In Philadelphia, we celebrate the New Year with an entire day-long parade of fantastical productions (as opposed to other cities with their 10-second ball drop). Go big or go home #amirite? This will be my first time watching the Mummers Parade. Inaugurated in 1901, the parade consists of local clubs competing in categories like comics, fancies, string bands, and brigades. With ostentatious costumes and performances along Broad Street, it's going to be a New Year to remember. I'm so glad it wasn't canceled despite the frigid weather reports.
Of course with a new year comes lots of new goals and the R word. Yes, that's right, Resolutions. Although I prefer to break it down like Re-Solutions (and since alcohol is a solution I suppose you could argue it's just a fancy way of encouraging those midnight champagne toasts). But for real, if you're looking to come up with your New Year's Resolution, maybe this post can help you out.
One of my top goals this year is to find ways to save money while still enjoying things like going out with my friends, traveling, and of course, hitting up all the great restaurants in Center City. I'm challenging myself to expand on that - making some money by spending money:
My friend showed me this app called Seated. It's perfect for anyone living in or visiting major cities. You sign up and book a reservation at one of their restaurants that vary from inexpensive ($) to ritzy ($$$$) with a variety of food genres. My favorite spot so far is Vintage Wine Bar and Bistro. We also visited this delightful vegan restaurant called Bar Bombón. Depending on the number of guests, you spend a minimum amount and can get money back in Amazon, Uber, or Starbucks credit. I've already been able to pay for half of my holiday gifts just by eating delicious food! Use my Referral Code: DOCTORCOLE and get an extra $5. Click here to learn more.
Another of my go-to apps is Mint, which is run by Intuit. I can control all my accounts, create a budget, and keep up to date on when all my bills are due - for free. I check it at least once a day to make sure I'm on track and also analyze where my money is going.
If you're trying to figure out how to create a budget I recommend listening to some of the Millenial Money podcasts. There's a great book too that helps you evaluate your relationship with money and how to approach financing for your future. It's called "The Broke Millenial" and it's kind of written in a fun "Choose Your Own Adventure" style starting off with the 5 steps to #GYFLT.
And lastly - the best way to travel and save money is through points. I was able to purchase roundtrip flights and a tour for an upcoming vacation to Iceland through my Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card points for not just one but two people! You have to spend a certain amount of money within the first three months of obtaining the card in order to get the 50,000 points (which equates to 1.25% more when used for travel as opposed to 1% for cash back...so 50,000 points means you can get $625 when used for travel including transportation, hotels, and activities or straight $500 cash back). I will say the first year of having the card is free and then they charge an annual fee of $99. You can always cancel the card before then - just make sure to use your points.
Click here to get yours today!
Now you can ring in the new year with lots of (re)solutions and a trip to Iceland...or rather a warm place with a nice ocean breeze in your future. And don't forget to watch the Mummers light up the streets around City Hall.
Post a Comment