• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Media Kit
  • Parenting
    • Teen Sons
    • Raising Girls
    • Inspiration
    • Single Mom Chronicles
  • Wellness
    • Fitness
    • Self-Care
    • Easy Meal Ideas
  • Family
    • Travel
    • Philadelphia Area Fun
    • STEM Activities
  • Finances
    • One Income Household Tips
    • Saving & Investing
    • Deals & Coupons
JenOni

Finances

How I Cut the Cord? How I Removed My Cable Bill?

Oct 9, 2021

a picture of scissors cutting a cord linked to the word TV

I finally decided to cut the cord and cancel my cable in September. The cost of cable adds up over time and the additional tax, sports package fee, equipment fees, and service fees make it an unnecessary expense. Wifi is not taxed and only requires a wifi/modem router.

What I Learned When I Cut the Cord?

  1. Wifi/Modem – purchased my own for under $200 this saved $14.00  per month renting from Xfinity. You can find Xfinity router/wifi compatable devices at Amazon or Best Buy.
  2. Added two Roku streaming devices $39.99 at Target for both tvs.  A Roku tv has Roku built-in so it eliminates need for the streaming device.
  3. If cable is an absolute must, a streaming device(i.e Roku) eliminates the need for a cable box which is $7.50 per month. 
  4. The Xfinity beta app is avaiable on streaming devices. This allows access to cable channels without renting the cable box.
  5. How to get local channels? Purchase a rabbit ear loop antenna and  an amplifier(improves reception) Check zip code at antennaweb.org  to see which channels are available for your area.
  6. There are options to add channels to streaming device without cable but all involve additional costs.   (YouTube TV $64.99 per month, Sling, ( 3 different packages  with a different lineup of channels blue $35.00 per month , orange $35.00 or combined package $50 per month) Philo $25 per month.  Hulu Live $64.99 per month.

Hulu, Netflix, and  Amazon Video provide options for movies or tv shows. If I want to add premium channels like Showtime or Startz on a short-term basis, I can add on my Roku or Amazon Video accounts.

After a month, the decision to cut the cord is working well. I have no issues with the antenna in terms of reception. I did not buy an amplifier because the reception with the antenna is great. For those who are avid sports fans, cutting the cord eliminates major sports networks. In order to view sports, adding one of the services above is required. The overall savings will come with purchasing a router and streaming device so the cable company’s equipment is returned.

Filed Under: Finances Tagged With: cutthecord, nocable, savings

Financial Health : The How to Save in Every Decade Infographic

Jul 25, 2019

*this post contains an affiliate link which means I receive commission if you click the link and purchase*

Financial Health: How Much Should You Save?

Financial health is an important topic for women specifically single moms.   What happens when life throws you a curveball? Some major life changes can drastically impact your financial health such as illness, marriage, new baby, unemployment or divorce.   How do you prepare for the unexpected? As I have learned as a single mom with one income, the best way to prepare is to start early building your financial health.   The key is to save, invest, eliminate debt and set a budget so you are living within your means.

After separating and filing for divorce over 40,  I was forced to start rebuilding my finances.  Two years of unemployment with no additional streams of income made it an excruciating challenge.   In spite of these circumstances, my debt continued to accrue without a safety net.

Earnest, a lender that offers personal loan and student loan refinancing.   Below is a very informative infographic from Earnest on how to prepare financially for every decade.   It is never too late to get yourself on the right track.   The advantage is the earlier you start the better.    If you are interested in learning more on refinancing student loans, click refinance student loans.

 

financialhealth

Filed Under: Finances, Saving & Investing Tagged With: #finances, #saving, #singlemom, financial health, personal loans, refinance, student loans

Streaming Live Tv, Movies, and Apps on Smart Tv Using Roku

Mar 25, 2019

Streaming made easy with Roku.  For four years I went without a tv in my bedroom because I did not want to incur additional charges for another cable line and box.
Roku saved me these charges while using my Xfinity wifi with the Xfinity streaming app. I purchased the Roku+ streaming stick to pair with my smart tv. There are Roku TVs with the app installed. The steps were simple with my smart tv.

Pairing Roku with Smart Tv

  1. Install the stick in HDMI USB port of tv.
  2. Select source on tv remote
  3. Follow steps for activation. Initially, my activation instructions were in German. I held down the reset button on the stick so it was restored to English.
  4. Go online on smartphone or laptop to Roku Activate, use code from tv to enter in the field for activation. From this screen, you can add the desired channels. A credit card is held on file for Roku in the event an app with a charge is selected. Select a pin to approve adding apps.
  5. Go through the remainder of instructions for pairing Roku with tv.
  6. Go to the home button on the Roku remote and select the desired channel.
  7. If you have Xfinity wifi, add Xfinity Stream Beta app
  8. For Netflix and Amazon video you just have to sign in to your accounts.
  9. For adding Youtube, link with email for YouTube account from smartphone or laptop. It will require a Roku pin and activation code to add the channel

The Roku remote allows me to search for channels, set channels as favorites, search for a program or movie by name, or by channel number. Pairing the Roku stick with my smart tv saved on a monthly box charge as well as the installation fee for a new cable line. If I decide to remove the cable box in the other room, I can replace it with another Roku streaming stick.

Filed Under: Finances, One Income Household Tips Tagged With: #cutthecord, cable, roku, streaming, wifi

Investing in Stocks with Your Children to Build a Portfolio using Stockpile

Mar 4, 2019

 

*this post contains an affiliate link which means I receive commission if you click and purchase *

Investing In Stocks

Investing with kids is a valuable life lesson.   As a middle schooler, I remember learning about the stock market and using the newspaper to check the gains and losses of specific stocks.   I love the idea of teaching my ten-year-old and sixteen-year-old how to invest in stocks.   The idea of investing in stock sounds overwhelming and some think it requires a significant amount of money to get started

  • Building wealth for the future means saving money to invest.   Where do you start with teaching kids about investing?  The best example is teaching kids the difference with saving money at home versus investing the same amount of money with a return.   The first lesson is to show what happens when kids save their allowance and gifts in a box versus investing in stock.   It is also important for kids to understand how the stock market goes up and down.     If they return in 5 years, the same amount is in the box.   Now if they take the same amount of money and invest in stocks with a return* over time they will see the growth of the investment.     (*profit from investment)   If they save $500 dollars in a box and come back in 5 years later it is the same $500.   If the same $500 is invested in stock, over 5 years with a 5% return now they have $525.00.


How to Get Started Investing with Stockpile

  • Open up a stock account also known as a brokerage account
  • There is no minimum amount to invest and you can purchase fractional shares of stock. For example,  if one share of Apple stock is $100, you can buy $50 of Apple which is a half of a share
  • Stockpile does not charge a monthly fee and the trading commission is $.99 cents a trade.  If you purchase a $50 share of Starbucks, it will cost $50.99 for the trade
  • Stockpile will allow your child(ren) their own log in to check their investments and purchase stock trades
  • Start early, invest regularly and diversify
  • Develop a strategy for trading – Buy and Hold means choosing a company that you believe in.   Invest and wait out the ups and downs of the return.  Buy on the Dips- track a company and buy when the stock dips.   Lastly, you can buy a stock that is underrated or undervalued and hold onto them until the value returns.
  • No strategy is foolproof
  • Pick companies that you know, research the company online

Investing with Stockpile

  • Have family and friends help you with investing
  • Stockpile offers gift cards. Family and friends can buy an egift, by picking a stock and dollar amount, send to recipient’s email address and pay with a debit or credit card. When the egift is redeemed the stock goes into your Stockpile account.
  • Physical gift cards are available at Kmart, OfficeMax, Wegmans, Giant Eagle and other retailers or online.
  • Stockpile has a gift registry called “wishlist”. You can choose your favorite stocks and share them with your friends and family. They can purchase your favorite stocks for birthdays and special occasions.

 

 

Filed Under: Finances, Saving & Investing Tagged With: #investing, #stockpile, #stocks, Kids, stockholders

A Side Hustle Idea with Uber and Uber Eats to Earn Extra Cash

Mar 1, 2019

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click, apply and are approved, I may receive
compensation*

Are you looking for a side hustle?

Uber

Side hustles are awesome – they can help you generate extra money to save, invest and pay off your debt.   As a parent, finding the right side hustle that works with  your family’s routine is key.  That’s where Uber comes in.   Driving with Uber is flexible and a great opportunity for parents to earn extra money on their schedule.

If you are a licensed driver and enjoy interacting with the public, consider driving with Uber!

 

 

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is an app that enables users to order and have food delivered from their favorite restaurants.   It is especially great for parents when they have a busy week. Have you used Uber Eats? nnDo you enjoy working with the public?   Try delivering food with Uber Eats. You’ll bring the local food that people love right to their door.   Uber Eats Delivery Partners can earn extra money while setting their own schedules.   Do you have a driver’s license and insured
vehicle? A bike? or a scooter?   With Uber Eats, you can choose your wheels.   Depending on your city, Uber Eats Delivery Partners have the freedom to deliver by car, bike, or scooter.  Earn extra money, create your schedule. If this sounds like a great fit, check out the link below and deliver with Uber Eats!

 

<

Filed Under: Finances, One Income Household Tips Tagged With: extracash, sidehustle, uber, ubereats

How I Save on Shopping at Target with the Cartwheel App

Feb 1, 2019

In October 2018, a mini Target opened across the street from us.  Most of my purchases at Target are for essential items like toilet paper, feminine products, body wash, paper towels, napkins, paper plates, and food items.  

I am intentionally using my Cartwheel app on every visit because of the savings.   In addition to saving on specific items, I realized some online prices are lower than the store.   In this case, I ask an associate to adjust the price before I check out.   

If you are a regular Target shopper, it pays to download this app.  The best way is to scan the UPC code on each item as you shop.  

The shop section allows you to shop by category, weekly ad & catalogs, or cartwheel offers. If you click on the cartwheel offers and select a product it will add it to your “My List”.

When I click on “Wallet” I can scan at self-checkout before I hit Pay. If checking out in line, make sure the sales associate knows to scan your code so the savings are deducted.

On the my profile, I can set my store, using the store locator. It alslo lists my online order history, favorite items to track (click on the heart of an item), payment cards, gift cards, ship to addresses, and manage REDcard. Since I started using the app in 2015, I saved $142.66 and redeemed 316 offers.

Filed Under: Family, Finances, One Income Household Tips Tagged With: #cartwheel, savings, Target

Renting Apartments, Your Rights, and a Wish List for a New Apartment

Jan 18, 2019

RENTAL ISSUES

In this last year of renting, I had my share of rental issues.   As a tenant in good standing,  I feel it is the landlord’s job to accommodate requests.   My apartment started leaking after a storm in the Fall and this made me very concerned about mold.  After purchasing a mold test and getting the presence of mold in the room, I made my landlord aware right away.    When  I alerted my landlord with the results, I submitted a letter to request the course of action.  After researching I learned that a tenant has the right to withhold rent if conditions deem the dwelling inhabitable.   It was my intention to place the funds in escrow.   My landlord had the roofer evaluate the damage and the contractors replaced the drywall.  When the work was completed I turned in my monthly rent.

After four years and one month of renting, I am interested in searching for a rental closer to the center of town and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.    If I could create a wish list for my next rental, it would include the following:

  • washer/dryer in the unit
  • designated parking
  • gym
  • pool
  • trash chute
  • heat included
  • a minimum of 1200 sq ft
  • within walking distance to shops and restaurants
  • hardwood flooring
  • cable ready rooms
  • master bedroom with bath
  • new appliances

Apartment Guide features trends for 2019

5 Important Apartment Trends to Expect in 2019

Filed Under: Finances Tagged With: apartments, rental, trends

Teaching Kids Money Habits Using Games, Apps, Tips, and Books

Nov 9, 2017

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by PSECU, a credit union in Pennsylvania.

Money Habits: Games, Books, and Tips to Teach Kids about Money

Good money habits begin to develop when you’re young.   That is why it’s important for parents to have an action plan on how to teach their children how to manage their money.

Learning about money can be fun and exciting for kids.   There are lots of engaging stories they can read that both entertain and teach.   When your child is old enough to play with a smartphone, you can download apps like Green$treets and Bankaroo to help them begin to track their savings and learn how to budget. You can come up with your own games or buy board games that revolve around money choices to help your children put their money knowledge to practice.
PSECU created the infographic below, which includes tips, smartphone apps, games and books for your child to read during every stage in life in order to prepare them to be financially savvy adults.

Consider opening a custodial account for your child. Custodial accounts can be opened for any child or young adult under 21 years of age.   While your child will be the sole owner of the account, they will not be able to withdraw funds without the custodian’s approval.   Custodians can be the parent, guardian, grandparent or relative of the child.   When the child turns 21 years old the custodian must turn the account over to the young adult.   Custodial accounts are great ways to help save for your child’s future while also teaching them how to manage their money online.

 

——->What are some fun ways you’ve found to teach your kids good money habits?<——–

 

Infographic credit: How to Teach Kids

Filed Under: Finances, Saving & Investing Tagged With: #budget, #family, Kids, money, moneyhabits, savings

The Reality of Finances when Raising Children with One Salary

Oct 19, 2017

finances

*the post includes an affiliate link which means I will receive a commission if you click and purchase*

Finances and the Reality of Raising Children with One Salary

Finances and raising children needs a serious reality check.  In January 2017, a published report stated a cost of raising a child as a married couple with two incomes is $233, 610 from birth to the age of 17.   Although, I do not have a newborn being a single parent with two school-age children and one income is a major financial challenge.

Childcare Expenses

For some reason,  it seems as if true expenses associated with raising children or trying to raise children effectively are overlooked.   The cost of living increases year over year and it entails more than housing, food, and clothing for children.    The additional expenses change each year.   For example, working full-time requires before and aftercare services.  There is no way around this expense if children are too young to stay home alone.  Childcare is a yearly expense of $6,000 each year with an incremental increase each year.   It is a necessary expense and unavoidable.   During summer break, a camp is another expense which can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per child depending on the program.   Both of these expenses are important for providing a safe and nurturing before and after school as well as during the summer months.

My younger child who has an interest in playing sports and there are expenses incurred.  Most townships offer sports programs for a fee each season.  In addition to the fee, sports require some element of the uniform at my expense such as footwear, safety equipment,  and special clothing.

Healthcare Expenses

Healthcare is another expense.  My youngest has a pre-existing condition which requires a monthly prescription with an out of pocket expense of over $150.  Now using my prescription by mail service, the prescription saves me over $150 every three months.   My HSA does cover some expenses such as over the counter medication, office visits, prescriptions.  However, there unexpected situations that may an emergency room visit.   In light of healthcare plans with deductibles,  there are costs for ER visits and overnight stays in a hospital.    Some hospitals offer financial assistance to reduce medical bills.

School Expenses

Both of my children are in public schools.   September brings a new list of school supplies at my expense.  If after-school clubs are offered, a fee is charged.   School trips have fees.   There are classroom events planned where parents are expected to contribute monetarily.   I am a firm believer of being a parent who is engaged on all levels of my children’s education.   This year my daughter wanted to play an instrument, there is a fee to rent the instrument for the school year.

Additional Expenses

Extracurricular activities such as vacations, day trips or cultural experience, sporting events are another expense.  Yes, some may these are not necessary.  My goal is to expose my children to as much as possible to nurture a well-rounded productive individual who can navigate in this world.

It is obvious some individuals are clueless when it comes to raising children beyond the necessities.   I think it is a waste of time to educate anyone on the how and why of parenting in the 21st century.    It is very despicable to me for individuals to provide the bare minimum and not be held accountable.   If it is a hard concept to grasp as far as what is required for financially supporting the well-being of children,  Google it!

Filed Under: Finances, Parenting, Single Mom Chronicles Tagged With: #singlemom, children, divorce, singleparenting

School Supplies for Back to School Shopping

Aug 15, 2017

*this post contains affiliate links and I will receive a commission if you click and purchase*

School Supplies

*this post has affiliate links and I will receive a commission if you click and purchase*

Up to 25% off Furniture + an extra 10% off
with code HOMESALE – Valid 8/13 – 8/19

Spend $20 on Beauty and Personal Care,
Get a $5 Target Gift Card – Valid 8/13 – 8/19

 


BOGO 50% Women’s Shoes – Valid 8/13 – 8/19 

30% off Cat & Jack Tees with code
TEES30 – Valid 8/13 – 8/19

 

School Supplies

It’s August and the countdown to back to school has arrived.    Here are some of our back to school staples each year.  Target has everything we need each year and it is nice to shop for everything in one place.   We have three more weeks before school starts and I just realized we do not have our school supply list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to School

 

 

 

Filed Under: Deals and Coupons, Finances Tagged With: #backtoschool, #schoolsupplies, Target, WeeklyDeals

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Get To Know AJ

Interests include fitness, nutrition, yummy food and dessert recipes, wellness, and innovative technology. Read More…

Connect with CocoaMommy

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube






Don’t Miss CocoaMommy Updates

Blogging Networks

The Network Niche
SoFab Badge
influnenster-Alanda Find the lowest prices Everywhere
Alanda Josey
Let's collaborate
Dealspotr.com
February 2023
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728  
« Jan    
Copyright © 2009-2016 | All Rights Reserved | Design by JenOni