Happy New Year!!!

Throwing Awesome Parties on a Budget

When you start living on a budget, you might think parties will be the first thing to go. But consider an important philosophical question — what good is life without parties and revelry? You work hard, and it's not so you can live in a tiny apartment and eat rocks. It's worth splurging on the little things every now and again. Even when you do decide to indulge a bit, you can do so on a budget. Put simply — you don't need a ton of money to throw a killer party everyone will remember.

What Makes for a Great Party?A great party is made up of four key elements, whether we're talking about your 6-year-old son's birthday party or a cultured soiree for the grownups. These elements are:

1. Good People
2. Good Food
3. Good Drinks
4. Fun Stuff to Do

The first and fourth can be free. If you're partying on a budget, you're probably going to be able to do a better job on the middle two than you might think.

Good PeopleGood people is something that I can't really help you with. You either know them or you don't. Fortunately, getting them to your party is easier (and more affordable) than ever. Putting the word out on social networks, then gently reminding people to show up is a sure-fire method of packing your party with interesting people. One of the biggest gambles people take when attending a party is knowing if anyone good will be there. A Facebook page for your party will let people know precisely who to expect. Make sure to get people to RSVP!

Good FoodIf you want a party with truly good food, you need to start cooking. While you can purchase bulk foods at discount prices, you've moved past the point in your life where a bag of Cheetos in a bowl counts for party snacks. Instead, focus on doing either one large thing very well or several little things that all stand out. It's easier than you think to prepare snacks, and while I'm not going to advise anyone to serve nothing but Ritz Crackers, you ate a ton of Ritz Crackers with cheese on top when you were a kid for a reason — they're delicious.

Don't write off the idea of having a potluck, either. These aren't just an excuse for you to save money on cooking supplies. Particularly in foodie circles, you'll find that a potluck is a bit like a rap battle. Everyone is going to be bringing their "A" game. This allows you to have top-quality food at your party with little cost to you, while also making an affordable party even more of an event.





Popular Fall Foliage Destinations

For all you leaf-peepers out there, keep these destinations on your list!
1. Asheville, NC
2. Boston, MA
3. Gatlinburg, TN
4. Burlington, VT
5. Stowe, VT
6. Traverse City, MI
7. Door County, WI
8. Portland, ME
9. North Conway, NH
10. Bar Harbor, ME

Five Tips for a profitable yard sale

During the summer months, homeowners across the country host yard sales. Our tried-and-true tips will make your summer sale a financial success!

1. Advertise. Hang brightly colored signs around your neighborhood and remember to display signs in high traffic areas, even if it is a few miles from the actual sale. Revisit the signs the day before the sale and add balloons to attract attention. Don't forget to advertise on Facebook, Craig's List or even in a newspaper ad.
2. Plan ahead. Make your sale as convenient as possible for shoppers, this means a prompt start, plenty of change, even light bulbs, power strips and batteries on hand to assure customers electric items work properly.
3. The price is right. Realistically price your items, remember, it's a yard sale. Visit other sales prior to your own to get an idea of how to price your items.
4. Sell what sells. Sporting goods, toys, games and kitchen tools are popular buys, donate outdated clothing and discard any recalled items.
5. Curb appeal. Make your sale efficient and inviting. Everything should be clean and orderly with prices conveniently placed on the top of all items.