Making Money Personal

Popular Side Hustle Ideas for Extra Income - Money Tip Tuesday

Are you looking for ways to make more money and increase your revenue stream? Then starting a side hustle or several of them might be for you! Here are some great ways to make extra money on the side!   
Links:
Freelancing: Upwork, Designhill, LinkedIn
Pet Care: Wag, Rover
Ridesharing: Uber, Lyft
Delivery Service: DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.        
One nice thing about having a side hustle is choosing what interests you. It allows you to explore your interests and broaden your horizons while making some extra cash. Freelancing is an excellent example of this.    
Freelancing is when you work with a client on a one-off project. If the client likes your work, they may come back to you when they have another project. Freelancing can involve all sorts of different work, including writing, editing, graphic design, website design, etc.    
Are you unsure of where to get started freelancing? Don't worry because there are plenty of websites where you can find freelancing gigs. Upwork, Designhill, and LinkedIn are great places to start your side hustle!   
This next side hustle is great for animal lovers. Pet sitting and pet walking are great ways to make money on the side, and hanging out with animals is a bonus. To get started, ask your friends or family if they need someone to take care of their pets while they're away. Websites such as Wag and Rover let you find people who need their pets cared for while they are away.   
For these following side hustles, you will need a vehicle and a valid driver's license. The first one is ridesharing. If you are okay with driving a stranger in your car, ridesharing is a great way to make extra money. It works like a taxi service, but you use your car instead of working for a taxi company and driving a taxi. You can also pick when you want to work, which is great if you're looking for a side hustle with flexibility. Check out ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft; they're popular and well-recognized.   
The second one is to run a delivery service. If you'd prefer not to have a stranger in your car, you could use it to deliver food or groceries instead. Like ridesharing mentioned, delivery services offer flexible hours, where you get to work on your own time to deliver food or groceries to homes in your area. Popular delivery service companies are Doordash, Uber Eats, and Instacart.   
One thing to look out for when getting into side hustles is to avoid scams. As you explore side hustle, you might discover some multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes promising that you'll make tons of money, but that is rarely the case, and you'll most likely lose money instead of making any. Do some research beforehand, and don't let promises of making a lot of money quickly convince you to sign up for something that'll cost you more in the long run. Remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.  
This tip mentions just some of the side hustles out there, and there are plenty more to explore! To figure out what side hustle is right for you, start with your interests and what skills you want to expand on. Then, search the Internet and ask around to find out ways you can use those skills and interests to bring in some extra cash.   
If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.     
Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.     
 

These Money Principles Will Help You Build Wealth - Money Tip Tuesday

When it comes to your finances, it takes some time to learn the proper lessons to achieve financial goals. With the right mindset and understanding you can use the money you earn to build wealth and eventually reach financial independence. 
Links:
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. 
For anyone looking to be financially independent, it’s critical to understand some fundamental financial principles to follow that can help you get there.  
Although everyone’s financial road map is a little different because goals and experiences are different, there are some financial principles that can help you build wealth over time and achieve financial independence. 
Pay Yourself First (save early, save often) Why are you working and earning money? Is it to make yourself wealthy or to make someone else wealthy? The fact is that when you bring in money, yes, you’re getting paid, but if you don’t keep any for yourself because you spend it all then you didn’t build any wealth for your future. Whenever you pay money to anyone else, whether it’s an item you buy at the store, or money spent for a vacation, you’re not contributing to making yourself fiscally rich, you’re contributing to making someone else rich.  This is why budgeting is so important. It ensures you’ll have enough money to pay for the necessities of life, some for your enjoyment and well-being, but also putting some aside for yourself. Try to set some of your money aside for saving in a regular savings account, CD, Money Market or investment account over time. As it accumulates, you’ll be building wealth for yourself.  
Consider the true value of what you buy Everything you buy has a value to it that is more than just the price you pay for it. Some things hold value for a long time and even go up in value, while other things depreciate, sometimes so fast, you’re buying a new one within the next two months.  Being an informed shopper will help you determine whether the higher quality, more expensive item is worth the purchase, or if the cheapest item is the way to go.  Some key factors to consider when purchasing are as follows: the cost – how much will you pay for it. The quality – what are the materials and are they long lasting or more disposable. The usefulness – how does this item affect my immediate and future needs. The lifespan – How long will this item last?  There are many instances where buying the cheapest item is the most economical way to go. But remember that for many things in life, you get what you pay for. Understanding the cost and value of the items you purchase will help you make an informed spending decision and avoid wasting money. 
Understand what credit IS and ISN’T Remember credit is NOT your money, nor is it your wealth. Credit is the ability to borrow money to buy something now, with the agreement that it’ll be paid back later.  But, many people forget that their credit limit and lines aren’t the same as having cash in the bank. Every cent on the credit balance needs to be repaid. Using credit isn’t a bad thing, since many people use credit lines for emergency purposes or to get cash back and other rewards programs for purchases. The danger lies in the thinking that credit is your cash and thereby the temptation to overspend is great. If you manage your credit cards correctly, by paying your balance every month, then you can use your credit for beneficial purposes. Credit is a useful tool that can give you a lot of buying power, but it needs to be treated with respect and care.  
Be Patient Our impatience holds a large influence over our spending tendencies. It also impacts our trajectory towards financial independence. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the absolutely applies to building wealth. Don’t expect to be at the finish line the day you start the race. It will take careful planning and time to get to your destination. You need the motivation to begin, but the endurance to continue.  Impatience can sabotage even the most well-conceived plan because along this journey you’ll get tired, feel like you’re not making progress, and sometimes consider giving up, but don’t. Understand that this is a process and with consistent, steady action, you’ll build wealth and achieve your financial goals. 
If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org, and don't forget to like and follow our Making Money Personal FB page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Instagram and LinkedIn to share your thoughts.   
Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   
Have a great day! 
 

10 Awesome Staycation Ideas for the Summer - Money Tip Tuesday

Summer is the time to get out and do some traveling. But if you’re like many Americans looking to find ways to save money, you might be rethinking that elaborate getaway and opting to do something a little closer to home. Fortunately, there are a lot of amazing staycation ideas that’ll likely give you plenty of opportunities to get the needed rest and relaxation or chance to explore something new.  
Links:
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
We all vacation for a variety of different reasons. Sometimes it’s to get away from the responsibilities of home, or simply to explore a new environment. But, if you’re looking to cut back on traveling this year, you can still find many activities that provide the same benefit of a vacation, right within the comforts of your home or local area.  
If you’re on the hunt for some ideas, here’s a list of 10 awesome staycation ideas to enjoy staying local this summer:  
Set up a spa day. If you’re someone who loves being pampered, then schedule a time to get a relaxing spa treatment or massage. Show yourself some love for all the hard work you put in every day by taking time to relax and enjoy a little self-care.
Tour your own town. How many people really explore the attractions and locations around their own towns? Yes, we shop, work and go to appointments, but have you ever visited your local museum or a nearby historic site? Check a tourist guide or website of your surrounding area to get an idea of the sites and attractions you haven’t yet discovered. 
Host a cooking night for friends or family. If you love hosting, schedule an evening to invite some people over and enjoy cultural dishes or a special themed meal complete with apps, drinks and dessert. 
Go on a day trip. Taking a staycation doesn’t mean you can’t travel a little. Day trips are a great way to get the benefits of a new experience without a hefty price tag. Find a nearby town or city that you haven’t visited before, get in the car and explore it for a day.
Camp in your own backyard. Even if it’s in your backyard, camping can still be enjoyable. Put up a tent, set up a campfire, roast some marshmallows and spend a night out under the stars. 
Do a movie marathon. If you love movies, set up a time to watch your favorite film series from beginning to end. You can also organize a special film fest with friends to watch a custom series of critically acclaimed or award-winning flicks.  
Go to see a live performance. Enjoy a visit to your local performing arts center or concert hall this summer to watch a play, orchestra or your favorite artist perform. Live performances are a great way to immerse yourself in the experience and leave lasting memories for life.  
Take an art class. If you’re interested in trying out a new art, explore your area for local art classes and try your hand at a new craft. Many local artists and art groups offer classes to teach newbies all kinds of artistic skills like painting, photography, glass blowing, pottery and more.
Try out an escape room.  If you’re in the mood for a little challenge, get a friend or two together and visit an escape room in your area. They’re great for testing your teamwork and observation skills under pressure but in a fun and memorable way. 
Spend time volunteering. Take a day to help at a local charity or non-profit in your town. One of the best uses of your time is to spend it helping someone else. If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back, use a bit of your staycation time to make a difference in your community. 
If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org, and don't forget to like and follow our Making Money Personal FB page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Instagram and LinkedIn to share your thoughts.   
Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   
Have a great day!  
 

3 Reasons to Use Your Mobile Wallet This Summer - Money Tip Tuesday

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year-- kids are out of school, the warm weather beckons you to spend time outside, and there are a wide variety of events and activities to attend!  
In all the hustle and bustle, wouldn’t it be nice if you had one less thing to keep track of while you’re out and about? With mobile wallet, you can carry less and make the most out of your summer adventures.  
Links:
Learn more about how to set up and use your own mobile wallet
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. 
Here are 3 reasons to use your mobile wallet this summer:  
Quick and Convenient 
Finding credit or debit cards in your wallet or purse can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. Imagine if you could pull up a card for payment in a few seconds, directly on your phone.  
With the click of a button or a quick swipe, you can typically access your mobile wallet on your smartphone’s home screen which makes checkout at retail stores, restaurants, and event venues quick and convenient.  
Stop spending time looking for your cards and instead spend time enjoying the summer season! 
Secure Payments 
Paying with your mobile wallet is secure.  
There are two layers of security that protect your card information.  
First, your card information cannot be accessed without a pin, fingerprint, face scan, or password which ensures it's protected within the mobile wallet app. If your phone were to get lost or stolen, it’s not possible for anyone to use your mobile device to make a payment which makes it more secure than a physical card or cash.  
The second layer of security is how the payments are processed. When you pay, your phone communicates with the terminal using near-field communication technology which provides encryption and other protections when data is transferred. 
Your credit card number is also replaced with a randomly generated digital ID, referred to as a token, which means your card number is not being transferred at the point of payment.  
If you've held back on using mobile wallet out of safety concerns, hopefully this puts your fears to rest.  
 
Tickets and Other Cards 
In addition to your debit or credit cards, mobile wallet can also store other information, such as loyalty/rewards cards, event tickets, transportation tickets (airline and public transportation), and hotel reservations.  
You no longer need to worry about keeping track of physical tickets. With access to tickets, rewards cards, hotel reservations, and payment cards all within your mobile wallet, you’ll have all you need for a day out in the palm of your hands.  
Paying is a breeze with mobile wallet! If you haven’t set up your mobile wallet yet, it’s easy! Visit trianglecu.org to get started!  
If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page, and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on social media to share your thoughts.   
Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   
Have a great day! 
 

Episode 72: Understanding and Overcoming Financial Comparisons

Have you ever found yourself comparing your life or your finances to other people? The truth is it's very common to compare ourselves with others around us, but it can often leave us with a sense of inadequacy or feelings of failure.
In this episode, we're going to discuss a few reasons why we often find ourselves playing the comparison game, how it affects our sense of well-being, and share some thoughts on how to guard against the effects that it might have on our lives. 
Links:
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 

Ways to Save on Your Next Vehicle Purchase - Money Tip Tuesday

Unless you live in an area with public transportation or walkable infrastructure, having a car is essential. Unfortunately, buying a vehicle can be quite an expensive and long process. Here are some tips to save money and cut down on stress when you go car shopping.   
Links: 
Shop now and get pricing at Edmunds, cars.com, and Kelley Blue Book
Check out the vehicle history with Carfax
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.     
The first thing you'll want to do before you ever step foot in a dealership is to do your research. What kind of car do you want? What features are important to you? Once you have figured that out, look online for the average price of your dream vehicle. Websites like Edmunds, cars.com, and Kelley Blue Book will not only show you what a reasonable price is for the vehicle, but also where you can buy that vehicle for the best price.  
Another thing to consider while shopping for a car is its fuel efficiency. Vehicles with higher miles per gallon save you tons of money in the long run. If you live in an area with electric charging stations, consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle to save even more on powering up your car.   
Buying a car used rather than new will save you thousands of dollars. The second a new car is driven off the dealership lot, it depreciates. Cars also depreciate over time, so you can use this to your advantage when looking for an affordable car.   
However, there are a couple of things to look out for when buying a used car. Check the history of the car. You can do this on websites like Carfax, which will tell you how many owners the car has had, if it's been in any accidents, and more. You should also check the mileage on the car; if it's high, that might cost more for repairs down the road. Before buying a used car, take it to a trusted mechanic to ensure nothing is wrong with it.  
See if you can negotiate the price. Some dealerships are willing to lower the price; just make sure to do your research first. If you notice anything wrong with the car you're planning on buying, bring it up with the salesperson. They might lower the price or offer to fix the issue.  
When shopping for a vehicle, it’s especially critical to avoid impulse buying. Take your time to research the car you're interested in. Look up if the car has any known issues. If you're at the dealership, ask to test drive the car to get a feel for how it drives. If you do impulse buy, you're at risk of paying more than what the car is worth which can severely impact your financial stability.   
If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.   
Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   
  

How to Spot and Avoid Employment Scams - Money Tip Tuesday

The scammers are at it again! This time, they're targeting individuals on the job hunt. If you or someone you know is currently looking for employment, it's essential to understand how scammers use job listings to steal your identity or money.  
Links:
Learn more about Triangle's Better Checking account with IDProtect
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   
Scams and security threats abound, and it's not surprising that scammers are constantly devising new ways to trick you into handing over your sensitive information or money.   
Some noticeable and sneaky scams that have risen in popularity since 2020 employment scams. 
If you've been searching for a job over the last few months or even years, you must be on guard against scammers trying to collect your information through an employment scam. These types of scams target individuals looking for jobs and, in many cases, target individuals looking for work-from-home jobs.  
You must keep an eye out for some signs someone might be scamming you with a fake job offer.   
One sign is that scammers will only communicate with you through a messaging app like Telegram, WhatsApp, or email rather than a phone number or, in some cases, in person. Legitimate recruiters would connect with the individual through the business phone number or email. If a recruiter communicates with you only through a messaging app or an email from Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo rather than a business email address, that's a huge red flag.   
Another sign that it's a scam is that they might ask you for your banking information and personal details right up front. Legitimate companies ask for banking information and other sensitive information after you've accepted the job offer and proceed with onboarding. They shouldn't ask for any of that information before you've accepted the job offer.  
A third flag is if the company lacks credibility across platforms. While researching, look beyond just a simple Google search to review the company. Check that company information on other sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and even the Better Business Bureau's website. Scammers can easily set up fake websites that will appear on a web search but beware if you can't find it on other platforms.   
Another scam tactic is if they require you to pay for your supplies or training. There are stories of people who reported that after they accepted the job, they received invoices for work supplies like laptops and other materials. In other cases, scammers ask applicants to provide payment in advance for specific training programs or certifications required for the job. If you're asked to cover the costs for equipment or training before you're even working, think twice about taking the job. Employers should be covering the costs of your work equipment and certainly for required job training programs. If you discuss training programs and certifications in an interview, ensure you get any agreements for that training in writing before accepting the job.   
A fifth red flag is if the interviewing process seems off. If the interview appears too short and fast-tracked, this is a red flag. Interviews should give you time to learn about the company and plenty of time to ask specific questions about the role you're applying for and your expected responsibilities. You should also be aware of interviews conducted only through text. Legitimate businesses will conduct interviews over the phone, through video calls, or in person.  
What can you do to avoid falling for these scams?  
Stay aware of scamming tactics. Remain diligent and question everything. If you see a job listing or a recruiter, send an urgent hiring message; don't respond too quickly. Messages that require you to act impulsively are deeply suspicious and likely attempts to get you to act immediately without thinking.  
It would help to consider getting identity theft protection as a safeguard. We hope you'll never have to deal with an identity theft incident. However, even the most vigilant user can still become a victim of identity theft. That's why adding another level of protection over your identity with an identity theft protection plan is important. If you're looking for affordable identity theft protection, check out Triangle's Better Checking account with IDProtect. Not only do you get identity and credit monitoring 24/7, but you'll also get theft reimbursement and a case manager if you ever become a victim.
If there are any other tips or topics, you’d like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org.  Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day! 

Go Big with Goal Builder - Money Tip Tuesday

Saving money is not easy, especially when facing higher costs of living. The good news is: there are tools and apps that help you plan, track and meet financial targets. Stay tuned as we learn about the online resources available to help you hit your money goals.
Links:
Check out more info about Goal Builder and its tools
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to the Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast!With the cost of higher prices on consumer goods, an increase in consumer debt, and other unexpected circumstances that people face every day, it can be difficult and frustrating to save money. While these are valid concerns, there are many solutions and resources to help you meet your financial objectives. A simple Google search will give you plenty of ideas on how to save money, but if you’re saving money for a specific purpose, we encourage you to look at the online savings tools at your local credit union.For example, at Triangle Credit Union, we have a great savings tool called Goal Builder. No matter what you’re saving for or how much it costs, Goal Builder can help you keep track and hit your goal. In a few simple steps, you can start saving toward your financial goals—let’s take a look at the process for members at Triangle: 1. Set Your GoalOnce you’re in online banking, you select the TCU account you want to link to Goal Builder, you choose your goal type. You can choose from 10 premade goals or even create your own (based on your desired savings goal). Are you saving for a down payment on a new home? Choose Homeownership. Are you hoping to start planning a family vacation in the future? Choose Travel & Vacation. You can use Goal Builder even if you don’t have a specific savings goal in mind. The Rainy Day goal is an ongoing saving goal that has no end so you can continuously save money to use whenever you need or want it! If none of the pre-determined saving goals align with your financial plans, you can Create Your Own Goal with a custom name. 2. Set The AmountAfter choosing the right savings goal for your future financial plans, you can set the total amount of your goal. 3. Set Your Start and Target End DateAfter setting the total amount you want to save towards your goal, you choose the start and end date for your goal! This is valuable information because this will determine how much money will be allocated to your goal based on the frequency you choose.
4. Set The FrequencyThe frequency of the goal is how often you want the money to be set aside. You can choose from a variety of options such as weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, every 6 months, etc. If you’re new to saving and budgeting, it might make sense to choose the frequency that matches how often you get paid. For example, if you get paid weekly, you can choose to contribute to your savings goals weekly. You can also set the rules for each goal. In this step, you are given the opportunity to assign money to your goal immediately. There’s no time like the present, or so they say! There are plenty of options and rules to select from, and you get to choose them! For example, you can choose scheduled or recurring designations, or a certain percentage of each deposit into your account. Both options have their advantages and choosing the right one depends on your specific situation. After you’ve set your goals, you can manage and track progress on a goal summary page. There are three types of tracked goals:• Active Goals are all goals actively allocating funds• Completed Goals are all goals that have been met then closed • Inactive Goals are goals that are incomplete but have been paused by the userIf you’re not sure how much you would need to designate toward your goal by your target date, you can use the goal calculator to determine the correct amount! Simply enter the total amount you wish to save, choose the start and end dates, and select the frequency in which you wish to contribute to the goal (ex. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.); following these steps will show you how much you need to contribute (at your desired frequency) to achieve your goal on time!The money that is set aside never leaves your account-- it is simply allocated towards your goals and is accessible at any time. It’s that simple!Whether you’re a Triangle Credit Union member or bank at another financial institution, check out tools like Goal Builder to get your savings on the right track! And remember, every little bit you save, moves the needle in the right direction!If you have any questions or comments about today’s MoneyTip or have suggestions on future topics and tips, please email us at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. For more great content, remember to subscribe to the Making Money Personal podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us on Facebook.Have a great day!

Tips for Gifting on a Budget - Money Tip Tuesday

When it comes to events where the custom is to bring a gift, like weddings, birthdays, and showers, have you ever struggled to determine how much to spend, especially if you have many events to attend?  Fortunately, there are some tips out there you can use to make sure to give a great gift without going over budget.  
Links:
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union 
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
If your calendar gets filled up over the year with various birthday parties, weddings, showers, and holidays, you might find it a little jarring to feel constantly dishing out money for gifts. It gets incredibly challenging when you realize the money you wind up spending on gifts is getting dangerously close to blowing way past affordability. However, you genuinely want to give a nice gift to the person or people or honor.   
Here are a few tips to keep your gift-giving within your affordability range.  
 1. The most practical and straightforward way to do this is to set aside a separate budget item for other people's weddings and celebratory events. If you have some of these events coming up over the next year or two, dedicate a separate sinking fund specifically for gifts and throw some money into it over time. This way, you'll have it available when you need it.  2. Set a price cap for the type of event you're buying for. Different events are significant in various ways. What you'd buy for a wedding might differ from what you'd buy for a graduation. Have a dollar amount in mind associated with the specific event you're planning for and stick with it. A simple online search provided a short list of price ranges appropriate for different events. Here are a few quick suggestions:
Weddings: about $100
Birthdays: $15-$30 for acquaintances or kids' parties. Closer friends and relatives  
Bridal/baby showers: $ $50 - $100 
Graduations: $20 - $100 is appropriate 
Retirement parties: Depends on your relationship with the retiree, can be anywhere between $10-$100   
Keep in mind that these are guidelines, not rules.  Regardless of price, any thoughtful gift would be appreciated, so don't stress if this isn't the year to give elaborate gifts.   
3. Think about more than purchasing something. Gifts can be more than items bought at a store or off a registry. There are ways to get creative and offer meaningful gifts that cost you very little money. If you make quality crafts, a handmade gift can be appreciated the same if not more than a store-bought item.   
4. Consider contributing to a collective gift. If a gift you'd like to give is too expensive, consider going in on it with others. Pooling your money with others will give you a more significant, expensive gift without paying for it all yourself. Depending on the event, talk to other friends or family members to see if they'd like to contribute a portion of the funds to give a more expensive gift together.   
Purchasing gifts throughout the year can often pop up unexpectedly and throw a wrench in our budget if we're not anticipating them. With some planning and sometimes creativity, keeping your budget in mind will help you focus on the right things and find the best gift to celebrate life events.   
If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page, and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on social media to share your thoughts.    
Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.    
Have a great day! 

Episode 71: Balancing the Cost and Value of Vacation

Who doesn't love vacations? If you're a vacation bug or considering planning your next venture this episode is for you. We're going to be discussing the reasons that we go on vacation, the real cost the vacation can be, and whether that cost is worth the money we pay. We'll also share some tips on how to save money on your next trip or your travel plans. 
Links:
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources! 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union