Home » Archives for The Admiral Staff » Page 83
December 30, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
A reader considering paying off $10,000 in debt with a loan from their retirement plan is advised against it, despite the appeal of paying interest to themselves and avoiding taxes. The financial advisor cautions that taking the loan would hinder retirement savings growth, prevent further contributions (potentially missing out on employer matching), and carries risks like immediate repayment requirements upon job loss, leading to taxes and penalties. Instead, they suggest exploring options like debt consolidation loans, balance transfer credit cards, or the debt snowball
December 19, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
The article offers tips for decorating for Christmas on a budget. It suggests earning extra money through online surveys and tasks, then provides 23 low-cost decoration ideas, including DIY ornaments, garland, wall trees, repurposed wrapping paper, holiday card displays, and using natural elements like pine cones and ribbon. The piece also highlights inexpensive options like window stickers, candles, and light projectors to create a festive atmosphere without overspending.
December 16, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
This article offers tips for finding cheap gift wrap to save money, especially during the holidays. It suggests repurposing items you already have at home like brown paper bags, old cards, gift bags, envelopes, magazine pages, and newspapers. For those wanting to buy, it recommends checking online retailers like Amazon and Dollar Tree for affordable options, or buying in bulk from sites like Uline.com. The article emphasizes that the thought behind the gift is more important than fancy wrapping.
December 15, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General can be a surprisingly good source for holiday savings. Beyond just stocking stuffers and decorations, you can find affordable gifts for kids and adults (craft supplies, notebooks, candy), gift wrap, greeting cards, cleaning supplies, and even disposable bakeware. While quality may differ from higher-priced options, dollar stores offer a budget-friendly way to handle holiday shopping and prep, especially for donations or DIY projects.
December 13, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
To avoid car malfunctions and costly repairs during winter, the Car Care Council recommends six key steps: maintaining at least a half to two-thirds full gas tank, regularly checking tire pressure (and considering snow tires), inspecting for carbon monoxide leaks, allowing the car to warm up, using low-viscosity oil, and ensuring a clear windshield with functional wipers and cold-weather fluids. Heeding local travel advisories is also advised for safety.
