on the deck, if you've got one.

12. Set Up Your Own Wine Tasting

Boring night in — open a bottle of wine, slug it down between loads of laundry. Date night in — write some keywords from Wine Spectator reviews on a little chalkboard in front of each bottle, line up glasses with tastes, swish it around in your mouth and throw around words like "hints of leather."

13. Cocktail Party for Two

Again, a simple drink at home is everyday. But when's the last time you crushed fresh lime for a real mojito or made sangria at home? Pull out all the stops — and the fancy glassware.

14. Backyard Campfire

If your area allows a fire pit, this is a great way to feel transported without leaving your property.

15. Take an Online Class Together

Did you meet in college? Miss those days when you'd lose track of what the teacher was saying because you were busy making googly eyes at one another? Plug in those laptops and start ignoring the teacher together again.

16. Have a YouTube Festival

You've seen Maru the cat with your coworkers, but it's even more fun to laugh with the one you love. Queue up a bunch of short videos on a theme, get comfy, and click "play."

17. Make Something Together

I don't mean like, whoopie. You don't need me to tell you how to do that. I mean: a craft project, a batch of cookies, a birdhouse. For some couples, these are fun times. For others (I'm not naming names) a joint project is just an opportunity to practice those "feeling words" your therapist taught you.

18. Make Out in the Car

What? It was romantic when you were in high school, so why not now? If your house is now full of nosy teenagers, maybe it's time to escape them the way you once escaped your parents. And chances are, you now have more comfortable upholstery.

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23 weeks in, these simple changes should start to become a habit. These are life changes not just to complete the 52 Week Money Challenge. The goal is to change the way you handle your finances and your life.

Challenge Total Week 23 = $276.00 

Saving money is hard. It takes discipline and self-control to stick with the plan you developed.  This year why not make it easy on yourself?

I am a huge fan of ING (ING has been bought by Capital One and will become Capital One 360. Doesn't look like much will change...). ING lets you automate your savings so you don't have to think about it. The greatest feature is that it takes a couple days to get money transferred back to your checking account. There are a couple ways around this, but not being able to touch the money in your ING accounts is great for medium/long term savings goals.

If you have an ING, or other savings account, simply automate your savings transfers each month according to the chart below and watch the money stack up.

If you don't have a savings account, GET ONE! Not just for this challenge but everyone needs at least one savings account - with an Emergency Fund.

This week 23 should be transferred to your savings account. We are up to $276.00 this year. Things from this point on will start to grow pretty quickly. How are you doing? Any savings light bulbs going off? Have you planned what you are going to do with the money at the end of the year?

Even if you missed weeks 1 through 22, you can still get started today. Deposit $253 into a savings account and you will be caught up.

Keep Up the Good Work!