All posts by R.C. Liley

I'm an ex-mutual fund accountant who left the cubicle world to be a stay-at-home dad to my beautiful little girl, Avery, who entered our life on 11/15/13 and handsome little boy, Wes, who joined our family on 11/19/17. Also happily married to my wife, Kelley, as of 8/17/07. Sorry ladies... :) Fitness and nutrition is of the utmost importance in our family and we strive to reflect this in our daily life. I always prepare our meals at home and only go out if it's a special occasion, and even then I tend to not get much. Food should be fun and a joy to eat, not something quickly consumed from a fast food chain or scarf down before the next meeting. I have come from strictly logging high miles to train for the next marathon to keeping exercise varied and focusing more on strength. I still enjoy going for a run when I can, but nothing crazy, and I prefer hill sprints while pushing my daughter, Avery in the stroller. She loves it and I get a great workout! I want to show the world how to appreciate their body and feed it real, wholesome food while moving more throughout the day. In doing so, everyone would be healthier, happier, and we'd all live in a better place as a result. I blog mainly about my life as a stay-at-home dad and frequently include reviews, participate in campaigns, and share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition. If you ever have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out as I'm always open to listening or helping others however possible. That is, when I have free time since Avery is and my wife are the number one priorities!

A New Car Or A Used Car? Which Is Best?

Today, the car is no longer seen only as a vehicle that is used to move us from home to work. Over the years, it has become a representation of social status. For many, there is something exciting about owning a beautiful new car. We are often congratulated on our new purchase. The car is a symbol of luxury and a comfortable lifestyle. Many young adults, once their purchasing power increases, therefore prefer to turn to new cars.  Buying your first new car is still today a sign of autonomy and freedom as much as it is for many a reflection of financial independence. Buying your third of fourth still costs, especially if you’re doing it because your family has expanded. Because just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think twice. You may have looked at a GMC Sierra for example or a Chevrolet and really want to get your hands on it! 

Photo: Unsplash

Apart from the justified passion that some may have for the automotive industry, it is just a matter of realizing the impact of this purchase. If you think about the reaction of your friends or family when you imagine buying your new car, you are probably on the wrong track. Are you really prepared to pay several thousand dollars more than a used car just to maintain a volatile social image? Getting into debt and having to pay extra interest every month? 

Buying a new car: what are the advantages?

It is undeniable that buying a new car can offer a certain comfort and many benefits: manufacturer’s warranty, cleanliness, the feeling of having less chance of breaking down. 

You have understood it: the long-term financial choice is detrimental. However, the purchase of a brand new automobile still has advantages that should be emphasized:

  • The manufacturer’s warranty is certainly the biggest advantage in favor of the purchase of a new vehicle. A guarantee of “security” in the event of a problem which reassures many new buyers. Who would want to have to pay for repairs again right after such a big expense?
  • New cars can be more economical or more environmentally friendly. New, less polluting technologies or the development of electric cars, for example, can ensure a more “eco friendly” driving (this argument does not take into account the environmental impact of the manufacture of new cars and of the “premature” replacement of your vehicle, however. current vehicle).
  • You will generally have less maintenance expenses during the first years of the car’s life.

The disadvantages of the new car

  • It’s no secret that the purchase price of a new car is higher than that of a used car. 
  • Regardless of the discounts or commercial gestures, it is always more expensive to buy a new vehicle than a second-hand one. Worse still: “attractive” consumer loans which may suggest that this purchase on credit would be more profitable.
  • Unlike a used car, the price of a new car will often be very variable, and easily negotiable with your dealership.  
  • In addition, if the price of the model you are looking for has too often been sold off at the dealership in order to sell off inventory, this will then be strongly felt on the resale price. Excessive reductions on certain vehicles generally result in a drop in its market value.

How to Pack For a Family Trip

family trip, family, travel, vacation, parenting, fun

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Family adventure holidays are great fun and are a chance to get out on your bikes together, go swimming, have picnics, and enjoy the great outdoors, all while spending valuable time together.

Unfortunately, family trips don’t come without their challenges. Arguably, one of the most stressful things about family trips is getting organized and packing. Have you thought of everything you need? Is there enough to keep everyone happy and entertained? 

To help reduce the stress when packing for your trip, here are some top tips to get started. 

#1 Plan your trip 

It is important that you first plan your trip completely, as this will dictate everything you need to pack. Research the location and amenities, so you know what you need to bring with you, and what you can buy on site. Check the weather (and double-check it just before you leave as you know how unpredictable it can be at times!) to ensure you have the correct clothing. Lastly, plan all your activities, so you can bring all the correct equipment, perhaps you are going to take your electric bikes, or plan to head out for some watersports. Knowing what you are doing will make packing so much easier. 

#2 Create a list

Once you know where you are going, and what adventures you will take part in, you should create a packing list. Sometimes it is the basic or the little things that are forgotten when going on a trip. It is easy to just think about the clothes and toiletries, but there are lots of other things you may need. Perhaps you need cash, medication, or particular equipment for your activities. It can be helpful in this case to run through what you will do day-to-day and write down all the items associated with each task. This will help you to create one big inventory list for the trip, and ensure you don’t forget anything (or as little as possible!) For example: 

  • If you are heading to the beach, make sure you have swimming costumes, towels, and sunscreen. 
  • If you are heading out on electric bikes, make sure you have a tire pump, a 42V e-bike charger, and helmets. 

#3 Find a balance

When traveling with children, it is easy to go overboard and pack too many items. It is important to pack the necessities, but you don’t want to sting yourself and be left with lots of weight to lug around for the entire trip. If you have young children, perhaps research the accommodation, location, and local amenities to see what entertainment, parks, and even diapers can be utilized when you get there. Just a few toys and books should be a great start. The same goes for food, you may not need to take too much, if you are traveling near a store where you can purchase food when you get there. 

#4 Give everyone their own backpack 

When you assign everyone their own backpack, you not only provide your young ones with a sense of responsibility, but it can also help limit the number of items you take with you, as they will have to carry them themselves. This also ensures that everyone’s items are packed, and remain individual responsibility. 

Packing for a family trip can be a challenge, but with sufficient planning in advance, you can be sure to pack everything you need and have an excellent trip.

How Credit Card Debt Relief Programs Work

Your credit card usage has driven you into a financial ditch, eh? You’re not alone. Americans owe nearly $900 billion to card issuers, according to a WalletHub study, with the average household balance at $7,519. That’s a lot of swiping. The good news is that debt relief can help you. Here’s how credit card debt relief programs work.

What is Debt Relief?

In a nutshell, the approach makes it easier for you to lower your debt burden. That can be through numerous ways including debt consolidation, debt settlement, interest rate reductions and repayment term changes.

Who is Debt Relief For?

You’re likely a prime candidate if you’re delinquent on your plastic or loan payments or have mulled bankruptcy. Also, depending on the option you choose, debt relief may work if you’re not yet late on payments, but you’ve been cutting it close. Another chief reason people cite for using debt relief is that they’ve tried to manage their obligations on their own but cannot make progress.

Be mindful, though, that the financial strategy may not be a good fit if won’t commit to a long-term plan for paying off your debt, or if your spending is still unchecked.

Debt Settlement

Credit card debt relief programs include debt settlement. Here, you hire an accredited company such as Freedom Debt Relief to negotiate with your credit card issuers or other unsecured creditors to get them to allow you to pay just a portion of your total obligation to clear your debt. Because creditors know your next step could be bankruptcy, they usually go along. How it works is, rather than pay creditors directly, you put funds each month into an escrow-type account that you’ll use as settlement leverage. When you’ve saved enough, negotiations will begin, and settlement funds are derived from your account. Oh, and you don’t pay anything until your debts are settled.  

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation allows you to roll high-interest debt, particularly credit card debt, into a single payment with less interest. This allows you to save money and streamline payments, since you’ll have only one to monthly bill to cover. That’s as opposed to multiple payments of varying amounts and due dates. You can consolidate through a personal loan or what’s called a balance transfer card. With the latter, you can shift your high-interest card balances onto one of those promotional 0%-interest cards that companies sometimes issue. You’ll need to clear the account before the promotional period ends, though, and the rate shoots back up. You will need fairly good credit for consolidation to work or even make sense.

Credit Counseling

Certified credit counselors can go over your situation and help you produce a plan for managing your debts and spending. This approach might work if you simply need a doable debt repayment plan. You’ll also come away with new knowledge about finances and budgeting. Such services usually come free with nonprofit credit counseling agencies. Just make sure your agency is accredited with the Financial Counseling Association of America or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. 

Debt Management

If your debt woes are too severe, your credit counselors may suggest that you go the debt management route. What happens is, you pick which debt to enroll in the debt management plan (DMP), and you’ll make just one monthly payment to the plan. That payment is allocated to your creditors, according to plan terms. With a DMP, you also may get a better rate or have some fees waived.
Now you know a bit more about how credit card debt relief programs work. The strategy is a proven one, particularly if you pick an established, accredited and reputable company to help you.