Lilac City Momma

Budgeting

Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing a Wedding Venue

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Wedding preparations are tough. Some couples have to wait for months or even years before getting married because of all the preparations. There are even those who have unfortunately decided to call off the wedding.

The venue is one of the reasons why wedding plans are difficult. You might have a lot of criteria when it comes to the venue and it is your right to select the best place. However, even if you have found the perfect location, your desired date might not be available. Therefore, you have to adjust the date again and consult with everyone else regarding their availability. By avoiding these mistakes when choosing your wedding venue, dress and catering, your dream wedding can finally come to fruition.

  1. Booking the venue without finalising the details

You shouldn’t just book a venue in fear that you won’t have it on your desired date, unless you reserve it now. You should finalise the guest list first. You should check the cost and compare it with other venues in the area. If you rush this process, you might regret it. You might find a better venue later. Worse, the venue might not be large enough to accommodate everyone you have invited or wish to invite.

  1. Not asking about the complete fees

Don’t just ask for the cost of the reservation. There could be extra charges you need to be aware of before you finalise the deal. Once these hidden fees are charged, the total could be much more, and you might just want to change your mind regarding the reservation. Ask about all the fees in advance and everything they cover.

  1. Failure to understand the cancellation policy

Let’s face it. Even if you have already decided on the date and other details of the wedding, things could still go wrong, and you might have to postpone the wedding. Therefore, you need to know what the cancellation policy is at your chosen venue. If they don’t allow cancellation, you won’t have any choice but to pay the full cost and this could be very high.

  1. No contingency plan

If you have chosen an outdoor wedding venue, you should be prepared for all possibilities. Even if the weather forecast says the weather will be fine on your wedding day, you can’t trust it completely. In the event the weather changes, you should have an alternative venue so that the wedding can continue.

Now that you understand some common mistakes in booking a wedding venue, you can continue all your plans. Be more particular, especially if you are booking Asian wedding venues. You should also not forget to ask exactly what is included for what you have paid, so you won’t have to spend more money on any unexpected items later.

The Best Corporate Caterers Will Look After Your Guests

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You hire a professional catering service because you want to serve only the best for your guests. Obviously, you want to make them feel satisfied. And especially if you’re a mother, like me, you will want to serve your guests more than a quick crockpot meal. Also, if you are hosting a corporate event, there will probably be important guests in attendance, and you don’t want to disappoint them.

The reason why professional caterers are worthy of doing the job is because they have tons of experience in the business. They will not just provide food for the guests. They will give the best possible dining experience. They will arrange people to wait on tables, and attend the requests of guests.

Aside from the main dishes that you order, they will also provide food for those with special requests. Vegetarians or those who have food restrictions due to allergies, or religion, will also be catered for.

From the start until the end

The best part about hiring professional caterers is that they will be there to provide service from the moment the food counter is opened until the guests leave the venue. They are used to serving important people who may have lots of requests. They have well-trained staff who have done corporate catering in the past.

You won’t be embarrassed

There is huge pressure when organising a corporate event. You have to consider a lot of details. Food is the major part of such events, so you might have to allot a bigger budget for catering, but it’s worth paying a bit more to hire an experienced professional catering service.

Reserve now

If you are organising your event during a peak season, expect that the top catering companies will be busy. They might have to refuse your request, especially if they have already accepted a lot of catering requests. Once you have found the best caterer, after a tasting session, you should book them right away. Of course, you need to check the overall budget but you should not hesitate especially if you know that their services will guarantee the satisfaction of everyone in attendance.

In the event that there is a need to cancel the event, or hold it on another date, check the cancellation policy of the catering company. You might still have to pay a certain amount of money. However, if the cancellation is at the last minute, don’t expect a full refund.

Pick the best professional caterers and entrust them with this major aspect of your event. You still have a lot of other concerns to attend to. You will be able to focus on other details once you know the food is already taken care of, and look forward to a successful corporate event.

Budget Grocery Shopping Tips to Save Money

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Have you noticed how much of your overall budget you spend on groceries? Grocery shopping is a significant expense for most families and households, but there are ways to make it more affordable. Whether you’re saving to buy a house, put the kids through College, or just want some extra spending money… Here are few tips to avoid extra expenses on groceries:

  1. Shop on a full stomach. You’ll buy less snacks and/or things you don’t usually buy – and only buy groceries, not gifts and all the extra stuff, at the grocery store.
  2. Shop without the kids. Kids are kids, they will want everything in the store – presents, toys and sugary junk food that costs an arm and a leg. So, if you can, try shopping without small children throwing extra things into your cart 😉
  3. Make a list beforehand and follow it strictly. Specially while shopping with kids.
  4. Plan out what you will be eating in the week and get things accordingly. You can plan the kids lunches ahead of time and prep dinners in the crock pot! 
  5. Shop only once a week. You’ll tend to spend more if you stop at the store every day or several times a week.
  6. Shop when you have energy and aren’t worn out from a busy day. It’s easier to focus and make wise choices when you’ve got energy and aren’t preoccupied.
  7. Return your bottles and cans for the deposit that you paid. If you’ve got kids, get them to help with this job and let them keep the cash they earn.
  8. Shop in familiar stores when you’re tired, stressed or in a hurry. You’ll find what you need and be able to get out with what you need quickly.
  9. Plan meals so that you have leftovers for lunch the next day, or freeze leftovers for a quick meal another day.
  10. Package your own treats, juices and snacks. Buy the large package or snacks and a box of baggies and make your own individually wrapped packages to grab on the run.

These are few tips which can help you with your budget. 

When Is The Proper Time To Seek A Revocable Trust And Why?

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If you have wealth that you want to distribute to your loved ones, then you need to make sure that you plan ahead. There are a few options available to you based on your needs, but one that provides a few advantages is a revocable trust. Although there are several varieties of trusts out there, revocable trusts can be better for you and those you wish to provide for, depending on the situation. Today we’re going to discuss the ins and outs of revocable trusts, from how they work to whether or not you need to apply for an EIN online.

What is a Revocable Trust?

This is a type of trust whereby the grantor (the person creating it) can make changes and amendments as he or she sees fit. This kind of trust must be drafted when the grantor is still alive, as it becomes irrevocable after death. The name of this trust refers to the fact that the grantor can revoke the agreement at any time.

Why is this Trust Beneficial?

When figuring out the right way to disperse funds to family members and loved ones, a trust is a good option because it has strict rules about how it can operate. Also, it can pay out before your death, making it much more open-ended than a will.

A revocable trust is ideal for the following reasons:

  • If probate (proving validity of a trust or will) is going to be complicated or expensive
  • You can save money on federal estate taxes
  • Enables you to draft plans for disabled beneficiaries
  • Allows you to dictate when the trust pays out (i.e., when the trustee reaches a certain age)
  • You don’t have to disclose the details to the public
  • You can name yourself as the trustee if you like
  • You can ensure that your funds are managed correctly in case of death or disability to yourself
  • It provides long-term access to resources without legal or court interruption
  • The trust is protected if the grantor becomes incapacitated or dies

Overall, you should seek to create a revocable trust if you want more control over your money and how it’s distributed. For more information on these trusts as well as a church Tax ID number, visit www.irs-ein-tax-id.com.

How to Prepare Your Credit to Buy a Home

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Owning a home is the great American dream, but with bad credit, such a fantasy can seem more like a nightmare. Most conventional mortgage lenders will insist upon a credit score above 700 to secure a mortgage. Meanwhile, the FHA offers loans to individuals with scores as low as 540. A low score could require a higher down payment, a steeper monthly insurance rate, or result in declined funds.

If you’re worried about a low credit score standing between you and your dream home, take a look at these helpful tips on how to repair your credit and budgeting before applying for a mortgage.

Know Your Score

Every 12 months you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are the three credit bureaus that offer access to this information. It is important to check each of these, as not all accounts report to the bureau. Keep in mind, you’ll want to make this inquiry atleast 6-9 months prior to applying for a mortgage. This will allow you to repair any issues and set aside time for the bureau to reflect those improvements. Late payments, bills that went to collection, and other derogatory items should be dealt with accordingly.

Make Amends

Scrutinize your credit report for errors. If the document fails to report paid bills or collections, you need to file a dispute as soon as possible. If you notice any unknown accounts or activity, you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft. If the resolved issues fail to make it onto your credit report in time, you can apply for a letter of goodwill from the credit institution. Such documentation lets your mortgage lender know the issues are outdated or resolved. Whatever you do, check your report at least once a year, as some issues have a statute of limitations.

Keep the Old

Good standing, older credit lines are a great asset. A long history of outstanding credit looks good to lenders. Plus, since closed credit cards remain on your credit report for up to a decade following the closure, eliminating a card you no longer use or with an imperfect account record isn’t going to work in your favor. Moreover, an available but unused credit card can improve your balance-to-limit ratio.

Optomise Your Balance-to-Limit Ratio

Your balance-to-limit ratio reflects what portion of your available credit you are utilizing. In most cases, lenders look for applicants who have a 15% or less ratio. If you can stretch your limits prior to applying for a mortgage, a 10% ratio is even better. Overall, lenders don’t want to see clients who are overextending themselves. At the same time, suddenly opening an extra line of credit to boost your current ratio isn’t going to work either. Each time you apply for a line of credit your report shows a hard inquiry. Too many of these and you’ll likely see your score drop.

Balance Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Another important factor in approving your mortgage is your debt-to-income ratio. You want this number to be right around your balance-limit ratio. While it is tough to skew the numbers, reducing your spending and limiting large purchases will work in your favor. Use an online calculator to determine your ratio and then make a plan to chip away at your debts or reduce your annual spending. After you’ve purchased your home, this number will rise significantly. However, once you’ve secured a mortgage, you won’t have to play it as tight.

Make Wise Decisions

This last step is an obvious one, but still worth noting. Adulting isn’t always easy and it often means sacrificing a fun purchase for security or, in this case, a permanent home. If you’re ready to enter the world of homeownership, you probably already realize this. However, a hard look into your personal finances can be a healthy reminder to plan for the future. Moreover, you may want to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor, who can help you to better organize your money.

In Conclusion

Securing a mortgage is imperative when it comes to purchasing your first home, but, for many, sub par credit can stand in the way. By taking the time to fix and maintain your credit history, you’ll be on the road to homeownership and a promising financial future.

Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Faxage a leading company that provides Internet fax service for individuals and businesses.